Congratulations Mayfair Park!

50/50 Park Partners Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Have you been to Mayfair Park neighborhood park lately? If so, you have seen what over $950,000 in improvements look like!

Vice Mayor Pro Tem Martha Castex-Tatum welcomed Mayfair Park Civic Club President Marilu Ballow, and other distinguished guests and partners, during the ribbon cutting ceremony to unveil the improved park space. Upgrades include a new shaded playground unit designed for children aged 2 to 5 years, as well as new swings.

The park has improved lighting, new walkways and a detention area has been incorporated to enhance drainage and prevent water accumulation. Residents will enjoy the new park benches, picnic tables, grill, trash cans, and drinking fountains for everyone's convenience.

Thanks to the 50/50 Park Partners, Kraftsman construction firm, Talley Landscape Architects, Inc., Houston Parks and Recreation, and the Fort Bend Houston Community for helping to make Mayfair Park a beautiful, green and safe space for families to enjoy!

Brandi Harleaux Day in The City of Houston

Vice Mayor Pro Tem Martha Castex-Tatum proudly presented a proclamation to Brandi Harleaux, CEO of South Post Oak Recycling Center, on July 26, 2023. Brandi Harleaux was recognized for being named the 2023 Small Business Person of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration. Earlier this year Brandi Harleaux was recognized by President Biden and Vice President Harris for her accomplishments.

Recycling is so important to our communities and we look forward to continued work and partnership with businesses like South Post Oak Recycling Center, located at 14600 S. Post Oak Rd. in District K!

HPD Southwest Command Station Renamed to Honor Sergeant Harold L. Preston

Vice Mayor Pro Tem Martha Castex-Tatum was honored to welcome the Preston family and guests to the ribbon cutting ceremony and the official renaming of the Southwest Houston Police Station to the Harold L. Preston Southwest Police Station. Sergeant Preston tragically lost his life in the line of duty responding to a domestic violence call. He dedicated 41 years of service to the City of Houston in his assignments at the HPD North Patrol, Northeast Patrol, Jail Divisions, and the Southwest Patrol Division. The renaming of the police station is a fitting tribute to his legacy of stellar service to our great city.

Update on the Dr. Shannon Walker Neighborhood Library

The Dr. Shannon Walker Neighborhood Library, located at 5505 Belrose Drive, is expected to open this fall! To prepare for an efficient opening of our new library, the Houston Public Library will close the Morris Frank Express location on August 31, 2023.

Residents can visit nearby library locations in the interim at:

• Walter Neighborhood Library, 7660 Clarewood Dr.; 3.4 miles distance
• HPL Southwest Express Library, 6400 High Star Dr.; 3.9 miles distance
• McGovern-Stella Link Regional Library, 7405 Stella Link Rd.; 5.8 miles distance

We are moving closer to the opening of our state of the art, new library in District K!

For more information visit: Houston Public Library

Billy Reagan K-8 Park is District K's

Latest SPARK Park

The collaborative efforts and funding for the SPARK Park installed at Billy Reagan K-8 Educational Center made for many happy and smiling kids! Vice Mayor Pro Tem Martha Castex-Tatum, along with several other notable donors, parents, students, teachers, and volunteers, realized the need for a school and community park and went to work and provided funding. We are very proud of the newest Spark Park in District K.

Lone Star Recreation, the contractor for the construction of the park, designed a beautiful, inviting play haven for kids to enjoy for years! Check out Billy Reagan K-8 SPARK Park featured on their web page: Lone Star Recreation.

More Sidewalk Repairs in Briargate

Residents in the Briargate community in Fort Bend Houston will have improved sidewalks along 15914 to 15918 Logan Rock Road. Construction began late July 2023 and is expected to be completed August 2023.

We are looking forward to these safety improvements!

Also, in the Briargate community, residents along the east side of Stiller Street to Pinwood will soon have their sidewalks replaced and ADA ramps installed. Construction will bein August 28, 2023, and is expected to be completed September 2023.

Sidewalk Repair in Corinthian Pointe

Several sidewalks in Corinthian Pointe are in need of repair. The Mayor's Office of People with Disabilities is a great avenue to ensure our residents have safe sidewalks to travel on. The sidewalk at 5642 Eagle Landing will get a much needed replacement. Construction begins this month, August 2023, and is expected to be complete by September 2023.

We are looking forward to a safer leveled walk path in this area!

Traffic Mitigation in Maplewood West

The Maplewood West community will soon have their privately co-funded Neighborhood Traffic Management Program (NTMP) devices. After conducting surveys of the residents with the majority in favor, construction of the speed cushions are in progress and are expected to be completed by September 2023.

Slowing traffic down in our neighborhoods is important to keep residents safe as they are walking and biking around the neighborhood. Let's all commit to leaving a little earlier and slowing down as we drive.

Generational Mental Health Summit

On Saturday, August 19, 2023, from 10 AM to 2 PM, the Generational Mental Health Summit will be hosted by the Windsor Village Church and the Menninger Clinic at the Kingdom Builder Center, 6011 W. Orem Drive. The event aims to raise awareness about mental illness and educate attendees on identifying signs of mental distress. It also focuses on learning how we can contribute to our own mental wellness and support our loved ones in their mental health journey.

For more information and registration visit: www.kingdombuilders.com/t3

Back to School Supply Giveaway

Get school supplies at the Antioch Community Baptist Church Back to School Supply Giveaway August 19, 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM.

Fill up on pens, paper, backpacks, and more!

Then enjoy delectable delights from your choice of food trucks!

Hope to see you at Antioch Community Baptist Church,

200 Almeda Genoa Rd.

For more information phone:

713-434-7729

Jarred Vanderbilt Foundation 3rd Annual Backpack Give Away

The Jarred Vanderbilt Foundation's 3rd Annual Backpack Giveaway will be at Marian Park, 11000 South Gessner Rd. Saturday, August 19, 2023, from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM.

Vice Mayor Pro Tem Martha Castex-Tatum is proud to once again co-sponsor this amazing event by District K's own Jarred Vanderbilt.

Come out and get the essentials for the start of school: free backpacks, physical examinations, haircuts, groceries, snacks, bounce house, fun and more! We hope to see you there!

For more information visit: jarredvanderbiltfoundation.org.

Houston Theater Week

Hey Art Lovers! Take advantage of the theater ticket deals and discounts during the second annual Theater Week. Now through August 20, 2023, buy one ticket and get one ticket free! Some performance tickets are as low as $10.

These amazing deals are brought to you through the partnership of the Theater District Houston Association and Houston First.

Get full performances information by clicking on the image or visit Houston Theater Week.

Houston Ballet Impact Report, District K

Vice Mayor Pro Tem Martha Castex-Tatum shares the Houston Ballet 2022-2023 Impact Report for District K.

The arts are important to the youth in our communities and the programming offered through Houston Ballet's Education and Community Engagement exposes and engages them to performances and artistic presentations.

Click on the image to view the full report.

Upcoming Events at The India House

For more information and events visit: India House Houston

HPD Southwest Command P.I.P. Meeting

Be sure to attend the Houston Police Department (HPD) Southwest Command Positive Interaction Program (PIP) meeting Tuesday, August 22, 2023, 7:00 PM. While you're there get a free gun safe to secure your firearm.

Bring a family member, friend and neighbor to the newly renamed Harold L. Preston Southwest Police Station, 13097 Nitida St., Houston, TX.

We will see you there!

Office of Emergency Management Seeks Input on Severe Weather Plans

The Office of Emergency Management is updating the emergency plans for the City of Houston and wants your input on preparation, response, and recovery when severe weather impacts us. Vice Mayor Pro Tem Martha Castex-Tatum encourages you to take part by either:

• Attend/join the hybrid public meeting on August 21, 2023, 12:15 PM [see flyer below]
• Complete the public survey going on now through August 25, 2023

For more information visit: Office of Emergency Management Plans

Fort Bend Houston Meet the Candidates

National Battle of the Bands is Back!

The National Battle of the Bands is one battle you do not want to miss. Stroll over to NRG Stadium in District K to experience passionate performances, unbeatable energy, and unparalleled excitement! Get your tickets now.

For tickets and events information visit: National Battle of the Bands

Boards & Commissions Fair

Are you interested in serving on a City board or commission? Then you are invited to attend the City of Houston Boards and Commissions Fair, August 29, 2023, 5:30 PM, at City Hall, Legacy Room, 901 Bagby Street.

RSVP now at: Boards and Commissions Fair 2023

Beautify Your Community Through the

Matching Grant Program

Beautify your neighborhood and apply for dollar-for-dollar match, between $500 up to $5,000, through the 2024 Matching Grant Program. Vice Mayor Pro Tem Martha Castex-Tatum will provide matching funds and partner with the Department of Neighborhoods to help with your beautification project.

Be sure to follow all steps of the grant program to ensure a smooth process:

1. Register and attend the online Information Session, watch the video for information on the grant application process
2. Submit an Intent to Apply form by Thursday, August 31, 2023, 5:00 PM. Be sure to obtain Vice Mayor Pro Tem Martha Castex-Tatum's signature.
3. Download the 2024 Grant Application and submit an application packet by November 1, 2023, 5:00 PM.

For full details visit: Neighborhood Matching Grant Program

Affordable Connectivity Program

Internet Essentials offers affordable, high-speed wi-fi services for your household. Find out if you are eligible by applying for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP).

Visit internet essentials

or call 1-855-846-8376

Extreme Heat Wave Continues in Houston

In response to the extreme heat in Houston, the City has taken measures to provide relief for residents without air-conditioning. Most of Houston's public libraries will be open on Saturdays, allowing people to seek refuge from the heat. Additionally, the YMCA of Greater Houston will serve as a cooling center. The libraries will maintain their regular Saturday operating hours, except for the Central Library downtown, which will be unavailable for use as a cooling center.

To address the heat emergency, the city activated its public health heat emergency plan on June 14. This plan is put into action when a heat advisory or excessive heat warning is expected to last for two or more consecutive days. It aims to ensure the well-being of individuals who may lack adequate transportation to the designated cooling centers in Houston.

If you find yourself in need of transportation to a city cooling center during the heat emergency, you can request a free ride by calling 311. However, please note that this transportation service is only available to and from the city's cooling centers.

Avoid heat-related illnesses by taking precautions:

• Increase water consumption
• Do outdoor work or exercise in the early morning or evening
• Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing
• Do not leave infants, children, seniors, or pets unattended or in parked vehicles
• Wear skin and head protection, like a wide-brimmed hat
• Go to air-conditioned facilities like a City cooling center, a mall, movie theater, or a relative's home
• Take cool baths or showers frequently

For more information visit: City of Houston Reactivates Heat Emergency Plan

The Danger of Leaving Children In The Car During This Heat

Leaving little kids in a hot car during the summer is extremely dangerous and can be fatal. Temperatures inside a parked car can rise rapidly, reaching life-threatening levels within minutes. It's crucial to raise awareness about the risks associated with this act and promote responsible caregiving to protect children from such harm. Remember, every child's life is precious, and we must take collective action to prevent these tragic events.