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In This Issue
Greetings!

 

This month's edition of Commissioner's E-Corner highlights some of the ways we're working to improve the quality of life for you in Precinct 4! 

 

Our county staff worked diligently to provide a modern sanitary system in Old Town Spring. Our volunteers at the Veterinary Public Health pet shelter recently opened a new play area to increase awareness about pet adoptions. 

 

Our mobility partner TxDOT completed the important U.S. 290 connector ramp to I-10 near the 610 Loop. All of these successes point to our continued growth, and with that growth comes a need for services from your county government. With Precinct 4 pride, we serve and provide programs that make our great place to live even better.

 

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
Louetta Road Expanded

 A new traffic signal was recently installed on Louetta Road at Longwood Trace Drive in Cypress.

Precinct 4 is growing by leaps and bounds and the roads are too. East-bound lanes on Louetta Road between Cypress Ridge and Imperial Woods were recently installed, widening the roadway from two lanes to a four lane boulevard. 

 

Additionally, a traffic signal system was installed on Louetta at Longwood Trace Drive. Hassell Construction mobilized on May 12, 2014 and the $1,825,278 project was completed on September 25, 2014.

 

Commissioner R. Jack Cagle's Capital Improvement Projects Division (CIP) administers and manages Precinct 4's capital improvement program, which includes road expansion projects, traffic signals and intersection improvements and traffic management systems designed to improve mobility and air quality.

 

 

Old Town Spring Gets New Wastewater System
Harris County Commissioner R. Jack Cagle holds a First Flush event in celebration of Old Town Spring's new wastewater system.

Old Town Spring is celebrating a new wastewater system and water treatment facility that will help small businesses provide better service to their customers.

 

The wastewater system is the result of a partnership between Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner R. Jack Cagle, the Harris County Public Infrastructure Department and the Old Town Spring Improvement District to bring a modern day sewage system to the historic area.

 

Commissioner Cagle began pursuing the partnership more than a year ago after noticing many businesses' septic systems often reached capacity on their busiest days, forcing many owners to temporarily close their facilities.

 

"It was a huge problem. Everyone had individual tanks that had to be pumped regularly. With all the growth, some businesses couldn't pump their systems fast enough," said Commissioner R. Jack Cagle. "That's bad for business. With ExxonMobil bringing so many people into the region, now is the time for owners to expand their businesses -- not be limited by outdated sewage systems."

 

The sewer system includes 8,000 feet of lines and a water treatment plant constructed by Quadvest L.P., a privately owned water and wastewater utility company. Unlike individual septic systems, the low-pressure system works by shuttling waste from individual pump stations to a main line, which flows to the new wastewater treatment plant.

 

The new system will be able to process up to 60,000 gallons of sewage per day and can be upgraded to process up to 520,000 gallons per day.The additional sewage capacity will allow larger businesses to enter the area. Property owners have the option to fund the installation of pump stations on their property that will allow them to connect to the new system. 

 

HCPHES Opens New Pet Playground
Shelter pets enjoy a new play area installed by HCPHES.

The Harris County Veterinary Public Health shelter recently opened a CountyPets playground for potential pet owners to interact with adoptable dogs in a natural setting.  


The playground was designed to increase adoptions by providing an interactive environment to help dogs and their potential new owners get to know each other.  


In celebration of the new playground, the shelter is offering half price pet adoptions through October. 


Harris County's animal shelter is located at 612 Canino Road in Houston. To learn more, visit www.hcphes.org/vph/.


 


 


 

 


Mercer Botanic Gardens Presents Distinguished Lecture: Growing an Ark
Dr. Peter Wyse Jackson will speak Nov. 6 at the Houston Museum of Science.

Learn something new from Dr. Peter Wyse Jackson during his lecture "Growing an Ark: The Expanding Role of Botanic Gardens in Plant Conservation" on Thursday, Nov. 6 at 6:30 p.m. at 5555 Hermann Park Dr., Houston 77030.

 

The lecture is part of a series presented by Harris County Precinct 4 and The Mercer Society (TMS) in partnership with the Houston Museum of Natural Science (HMNS) in celebration of Mercer's 40th anniversary.

 

The lecture will showcase significant contributions of botanic gardens around the world and how they help the global plant conservation movement.

 

A leader in the international botanic garden community for the past two decades, Jackson has helped establish botanic gardens all over the world and helped develop and implement the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation, which the U.N. Convention on Biological Diversity adopted in 2002. 

 

He has also served as chair of the Global Partnership for Plant Conservation since 2004. He currently serves as professor of botany at Washington University in St. Louis and as director of the Missouri Botanical Garden. Through the efforts of conservationists such as Jackson, more than 3,000 botanic gardens exist in 175 countries and territories.

 

Reservations are required and 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. To learn more about becoming a TMS member, visit themercersociety.org.

Free transportation to and from the lecture is available to 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 by calling 281-443-8731.

 

New Direct Connector Opens on 290

TxDOT celebrated the grand opening of a new direct connector between
U.S. 290 and I-10.

A major traffic initiative supported by Commissioner R. Jack Cagle has now become a reality as TxDOT opened a direct connector between U.S. 290 and I-10.

 

The new connector allows travelers on both U.S. 290 inbound and I-610 North Loop westbound to connect to I-10 without becoming part of I-610 West Loop traffic. It includes a two-lane exit ramp on eastbound U.S. 290 and a separate two-lane exit ramp on westbound I-610 North Loop, which join to provide four lanes leading to the I-10 east and westbound exit.

 

The traffic improvement will expedite traffic flow for the estimated 250,000 drivers who navigate the interchange daily, netting nine minutes for motorists on eastbound U.S. 290 and six minutes for those on westbound I-610. 

 

The project is part of the U.S. 290 expansion plan, which will extend 38 miles from FM 2920 to the 610 Loop. While the ultimate plan will not be complete until 2035, the interim strategy will be finished by 2017 at a cost of $1.8 billion and will extend from Loop 610 to the Grand Parkway.

 

The interim plan includes four general-purpose lanes with frontage roads and two or three reversible managed lanes in the middle for high-occupancy vehicles, plus direct connectors.

Early Voting Starts Oct. 20

Get out and make a difference in your community this election season! Without an incumbent in the governor's seat, voters have the opportunity to decide the outcome of one of the state's largest exchanges in leadership in more than a decade.

 

At the state level, candidates are vying for top positions as governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general and comptroller, as well as positions for the state supreme court, Senate and House of Representatives.

 

Also included on the ballot is a constitutional amendment establishing funding for the State Highway Fund as well as a bond referendum for Lone Star College.

 

Proposition 1 proposes transferring half of the funding from the Rainy Day Fund to the State Highway Fund to pay for repairs and maintenance of public roads. The amendment is expected to generate more than one billion per year for transportation.

 

Lone Star College Proposition 1 would provide $485,000 for campus expansions, land acquisitions, repairs, facility and technology upgrades, and safety and security to accommodate a 57 percent spike in enrollment since 2007. The proposition is not expected to increase property tax.

 

Don't forget to vote at the local level, which often makes the biggest impact in your community!

 

Early voting for the Nov. 4 election starts Oct. 20 and runs through Oct. 31 at the following times:

 

Oct. 20: Oct. 24: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Oct. 25: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Oct. 26: 1p.m. to 6 p.m.

Oct. 27-Oct. 31: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

 

For more information and voting locations, click here.

 

Cy-Fair Houston Chamber Hosts Mobility Forum

Learn about local transportation and economic development issues during the Cy-Fair Houston Chamber of Commerce's 7th annual Mobility Forum on Thursday, Oct.30 at the Berry Center.

 

Panel discussions, led by legislators and industry experts, take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

 

Panel speakers and topics include:

  • Allen Fletcher, Texas State Representative, District 130 - Moderator
  • Beryl Ramsey, Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital - Local Transportation Infrastructure, Partnership with EMS
  • Alan Clark, Houston-Galveston Area Council - Growth in Overall Area
  • Tim Lomax, TTI - Funding of Transportation Projects

Following the forum, Representative Allen Fletcher will discuss Proposition 1, a transportation funding measure that will be on the November 4 election ballot across the state of Texas. A classic car and booth display will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

 

Sponsorship opportunities range from $600 to $2,500. General admission is $60 and includes lunch. For more information or general inquiries, visit www.cyfairchamber.com  or call the Chamber at 281-373-1390.

 

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

 

All About Composting. Sat., Oct.18 at 10 a.m.Learn this time-honored tradition of recycling yard clippings, plus how to make and use compost tea in a safe, economical and enriching way for use at home. Visitors ages 10 and older are welcome to attend.


Twilight Walk. Sat., Oct. 18 at 7 p.m. The forest comes alive with the sounds of nocturnal creatures during a nighttime walk in the park led by a staff naturalist. Flashlights and closed-toed shoes are required. Those ages 10 and older are welcome to attend. Reservations are required and may be made beginning Wed., Oct. 8.

Invasives Beware. Sun., Oct. 19 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Join the JJP Eradicators in recording the locations of invasive plant and animal species and removing those that threaten to crowd out native varieties at Jones Park. Participants ages 16 and older, or those accompanied by an adult, are welcome to attend.

Volunteer Homestead Training. Sat., Oct. 25 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Hewing beams will be the focus of this month's training session on the daily skills of early Texas settlers during the 1820s-30s. Anyone 16 or older (or those accompanied by a parent) interested in becoming a living history re-enactor at Jones Park is invited to come to the park's Redbud Hill Homestead to make friends and learn a little bit of history!

Tricks & Treats Among the Trees. Sat., Oct. 25 from 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Children 12 and under accompanied by a parent are invited to trick-or-treat along the "Faces of the Forest" nature trail at Jones Park. This annual event includes carnival games, a Halloween craft, and a live creepy critters hayride. Costumes are encouraged!

 

First Sat. Birding. Sat., Nov. 1 at 7:45 a.m. Early birds get to see the birds! Join staff member Al Barr for a bird walk in Jones Park, located on the Texas Birding Trail, to see and hear local and migratory species. Bring binoculars and comfortable, closed shoes are recommended.

 

Walk with Nature, Talk with Art. Sat., Nov. 1 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Spend time indoors and outdoors with art teacher Elissa Fletcher exploring, discovering, imagining, and expressing the magic of natural surroundings. Reservations are required and may be made for those 16 and older beginning Wed., Oct. 22. Participants will be given a list of supplies to bring.

 

Gardening Daze. Wed., Nov. 5 and 12 from 8:30 a.m. to noon.Join horticultural coordinator Teri MacArthur at 8:30 a.m. for plant identification and weeding in the native flower beds surrounding the Nature Center, or help tend vegetables in the heritage garden at the pioneer homestead beginning at 9:30 a.m. with volunteer Doug Ebeling. Closed-toed shoes, gloves, a hat, sunscreen, and water are recommended.

 

T'ai Chi. Wed., Nov. 5, 12, & 19 at 8:30 a.m. Meet in the outdoor classroom next to the Nature Center for an hour of low-impact stretching, breathing, and range of motion exercises based on the 24-step Yang form of T'ai Chi. This activity is led by volunteer Doug Ebeling, a 3rd degree T'ai Chi Black Belt.


Pioneer Day. Sat.,Nov. 8 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Witness the celebrations, skills, and skirmishes of the Spanish colonial period in East Texas during the 1820s-1830s. Enjoy demonstrations of the lifestyles of early ethnic groups, folk music, and hayrides. Blacksmithing, cooking, spinning and weaving, woodworking, basket weaving, medicine and much more are shown. Crafts, rope making, and tasting /sampling are some of the many activities offered.

 

Second Sunday Pickers. Sun., Nov. 9 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.Sing or strum along with the Second Sunday Pickers as they bring the Nature Center to life with acoustic music including country-and-western, bluegrass, folk, rock and roll, and blues. Visitors of all ages are welcome to listen, sing along, or bring an instrument to join in the fun.


Girl Scouts Animal Habitats Badge Workshop. Sat., Nov. 15 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. During a fun day of activities and games, Junior Girl Scouts can learn shelter requirements and other basics of animal survival, completing all five steps to earn this badge. Reservations are required and may be made beginning Wed., Nov. 5.
  
Mercer Botanic Gardens:

 

Children's Story Time in the Garden. Mon., Oct. 20 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Check in at the visitor's center for the specific location for this free event that takes place the third Monday of each month.

 

Chrysanthemum Society. Fri., Oct. 24. from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. These monthly meetings include discussions about growing chrysanthemums and floral arranging. The Society also provides plants for Mercer's collection. Please call 281-443-8731 for more information or meeting in the visitor center.

 

HMNS Distinguished Lecture Series: Growing an Ark-The Expanding Role of Botanic Gardens in Plant Conservation. Thurs., Nov. 6 at 6:30 p.m. Visit the Houston Museum of Natural Science for a fascinating presentation by Dr. Peter Wyse Jackson, director of the Missouri Botanical Garden (St. Louis, Missouri) that highlights the necessary role of botanical institutions in plant conservation. For ticket information, please call 713-639-4629 or visit www.hmns.org/lectures.

 

Lunch Bunch: Herb Gardening for Home Use. Wed., Nov. 12 from noon to 2 p.m. Join Marilyn O'Conner, "The Herb Lady," to learn about the wide variety of herbs and their uses in homes and gardens. For additional information or to make reservations, call Mercer Botanic Gardens at 281-443-8731.
 
Community Centers/Senior Adult Program:

 

Big Stone Lodge: Fall Trip Sign Up for Houston Premium Outlet Mall. Fri., Oct. 17 at 10 a.m. Sign up is on a first-come, first-served basis. Transportation is provided for individuals 50 years and better through Harris County Precinct 4's Senior Adult Program. Bus departs from Spring Baptist Church Sat., Nov. 8 at 11:30 a.m. The cost is $2 per person; lunch is on your own at Spring Creek BBQ.

 

Big Stone Lodge: Twist and Shout '60s Dance. Fri., Oct. 17 at 11:30 a.m. Come dance the afternoon away with the music of DJ John Ramirez at our Twist and Shout '60s Dance. The menu includes Frito Pie with chili, cheese, onions and sour cream, plus dessert, along with iced tea and coffee. A $7 per person suggested donation is requested and payable in advance during registration.

 

Senior Adult Program: Sunday Afternoon in the Park. Oct. 19 from noon to 4 p.m. Plan a fun-filled afternoon at Burroughs Park, 9738 Hufsmith, Tomball, one of Harris County's most beautiful recreational areas! Bring a picnic lunch or purchase food from the concession booth, and join family and friends for this free event.

 

Senior Adult Program: Chappell Hill Lavender Farm. Tues., Oct. 21 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Bus departs from Spring Creek Church of Christ 14847 Brown Road Tomball, 77377. For more information, call 281-893-3726 or visit www.hcp4.net/senioradult.


 
Big Stone Lodge: Gramen Farms Seminar. Wed., Oct. 23 at 1 p.m. Join food activist, farmer and former lobbyist, Grant Wilson of Gramen Farms, as he shares his thoughts and experiences about the condition and quality of America's food supply. Please call 281-350-1029 to register or receive additional information.

 

Senior Adult Program: Harvest Moon Costume Dance. Wed., Oct. 29. 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Throw on your favorite costume and get ready to do the Monster Mash at this festive Halloween day dance and costume contest at the Humble Civic Center, 8233 Will Clayton Parkway. For more information, call 281-893-3726 or visit www.hcp4.net/senioradult.

 

Senior Adult Program: International Quilt Festival at the George R. Brown Convention Center. Thurs., Oct. 30 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The International Quilt Festival is the largest annual quilt show, sale, and Quiltmaking Academy in the world. Transportation is available for senior adults 50 and better. For more information, call Precinct 4's Senior Adult Program at 281-893-3726.

 

Senior Adult Program: Thanksgiving Luncheon at Lone Star College-University Park. Thurs., Nov. 6 at 11:30 a.m. $10 per person. Precinct 4's Senior Adult Program and Fun4Seniors invites all senior adults ages 50 years of age and better to this catered Thanksgiving luncheon. Event parking and shuttle service will be offered at St. Luke's Hospital at the Vintage, 20171 Chasewood Park Drive, Houston 77070, beginning at 10:15 a.m. Shuttle service resumes after the luncheon.

 

Big Stone Lodge: Popcorn and a Movie. Wed., Nov. 5 at 1 p.m. Enjoy a free movie, popcorn, and a drink! This month's featured attraction is It Happened One Night. Call or stop by the Center to sign up yourself and a friend.

 

Mangum-Howell Center: Feel Better with Less Stress Seminar. Wed., Nov. 5 at 10 a.m. Learn how to control stress during a health seminar at Mangum-Howell Center. Please stop by or call the Center at 281-591-7830 to register.

 

Big Stone Lodge: Beginning Spanish. Thurs., Nov. 6 and 20 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. An instructor teaches basic language skills to communicate in this culturally-diverse world.

 

Mangum-Howell Center: Holiday Wreath Craft Class. Thurs., Nov. 6 at 10 a.m. Craft your own beautiful Christmas wreath suitable for indoor or outdoor use in this  volunteer instructor led class at Mangum-Howell Center. Be sure to stop by Mangum-Howell Center or call 281-591-7830 to register and pick up a supply sheet.

 

Senior Adult Program: Tribute to Veterans at the Humble Civic Center. Tues., Nov. 11 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Veterans and their spouses are invited to a tribute to veterans that includes a catered turkey dinner and a patriotic concert. Transportation is available from 10 locations. To make a reservation or inquire about bus service, call the Harris County Precinct 4 Senior Adult Program at 281-893-3726.

 

Mangum-Howell Center: CPR Class. Mon., Nov. 10 from 9 a.m. to noon. American Heart Association certified instructor Lorraine Hibbert will teach a CPR certification class for ages 14 and older at Mangum-Howell Center.  The two-year certification fee is $15 payable by cash only. Space is limited, so come by the Center or call 281-591-7830 to sign up for this class.

 

Mangum-Howell Center: Trip Sign Up for Christmas Boat Lane Parade in Kemah. Thurs., Nov. 13 at 8:30 a.m. Sign up is on a first-come, first-served basis. Transportation is provided for individuals 50 years and better through Harris County Precinct 4's Senior Adult Program. The cost is $2 per person; dinner is on your own at Aquarium Restaurant. Bus departs from the Center Sat., Dec. 13 at 4 p.m.

 

Mangum-Howell Center: Senior Medicare Fraud. Wed., Nov. 12 at 10 a.m. Avoid becoming a Medicare fraud victim with an informative seminar led by retired federal officer Ken Latimer at Mangum-Howell Center.

 

Big Stone Lodge: Holiday Decorating Seminar. Wed., Nov. 12 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Learn how to make your home sparkle for the holidays during Big Stone Lodge's holiday decorating seminar. For more information regarding classes or other Center programs, please call 281-350-1029 or visit www.hcp4.net/ccenters.

 

Senior Adult Program: Nutcracker Market at Reliant Center. Fri., Nov. 14 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit national and international merchants that offer unique items for the entire family including home d�cor items, gourmet food, accessories and apparel, toys, garden items, and much more. Reservations are required and transportation is available for those 50 and better. For more information, call Precinct 4's Senior Adult Program, 281-893-3726. or visit www.hcp4.net/senioradult.

 

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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