Hello District K Friends,

Happy October! Although we’re still feeling that warm Houston weather, cooler days are just around the corner, and I hope you’re as excited as I am for the change of season.

October is a busy month in District K, filled with opportunities to come together, make a difference, and continue building the vibrant, welcoming community we call home.

And as we enter election season, I want to remind you how powerful your voice is. Voting is one of the most important ways to shape the future of our community, so print out your sample ballot and make a voting plan. Every vote counts, and your participation matters!

From neighborhood cleanups to family-friendly events, there’s something for everyone this month. I encourage each of you to get involved, whether it’s by attending one of our local events, supporting small businesses, or simply connecting with your neighbors. Let’s continue to lift each other up and keep our community spirit strong!

I’m grateful to serve such a dynamic and engaged district, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact we can create together. As always, my door is open, and I’m here to support you in any way I can.

Wishing you a fantastic October!

In Service

Martha

Don’t Miss the Fort Bend Town Hall on October 28th
We’re excited to invite you to the Fort Bend Town Hall on October 28th! This is a fantastic opportunity to hear about new developments and future plans for our community. Join us for keynotes from representatives of HPD, HFD, Solid Waste, and the Department of Neighborhoods, with special remarks from Houston Mayor John Whitmire!

🕕 Time: 6 PM

📍 Location: Impact Church of Houston, 16310 Chimney Rock

Light refreshments will be provided, so come hungry for both knowledge and snacks!

RSVP is preferred! Please scan the QR code or visit https://bit.ly/RSVPDistrictKFBHTownHall to let us know you’re coming.

We can’t wait to see you there and share what’s in store for our community!

#DistrictKCommunity

Be Ready to Vote:
Know Your Voting Machine
Election season is here, and we want to make sure every vote in District K counts, especially from our seniors and first-time voters! If you’re new to using voting machines, don’t worry – they’re designed to be easy to use. Poll workers are always available to guide you through the process and answer any questions.

Knowing how to use the machines before you head to the polls can boost your confidence and make the experience smooth and stress-free. Keep an eye out for local voter education events where you can practice on the machines and get familiar with how they work.

Your vote is your voice—let’s make sure District K is heard loud and clear this election season!

#YourVoteMatters #DistrictKVotes #SeniorsVote #FirstTimeVoters #ElectionReady

District K Spotlight: Solugen Shines on Forbes’ Sustainability Leaders List
We’re thrilled to shine a spotlight on one of District K’s own! Solugen CEO, Dr. Gaurab Chakrabarti, has just been named to Forbes’ list of Sustainability Leaders, joining a remarkable group of global innovators making a real impact in the fight against climate change. This recognition is a testament to the dedication and vision of the entire Solugen team, as they continue to lead the way in creating sustainable chemical solutions that are changing the game.

We couldn’t be more proud to have such a forward-thinking business right here in District K! Let’s give a big congratulations to Dr. Chakrabarti and the Solugen team for their incredible achievements. Stay tuned as we continue to celebrate our local businesses in future newsletters.

#DistrictKSpotlight #SustainabilityLeaders #Solugen #ProudDistrictK

Windsor Village Park Cleanup
A big shoutout to the Windsor Village Civic Club Board, especially Judy Mire, and community member Kathy Williams, for their incredible leadership during the Windsor Village Park cleanup! We love seeing the spirit of volunteerism in action.

Together with HPARD for Project PR HTX, our dedicated volunteers from Windsor Village Church, Boy Scouts, UH Students, and PVAMU Students came out to recover and restore our beloved park. We truly made a difference!

In fact, HPARD’s Greenspace Director, Leon, couldn’t stop bragging about how hard our volunteers worked! There were so many bags of debris collected that HPARD didn’t have room for all of them!

Thank you to everyone who came out to support this important initiative. Let’s keep the momentum going and continue to take pride in our community!

#CommunityEvent #DistrictKParks #HPARD #WindsorVillage

Edison Cultrual Arts Center Update
So much progress is happening in Fort Bend, Houston! When you ride down W. Fuqua you may wonder what’s happening behind the construction tarps at the old abandoned Kroger strip.

I toured the incredible project we have been working on with Troy and Charity Carter for the last several years. The Edison Arts Foundation has led the transformation of this center by pulling together a dynamic coalition of supporters.

This Cultural Arts Campus will be anchored with the Edison Cultural Arts center which includes a 400 seat theater, 150 seat black box theater, 4 multi- purpose dance studios, dressing rooms, catering kitchen, computer center, student lounge, festival park, a health clinic, mixed-use retail along with restaurant and office space! When this project is complete we will have one of the best models for removing blight and transforming a community in the country, right here in District K!

Dance with Lauren Anderson!

One of the programs already happening is the legendary Lauren Anderson’s for classical ballet masterclass on the first Saturday of each month from 10:00-11:30am! Whether you’re an intermediate dancer aged 12 or older, these monthly drop-in classes are the perfect way to shine bright—no matter your shade.

Mark your calendars for these upcoming dates:

  • Saturday, November 2, 2024
  • Saturday, December 7, 2024
  • Saturday, January 4, 2025
  • Saturday, February 1, 2025
  • Saturday, February 8, 2025 (Black History Free Dance Day)
  • Saturday, March 1, 2025
  • Saturday, April 5, 2025

Join Lauren and dance your heart out! For more information, go to: Lauren Anderson Ballet Masterclass

Improving Sidewalks and Accessibility on
Bob White Dr.
Good news! Work authorization No. 18 has been issued to enchance the sidewalks and ramps along Bob White Dr., from W. Bellfort St. to W. Airport Blvd. This project will involve removing and replacing existing sections of sidewalk and ramps to improve accessibility and safety for everyone in our community.

These upgrades are part of our ongoing commitment to making District K a safer and more walkable neighborhood for residents. Improved sidewalks mean better access for pedestrians, including those with mobility challenges, and a more connected community for all.  

As the work progresses, we’ll keep you updated on any changes or developments. We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we make these much-needed improvements. Together, we’re building a stronger, more accessible District K!

#DistrictKInfrastructure #KeepDistrictKMoving

New Lending Opportunity for Small Businesses
Harris County has teamed up with PeopleFund to create the Harris County Opportunity Fund (HCOF)—a 5-year pilot program offering low-interest loans to small businesses. This revolving loan fund is designed to fill the gap for business owners who need access to capital, helping them grow and sustain their ventures.

The goal of this program is simple: to support the formation, survival, and growth of small and micro businesses in our community, aligning with Harris County’s commitment to boosting small business success.

If you’re a small business owner looking for financial support, this is your chance to get the help you need!

Join Us for the HPD Fall Festival
Get ready for some fall fun at the Houston Police Southwest Division’s first-ever Fall Festival! There’s something for everyone, so bring the whole family out to enjoy a great evening.

We’ve got picture booths, face painting, balloon twisting, and a special appearance by the HPD Helicopter and HFD Fire Truck. Hop on the UTV Hayride, play some games, grab some tasty food and snacks, and don’t forget to stop by the Trunk or Treat station for treats and prizes!

Best of all, it’s completely free!

📅 Date: October 11, 2024

🕔 Time: 5 PM – 9 PM

📍 Location: Harold L. Preston Station, 13097 Nitida St, Houston, TX 77045

Come out and celebrate the season with us—we can’t wait to see you there!

#HPDFallFestival #FamilyFun #CommunityEvent #TrunkOrTreat

Join Us for Veteran Services and Resources
For over 30 years, we’ve been enriching the lives of Houston veterans, and we want you to be part of it! Join us for a day filled with valuable services and resources designed to support our veterans and their families.

What We Offer:

  • Housing, Furniture, and Housewares
  • Clothing and Hygiene Supplies
  • Food Assistance
  • Free Haircuts
  • Career Readiness Programs
  • VA Services – Medical & Benefits
  • Financial Literacy Workshops
  • Yoga Classes and More!

📅 Date: Friday, October 18th

🕘 Time: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM

📍 Location: The ZONE, 10371 Stella Link, Houston, TX 77025

Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with resources that can make a difference in your life. We look forward to seeing you there!

#DistrictKSupportsVeterans

Do Business with METRO: How-To Webinar
Are you interested in doing business with METRO? Join us for an informative webinar presented by METRO’s Office of Economic Business Opportunity!

🗓️ Topics will include:

  • How to get certified with METRO
  • Accessing METRO’s contracting opportunities
  • Small purchases under $50k
  • Small business contract language
  • Vendor registration
  • A walk-through of the procurement website

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how to navigate the contracting process with METRO and grow your business!

Ready, Set, Bank Program with HPL and Capital One
The Houston Public Library has partnered with Capital One to bring you the Ready, Set, Bank Program! This five-week program features in-person and video tutorials designed to help participants navigate online and mobile banking. The final session will culminate in a graduation ceremony!

What You’ll Learn:

  • How to access your bank on a computer, tablet, or mobile phone
  • Checking account balances
  • How to deposit checks remotely
  • Protecting yourself from fraud and much more!

RSVP for FREE!

While this program is designed for seniors, it is free and open to the public.

Location:
Shannon Walker Neighborhood Library
11630 Chimney Rock Rd., Houston, TX 77035

Schedule:
Tuesdays from 10 AM – 11:30 AM:

  • October 22
  • October 29
  • November 5
  • November 12
  • Graduation: November 19, 10 AM – 11:30 AM

Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your banking skills!

Annual Houston Free Shoe Giveaway
Join us for the Air Project’s Sole for AIR event, where we provide free shoes to families in need! This wonderful initiative aims to help children and families stay comfortable and stylish while promoting the importance of footwear for health and well-being.

📅 Date: Saturday, October 26th

🕚 Time: 11 AM – 2 PM CST

📍 Location: Silly Reagan K-8 Gymnasium, 4842 Anderson Rd, Houston, TX 77053

Families must pre-register online and be present at the event to receive free shoes. Everyone is welcome to attend, so spread the word and bring your friends!

Donate now to support this great cause and help us make a difference in our community!

Go to:www.abuseisreal.com/donate

Strike a Pose For a Powerful Cause
Join us for the 2nd Annual Pose in Pink yoga class with SurviveHer and Namitzi Yoga as we unite to honor Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This year, we’re celebrating survivors, caregivers, and supporters while shining a light on the importance of regular mammograms, health, and wellness.

Did you know that 1 in 8 women will face a breast cancer diagnosis in their lifetime? Early detection is key—so let’s come together, stretch it out, and make a real impact! 💖

📅 Date: October 30, 2024

📍 Location: Brentwood Lifelong Learning Center

🕘 Time: 6:30pm

Click here: Register for Pose in Pink

Wear your best pink, grab your mat, and bring your energy! 🩷 Let’s flow with purpose!

#PoseInPink #BreastCancerAwareness #HealthAndWellness #DistrictK #SurviveHer #NamitziYoga #EarlyDetectionSavesLives #BlueCrossBlueShield

Halloween Safety Tips from the
Safe Community Institute
As Halloween approaches, let’s keep safety a priority while we enjoy all the fun, costumes, and trick-or-treating! To ensure a safe and enjoyable celebration for everyone, here are some essential tips to keep in mind:

Halloween Safety Tips

  • Ensure costumes are flame-resistant and include reflective elements for visibility.
  • Always accompany children while trick-or-treating and establish a reunification plan.
  • Inspect all candy before consumption.
  • Motorists should drive cautiously during peak trick-or-treat hours, as children are at higher risk of being struck by vehicles.
  • Be aware of “Rainbow Fentanyl,” which can appear in various forms.

By following these key tips, we can help ensure a safe and enjoyable Halloween for everyone!

#SafetyTips #KeepDistrictKSafe #HalloweenSafety

Save the Date: Sunday in the Park
at Willow Waterhole
Mark your calendars for Sunday in the Park! November 17, 2024

Join us for a fun-filled day at Willow Waterhole!

📍 Location: 5300 Gasmer Dr, Houston, TX 77035

📅 Date: Sunday, November 17, 2024

🕛 Time: 12 PM – 4 PM

Enjoy live music, dancing, free food, and games for the whole family! Don’t miss out on this fantastic community gathering. We can’t wait to see you there!

#InTheParkHTX