Thursday, December 15, 2011
LAST CHANCE: HARRA Houston Marathon Slots Available
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Proposed Changes to Terry Hershey Park will Destroy Trails
The goal of our governmental entities, both city and county, in attempting to address flooding in Houston is both important and essential as this city continues to grow. However, it is our position, which is supported by many of the residents in the area, that we need to explore solutions which do not involve the destruction of a community asset. Neither the county nor city has engaged user groups and those affected by the proposal in the process.
Moreover, the little information provided by officials and groups involved in the project has been conflicting. We have heard the proposed project is either imminent (as in construction will start next year) or just something they are thinking about and we don't need to worry about.
Given the severe consequences, GHORBA believes it is time to be proactive in letting our representatives know how we feel about the loss of this park asset. Please consider signing the Save the Terry Hershey Park Forest Petition if you live in Houston. In addition, write your city council member, county commissioner or the mayor, and let them know how the this portion of the park is important to you and should be preserved for today and future generations.
For most of us, the ability to escape to our little piece of "green" space is what makes living in such a large city enjoyable, and we cannot avoid to lose more of it.
Thank you,
Bill Rustam
President of GHORBA
Jeff Jeansonne
Platform Virtualization Strategy
PSG Business Notebooks
(281) 514-9807
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Mark Fraser Obituary in Houston Chronicle

Friday, July 29, 2011
Memorial Service for Mark Fraser

Mark Fraser Honored by Will's Hills

Thursday, July 28, 2011
HARRA News: Mark Fraser - 1956-2011

Mark was oh so proud of his daughter Traci. She was a track and cross country star in High School, played soccer and is now about to enter her 4th year of medical school. What Dad wouldn't be proud of that? She’s also a charming young lady.
I originally appointed Mark to the board about 2 years ago. He had been a vital part of planning and organizing the Party in the Park, and other HARRA events, and I decided he would be a great help on the Board. After serving almost a year and organizing the Party in the Park and the party after the Bayou Bash Relay, we had an opening for Vice President of Communications. Mark was already writing a monthly column (award winning) for Texas Runner & Triathlete (then Inside Texas Running) and I thought writing would be a perfect fit for him. VP Communications also organizes and edits HARRA's section of the magazine. As VP of Communications we started sending out regular Enews bulletins keeping members informed. I think most members welcomed this form of instant communication and Mark took it over and put his own stamp on it.
As he took on the communications responsibilities he worked with Lisa Fletcher to turn over the party job. He still played a large role in getting the parties together. Mark was someone I could always count on when I needed to get something done. When it came time to send 2 of us to the RRCA Convention, Mark asked to go. I thought he would soak up the ideas they present and bring something back for HARRA. This past May we went to Fredericksburg, Virginia and attended the convention.
Mark was a distinguished, runner having completed ultra marathons including 100 milers. He was a 13 year Houston Marathon Veteran. He was Runner of the Year several times for the Bayou City Road Runners. He was a past president of Bayou City Road Runners.
After the fall of Enron, Mark became fascinated with the whole story. He read everything he could get his hands on and wrote a musical about the fall. He produced it, and directed it and although it didn't quite make it to Broadway it did have 2 successful showings at a theater in the Heights and made the national news.
Mark also taught me how to set my side view mirrors so there wouldn't be a blind spot. He entertained us on our runs, and at our parties. On this Sunday past he ran 12 miles in the morning with his usual group.
Mark's family has asked that instead of flowers donations be made to the Memorial Park Conservancy for trail improvements. Anyone wishing to donate can send whatever they can to The Memorial Park Conservancy Mark Fraser Fund P.O. Box 131024 Houston, Texas 77219.
I'm sure I've left something out, and if you have a Mark Fraser story you would like to share, please send it to me."