Happy International Women's Day

All around the world today, people are taking note, celebrating, and demonstrating in observation of International Women's Day. March 8th has marked this occasion since the early 1900s and has taken on many forms. According to Wikipedia (one of my favorite research tools- don't believe the school hype), "In different regions the focus of the celebrations ranges from general celebration of respect, appreciation and love towards women to a celebration for women's economic, political and social achievements."
This day shows that we have come a long way in showing love to the women of the world, but also shows that we have much work to do. In this country, there are still many hurdles to overcome and viewpoints to change when it comes to women- from the home to the office building and to the street. In history, rules and regulations have been mostly decided by men, and only in recent decades, have women begun to exhibit their rights as human beings to make decisions and show and prove that they are capable of so much more than has been taught to be our glass ceiling in the past- on every front. We are sisters, wives, mothers, daughters, the Earth that life springs from- and without us, existence would not be. Can we all reflect and recognize that?!?
So, men and women, please take the time today to acknowledge the women that have impacted your life & our community - and if you are a woman, take the time to show some love for yourself!
OurDHStreets supports and loves the women of Denver Harbor, Houston, Tejas, and the World.

Happy International Women's Day!!!!

Events going on today for IWD 2010:

>
Join other Houston area women in celebrating International Women's Day. We will share food and stories of the women who have inspired us.

There will be an open mic for anyone wanting to share poetry, music or stories with the group beginning at 8pm. Drinks will be available through Avant Garden - alcoholic and non-alcoholic.

Love sin Sun!

Despite the continued cold weather, we still can't help but feel the amor (love)! We, here at OurDHStreets, want to wish all the hombres y mujeres out there good energia for your day. Take the time to spend some time with the ones you love- and if some are not so close (like those long distance loves or family separated by borders or drama) at least take the time to touch base or send out good vibes to them too. And one more thing- for all of you with babies, as much as they want to demonstrate their love to you with cards or small gifts they present you with today- take the time to really show them the love back. A good hug, kiss, or warm words have always meant more to us than flowers, candy, or bling. This should be every day of course, but today is a good day to start! All love. c/s


*arte del blog here

McReynolds Middle School LCDC Fundraiser This Weekend!

McReynolds Middle School LCDC is having a BBQ fundraiser at Palmers, Jan 23, 2010 from 11:30am until the food runs out.
Plates will include chicken, sausage, rice, beans and fixings!!!
Come out and support the McReynolds Students!

Click here for Palmers Ice House Info & here for Map!

Denver Harbor Little League Sign Ups Starting This Weekend

The Denver Harbor Little League has been a beacon of light & pride in our community for over 50 years now and Pete DeLeon, this years Vice-President for the league, is particularly interested in getting more kids & parents involved in the program- one that has been getting less and less kids as the years have gone by.

"I will do whatever it takes to get the kids back on the playing field. At one time we had as many as 30 teams, last year they were down to 9 teams."

Many great ball players have traced their roots back to DHLL, and have noted that the friendships they forged there, have lasted a lifetime.

REGISTRATION FOR THE 2010 SEASON STARTS SATURDAY, JANUARY 16, 2010 @ 10AM- 2PM. @ DH Park (Selena Park) Concession Stand.

Registration will continue every Saturday (Jan 16- Feb 9) @ 10am- 2pm.

Make sure to bring your child's Birth Certificate & all will receive a FREE baseball w/ Parent Participation.

Visit Denver Harbor Little League's Website for more information on how adults can get involved by clicking here & you will also find the link to team uniforms, hoodies, and TShirts!
Lets help these people that are dedicated to helping our kids excel & make this baseball season be one to remember in our community!

Mi Vecina Reminded Me of a Fundamental

As I left for work (late) this morning, I noticed one of my neighbors from a few houses down gathering wood fallen from trees and putting them in the city dumpster. She was hard at work & didn't look up at all, although I was feet away from her and I'm more than sure she knew I'd walked out of the house.
At first, I didn't think much of it, more concerned with getting to work before anyone noticed, but then, as I started to drive towards the I-10W ramp, I started to reflect on it.
We've been discussing things that we feel are needed in order for us to 'bring up' our neighborhood via the Denver Harbor Fan Page on Facebook. Many people have discussed retail options, cleaner streets, better upkeep of homes by residents, etc. - & I put it together in my mind like this:
This woman that didn't even bother to look up at me as I was opening my gate, getting in my car, backing out - all within feet of her- was not a random or new neighbor. This is a woman who drove me to school for part of my middle school years at McReynolds & took me cada dia to a Summer course so that I could get into Debakey for high school. She and my mother were friends. They would talk on the phone, keep each other up to date on going-ons on the block, and who would trade favors to help each other out. I grew up with her kids and never hesitated to feel like I can walk up to her and say hello or help her out if she needed things.
What changed? How did it happen that her and our family went from being so interconnected - not dependent- but communal in our exchange, to not even looking up from our own world?
It bothered me, mi gente- because change, learning, & beauty starts in the home- on the block- with us knowing each other. If we know each other, we will give a damn about each other. And when we don't...Well, we see where it's been taking us.
Many of the old residents did grow up and leave DH, but not all of us did. To recapture what DH was and absolutely has the potential to be again, we need to talk to one another.
To start- Say hello when you come across anyone on the street- old and young. If a woman is walking down the street with groceries and trying to keep her 3 kids in tow at the same time, watch out for her till she's safely across the street. Ask your neighbor if your kid could mow their lawn since he's already mowing yours. Take a moment from your busy existence to notice someone co-existing next door, down the street, or in your communidad..and I know, we'll see how the face of our barrio changes for the better. And even more importantly, those young eyes that watch our every move for direction, will learn how to work together for a common goal in our community.
Con Safos y Puro Amor
~dee!colonize

1st Official One-Year Anniversary Protest for Gaza

from houstonindymedia.org-

A protest to mark the one year anniversary of the Israeli war on the people of Gaza.

Date:	Sunday, December 27, 2009
Time:	1:00pm - 3:00pm
Location:	The Galleria
Street:	Corner of Post Oak & Westheimer
City/Town:	Houston, TX

From Wikipedia:The Gaza War—known as Operation Cast Lead by the Israel Defence Forces and the Gaza massacre in the Arab world, was a three-week military conflict between Israel and Hamas that took place in the Gaza Strip and southern Israel during the winter of 2008–2009.

On 18 December Hamas declared the end of a six-month ceasefire with Israel and on 24 December began an intensification of rocket fire towards the country's towns.[19] On 27 December Israel began a wave of airstrikes[20] on the Gaza Strip with the stated aim of stopping the rocket attacks from and arms smuggling into the territory. Israeli forces attacked military targets, police stations and government buildings. There was also significant damage to civilian buildings. Hamas further intensified its rocket and mortar attacks against Israel, hitting civilian targets throughout the conflict and reaching major Israeli cities Beersheba and Ashdod for the first time. An Israeli ground invasion began on January 3, 2009. The war ended on January 18, when Israel first declared a unilateral ceasefire, followed by Hamas' announcing a one-week ceasefire twelve hours later. Israel completed its withdrawal on January 21.

Between 1,166 and 1,417 Palestinians and 13 Israelis were killed. More than 400,000 Gazans were left without running water, while 4,000 homes were destroyed or badly damaged, leaving tens of thousands of people homeless; 80 government buildings were hit.

A UN mission headed by Judge Richard Goldstone was established in April 2009 and produced a report in September 2009, accusing both Palestinian militants and Israeli Defence Forces of war crimes and possible crimes against humanity, and recommending bringing those responsible to justice.[31] In October 2009 the UN Human Rights Council endorsed the report by 25 votes for, 6 against and 16 abstentions/failures to vote.

Check out this video from one of the ongoing protests last year:

Service center to hosts stroke education class

From a press release:

CFHED, in conjunction with the Harris County Area Agency on Aging Elderly & Caregiver Support Services presents Stroke Education.

This 4-hour class differentiates the various types of strokes, presents signs/symptoms of stroke, discusses TIA’s, reviews risk factors for heart disease & stroke – ones which can and cannot be changed, prevention, effects of stroke, communication & eating problems, physical disabilities resulting from stroke, and provides individual practice in body mechanics, transfers, and self-help through use of CFHED’s training DVD.

Address:
Third Ward Multi Service Center
3611 Ennis Street
Houston, Texas 77004
Classroom located in the Auditorium)

Date:
Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Time:
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Call for reservation by January 18:
The toll free number is 1-877-747-1542.

Admission:
Free to registered participants

Local number: 281-286-4839

It is recommended that you wear rubber-soled shoes and dress comfortably for classroom practice. Emphasis is on safety, independence and quality of life. Snacks will be provided. Bring your lunch, if you wish. Certificates issued upon completion of course, and free DVD package, “The Practical Caregiver” to first 50 attendees.

Partially funded by the Texas Department on Aging and Disability Services & HCAAA.