AUSTIN, Texas – A State/FEMA Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) is now open in Walker County for homeowners, renters and business owners who sustained damage as a result of the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding from May 4 to June 19.

Specialists from the State of Texas, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), nongovernmental organizations and the local community are on hand to answer questions and provide information on the types of assistance available to survivors. Services are provided in English and Spanish.

The recovery center serves survivors from any of the 36 counties designated for Individual Assistance who need one-on-one help. State and federal professionals will be available to assist eligible survivors get help as quickly as possible.

Location and hours of operation

Old Walker County Annex Building
Early Voting Room
1301 Sam Houston Ave. (between 12^th and 13^th Streets)
Huntsville, TX 77340

9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday

9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, closed Sunday

The DRC will cease operations at 6 p.m. on Friday, July 17
People who had storm damage can register for FEMA assistance online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or call 800-621-3362 toll free from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily until further notice. Multilingual operators are available.

Disaster assistance applicants who have a speech disability or hearing loss and use TTY should call 800-462-7585 directly; for those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice.

Visiting with a recovery specialist is not a requirement for survivors who want disaster assistance, but the centers are an excellent way for people to get answers to their questions about disaster aid and help applying for it. Some of the services may include:

• Guidance regarding disaster recovery
• Clarification of any written correspondence received
• Housing Assistance and Rental Resources information
• Answers to questions, resolutions to problems and referrals to agencies that may provide further assistance
• Status of applications being processed by FEMA

Assistance for eligible survivors can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, and for other serious disaster-related needs, such as medical and dental expenses or funeral and burial costs. Low-interest disaster loans from SBA may be available to cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other resources and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations.

Eligible survivors should register with FEMA even if they have insurance. FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments, but under-insured applicants may receive help after their insurance claims have been settled.

For more information on Texas recovery, visit the disaster web page at www.fema.gov/disaster/4223. Twitter at https://www.twitter.com/femaregion6 and the Texas Division of Emergency Management website, https://www.txdps.state.tx.us/dem.

On Thursday, July 30^th from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM,  everyone will be treated to a little loving at the Cinco Ranch Library. Big Tent Judaism, Celebration Company of the Jewish Family Service and local volunteers from around the community will be encouraging everyone young, old, families, couples and singlesto pick up a card to share with someone they love, take a chocolate packageto brighten someone’s day, create a work of art for someone you love (not just for little ones) or create a selfie sharing what they love most about someone. The event hopes to share what the Jewish tradition says about love, and is part of Big Tent Judaism Houston’s effort to engagne and share with the community a bit of Jewish culture. Centered around the Jewish holiday of Tu B’Av, participants will learn a bit about the holiday while sharing the idea of love with those around them. The event is free and open to everyone whether they come for the event or are just going to the library.

This program is made possible  by a grant from the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston. For more information about this program or others, contact Elise Passy at EPassy@JOI.org or 832.779.1564 or visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/bigtentjudaismhouston

The third annual Day of Music features dozens of performers on five different stages around Jones Hall, including debut performances by Yvonne Washington, La Fiebre, Baby Sonic Boom, and Indian Music Society of Houston 

The Colombian Youth Philharmonic (Filarmónica Joven de Colombia) takes the main stage as special guests to perform Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring, part of a four-week educational partnership with the Houston Symphony 

Music Director Andrés Orozco-Estrada ends the evening leading the Symphony in an all-Dvořák concert featuring selected Slavonic Dances and a complete performance of Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9, From the New World

On Sunday, July 12, the Houston Symphony will bring its popular Day of Music back to Jones Hall for the third consecutive year. Building upon the cultural diversity of the first and second years, the occasion will feature music for all tastes as more than 20 performing groups appear on five stages in and around Jones Hall.  With genres including jazz, Indian, classical, Tejano, choral, and singer-songwriter, the Day of Music is intended to provide the community with an exciting medley of musical experiences.

“What makes Day of Music so special is that it’s not only reflective of the many communities that make up our incredibly diverse city, but it shows that these different groups can come together for a fun, musical day that’s accessible to all,” said Steve Wenig, Director of Community Partnerships.

While many performers are back this year for the second or third time, there are several talented artists that will be making their Day of Music debut this year:

• Yvonne Washington, a jazz vocalist accompanied by Gary Norian, closed Stevie Wonder’s European tour in 1970 and has been featured on several jazz albums
• Grammy-nominated La Fiebre, a Tejano band established in 1986, has sold albums to gold and platinum levels
• Baby Sonic Boom, an exceptional drumline of young musicians, has won first place for three consecutive years in the High Noon Drum Line Competition
• Committed to preserving and promoting the classical music of India, the Indian Music Society of Houston performers will share a piece of their culture

Some returning favorites include Purple Songs Can Fly, the heartwarming music written by children undergoing cancer and blood disorder treatments, Joy of Djembe Drumming, Mariachi Autlán, Gay Men’s Chorus of Houston, and the North American Youth Chinese Orchestra.

In addition to many Houston-based performing groups, this year’s Day of Music will feature the Colombian Youth Philharmonic (Filarmónica Joven de Colombia), an orchestra comprised of more than 100 talented young musicians between the ages of 16 and 24 who are selected annually through a competitive and rigorous audition process. As part of an educational partnership between this youth orchestra and the Symphony, the young musicians will travel to Houston to complete a week-long residency which will include rehearsals and a number of performances, including their Day of Music performance featuring Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring, one of the most recorded works of the classical repertoire.

Each Day of Music performance will be 30 minutes, 45 minutes, or one hour in duration. The festival-like event will begin at noon and end at 9 p.m. after the final concert of the day, a Houston Symphony performance of Dvořák’s Slavonic Dances and Symphony No. 9, From the New World Symphony. The closing concert is also free to the public.

Attendees will have plenty of additional entertainment options between performances, including crafts, face painting, harmonica clinics, salsa dancing lessons from Strictly Street Salsa, and the Symphony’s instrument petting zoo, which allows children to become acquainted with orchestral instruments by holding and playing them.

At Jones Plaza, right across from Jones Hall, guests can enjoy the offerings of several food trucks all afternoon. Cravings may be satisfied with the tastes of Bernie’s Burger Bus, Bonjour Creperie, Monster PBJ, Friohana Shaved Ice, Saint Arnold Brewery, and more.

Media sponsors for Day of Music are Sunny 99.1, BackstageOL, Houston Public Media, MEGA, Houston Press and iHeartRadio. Each performance stage and Jones Plaza will have a corresponding media sponsor title.

Guests are encouraged to share the excitement and use the designated Day of Music hashtag, #HSDayofMusic, on all social media platforms throughout the event. For more information and full biographies, visit www.houstonsymphony.org/dayofmusic2015.

(Attached release includes complete Day of Music schedule.)

Saturday, July 18, 2015

Babaloo International Cafe

22756 Westheimer Parkway, #190

Katy, TX

College Students, Stay At Home Moms, Single Parents, Teachers And Corporate Workers

Do You Need????

Additional Income? A Plan “B”? A New Financial Start?

FREE opportunity to Put The Pieces Together!

Meet face-to-face with Local Business Owners and Entrepreneurs seeking new Team Members.

Register Today!!! https://wsnkatybusinessexpo.eventbrite.com/

(AUSTIN) — Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar will send cities, counties, transit systems and special purpose taxing districts their July local sales tax allocations totaling $609.8 million, which represents an increase of 1.2 percent compared to July 2014.

Hegar also said today that state sales tax revenue in June was $2.2 billion, down 1.4 percent compared to June 2014.

“This slight decline was expected due to the slowdown in the oil and gas mining sector, and is in line with the biennial revenue estimate presented in January,” Hegar said. “Receipts from the construction, information, restaurant and services sectors continued to grow, however, which is a testament to Texas’ diverse and dynamic economy.”

This marks the first decline in state sales tax revenue following 62 consecutive months of growth.

The sales tax figures represent monthly sales made in May by businesses that report tax quarterly.

For details of July sales tax allocations to individual cities, counties, transit systems and special purpose districts, locate the Monthly Sales Tax Allocation Comparison Summary Reports on the Comptroller’s website at comptroller.texas.gov/taxinfo/allocsum/compsum.html. 

The HPRA speaker this Friday noon will be Charles Blain who manages the Houston Bureau for Empower Texans (ET), a conservative reform group that has shaken things up in our state. Mr. Blain will discuss the origins of ET, how it fared in the recent legislative session, his work in the Houston region, and where ET hopes to take Texas in future years.

http://www.empowertexans.com

http://blog.chron.com/texaspolitics/2014/09/empower-texans-looks-to-make-houston-footprint/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Empower_Texans

http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/michael-quinn-sullivan/about/

Houston Property Rights Association

PUBLIC INVITED: $11.49 plus 10% gratuity – buffet self-serve – all you can eat.

Coffee and tea are extra.

The Lam Bo Restaurant (Chinese and American food), is at

6159 Westheimer Road, about a mile west of Chimney Rock on the south side.

 (look for us in the back room)

Friday, July 10, 2015

  Buffet lunch – 12:00 to 2:00 – Program starts at 12:30

Please tell your friends and neighbors about our meetings.

RESERVATIONS NOT NEEDED

Upcoming Speakers and Topics

July 17:  Houston mayoral candidate Sylvester Turner

July 24: Houston mayoral candidate Bill King

July 31: TBA

House District 132 – Katy & Cy-Fair

July 8, 2015

Dear Friend,

Big News Today In Austin!  I was glad to join Governor Greg Abbott and Senator Brandon Creighton today for the ceremonial signing of Senate Bill 455.

I was honored when Governor Abbott asked me to file SB 455 (the House version was HB 1091), which will take school finance lawsuits away from a single judge in Austin and instead have them decided by a three-judge panel made up of judges from around the state who will  have a broader perspective of taxpayers and parents from across Texas. For the past 30 years, every case involving the financing of our schools (and the size of your property tax bill) has been decided by a single judge in Austin, chosen only by the voters of Travis County, while citizens of the other 253 counties (including ours) had absolutely no say in picking the judge who would decide how their school finance system would work and how much it would cost.

SB 455 will allow school finance cases and redistricting cases to be heard by a panel of three judges chosen from different parts of the state, so the perspective of more Texans will be taken into account in deciding how these lawsuits ultimately are settled. I am proud to say that I was able to pass this bill that will ultimately save taxpayers billions of dollars and will ensure that our school finance system makes sense to someone other than an Austin judge.

As always, I want to hear from YOU! In order to better represent you, I need to know what issues matter to you or what concerns you and your family. If you have any questions or comments about legislation or the legislative process, you can email us HERE.

Thank you again for allowing me the honor of representing you.  Please let me know if there’s anything that my office can to do be of service to you.

God bless Texas!

Mike Schofield

State Representative

House District 132

Katy & Cypress

The Wallis American Legion Dance Club will hold its monthly dance Saturday, July 18th, with music by “Central Texas Sounds”, playing good country western and mixed music for your dancing pleasure from 8 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Come out and enjoy. There will be lots of door prizes and free coffee.

For more information call Steve Muzny 979-478-2494 for Charly Janik 979-478-6226.

Washington, DC – U.S. Representatives Tom Rooney (R-FL), Michael Capuano (D-MA), Michael McCaul (R-TX), Barbara Lee (D-CA) and Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE) today introduced bipartisan legislation to promote a negotiated settlement for lasting peace and stability in South Sudan.

Thousands of South Sudanese civilians have been killed and an estimated two million have fled their homes since fighting broke out in December 2013. The “South Sudan Peace Promotion and Accountability Act,” H.R. 2989, directs the President to submit to Congress a strategy to support the U.N. peacekeeping mission, advance reconciliation, investigate human rights abuses, and ease the refugee crisis. It codifies into U.S. law sanctions against individuals who have undermined the peace process, and includes a statement of Congress urging all parties involved in the conflict to immediately cease all violence and work toward a negotiated, transparent settlement.

Rep. Rooney said: “As South Sudan marks the four-year anniversary of its independence, the nation remains mired in violence and instability. Thousands have died, millions have fled their homes, and millions more face hunger and disease. Yet, as my cousin Rooney Mara learned in her trips to South Sudan that inspired me to work on this bill, the South Sudanese people remain resilient and hopeful. This bill will help fulfill those hopes by promoting a path forward for peace, stability and prosperity and South Sudan.”

Rep. Capuano said: “Millions of South Sudanese citizens continue suffering at the hands of this horrific conflict, bringing the region closer to a humanitarian disaster. While the United States is the world’s leading humanitarian donor to South Sudan, it is clear more must be done to pressure warring parties to establish a transitional government and bring peace to their people. July 9th marks the four year anniversary of South Sudan’s independence, and on this anniversary the United States must renew its commitment to helping South Sudan become a country of peace and prosperity. I am proud to stand with my colleagues in the House to introduce this legislation reaffirming the U.S.’s commitment to the people of South Sudan as well as our support of the United Nations Security Council’s efforts to seek accountability among the warring parties.”

Rep. McCaul said: “On July 9, 2011, the American people celebrated with South Sudan as it declared its independence from a genocidal dictator and state sponsor of terrorism. Sadly, four years after that hopeful moment, South Sudan today is engaged in a senseless and brutal civil war which has devastated millions of innocent lives. Immediate attention to the dire humanitarian situation is needed from the international community. The South Sudan Peace Promotion and Accountability Act will elevate U.S. leadership in South Sudan and encourage the warring parties to solve this conflict peacefully.”

Rep. Lee said: “The United States will not sit idly by as violence and human rights abuses continue in South Sudan. The recent upsurge in fighting is extremely troubling, especially with reports that armed groups are targeting children,” said Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13). “All parties and the international community must renew its commitment to bringing an end to this brutal conflict and ensuring peace and stability for the people of South Sudan. The South Sudan Peace Promotion and Accountability Act of 2015 is an important step in that direction.”

Rep. Fortenberry said: “July 9 marks the celebration of South Sudan’s Independence.  In 2011, the United States looked upon a new country, hoping it could emerge from years of oppression to chart a course for peace and prosperity.  Sadly, South Sudan is mired in a violent struggle for power, and the innocent are once again suffering the consequences.  This important legislation will hopefully help end much brutal and senseless violence—and advance a bright future for the people of South Sudan.”

Garrett Hughey knew very little about the University of Houston when UH track and field coach Leroy Burrell recruited him in 2008. After his recruiting visit, however, the North Texas native says he immediately knew it was the place he wanted to be. Seven years later, after earning All-American honors in track and a bachelor’s degree in history, the third-year UH Law Center student has been appointed by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott to serve as the newest Student Regent on the UH System Board of Regents. After he is officially sworn in to the post in August, Hughey will represent students systemwide by serving as Student Regent during the 2015–16 academic year. He replaces Asit Shah, whose term recently expired.

“I want to thank Gov. Abbott for his faith in my ability to be a productive conduit for the UH System students and for this tremendous opportunity to serve this great institution,” said Hughey, who grew up in Argyle, Texas. “My goal is to be a useful resource for the voting Regents by effectively conveying the student experience. I plan on working closely with the student government associations and other student organizations across the UH System to garner insight into what students think about issues pending before the Board.”

As an undergraduate student, Hughey was a member of the Cougar track team and competed on the 4x400m relay team. In 2012 and 2013, he was named to the Conference USA Commissioner’s Honor Roll. He earned NCAA All-American honors in 2013. Hughey graduated magna cum laude from UH with a Bachelor of Arts in history and is pursuing a J.D. at the UH Law Center. He has served as a tutor for student athletes and is an articles editor for the Houston Law Review. His law school accolades include membership in the Order of Barons, a judicial internship with the Honorable Gray Miller in the Southern District of Texas, and working as a summer associate for two Houston law firms, Norton Rose Fulbright LLP and Andrews Kurth LLP.

“I believe being the Student Regent gives me the best platform to give back to the UH System, which has provided me with so many great opportunities,” Hughey said. “Law school has taught me how to advocate and how to analyze problems. I plan on utilizing that training to advocate persuasively and analyze rigorously on behalf of the student body.”

Hughey is the 10^th Student Regent appointed to the UHS Board. In 2005, then-Texas Gov. Rick Perry signed legislation directing each public university’s board of regents to include one non-voting student member. In 2007, Perry also signed legislation creating a student representative position on the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

For more details on the UH System and the UH System Board of Regents, visit http://www.uhsa.uh.edu/.

Houston families will step back in time at Taylor Morrison’s Made in America Home Jamboree and celebrate all things American with a free barbecue, country music, great giveaways and family fun at the unveiling of the new Made in America Home, Saturday, July 11, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Families will indulge in American classics like smoked brisket, bacon-wrapped sausage and chicken, potato salad, apple pie and more, line dance to country music, and enjoy the simple pleasures of bygone years with a free petting zoo, pony rides, hula hoops, a bouncy house and patriotic red, white and blue pinwheels for the kids.

While they’re there, participants witness the unveiling of the Taylor Morrison Made in America Home, featuring the products and wares of American manufacturers and craftspeople from around the country.

Those who tour the Made in America Home can enter to win one of a number of great giveaways, like a Family 4 Pack to Schlitterbahn Waterpark in Galveston, a Family 4 Pack to a Sugar Land Skeeters game, a Family 4 Pack to a Houston Dynamos game, and a Family 4 Pack to a Houston Dash Women’s Soccer game.

It’s all happening at the new Grand Vista community located at 19006 Grand Vista Springs Blvd, Richmond, Texas 77407. Directions: http://bit.ly/1BZf9YB.

Need for a strong national defense is greater than any time in recent history

 WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) issued the following statement regarding the Pentagon’s announcement of cuts to our nation’s military force levels:

“As directed by the President, the Army announced it will reduce its force level to 450,000 soldiers by the end of fiscal year 2017. Despite the increasing threats to our national security, this Administration is doubling down on the arbitrary and destructive cuts to our military that have characterized the last six and a half years. Our national priorities, our global and economic influence, and the foremost Constitutional responsibility of homeland security are all supported by our military capabilities — and the truth of the matter is that this President’s policies have made our need for our military ever greater. Russian aggression in Eastern Europe, radical Islamic terrorism throughout the Middle East, China’s forcible expansion of its territory in the South China Sea, and a pending deal with Iran that will provide the Islamic Republic with the resources and time to develop a nuclear weapon are all more pressing threats than they were when the Obama Administration took office. And all of them are reasons to, at a minimum, maintain the current force structure, if not increase it. Yet the Commander in Chief chooses this moment to separate 40,000 additional soldiers from the United States Army. My home state of Texas will unfortunately bear some of this burden; 4,898 soldiers and their families will get caught up in President Obama’s quest for a short-sighted political legacy.

“To make the planned reductions even more troubling, the modernization of our capabilities and operational readiness are also suffering, which will place the lives of our soldiers at greater risk the next time they are deployed in combat. In addition, our reductions have not encouraged similar disarmament among forces hostile to the United States, who are building up their militaries at an alarming rate. I will continue to support legislation that increases the strength of our national security and oppose increased domestic spending that is bankrupting our nation. We need to rebuild our military in this time of global insecurity, not hasten its demise.”

WASHINGTON, DC – Rep. Pete Olson (TX-22) last night voted to empower parents and education leaders by replace the Washington-knows-best approach to education with conservative reforms that reduce the federal footprint and restore local control. Olson voted for H.R. 5, the Student Success Act, which will put education decisions back where they belong, at the state and local level. It will also provide critical flexibility by giving states the flexibility they need to deliver an excellent education for every child in every school.

“Providing a strong education that gives our children the tools they need to succeed is a critical role rightly empowered to states and localities across America,” Rep. Olson said. “This bill provides needed relief from one-size-fits-all federal mandates that tie the hands of local educators and parents. This is an important step in putting control of education where it belongs – outside of the federal government.”

The Student Success Act:

Prevents the Secretary of Education from creating additional burdens on states and school districts, particularly in the areas of standards, assessments, and accountability plans;
Restores state and local autonomy over decisions in the classroom by preventing the federal government from coercing states into adopting Common Core or any other common standards or assessments;

Expands educational options for parents and children by reforming the Charter School Program to support the development and replication of high-quality charter schools;

Provides states and school districts needed flexibility to effectively and efficiently improve student learning;

Eliminates more than 65 ineffective, duplicative, and unnecessary federal programs and replace this maze of programs with a Local Academic Flexible Grant; and

Ends the era of federally-mandated high stakes testing, while ensuring parents, taxpayers, and education leaders have the information they need to hold their neighborhood schools accountable.

Committee to Hold Hearing Examining if the Government is Doing Enough
to Counter International & Domestic Terror

WASHINGTON, D.C. – As violent extremist groups eagerly recruit followers inside the United States, and as recent tragic events dot the globe and also hit right here at home, House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Michael McCaul is steadfastly leading the charge to bolster U.S. efforts to counter violent extremism (CVE). Chairman McCaul announced today the House Homeland Security Committee will hold a hearing on Wednesday, July 15to investigate whether the Government is doing enough to counter international and domestic terrorism.

Last month, Chairman McCaul introduced a bill in Congress, the Countering Violent Extremism Act of 2015, H.R. 2899, which streamlines and prioritizes the Department of Homeland Security’s efforts to counter violent extremism.

“As we’ve seen recently in France, Tunisia, Kuwait, and even right here at home in places like Garland, TX, and Charleston, SC, violent extremism comes in many forms,” said Chairman McCaul. “Violent extremists show no mercy when executing their evil plots, or when luring in vulnerable recruits and brainwashing them.”

“Violent extremism is sweeping our nation at broadband speed and we remain defenseless until this administration takes this threat more seriously,” said Chairman McCaul. “Extremist groups have recruited Americans in all 50 states while our government has dedicated only a handful of officials to blunting their insidious propaganda. We cannot sit idly by and let violent extremists spread their evil ideology here in America.”

Chairman McCaul’s bill significantly elevates CVE as a key priority at the Department of Homeland Security, streamlines their Department’s CVE efforts under an Assistant Secretary who reports directly to the Secretary, and provides resources out of existing funds.

Read more on H.R. 2899, the Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) Act of 2015, here.

Wednesday, July 15 at 10:00 a.m. ET

The Rise of Radicalization: Is the U.S. Government Failing to Counter International & Domestic Terror?

Full Committee Hearing

Rep. Michael McCaul, R- Texas., Chairman

311 Cannon House Office Building

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is reminding Texans that vehicle thefts and vehicle burglaries tend to increase during the summer months – especially July and August – and is encouraging individuals to take necessary precautions to protect their vehicles from potential thefts.

“The summer months in Texas typically are one of the busiest times for vehicle thefts, and DPS is urging Texans to take preventative measures to secure their vehicles and avoid possible thefts and burglaries,” said DPS Director Steven McCraw. “Individuals can do their part to help ward off criminals this summer by always locking their cars and keeping valuables out of sight.”

DPS offers the following tips that Texans can follow to help guard against vehicle theft:

• Never leave your car running unattended, even for a quick visit to a business or store.
• Never leave keys in the car or ignition, inside a locked garage, or in hide-a-key boxes.
• Always roll up your windows and lock the car, even if it is parked at your home.
• When possible, always park in high-traffic, well-lighted areas.
• Install an anti-theft device that locks the steering wheel, column or brakes, especially if your vehicle is considered to be at increased risk for theft.
• Never leave personal documents, vehicle ownership title or credit cards in your vehicle.
• Always keep valuables or property hidden out of sight or locked in the trunk.

If your vehicle is stolen, report it to the police immediately. DPS also encourages individuals to keep a copy of their license plate and vehicle identification number on hand in case of theft, since police will need this information to take a report.

For more information about auto thefts and burglary, see http://www.txdmv.gov/motorists/consumer-protection/auto-theft-prevention.

Between the puppy lovers, the cat enthusiasts and the furry rodent fans, a whole different category of pet owners exist: reptile lovers. From turtles to geckos, lizards to snakes, taking care of any reptile is a unique experience. With many safe breeds to choose from, snakes are a popular choice for those who are interested in owning a reptile.

Often associated with deadly incidents or even horror stories, snakes are commonly misunderstood but can make fascinating companion pets. Like any pet, snakes offer company and stress relief for their owners. Snakes do not require daily walks in the park and they are quiet during the day and at night. With infrequent defecation, a pet snake’s habitat is also an easy clean-up.

Before making the decision to own a snake, there are many factors to consider. Researching different pet snake breeds and their life-span and health requirements are a must. Dr. Sharman Hoppes, clinical associate professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, suggests snake breeds that may or may not make a suitable pet. “Ball Pythons, Kingsnakes and Corn Snakes are great. Large boas and pythons do not make good pets for most people due to their large size,” Hoppes said.

Another factor to consider if you wish to own a snake is proper housing. An escape-proof aquarium is essential to prevent any harm to your snake. It is important for owners to recognize that no snake is safe without a lid that properly latches.

Snakes also require precise habitats to survive. Hoppes explains that owners should provide lighting that produces a day and night cycle. Temperatures should be 80-85 degrees Fahrenheit during the day, with a cooler temperature at night that never falls below 75 degrees. A warmer basking site that measures around 90 degrees should also be available to your pet. Under the cage heaters and heat lamps are the best way to regulate temperature. “Hot rocks” are not encouraged as they can potentially burn your pet snake. Hoppes recommends placing a thermometer on the cage to make sure the temperature in your cage is appropriate. Snake owners should research or ask a veterinarian how to provide the correct temperature, since some breeds require warmer or cooler temperatures.

Substrate, or bedding, is also necessary in creating the most comfortable and safe habitat for your snake. “Substrate can be paper, indoor or outdoor carpet, artificial turf, and aspen chips,” said Hoppes. “I do not recommend sand, because some reptiles may ingest it. I also do not recommend pine or cedar as both of these contain oils that are irritating to snakes.” Hoppes also encourages owners to provide a “hide box” for snake privacy.

If you happen to have an uneasy stomach or wince at the thought of a snake feeding on another animal, owning a snake is probably not for you. A snake’s diet can range from insects and amphibians to warm-blooded rodents, like mice, rabbits or birds. Although some owners feed their snakes live prey, Hoppes discourages this. “Snakes should never be fed live prey, it is cruel to the prey animal and can also be dangerous to the snake,” she said. “The prey animal, if not killed quickly, can bite the snake. In some cases where the snake is not warm enough or is sick, the prey animal may even extensively chew on the snake.”

Last but not least, you should consider your dedication and ability to care for a pet snake. According to Hoppes, most of the health problems that occur in snakes are a result of improper husbandry. For instance, if the cage is too cold or dry, the snake will have trouble properly shedding its skin, resulting in patches of skin left unshed. A snake in this habitat also has a chance of developing an upper respiratory infection or infections in the mouth.

If you do choose to purchase a snake after considering these important details, Hoppes recommends having new pet snakes examined by a veterinarian for skin mites and intestinal parasites before introducing them to other reptiles that might already live in your home.

Although snakes are often misunderstood and sometimes gain negative attention, they can make great companion animals and require minimal care. If you are interested in owning a snake, remember to research and consult a veterinarian that is familiar with the health requirements of snakes.

SATURDAY, JULY 11TH, 2015

11 AM –  7 PM

SUNDAY, JULY 12^TH, 2015

1 PM –  7 PM

Citizens for Animal Protection

Houston, TX

Game To Be Shown At The Shelter On Sunday

Adoption fees will be waived for all cats and kittens as Citizens for Animal Protection joins the festivities in celebrating Hallmark Channel’s first Paw Star game with a Paw Star Party event. Paw Stars Parties focus on helping shelters find homes for the flood of cats and kittens received during this busy time of the year. With the help of North Shore Animal League America and its participating shelter partners across the country hosting their own Paw Star Parties, we hope to focus on finding homes for the flood of cats and kittens received during this busy time of the year.

WHEN:             Saturday, July 11^th from  11 am  to  7 pm

                        Sunday,    July 12^th from    1 pm  to  7 pm

                          “Paw Star Game,” premiering on Sunday, July 12 at 4 p.m. central time

WHO:               Adoptable cats and kittens are the stars of this event with our equally adorable dogs and puppies cheering them on from the dugout.

WHERE:           Citizens for Animal Protection

17555 Katy Freeway

Houston, TX 77074

About Citizens for Animal Protection

Citizens for Animal Protection is a non-profit organization, founded in 1972, which shelters, rescues and places homeless animals for adoption with loving families. CAP advocates respect and compassion for animal life and provides humane education to help prevent cruelty to animals.

About Hallmark Channel

Hallmark Channel, owned and operated by Crown Media Holdings, Inc., is a 24-hour basic cable network that provides a diverse slate of high-quality family entertainment available in high definition (HD) and standard definition (SD) to a national audience of 85 million subscribers. Hallmark Channel is the nation’s leading destination for quality family programming featuring an ambitious slate of original content, including movies; scripted series, such as Cedar Cove, When Calls the Heart, and Signed, Sealed, Delivered; annual specials like Hero Dog Awards and Kitten Bowl; and a daily 2-hour lifestyle show, Home & Family. Hallmark Channel is also home to annual holiday franchise, Countdown to Christmas, featuring a lineup of 24/7 holiday programming, including The 12 New Movies of Christmas. Rounding out the networks’ lineup are television’s most beloved sitcoms and series, including The Golden Girls, The Middle, Little House on the Prairie, and Frasier. Hallmark Channel’s sibling network, Hallmark Movie Channel, available in HD and SD, focuses on family-friendly movies with a mix of original films, classic theatrical releases, and presentations from the acclaimed Hallmark Hall of Fame library.

The Disaster Recovery Center (DRC), located at Rosenberg Annex, 4520 Reading Road, Rosenberg, Texas, in Fort Bend County will close at 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 14.

DRCs, operated by the State of Texas and the Federal Emergency Management Agency and supported by other agencies, remain open until the needs of area residents have been met. The centers serve as a one-stop shop for information and guidance about disaster assistance.

Those with questions regarding the application or the appeals process, or who decide to register for assistance after a DRC closes, have several ways to obtain information:

• Visit another DRC nearby, visithttp://asd.fema.gov/inter/locator/home.htm.
• Online atdisasterassistance.gov.
• Call 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. People who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS) can call 800-621-3362. Multilingual operators are available.
• Visit the Texas Disaster Recovery websitefema.gov/disaster/4223.
• Contact U.S. Small Business Administration’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling (800) 659-2955, emailingdisastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting SBA’s website at sba.gov/disaster. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call (800) 877-8339.

The deadline for registering with FEMA and applying for an SBA loan is July 28.

Document Link: http://www.fema.gov/news-release/2015/07/09/disaster-recovery-center-close-fort-bend-county-texas-help-still-available

AUSTIN, Texas – The federal disaster declaration for Texas has been expanded to provide Individual Assistance to six additional counties as a result of the severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds and flooding that occurred between May 4 and June 19, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

In addition, FEMA today approved an extension of the deadline to register for assistance in the 42 counties designated for Individual Assistance. The new deadline is August 27, 2015.

The six Texas counties newly designated for Individual Assistance are: Angelina, Erath, Frio, Jim Wells, Montgomery and Trinity.

They join 36 counties already designated for Individual Assistance: Bastrop, Blanco, Bowie, Brazoria, Caldwell, Cherokee, Cooke, Dallas, Denton, Eastland, Ellis, Fannin, Fayette, Fort Bend, Gaines, Grayson, Guadalupe, Harris, Harrison, Hays, Henderson, Hidalgo, Johnson, Liberty, Milam, Montague, Navarro, Nueces, Rusk, Smith, Travis, Walker, Wichita, Williamson, Wise and Van Zandt.  Residents in the now 42 designated counties are eligible to apply for state and federal assistance.

Disaster assistance for homeowners and renters may include grants to help pay for rent, temporary housing and home repairs, as well as other serious disaster-related needs, such as medical and dental expenses or funeral and burial costs.

Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are available for eligible survivors. SBA helps businesses of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners and renters fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. These disaster loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries and do not duplicate benefits from other agencies or organizations.

Residents and business owners should apply right away with SBA as part of the overall federal disaster recovery process, and not wait for insurance claims to settle.

Texans who had storm damage should register with FEMA even if they have insurance. FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments, but under-insured applicants may be eligible for help after their insurance claims have been settled.

People can apply for FEMA assistance online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or call 800-621-3362 toll free from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (local time) daily until further notice. Multilingual operators are available.

Disaster assistance applicants who have a speech disability or hearing loss and use TTY should call 800-462-7585 directly; for those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice.

FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program has a call center to answer Texas policyholders’ flood insurance questions. Specialists can help with servicing claims, providing general information and offering technical assistance to aid in recovery. To speak with a flood insurance specialist, call 800-621-3362 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.

For more information on Texas disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4223. You can follow us on Twitter at https://www.twitter.com/femaregion6 or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FEMA.