CAD  |  Community Centers  |  Historical Markers  |  Libraries  |  Parks  |  Roads  |  Senior Program
NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

You are receiving a revised version of the August 2015 Commissioner's E-Corner with the corrected date for Bayou Preservation Association's second annual regatta at Mercer Botanic Gardens next month. Please see "Canoe Across Precinct 4 This September" below for more details.

In This Issue
Greetings!

 

Our residents care about how road projects affect their commutes. That's why I am always excited to share updates on major road projects in Commissioner's E-Corner. A key section of Spring Cypress is now open to motorists and the direct connector at Sam Houston Tollway and SH 249 is set to open in the fall.

 

I also want to draw special attention to a need for election day staff in the upcoming elections. Participating in the voting process is a right Americans must never overlook, and your part-time service at a poll will help make our elections safe and smooth. I urge everyone who can help to contact the Harris County Clerk's Office.

 

Don't forget to 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
Spring Cypress Renovations Now Complete

 

A key section of Spring Cypress recently opened near I-45.

A busy section of Spring Cypress now features an extra lane and upgraded traffic signals to prepare for growth along the Grand Parkway.

 

The project, which began in March, included widening Spring Cypress from four asphalt lanes to five concrete lanes from Lexington to Wunche Loop, along with adding left turn lanes and upgraded traffic signals at the Wunche loop. Landscaping is also underway to beautify the area.

 

Benefits of the project include reducing traffic delays and increasing options for drivers traveling to and from Exxon Mobil's new campus along I-45. When complete, the campus will have 10,000 employees and more than 15,000 families are expected to move to the nearby Springwoods Village development.

 

The new concrete lanes also will be more durable than asphalt, require less maintenance, and last up to four times longer. 

 

Other benefits include giving a boost to the local economy and revitalizing the area by giving residents better access to jobs and commercial areas. The project is one of many Precinct 4 traffic relief projects, including the expansion of Spring Stuebner, Holzwarth, Gosling, and Riley Fuzzel that will be essential to navigating Grand Parkway Segments F1, F2, and G when they open in late 2015.

 

For more information about Precinct 4's current or upcoming capital improvement projects, please visit www.hcp4.net/community/roadsbridges.

 

Sam Houston Tollway Direct Connector Set for Fall 2015 Opening
A direct connector linking Sam Houston Tollway
with SH 249 is set to open in the fall. 
Relief is on the way for commuters who travel along SH 249 to the Sam Houston Tollway.

The long-awaited direct connector linking southbound SH 249 to westbound Sam Houston Tollway is expected to open in the fall.

When complete, the $25 million project will allow motorists to transition seamlessly from the Tomball Tollway to the Sam Houston Tollway, relieving congestion along SH 249.

Currently, motorists must exit at the SH 249 feeder road and wait at the light to access the West Sam Houston Tollway.

The project was started in 2014 to alleviate traffic exiting from southbound State Highway 249 to westbound Sam Houston Tollway and accommodates growth in the Spring, Klein, Cypress, and Tomball areas.
Student Botanists Lead Research Symposium 
Merary Bautista-Ordonez prepares information to present during
Mercer Botanic Gardens' Student Research Symposium.
 

Student interns at Mercer Botanic Gardens educated the public about endangered plant species and the relationships between people and plants during Mercer Botanic Gardens' Student Research Symposium Aug. 5.

 

Along with information about Mercer's endangered and rare plant seed bank, presentations included research on the rare pondberry (Lindera melissifolia), native to southeastern United States, and the Neches River rose mallow (Hibiscus dasycalyx), native to Texas.

 

An ethnobotanical tour of Mercer's Native Plant and Endangered Species Garden, which included information on the relationship between people and plants throughout history, followed the presentations.

 

"These interns researched the best ways to preserve and propagate rare plant species," said Precinct 4 Botanist Anita Tiller. "We hope to be able to use their data to expand our conservation efforts and continue collecting seeds for our endangered species seed bank, which one day may be essential to repopulating endangered Texas natives."

 

Mercer Botanic Gardens partners with colleges, universities, and high schools--including Harris County Precinct 4's intern program, Lone Star College-Kingwood Biology Honors program, and the Shell Nonprofit Internship Grant Program--to provide training and internships for motivated students interested in increasing their knowledge of botany. This year's interns were chosen from Sam Houston State University, University of Texas at Austin, and University of Houston to study preservation and propagation, plant seed database management, and ethnobotany.

 

 

Mercer Botanic Gardens Presents Texas Gulf Coast Gardener Program 

Gulf Coast Gardeners take cuttings from the greenhouse. 

Learn about plants that thrive in the coastal region during the Texas Gulf Coast Gardener (TGCG) program, presented by Mercer Botanic Gardens and The Mercer Society (TMS). The nine-week program begins the fourth week in September onsite at Mercer. Registration is now open for 

 

Tier I, "Intro to Gardening," covers a wide range of topics for beginner- and intermediate-level gardeners, including site development, propagation, pest management, and pruning. Completion of Tier I provides gardeners with the knowledge they need to successfully start their own home garden.

 

Tier II, "Outstanding Landscape Plants," focuses on plants ideal for home gardens and landscapes in the Texas Gulf Coast climate. Classes will cover traditional garden staples and landscape essentials from trees and shrubs to more exotic plant types like ferns, orchids, and gingers. Tier II is a great course for those who may have established gardens of their own, but want to learn about new and exciting plants to add to their collection while improving their horticultural skills.

 

Classes will be held on Tuesdays (Tier I) and Thursdays (Tier II) from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with a one-hour break for lunch beginning Sept. 22 through Nov. 19. Registration fees are $200 for TMS members and $225 for non-members.

 

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 gives 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. 

 

For more information, contact Mercer at 713-274-4160 or visit www.hcp4.net/community/parks/mercer.

 
New Jury Duty Scam Targets Senior Adults
Avoid the latest scam against seniors. 

The Harris County District Attorney's Office is warning residents to never give out confidential information over the phone or by e-mail to avoid becoming a fraud victim. 

 

Identity thieves posing as officers of the court have been threatening to arrest residents if they don't pay hundreds or even thousands of dollars in fines for failing to report for jury duty. 

 

The local courts will never require residents to provide Social Security numbers, credit card numbers, or other sensitive information over the phone or through e-mail.


It is a serious crime for individuals to falsely represent themselves as a court official or employee with the Sheriff's Office. Harris County officials are taking these offenses seriously.

 

If you gave out your Social Security number and believe you may have been victimized, the DA's office recommends calling the Social Security Fraud Hotline at 1-800-269-0271 and all three credit bureaus right away.


 

Canoe Across Precinct 4 This September

Commissioner Cagle enjoys canoeing with Bayou Land Conservancy.

It's time to get out and explore the creeks in Precinct 4 with two of our partner organizations! The extensive greenway system, connected by trails and a series of Precinct 4 parks, is waiting to be discovered.

 

Visit Mercer Botanic Gardens Saturday, Sept. 19 at 9 a.m. to participate in the Bayou Preservation Association's second annual Cypress Creek Regatta along Texas' newest paddling trail on Cypress Creek. Take in the beautiful landscapes and wildlife along this scenic stretch of Cypress Creek. 

 

Families and individuals of all ages and skill levels can register for this 7.5-mile ACA sanctioned race that raises awareness of the Cypress Creek Paddle Trail.

 

The annual regatta supports Bayou Preservation Association's mission to clean-up Cypress Creek and turn it into Texas Parks and Wildlife's newest and longest paddling trail. 

 

The race starts at Mercer Botanic Gardens, located at 22306 Aldine Westfield in Humble, and ends at Jesse H. Jones Park & Nature Center at 20634 Kenswick Dr. in Humble. Festivities take place at the finish line from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, click here.

 

Those who prefer to paddle at a more leisurely pace can explore Spring Creek with Precinct 4 Commissioner R. Jack Cagle during Bayou Land Conservancy's "Canoes, the Creek and the Commissioner" event Saturday, Sept. 19 from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

 

This regularly scheduled event is for Bayou Land Conservancy members only. Become a member today to explore Spring Creek, one of the nation's longest contiguous greenways in the country, and help support our watersheds. Don't miss this opportunity to explore the beautiful, white sandy beaches of Precinct 4 where Spring Creek and Cypress Creek meet. 

 

Reserve your spot today. Canoes are provided, but members are allowed to bring their own. Participants meet at the Jones Park Nature Center, 20634 Kenswick Dr, Humble, TX 77338, at 4:30 p.m.

 

Celebrate Grandparents Day With Precinct 4

Seniors 50 years of age and better can kick off Grandparent's Day with a luncheon and live, musical entertainment Friday, Sept. 4 at 11:30 a.m. at Greenwood Forest Residents Club, located at 12700 Champion Forest Drive. 

 

Seniors enjoy a luncheon hosted by Precinct 4 at the
Greenwood Forest Residents Club.

Enjoy an afternoon of great music, fun, and fellowship as the Dignity Gospel Quartet entertains with their distinct Southern sound.

 

Catfish on Wheels is serving a freshly prepared buffet of all-you-can-eat fried catfish, shrimp, French fries, hush puppies, coleslaw, beans, and dessert.

 

Make reservations today by calling Precinct 4's Senior Adult Program at 281- 893-3726. 

 

A $12 suggested donation is requested and must be received within one week of reserving luncheon tickets. Checks are payable to Fun4Seniors and should be mailed to Precinct 4's Senior Adult Program at 1731 Hugh Road, Houston, Texas 77067.

 

For information about Precinct 4's Senior Adult Program and other Fun4Seniors events, visit www.hcp4.net/ community/sap/events

  

Harris County Clerk's Office Recruiting Poll Workers

Harris County poll workers help voters.
Photo courtesy of Harris County Clerk's Office.

Step up and make a difference in your community! Harris County Clerk Stan Stanart's Office is now recruiting election day poll workers for the upcoming Nov. 3 election. Don't miss this unique opportunity to serve your neighbors and play an essential part in the voting process.


Citizens 16 years and older from high school students to civic-minded professionals and retirees are encouraged to apply. Bilingual poll workers are also needed to provide language assistance at the polls.  

 

To target the next generation of poll workers, the Clerk's Office is launching the Step up to Serve campaign on social media through Twitter (@HarrisVotes) and Facebook (www.Facebook.com/HarrisCountyElections).

 

From Aug. 17 through Sept. 18, look for the #StepUpToServe hashtag and be sure to retweet and share.

 

To learn more and serve as a poll worker, click here.

 

Upcoming August/September Activities
Jesse H. Jones Park & Nature Center:

 

Project Wild Educator Workshop. Sat., Aug. 15 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Educators will receive a TEKS-aligned curriculum and activity guide to teach young people of all ages about ecology and wildlife using an entertaining, proactive approach. This TEEAC and SBEC accredited course is open to professional and non-formal educators. Registration is required by visiting tpwd.texas.gov/calendar/project-wild-16.

 

Invasives Beware. Sun., Aug. 16 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Record the locations of invasive plant and animal species and remove the ones that threaten native varieties with the JJP Eradicators at Jones Park. Participants ages 16 and older, or those accompanied by an adult, are welcome to attend.

 

Hummingbirds. Sat., Aug. 22 at 10 a.m. Appreciate local "hummers" through the eyes of Mark Klym, Texas Parks & Wildlife information specialist and author. Find out how to get involved in tracking the numbers of migrating hummingbirds that travel thousands of miles.

 

4th Saturday Settlers Volunteer Training: Spoon Making. Sat., Aug. 22 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Anyone 16 years and older can learn how to expand their pioneer craft skills with spoon carving at this outdoor workshop.

 

Hunter Education Certification. Sat., Aug. 29 from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Anyone ages nine and older interested in hunting can receive certification during this one-day course, which meets the mandated Texas Parks & Wildlife Hunter Education requirements. A $15 materials fee applies. Reservations are required and may be made beginning Wed.,
Aug. 19.

 

First Friday Friends. Fri., Sept. 4 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Those 55 and older are invited to join a new monthly gathering led by staff naturalist Teri MacArthur for a variety of programs on natural history, leisurely strolls on the park trails, and enjoyable environmental activities.

 

First Saturday Birding. Sat., Sept. 5 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 land migratory species. Bring binoculars and comfortable, closed-toed shoes.

 

Junior Angler Workshop. Sat., Sept. 5 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Junior anglers 8 years and older are welcome to a workshop designed by Texas Parks & Wildlife to teach the basics of fishing, including fish identification, fishing laws, knot tying, and types of rods, reels, and other equipment. Attendees may bring their own bait and tackle and try to catch a fish after class. Reservations are required and may be made beginning Wed., Aug. 26.

 

Second Saturday Settlers: Spoon Making. Sat., Sept. 12 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Anyone 16 years and older can learn how to expand their pioneer craft skills with spoon carving at this outdoor workshop.

 

Second Sunday Pickers. Sun., Sept. 13 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-n-roll, and blues. Visitors of all ages are welcome to listen, sing along, or bring an instrument to join in the fun.

  
Mercer Botanic Gardens:

 

Story Time in the Gardens. Mon., Aug. 17 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Mercer volunteers share some of their favorite nature books with children and their parents. Check in at the Visitor Center for the specific garden location of this free event.

 

Lunch Bunch. Wed., Sept. 9 from noon to 2 p.m. Join speakers at these free presentations that cover various topics. Participants are encouraged to bring lunch to enjoy during these events, which are open to all ages.

 

Chrysanthemum Society. Fri., Aug. 28 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.

 

Texas Gulf Coast Gardener Tier I: Intro to Gardening. Tues., Sept. 22 through Nov.17 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Registration is now under way. Participants are immersed in the essential points of gardening in the Texas Gulf Coast region during this nine-week course through lectures, demonstrations, and exploring the gardens. To receive additional information, call Mercer Botanic Gardens at 713-274-4160. 

 

Community Centers/Senior Adult Program:

  

Senior Adult Program: The 14th Annual Opry in Humble. Fri., Aug. 14 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Enjoy live musical entertainment during the 14th annual Opry in at the Humble Civic Center, 8233 Will Clayton Parkway. Opry tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children ages 12 and under. Tickets can be purchased at the door or by calling Precinct 4's Senior Adult Program at 281-893-3726.

 

Big Stone Lodge: Houston Rose Society. Wed., Aug. 19 at 2 p.m. Join Consulting Rosarian Suzanne Gilbert as she teaches how to care for America's national flower. As beautiful as they are, roses have a reputation for being challenging to grow and maintain. With proper care and attention, anyone can grow healthy, flourishing roses. To learn more or register for this free seminar by the Houston Rose Society, call Big Stone Lodge at 281-350-1029.

 

Mangum-Howell Center: VA Burial Benefits Seminar. Wed., Aug. 19 at 10 a.m. A representative from the Dignity Memorial Network leads this informational seminar on benefits available through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the Dignity Memorial Network. A complimentary light lunch will be provided to participants. Seating is limited, so be sure to stop by the Center or call 281-591-7830 to register.

 

Mangum-Howell Center: Painted Placemat Craft Class. Thurs., Aug. 20 at 10 a.m. Create your own set of painted placemats with volunteer Jimmie Ware. Select a seasonal design or add your own touch to complement your breakfast or dining room d�cor. Call 281-591-7830 or come by the Center to sign up. A $6 suggested donation helps defray the cost of the placemats and additional supplies.

 

Senior Adult Program: Historic Galveston Tour. Thurs., Aug. 20 at 8 a.m. Visit historic Galveston with Precinct 4's Senior Adult Program to discover the diverse origin of the island and unique cultural heritage. All senior adults 50 years of age and better can embark on this guided tour. Tickets are $10. Call 281-893-3726 for reservations.

 

Big Stone Lodge: Ol� Ol� Luncheon. Fri., Aug. 21 at 11:30 a.m. Enjoy entertainment by Jay Cantu of the Liberty Opry along with chicken and beef fajitas, Spanish rice, borracho beans, chips, guacamole, dessert, coffee, and tea. An $8 per person suggested donation is requested and payable in advance during registration. Get tickets no later than Wed., Aug. 19.


 
Senior Adult Program: Beat the Heat Luncheon with Ezra Charles. Tues., Aug. 25 at 11:30 a.m. Senior adults 50 years of age and better to Jersey Village for a luncheon and live, musical entertainment at the Jersey Village Baptist Church, 16518 Jersey Drive at 11:30 a.m. Suggested donation is $10. Call 281-893-3726 for reservations.

 

Big Stone Lodge: FBI Seminar. Wed., Aug. 26 at 1 p.m. Learn essential tips to help reduce your chances of becoming a victim of crime, fraud, and identity theft. A representative from the FBI in Houston will discuss the various resources and services available to protect communities from suspicious activities and dangerous criminals. To register for this free seminar or receive additional information, call Big Stone Lodge at 281-350-1029.

 

Senior Adult Program: Tour of Air Terminal Museum and More. Thurs., Aug. 27 at 9 a.m. All senior adults 50 years of age and better can learn about the rich heritage of civil aviation during a trip to the 1940 Air Terminal Museum. Tickets are $5 each. Call 281-893-3726 for reservations.

 

Big Stone Lodge: AARP Smart Driver Course. Thur., Aug. 27 from noon to 5 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. Certificates are awarded upon course completion. With proof of AARP membership, a $15 fee is required and $20 for non-members. Checks are payable to AARP. Advance registration is required, so please visit or call Big Stone Lodge at 281-350-1029 to reserve a seat.

 

Mangum-Howell Center:'50s Sock Hop. Fri., Aug. 28 at 1 p.m. Pull out those poodle skirts and Elvis costumes for a '50s Sock Hop. Oldies music performed by popular vocalist Butch Perkins, old-fashioned coke floats, and a costume contest make this an event you won't want to miss. Prizes will be awarded for best costumes. Please call 281-591-7830 or come by the Center to sign up.

 

Senior Adult Program: Trip to Millard's Crossing Historic Village in Nacogdoches. Wed., Sept. 2 at 8 a.m. The cost is $8 per person; lunch is on your own at Cotton Patch. Call 281-893-3726 for reservations.

 

Senior Adult Program: Grandparent's Day Luncheon. Fri., Sept. 4 at 11:30 a.m. Adults 50 years of age and better can celebrate Grandparent's Day with a luncheon and live, musical entertainment at Greenwood Forest Residents Club, located at 12700 Champion Forest Drive. Make reservations today by calling Harris County Precinct 4's Senior Adult Program at 281- 893-3726. A $12 suggested donation is requested.

 

Mangum-Howell Center: That's Italian Luncheon. Tues., Sept. 8 at noon. Join Deputy Sheriff Rene Dennis to learn personal safety tips and how to avoid the latest scams against senior adults. Then sing karaoke along with Deputy Dennis or join in the fun and sing your own favorite karaoke tunes. The lunch menu includes lasagna, vegetable medley, salad, garlic bread, Italian Cr�me Cake, and unlimited iced tea and coffee.

 

Mangum-Howell Center: iPhone Workshop. Wed., Sept. 9 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Learn how to navigate your iPhone during this workshop led by Harris County Information Specialist Michelle Richardson. Participants should bring a small notebook and their iPhone. Please call 281-591-7830 or come by the Center to sign up for this informative class.

 

Big Stone Lodge: Community Book Swap. Wed., Sept. 9 at 2 p.m. Discover new stories and adventures during Big Stone Lodge's community book swap. Bring a gently used book or two to exchange for a "new-to-you" book to take home and enjoy. Call Big Stone Lodge at 281-350-1029 to register for this free event or receive additional information. 

 

Big Stone Lodge: Arts and Crafts Gala. Fri., Sept. 11 at 2 p.m. View incredible artwork created by local artists at Big Stone Lodge's first Arts and Crafts Exhibit. Take in the beautiful and inspiring creations, and meet the artists that produce them. Light refreshments will be served. Artists interested in showcasing their pieces should register with the staff at Big Stone Lodge, open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The deadline for entries is Fri., Sept. 4.

 

Mangum-Howell Center: Positive Living for Seniors Discussion Group. Mon., Sept. 14 at 10 a.m. Discover ways to stay positive in a world filled with negatives during this monthly discussion and support group at Mangum-Howell Center. Robert Landau, an international motivational speaker, offers tips to improve happiness, deal with loss, stay positive, and cope with stress. For more information, call 281-591- 7830 or visit www.hcp4.net/community/communitycenters.