Important Reminders

The Department of Neighborhoods invites Houstonians to participate in Houston Free Application for Financial Student Aid Day at various locations Thursday, February 20th. Area school districts, non-profit organizations and the City of Houston are providing free help to residents filling out the following:

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

Texas Application for Student Financial Aid (TASFA) for Texas non-citizens

There will also be FREE “trusted centers” offering students and families help completing the financial aid process through March.

Students and families can find help and resources! Volunteers can donate their time and support Houston students! Community organizations can join our partnership and help us increase FAFSA and TASFA completion in Houston! Be part of the solution and help raise the percentage of Houstonians with degrees!

You can also find more information about Houston FAFSA Day, a list of location’s near you and financial aid resources at:

www.houstonfafsaday.org

For more information contact:

Corey Humphrey, Office of Education Initiatives

Corey.Humphrey@houstontx.gov

832-393-0900

OR

Aarik Mickens-Dessaso, Office of Education Initiatives

Aarik.Mickens-Dessaso@houstontx.gov

832-393-0993 

To learn more about the Mayor’s Office of Education Initiatives, visithttp://www.houstontx.gov/education.

No CHIP clients or those with insurance will be accepted. Parents or legal guardians must accompany their children. Immunization records are not necessary. For more information including a map to the Val Jahnke Training Facility, please click on the link:

Free Flu Shots For Children

The Houston Fire Department (HFD) and the Care Van program will be offering
FREE flu shots for children. Flu vaccines are in short supply so this may be
the last opportunity to protect your family from the flu.

Saturday
February 1, 2014
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
HFD’s Val Jahnke Training Facility
8030 Braniff, Houston Texas 77061

ACCEPTING ONLY:
If you are a Medicaid/Medicare client
If you have no insurance

Sorry but NO CHIP clients or those with insurance will be accepted

Immunization records are not necessary.

Parents or legal guardians must accompany their children

For more information including a map to the Val Jahnke Training Facility, please click on the link:

http://www.houstontx.gov/citizensnet/2014flushots-english.pdf

http://www.houstontx.gov/citizensnet/2014flushots-spanish.pdf

Residents of District E, Throughout my time in office it seems at each town hall, public session, meeting or community event I attend I get the question, “Who do I call about? or “What do I do if?” while referring to the City of Houston.   As many of you know 3-1-1 is the City of Houston’s non-emergency department directory and self-service request line.  Through 3-1-1, citizens are able to access information, request city services and report problems anytime, day or night.  There are three ways to 3-1-1. The public can dial 3-1-1 direclty or 713.837.0311, they can visit the 3-1-1 website at www.Houston311.org,  or to make it even more convenient, 3-1-1 is now available through a smart phone app.   While 3-1-1 is extremely helpful and can help answer most of your questions, I wanted to provide you all with helpful tips and contact information on frequently asked question my office receives.   Please Click Here to see Full List of City of Houston FAQ’s   If you should need assistance, help following up or if you have specific questions on any of your requests, please feel free to contact my office at 832-393-3008 or by emailing DistrictE@houstontx.gov.   I hope the FAQ’s document helps provide you with some useful information to better assist you navigate through the City of Houston system.   Sincerely,     Dave Martin Joint Town Hall and Capital Improvement Project Meetings Scheduled Council Member Martin invites you to save the date to attend one of his two joint town hall and capital improvement project (CIP) meetings that will be held in District E. Directors from a variety of city departments will be in attendance to give updates on upcoming CIP projects, CIP requests and will be available to answer questions the audience has. Clear Lake/Southeast Houston Monday, February 17, 2014 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. University of Houston – Clear Lake 2700 Bay Area Boulevard Houston, TX 77058 Kingwood Monday, February 24, 2014 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Kingwood Community Center 4102 Rustic Woods Drive Kingwood, TX 77345 For more information, please contact Council Member Martin’s office at 832.393.3008 or districte@houstontx.gov. Council Committee Assignments Announced Mayor Parker announced council committee assignments to city council members on January 13. Council Member Martin has been selected to chair the Budget and Fiscal Affairs Sub-Committee on Benefits. During upcoming meetings, Council Member Martin will lead discussions with his colleagues relating to pensions and benefits for all city employees. Additionally, he will serve as a member on the Ethics, Elections and Council Governance Committee as well as the Transportation, Technology and Infrastructure Committee. Council Member Martin lead his first Sub-Committee on Benefits meeting Tuesday, January 21, where a discussion of the selection process for the Third Party Administrator for City of Houston Combined Medical and Prescription Plans was discussed. Segal Consulting and representatives from the City of Houston Human Resources, Legal, Finance and Procurement Departments all contributed to this discussion as well as all City Council Members. To watch the committee meeting, please visit the city’s HTV website atwww.houstontx.gov/htv. Additionally, the public can find all future agendas posted on the City Secretary’s website atwww.houstontx.gov/citysec/committee. Riverpoint Village Development Update Riverpoint Village is a small single-family residential community located on Mills Branch Road between Kingwood Drive and Northpark Drive, near the Shadow Forest Elementary School. Riverpoint consists of 49 single-family lots with a typical width of 70 feet. Development of the lots was completed as of December 31, 2013. The home builder, Brighton Homes, has already purchased the first eight (8) lots from the developer and will begin construction of homes in January. Brighton projects that the homes will be 2500 to 4100 square feet with a price range of $275,000 to $375,000. Lake Houston Area Chamber of Commerce’s 2014 Gala Council Member Martin joined other Lake Houston Area Chamber of Commerce members on Thursday, January 23, to celebrate the successes of the past year and to ring in the new year at the 2014 Annual Chamber Gala. The 2013 Chairman of the Board, Louis G. Smith, Jr. of Memorial Hermann Northeast was honored for his time serving as chairman and for his exuded leadership while serving this role. Following his remarks, he formally passed the gavel onto the new 2014 Chairman, Dr. Katherine Persson from Lone Star College. As a member of the board, Council Member Martin thanks Mr. Smith and looks forward to working with Dr. Persson over the next year. Lake Houston Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Luncheon On Tuesday, January 21, Council Member Martin had the opportunity to attend the annual Lake Houston Area Chamber of Commerce’s Awards Luncheon held at the Nathaniel Center. During this year’s luncheon, the 2013 Haden McKay, MD Citizen of the Year Award was presented to Lynette Calfee of Sam Houston State University. The Haden McKay, MD Citizen of the Year Award recognizes selfless public service by an individual, performed by the recipient on his/her own time and not in the regular course of earning his/her living or advancing himself/herself professionally. Additionally, the Chamber presented the Spirit of the Chamber Award to Tom Broad for his commitment to the Chamber mission and goals. New this year, the Rising Star Award was presented to Connie Chandler, who is an up-and-coming member who has taken an active leadership role and dedicated herself to the chamber volunteerism over the past year. Council Member Martin had the opportunity to recognize each of these individuals as well with certificates of special recognition and thanked them not only for their service to the Chamber, but to the Lake Houston community as well. Family Time Gala   Each year, FamilyTime Crisis and Counseling Centers holds its Hearts of Gold Gala to recognize women who have made a difference in the community. At the annual reception, Women of Achievement awards are presented to honorees across a variety of categories including business, medicine, the arts and many more. On Saturday, January 25th, Council Member Martin had the privilege of attending this year’s event.  He congratulates the 2013 Women of Achievement who each exemplify what it means to be an outstanding role model in the community. Council Member Martin also commends FamilyTime for recognizing nearly 300 deserving women since 1990. Humble ISD Golf Classic It’s that time of the year again when Humble ISD hosts their 5th annual Golf Classic on Monday, February 17, 2014, at the Clubs of Kingwood. Sponsorships, teams and donation opportunities are available. If interested in participating, please visitwww.humbleisdgolf.com or Beth Davis atchairman.hisdgolf@gmail.com. Allfunds raised will go towards Humble ISD high school golf programs. Kingwood Community Center Programs The Kingwood Community Center is looking to grow and expand their list of programs and activities. If you have any suggestions as to what they should offer at the center, the staff is asking that you provide them with your input. Further, if you are interested in volunteering to assist with the organization and implementation of the Kingwood Community Center’s programs, please contact Justin Hagendorf at (281) 348-2570. Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce’s Governmental Affairs Luncheon Council Member Martin had the opportunity to speak to members of the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce’s Governmental Affairs Division during their luncheon on Wednesday, January 22. Council Member Martin gave a general overview of the city’s current budget and pension related issues, projects happening in his council district, initiatives he is working on with others in the community and fielded questions from members of the audience about a variety of different topics. Council Member Martin thanks the Government Affairs Committee Chair, Lisa Holbrook, for inviting him to speak. BAHEP Quasar Awards Banquet Every year, the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership hosts their annual Quasar Awards Banquet honoring an outstanding individual who has contributed greatly to the economic wealth and diversity of the Bay Area Houston region. Dr. Renu Khator, president of the University of Houston and Chancellor of the University of Houston System, was presented this year with the prestigious award. Dr. Khator was recognized for her work in guiding the University of Houston toward a Tier One status, for her support of the University of Houston – Clear Lake in transitioning to a four year university, among other accomplishments of the university. Council Member Martin attended the 21st annual ceremony and congratulates Dr. Khator for her tremendous work for university and its system. Meadowcreek Village Civic Club Meeting Members of the Meadowcreek Village Civic Club gathered on Thursday, January 9, to hear from Council Member Martin about ongoing projects and issues in the community and updates about the city. Residents of the neighborhood attended to listen to the council member and to take the opportunity to ask him questions. Council Member Martin thanks Meadowcreek Village Civic Club’s Government Affairs Liaison, Elizabeth Perez, for inviting him to address the residents. Save the Date: B.O.P.A. Event Scheduled in Clear Lake The city’s Solid Waste Management Department, in coordination with Council Member Martin’s office, has scheduled a Batteries, Oil, Paint and Antifreeze (BOPA) Recycling event in Clear Lake. The event will take place on Saturday, March 29, from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at the Ellington Airport Recycling Center. Volunteers will be on hand to collect these materials as well as large appliances. For more information, please visit the Solid Waste Management’s website atwww.houstonsolidwaste.org. Coast Guard Moves to Ellington Airport Council Member Martin welcomes the United States Coast Guard to Ellington Airport. The USCG is set to open their new $50 million, 117,000 square foot headquarters early next month and will employ more than 350 personnel. The United States Coast Guard is one of the five armed forces of the United States and the only military organization within the Department of Homeland Security. The USCG has safeguarded the nation’s maritime interests and environment since 1790 and has provided a unit of responsive and professional maritime professionals from across the country. Council Member Martin thanks each and every one of the men and women for their dedication and service to our country and looks forward to having the Houston-Galveston Sector Office at Ellington Airport. For more information, please visit the United States Coast Guard’s website at www.uscg.mil. Space Center Houston’s New Photo Exhibit Since the dawn of the Space Age, NASA has produced beautiful iconic photographic images. “NASA: Through Our Eyes,” a sampling of such photographs captured by JSC’s photographers and astronauts, is now at Space Center Houston through Feb 9. NASA’s astronauts have a unique perspective to capture photographs of unparalleled value. Every NASA center also staffs professional photographers who help record NASA’s history. Johnson Space Center’s team of photographers relies not only on the talented eyes behind the lens, but on the entire creative team of photo shop and lab personnel that process and produce each image the public sees. The images on display include those of the first photographs captured at the Johnson Space Center by JSC’s “first photographer,” Andrew “Pat” Patnesky, astronaut Don Pettit’s star swirls, and photographs both past and present of the various projects JSC’s Multimedia Services Group supports. Many of the photographs also provide a glimpse into how the images were captured. This limited engagement exhibit runs through Feb 9 and is included with paid admission to Space Center Houston. For more information or to purchase tickets, go to www.spacecenter.org. NASA Accomplishments in 2013 Last year brought many memorable moments to NASA – Johnson Space Center, which are highlighted in an exciting new video that has been produced to showcase some of these accomplishments. The video focuses on innovative research being conducted by crews on the International Space Station; educational outreach activities which have inspired interest in STEM fields in schools across America; milestones in the Orion and Commercial Crew Programs, as well as Commercial Orbital Transportation Services; advancements in technology with Morpheus and Robonaut; training for future human space exploration projects, such as the proposed asteroid retrieval mission; zero-G flights with Microgravity University; and more! To get a glimpse into the amazing innovation, exploration and outreach occurring at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, view the video yourself at www.youtube.com/watch?v=YjkA1oBf6AM. Golden Fork Awards Gala On Saturday, January 25th, Council Member Martin had the pleasure of attending the Greater Houston Restaurant Association’s inaugural Golden Fork Awards Gala. The event, honoring six local restaurants and a number of Houston’s best restaurateurs, featured live entertainment, a silent auction, a charity raffle and, of course, a menu filled with great food. The Council Member extends his congratulations to all of the recognized eateries and culinary professionals in the greater Houston area and thanks the sponsors as well as the GHRA for making the gala possible. Air Land and Sea Event On January 29, Council Member Martin joined his council colleagues in honoring Mayor Parker for her vision in appointing Latino leadership in transportation. Mario Diaz, Director of Aviation with the Houston Airport System; Gilbert Garcia, Chairman, Metropolitan Transit Authority; and Janiece Longoria, Chairman, Port of Houston Authority were recognized for leading the way in air, land and sea transportation throughout the greater Houston area. Council Member Martin thanks them for their continued leadership and looks forward to working with them, particularly for projects in District E, over his first term. ACRP Breakfast The Association of Commercial Real Estate Professionals (ACRP) held their monthly general meeting the morning of Thursday, January 30, at the Houston Country Club. Council Member Martin attended and heard Mark Cover, CEO of the Southwest Region and Mexico/Central American with Hines, a privately owned real estate firm, speak. Mr. Cover gave an overview of the healthy Houston market as it stands today.

Houston Arts Alliance Elected Officials Reception   Last month, Council Member Martin joined his City Council colleagues as well as other elected officials throughout local governments for the Houston Arts Alliance Elected Officials Reception. Mayor Parker was the featured speaker and set forth her priorities for the arts during her third term as Houston’s Mayor. Council Member Martin looks forward to working with HAA’s president, Jonathan Glus, and his team during his term on City Council and thanks him for the invitation to the well attended event. Flu Season The flu is currently widespread in the Harris County/Houston area. With that in mind, Harris County Public Health and Environmental Services (HCPHES) and the City of Houston Department of Health and Human Services are offering information to help protect you from the flu.   In the United States flu activity typically peaks in January or February, but it can actually continue to occur as late as May. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccine each year – it’s not too late!   Every flu season is different, and the flu can affect each person differently.  Even healthy people can get very sick from the flu and spread it to others.  Thankfully, there are things we can do to protect ourselves, our loved ones, and our community. Everyone can contribute to the health and safety of our community. No action is too small.   More information on flu is available at the HCPHES and  Centers for Disease Control websites. Free Flu Shots for Children   The Houston Fire Department (HFD) and the Care Van program will be offering FREE flu shots for children. Flu vaccines are in short supply so this may be the last opportunity to protect your family from the flu.   Saturday February 1, 2014 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. HFD’s Val Jahnke Training Facility 8030 Braniff, Houston Texas 77061 ACCEPTING ONLY: If you are a Medicaid/Medicare client If you have no insurance No CHIP clients or those with insurance will be accepted. Parents or legal guardians must accompany their children. Immunization records are not necessary. For more information including a map to the Val Jahnke Training Facility, please click on the link: www.houstontx.gov/citizensnet/2014flushots-english.pdf http://www.houstontx.gov/citizensnet/2014flushots-spanish.pdf For additional information, please contact the Houston Fire Department Public Affairs Division at paul.box@houstontx.gov or 832.394.6636. Upcoming Events    Please refer to Council Martin’s District E website for location, time and more event details. Email the District E office if you would like us to include your upcoming event in future newsletters!  City Wides February 1 Houston Police Department’s City Wide Town Hall Meeting   February 1 – 28 “Scouts Month” at the Houston Children’s Museum (Each scout visiting the museum in uniform will receive $2 off general admission)    Kingwood February 1 22nd Annual YMCA Bridgefest February 6 Kingwood Service Association’s Parks Meeting February 12 Kingwood Service Association’s Public Safety Meeting February 18 Lake Houston Area Chamber of Commerce’s Third Tuesday Economic Outlook Luncheon February 18 Kingwood PIP Meeting February 20 Lake Houston Area Chamber of Commerce’s Business After Hours   February 21 Kingwood Area Republican Women’s Club Mardi Gras Event     February 24 Kingwood Town Hall/Capital Improvement Project Meeting    Southeast Houston/Clear Lake February 6 Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce’s Epicurean Evening February 12 Meet the Texas House District 129 Candidates Forum presented by the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership and the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce February 18 Clear Lake/Southeast Houston PIP Meeting February 26 Bay Area Republican Women’s Club meeting February 26 Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce’s General Membership Luncheon February 27 Bay Area Alliance General Membership Meeting March 1 Bay Area Alliance Crazy Krewe Run

Dave Martin

District E  Contact:

900 Bagby

First Floor

Houston, TX 77002

17629 El Camino Real

Suite 415

Houston, TX 77058

Office: (832) 393-3008

Fax: (832) 393-3279

districte@houstontx.gov

Allie Smart

Chief of Staff

Lauren Laake

Deputy Chief of Staff

The Houston Fire Department (HFD) and the Care Van program will be offering
FREE flu shots for children. Flu vaccines are in short supply so this may be
the last opportunity to protect your family from the flu.

Saturday
February 1, 2014
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
HFD’s Val Jahnke Training Facility
8030 Braniff, Houston Texas 77061

ACCEPTING ONLY:
If you are a Medicaid/Medicare client
If you have no insurance

Sorry but NO CHIP clients or those with insurance will be accepted

Immunization records are not necessary.

Parents or legal guardians must accompany their children

For more information including a map to the Val Jahnke Training Facility, please click on the link:

http://www.houstontx.gov/citizensnet/2014flushots-english.pdf

http://www.houstontx.gov/citizensnet/2014flushots-spanish.pdf

For additional information contact Paul Box at the
Houston Fire Department Public Affairs Division
at paul.box@houstontx.gov or 832.394.6636

November  is Tree Waste not junk!

There will be a ride a long so please make sure your property is free of debris.

This month is Tree Waste – do not put your waste at the curb till the Fri before or you will be reported.

Thank you  for your participation

National Night Out
Tuesday, October 1, 2013

Join the Houston Police Department (HPD) at the 30th Annual National Night Out on Tuesday, October 1, 2013. This is an opportunity to get out and meet your neighbors, as well as interact with HPD officers to discuss crime concerns in your community. Additionally, Houston Mayor Annise Parker and Police Chief Charles A. McClelland Jr. will visit several communities.

Take advantage of this opportunity to meet the officers who patrol your neighborhoods and help strengthen police and community relations. Thousands of citizens in neighborhoods all over the city are expected to step out of their homes to meet their neighbors and renew their commitment to public safety.

Civic leaders and citizens interested in scheduling an event, finding their area coordinator or seeking more information on National Night Out, should visit  http://www.houstontx.gov/police/chief/nno13/NNO13.pdf or call 713.308.3200.

To learn more about HPD, visit http://www.houstonpolice.org/.