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Greetings!
Welcome to the August 2013 edition of Commissioner's E-Corner! It may be hot, but we are not slowing down in Precinct 4! We're embracing the new precinct boundaries and accompanying changes to continue serving our constituents enthusiastically. In this month's issue, learn about the latest advancement in computerized traffic signalization. I'm so proud of how Precinct 4 leads the way in finding traffic solutions to rapidly growing areas.
I am also very excited about the upcoming public opening of Big Stone Lodge at Dennis Johnston Park where we will introduce more Senior Adult programming. Plus, back by popular demand, the Texas Gulf Coast Gardener program is returning to Mercer to offer a learning opportunity specific to our region. Also, please join me and our friends at Bayou Land Conservancy for a canoe trip along Spring Creek to learn more about this beautiful natural waterway in our community.
Don't forget that you can access past issues of Commissioner's E-Corner on the Precinct 4 website. When you visit Precinct 4 online, you can also learn more about the road projects taking place, as well as the upcoming events at Precinct 4's community centers and parks, and Senior Adult Program activities through Fun4Seniors.
Sincerely,
Commissioner R. Jack Cagle
Harris County Precinct 4
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Commissioner Precincts Approved
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The new map redistricting Harris County precincts takes effect this week. The redistricting plan, which was pre-approved by the Justice Department in 2011, was delayed by an unsuccessful lawsuit related to the Voting Rights Act.
My colleagues and I are working together to ensure that if you see a change in your Commissioner voting precinct, you see no change in excellent service.
To see the new precinct map, in effect through this decade, go to www.hcp4.net and click on the map on the home page.
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New CLAS System Installed
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 Precinct 4 is working with the Harris County Public Infrastructure Department to move traffic control into the 21st century!
The Changeable Lane Assignment System (CLAS) is currently being installed and tested at two of our intersections: West Little York at Eldridge and Kuykendahl at Louetta.
The digital management system will allow computers to use real-time traffic information to adjust signals and lane assignments to adapt to peak traffic periods.
Commissioner Cagle reviewed the computerized signal programming with (left to right) Rick Goodman, Manager of Traffic Signal Maintenance, and Bruce Warren, Engineering Technician, of HCPID along with Precinct 4's Director of Capital Improvement Projects, Pamela Rocchi.
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Big Stone Lodge Open House
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Celebrate new senior adult programming at Big Stone Lodge at Dennis Johnston Park Wednesday, August 28 from 10 a.m. to noon.
This is a great opportunity to tour the newly-renovated facility, located at 709 Riley Fuzzel Road in Spring, visit with Commissioner Cagle, and meet the staff. Light refreshments will be served.
Big Stone Lodge will be open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information regarding classes or other programs, please call 281-350-1029.
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Harris County Hosts One-Day Job Fair
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Mark your calendars for the upcoming Harris County job fair Wednesday, September 11 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Humble Civic Center, located at 8233 Will Clayton Parkway in Humble.
The job fair is presented by Precinct 4 and Harris County's office of Human Resources & Risk Management with many Harris County departments on site to discuss career opportunities, including clerical, technical, professional, mechanical, mower and heavy-equipment operator positions.
Harris County offers an excellent benefits package, and enrollment in the Texas County and District Retirement System (TCDRS) is a mandatory requirement of all employees. Other benefits offered include access to a full-service credit union as well as a variety of training programs available to help employees improve their interpersonal skills, enhance career development, and manage the stress of work and personal life. Harris County also offers employees a choice of three optional deferred compensation "457" savings/investment plans in which employees may participate on a voluntary basis.
Anyone seeking an exciting career opportunity with Harris County is encouraged to attend! To learn more about which jobs are available, please call Harris County's job hotline at 713-755-5044 or view positions online at www.hctx.net/hrrm.
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Texas Gulf Coast Gardener Program Returns
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 Mercer Arboretum & Botanic Gardens is teaming up with The Mercer Society (TMS), a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, to bring back the popular Texas Gulf Coast Gardener (TGCG) program.
The TGCG curriculum was developed by Mercer staff with guidance from Dr. David Creech, professor of horticulture at Stephen F. Austin State University, and staff from Mast Arboretum in Nacogdoches. The program will give participants the knowledge and skills needed to start, develop and maintain their own gardens through a variety of gardening and horticulture topics specifically designed for the pleasures and challenges of the Texas Gulf Coast climate.
Classes, held onsite at Mercer for a 12-week period, begin the third week in September. Registration is now open through September 6, so please call 281-443-8731 or visit the park to enroll.
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Canoes, the Creek, and Commissioner
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Join Commissioner Cagle and biologist Matt Buckingham with Bayou Land Conservancy for a row down Spring Creek Saturday, August 24 from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. beginning at Jesse H. Jones Park & Nature Center, located at 20634 Kenswick Drive in Humble.
Be sure to dress appropriately and bring refillable water bottles, sunscreen, and snacks. Reservations are required and must be made through Bayou Land Conservancy.
Bayou Land Conservancy is a community-sponsored land preservation organization that works with willing landowners to permanently protect land in the greater-Houston region. Their mission is to preserve river and bayou corridors, properties with significant wildlife habitat value, and places where family recreation can occur.
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Upcoming August/September Activities
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Jesse H. Jones Park & Nature Center:
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Fabulous Nighttime Flyers. Sat., August 17, 10 a.m. Discover which bat species are found in Harris County, the role they play in the wild, threats they face, what makes them so vital to the balance of life, and how to attract them to your landscape. All ages.
Hunter Education Certification. Sat., August 24, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. and Sun., August 25, 9 a.m. - noon This two-day course meets the mandated Texas Parks & Wildlife Hunter Education requirements for Texas. Material's fee $15. Reservations required beginning Wed., Augusts 14. Ages 9 and up.
Wildflowers. Sat., August 31, 10 a.m. Join a park naturalist to learn about local wildflowers, how to grow them, and use them in the landscape. Participants will then get to make wildflower seed balls to take home and plant. Reservations required beginning Wed., August 21. All ages.
Become a Citizen Scientist. Sat., September 7, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Attend this workshop created by the Texas Invasives organization to learn how you can help monitor and eradicate invasive plants and animals in your area. A camera and GPS are encouraged but not required. Reservations required beginning Wed., August 7. Ages 16 and up.
Geocaching. Sat., September 14, 9 a.m. Geocaching is a GPS-guided, family-friendly worldwide scavenger hunt; and Jones Park is 'ground zero' for the day's fun! Bring your GPS unit or GPS-enabled smart phone to learn about this "play-anywhere" game with several courses for varying skill levels. All ages.
Second Saturday Settlers: Leather Works. Sat., September 14, 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. Visit Redbud Hill Homestead to learn how early settlers turned raw leather into useful everyday items. Join park staff and volunteers as they bring the homestead to life by demonstrating everyday chores and activities. All ages.
Invasives Beware. Sun., September 15, 2 p.m.- 4 p.m. Join the JJP Eradicators in recording locations of and removing invasive plant and animal species in Jones Park. Ages 16 and up or accompanied by an adult.
Mercer Arboretum & Botanic Gardens:
Lunch Bunch: Lawn & Alternatives. Wed., August 14, noon - 2 p.m. As a county extension agent for many years, Tom Leroy has experienced every question about handling lawn care and what to do about those hard to manage spots needing easy cover. Join him as he makes the green monster manageable!
Children's Story Time in the Garden. Mon., August 19, 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Children's Librarian Maggie Hope at Baldwin Boettcher, along with Mercer volunteer docents, share some of their favorite nature books with children and their parents in the Mercer gardens. A craft project is included. Check in at the Visitor's Center for the specific location.
Lunch Bunch: Texas Carnivorous and Bog Plants. Wed., Sept. 11, noon - 2 p.m. Learn how carnivorous plants attract, capture, and digest prey from Mike Howlett, owner of PetFlyTrap.com.
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Community Centers/Senior Adult Program:
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Mangum-Howell Center: Don't Fall for a Scam Seminar. Tues., August 20, 10 a.m. Learn about the latest financial scams and how to avoid becoming a victim.
Mangum-Howell Center: '50s Sock Hop. Fri., August 23, 1 p.m. Enjoy a stroll down memory lane while sipping root beer and coke floats and listening to all your favorite oldies performed by vocalist Bill Parish. Please call 281-591-7830 or come by the Center to learn more or sign up.
Big Stone Lodge at Dennis Johnston Park: Aging Texas Well Initiative Seminar. Wed., September 4, 1 p.m. This presentation will provide details about many of the different elements of the Aging Texas Well (A.T.W) initiative including the A.T.W advisory council, grants to cities to become more aging friendly, online information about successful health programs, and more!
Mangum-Howell Center: Happy Halloween Cat Craft. Thurs., September 5, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with a one-hour lunch break. Create the "purr"fect accent to your Halloween decor when you paint this fancy feline to greet trick-or-treating neighbors.
Senior Adult Program: Houston Symphony Performs Musica Clasica Latina. Thurs., September 5, 8 p.m. Enjoy an exciting array of performances by the Houston Symphony. Reservations are required a minimum of one week in advance of each performance date. Tickets are limited, so call early to make reservations to receive free tickets. For additional details, please call the Senior Adult Program at 281-893-3726.
Senior Adult Program: Chappell Hill Lavender Farm Tour. Sun., September 8. Enjoy a relaxing trip to the Chappell Hill Lavender Farm complete with a visit to the Chappell Hill Bakery & Deli as well as the Lavender Patch gift shop! Reservations required. For more information or to purchase tickets, please call the Senior Adult Program at 281-893-3726.
Mangum-Howell Center: A Catfish and Shrimp Buffet Luncheon. Tues., September 10, noon. Listen to music from the 1920s through the 1970s performed by vocalist Chris Collins, a national touring entertainer and lead singer of a John Denver tribute band, while enjoying an all-you-can-eat menu of fried catfish, shrimp, french fries, hushpuppies, coleslaw, beans, iced tea, and dessert!
Senior Adult Program: Retreat at Artesian Lakes. Wed., September 11. Travel to the Retreat at Artesian Lakes, a famous East Texas landmark for over 22 years, for a memorable trip to explore the resort, tour the organic gardens, and enjoy lunch! For more information or to purchase tickets, please call the Senior Adult Program at 281-893-3726.
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Commissioner R. Jack Cagle
Harris County Precinct 4
1001 Preston, Suite 950
Houston, Texas 77002
By phone: 713-755-6444
By fax: 713-755-8801
Email: commissionercagle@hcp4.net
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