February 2018
Greetings!

"The seasons' difference, as the icy fang
And churlish chiding of the winter’s wind,
Which, when it bites and blows upon my body,
Even till I shrink with cold, I smile and say,
This is no flattery." 

– William Shakespeare
As You Like It

Yes, the rainy, wintry weather still grips our region. Many of us eagerly await the first harbingers of spring. Weeks of icy, drizzly weather make us long for those first glorious blooms of spring to appear. When they do, we have a lineup of great events to appease your spring fever. 

I’m proud to announce that Mercer Botanic Gardens East Side Gardens will open Saturday, March 17 for normal business hours.

Yes, Mercer's East Side will be open! The grand reopening coincides with The Mercer Society’s annual March Mart Plant Sale. I hope you will take the time to attend this event and also visit The Mercer Society’s new location in Old Town Spring. They sell plants featured at Mercer as well as garden items and decorations in support for Precinct 4’s Mercer Botanic Gardens. I greatly appreciate all the work they do. Read more below to find out about all the other activities we have in store for you this spring.

As a reminder, you can access past issues of Commissioner's E-Corner  on the  Precinct 4 website.   Visit Precinct 4 online to learn more about our road projects and upcoming events available through our community centers, parks department, and Senior Adult Program.
Harris Co. Precinct 4 logo - R. Jack Cagle, Commissioner
 
Featured Articles
Top Plants at March Mart

With spring around the corner, experts with The Mercer Society (TMS) are preparing a lineup of old favorites and new cultivars set to transform your garden this spring.

TMS Grower Brandon Hubbard gives an overview of some of the plants that will be available at this year’s March Mart. 

Shakespeare at Burroughs Park

Most people don’t know Shakespeare created more than 1,000 modern words and phrases still in use today.

For native Houstonian David Born, knowing the facts is all part of transforming into Shakespeare.

“An overall understanding of the character and his work is important, so you can really present an even and correct representation of Shakespeare,” he said.

Paddle N Peddle Festival

Spend the day exploring the outdoors and enjoying food, music, vendors, and more during the Houston Northwest Chamber of Commerce’s first Paddle N Pedal Festival Saturday, April 14 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. near The Vintage at Hwy 249.

Taking place across two adjacent locations, the event features recreational activities at Precinct 4’s award-winning Kickerillo-Mischer Preserve and CHI St. Luke's Hospital in The Vintage.

Capital Improvement Projects Update

Notice orange cones going up in your area?

Stay updated to avoid traffic delays. Click here to read about the latest roadway improvements happening in Precinct 4. 
Tree Planting in Tomball

Tree planting isn’t just for Arbor Day anymore. The Harris County Flood Control District and the Houston Area Urban Forestry Council invite the public to participate in the 11th annual tree planting competition Saturday, Feb. 24 at 10 a.m. in Tomball. Click here to find out how to volunteer.
TMS Plant and Gift Shoppe Featured at SpringFest in Old Town Spring

Spring is the perfect time for reinvention, especially in the garden! Find inspiration at Old Town Spring’s SpringFest Home & Garden Show Saturday, March 24 and Sunday, March 25 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Old Town Spring’s Preservation Park, located at 26303 Preston Ave. 

With a focus on home and garden items, the festival features music, food and beverages, as well as craft vendors.

Construction Begins on Greens Bayou Greenway

Construction is under way on a new two-mile segment of Greens Bayou Greenway that will connect north Harris County residents in Precinct 4 to multiple parks and playgrounds.

The new greenway, which is the first linear park on Greens Bayou to be built by the Houston Parks Board, will begin at Greens Parkway near Fall Lake Apartments and continue to the south side of the bayou near I-45. 

Upcoming Events
NatureFest at Jones Park
Experience the natural diversity of the Houston area through a day of guided walks, demonstrations, and educational talks Saturday, March 3 at 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Jesse H. Jones Park & Nature Center, located at 20634 Kenswick Drive in Humble. For more information visit www.hcp4.net/jones or call 281-446-8588.
Shamrock Shuffle Dance
Everyone 50 years of age and better is invited to kick-off St. Patrick’s Day with a dance Wednesday, March 14 from noon to 3 p.m. at the Humble Civic Center, located at 8233 Will Clayton Parkway in Humble. $7 per person. Transportation is available for individuals ages 50 and better. Click here to register.
March Mart
Make your garden green this St. Patrick’s Day by heading to Mercer Botanic Garden’s annual March Mart Plant Sale Saturday, March 17 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Early entrance for The Mercer Society (TMS) members begins Saturday, March 17 at 8 a.m. Visit www.themercersociety.org for more information.