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CELEBRATE ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH AT THE HOUSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY

No Author — Wed, 16 May 2012 15:15:00 EST

HOUSTON, TX - May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month and to commemorate this month, the Houston Public Library has scheduled some fun programs that celebrate the art and culture of the Asian and Pacific Islander community that calls Houston home. The celebration honors people from India, Pakistan, Japan, Taiwan, China, Hong Kong, Korea, Vietnam, Malaysia, Cambodia and Singapore. Everyone is invited to enjoy the festivities. All events are free and open to the public.

Programs and Events Scheduled

Asian Pacific American Heritage Association Dance Performance
Carnegie Neighborhood Library * 1050 Quitman, 77009 * 832-393-1720
Thursday, May 17 | 3 PM - 5 PM

CONSERVATIVE TEXAS REPUBLICANS MOST LIKELY TO USE ELECTRONIC TECHNOLOGY IN VOTER OUTREACH, ACCORDING TO NEW RICE STUDY

No Author — Wed, 16 May 2012 14:34:00 EST

HOUSTON, TX � Conservative Texas Republicans are most likely to use electronic technology in voter outreach, according to a new study from researchers at Rice and the Universidad de Monterrey.

The study, �The Use of Electronic Technology and Legislative Representation in the Mexican and U.S. States: Nuevo León and Texas,� examines how the advent of new electronic media has provided legislative representatives with a plethora of potential tools with which to strengthen their connection with their constituents. The research also examines the forms of electronic technology � websites, email and social networks such as Facebook and Twitter � used by members of the Texas House of Representatives and the Nuevo León Legislature.

The researchers evaluated the extent and nature of the use of these technologies across the two legislative bodies as well as within each legislature.

CITY COUNCIL APPROVES NEW HOUSTON SOBERING CENTER

No Author — Wed, 16 May 2012 13:13:00 EST

HOUSTON, TX - Houston City Council today approved Mayor Annise Parker�s innovative plan to create a public/private partnership to operate the Houston Sobering Center. Council also approved including the Houston Police Department�s Mental Health Unit in the same building, bringing together staff dispersed throughout the city into one location.

�This will help reduce the city�s financial burden for handling public intoxication cases, ease crowding in our city jail and make our streets safer,� said Mayor Parker. �There will be services for those who need them, whether in the short term or the long term, and hopefully we�ll see real change for them. We hope it eventually also creates savings in the form of reduced operating costs at the city jail.�

The Sobering Center is an alternative to jail for people detained for public intoxication, allowing the opportunity to regain sobriety in a safe, medically-monitored environment.

COMMUNITY RAIN DATA COLLECTOR TAKES �SURPRISING� 11.19-INCH RAINFALL MEASUREMENT AFTER MAY 11-12 STORM

No Author — Wed, 16 May 2012 11:07:00 EST

Harris County Flood Control District Supports Community Collaborative Rain, Hail & Snow Network (CoCoRaHS)

HOUSTON - Community Collaborative Rain, Hail & Snow Network (CoCoRaHS) civilian volunteer Michael Chance made a startling discovery when he checked his official CoCoRaHS rain gage after the May 11-12 rainfall event and found it near the rim. The rain gage registered 11.19 inches � the fourth highest report submitted this year to the CoCoRaHS network.

�I was surprised at that amount - we�ve had some heavy rains,� said Chance, who lives in the Pecan Grove neighborhood in Fort Bend County and has a gage in his back yard. �When I first looked at it, it looked like there wasn�t any water in it. But it was almost to the very top if it. I have never seen it that high before.�

TOWNE LAKE HOSTS MEMORIAL DAY LANTERN LAUNCH ON MAY 28

No Author — Wed, 16 May 2012 11:01:00 EST

CYPRESS, TX � Towne Lake hosts a Memorial Day Lantern Launch on Monday, May 28 from 7:30-10:30 p.m. in memory of loved ones lost. Attendees will have the opportunity to dedicate a lantern for someone special. At dusk, the area will be illuminated as five hundred lanterns are released to float around the lake.

This event is free and open to the public. Spectators can meet at the Towne Lake Community Center located at 9214 W. Bridgeport Pass Circle, Cypress, Texas, 77433.

For those unable to attend the ceremony on May 28, but wish to dedicate a lantern, please visit the Welcome Center from May 20-27 to sign a lantern that will be launched at the event. The Welcome Center is located at 18915 San Saba Creek Circle.

26TH ANNUAL AIA HOUSTON SAND CASTLE COMPETITION SET FOR JUNE 2

No Author — Wed, 16 May 2012 10:54:00 EST

HOUSTON, TX - For over two decades in the first part of June, Houston area architects, designers, engineers, and contractors have taken their tools to East Beach in Galveston for one of the world�s largest amateur sandcastle competitions. The Houston Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) sponsors this annual contest. This year 60 teams have their eyes (and shovels) set on winning the prestigious Golden Bucket Award. Firms begin months in advance generating ideas, developing designs, and assigning duties. On the day of the event, the teams stretch along the beach meticulously sculpting their sand piles and working non-stop for five hours. The judging of the sandcastles is rated on originality of concept, artistic execution of the concept, technical difficulty, carving technique, and utilization of the site. In addition to the Golden Bucket, awards are given in 8 different themed categories as well as for best team t-shirt design, best team signage, best costume, and public favorite. At the end of the day, everyone goes home with memories of a great day on the beach filled with fun, sun, sand, and sea.

VERIZON WIRELESS ANNOUNCES TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION AWARDS FOR LOCAL MINORITY- AND WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESSES

No Author — Wed, 16 May 2012 06:21:00 EST

$10,000 Award Opportunity Available

HOUSTON � Verizon Wireless has announced the Wireless Technology Innovation Awards for small to medium sized minority and women owned businesses and organizations in the Greater Houston area.

An organization with between one and 500 employees will be honored for its innovative development and use of Verizon Wireless mobile technology to improve productivity, streamline operations or serve its customers and community better. The winning organization will receive $10,000 from Verizon Wireless and recognition at an awards luncheon attended by local business and civic leaders.

�We�re proud to foster and recognize innovation by businesses in the Houston area, especially those that have succeeded as minority or women owned businesses,� said Krista Bourne � president, Houston/Gulf Coast Region, Verizon Wireless.

CREWS PREPARE FOR WEEKEND CLOSURE OF IH 610 NORTH LOOP AT ELLA

No Author — Tue, 15 May 2012 16:48:00 EST

HOUSTON - During the weekend of May 18-21, 2012, the Texas Department of Transportation will have a major freeway closure on IH 610 North Loop at Ella to allow construction crews to safely work on permanent repairs to the bridge deck. In addition, crews will perform construction work as part of a $151.5 million improvement project for the IH 610/US 290 interchange.

On Friday, May 18 at 9:00 p.m., through Monday, May 21, at 5:00 a.m.:

FREE LEGAL ADVICE WEDNESDAY

No Author — Tue, 15 May 2012 12:47:00 EST

What: LegalLine

Who: LegalLine Sponsored by the Houston Bar Association

When: LegalLine will be held Wednesday, May 16, 2012 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Where: Call the Houston Bar Association office at (713) 759-1133

Why: Attorneys offer FREE legal advice over the telephone as a public service.

HOUSTON PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT BRINGS FOCUS TO INTERNATIONAL WATER SAFETY DAY

No Author — Tue, 15 May 2012 11:31:00 EST

Staying Safe Is the Key to Fun in the Water

HOUSTON, TX - The Houston Parks and Recreation Department will host a celebration of International Water Safety Day today, at the Memorial Park Pool, 6401 Arnot, 77007. The event will take place from 1:00 p.m. � 3:00 p.m., and will include a variety of water experiences designed to improve the public�s awareness of the need for safety vigilance around water.

�We all love to cool off at our neighborhood pools during Houston�s hot summer weather, but we should never let our guard down,� said Joe Turner, Director, Houston Parks and Recreation Department. �There is nothing more tragic and preventable than a swimming pool drowning. Swimming lessons and water safety classes are keys to enjoying our pools.�

HPARD SOCCER FOR SUCCESS YOUTH TO ATTEND FIRST LADY'S 'LET'S MOVE!' YOUTH SOCCER CLINIC

No Author — Tue, 15 May 2012 10:34:00 EST

HOUSTON, TX - Today, two Houston young people will join First Lady Michelle Obama, the MLS Cup Champion, the LA Galaxy, and 24 other participants from the U.S. Soccer Foundation's Soccer for Success program for a soccer clinic on the South Lawn of the White House. The young people are part of the Houston Parks and Recreation Department's (H.P.A.R.D.) Soccer for Success Program. Arythma Torres participates in H.P.A.R.D.'s Soccer for Success Program at Southmayd Elementary School and Angel Perrett participates in H.P.A.R.D.'s Soccer for Success Program at Rucker Elementary. They are accompained on the trip by relatives.

'We are thankful to the US Soccer Foundation for their partnership in our local Soccer For Success program,' said Joe Turner, Director, Houston Parks and Recreation Department. 'We are especially thankful for the opportunity they have given Arythma and Angel to be a part of this clinic.'

A WALK IN THEIR SHOES - EXHIBIT AND PANEL DISCUSSION ABOUT THE STATE OF THE HOMELESS IN HOUSTON

No Author — Tue, 15 May 2012 10:27:00 EST

HOUSTON, TX - A Walk in Their Shoes�One Thousand Eight Hundred Miles: Noah Rattler's Journey is the Houston Public Library�s most recent exhibit at The African American Library at the Gregory School. This exhibit reveals the story of a man and his extreme journey of a lifetime to bring more awareness of the homeless situation in our county. The Library invites the community to experience Rattler�s four-month-journey, his 1,800-mile-walk, through film, photography and social media. View some of the cities, terrains and people Rattler met along the way while at the same time revealing his own self-discovery. The exhibit is on display now through June 2, 2012.

In conjunction with the exhibition, A Walk in Their Shoes: One Thousand Eight Hundred Miles, the community is also invited to join Noah Rattler and other homeless advocates for a panel discussion about the state of the homeless in Houston. This event will take place on Saturday, May 19, 2012 at 2 PM. Rattler will moderate and invited panelists include:

COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE HONORS HIGH SCHOOL LEADERS

No Author — Tue, 15 May 2012 09:06:00 EST

HOUSTON, TX � The Community Leadership Institute celebrated graduates of the 2011-2012 Leadership High School program in a ceremony last month in the Star of Texas Ballroom of the Lone Star Community Building in The Woodlands.

Seventy-two high school juniors representing 37 area schools participated in Leadership High School-Montgomery County, Leadership High School-North Houston and Leadership High School-Northwest.

Leadership High School is a leadership development and diversity awareness program for outstanding high school leaders in the Lone Star College System service area. The community-based program, sponsored by Leadership North Houston, Leadership Montgomery County and the LSCS offers high school juniors the opportunity to become better informed of the critical issues affecting their community.

THE HOUSTON FIRE DEPARTMENT OFFERS COOKING SAFETY TIPS AFTER MULTIPLE COOKING FIRES THIS PAST WEEKEND

No Author — Tue, 15 May 2012 07:00:00 EST

HOUSTON, TX - This past weekend, May 11 - 13, 2012, the Houston Fire Department responded to at least eight fires related to cooking. The cause of the fires included unattended cooking, burned food and cooking with grease. Although there were no reported injuries, the fires caused a combined $65,500 in damage.

HFD reminds residents that cooking is the number one cause of residential fires and is preventable by following these safety tips:

Use a moderate cooking temperature

Don't overfill the container

If you must leave the kitchen, turn the burner off (Unattended cooking is the primary cause of kitchen fires. Over half of these are grease/oil fires.)

HARRIS COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT CELEBRATES 75TH ANNIVERSARY

No Author — Tue, 15 May 2012 06:02:00 EST

Devastating Floods and Public Support Paved the Way for the Flood Control District�s Creation

Today, the Harris County Flood Control District celebrates its 75^th Anniversary and the strides it has made to help reduce flooding risks and damages for Harris County.

Long before the Flood Control District was created,pioneers who settled in Harris County accepted flood damage as one of the risks associated with life in an otherwise abundant and economically promising land. Not surprisingly, the county�s history is peppered with tales of great floods and rainstorms that have wreaked havoc on residents� lives and properties. However, it was one flood event in particular that brought about a call for action that resulted in the District�s creation in 1937.

DISASTER PREPAREDNESS WORKSHOP TO TRAIN RELIGIOUS COMMUNITY

No Author — Mon, 14 May 2012 16:58:00 EST

HOUSTON, TX - Houston�s religious community will learn how to help its congregations prepare, respond and recover from disasters during a workshop organized just as the hurricane season begins.

The �Disaster Preparedness for the Religious Community� workshop is set for June 1 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the West End Multi-Service Center, 170 Heights Blvd. and repeats from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on June 2 at the Kashmere Multi-Service Center, 4802 Lockwood. June 1 is the official start of the 2012 Atlantic hurricane season.

The Houston Department of Health and Human Services and the National Disaster Interfaiths Network are sponsoring the workshop to train the religious community how to better serve their congregations during emergencies and develop strategic partnerships and skills. The workshop will cover a wide range of mitigation, preparedness relief and recovery topics.

COMERICA BANK MAKES SIGNIFICANT OFFICE FURNITURE AND SCHOOL SUPPLY DONATION TO HISD FOR USE IN CLASSROOMS THROUGHOUT CITY

No Author — Mon, 14 May 2012 14:04:00 EST

HOUSTON, TX � Comerica Bank today announced a donation valued at approximately $40,000 of work stations, chairs, file cabinets and other office equipment and supplies to the Houston Independent School District (HISD) to be dispersed to classrooms across the city.

The office equipment and supplies, surplus from Comerica�s recent Houston market headquarters relocation to Brookhollow Central, will be stored temporarily at a HISD facility where teachers and school officials then can come and select items to use in their classrooms and school offices.

�Comerica is committed to enhancing the communities we serve, and we hope this donation makes an immediate, positive impact on in-need schools all across Houston,� said Downey Bridgwater, Comerica�s Houston Market President.

MEMORIAL DAY SERVICE AT HOUSTON VA NATIONAL CEMETERY

No Author — Mon, 14 May 2012 13:33:00 EST

HOUSTON, TX - A special Memorial Day Service will be held on Monday, May 28, 2012 at 9:30 a.m. at the Houston VA National Cemetery, located at 10410 Veterans Memorial Drive.

This year, the Department of Veterans Affairs is pleased to announce that retired Navy Reserve Captain Richard L. Halferty will give the Memorial Day address. Halferty serves as the Chief Operating Officer for H.M.S. Telecom LLC., and has extensive experience in logistics, contingency and emergency planning. Halferty served in the United States Navy Reserve for over 38 years retiring as a Captain in 1986. He currently serves as Chairman, Korean War Veterans, Lone Star Chapter. Among his military awards are the Navy Commendation Medal, China Service Medal, National Defense Medal, Armed Forces Reserve and the United Nations Medal.

EARLY VOTING IN TEXAS STARTS TODAY

Ethan Edwards — Mon, 14 May 2012 06:43:00 EST

Early voting for the May 29, 2012 Primary Election runs Monday May 14th - Friday May 25th. The last day to apply for ballot by mail for the May 29, 2012 Primary Election (received, not postmarked) is Tues. May 22nd, 2012. Find my polling place | What�s on the Ballot | Voter information.

Due to redistricting in Texas some polling places have changed. If you are not sure what district you are now in you should check �Find my polling place� above. Also you must bring an I.D. to your polling place in order to vote.

HOUSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY COMMEMORATES THE CIVIL WAR'S 150TH ANNIVERSARY

No Author — Sat, 12 May 2012 07:10:00 EST

Clayton Library Center for Genealogical Research Presents a Day of Civil War Programs at the Historic Julia Ideson Building

The community is invited to a full day of programs in commemoration of this country�s Civil War�s 150th Anniversary. The scheduled programs will bring to life the brave men and women who fought during the war. Craig Roberts Scott, MA, CG, President and CEO of Heritage Books, will offer helpful information on genealogical Civil War research. He will discuss Confederate records, information found in Civil War pension records, and in medical records. Bestselling historical fiction author, Robin Oliveira, will also discuss her book �My Name is Mary Sutter.� These programs are presented by Houston Public Library�s Clayton Library Center for Genealogical Research at the 1926 historical Julia Ideson Building on Saturday, May 19, 2012 from 10:30 AM until 4:30 PM. The Julia Ideson Building is located at 500 McKinney, 77002, 832-393-1662.
Scheduled Programs

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM | Civil War Confederate Records
Researching Confederate soldiers during the Civil War can be challenging. This lecture will be an overview of records that are available for research for the �boys in grey� that valiantly fought for the South.

11:45 AM - 12:45 PM | Civil War Pensions

Payment of pension to American Civil War veterans can be a rich source of information regarding their service during the war and the life of the pensioner after the war. These records are housed in many locations depending on which side they fought. A presentation of the records and repositories will be highlighted.

1 PM - 2 PM | Medical Records in the Civil War
These records can offer a deeper look into the individual Civil War soldier�s history and stories regarding their service in the American Civil War. Found mostly in original source documents this group of records offer a special look into the harsher side of the conflict.

2:30 PM - 4:30 PM | Robin Oliveira
Historical fiction writer, Robin Oliveira, author of �My Name is Mary Sutter� will discuss her book and the writing of the book as the last session of the afternoon.

About Craig Roberts Scott
Craig Roberts Scott, MA, CG is President and CEO of Heritage Books, Inc. A professional genealogical and historical researcher for more than twenty-seven years, he specializes in the records of the National Archives, especially those relating to the military.

About Author Robin Oliveira
Robin Oliveira grew up outside Albany, New York, in Loudonville. She holds a B.A. in Russian and studied at the Pushkin State Russian Language Institute in Moscow, Russia. She is also a registered nurse, specializing in critical care and bone marrow transplant. Oliveira received an MFA in Writing from Vermont College of Fine Arts. In 2007, she was awarded the James Jones First Novel Fellowship for �My Name Is Mary Sutter.� She lives in Seattle, Washington, with her husband and two children.

ANNUAL CHAPLAINCY EVENT TO HONOR U.S. CONGRESSMAN MICHAEL MCCAUL, LINDA MAYS MCCAUL AND DR. MICHAEL AHEARN

No Author — Sat, 12 May 2012 06:32:00 EST

Annual fundraiser benefits spirituality support services at MD Anderson

HOUSTON - The 16th annual Loving Hearts Caring Hands awards dinner, benefiting the Department of Chaplaincy and Pastoral Education at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, will honor Congressman Michael McCaul, Linda McCaul and Dr. Michael Ahearn with the Loving Hearts Caring Hands award on the evening of Tuesday, May 22 at 6:30p.m. at the Omni Houston Hotel, Four Riverway, Houston, TX.

The event, which celebrates the department�s more than 600,000 pastoral visits to
M D Anderson patients, caregivers and employees during the past three decades, has raised over $2 million in the last 16 years for the Department of Chaplaincy and Pastoral Education, and has paid tribute to 49 local and national cancer advocates, opinion leaders, philanthropists and religious leaders.

DISTINGUISHED LEADERS TO BE AWARDED PRESIDENT'S MEDALLION, HONORARY DOCTORATES AT UH COMMENCEMENT

No Author — Fri, 11 May 2012 17:46:00 EST

Six distinguished men and women � spanning from academia to community development � will be honored at the University of Houston�s 2012 spring commencement ceremonies in recognition of their service to UH, higher education and the community. Five eminent leaders in their fields will receive honorary doctorate degrees and one will receive the President�s Medallion, the highest honored bestowed to friends of the university who have a legacy of enhancing the community. UH President Renu Khator will award these honors at the university�s commencement ceremonies May 11 and 12. The honorees receiving honorary doctorates are:

Nicholas J. Massad began a successful career in hospitality after graduating from UH�s Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management in 1973. He and his wife, Vicki, purchased all of American Liberty Hospitality�s stock in 1991 and he has since served as the company�s chief executive officer. American Liberty owns and/or operates 12 hotels, inns and resorts throughout Texas and Louisiana.

In 2007, the Massads matched Conrad N. Hilton�s $1.5 million gift to UH�s Hilton College.

HPD'S "BLUE CREW" VOLUNTEERS MAKE REPAIRS TO ELDERLY HOUSTONIAN'S HOME

No Author — Fri, 11 May 2012 16:18:00 EST

HOUSTON, TX - An elderly Houstonian can move about his home a little easier thanks to members of the Houston Police Department's Community Outreach Services Unit, also known as the 'Blue Crew,' along with volunteers from Lowe's Home Improvement and Kwal Paint.

The HPD 'Blue Crew' and volunteers on Thursday (May 10) put the finishing touches on the home of Aristeo Jaimes, 73, at 1013 Twin Oaks Street. Volunteers met at the location for the delivery and installation of a new stove, as well as planting of a rose garden.

In an effort to assist Mr. Jaimes', who is disabled and on limited income, the 'Blue Crew' contacted Lowes and Kwal Paint, which graciously donated all the needed material to remodel Mr. Jaimes' kitchen and make it more accessible to him in his wheelchair.

UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON AMONG TOP 100 COLLEGES CONFERRING DEGREES ON HISPANIC STUDENTS

No Author — Fri, 11 May 2012 14:44:00 EST

Annual Rankings from The Hispanic Outlook on Higher Education

The University of Houston, one of the most diverse public research universities in the nation, is among the Top 100 Colleges conferring degrees on Hispanic students, according to The Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education magazine.

The annual list ranks UH among the nation�s top 20 colleges and universities conferring bachelor degrees and doctoral degrees to Hispanic students. This year, UH is ranked 14th on both lists, up from its 15th and 16th rankings, respectively, last year.

�Diversity is a strength, for our university, as it is for our city,' said Provost and UH Senior Vice President/UH System Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs John Antel. �Our world-class faculty are committed to our students�to prepare them for the global marketplace and to helping them make a positive contribution to their community.�