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Welcome to the October 2013 Commissioner's E-Corner! This month's edition of the E-Corner includes a healthy dose of events and activities available to you in Precinct 4.

 

Before you get to our updates on projects and events, let me give you a few facts about plans for a new Joint Processing Center discussed at Commissioners Court. Working together with the City of Houston, we will construct a facility to more adequately process people who have been arrested BEFORE they go to the county jail.

 

A new center will provide sufficient space and beds to better manage the jail population and identify those with medical needs. Our goal includes providing quicker and better access to mental health care for those in need.

 

I want to stress that this is not another jail, but rather a modern facility to process inmates more efficiently with the result of putting our peace officers back on the streets faster. A referendum regarding this center will be on the ballot this November. 

 

Don't forget, you can always 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 affecting your travel, as well as 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
SH 249 Groundbreaking
The Tomball Tollway is finally coming! Construction on the tollway got a great start with an excellent turnout during the groundbreaking event on September 25. In approximately two years, drivers will have the option of using the new lanes on SH 249.
 
Thanks to the Tomball Chamber of Commerce and their staff along with the City of Tomball for hosting us all at this celebration, which included Tomball Mayor Gretchen Fagan, Montgomery County Commissioner Craig Doyal, State Representative Allen Fletcher, Senator Tommy Williams and Congressman Michael McCaul.
  
New Voting Requirement
Texas law now requires voters to present a form of photo identification to vote at the polls. Be prepared by following these three easy steps: 
 
1. Review the list of approved photo identification.
 
2. Make sure your state approved photo identification is current.
 
3. Verify that the name the Voter Registrar has on file for you matches the name on one of the state-approved photo identifications.
 
For more information, click here.

Sunday Afternoon in the Park 
Plan a fun-filled afternoon at one of Harris County's most beautiful recreational areas on Sunday, October 20 from noon to 4 p.m. at Burroughs Park. A rain date is scheduled for Sunday, October 27.
 
Bring a picnic lunch or purchase food from the concession booth, and join family and friends for this free event featuring: carnival games, children's games, clowns, entertainment, fishing, hayrides, petting zoo, pony rides, and a pumpkin patch!
 
For more information, please call Harris County Precinct 4's Senior Adult Program at 281-893-3726.
 

Please note that these activities have limited supplies that may not extend through the entire event. 

SPARKS RC Club at Dyess Park
   
Precinct 4 facilities continue to be among the best anywhere! Partnering with the Spring Area Remote Control Society (SPARKS RC Club), we debuted a new "hangar" for the space dedicated to RC activities at Dyess Park on September 28. 
 
SPARKS RC Club members proved to be great neighbors and partners by contributing not only financially, but with sweat equity in building out the restroom and finishing the landscaping.
 
Constable Ron Hickman, a pilot himself, also joined in the celebration of this great new facility for the residents of Precinct 4
Halloween Safety Tips
Soon, many trick-or-treaters will be out on the scare for some candy. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers some reminders to make festivities safe and fun for all!

 

S - Swords, knives, and similar costume accessories should be short, soft, and flexible.

 

A - Avoid trick-or-treating alone. Walk in groups or with a trusted adult.

 

F - Fasten reflective tape to costumes and bags to increase visibility for motorists.

 

E - Examine all treats for choking hazards and tampering before consuming.

 

H - Hold a flashlight while trick-or-treating to help you see and others see you. Always WALK and don't run from house to house.

 

A - Always test make-up in a small area first.

 

L - Look both ways before crossing the street. Use established crosswalks wherever possible.

 

L - Lower risk for serious eye injury by not wearing decorative contact lenses.

 

O - Only walk on sidewalks, whenever possible, or on the far edge of the road facing traffic to stay safe.

 

W - Wear well-fitting masks, costumes, and shoes to avoid blocked vision, trips, and falls.

 

E - Eat only factory-wrapped treats. Avoid eating homemade treats made by strangers.

 

E - Enter homes only when accompanied by a trusted adult. Only visit well-lit houses. Don't stop at dark houses. Never accept rides from strangers.

 

N - Never walk near lit candles or luminaries. Be sure to wear flame-resistant costumes.

 

Source: CDC 

Upcoming October/November Activities
Jesse H. Jones Park & Nature Center:
 

Carnivorous PlantsSat., October 19, 10 a.m. Discover the many varieties of carnivorous plants, and learn how each attracts, captures, and digests its prey. Take home a plant! Limit one plant per family. All ages.

  

Tricks & Treats Among the Trees. Sat., October 26, 3:30 p.m. - 7 p.m. Kids and the young at heart are invited to an afternoon of Halloween fun with crafts, live creepy critters, games, hayrides, a critter storybook trail, free trick-or-treat candy, and more. Costumed trick-or-treaters are encouraged! Proceeds from carnival-inspired games benefit Jones Park. All ages. 

 

Tree T's. Sat., November 2, 10 a.m. Use fallen leaves and fabric paints to make an artistic autumn T-shirt. Participants bring their own plain white T-shirt. Reservations required beginning Wed., Oct. 23. All ages.

  

Pioneer DaySat., November 9, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Learn about the 1830s Texas settler and American Indian lifestyles. Witness a skirmish for Texas independence, along with "living history" demonstrations including blacksmithing, cooking, spinning, woodworking and much more. Folk music is featured and hayrides are provided. Fun for the whole family! All ages.

   

  
Mercer Arboretum & Botanic Gardens: 

  

Children's Story Time in the Garden. Mon., October 21, 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Children's Librarian Maggie Hope at Baldwin Boettcher, along with the 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 Center for the specific location.

 

2nd Annual Sustainable Landscape Conference. Fri., October 25. Learn about sustainable land design, construction, and maintenance practices during this year's conference at Dennis Johnston Park featuring "A Catalyst Landscape: Taking the LEED with SITES." Professionals may obtain up to six continuing education units certified by the American Society of Landscape Architects and the Landscape Architecture Continuing Education System. Visit www.themercersociety.org or call 281-443-8731 for details.

 

Lunch Bunch: The 10 Commandments of Lazy Gardening.  Wed., November 13, noon - 2 p.m. Learn tips from the Lazy Gardener, Brenda Beust Smith, on how you can enjoy the garden with less effort.

Community Centers/Senior Adult Program:

Big Stone Lodge at Dennis Johnston Park: "Raggle Taggle Scarecrow" Luncheon. Fri., October 18, 11:30 a.m. Come celebrate with John Ramirez, a retired Houston fireman and professional musician, who will be playing a variety of music and taking requests from his vast collection of songs during this luncheon catered by Ben's Chuck Wagon. And just to scare up even more fun, prizes will be awarded for the best fall or Halloween costumes!
 
Big Stone Lodge at Dennis Johnston Park: "What's Missing in Your Pantry?" Seminar. Wed., October 30, 1 p.m. Stephania Alvarez, program assistant with Better Living for Texans (a branch of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service), presents this seminar on the dietary shortfalls of adults over the age of 50. Learn about key nutrients, their food sources and functions, and the benefits of diet improvement.
 
Senior Adult Program: Harvest Moon Costume Dance. Thurs., October 31. Throw on your favorite costume and get ready to do the Monster Mash at this festive Halloween day dance! Along with music and dancing, a costume contest will be held. For more information or to purchase tickets, please call the Senior Adult Program at 281-893-3726.
 
Big Stone Lodge at Dennis Johnston Park: "Hands Down" Party Bridge Tournament. Fri., November 1, 10 a.m. Meet local bridge enthusiasts and spend an enjoyable day playing this fascinating game. A continental breakfast and lunch is provided to all registered participants.
 
Senior Adult Program: International Quilt Festival. Fri., November 1, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. If you love quilts, antiques, and country crafts, fabrics, tools, supplies, patterns and more, then don't miss this exciting opportunity at the George R. Brown Convention Center. For more information or to purchase tickets, please call the Senior Adult Program at 281-893-3726.
 
Mangum-Howell Center: Holiday Food Drive. Fri., November 1 through Tues., December 17. This special time of year presents the perfect opportunity to help those in need. Donating nonperishable food items such as canned vegetables, fruits, meats, juices, cereals, etc. is encouraged. Your generous donation will ensure fewer families, children, and older adults will go to bed hungry this holiday season.
 
Senior Adult Program: Jersey Village Luncheon. Tues., November 12, 11:30 a.m. Moses Rangel performs traditional country-and-western music by artists such as Conway Twitty, Merle Haggard, Ray Price, and George Strait. Catered by Ben's Chuck Wagon, enjoy turkey and dressing, mashed potatoes with gravy, green beans, homemade rolls, dessert, and iced tea.
 
Mangum-Howell Center: Catered Thanksgiving Luncheon and Veterans Recognition. Tues., November 12, noon. With thankful hearts and reverent spirits, we gather together for the Center's annual Thanksgiving celebration and Veterans Day recognition.
 
Mangum-Howell Center: AARP Safe Driving Course. Thurs., November 14, noon - 4:30 p.m. Reduce your car insurance by as much as 10 percent by completing AARP's Safe Driving Course. This class cannot be used for ticket dismissal. 
 

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: [email protected] 


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