District J Journal – November 6, 2012

A Prayer for Veterans Day   

“Almighty God, we commend to your gracious care and keeping all the men and women of our armed forces at home and abroad.  Defend them day by day with your heavenly grace; strengthen them in their trials and temptations; give them courage to face the perils which beset them; and grant them a sense of your abiding presence wherever they may be.  Amen”*

As we line up at the ballot box today, let us pause to remember all the men and women of our armed forces who have fought to defend our freedom to vote and all the citizens who have fought for our right to vote throughout our history.  

– Mike Laster, Council Member – District J     

*A prayer for those in the Armed Forces of our Country (modified)

Election Day is TODAY

Please visit www.harrisvotes.org to look up your assigned Election Day voting location, ballot, hours of operation, and other voting information.   

Veterans Day is Sunday, November 11  

On Sunday, November 11, 2012, the City of Houston will show support of our Armed Forces as we celebrate the 13th Annual Houston Salutes American Heroes Veterans Day Celebration.

We wish to extend a special invitation for you to participate in the parade by entering your marching unit, band, military vehicle or float.

For more information on the parade, please click here.    

BARC Adoptions Specials for November

November is “Adopt a Senior Pet Month”. BARC is offering reduced adoption fees of $20 for all dogs 2 years and older plus $5 felines all month! Come and give an older pet a chance at a forever home-they have so much love to give!

Click here to learn more about BARC, how to adopt, how to volunteer, animal licensing, the feral cat TNR program, and BARC’s vaccination program.    

Tennis Hall of Fame Honors Houston Hero Lee LeClear 

The United States Tennis Association of Texas and the Texas Tennis Museum and Hall of Fame recently announced inductees for the Class of 2012, including local Tennis Hero George Clarence “Lee” LeClear.  Mr. LeClear was a long-time Houston Tennis Teaching Pro after whom the Lee LeClear Tennis Center in District J is named.    

According to his wife Patti LeClear, Mr. LeClear “started his tennis teaching career in Corpus Christi where he met and worked with the H. E. Butt family. Through this contact Lee was then able to secure an Assistant Pro position at the River Oaks Country Club in Houston. While at River Oaks, Lee had the opportunity to meet George Mitchell. George sought out Lee for a job with the Houston Parks and Recreation Department when the second public tennis center in Houston was to be opened. Lee managed and was the Head Pro at MacGregor Park Tennis Center from the early 60’s until 1972 when he opened, managed and was Head Pro at the third tennis facility, The Southwest Tennis Center. During his time at MacGregor Park, Lee also coached the U of H tennis team, Junior Davis Cup and with the help of President George H. W. Bush, sponsored the first Junior Tennis Tournament in Texas. Lee retired after 30 years of service with the Houston Parks & Recreation Department in 1992. Lee was also a charter member of the

November is American Diabetes Month 

The American Diabetes Association is raising awareness of diabetes this November through American Diabetes Month.  Some diabetes facts: 

• Nearly 26 million children and adults in the United States have diabetes.
• Another 79 million Americans have prediabetes and are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes.
• The American Diabetes Association estimates that the total national cost of diagnosed diabetes in the United States is $174 billion.
• Two out of three people with diabetes die from heart disease or stroke.
• Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure.
• Diabetes is the leading cause of new cases of blindness among adults.
• The rate of amputation for people with diabetes is 10 times higher than for people without diabetes.
• About 60-70 percent of people with diabetes have mild to severe forms of nerve damage that could result in pain in the feet or hands, slowed digestion, and other nerve problems.

American Diabetes Month takes place each November and is a time to come together as a community to Stop Diabetes®!  We encourage District J residents to learn more about diabetes prevention and treatment.    

District J Spotlight:  Recycling Centers 

Houston is a green city, and District J is proud to have 2 recycling centers within its boundaries to accept recyclable items at no additional cost to City of Houston residents.   

The Southwest Neighborhood Depository/Recycling Center  accepts junk waste, tree waste and recyclables. Citizens may use the depository four (4) times per month.  Citizens are encouraged to arrive at least 30 minutes before closing to allow adequate time to unload.  Each user must provide the following as proof of residency:

• Texas Driver’s License or ID and
• A current utility bill or city property tax receipt

The Westpark Consumer Recycling Center is a drive-through facility where citizens of Houston can drop off their recyclables.  Currently, more than 11,000 citizens per month bring their recyclables to the center.

For hours of operation and a complete list of what recyclables each facility accepts, please visit their web pages, linked above.