Greetings!
Thanks to the many of you for attending our annual holiday party, with special thanks to Patricia Hattenbach & Jim McCallum for hosting. It was a lovely evening to celebrate the year and reconnect with neighbors, and meet those new to Idylwood.
Our next Civic Club meeting will be Tuesday, January 17th, 7:30pm at the Magnolia Multi-Service Center (7037 Capitol St.) when we'll receive an update from Jamal Elahi, TxDOT Area Engineer for Southeast Harris County, on the Wayside Resurfacing project.
We are also scheduling committee meeting time to talk about upcoming social events (Easter Egg Hunt, 100th anniversary) and community improvements (sidewalk replacement effort, ongoing work with Harris County Flood Control District). We need volunteers for both of these committees, so please come out to the meeting if you are interested!
I welcome any ideas you might have for speakers at future meetings in the new year. What interests you about our neighborhood and the East End? Send me a note at [email protected].
Regards,
Diane Schenke
President
Idylwood Civic Club
|
|
January is the best month for planting trees in Houston, and we have superb partners at Trees for Houston with assistance from several of our local Boy Scout troops. Of course, the entire effort on Saturday, January 14th is volunteer staffed, so the following guidelines will make the day easier for all of us.
-
The event will start at 10am on Saturday morning. Trees for Houston will drop off the trees on Friday afternoon. Please don’t take any of the trees until the start time for our event.
- We will have Scouts from several troops there to assist you if you need the help. Of course, you are welcome to take your tree home on Saturday and plant it yourself.
- The final order form is linked below for your reference.
- Also linked is a Houston Tree Planting Guide to help ensure your tree is planted and cared for to achieve the best results.
- You will note that the guide recommends mulching when the tree is planted (see page 4). If you would like to have the Scouts finish the planting with mulch, please have one bag of mulch available for each tree. Mulch is available at Home Depot or Lowes for under $4.
Please feel free to send me an email if you have any questions ([email protected]). I’m looking forward to a fun Saturday and a greener neighborhood.
With many thanks for participating,
Diane Schenke
|
|
City of Houston, At-Large 5 Council Member Sallie Alcorn has shared her 2022 Year In Review. She states, “Public safety, infrastructure, quality of life, economic growth, and fiscal responsibility continue to be my priorities, and good governance is my guiding tenet. As always, let me hear from you. I love getting your comments and feedback (and even your complaints)!”
The report contains some interesting highlights regarding infrastructure improvements to Telephone Road as part of the U.S. DOT RAISE program, as well as updates on the saga surrounding flood mitigation funding for the Houston-Galveston Area. You can find the full report at the link below.
|
|
Also on the infrastructure front, your newly formed ICC Community Improvement Committee is actively working to address gutter & street issues in the neighborhood with the City. The remaining road issue in the 6600 block of Sylvan due to the recent drainage/gutter repairs on the street was reported by the City to the contractor responsible for that public works project. The cutout in the street has been repaved, and new sod was planted along the easements where new curbs and sidewalks were installed.
For a quick fix, report any developing potholes to the City via 311. There were 2 reported in the 6600 block and 6700 block of Sylvan and the City fixed these two days later. If you have similar issues on your street, you are welcome to report them to me (Chair of the Committee) or directly to 311 if you prefer. My contact information is below.
Have a great day!
Thanks
Amy Dinn
713-501-5070
|
|
Christmas Trees may be placed curbside on Tree Waste day (Jan 6th) to be recycled. The trees must have all decorations, ornaments, tinsel, lights and stands removed. Flocked trees cannot be recycled. Artificial trees should be disposed during Heavy Trash.
Trees can be recycled at Neighborhood Depositories (closest is at 2240 Central St.) or at any Living Earth facility.
|
|
Tanglers, including holiday lights and power cords, cannot be recycled in your home recycling cart and will cause problems and shutdowns at the local recycling facility. These cords can tangle in the rotating machinery at the recycling plant, which could break the equipment, not to mention endanger the people working.
Where to Recycle Christmas Lights
For proper disposal and recycling of holiday lights check with local retailers like Home Depot or Lowes for take-back recycling programs. Other locations accepting holiday lights are Houston Recycling Centers and the Houston Zoo. Strands of holiday lights can be recycled with scrap metal, even with bulbs attached. Scrap metal companies may offer a rebate for your used holiday lights.
|
|
DEED RESTRICTIONS - REMINDER
|
|
As a reminder, Section 4.1 of the Deed Restrictions describes Single Family Residential Use of each Lot and Residential Dwelling on a Lot. Specifically prohibited is renting any part of the Residential Dwelling (including any accessory and outbuildings) on a Lot to others by the Single Family residing on the Lot. For example, renting out a garage apartment or renting out a room in the house.
For more details, download a copy of the deed restrictions here
|
|
Idylwood Community Exchange is now
Idylwood Neighborhood Exchange
|
|
Idylwood Pet of the Month
|
|
Our best friends now get their turn in the spotlight! They bring us so much love, joy, exercise, human friendships, and truthfully, higher grocery bills!! So, here we go.....
The Story of "Big Bird"
6646 Meadowlawn
Once upon a time, before the turn of the last century, there was an artist, who was also a welder, and a pile of iron. That's all it took to make art and "Big Bird" was born! Making art is comparatively easy but finding someone who appreciates art and is willing to pay for it is the hard part.
Along came my neighbors, Keith and Jim, who were at the Westheimer Arts Festival (held in Memorial Park), and saw the bird. In the Chinese calendar, Jim is under the sign of the chicken or rooster. So, Keith got the bird as a birthday present for Jim. Moving Big Bird from Memorial Park to Idylwood was a major project-as you can imagine. He came on a flatbed truck and probably stopped traffic along the way!
For years Big Bird resided in the backyard at 6636 Meadowlawn, Keith and Jim's home, beside a coy pond and a stand of bamboo. None of the neighbors saw him, but I could barely see him through my bathroom window and I really loved him. When Keith and Jim sold their home, moving Big Bird was basically impossible. The house was going to be torn down and Big Bird was going to be left to the bulldozer. I just could not let that happen. So, I 'got' the bird!
Once again, moving Big Bird was an issue. My husband Lloyd, an oilfield retiree, used his 'oilfield engineering expertise' and the help of a truck wench to move the bird to our property next door. There, Big Bird stood for many years until my grandson decided the bird needed to return to his original glory. And so, Big Bird started to molt and take on new colors and a new personality. We are hoping for the grand transformation to be completed soon, so stay tuned and drive by often to witness his coming into a new age!
Joann Luco
|
|
Neighbors: Submit your pet(s) to be featured in upcoming newsletters by sending 1-3 photos with a short story about your best friend(s) with the subject line "Pet(s) of the Month" to: [email protected]
|
|
Friendly Reminder From The Pets
For the health and safety of all neighborhood pets and people,
please scoop our poop!
|
|
Please watch for email updates for the Janaury meeting from
|
|
Garden Club Upcoming Meeting Dates
First Saturdays from 10 am-noon
New members are welcome to join us!!
January 7, 2023: Host: Robin Raasch - 6655 Rockbridge Lane
Speaker: Catherine O'Brien - All About Herbs
February 4, 2023: Host: Joshua Espinedo/Nathan Reedy - 6670 Meadowlawn
Speaker: Dany Millikin - Houston Botanic Gardens
March 4, 2023: Host: Sally Lehr - 1704 Idylwood
Speaker: Dr. Liliana R. Cracraft - Use of Medicinal Herbs in Prehispanic and Traditional Mexican Medicine
April 1, 2023: Field trip to the Eastern Glades in Memorial Park; carpool;
Lunch at the Black Walnut
* Election of Officers
May 6, 2023: Host: Diane Schenke - 6715 Fairfield
Speaker: TBD
June, July, August: summer break
For more information, contact the Garden Club President:
|
|
After A Freeze, Learn To Like Ugly In The New Year !
This Dec. 31 Houston Chronicle article by Brandi Keller is a must read from beginning to the end to understand the best practices for tending to plants, flowers, trees , and shrubs that have been in a freeze. Some will make it, some will not, some need removing and others can be left in place. We are all in the same boat, so it will be a while before our landscapes return to their former glory. Be patient, follow these tips, and in a couple of months our yards and gardens will be providing us with renewed growth and the lovely colors of spring. Click on the following link to read this very helpful article!
______________________________
Tips for Keeping Holiday Plants Healthy and Green
Another helpful article from Brandi Keller focusses on the care of holiday favorites such as Norfolk Island pine, Cyclamen, Christmas cactus, Rosemary, Amaryllis, Poinsettia, and Waxed Amaryllis. These tips will help you to enjoy the plants during the holidays and beyond! Click on the following link to learn about their care.
_______________________________
Birds Enhance Our Holiday Enjoyment
Gary Clark, acclaimed birding correspondent featured in The Chronicle, has two delightful and informative articles about some birds that bring us holiday and winter delight. The articles are short but packed with history and details of these birds that will lift your spirits and connect you with our great Houston outdoors. Click on the following links for each article.
|
|
Tree Planting Guide For Houston
As our Idylwood trees age, succumb to disease and storm damage, and grow too close to our homes and power lines, we sadly see these marvelous companions disappear. Now is a good time to start researching the best trees for your yard to properly fit your needs, desires, and space.
The Houston Area Urban Forestry Council has a fabulous planting guide for trees in the Houston area. This guide is packed with all the basic info you need when considering planting new trees. Some of the topics include:
why plant, what to plant, where to plant, selecting your tree, extensive charts for types of small and large trees for the Houston area, pruning, energy conservation, wildlife habitat, improved air quality, and more!
Click on the link below for this very helpful guide:
|
|
Houston Botanic Gardens January Events
Realiveness Yoga
January 07, 2023 - 11:00 am - $25
Realign your body and mind by finding inner stability and peace. Utilizing Pranayama (breathing) techniques and Asanas postures this class – designed for students at all levels of experience...
Booty Beats
January 07, 2023 - 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm - $10
Get ready to burn calories to the beat as you participate in routines incorporating basic lower body movements choreographed to a playlist.
Zumba - Latin Dance with Yuri Amor
Saturday, January 7, 2023 - 2:00 — 3:00 pm
Nonmembers: $15 - Members: No charge
DIY Terrariums - Make Your Own Self-Sustaining Environment
Saturday, January 14, 2023 - 10:00- 11:00 am
Nonmembers: $50 - Members: $40 (Check for extra pricing details.)
Introduction to Herbalism - Making Medicine with Plants
Saturday, January 28, 2023 - 10:00 am -12:00 pm
Non-members : $30 (includes admission) - Members: $20
Canvas & Cocktails - Unleash Your Creativity
Saturday, January 28, 2023 - 2:00 — 5:00 pm
Non-members: $35 (includes General Admission) - Members: $25
___________________________
Visit these areas throughout the Botanic Garden:
The Island
Natural Ecosystems
South Gardens ~~ Community Garden
Ticket Window: 713.715.9675 ext. 100
Call to verify details for each event.
|
|
Vegetable Garden Planting Dates Chart
Do you want to know exactly when to plant vegetables and herbs in your garden? Click here for Texas A&M University's yearly planting calendar for Harris County. You may want to print this out for future reference.
Happy gardening!
|
|
Remember: COH Tree Trash Gets Turned Into Mulch
When Picked Up on The First Tuesdays of Odd # Months
Keep in mind that trimmings from trees, shrubs and bushes can be placed on your curb for the city's Tree Trash pick-up on the first Tuesday of odd months.
|
|
Thanks for your membership and love of nature!
Let's keep Idylwood beautiful and safe!
Kind regards,
Patricia Hattenbach
713-724-9608
2022-2023 Officers:
President: Patricia Hattenbach
Vice President: Hugo Banda
Secretary: Richard Vela
Treasurer: Nicole Wood
Thanks again to Jim McCallum for providing the Yard of the Month write-ups and photos. It's wonderful to learn more about our great neighbors!
|
|
Lights That Delight!!
The Idylwood Garden Club’s Yard of the Month for January goes to honoring and thanking every Idylwood resident that added holiday cheer to our neighborhood with beautiful and festive lighting.
These photos represent just a sampling of the many charming displays that can be found throughout Idylwood. Take a drive around the neighborhood to see these and other displays before the holidays are over! Thanks for spreading the joy of the season to our community!
(Photos by Patricia Hattenbach)
|
|
click link above for access to their website
January Gardening Tips
Planting Guide
- Plant Vegetables from transplants like broccoli, cauliflower, strawberries, collards, and lettuce.
- Plant Seeds for lettuce, radish, and carrots. Begin seeding spring tomatoes inside.
- Plant Rose bushes in prepared soil where they receive 6-8 full hours of sun every day. Prune rose bushes in February.
- Plant Fruiting Plants such as blueberries and blackberries; it is a good time to get them established.
- Focus on cool-season color such as pansies and violas, snapdragons, and dianthus. Get green Foxgloves, hollyhocks, larkspur, poppies, and delphiniums in your beds now for a gorgeous Spring show.
- Plant Spring flowering trees and shrubs such as redbuds, fringe trees, Mexican plums, azaleas, and spirea. Now is a great time to plant.
Water
Maintain watering on newly planted seeds and transplants. Containers also need more frequent water than plants in the ground. Watch for drought stress between rain showers.
Pests
Loopers and Aphids are on the prowl. Keep a close eye on plants and catch them early. Treat with the least toxic method possible. Find and squish loopers or treat with organic BT. Spray away aphids with a strong stream of water or treat with insecticidal soap.
Weeds
Best way to control early spring weeds: dig them by hand. Easiest way: MOW THEM. They will die out when it gets warm. We do not recommend “weed & feed” products. Keep fallen leaves raked up so lawn grasses can receive adequate sunlight. Reuse leaves in beds as mulch or add them to compost bins.
Pruning
Crepe Myrtles need no pruning. If you must, you may shape gently now, but don’t commit Crepe Murder. Wait to prune spring-flowering trees such as deciduous magnolias, Mexican plums, and redbuds until after they bloom.
Birds
Keep bird baths scrubbed and filled with clean water. Keep seed in feeders fresh. After rain check for moist or damp seeds, and replace them promptly to keep birds healthy and happy. Continue to put out suet cakes for high-energy winter snacks.
Freezes
Keep an eye on the weather and stay informed on nighttime lows. Have frost cloth on hand for light frosts. If the temperature drops below 32, double-wrap tender plants to ensure proper insulation. Avoid using plastic against foliage, but it can be used as the second exterior layer when covering plants. Remove plastic during the day. TIP: Heavy-duty clothespins or spare bricks can be used to secure and weigh down cloths.
|
|
|
Keep eyes out for your neighbors!
If going out of town, tell your neighbors but do not post on social media. Please keep an eye out for unusual activity and report to HPD (911) and (713) 884-3131 and the Constable's office (713) 274-3400. Please keep your home and cars locked at all times. Report any incidents to ALL authorities;
more reports = more patrols.
HPD is moving to a National Incident Based Reporting System (NIBRS). To view crimes reported to HPD from Jan-Mar 2022, please go to HPD's website and download the excel file here and sort by zip code or beat. Our beat is 11H10, which includes several zip codes.
A screenshot of last month's crime map is below. To interact with this map, including date ranges and area, go to Community Crime Map.
|
|
|
|
Jake Goldstein and Steve Palmer co-chair our patrol group and report the group’s collective 30 patrol hours per month to HPD. Please contact Jake if you are interested in volunteering with our citizens patrol group.
Having a patrol presence in the neighborhood is a crime deterrent and a great way to give back to our community.
Please join us! More information on HPD's Volunteer Citizen Patrol is available here.
|
|
|
|
Upcoming Dates to Remember
|
- 01/03/2023: Tree Limbs & Yard Waste - Perfect Time to Recycle your Christmas Tree
- 01/09/2023: Recycling
- 01/14/2023: Neighborhood Tree Planting
- 01/17/2023: Idylwood Civic Club Meeting: 7:30pm @ Magnolia Multi-Service Center
- 01/23/2023: Recycling
- 02/06/2023: Recycling
- 02/07/2023: Heavy Trash
|
|
Stay Informed!
Check out info about the neighborhood, including downloading a copy of the deed restrictions here.
Report a pothole, get your trash bin repaired or replaced, report a problem with a traffic signal, missed trash pickup, and more.
GRAFFITI ABATEMENT
Call the East End District at 713.928.9916 during business hours with the tagged address, intersection, and colors.
|
|
Stay Connected!
NEXTDOOR.COM
Great way to connect with East End residents. It’s a great place to report or look for a missing pet, announce a garage sales, put out a crime alert, etc. This site is endorsed and its use encouraged by HPD. Sign up here
FACEBOOK
Google Email Group - Idylwood Neighborhood Exchange
If you are not currently a member and would like to join, please send an invitation request to [email protected].
|
|
If you have something you would like to see published in the Newsletter, drop us a line. Comments or concerns?
Let us know how we're doing.
|
Idylwood Officers and Directors 2022-2023
PRESIDENT: Diane Schenke (Fairfield)
VICE PRESIDENT: Keith McCarthy (Merry)
TREASURER: Nicole Wood (Idylwood)
SECRETARY: Monique Studak (Sylvan)
Directors: Class A (two-year terms ending in August 2023):
Keith Hamm (Meadowlawn); Patricia Hattenbach (North MacGregor Way);
Irma Niño (Meadowlawn); Charlie Storer (Fairfield); Richard Vela (Lindy)
Directors: Class B (two-year terms ending in August 2024):
Beth Barrette (Meadowlawn); Amy Dinn (Sylvan); Joshua Espinedo (Meadowlawn);
Jeff Klemm (Merry); Paul Leggett (Merry); Laura Manion (Meadowlawn)
|
|
|
Post Office Box 9225
Houston, TX 77261-9225
|
|
|
|
|
|
|