Cinco de Mayo at Miller: Eugenia León in Concert

May 5, 8-10 p.m.

Miller Outdoor Theatre

Miller Outdoor Theatre welcomes Mexican icon Eugenia León to the stage in a concert commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Puebla. With a repertoire that pairs contemporary composers with the creators of the traditional music of Latin America and Mexico, Ms. León is not locked in to any one genre. Audiences know that Eugenia León’s musical style transcends the trendy ups and downs of the world of commercial music, and she regularly packs the top venues of the nation, meeting demands of fans expectant of quality songs passionately delivered.

Presented by Miller Outdoor Theatre in partnership with the Consulate General of Mexico in Houston

This performance is proudly sponsored in part by AeroMexico, Mexico’s Global Airline

There’s something for everyone on stage at Miller Outdoor Theatre in Hermann Park. From daytime programs especially for young children to family friendly evening performances of music, dance, theatre and more, this is Houston’s best entertainment value. Admission is FREE!
For a complete schedule, visit www.milleroutdoortheatre.com.

Free tickets are available on a first-come first-serve basis (four per person over age 16 while they last) at the Miller Outdoor Theatre box office the day of the performance between the hours of 10:30 a.m.―1 p.m. for assigned seating under the canopy. If tickets remain at 1 p.m., the box office will re-open one hour before show time to distribute the remaining tickets. As always, open seating on the hill.

Under normal circumstances, all unoccupied/unclaimed seats are released five minutes before the show is scheduled to begin. We encourage all patrons to be in their assigned seats at least 10 minutes before showtime to insure that their seat is not released. Again, there is NO charge for tickets. Tickets may not be reserved by phone. Only four (4) tickets per person. At managements’ discretion, all unoccupied seats may be released at any time for any reason.

iRitmo Latino! featuring Quetzal

May 4, 8-10:30 p.m.

Miller Outdoor Theatre

The sound of Los Angeles band Quetzal is as rich and complex as their pluri-ethnic barrio experience. Their combination of community activism and creative compositions has allowed them to travel the world using music as a tool for creating a global network of musicians committed to building community. Standing on the shoulders of giants like Lalo Guerrero, Ritchie Valens, Cannibal and The Headhunters, The Brat, Los Lobos and many others, Quetzal has created a path that has earned them the title of “one of Los Angeles’ most important bands”(Los Angeles Times).

Presented by Society for the Performing Arts

There’s something for everyone on stage at Miller Outdoor Theatre in Hermann Park. From daytime programs especially for young children to family friendly evening performances of music, dance, theatre and more, this is Houston’s best entertainment value. Admission is FREE!
For a complete schedule, visit www.milleroutdoortheatre.com.

Free tickets are available on a first-come first-serve basis (four per person over age 16 while they last) at the Miller Outdoor Theatre box office the day of the performance between the hours of 10:30 a.m.―1 p.m. for assigned seating under the canopy. If tickets remain at 1 p.m., the box office will re-open one hour before show time to distribute the remaining tickets. As always, open seating on the hill.

Under normal circumstances, all unoccupied/unclaimed seats are released five minutes before the show is scheduled to begin. We encourage all patrons to be in their assigned seats at least 10 minutes before showtime to insure that their seat is not released. Again, there is NO charge for tickets. Tickets may not be reserved by phone. Only four (4) tickets per person. At managements’ discretion, all unoccupied seats may be released at any time for any reason.

The Clever Wife – A Chinese Folktale

April 30 – May 4, 11 a.m.

Miller Outdoor Theatre

Can a woman be a hero? Based on a popular Chinese folktale, this world premiere opera explores the difference between wisdom and knowledge when a young wife must rescue her foolish husband from a magistrate’s impossible tasks. Music by Mary Carol Warwick, Libretto by Hugh Behm-Steinberg, and commissioned by Donna and Robert Bruni for elementary and middle schools.

Produced by Houston Grand Opera

There’s something for everyone on stage at Miller Outdoor Theatre in Hermann Park.  From daytime programs especially for young children to family friendly evening performances of music, dance, theatre and more, this is Houston’s best entertainment value.  Admission is FREE!
For a complete schedule, visit www.milleroutdoortheatre.com.

Free tickets are available on a first-come first-serve basis (four per person over age 16 while they last) at the Miller Outdoor Theatre box office the day of the performance between the hours of 10:30 a.m.―1 p.m. for assigned seating under the canopy. If tickets remain at 1 p.m., the box office will re-open one hour before show time to distribute the remaining tickets. As always, open seating on the hill.

Under normal circumstances, all unoccupied/unclaimed seats are released five minutes before the show is scheduled to begin. We encourage all patrons to be in their assigned seats at least 10 minutes before showtime to insure that their seat is not released. Again, there is NO charge for tickets. Tickets may not be reserved by phone. Only four (4) tickets per person. At managements’ discretion, all unoccupied seats may be released at any time for any reason.

Bayou City Outdoors Meet & Greet

May 24
Bayou City Outdoors Meet & Greet
Zimm’s Little Deck
601 Richmond Avenue  Houston, TX 77006
6:30 – 9:00PM

Zimm’s Little Deck is the perfect spot for a Meet & Greet. There are two huge bacci ball courts or you can just enjoy mingling with BCO members and non-members on their expansive patio. Zimm’s has some great happy hour specials including $2 Tecates, $4 wines, and $1 oyster plates.

6:30 – 9:00PM; Zimm’s Little Deck, 601 Richmond Avenue  Houston, TX 77006.
Parking is in the lot or on the street. Details and RSVP at www.BayouCityOutdoors.com or call 713-524-3567.

Bayou City Outdoors Hiking In Houston

May 20
Bayou City Outdoors Hiking In Houston
Cleveland Park, Scotland St. & Jackson
Houston Tx 77007

Want to go hiking without having to travel outside of the city? Come discover all the trails and hideaways along the Buffalo Bayou! Get lost exploring the winding flat trails, bridges, and modest hills while exercising at an easy to moderate pace. Along this 6 mile hike we will pass the bat viewing area, art sculptures, and maybe even one of the rumored Buffalo Bayou alligators or Osprey couples!
We meet at Cleveland Park on the north side of Memorial Dr., there is a foot-walkway over Memorial here. The hike will start here and then we head towards downtown on the north side of the bayou. There is parking along the street for free.

When we reach downtown, we’ll stop for a water/coffee break so bring a few dollars. At the end of the hike you will have worked hard, made new friends and discovered all sorts of Houston secrets along Buffalo Bayou in our Bayou city!
As long as it is cool outside, this is a dog-friendly event for your canine friends who are up for six miles.
Free for Members and Non-Members alike. Meet at 8:15AM; depart 8:30AM on the dot! Cleveland Park, Scotland St. & Jackson RSVP & Directions to Jackson Park www.BayouCityOutdoors.com

Bayou City Outdoors Farmer’s Market Bike Ride

May 19
Bayou City Outdoors Farmer’s Market Bike Ride
Onion Creek,
3106 White Oak Dr, Houston, TX 77007

Come out and stretch your legs biking to the Farmer’s Markets of Houston to shop for local organic produce! Hop on your bike and let’s take a ride through the side streets, trails, and residential areas in the heart of Houston. This is a very social ride and all levels of riders are welcome. We will start the morning off with coffee at Onion Creek and then cruise through 2-3 markets to shop for fresh produce, sauces, jams, and bread. This is a 12-15 mile ride that lasts about three hours so bring plenty of water and a backpack to carry your goodies! If you’d like to join us but don’t own a bike, West End Bicycles rents bikes for $25 per day at 713/861-2271 or www.westendbikes.com.

If you are a member of Bayou City Outdoors and do not have a bike, we can loan you a bike for the ride. But you MUST call the office one week in advance to arrange for the loaner bike. Meet at Onion Creek, 3106 White Oak Dr, Houston, TX 77007. Please DO NOT park in the Onion Creek lot – there is parking on the surrounding streets but look out for ‘no parking’ signs. Meet at 8:00AM – leave at 8:30AM – Noon. Free for Members and Non-Members alike. RSVP 713-524-3567 or www.BayouCityOutdoors.com

Bayou City Outdoors Farmer’s Market Ride

April 28
Bayou City Outdoors Farmer’s Market Ride
Onion Creek,
3106 White Oak Dr, Houston, TX 77007

Come out and stretch your legs biking to the Farmer’s Markets of Houston to shop for local organic produce! Hop on your bike and let’s take a ride through the side streets, trails, and residential areas in the heart of Houston. This is a very social ride and all levels of riders are welcome. We will start the morning off with coffee at Onion Creek and then cruise through 2-3 markets to shop for fresh produce, sauces, jams, and bread. This is a 12-15 mile ride that lasts about three hours so bring plenty of water and a backpack to carry your goodies! If you’d like to join us but don’t own a bike, West End Bicycles rents bikes for $25 per day at 713/861-2271 or www.westendbikes.com.

If you are a member of Bayou City Outdoors and do not have a bike, we can loan you a bike for the ride. But you MUST call the office one week in advance to arrange for the loaner bike. Meet at Onion Creek, 3106 White Oak Dr, Houston, TX 77007. Please DO NOT park in the Onion Creek lot – there is parking on the surrounding streets but look out for ‘no parking’ signs. Meet at 8:00AM – leave at 8:30AM – Noon. Free for Members and Non-Members alike. RSVP 713-524-3567 or www.BayouCityOutdoors.com

Bayou City Outdoors Meet & Greet

April 27
Bayou City Outdoors Meet & Greet
Boheme
307 Fairview  Houston, TX 77006
6:30 – 9:00PM

Truly one of the coolest spots in Houston, Boheme offers great food and drink in an artistic atmosphere. Join BCO in the large sculpture-garden patio for a happy hour. Boheme has great specials on wines, light bites, and a full bar. Become a little Bohemian as you meet & greet your fellow BCO members and non-members.

6:30 – 9:00PM; Boheme, 307 Fairview  Houston, TX 77006. Parking is in the lot behind Boheme, along the street and in the Hyde Park Grocery parking lot – caddy corner to Boheme. Details and RSVP at www.BayouCityOutdoors.com or call 713-524-3567

21st Annual Luncheon

Wednesday, May 9, 2012 

11:30 AM–1:00 PM at the Hilton Post Oak.

We hope you will join us for an intriguing and insightful Conversation with Barbara Ehrenreich, which will include a speech and audience Q & A.  Barbara’s deep rooted passion, profound ability to spur discussion, and her signature sense of humor are certain not to disappoint!  At the podium, Barbara reflects with biting humor on her journey as a writer and activist.  She will take the audience inside her Nickel and Dimed experience by sharing anecdotes and lessons learned from each of her powerful books.

Barbara is the author of 21 books, including the New York Times best sellers, Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America and Bright-Sided: How Positive Thinking Is Undermining America.  She is a frequent contributor to the New York Times, Harpers, the Progressive and Time magazine, and has appeared on Oprah, The Daily Show, The Colbert Report and The Joy Behar Show, to name a few. Instantly acclaimed for its insight, humor, and passion, Nickel and Dimed changed the way America perceives its working poor.  More information about Barbara is attached.

If you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact Danielle Antaki at 713.667.4493, Ext. 10 or Dantaki@thewomensresource.org.

City of Houston Set to Light It Up Blue for World Autism Awareness Day

April 1st-2nd

Autism Speaks, the world’s leading autism advocacy organization, today announced that the City of Houston will once again “Light It Up Blue” in honor of World Autism Awareness Day on April 2nd.

In 2007, the United Nations declared April 2nd as World Autism Awareness Day in perpetuity. 2012 marks the fifth anniversary of World Autism Awareness Day.

Autism Speaks’ Light It Up Blue campaign, now in its third year, is a unique global initiative to help raise awareness about the growing public health concern that is autism. Iconic landmarks around the world will Light It Up Blue to show their support.

“We’re so pleased that Houston City Hall will once again shine a light on autism by Lighting It Up Blue on April 2nd,” says Carey Carver, 2012 Walk Chair.  “In addition to raising awareness of autism spectrum disorders, the city’s support means so much to families dealing with the challenges of autism on a daily basis.  We commend the leadership of the city of Houston for its ongoing commitment and dedication.  We’re also excited about local events in honor of autism awareness month.”

Local events include:
Sunday, April 1st: MAMs House of Ice, in the Heights, will be serving up blue snow cones from 12pm-7pm and will donate 20% of the sales to Autism Speaks.
Monday, April 2nd:  The Downtown Aquarium  will host a Dine & Donate night.  Dinners must present a flyer to secure a donation for Autism Speaks.
Monday, April 2nd:  Happy Hour at Blue Bar at Brenner’s on the Bayou. For a $10 donation to Autism Speaks, guests receive complimentary hors d’eouvers, drink specials and a chance to win great raffles prizes. 5pm – 7pm

In 2011, landmark buildings around the world, from the Empire State Building to Australia’s Sydney Opera House, joined in the Light It Up Blue campaign.  Homeowners who wish to show their support for World Autism Awareness Day can purchase blue light bulbs and blue lanterns at Home Depot. For more ideas on how to participate, visit www.lightitupblue.org.

Bayou City Outdoors present Get Into the Outdoor Life: Biking 101

Tuesday, April 10
REI
7538 Westheimer Rd (at Voss) Houston, TX 77063
7:00–8:30PM

Houston has it all when you’re looking to bike! If you want to cruise, commute, mountain bike or road bike, we’ll show you where to go and how to get started. Who needs to drive when Houston has over 80 miles of trails in the parks and 345 miles of street trails! With information on the best routes in Houston and some simple bike maintenance tips, you’ll enjoy riding the streets (or the trails) on your bicycle with ease and confidence! We’ll also give you the top 5 tips for how to maintain your bike so it stays in top condition and good working order.

7:00 PM Class; 8:00 PM Gear demonstrations. REI, 7538 Westheimer Rd. at Hillcroft, Houston, TX 77063 (you will find us in the back of the store in the warehouse area) Details and RSVP at www.BayouCityOutdoors.com or call
713-524-3567

Sanctus Real is Bringing Music And a Message to Houston

Friday, March 23, at the Toyota Center@ 7:00 p.m.

Grammy-nominated band Sanctus Real is bringing more than great music to its Houston stop on the Winter Jam 2012 Tour Spectacular March 23. Lead singer Matt Hammitt is bringing a message of education and support for families who have a child with a Congenital Heart Disease. It’s a message born of his own family’s experience, as their son Bowen was born with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS) in 2010

Matt and Sarah Hammitt established Whole Hearts Foundation to assist families in understanding and learning more about pediatric congenital heart diseases, to support them through their child’s surgeries and aftercare, and to provide funding for local children’s hospitals. “We want Whole Hearts to be a resource to families dealing with their child’s illness,” he said. “We understand the practical, financial, emotional and spiritual needs these families have.”

Sanctus Real and eight other bands join host NewSong for the Winter Jam 2012 Tour Spectacular. Established by NewSong in 1995, Winter Jam is committed to ministry and its policy of no tickets and admission of only $10 at the door.  Winter Jam 2012’s Houston stop is Friday, March 23, at the Toyota Center. The concert begins at 7:00 p.m.

Capital One Bank Bayou City Art Festival Memorial Park

Capital One Bank Bayou City Art Festival Memorial Park

Announces 2012 Featured Artist

HOUSTON (February 29, 2012) – The Bayou City Art Festival announces international artist Tanya Doskova as the Featured Artist for the 41st Annual Capital One Bank Bayou City Art Festival Memorial Park, which takes place March 23 – 25 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The featured artwork for the 41st Annual Capital One Bank Bayou City Art Festival is Doskova’s Spanish themed, La Corrida. “This piece is dedicated to young Picasso. He loved dressing up and playing the Matador.  In my painting he is the bull and bullfighter. Fighting himself, he ‘grabbed the bull by the horns’ when still a child,” explains Doskova.

Recently, Doskova was recognized with an Award of Excellence in the Communication Arts Illustration Annual Competition giving her worldwide recognition and exposure. To view samples of her artwork or to learn more about her, visit www.tanyadoskova.com.

The festival is located in Houston’s beautiful Memorial Park located at South Picnic Lane. There is no public parking in Memorial Park; however, the festival provides a free, convenient shuttle service from 9:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the Northwest Mall located at the 610 North Loop at 18th Street and shuttle service located at the Downtown Theatre District parking lot from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday only. Parking at the Northwest Mall is free and parking at the Downtown Theatre District parking lot will be at their standard rate. For preferred shuttle transportation, pick up an EZ Rider Pass at any Capital One Bank branch starting March 12, 2012 to get preferred shuttle service from the Northwest Mall location.

Ticket Information:  Tickets available online at www.bayoucityartfestival.com  or at the gate day of.  Ticket prices are $12 for adults and children 12 and under are free.

Festival sponsors include KTRK-TV ABC 13, Houston Area Cadillac Dealerships,
Culture Map, Green Mountain Energy, Apache Corporation, Houston Chronicle, New York and
Texas Monthly.

Two Big Days of Art!

Friday March 2–3

Suzanne Buckland’s Mesoamerican Series will be shown twice this weekend. Don’t miss the show at Watson Gallery, 716 W. Alabama on Friday, March 2, 6-10pm.
Also showing in March…
The Goddess of Filth flies through The Heights and can be viewed at Heights Art Gallery located at 3203 White Oak. Opening reception will be on Sat. March 3, 6-9pm.
See you there!

Yoga Studio Aids Houston Drought Relief

Bellaire Yoga studio open house benefitting Trees For Houston

 February 27, 2012

On Friday, March 2, from 4:30 to 7:00 PM, the Bellaire Yoga Center will host an open house benefitting Trees For Houston. Guests will enjoy light refreshments, music, and a tour of the studio. “We’ve invited people to come and ‘get their tree on.’ We hope they’ll wear tree-inspired costumes,” said Annette Raj, owner of Bellaire Yoga Center. During the open-house, beginners will learn how to do the “tree pose.” Experienced yogis are included, as well. “We hope that our guests will have fun with the idea of “Trees for ‘Trees For Houston,’” Raj continued. Photos taken throughout the event will be uploaded to social media, and later compiled into a video montage to bring continued awareness to the mission of Trees For Houston. Trees For Houston Executive Director, Barry Ward, will welcome the guests with brief remarks around 6 p.m. In addition to the tree fun, live music will be provided by Pam Hobart and Gary Babineaux. Light refreshments will be provided, along with a studio tour. Guests who donate $10 or more to Trees For Houston at the event will receive a free class at the studio.
Despite the recent rains, Houston and surrounding areas are still under drought conditions. Trees For Houston is a nonprofit organization dedicated to planting, protecting and promoting trees.

Since their beginning in 1983, Trees For Houston has planted and distributed over 420,000 trees and seedlings along Houston’s residential and commercial streets, in parks, along bayous and trails and on school campuses.
Bellaire Yoga Center is located at 5221 Bellaire Blvd. The studio offers Iyengar, Hatha, and Slow Flow Yoga, along with Feldenkrais movement education, massage, and a variety of personal-development programs. To RSVP, go to http://getyourtreeon.eventbrite.com/. Check us out online at www.bellaireyoga.com and www.treesforhouston.org. ###

TWRC Wildlife Center initiated the Baby Bird Program

The program provides on-site care for approximately 2,000 baby birds. The program this year will run from April 30th through August 3rd. With spring just around the corner, we are looking for volunteer bird feeders. Bird feeders prepare special diets, feed the birds, clean cages, wash dishes and includes general maintenance of the bird area. This is a very exciting and educational opportunity for anyone 12 years of age and older. Youth between 12 and 14 must be accompanied by an adult to participate (ratio of 1:1).
Our volunteers can choose shifts any day of the week, Monday through Sunday, starting from 8:00am to noon, noon to 4:00pm and 4:00pm to 8:00pm. We ask our volunteers to sign up for a minimum of five shifts to ensure the best care possible for the baby birds.
If interested in volunteering, you must take a training class and pay a $15 registration fee.  You will receive a TWRC t-shirt which you will be required to wear when working shifts.   The first training class  is April 7th.  Check our website calendar for more training dates.  You can register online at www.twrc-houston.org.
Have some fun while helping our native Texas birds. With your help, in spite of the fact that these babies don’t have their mothers, they will grow up and be released to live out their lives in their natural habitat. It’s exciting to watch the changes in the birds from week to week!
If you have questions, you can send an email to Marvin Starkey at program@twrc-houston.org or call TWRC Wildlife Center at 713-468-8972 ext. 157.

TWRC WILDLIFE CENTER, 10801 Hammerly Blvd., Ste. 200, Houston, 77043.

Bayou City Outdoors InfoSocial

March 27, 2012
Bayou City Outdoors InfoSocial
Sherlock’s (West Grey)
1952 W Gray St Houston, TX 77019
6:30–8:30PM

It’s Spring! Do something good for yourself and find out what Bayou City Outdoors has to offer. We’ll help you get out, get active and get social!

Members, non-members and guests – join us for an information-packed fall social and get to know Bayou City Outdoors. This is a great chance for new members to get acquainted and non-members to get the scoop. Already in the know? Just come hang out with your friends!

You can also stop by our BCO info table for:

    * New Members – come to the new member table and we will help you with any membership questions or show you how to work the website
* Non- Members – stop by the membership table and ask questions, get information – you can even join and get a special discount
* Events – Meet our Event Leaders and find out about upcoming events that may not be on the calendar yet!
* Gear – don’t have your ultra fashionable BCO t-shirts & jerseys?  Get them here
* Travel – Get all the information on travel dates coming up in 2012
Note, Sherlocks offers Bingo on Tuesday! Free to play and you could win a free bar tab!

6:30pm to 8:30pm My Fit Foods is providing snacks and there is a full bar with a  happy hour. Sherlocks—West Gray, 1952 W Gray St Houston, TX 77019. For more information call 713-524-3567 or www.BayouCityOutdoors.com

Ten Thousand Villages hosts 6th Annual Rug Event

Fair Trade Rugs are Coming to Houston!
Ten Thousand Villages hosts 6th Annual Rug Event
March 7-11

The always popular Fair Trade Oriental Rug Event returns to the Houston Ten Thousand Villages
store on March 7-11. For 5 days only, more than 300 luxurious hand-knotted Bunyaad rugs will be
on display and available for purchase at this unique annual event.
From intricate florals to hand-spun natural dye wool tribals, every Bunyaad rug has been designed
and hand-knotted by highly skilled and fairly paid adults.
“When artisans know they are paid for every knot they tie, they are empowered to focus on the fine
details of intricate rugs that will last for generations,” says Yousaf Chaman, Bunyaad Director.
Bunyaad works with over 850 families throughout 100 villages in Pakistan.
An Introduction to Oriental Rugs seminar will be held at the Houston store on Thursday, March 8 at
6 p.m. The one-hour seminar is ideal for anyone considering an Oriental rug purchase or who would
like to learn more about the art of Oriental rug making, rug care and even room design.
Refreshments will be served and admission is free. Reservations are strongly encouraged.
“It’s a win-win situation” said Cassie Martin, store manager. “Artisans in Pakistan earn a living wage
and North American consumers get an excellent quality rug with an excellent mission behind it.
Home decorating was never more beautiful!”
To make a reservation or for more information about the Ten Thousand Villages Oriental Rug Event,
please contact Cassie Martin at 713-533-1000 or visit
rugs.tenthousandvillages.com/houston_rugevent.

Bayou City Outdoors Meet & Greet

March 22, 2012
Live Oak Bar & Grill
10444 Hempstead Highway. Houston, Texas 77092
6:30 – 9:00PM

By popular demand, Bayou City Outdoors has an awesome Meet N’ Greet planned at Live Oak Grill & Bar. We’ll have the entire deck to ourselves and a happy hour menu for food and drink from 6:30 – 8:00PM. March is the month to get out and get active – our mantra! So join your fellow BCO members for a cool happy hour at Live Oak Bar & Grill.

6:30 – 9:00PM. Live Oak Bar & Grill, 10444 Hempstead Highway. Houston, Texas 77092. There is plenty of parking in the lot. Details and RSVP at www.BayouCityOutdoors.com or call 713-524-3567

Untermeyer to receive AJC’s human relations awar

with special guest George P. Bush
Monday, April 23, 2012 at 11:30 am Omni Houston Hotel

Ambassador Chase Untermeyer will receive the American Jewish Committee’s Houston Human Relations Award on Monday, April 23 at a luncheon where George P. Bush will speak. Honorary chairs of the luncheon at the Omni Houston Hotel are President George H.W. and Barbara Bush.  Ambassador Untermeyer has worked and befriended the Bush family since he interned on President George H. W. Bush’s first congressional campaign.
Chairs for AJC’s Human Relations Award luncheon are past award recipients Charles Foster and Ned Holmes, along with Bobby Lapin.  Untermeyer will be honored for his life-long commitment to public service and engagement in public affairs along with his professional and volunteer achievements.

AJC’s executive committee and past president’s council noted in Untermeyer’s selection that he personifies the values and ideals of AJC – namely, his devotion to community service, and his sense of responsibility to the community.  He is an inspiration to us as he continues to successfully balance his dedication to family, public service and professional life.

Untermeyer has invited George P. Bush, the son of former Florida governor Jeb Bush and grandson of former president George H.W. Bush, to speak.  Bush returned from serving in Afghanistan last year and is deeply engaged in public service.
Untermeyer has been an international business consultant since returning in 2007 from Qatar, where he served three years as United States ambassador on appointment of President George W. Bush.

Ambassador Untermeyer has held both elected and appointed office at all four levels of government – local, state, national, and international — for more than 35 years, with work in journalism, academia, and business as well.

He is a 1968 graduate of Harvard College with honors in government. During the Vietnam War he served as an officer in the United States Navy aboard a destroyer in the Western Pacific and as aide to the commander of US naval forces in the Philippines.

Returning to Texas, Ambassador Untermeyer was a political reporter for the Houston Chronicle for three years before becoming executive assistant to the county judge (chief administrative official) of Harris County, Texas, the jurisdiction surrounding Houston. In 1976, he was elected to the first of two terms as a member of the Texas House of Representatives.

He left the Legislature in 1981 to go to Washington as executive assistant to then-Vice President Bush. Three years later, President Reagan appointed him Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Manpower & Reserve Affairs. When George Bush became president in 1989, Mr Untermeyer returned to the White House as Director of Presidential Personnel, responsible for advising the President on his appointments to federal office. In 1991, President Bush appointed him Director of the Voice of America, the overseas broadcasting arm of the US government, where he served until the end of the Administration in 1993.

Back in Houston, he was director of public affairs for Compaq Computer Corporation (since merged with Hewlett Packard) and vice president for government affairs and professor of public policy at the University of Texas Health Science Center.

Ambassador Untermeyer is a member of the Texas Ethics Commission and the Council on Foreign Relations, as well as a member of the boards of the St Luke’s Episcopal Health Charities and of Harris County Precinct 1 Street Olympics. In previous part-time public service, he has been member and chairman of the Board of Visitors of the US Naval Academy, a commissioner of the Port of Houston, president of the Houston READ Commission, a member of the board of National Public Radio, member of the Defense Health Board, and chairman of the State Board of Education, appointed by then-Governor George W. Bush.

During his tenure as education chair, Untermeyer traveled with other Texas political officials to Israel with the Jewish Federation’s CRC.
Reservations for the luncheon may be made by calling AJC, 713 439 1202.

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