Citizens' Environmental Coalition
Houston Environmental News Update January 25, 2017
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Upcoming Events
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Visit the CEC calendar at www.cechouston.org for more info. Please check with the event host for more information, such as holiday- or weather-related cancellations.
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| Wed., 1/25/7
Thu., 1/26/17
Fri., 1/27/17
Sat., 1/28/17
Sun., 1/29/17
Mon., 1/30/17
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Many members of our environmental community have found the past week tumultuous, to say the least. Now, more than ever, it is important to connect with our environmental community to mourn what has been lost and to come together to address the challenges that face us. Know that you are not alone.
Please come together with hundreds of other environmentalists at the Wild & Scenic Film Festival on Tour tonight and tomorrow. See amazing films from around the world, and meet local environmental heroes who are making a difference in our own back yard. Be inspired!
Tickets will be available at the door.
We are gathering informally each night before the festival to visit and eat dinner starting at 5:30 pm at the California Pizza Kitchen on West Gray. Mention you are with CEC and CPK will donate to the CEC!
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Terry Hershey, CEC Founder, dies at 94
The Citizens' Environmental Coalition is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Terry Hershey, the main force behind the founding of the CEC more than 45 years ago. We are deeply indebted to Terry's many efforts on behalf of the CEC and will miss her devotion to the environment. The Houston Chronicle's Kim McGuire has written a wonderful profile of Terry, which can be read at
Chron.com (photo by Johnny Hanson).
Hear a few words from Terry Hersehy and be inspired by her and several other environmental heroes, watch this short video from the Texas Legacy Project. To be inspired by the next generation of environmental leaders, please join us at the Wild & Scenic Film Festival On Tour. Buy tickets now at
https://cecfilmfest2017.eventbrite.com or at the door at the River Oaks Theatre.
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Wild & Scenic Film Festival on Tour January 25 & 26, 2017
Building upon our wildly successful 2016 showing*, the Citizens' Environmental Coalition is proud to bring the Wild & Scenic Film Festival on Tour, one of the largest environmental film festivals in North America, back to Houston for two nights: January 25 & 26, 2017!
We invite you to join us at the 2017 W&SFF to be held at the historic River Oaks Theatre, where up to 450 patrons each night will enjoy about ten short films each night highlighting the latest environmental issues. We have selected films that showcase the links between beauty, environment, adventure, quality of life, and action.
We are excited to announce the local films that will be featured this year.
 On
Tuesday, January 25, 2017, we will show two films. One film, by Bike Houston, is a request for support of the proposed
Houston Bike Plan, which will likely be considered by the Houston City Council this February. Bike Houston will be there to collect support for the proposal.
 The second film,
Swallows, is from the Armand Bayou Nature Center's Bayou City Eco-Almanac video series. It was produced with help from students at the University of Houston--Clear Lake, home to the Environmental Institute of Houston.
On
Thursday, January 26, 2017, we will be showing
Jackie's River, a Furr Environmental Communications Academy Production, which was produced by students at HISD's Furr High School. It tells the story of activist Jackie Young and her family, and their relationship with the San Jacinto River Waste Pits Superfund Site. The site is located just east of Houston, near Highlands, where I-10 crosses the San Jacinto River. The site is possibly the largest source of dioxin contamination in the San Jacinto River, Ship Channel, and Galveston Bay.
CEC is using this festival to tell local environmental stories, highlight the work of CEC's member organizations, and to inspire our residents and visitors to make a difference in our environment and quality of life. CEC is working to connect individuals and organizations to create a stronger Gulf Coast environmental community.
Thank You to Our Promotional Partners and Door Prize Sponsors:
- Bike Houston
- EarthShare of Texas
- Buffalo Bayou Partnership
- Armand Bayou Nature Center
- Big Thicket Association
- American Lung Association
- Urban Harvest
- Texas Campaign for the Environment
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Eddie V. Gray Wetlands Center
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Baytown Nature Center
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Bayou Preservation Association
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Houston Audubon
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Houston Canoe Club
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Coalition Notes
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Seed Cleaning Party
Join Houston Native Prairies Association on
Jan. 25, 2017, 6:30- 8:30pm, at the Cherie Flores Garden Pavilion at Herman Park. Volunteers will clean and packet seeds, and learn about the plants native to Texas. Pizza provided. Please RSVP to
[email protected].
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Composting & Zero Waste Tour
Council member Jerry Davis will be joining Zero Waste Houston on
Jan. 26, 2017, for a tour of a composting facility in Houston's Fifth Ward, Farm Dirt Compost LLC. Join us as we learn about the economic, health, and environmental benefits of keeping food and organic waste out of landfills. There will be a tour of Farm Dirt followed by a conversation about the future of "zero waste" in Houston. Learn more and RSVP on the
facebook event page, or visit
texasenvironment.org.
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 Chinese Tallow Removal Day
Join Bayou Land Conservancy on
Jan. 27, 2017, 9am - 4pm. Volunteers will help remove invasive Chinese tallow trees. Bring a chainsaw or mechanical saw if you own one! Volunteers can help out for as long as they are able. Be sure to pack a lunch if you are able to stay all day.
Register at
bayoulandconservancy.org
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Field Trip: Addicks Reservoir
Join Houston Arboretum on
Jan. 28, 2017, 7:30 -11:30am, for a guided bird watching experience. Bring water, snacks, and dress comfortably for the weather. Registration is limited so sign up early! Register at
houstonarboretum.org.
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X-Change:EaDo Crossroads
Join Rice Design Alliance on Jan. 28, 2017, 9 am - 6 pm, at Rice University. This event will feature multidisciplinary teams of creative minds to take their talents to the streets to find cost-effective design solutions. The winning team will receive a $500 prize. Register at
ricedesignalliance.org.
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Cocoa and Constellations
Jan. 28, 2017, 4:00pm join Katy Prairie Conservancy to sip holiday cocoa and marvel at the vast, illuminated night skies at Indiangrass Preserve. The Fort Bend Astronomy Club will provide multiple indoor presentations throughout the event, telescopes for solar viewing in the late afternoon, and night sky viewing after dark. We will observe the sun, the sunset, far away constellations, galaxies, and more! For this special event, KPC will also provide the opportunity for solar viewing before sunset. For those that wish to come to both, you will have the opportunity to take in one of our spectacular prairie sunsets while waiting for nighttime viewing. Learn more and register at www.katyprairie.org.
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Trees and Stars Winter Celebration
Join the Houston Arboretum for its annual winter celebration,
Jan. 28, 2017, 6:30 - 9:30pm. Light bites and libations will be served. A hike through the woods, and telescopes will be provided for by the Houston Astronomical Society. Wear clothing and shoes comfortable for the outdoors. Register at
houstonarboretum.org.
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Exploration Green Conservancy Town Hall Meeting
Tue
Jan. 31, 2017, Exploration Green Conservancy will host a Town Hall meeting at Clear Lake United Methodist Church at 7 pm in the Wesley Center, located at 16335 El Camino Real. The community is invited to hear from Exploration Green Conservancy and Clear Lake City Water Authority about near and long term plans for the development of Exploration Green. Topics will include updates on conservation and landscaping activity, wetlands development, hike-and-bike trails and fundraising. Guests will have the opportunity to participate in a Q&A and to explore volunteer opportunities. For more information, visit
Exploration Green Conservancy or call 281-317-7535.
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Air Alliance Houston Earth Day Contest
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Deadline Approaching!
Do you have an artistic student in your life? Deadline for Submission is
Jan. 31, 2017. Encourage them to submit to the annual Air Alliance Houston Art Contest, done in partnership with Skyline Art Services. Artwork must show what students imagine when they think of clean air, water and land. Winning arts will be displayed at an art gala, and proceeds will benefit that student's school. Visit
airalliancehouston.org for full rules and submission instructions.
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Vegan for Life Activist Training
This Saturday, Jan 28, 2017, two local activists will share their knowledge of effective actions in the community room of Central Market. First, Houston
350.org leader Sandra Spears will briefly talk about their use of freeway bridge banners to spread the message of climate change. Then long-time vegan activist and civil rights lawyer Jerry Friedman will give a presentation called "You Have the Right!". This presentation is for you if you ever take to the streets for a good cause. Learn the legal subtleties of protesting and other modes of public outreach as well as how to interact, or not, with law enforcement officers and hostile civilians. After the presentation, many of us with spend time on the Central Market patio for some casual socializing. Learn more and
RSVP on facebook.
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F
u
ll World: Houston's
Economic and Ecologic Future
Former CEC Board Member, notable environmental attorney, and poet Jim Blackburn is teaching a short course through Rice Continuing Studies on the ecological and economic future of the City of Houston. The course will be held on eight Wednesdays between
March 1 and
April 19, 2017. Learn more about this not-to-be-missed class by
downloading the flyer.
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| Saving Planet Houston Saving Planet Houston is a first of its kind course which explores local conservation efforts in a globalized context. The series will consist of three weekday evening classes and a Saturday field trip - sign up for a few classes or the whole series. Class participants will learn from local experts about the historic, current, and projected status of ecosystems and wildlife in the Greater Houston Region, discover the connections between local ecosystems and Houston's economic and cultural development, and explore how local groups are working to safeguard wildlife diversity. The three-class, evening series starts on Feb. 8, 2017, and ends with an optional field trip. Learn more at and register at houstonarboretum.org |
Free Fourth Grade Field Trips!
Are you a 4th grade teacher and want to get your kids outdoors, but the school lacks funds for field trips? Every Kid in a Park in the Houston area is offering FREE transportation for nature-based learning opportunities. Learn more at
www.hereinhouston.org. Participating CEC member organizations include
Buffalo Bayou Partnership,
HPARD, Galveston Bay Foundation,
Greens Bayou Coalition,
Houston Arboretum & Nature Center,
Houston Audubon,
Houston Zoo,
Katy Prairie Conservancy,
Nature Discovery Center, and
1/26/16
Sheldon Lake State Park.
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Native Plant Propagation Workshop
Learn from local native plant propagation experts Flo Hannah & Tom Solomon, on Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2017, at 6:30 pm. To register for this event, hosted by Houston Parks & Recreation Department's Natural Resources Management Program, email [email protected].
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Full World: Houston's Economic and Ecologic Future
Former CEC Board Member, notable environmental attorney, and poet Jim Blackburn is teaching a short course through Rice Continuing Studies on the ecological and economic future of the City of Houston. The course will be held on eight Wednesdays between March 1 and April 19 2017. Learn more about this not-to-be-missed class by
downloading the flyer
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Spring Creek Greenway Ambassador Training Registration
Volunteers needed year round to maintain the trails. You will receive wetland education, access points of Greenway, recognition of invasive species, and much more! Training is 5 weeks starting on Mar. 30, 2017. Visit
bayoulandconservancy.org for more information and to register.
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Houston Philanthropic Society Networking Mixer.
Join us for a networking mixer on Wed
Jan. 25, 2017, 5:30-7:30
Jack Meier Gallery 2310 Bissonnet.
RSVP HERE. We are delighted to host The Thread Alliance. Hear from Founder, Sheila Aron. All charity reps, donors, volunteers and non-profit minded individuals are invited! Bring a friend.
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How to Meet with Elected Officials
Engaging with elected officials is an important way to build relationships with them and ultimately hold them accountable. Are you meeting with an elected official soon? Attend this training to make to help you get what you want out of your meetings. This training, hosted by the Texas Organizing Project, is Wednesday
Jan. 25, 2017, 7:00 to 8:30pm. Learn more--and check for possible weather-related postponement--on the
Facebook Event Page.
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Net Impact Houston Happy Hour
Save the date for the next Net Impact Houston Happy Hour - Link to the event on the
home page and
Facebook.
Thursday Jan. 26, 2017, 5:30- 8:30 pm
Okra Charity Saloon 924 Congress, Houston, TX 77002.
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Bear Creek Fruit Tree Sale and Symposium.
Join Texas A&M Agrilife Extension and Harris County Master Gardener for their annual fruit tree sale, Jan. 28, 2017, 9 am - 1 pm. Download a flyer from
hcmga.tamu.edu
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Sunday Evening Conversations on Creation
Christ the King Lutheran Church invites you to a web meeting
Jan. 29, 2017, 6 pm. Professor Melissa Anne Sutter from Baylor College of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, will discuss the vital connections that exist between humans and micro-organisms. Learn more at
ctkelc.org.
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Houstainable Clean Drinks
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WEBINAR: Restoring the Carbon Balance: The Technologies
Join this Webinar Feb. 1, 2017, 12:00 -1:30 CST. Listen to a panel of experts discuss the capacity of the Earth's atmosphere to hold excess carbon, how NET technologies are still being researched and developed to become commercialized, and the necessity for public policy. To access the webinar, register here. |
Clear Creek Clean-ups
The 18th Annual Clear Creek Clean-Up, hosted by the Clear Creek Environmental Foundation, will be on
Feb. 11, 2017. Between now and then, CCFC will be hosting weekly pre-cleanups starting Jan. 7 & 8, 2017.
http://clearcreekcleanup.org/
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Wildlife Conservation Safari
Africa 360 has organized a safari to South Africa and Zimbabwe in June and July 2017. The group will have VIP access to one-of-a-kind conservation events, including collaring an elephant with a field vet team, tracking african wild dogs with Painted Dog Conservation (PDC), notching a Rhino with Rhinos Without Borders, conducting citizen science rhino research with Earthwatch, and visiting Victoria Falls (Wonder of the World).
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Through Feb 14 2017
Comment on Sea TurtleConservation &Shrimp Trawling Requirements.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is proposing to withdraw the alternative tow time restriction and require all skimmer trawls, pusher-head trawls, and wing nets (butterfly trawls) rigged for fishing-with the exception of vessels participating in the Biscayne Bay wing net fishery prosecuted in Miami-Dade County, Florida-to use turtle excluder devices (TEDs) designed to exclude small turtles in their nets. The intent of this proposed rule is to reduce incidental bycatch and mortality of sea turtles in the southeastern U.S. shrimp fisheries, and to aid in the protection and recovery of listed sea turtle populations. We also are proposing to amend the definition of tow times to better clarify the intent and purpose of tow times to reduce sea turtle mortality, and to refine additional portions of the TED requirements to avoid potential confusion. Learn more about the comment opportunity at federalregister.gov.
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TV: Texas Parks & Wildlife
Broadcast on KUHT Channel 8 at 3:00pm each Saturday and on municipal access cable channels in Baytown, Deer Park,
Houston, Texas City, Galveston, Nassau Bay, Pasadena, Seabrook, Sugar Land, and on
HCC TV. More info on the
TPWD website (* indicates a segment about the Houston area). For a preview, visit
TPWD's YouTube Page.
- Hatching Fish: The Dundee Fish Hatchery is back in business after shutting down due to drought.
- Seeking Squirrels: Join a father and his daughter as they hunt squirrels in east Texas.
- River Reclamation: Some central Texas citizens help restore damaged habitat along the Colorado River.
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Additional Upcoming Events
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NEW! Artist Boat seeks Stewardship Program Manager
Posted on Jan. 18, 2017
The Habitat and Stewardship Program Manager is a senior level position and is primarily responsible for fostering, designing, managing, maintaining, and growing Artist Boat's Coastal Heritage Preserve (600 acre preserve with a potential growth to 1,400 acres), Habitat Restoration Adventure Program, on-campus NativeScaping Program, and newly forming volunteer stewardship and volunteer program at the Coastal Heritage Preserve. A large focus of this program is on land management and restoration of the Coastal Heritage Preserve, maintaining and fostering partnerships with a variety of entities to develop and implement habitat management and public access plans at the Coastal Heritage Preserve, restoring habitats on barrier islands and Galveston Bay, and bringing K-Grey learners to the coastal environment for stewardship experiences. The goal of the Habitat and Stewardship Program is to deliver place-based and experiential learning to K-Grey learners and partners in order to build a stewardship ethic that results in restored, enhanced, and conserved lands that benefit the public and the wildlife in the coastal zone. Download the full job description at
www.artistboat.org.
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NEW! Environmental Defense Fund seeks Air Quality Manager
Posted on Jan. 12, 2017
The Manager will be responsible for media and outreach efforts of a broad coalition of air academic and NGO partners in the Houston Area. Graduate degree, or equivalent work experience, in marketing, public policy, public health, or business. Project and people management skills, strategic ability, management of coalition groups, and experience working with a political or advocacy group required. Bilingual in Spanish and established network of media and community contacts in the Houston area preferred. Visit
edf.org/jobs for a full list of responsibilities and requirements, and instructions on how to apply.
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Galveston Bay seeks Events Manager
Posted on Jan. 4, 2017
This full-time Events Manager will plan and fundraise for all GBF events. The Events Manager will serve as the primary fundraiser for
Bike Around the Bay and will plan and fundraise for several other GBF events. Applicants should have a minimum of three years of experience in development/fundraising and event planning/management as well as experience with peer-to-peer fundraising and Blackbaud Raiser's Edge or Luminate. For a full list of primary duties and qualifications, please visit
galvbay.org. To apply, email resume and cover letter to
[email protected] by January 30, 2017; please reference the position title in the subject line.
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Galveston Bay Foundation seeks Environmental Education Operations Manager
Posted on Dec. 29, 2016
This new, full-time senior-level position was created to help lead GBF's environmental education program into an exciting phase of growth and expansion associated with our development of several new GBF education centers. The position is specifically responsible for advancement and operational functions of the program, such as visioning, planning, development, communications, fundraising, and budgeting. The position works alongside our existing Environmental Education Programs Manager in ensuring GBF environmental education programs are current and effective and progress us towards the overall program goal of cultivating lifelong stewards of Galveston Bay. A degree in education, environmental/natural/aquatic sciences, or a related field and a minimum of five years of professional experience in environmental education are required. For a full list of job duties and qualifications, please see the job description posted at
http://galvbay.org/about/about-us/work-for-gbf/. To apply, email resume and cover letter to
[email protected] by January 25, 2017; please reference the position title in the subject line.
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Texas Parks & Wildlife seeks VISTA Volunteer
Posted on Dec. 28, 2016
The VISTA Member will work a year at the Sheldon Lake State Park in Houston TX, from March 30, 2017 - March 19, 2018. Duties of the VISTA Member include expanding outreach to underrepresented communities, growing the park's volunteer programme, develop a service learning programme, and foster partnerships with organizations that assist low-income and at risk youth. Please visit
my.americorps.gov for full description and details of becoming a VISTA Member.
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The Greens Bayou Corridor Coalition is a 501 (c) 3 Non-Profit Corporation that serves a geographic area of 212 square miles and more than 500,000 stakeholders in Harris County, TX. The mission of the Coalition is to advocate for flood mitigation, and promote the development of quality-of-life amenities, such as parks and trails. The Executive Director is the primary advocate for the organization and has the lead responsibility for fundraising, stakeholder development, hiring and supervising staff, budget development and carrying out the direction set by the Coalition's board of directors. The Executive Director manages the staff and the work of the Coalition's volunteer-led committees and reports to the twenty-five member board of directors. The position requires a high-level of maturity, political savvy and an ability to work with a diverse group of stakeholders across the Coalition's watershed.
Visit
greensbayou.org for full job description.
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Woods Project Seeks Program Manager
Posted on Dec. 23, 2016
The Program Manger is responsible for all aspects of the club programs at school and partner organizations, as well as various duties related to weekend campus trips, summer programs, and gear management. Qualified candidates will have 1-2 years of experience working with high school youth such as summer camps, nature centers, parks, or schools, LOVES being outdoors and in nature, be able and willing to earn the trust of a diverse group of underserved youth. Must be adaptable, collaborative, and be a self-starter and leader. Ability to speak Spanish a plus. For full list of job responsibilities and requirement, please visit
thewoodsproject.org
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Environment Texas Seeks Clean Water and Air Advocate
Posted on Dec. 7, 2016
This position is based in Austin, TX. Responsibilities include campaign coordination, coalition building, grassroot mobilization, utilizing media across internet and traditional platforms to increase visibility and awarness, and fundraising. Visit
jobs.environmentamerica.org for a full job description, and instructions on how to apply.
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ABOUT THIS PUBLICATION
This weekly update is brought to you by the Citizens' Environmental Coalition, established as a 501(c)3 in 1971. CEC is a coalition of over 100 environmental organizations dedicated to fostering dialogue, education, and collaboration on environmental issues in the Houston / Gulf Coast region. Visit the CEC online at www.cechouston.org.
Do you know of something great going on? News? Events? Accomplishments? Jobs? Let us know! Send submittals to [email protected]. If possible, send information by Friday for inclusion the following Tuesday. We especially like short paragraphs, catchy titles, third person, and links to more information, but we will work with whatever you send us. Calendar items can be submitted up to two years in advance. We are always looking for volunteers to help keep our calendar up to date.
Sincerely,
Rachel Powers, Executive Director
Stephanie Hernandez, Assistant Newsletter Editor
www.facebook.com/cecHouston |
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EarthShare Texas
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www.earthshare-texas.org.
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