Coalition Notes 06-29-2011

1. 5th Annual Future of Houston’s Children Conference. Thursday, June 30th. 9:00am – 2:00pm. The future of Houston hinges on the long-term success of today’s children. Join us as we explore the emerging issues and trends impacting the future well-being of Houston-area youth, AND ways we can best respond to these problems. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to join fellow community members in the fight to promote our children’s well-being today, and tomorrow! http://action.voices.org/site/Calendar?id=102221&view=Detail.
   
2. Keep Our Waters Clean: A Message to Boaters from the Galveston Bay Foundation. The Galveston Bay Foundation (“GBF”) wants to remind all boaters to keep our Bay clean. GBF is currently conducting an education campaign called “Pump, Don’t Dump” that is dedicated to decreasing the incidence of boater sewage discharged into Galveston Bay. As a reminder, the discharge of boater sewage into water causes an increase in disease-causing microorganisms which may render the water unsuitable for swimming, skiing, tubing, or other recreational activities. Sewage also leads to depressed oxygen levels in the water which may result in fish kills. Texas law states that no untreated sewage may be discharged from boats into Texas waters within three miles of the coast. That means it is illegal to discharge untreated waste into Galveston Bay. Additionally, Clear Lake is a federally-designated ”No Discharge Zone.” Fines can be as much as $500 per incidence. Dispose of boater waste by using an approved sewage pump-out device, pump-out station, or mobile service. Keep trash on board and properly dispose of trash at shore-side facilities. For more information about boater waste, pump-out locations and mobile services, and other Clean Boating tips, please visit http://galvbay.org/education_boaterwaste.html.
3. Transition Houston July Meeting and Guest Speaker Amanda Tullos of Living Paradigm. Amanda Tullos of Living Paradigm will be speaking at July’s Transition Houston meeting about the organization she founded (Living Paradigm), and building with recycled materials, including changes to city code that allow the use of recycled materials.  As always, the meeting will close with refreshments, conversation, and community. Tuesday, July 5, 7-9 PM, Christ the King Lutheran Church, 2353 Rice Blvd. http://transitiontexas.ning.com/events/transition-houston-july-1
4. 2011-2012 Houston Marathon Run for a Reason. Buffalo Bayou Partnership is an official 2011-2012 Houston Marathon Run for a Reason Charity. Team BBP has an overall goal of raising $20,000 for bayou transformation and revitalization efforts. To sign up to run for Buffalo Bayou or to donate, visit http://www.chevronhoustonmarathon.com.
5. H-GAC Commute Solutions Recognition. The EPA recently recognized the Houston-Galveston Area Council for its Commute Solutions Program. The program workes to improve the environment and reduce traffic congestion by providing employers and their employees with advice and options on ways to commute including carpooling, biking and mass transit. To read more, visit http://yosemite.epa.gov.