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Welcome to the March issue of Commissioner's E-Corner, which comes to you with news that Harris County has just begun its new fiscal year. I am pleased to share that the state of Precinct 4 and Harris County is great! We are prepared to move forward with a balanced budget to address our needs for public safety, better infrastructure, great parks, and diverse services for residents.
Together with my colleagues on Commissioners Court, we improved our ability to pay down long-term debts within our existing tax rate.
I consider it a privilege to serve as Commissioner and look forward to developing an even greater quality of life in Precinct 4. Take a look at all we are accomplishing in the precinct, and be sure to take advantage of the many opportunities to get out and about with your family. I hope to see you soon!
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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The Changeable Lane Assignment System (CLAS) is a new technology that Precinct 4 installed last year and tested at two intersections: West Little York at Eldridge and Kuykendahl at Louetta.
Within the next month, the tested systems will become operational and the traffic signals will adapt to real-time traffic patterns!
For example, turn lanes may be expanded from one to two lanes, when warranted, to allow traffic to flow more efficiently during peak travel hours.
This is a very exciting step toward bringing more effective travel solutions to the residents of Harris County!
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Historical Marker Unveiled
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 Harris County Precinct 4's Spring Creek Park in the Tomball area is a quiet and peaceful oasis of trees, camp grounds, and nature trails.
A cemetery site was recently discovered there containing the remains of freed slaves and early Harris County settlers dating back to the 1800s, prior to the Civil War.
Precinct 4 and the Harris County Historical Commission joined together to unveil a historical marker on February 26 to recognize the valuable finding.
Precinct 4 plans to continue research on the cemetery and hopes to provide opportunities for student learning through educational partnerships. As preservation proceeds, private group tours of the fenced-off area may be offered.
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New Dog Park at Meyer Park
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Join Commissioner Cagle and the Houston Northwest Chamber of Commerce to celebrate Precinct 4's newest dog park on Wednesday, March 19 at 11 a.m.
The dog park is located within Meyer Park at 7700 Cypresswood Drive, Spring 77379. Parking is encouraged at the Stuebner Airline Animal Hospital, located at 16116 Stuebner Airline Rd., Spring 77379.
Dogs and their owners are welcome to attend the ribbon cutting ceremony and enjoy the new facility. We hope to see the furry residents of Precinct 4 there very soon!
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Free Live Theater Coming to Burroughs Park
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 Shakespeare in the Shade is proud to present The Comedy of Errors at the pavilion at Burroughs Park on Friday and Saturday, March 28 and 29 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, April 5 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. William Shakespeare's fantastically hilarious and fabulously fun early comedy comes to life in a series of mix-ups, mayhem, and mistaken identity. Enjoy the timeless puns, jokes, gags, and suspense during this wonderful theatrical frolic! Admission is FREE, and chairs and picnic tables will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information about the performances or Shakespeare in the Shade, please visit Facebook. Additionally, a meal for individuals 50 years of age and better and transportation will be available from various locations throughout Precinct 4. For more information, please call Precinct 4's Senior Adult Program at 281-893-3726. A special thanks to event sponsors Jones & Carter, Inc., HNTB, Klotz Associates, Springwoods Village, CDM Smith, and Tedsi Infrastructure who have made these performances possible.
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HMNS Distinguished Lecture with Dr. David Creech
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Harris County Precinct 4 and The Mercer Society (TMS) have partnered with the Houston Museum of Natural Science (HMNS) to offer "The Chinese Economic 'Bloom' - People, Plans, and Plants for a Verdant Earth" on Thursday, April 10 at 6:30 p.m. at 5555 Hermann Park Dr., Houston 77030.
Reservations are required, which can be made directly through HMNS by calling 713-639-4629 or visiting www.hmns.org/lectures. Individual lecture tickets are $12 for TMS members and $18 for non-members.
Free transportation to and from the lectures will be available for senior adults 50 years and better using Harris County Precinct 4 buses departing from Mercer. Seating is limited and reservations are required on a first-come, first served basis. Please call 281-443-8731 to make arrangements.
Mercer Arboretum & Botanic Gardens is located one mile north of FM 1960 at 22306 Aldine Westfield Road in Humble, 77338. For more information, visit www.hcp4.net/mercer.
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Upcoming March/April Activities
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Jesse H. Jones Park & Nature Center:
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Canoe Spring Creek. Sat., March 15, 9 a.m. or Sun., March 16, 2 p.m. On Saturday, enjoy a leisurely paddle downstream to Jones Park. On Sunday, tour Spring Creek on a shorter trip to the San Jacinto River. Ages 16+.
Things That Fly. Sat., March 22, 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Join staff naturalists to learn about the common local resident and migrant birds, and then discover the fascinating world of insects. Ages 16+.
Texas Invasives Citizen Scientist Training. Sat., March 29, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Learn how to identify, report, and remove local unwanted invasive species. A camera and GPS are helpful, but not required. All 16+. Reservations required here.
Pontoon Boat Tours. Sat., April 5, tours throughout the day. Take a leisurely tour along Spring Creek and learn about the area's natural history and wildlife. Ages 8+. Reservations required beginning Wed., March 26 by calling 281-446-8588.
Second Saturday Settlers: Natural Dyed Eggs. Sat., April 12, 1 - 3 p.m. Enjoy a fun afternoon learning how to dye eggs using natural materials and experience early Texas settler life at the homestead with staff and volunteers. Bring hard-boiled or blown-out eggs. All ages.
Lantern Tours. Sat., April 12, 7:30 p.m. Get a glimpse of early Texas settler nightlife during a lantern tour through the Redbud Hill Homestead. All ages. Reservations required beginning Wed., April 2 by calling 281-446-8588.
Easter Games. Sat., April 19, 10 a.m. - noon. Enjoy egg rolls, bunny races, spoon races, and other traditional Easter games at the Redbud Hill Homestead. Bring a picnic lunch. Ages 12 & under. Reservations required beginning Wed., April 9 by calling 281-446-8588.
Animal Tracks & Signs. Sat., April 26, 10 a.m. Join a park naturalist to learn about wildlife tracks and signs that can tell a story about the local wildlife. Ages 7+.
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Mercer Arboretum & Botanic Gardens:
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Peckerwood Garden Tour. Fri., April 4, 8 a.m. Join Mercer's Director Darrin Duling for a traveling tour to Peckerwood Garden in Hempstead, Texas to enjoy lavish collection with beautiful architectural features. Reservations required; please call 281-443-8731 for more information.
Lunch Bunch: Food You Didn't Know You Had. Wed., April 9, noon - 2 p.m. Mark Vorderbruggen will teach participants about wild, native plants that are edible. Learn identification skills and uses for the tasty species that most people don't realize exist in natural areas all around.
Mercer's 40th Anniversary Special Presentations: Cool Plants for a Hot Climate. Fri., April 11, 10 a.m. Join Dr. David Creech, regents professor at Stephen F. Austin State University, for an informative lecture on the relationship between plants and climate. For ticket information, please call Mercer at 281-443-8731.
Children's Story Time in the Garden. Mon., April 21, 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Children's Librarian Maggie Hope from Baldwin Boettcher, along with Mercer volunteer docents, shares A Seed is Sleepy by Dianna Hutts Aston with children and their parents in the Mercer gardens. Check in at the Visitor Center for the specific location. Free.
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Community Centers/Senior Adult Program:
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Senior Adult Program: "Sweet Deal " Party Bridge Tournament. Wed., March 19, 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. Choose your partner and play together throughout this "Sweet Deal" tournament. To register, please call the Senior Adult Program at 281-893-3726.
Big Stone Lodge at Dennis Johnston Park: Colon Health Awareness. Wed., March 19, 10 a.m. Janet Helduser, senior program coordinator with Texas C-STEP, presents an educational program to increase awareness about colon health.
Mangum-Howell Center: AARP Safe Driving Course. Thurs., March 20, noon - 4:30 p.m. Reduce your car insurance by as much as 10 percent by completing AARP's Safe Driving Course.
Big Stone Lodge at Dennis Johnston Park: Luck O' the Irish Luncheon Featuring Strings and Things. Fri., March 21, 11:30 a.m. Come dressed in green and enjoy the sounds of Strings and Things!
Mangum-Howell Center: Cooking Demonstration and History of Pecan Pralines. Wed., March 26, 10 a.m. Learn about the interesting origin of Southern pecan pralines, and receive a free recipe after sampling this treat.
Big Stone Lodge at Dennis Johnston Park: Popcorn and a Movie Featuring A League of Their Own. Wed., April 2, 12:30 p.m. Come to the Center to enjoy a free movie , popcorn, and a drink!
Big Stone Lodge at Dennis Johnston Park: "Hands Down" Party Bridge Tournament. Fri., April 4,10 a.m. Choose your partner and play together throughout this "Sweet Deal" tournament.
Mangum-Howell Center: Spring "FUN"draiser Festival. Fri., April 4, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Mark your calendar to support the Mangum-Howell Community Center by participating in the Spring "FUN"draiser Festival.
Senior Adult Program: Jersey Village Luncheon Featuring the Grateful Geezers. Tues., April 8, 11:30 a.m. Enjoy a luncheon and live, musical entertainment at Jersey Village Baptist Church. To check ticket availability, please call the Senior Adult Program at 281-893-3726.
Big Stone Lodge at Dennis Johnston Park. Tues., April 8, noon - 5 p.m. Reduce your car insurance by as much as 10 percent by completing AARP's Smart Driver Course.
Mangum-Howell Center: Jelly Bean and Bonnets Luncheon Featuring David Hubenak. Tues., April 8, noon. Visit the Center for a festive, fun-filled afternoon and participate in the "Easter Bonnet" parade!
Big Stone Lodge at Dennis Johnston Park: Fish Fest Featuring the "We've Been Hooked Forever" Game. Fri., April 11, 11:30 a.m. Join the hilarious fun as Center couples play a game that pits VERY married couples against each other in a series of revealing question rounds.
Senior Adult Program: 50th Annual Bluebonnet Festival in Chappell Hill. Sun., April 13. Take advantage of more than 250 unique exhibitors during this festival in historic Chappell Hill. To check ticket availability, please call the Senior Adult Program at 281-893-3726.
Senior Adult Program: West Side Story at the Grand 1894 Opera House in Galveston. Sun., April 13, 2 p.m. Enjoy sophisticated music, extended dance scenes, and watch this famous story unfold. To check ticket availability, 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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