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April 2023 Newsletter
Mayor Turner Releases Comprehensive Plan
to Combat Illegal Dumping
HOUSTON - Mayor Sylvester Turner released his One Clean Houston initiative today to combat illegal dumping throughout the city.

The initiative focuses on three key areas to address the issue and clean up Houston’s neighborhoods, especially areas that have been repeatedly targeted by individuals committing illegal dumping.
  1. Rapid cleanup
  2. Better enforcement
  3. Prevention and education 
The plan outlines the City’s commitment to work with homeowners, community members, non-profits, industry and other governmental organizations.

The One Clean Houston Plan allocates nearly $18M in additional dollars over the next two years to comprehensively address illegal dumping; this is an
unprecedented investment in this issue that impacts many of Houston’s neighborhoods, particularly the most vulnerable.. 

"My administration has always prioritized the eradication of illegal dumping, and now One Clean Houston outlines how we will move forward together to combat a prevalent problem," said Mayor Turner. "Illegal dumping is a blight on our community, threatening the health and welfare of people living in neighborhoods where illegal dumping occurs. It is unlawful for anyone to dump trash in areas where it does not belong. Not only do we intend to clean up Houston, but we will intensify our work to hold offenders responsible for their dirty work." 

During the news conference, Mayor Turner asked people, if they see something, to say something! Anyone can submit a tip anonymously to Crime Stoppers and be eligible for a cash award of up to $5,000 – (Call 713.222.TIPS or report online at Crime-stoppers.org). You can now provide tips directly to police through the online crime reporting form on HPD's homepage or the Rat-on-a-Rat Hotline 713.525.2728. 

Read the full press-release.
Third Ward Community Center Gets New
Basketball Court Thanks to NCAA Legacy Project 
The NCAA Final Four brought more than just sports fans to Houston. The NCAA® Men’s Final Four Legacy Project presented by Degree is dedicated to leaving a legacy in the communities of the tournament's host cities.  

Every city that hosts the Final Four of the men's basketball tournament is granted a basketball-focused Legacy Project from the NCAA to promote compassion and sportsmanship. This year's recipient was the Blue Triangle Community Center in Third Ward. 

As part of the project, the NCAA helped cover the cost of over $100,000 in renovations at the historic Third Ward basketball court/gymnasium. This renovation included a new court, hoops, backboards and a scoreboard. 

This generous donation means so much to the Third Ward community. The Blue Triangle Community Center has struggled to fully recover from damage suffered during Hurricane Harvey. The Blue Triangle Community Center has helped benefit area residents for decades, and it continues to be a force for positive change in the Third Ward. These needed renovations will help the community center continue to fulfill that mission.
Mayor Turner Celebrates Improvements to Forum Park as part of City's 50/50 Park Partners Initiative
Mayor Sylvester Turner joined with local elected officials, the 50/50 Park Partners, Houston Parks and Recreation Department (H.P.A.R.D.), Houston Parks Board (HPB), Greater Houston Partnership and other community partners to hold a ribbon cutting ceremony at Forum Park. 
Located in District J, within the Alief-Westwood Complete Community, Forum Park is the third neighborhood park to complete its transformation as part of 50/50 Park Partners, an initiative created by Mayor Sylvester Turner to improve neighborhood parks with the support of the corporate community.

“Complete Communities is about championing the voices of the residents, as is 50/50 Park Partners. I am proud that the upgrades to Forum Park reflect the needs and desires of
this Alief-Westwood community. Every neighborhood should have access to quality parks, and I thank our partners for helping to make this shared vision for Houston a reality,” said Mayor Turner.

To learn more about 50/50 Park Partners and donation options visit Houston5050parkpartners.com.

Read the full press release.
Department of Neighborhoods Welcomes Complete Communities University Class of Spring 2023
The Department of Neighborhoods (DON) announced the Complete Communities University (CCU) Class of Spring 2023. Twenty-eight aspiring leaders from communities across Houston will participate in the eight-week leadership training course. Selected through a competitive application process, the participants represent City Council districts A through K and At-Large districts 1-4, including all 10 historically underserved communities receiving neighborhood revitalization services under Mayor Sylvester Turner’s Complete Communities initiative.

The course curriculum focuses on strategies for vitalizing communities by connecting residents to City services and resources, mobilizing civic action, building partnerships to address neighborhood concerns, engaging residents in volunteer public service and City affairs, and promoting voter participation.

The CCU spring session started March 8 and runs through April 26, with classes taking place virtually and in person on Wednesday evenings. CCU classes are conducted by DON staff with expertise in civic engagement and knowledge of Houston neighborhoods and feature presentations by City department and community subject experts. 
 
“I am proud to welcome the participants of our Spring 2023 Complete Communities University and thank them for their interest in serving our city as leaders and advocates for positive civic action in our neighborhoods,” said Mayor Turner.“ This is especially important for residents of underserved and under-resourced communities, and I am pleased that the spring 2023 CCU roster includes representatives of all ten Complete Communities. Our goal is to empower residents to make a positive difference in the neighborhoods they call home.” 

“We are excited to announce our fourth CCU session and look forward to sharing knowledge and resources to help our aspiring leaders become effective agents of positive change in their communities,” said DON director TaKasha Francis. “Every neighborhood has its unique challenges and varying access to resources. The most dynamic assets of any community are the people who live in those communities. Our goal is to provide the access and information we have to help leaders harness their power, get residents civically engaged, and be the change they want to see.”
CCU Spring 2023 Participants

Yusulf Benson – District A

Rachel Preston – District A

Tamara Boston Cooks – District B – Kashmere Gardens*

Ernestine Tizeno – District B – Kashmere Gardens*

Dischunara Brown – District B – Acres Home*

Barbara Aksamit – District C

Jaharrah Jackson – District C

Mary Sias – District D – Sunnyside*

Charleen Jones – District D – Sunnyside*

Shawn Owens Lemons – District D – Sunnyside*

Aiesha Odutayo – District D

Desmond J. Watley-Calloway – District D, Third Ward*

Paula F. Johnson – District D, Sunnyside*

Ericka Calvillo – District E

Timothy Luckey – District F, Alief-Westwood*

Corrie Morales-Kennelly – District G

Daja Gay – District G

Diana Davila Elizondo – District H, Near Northside*

Eric Jason Ross – District H, Kashmere Gardens*

Kendra Atkins – District I, Magnolia Park-Manchester*

Carolyn Henry – District I, Second Ward*

Jeanne Beckerman – District J, Gulfton*

Kimberly Burks – District K, Sunnyside*

Elisabeth Johnson – District K, Fort Bend Houston*

Patrick Osby – At-Large 1

Jamie Nicole Martin – At-Large 2

Karla Martinez – At-Large 3

Keisha M. Pete – At-Large 4

*Historically under-resourced and under-served neighborhood receiving revitalization services under Mayor Sylvester Turner’s Complete Communities initiative.
Get Moving Houston, a Traveling Farmer's Market,
is Coming to Houston's Complete Communities
Get Moving Farmer's Market will be traveling across the city to provide locally sourced fresh fruits and vegetables. Look for the orange tent at at Houston Health Department Multi-service Center near you. All events will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Download the calendar flyer.

For more information on Get Moving, visit bit.ly/GMFM-spring2023.
Acres Home Multi-service Center
April 27, May 24, June 13, July 6,
Aug.1 & 24, Sept. 19

Alief Multi-service Center
April 18, May 4, May 30, June 22, July 11, Aug. 3, Aug. 29, Sept. 21

Denver Harbor Multi-service Center
April 11, May 18, June 6 & 29, July 20,
Aug. 15 & 7, Sept. 7

Magnolia Multi-service Center
April 13, May 15, June 8 & 27, July 25,
Aug. 17, Sept. 12

Northeast Multi-service Center
May 23, June 15, July 5 & 27,
Aug. 22, Sept. 14

Southwest Multi-service Center
April 20, May 2, June 1, July 13, Aug. 8 & 31, Sept. 26

Sunnyside Multi-service Center
April 25, May 25, June 20, July 18, Aug. 10, Sept. 5 & 28
Houston ToolBank Provides Resources
to Local Nonprofits
The Houston ToolBank is a non-profit that provides fellow not-for-profit and community-focused organizations year-round access to an inventory of tools and equipment for use in projects, programs, and events. We provide tools to enhance the charitable sector’s capacity to serve, scale, and facilitate hands-on volunteerism. Access to ToolBank tools eliminates the need for agencies to incur the expense of purchasing, insuring, repairing, and storing tools, reducing the costs associated with service projects and allowing these agencies to focus more resources on their mission. The organization has a warehouse of
299 tool types and more than 15,000 tools, with everything from basic items like shovels and hammers to bigger ticket items like generators, pressure washers, and high-quality power tools. To support the evolving needs of our community partners, the ToolBank has added event equipment like a portable riser, folding tables and chairs, and lawn games, and have begun formalizing school partnership and disaster programs.

Organizations can sign up to become a ToolBank member at our website. www.houstontoolbank.org
LISC Houston's 2023 GO Neighborhood
Small Grant Application is Now Live
LISC Houston launched the Small Grants program in 2015, with a focus on making direct impact within neighborhoods and bringing communities together. Since the inception of this program, now entering its eight year, over 52,000 participants have organized hundreds of projects that leveraged millions of dollars towards community building in Houston’s under-resourced neighborhoods. Through this initiative, LISC strongly encourages 501c3 and
501c4 groups and organizations to work with your community stakeholders and civic leaders to develop and submit project ideas between $500-$5,000 focused on community organizing, strengthen civic engagement, and addressing issues connected to Houston’s GO Neighborhoods five pillars.
 
For more visit: bit.ly/LISC-small-grants
Introducing the Newly Opened
Bezos Academy Denver Harbor
Denver Harbor has opened its doors to 40 children in two brand new classrooms. The school, located in a neighborhood community center, is part of the City of Houston's effort to create "complete communities" by providing essential services in every neighborhood, enabling all communities to thrive. This is a significant milestone for Bezos Academy as it expands to the third state. We are thrilled to see what the future holds for our young learners.
Attend the 2023 Prairie View A&M Spring Fling
The Prairie View A&M University Spring Fling will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 15, at Lincoln Park, 979 Grenshaw St. Door prizes, yard games, health screenings, inflatable relay races, line dancing, seed planting demonstration, nutritious snacks, and more will be on hand. The first 50 attendees to register will win Door Prizes.

Please register to attend at, bit.ly/PVAMU-spring-fling-2023.
Attend Free Fitness Classes at the
Acres Home Multi-Service Center 
The Acres Home Multi Service Center offers FREE weekly fitness classes including Zumba, yoga, cardio, and more at the Acres Homes Multi Service Center,
6719 W Montgomery Rd.

Check out the April 2023 class schedule and times that best meet your schedule and fitness level at gohealthyhouston.org/be-well.

All age groups are welcome. Come and bring a friend! Registration is not required. This initiative is sponsored by the COH Health Department through the Acres Homes BeWell Initiative.
Acres Home Super Neighborhood Council Meetings
The Acres Homes Super Neighborhood Council #6 will hold its monthly meeting at the Acres Home Multi-Service Center, 6719 West Montgomery Rd. The Super Neighborhood Council #6 meetings are held monthly every third Thursday, at 6 p.m.
Attend the District F Deed Restriction Workshop
Saturday, April 29 at 9:30 a.m. to noon
West Houston Institute - HCC Hayes Road
2811 Hayes Rd.
This is your opportunity to hear from the Law Office of Rice & Rice regarding deed restriction updates, tips on enforcing covenants, changing your deed, and architectural guidelines. Frost Bank will partner with us to provide tips to protect yourself from contractor fraud and offer important information on estate planning.

Registration is requested, so please visit http://tinyurl.com/districtfdeed
Alief Super Neighborhood Council Meetings
The Alief Super Neighborhood Council #25 will hold its monthly meeting at the Alief Neighborhood Center, 11903 Bellaire Blvd.

The Alief Super Neighborhood Council #25 meetings are held on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m.
HCC is Hosting a Small Business Program
The Small Business Success series by HCC is a 4-Module program that will offer an opportunity for hands on learning experience for startups and existing entrepreneurs who are pursuing growth of a specific business concept.
 
Session Dates:
4/14 Ignite the Entrepreneur in You
4/21 Financials for Small Business Lunch & Growth
4/28 Sales & Marketing Powered Up
5/5 Managing Risk – Protect Your Assets, Your Business & Your Future
 
Sessions will take place at Houston Community College Alief Hayes Campus 2811 Hayes Rd, on Fridays, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. For more info, visit HCC.EDU/PRC
Upcoming Meetings for the Five Corners District
Environmental and Urban
Design Meeting
Monday, April 10, 67 p.m.
Virtual Meeting details can be found
South Houston Concerned Citizens Coalition (SHCCC) Meeting
Thursday, April 20, 2023 7–8 p.m.
Hiram Clarke Multi-Service Center
3810 W. Fuqua
Attend the Fort Bend Houston SNA Meetings

The Fort Bend Super Neighborhood meetings are held on the second Thursday each month at 6:30 p.m. Please contact Willie Rainwater at 713-598-3619 or email at willsr@swbell.net for meeting information.
Call on the HOT Team to Help Keep Gulfton Clean
The HOT Team assists with picking up scattered debris, removing heavy trash, tree waste and illegal dumping, and handling specific landscaping issues. All requests for assistance from the HOT Team should be submitted via 311. The HOT Team makes pickups on the 2nd Thursday of the month in Gulfton.
New Specialty Clothing Store Opens in Gulfton
The newly opened Renterias Curves Boutique is bringing another shopping option for women’s fashion apparel and accessories. The store feature items that display authentic Mexican culture. Congratulations to the owners of the new Selam Ethio Eritrea Specialty Store!
Attend the Gulfton Super Neighborhood Council Meeting
Meetings are held every third Monday of the month
at noon. Contact Sandra Rodriguez for meeting information at gulftonsnc@gmail.com
Kashmere Gardens
Eriq Glenn is the New Planner for Kashmere Gardens
Greetings Kashmere Gardens, I am Eriq Glenn and it is a pleasure to serve as your new Complete Communities lead planner. As a lifelong resident of the northeast side of Houston, I am honored to have this opportunity to work with a neighborhood that is near and dear to my heart. I am deeply committed to community development and have always been passionate about creating positive change in the lives of those around me. I look forward to meeting and collaborating with everyone who has already been doing such amazing work, as we continue to implement the projects and goals identified in the Kashmere Gardens Complete Communities Action Plan.
 
Plan your work, Work your plan!
 
Get in touch at Eriq.Glenn@houstontx.gov or (832) 393-6554
Attend the Kashmere Gardens
Super Neighborhood #52 Council Meetings
The Kashmere Gardens Super Neighborhood #52 Council will hold its monthly meeting at the Kashmere Gardens Multiservice Center, 4802 Lockwood Dr. Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of every month at 5:30 p.m.
Join Us at Camp Fresh
Send your young ones to Camp Fresh, a day-time summer camp hosted at the John P. McGovern Sports and Recreation Building at 7318 Avenue F. The camp will be held Monday through Friday from June 5 to August 11, and is open from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The camp hosts ages 4 to 17 and provides many activities including:
  • computer classes
  • reading and writing support
  • music, arts and crafts
  • skills training
  • field trips
  • sports

Registration will be Monday to Thursday from 1–5:30 p.m., May 22 to June 1 at the John P. McGovern Building. The cost is $200 per month per child for June and July and $100 for August with a $20 registration fee. A birth certificate and school ID number will be required to register.

Camp Fresh is hosted by Community Family Centers. For more information you can visit their website at communityfamilycenters.org or
call 713-595-1300.
Únase a nosotros en
Camp Fresh
Envíe a sus jóvenes a Camp Fresh, un campamento de verano durante el día que se lleva a cabo en el edificio de recreación y deportes John P. McGovern en 7318 Avenue F. El campamento se llevará a cabo de lunes a viernes del 5 de junio al 11 de agosto, y está abierto de 8 a 17:30 horas. El campamento alberga a niños de 4 a 17 años y ofrece muchas actividades que incluyen:
• clases de computación
• apoyo a la lectura y escritura
• música
• artes y oficios
• capacitación en habilidades
• las excursiones
• Deportes

La inscripción será de lunes a jueves de 1 p. m. a 5:30 p. m., del 22 de mayo al 1 de junio en el edificio John P. McGovern. El costo es de $200 por mes por niño para junio y julio y $100 para agosto con una cuota de inscripción de $20. Se requerirá un certificado de nacimiento y un número de identificación de la escuela para registrarse.

Camp Fresh es organizado por Community Family Centers. Para obtener más información, puede
visitar su sitio web en communityfamilycenters.org o
llamar al 713-595-1300.
Attend Constable Silvia Trevino's Chili Cookoff 
Join Harris County Precinct 6 Constable Silvia Trevino on April 16 from noon to 4 p.m. at the American Legion Harrisburg Post 472, 7599 Avenue C, for the first Magnolia Park community Chili Cookoff!

Admission is FREE, and all ages are welcome to attend! Bring the family and enjoy FREE chili samples, hotdogs, music, refreshments, vendors and more.

For more information please contact,
Únase a la agente del Precinto 6 del condado de Harris, Silvia Treviño, el 16 de abril desde el mediodía hasta las 4 p.m. en el American Legion Harrisburg Post 472, 7599 Avenue C, para el primer Chili Cookoff de la comunidad de Magnolia Park.

¡La entrada es GRATUITA y todas las edades pueden asistir! ¡Traiga a la familia y disfrute de muestras de chili GRATIS, perritos calientes, música, refrigerios, vendedores y más!

Para obtener más información,
póngase en contacto,
Attend the Super Neighborhood 65 & 82 Meetings
The Magnolia Park/Manchester Super Neighborhoods 65 & 82 invite you to their 2023 community meetings

"Todos vivimos en un vecindario del cual formamos parte, pero podemos tener ideas muy diferentes sobre cómo preservar, planificar y promover la acción vecinal. Comparta tus ideas con tu comunidad! Te invitamos a Nuestras reuniones en 2023!

“We all belong to a community in which we are a part of, however we can have very different ideas on how to preserve, plan and promote community action. Share your ideas with your community! We invite you to our meetings in 2023!”

The Magnolia Park - Manchester Super Neighborhoods 65 & 82 will meet on July 1, Sept. 2, and Nov. 4. Meetings are held at 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at Hartman Park, 9311 E. Avenue P.

For further meeting details, please contact, HistoricEastEnd@gmail.com.
Attend the Greater Northside Coalition of
Community Partners Meeting 
The Greater Northside Coalition of Community Partners will hold its next meeting at the Avenue Community Development Corporation, 3517 Irvington Blvd. on April 11 from 10 a.m. to noon.

For more information contact Claudia Sanchez from Avenue CDC at claudias@avenuecdc.org.
La Greater Northside Coalition of Community Partners llevará a cabo su próxima reunión en Avenue Community Development Corporation, 3517 Irvington Blvd. el 11 de abril de 10 a
12 hs.

Para obtener más información, comuníquese con Claudia Sánchez
de Avenue CDC en claudias@avenuecdc.org.
Near Northside Super Neighborhood 51 Meetings

The Near Northside Super Neighborhood 51 Council will hold its monthly meetings at Avenue CDC, 3517 Irvington Blvd.
 
The Near Northside Super Neighborhood 51 meetings are held on the fourth Thursday of every month at 6 p.m. 
Visit School Market at Narvarro Middle School
for Healthy Food Options
Navarro Middle School Cafeteria
5100 Polk St.
4–7 p.m.
on the following days:
4/18, 5/2, 5/16

Get the healthy food you need to have a successful school year. School Market is an on-campus food supplier of fresh produce, grains, meat, dry beans and shelf-stable foods. The market is located on school grounds and is run by students, for students.

If you have questions, contact Steven Deutsch at 713-924-1760 ext. 205 or email at sdeutsch@houstonisd.org
Cafetería de la
Escuela Secundaria Navarro 
Calle Polk 5100 
4–7 p. m. 
en los siguientes días: 
4/18, 5/2, 5/16 

Obtenga los alimentos saludables que necesita para tener un año escolar exitoso. School Market es un proveedor de alimentos en el campus de productos frescos, granos, carne, frijoles secos y alimentos no perecederos. El mercado está ubicado en los terrenos de la escuela y está dirigido por estudiantes, para estudiantes.

Si tiene preguntas, comuníquese con Steven Deutsch al 713-924-1760 ext. 205 o envíe un correo electrónico a sdeutsch@houstonisd.org.
Visit the Finca tres Robles Urban Farm
to Sample the Salsas
Finca Tres Robles is bringing this free neighborhood-based, family-friendly event to the backyard of Houston's East End. Small Places invites the community to come out to the undeveloped grounds of their new Finca Tres Robles urban farm to sample the sweet tastes of Houston’s fresh tomato season with a salsa and vegetable competition. Who knows, you could even be crowned the first Salsa de Mayo Champion with your stellar home crafted salsa.
 
Salsa de Mayo is a celebration of what makes the Houston climate and community such a unique place. Salsa de Mayo marks the beginning of a new annual gathering in our East End community. There will be an East End bike ride, games, music, and local vendors to entertain old and young alike.
 
Check their Instagram or FaceBook for updates about the bike ride and schedule as they are announced.
Finca Tres Robles está trayendo este evento familiar gratuito basado en el vecindario al patio trasero del East End de Houston. Small Places invita a nuestra comunidad a salir a los terrenos sin desarrollar de su nueva granja urbana Finca Tres Robles para probar los dulces sabores de la temporada de tomates frescos de Houston con una competencia de salsa y vegetales. Quién sabe, ¡incluso podrías ser coronado como el primer Campeón de Salsa de Mayo con tu salsa casera estelar!

Salsa de Mayo es una celebración de lo que hace que el clima y la comunidad de Houston sean un lugar único. Salsa de Mayo marca el comienzo de una nueva reunión anual en nuestra comunidad de East End. Habrá un paseo en bicicleta en el East End, juegos, música y vendedores locales para entretener a grandes y pequeños por igual.

Consulte su Instagram o FaceBook para obtener actualizaciones sobre el paseo en bicicleta y el horario a medida que se anuncian.
Attend the Second Ward
Super Neighborhood #63 Meetings
The Second Ward Super Neighborhood #63 will hold its
bi-monthly community meeting at 6 p.m. Monday, April 3 at
Baker Ripley (4414 Navigation) in room #135.

The Second Ward Super Neighborhood #63 meetings
are held on the first Monday of every other month
(even months) at 6 p.m. 
Nature Heritage Society Volunteer Clean Up 
The Nature Heritage Society will hold its monthly volunteer clean up at E.R. and Ann Taylor Park on Tuesday, April 25 from 8:30 to 11 a.m. Help beautify the park by cleaning up litter, meet community members from local organizations and support the Sunnyside community.

For more information please contact, natureheritagesociety,houston@gmail.com 
Sunnyside Super Neighborhood Meeting
The Sunnyside Super Neighborhood 71 meets
every first Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. They currently meet virtually. For more information email buildonsuccess@gmail.com

Family Fun Day is Coming to Emancipation Park 
Join Houston Parks and Recreation on Saturday, April 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Emancipation Community Center, 3018 Emancipation for Family Fun Day!

This event is a great way for kids and parents to enjoy a day of fun activities, games, art and craft, & sports.
Greater 3rd Ward Super Neighborhood #67 Meetings
The Greater Third Ward Super Neighborhood #67 holds monthly meetings virtually and in-person at The Third Ward Multi-Service Center, 3611 Ennis St. This month's meeting will be held on Thursday, March 16 at 6 p.m. 

To register and attend the Greater Third Ward Super Neighborhood #67 meetings please visit, bit.ly/3rdwardsn67.
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