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In This Issue

 

Welcome to the November 2013 edition of Commissioner's E-Corner! This month, we begin by focusing on a topic that's very important to all of us: public safety. Public safety is a priority to me as your County Commissioner. You might have seen or heard the recent media coverage about the crack down on sexually oriented businesses in Harris County. By working together with community leaders, local ministries, State Representative Debbie Riddle, State Representative Patricia Harless, Constable Ron Hickman, Distict Attorney Mike Anderson, County Sheriff Adrian Garcia, and County Attorney Vince Ryan, we successfully revised and strengthened our county regulations. The result is that the "top ten" offenders are out of business and others are on their way out of our communities!

 

Now, I'm asking for your help again as we work to strengthen our regulations regarding illegally operated game rooms. Just like illegal sexually oriented businesses, these game rooms prey on those with limited incomes and have become havens for other crime. We need stronger regulations to allow the justice system to put these game room operators out of business.

 

Please come and participate in one of two public hearings planned next week seeking public input on the new regulations, which can be viewed at www.harriscountyattorney.us. 

  • Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Jack Morman will preside over the first hearing on Monday, November 18 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Crosby Community Center located at 409 Hare Road in Crosby.
  • Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner R. Jack Cagle will preside over the second hearing on Tuesday, November 19 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Northwoods Presbyterian Church located at 3320 FM 1960 West in Houston.

 

The residents of Precinct 4 owe a debt of gratitude to the leadership and cooperation of Precinct 2 Commissioner Jack Morman in shutting down these hotbeds of crime. I look forward to your participation at the hearings and receiving feedback from the 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
A Dog Park Near You!
Get your frisbees ready, because a dog park is coming to Meyer Park at 7700 Cypresswood Drive in Spring!
 
Dog parks are a benefit to the community because they allow dogs to exercise and socialize safely, promote responsible pet ownership, and encourage dog owners to meet others who share common interests.
 
Commissioner Cagle recently broke ground with veterinarians from the Stuebner Airline Veterinary Hospital, who made land adjacent to the park available to access the new dog park more easily from Stuebner Airline.
 
Representatives from the engineering firm of Jones & Carter, Inc. and Precinct 4 parks staff were also on hand for the groundbreaking. The dog park is scheduled to open in April 2014.
Texas Gulf Coast Gardner Program: Register Now for Tier 3
The Texas Gulf Coast Gardener (TGCG) program, presented by Mercer Arboretum & Botanic Gardens and The Mercer Society (TMS), is a series of horticulture classes on successful gardening practices in Harris and surrounding counties.
 
Lectures combined with hands-on work in the gardens gives participants the opportunity to learn from Mercer staff and other horticultural experts.
 
Tier 3 is a six-week course led by Mercer's Education Director, Scott Meadows, and other talented experts who will present lessons and workshops focused on landscape design, the use of hardscapes and water features in the landscape, and sustainable design practices. The tuition fee for Tier 3 is $100 for members of TMS and $115 for non-members, which includes a textbook and class supplies.
 
Tier 3 will be held each Monday from January 27 through March 3. Registration is open now through January 17, so call 281-443-8731 to secure your spot today! 
Harris County Tax Office Now Accepts Credit/Debit Cards
The Harris County Tax Assessor-Collector, Mike Sullivan, recently announced that all Harris County Tax Office branches will now accept credit and debit cards for automobile transactions, including registration stickers, license plates, automobile titles, and temporary disability placards. Credit and debit card automobile transactions will be subject to a 2.1 percent transaction fee and a flat 50 cents processing fee by the service vendor.
 
The Harris County Tax Office also offers residents the opportunity to renew registration stickers online, by mail, or at more than 200 renewal locations at partner grocery stores and participating AAA offices.
 
To learn more about the Automobile Services Division of the Harris County Tax Office, visit any of the branch locations, call 713-368-2000, or go online at www.hcauto.net.

Happy Thanksgiving from the Precinct 4 Family

We wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving and hope you're blessed with many reasons to give thanks this year! As you celebrate with family and friends, we remind you of those who are unable share in a feast of their own and encourage you to participate in the many food drives offered during the holiday season. 

 

If you feel moved to offer a donation, nonperishable food such as canned vegetables, fruits, meats, juices, cereals, etc., are being collected at two Precinct 4 facilities to ensure fewer members of our community go hungry.

 

Spring Assistance Ministries (SAM) will distribute donated items from Big Stone Lodge at Dennis Johnston Park, located at 709 Riley Fuzzel Road in Spring, 77373.

 

Northwest Assistance Ministries (NAM) will distribute the items collected at Mangum-Howell Center, located at 2500 Frick Road in Houston, 77038.

 

Holiday Happenings in Precinct 4
 
Celebrate the spirit of the holiday season during the various festivities scheduled around the precinct. From holiday luncheons to free children's events, Precinct 4 has it all!
 
The kids will love to see Santa's Workshop at Mangum-Howell Center complete with festive decorations, cookies, crafts, music and more on Fridays, December 6 and 13, and Saturday, December 7 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
 
For a glimpse into the past, check out Jones Park's annual Old-Fashioned Christmas, which celebrates the holiday season in true 19th century fashion on Saturday, December 7 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. 
 
These events fill up quickly, so be sure to make your reservations today! For a complete listing of upcoming activities, please see the calendar items below or visit www.hcp4.net. 
Tomball Tollway Recognition
Commissioner Cagle and State Representative Allen Fletcher were recently recognized for their efforts by Tomball Mayor Gretchen Fagan as work progresses on adding lanes to SH 249.

The Mayor thanked everyone involved in the Harris County Toll Road Authority project, which will enhance mobility and ease rush hour congestion familiar to many residents in the Tomball and Willowbrook areas.
Pearl Fincher Afternoon Tea
Commissioner and Janet Cagle were honored to be recognized by the Pearl Fincher Museum of Fine Arts at the Fourth Annual Afternoon Tea benefit.
 
Although the Pearl Fincher functions from a Harris County building, museum operations are supported wholly by the community through fundraisers such as Afternoon Tea. The museum is located at 6815 Cypresswood Drive in Spring, 77379.
Upcoming November/December Activities
Jesse H. Jones Park & Nature Center:
 

Canoe Spring CreekSat., November 16, 9 a.m. or Sun., November 17, 2 p.m. On Saturday, enjoy a longer trip downstream to Jones Park. On Sunday, take a shorter trip from Jones Park to the San Jacinto River. Ages 16+. Reservations required; please call 281-446-8588.

  

Turkey TalkSat., November 23, 10 a.m. Join a staff naturalist to learn about the wild cousins of our Thanksgiving dinner star. All ages. 

 

An Old-Fashioned Christmas. Sat., December 7, 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. Experience traditions of earlier times as the homestead comes to life with 19th century holiday customs. Enjoy music, a holiday craft, tree lighting, wassail and cookies, and an early visit from Saint Nicholas. All ages. Reservations required beginning Wed., Nov. 13 for Harris County residents; Mon., Nov. 18 for non-Harris County residents.

  

Second Saturday Settlers: Christmas CheerSat., December 14, 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. Join park staff and volunteers for yuletide fun in the homestead. Enjoy a cup of wassail, sample old-fashioned treats, and have your picture taken with jolly old Saint Nicholas. All ages.

 

Critter's Christmas. Sat., December 21, 10 a.m. Have you thought of decorating a tree outside just for the critters? Learn how to make decorative edible treats for the birds and other wildlife that visit your yard. All ages.  

 

 

Mercer Arboretum & Botanic Gardens: 

  


Lunch Bunch: Trees in Urban Areas
. Wed., December 11, noon - 2 p.m. Casey Scribner and Brooke Judice of Trees for Houston will offer information about the importance of trees in an urban environment, recommended trees for our area, plus tips for how to plant and take care of them.
 
Children's Story Time in the Garden. Mon., November 18 and Mon., December 16, 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.
Community Centers/Senior Adult Program:

Big Stone Lodge at Dennis Johnston Park: AARP Safe Driving Course. Tues., November 19, noon - 5 p.m.Designed for those 50 and older, this course helps drivers refresh their driving expertise, reduce the risk of traffic violations and accidents, and qualify for an auto insurance discount up to 10 percent. Call 281-350-1029 to sign up.
 
Mangum-Howell Center: Tricks of the Trade -- Outsmarting Investment FraudWed., November 20, 10 a.m. Find out about the psychology behind investment scams, recognize fraudulent tactics, and learn how to protect investments.
 
Senior Adult Program: Great American Trailer Park ChristmasThurs., November 21. Back by popular demand, enjoy this Stages Repertory Theatre performance just in time for the holidays! To check ticket availability, please call the Senior Adult Program at 281-893-3726.
 
Big Stone Lodge at Dennis Johnston Park: Christmas in the Pines Open HouseFri., December 6, 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. Celebrate the spirit of the holiday season gathered around the crackling fireplace and enjoying the harmony of the Viva Voc� Victorian Carolers. Have your picture made with Santa and enjoy a warm cup of apple cider.

Mangum-Howell Center: Santa's WorkshopFri., December 6 and 13, and Sat., December 7, 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. Witness the magic of the holiday season in Santa's Workshop complete with the sights, sounds, and delights direct from the North Pole.
 
Senior Adult Program: Santa's Wonderland. Tues., December 10. Experience the wonder of Christmas, Texas style! Spend an unforgettable evening celebrating the holidays by touring Santa's Wonderland on an old-fashioned hay ride. This holiday wonder features millions of dazzling lights on a winding path that stretches over a mile long. For more information or to purchase tickets, please call the Senior Adult Program at 281-893-3726.
 
Senior Adult Program: Houston Symphony Performs Holly Jolly Symphony SpectacularThurs., December 12. 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: 51st Annual Candlelight Tour. Sat., December 14. People and events from Houston's past come alive at the 51st Annual Candlelight Tour. This event features historic structures decorated with old-fashioned lights and adornments, each housing costumed characters that tell the stories of Houston's past. For more information or to purchase tickets, please call the Senior Adult Program at 281-893-3726.

 

Mangum-Howell Center: Jolly "Holly"day Catered Luncheon
Tues., December 17, noon. Enjoy accomplished musician Stella Fitzgibbon during this annual holiday feast, including turkey, dressing, and all the traditional trimmings.
 
Big Stone Lodge at Dennis Johnston Park: Holiday in the Pines Catered Luncheon
Fri., December 20, 11:30 a.m. Feast on traditional turkey and dressing, along with all the trimmings, while enjoying entertainment provided by pianist Stella Fitzgibbon. Call 281-350-1029 to make reservations.
 

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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