Spring 2014 Newsletter
Welcome to the Rice Military Newsletter for Spring 2014. Take a look at all the happenings within the Rice Military area and please don't forget to give us feedback on any of the points raised - we really like to hear back from people.
Latest News
Latest News...
There are a lot of hot topics in the Rice Military area right now. Here we start to take a look into these current issues. Security & Crime Drop in on any conversation in Rice Military right now, be it in the coffee shop, on the internet, and even in the news, and the issue of security and crime is a big concern. Why? There have been increasing reports of package thefts, car break ins, house robberies, people going through our trash and unfortunately even a reported incident of a stabbing. Thankfully, the young man involved in the stabbing is making a good recovery. Is the increase in crime real or just perceived because we are more aware of it due to the news and social media? I would argue both. Below are crime statistics (given to us by Mike VanDusen, President of the Crestwood/Glencove Civic Club, who has been compiling these figures for all neighborhoods in the Superneighborhood 22 area, for the past several years): 01/01/2010 - 10/31/2010 Burglaries = 13 Thefts = 44 Auto Thefts = 3 Overall Offenses = 60 01/01/2011 - 10/31/2011 Burglaries = 5 Thefts = 39 Auto Thefts = 5 Robberies = 2 Aggravated Assaults = 4 Overall Offenses = 55 01/01/2012 - 10/31/2012 Burglaries =12 Thefts = 68 Auto Thefts = 3 Robberies = 2 Aggravated Assaults = 2 Overall Offenses = 87 01/01/2013 - 10/31/2013 Burglaries = 10 Thefts = 74 Auto Thefts = 4 Robberies = 1 Aggravated Assaults = 1 Overall Offenses = 90 NOTE: These figures do not include the holiday period (which I imagine would increase the theft value) and many crimes such as theft go unreported. What these figures do show is that there has been an increase in thefts and burglaries in the neighborhood but thankfully aggravated assault has remained low. So, we are not imagining that crime has increased, but at the same time, we are not living in an unsafe neighborhood where we are at regular threat of being assaulted. What is being done about it? Firstly, the Civic Club is talking with HPD on a regular basis. HPD came to speak at the last Civic Club meeting, so they are aware that we are not happy about the increase in crime. Secondly, residents are becoming more active in letting the police know about issues through the use of the nonemergency HPD number and the use of alert slips http://www.houstontx.gov/police/alert_slip/ to increase patrols. Thirdly, there has been a lot of conversation around the subject of hiring private security or enrolling Rice Military in the HPD Constable Program. Each of these would provide extra security but they come at a cost. At the time of going to press this is still an ongoing debate as research is being taken among residents to see how many would be willing to pay approximately $30 per month for extra security. We will report back about the outcome of this in more detail in the next newsletter. Will this issue be resolved? Kind of. We live in a big city so there will always be some level of crime. However, we can all take actions to help reduce crime. These include: ~ Not leaving ANYTHING in your cars. A thief doesn't know that the laptop bag you left on the seat is empty so they will break the window to find out. ~ Ensuring to close all garage doors. I like to go for walks and I am surprised at the number of garage doors I see left open with no homeowner in sight. ~ Being aware of your surroundings, especially at night, and looking out for your neighbors. If you see something that you think is not right call the police non emergency number, 713 884 3131 (unless of course it really is an emergency). Posting to the Rice MIlitary Facebook page also helps inform others. I understand that some feel this can be pointing the finger at innocent people, however, if we all exercise a little common sense I think we can all weed out those up to no good. ~ Shredding any documents that contain private information, that way, anyone who does rifle through your trash will not find anything they can use to steal your identity. Apparently, it is not illegal to go through someones trash once the can is at the side of the road. If you can, wheel your can out early on Monday morning rather than the night before. ~ Not leaving your trash cans in the street for 2/3/4 days. Bring it in as soon as you get home otherwise this is advertising to potential thieves that you are not home. If you know you will be away for a number of days ask a neighbor to wheel your can close to your house. In fact, there is actually a City Ordinance that states you should not leave your trash can around for days. ~ As mentioned above, Rice Military may get some kind of extra security. This is yet to be determined. |
Why Don't You....
Why Don't You….?
Written by Cathy Parsons.
So here we are looking at spring in Houston. With a scarily frosty winter behind us, most of us will be very glad to actually get out and enjoy all this vibrant city has to offer. Here are a few options I am looking forward to enjoying with friends and family.
*Houston Livestock and Rodeo at Reliant Stadium. The first time I heard about this, I thought it would be just a rodeo. Have I learned my lesson! If you haven't checked out this year's line up, be sure and take a look at their very informative website. http://www.rodeohouston.com/ I am looking forward to catching a couple of performances in The Hideout and trying some of the award winning wine selections in the Wine Garden. With an assortment of crazy foods, shopping, musical acts and bronco busting, there is definitely something for all ages. TIP! Do not try to drive there and park. It is best to take the Wave shuttle or park near a train station and take the train. The parking situation at Reliant is really a mood-buster.
*NAMI Walk at Sam Houston Park. Feeling charitable? Then join in for a low stress and fun walk to help support mental health awareness and research. More info at: http://www.namigreaterhouston.org/ April 12.
*The Art Car Parade in downtown Houston. This wild and wooly event is the city's largest free art installation, and it will draw over 300,000 people in the course of its numerous events surrounding the actual parade. http://www.thehoustonartcarparade.com/ May 10.
*Brazos Bend State Park. Ready for a road trip? Load up a picnic basket and head out to this gorgeous and very lush park located about an hour or so down 59 South. Deer, alligators!, over 300 species of birds, and other wildlife are in abundance here. Helpful volunteers man the nature center and will guide you to the best experience possible. http://www.brazosbend.org/
*Hong
Kong City Mall. Visit the Far East without leaving H-town! This mall has a world
of shops and tiny restaurants and cafes that offer a taste of Hong Kong for
adventurous residents. A great place to bring in your out of town visitors to
show them a sample of the incredible diversity the city has to offer. Bring cash
though as most of these establishments don't take plastic.
http://www.hkcitymall.com/
*Hotel Granduca at Uptown Park. Looking for an elegant and unusual dining experience? Hotel Granduca puts on an Afternoon Tea as well as a Childrens' Afternoon "Buny Tea." I haven't tried this yet, but definitely plan to do so soon as it has been highly recommended. This might be super cool to try with your British friends. I know I will! And check out their rooftop pool at the hotel with its gorgeous cabanas. Very L.A. and so enticing.
http://www.hotelgranducahouston.com/
Enjoy your spring!
Written by Cathy Parsons.
So here we are looking at spring in Houston. With a scarily frosty winter behind us, most of us will be very glad to actually get out and enjoy all this vibrant city has to offer. Here are a few options I am looking forward to enjoying with friends and family.
*Houston Livestock and Rodeo at Reliant Stadium. The first time I heard about this, I thought it would be just a rodeo. Have I learned my lesson! If you haven't checked out this year's line up, be sure and take a look at their very informative website. http://www.rodeohouston.com/ I am looking forward to catching a couple of performances in The Hideout and trying some of the award winning wine selections in the Wine Garden. With an assortment of crazy foods, shopping, musical acts and bronco busting, there is definitely something for all ages. TIP! Do not try to drive there and park. It is best to take the Wave shuttle or park near a train station and take the train. The parking situation at Reliant is really a mood-buster.
*NAMI Walk at Sam Houston Park. Feeling charitable? Then join in for a low stress and fun walk to help support mental health awareness and research. More info at: http://www.namigreaterhouston.org/ April 12.
*The Art Car Parade in downtown Houston. This wild and wooly event is the city's largest free art installation, and it will draw over 300,000 people in the course of its numerous events surrounding the actual parade. http://www.thehoustonartcarparade.com/ May 10.
*Brazos Bend State Park. Ready for a road trip? Load up a picnic basket and head out to this gorgeous and very lush park located about an hour or so down 59 South. Deer, alligators!, over 300 species of birds, and other wildlife are in abundance here. Helpful volunteers man the nature center and will guide you to the best experience possible. http://www.brazosbend.org/
*Hong
Kong City Mall. Visit the Far East without leaving H-town! This mall has a world
of shops and tiny restaurants and cafes that offer a taste of Hong Kong for
adventurous residents. A great place to bring in your out of town visitors to
show them a sample of the incredible diversity the city has to offer. Bring cash
though as most of these establishments don't take plastic.
http://www.hkcitymall.com/
*Hotel Granduca at Uptown Park. Looking for an elegant and unusual dining experience? Hotel Granduca puts on an Afternoon Tea as well as a Childrens' Afternoon "Buny Tea." I haven't tried this yet, but definitely plan to do so soon as it has been highly recommended. This might be super cool to try with your British friends. I know I will! And check out their rooftop pool at the hotel with its gorgeous cabanas. Very L.A. and so enticing.
http://www.hotelgranducahouston.com/
Enjoy your spring!
Other News....
Traffic
Another hot topic in the neighborhood is that of traffic. Of particular concern are the speeding drivers and those that seem to have an inability to stop at STOP signs. The main concern is that this is only going to get worse once all the new apartments are completed and that someone willl be fatally injured (there have already been numerous accidents).
With that in mind the Civic Club has established the Traffic Safety Initiative. This group is working with the City and residents to look at ways to help resolve these issues. Rice Military has already applied for the Neighborhood Traffic Management Program, which is a City of Houston based program, that looks at all types of traffic mitigation methods that can be used to help slow drivers down, increase safety on our narrow streets for both cars and pedestrians, and help reduce cut through traffic. This will not be a fast process though so in the meantime the traffic committee are looking into other ways in which we can make our streets safer now.
How are we doing that?
~ Regular correspondence to Council member Ellen Cohen to let her know that we have major traffic issues within Rice Military.
~ Using the 311 app to report all traffic issues. http://hfdapp.houstontx.gov/311/index.php This is a simple app that can be used to report anything from speeders, to missing STOP signs, requests for new STOP signs, pot holes, etc. You can also use the app to vote and comment on exisiting issues; more votes is a good way to get a project completed. If you see somethnig please report it. The City looks at this data to see if Rice Military really does have a traffic problem. If enough people say there is a problem then we have the data to prove it.
~ Don't forget that the 311 app can be used for many other things such as broken water pipes, potholes, missing road signs, fallen trees, and replacement garbage cans.
~ Speeder Signs: The traffic committee is looking for volunteers to place Speeder signs in their yard. If you would like to volunteer please email traffic@rice-military.org
Rice Military Nextdoor
Whilst we are discussing the topics of security, traffic and looking out for each other, don't forget about another useful app/service that many in the neighborhood have alreday signed up for: Rice Military Nextdoor. This is another way for neighbors to communicate easily between each other about such issues as road works, lost pets, and suspicious characters. The advantage it has over Facebook is that it emails thoseregistered instant updates (rather than having to log into Facebook), plus not everyone is on Facebook. To register simply go to: https://ricemilitary.nextdoor.com/login/
Superneighborhood 22 Lost & Found Pets...
...is a resource for lost and found pets in the neighborhood.
If you see or find a lost pet please visit: www.facebook.com/SuperNeighborhood22LostFoundPets Post as much information as you can about the pet, so that hopefully their owners can be found, or a new home can be found for them. Pictures are very useful. If you're not on Facebook, you can email
your information to sn22lostfoundpets@yahoo.com
In addition, for any pet owners out there please get your pets microchipped. This makes getting them home so much easier.
Don't Forget it's Rodeo Time!
The Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo will no doubt be another great event this year. It will be held from March 4 - 23rd at Reliant Park. Events will include:
~ Rodeo events such as bareback riding, steer wrestling, bull riding & wagon races;
~ Livestock events such as breeding shows & cattle sales;
~ Horse show events;
~ and of course, the concerts including the likes of Brad Paisley, Reba, Usher, REO Speedwagon, Keith Urban, Maroon 5, Hunter Hayes, Blake Shelton, and Zac BrownBand.
For more information visit: http://rodeohouston.com/
Not sure how you're going to get there? Catch The Wave.
Memorial Park Use Survey
The Memorial Park Conservancy, TIRZ #16, and the Houston Parks and Recreation Department will soon begin long-term planning for the park. Prior to planning, the team is taking public input.
Memorial Park is going through a major planning process, and we want you to have your say. How do you envision the future of Memorial Park? Take less than 10 minutes to visit http://memorialparkmasterplan.mindmixer.com/ and let the planning team know what you think. Take the Memorial Park Use Survey and the Demographic Survey by Tuesday, March 11. Thanks for your input, and please share the link!
For more information on the survey and on the Memorial Park Conservancy, visit www.memorialparkconservancy.org or contact Suzanne Landau at 713.863.8403 extension 2 or info@memorialparkconservancy.org. For more information on Memorial Park and the Houston Parks and Recreation Department, visit www.houstonparks.org or write to Askparks@houstontx.gov.
Another hot topic in the neighborhood is that of traffic. Of particular concern are the speeding drivers and those that seem to have an inability to stop at STOP signs. The main concern is that this is only going to get worse once all the new apartments are completed and that someone willl be fatally injured (there have already been numerous accidents).
With that in mind the Civic Club has established the Traffic Safety Initiative. This group is working with the City and residents to look at ways to help resolve these issues. Rice Military has already applied for the Neighborhood Traffic Management Program, which is a City of Houston based program, that looks at all types of traffic mitigation methods that can be used to help slow drivers down, increase safety on our narrow streets for both cars and pedestrians, and help reduce cut through traffic. This will not be a fast process though so in the meantime the traffic committee are looking into other ways in which we can make our streets safer now.
How are we doing that?
~ Regular correspondence to Council member Ellen Cohen to let her know that we have major traffic issues within Rice Military.
~ Using the 311 app to report all traffic issues. http://hfdapp.houstontx.gov/311/index.php This is a simple app that can be used to report anything from speeders, to missing STOP signs, requests for new STOP signs, pot holes, etc. You can also use the app to vote and comment on exisiting issues; more votes is a good way to get a project completed. If you see somethnig please report it. The City looks at this data to see if Rice Military really does have a traffic problem. If enough people say there is a problem then we have the data to prove it.
~ Don't forget that the 311 app can be used for many other things such as broken water pipes, potholes, missing road signs, fallen trees, and replacement garbage cans.
~ Speeder Signs: The traffic committee is looking for volunteers to place Speeder signs in their yard. If you would like to volunteer please email traffic@rice-military.org
Rice Military Nextdoor
Whilst we are discussing the topics of security, traffic and looking out for each other, don't forget about another useful app/service that many in the neighborhood have alreday signed up for: Rice Military Nextdoor. This is another way for neighbors to communicate easily between each other about such issues as road works, lost pets, and suspicious characters. The advantage it has over Facebook is that it emails thoseregistered instant updates (rather than having to log into Facebook), plus not everyone is on Facebook. To register simply go to: https://ricemilitary.nextdoor.com/login/
Superneighborhood 22 Lost & Found Pets...
...is a resource for lost and found pets in the neighborhood.
If you see or find a lost pet please visit: www.facebook.com/SuperNeighborhood22LostFoundPets Post as much information as you can about the pet, so that hopefully their owners can be found, or a new home can be found for them. Pictures are very useful. If you're not on Facebook, you can email
your information to sn22lostfoundpets@yahoo.com
In addition, for any pet owners out there please get your pets microchipped. This makes getting them home so much easier.
Don't Forget it's Rodeo Time!
The Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo will no doubt be another great event this year. It will be held from March 4 - 23rd at Reliant Park. Events will include:
~ Rodeo events such as bareback riding, steer wrestling, bull riding & wagon races;
~ Livestock events such as breeding shows & cattle sales;
~ Horse show events;
~ and of course, the concerts including the likes of Brad Paisley, Reba, Usher, REO Speedwagon, Keith Urban, Maroon 5, Hunter Hayes, Blake Shelton, and Zac BrownBand.
For more information visit: http://rodeohouston.com/
Not sure how you're going to get there? Catch The Wave.
Memorial Park Use Survey
The Memorial Park Conservancy, TIRZ #16, and the Houston Parks and Recreation Department will soon begin long-term planning for the park. Prior to planning, the team is taking public input.
Memorial Park is going through a major planning process, and we want you to have your say. How do you envision the future of Memorial Park? Take less than 10 minutes to visit http://memorialparkmasterplan.mindmixer.com/ and let the planning team know what you think. Take the Memorial Park Use Survey and the Demographic Survey by Tuesday, March 11. Thanks for your input, and please share the link!
For more information on the survey and on the Memorial Park Conservancy, visit www.memorialparkconservancy.org or contact Suzanne Landau at 713.863.8403 extension 2 or info@memorialparkconservancy.org. For more information on Memorial Park and the Houston Parks and Recreation Department, visit www.houstonparks.org or write to Askparks@houstontx.gov.
Nellie Keyes Park Orchard Planting Day...
Phase II of the Nellie Keyes Tree planting schedule took place on February 15th and 9 new fruit trees were added to the area surrounding the garden. This Urban Orchard concept was made possible by community donations and was led by the Association of Washington Avenue Neighbors (AWAN). Watering is now the main effort needed for the 35 new trees in the park to make sure that they get established in their new locations. During the heat of summer we will need the most assistance on watering so if you would like to assist with hoses or sponsor a week of watering by a water truck ($50) please contact the project team. http://www.washavenue.org/
Moving forward work will begin over the next couple of weeks to improve the drainage issue in the park. The 2014 fund raising plan will be to raise $40K to add a sail shade canopy over the playground area, a swing set, shade over park tables, and new picnic table tops. This new effort will require the continued donation
support of the neighborhood as well as some corporate sponsorship. If you work for a large company, please check their charitable donations policy so we may request funds. All donations are tax deductible and we will be recognizing the major donors (beginning at $500) with a plaque in the park for donations made
during 2013 and 2014. Donations can be made at the following link: http://houstonparksboard.org/projects/nellie_keyes_park/
Phase II of the Nellie Keyes Tree planting schedule took place on February 15th and 9 new fruit trees were added to the area surrounding the garden. This Urban Orchard concept was made possible by community donations and was led by the Association of Washington Avenue Neighbors (AWAN). Watering is now the main effort needed for the 35 new trees in the park to make sure that they get established in their new locations. During the heat of summer we will need the most assistance on watering so if you would like to assist with hoses or sponsor a week of watering by a water truck ($50) please contact the project team. http://www.washavenue.org/
Moving forward work will begin over the next couple of weeks to improve the drainage issue in the park. The 2014 fund raising plan will be to raise $40K to add a sail shade canopy over the playground area, a swing set, shade over park tables, and new picnic table tops. This new effort will require the continued donation
support of the neighborhood as well as some corporate sponsorship. If you work for a large company, please check their charitable donations policy so we may request funds. All donations are tax deductible and we will be recognizing the major donors (beginning at $500) with a plaque in the park for donations made
during 2013 and 2014. Donations can be made at the following link: http://houstonparksboard.org/projects/nellie_keyes_park/
What is a Civic Club and Why Should You Join?
The word civic is a description of something that belongs to a city and its citizens. Civic clubs are, simply put, organizations that belong to their citizens. Rice Military Civic Club serves in this spirit, as a club that benefits the Rice Military neighborhood. We work hard to promote our residents’ civic and social welfare.
But we are a club, not an HOA, which means that joining us is not mandatory. You make a choice to join and support us by paying dues every year. And so the question for you is whether our civic club is worth the $20 yearly membership fee to you.
Reasons to Join
How to Join
Dues are only $20 for a household each year. Any dues paid now will go to the 2014 memberships. You can pay your dues at any event we host, or you can pay your dues online through paypal at our website: www.rice-military.org/membership.
The following businesses kindly sponsor Rice Military Civic Club:
Body Rock Pilates http://bodyrockpilates.com/
Joseph J Earthman Generations: Memorial, Funeral & Cremation Services http://generationsfunerals.com/
Mint Dental Works http://mintdenthouston.com/
Simply By Design
The Wave http://www.thehoustonwave.com/
The word civic is a description of something that belongs to a city and its citizens. Civic clubs are, simply put, organizations that belong to their citizens. Rice Military Civic Club serves in this spirit, as a club that benefits the Rice Military neighborhood. We work hard to promote our residents’ civic and social welfare.
But we are a club, not an HOA, which means that joining us is not mandatory. You make a choice to join and support us by paying dues every year. And so the question for you is whether our civic club is worth the $20 yearly membership fee to you.
Reasons to Join
- Being a civic club gives us more clout and influence. The City of Houston works more closely with and takes more notice of a large civic club than it does with individuals.
- Our emails and Facebook page make it easier to know what’s happening, from city-wide issues to local social gatherings. Putting out this information helps us be better neighbors and better citizens.
- We secure great speakers on local issues in our quarterly meetings. These issues, often confusing and not easily explained by city websites, are explained by experts who can answer your questions.
- We put on events year-round: quarterly meetings, the garage sale, National Night Out, Halloween, the holiday party, not to mention all the great socials, and more!
- Your dues help us keep these events and activites going, from paying for our website to all the promotional costs.
- Being in a civic club helps you meet people who have the same local concerns and problems as you do. When people work together, we can accomplish a lot more than we can alone. Our new committee on Traffic Safety Iniative is a great example.
- We donate to other nonprofits that benefit our neighborhood, like the WOW Roundabout and replanting trees in Nellie Keyes Park, plus hosting our Holiday Park that benefits DePelchin Children’s Center.
- We are a nonprofit, so all money raised goesstraight back into the community.
How to Join
Dues are only $20 for a household each year. Any dues paid now will go to the 2014 memberships. You can pay your dues at any event we host, or you can pay your dues online through paypal at our website: www.rice-military.org/membership.
The following businesses kindly sponsor Rice Military Civic Club:
Body Rock Pilates http://bodyrockpilates.com/
Joseph J Earthman Generations: Memorial, Funeral & Cremation Services http://generationsfunerals.com/
Mint Dental Works http://mintdenthouston.com/
Simply By Design
The Wave http://www.thehoustonwave.com/
Feedback
If you would like to contact the newsletter team, email us at: news@rice-military.org
