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Expansion of the Southwaste Disposal Facility, Winter Festival Recap and Winners of the Holiday Lights Competition
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Proposed Expansion of the Southwaste Disposal Facility
by Lorraine Cherry, Environmental Chair
On October 17, TMCC president Bill Morfey, Dave Dyer, and I attended the public meeting sponsored by the Texas Commission for Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to discuss the pending application no. 2241B by Southwaste Disposal on Hurst Street to expand their operations by almost 30%.
Southwaste Disposal processes grease and oil waste from around the city and septic waste from the Harris County toll road stations. This waste material is delivered to the Hurst Street facility in 4,000- to 7,500-gallen tankers that pass th rough sur round ing re s iden t i a l neighborhoods. It goes through multiple processing steps, including heating, chemical treatment, and biological treatment, to separate out and sanitize different components. Historically, this process has resulted in the release of noxious odors into the surrounding area, and complaints about the smell have never been adequately addressed.
Southwaste is now proposing to increase their capacity by approximately 30%. Although they say that they will be
redesigning their facility to better control the odor, it is not clear that the proposed steps will really deal with this problem adequately, or that we will have any recourse if the smell remains or gets worse.
The most important point about this proposed project: During the 18 years since the original plant was built, the character and population trends of this part of the inner loop have changed dramatically. Compared with 1995, there are many new residential complexes in this area, with more being developed every time a small piece of property comes onto the market. In considering this permit, it is important for TCEQ to recognize this trend and anticipate where this neighborhood is going. It may not be in the best interest for local residents, the city, or the state to have this type of facility in the middle of a rapidly developing piece of inner loop property.
State Senator John Whitmire and State Representative Sarah Davis have each sent a letter to the TCEQ recommending that the proposal to
JANUARY 2014 TIMBERGROVE MANOR CIVIC CLUB ○ PO BOX 70977 ○ HOUSTON, TX 77270-0977 WWW.TIMBERGROVE.ORG
General MeetingTuesday, January 14, 2014 at 7:00 p.m.
Sinclair Elementary School
26,000 pounds of snow and tons of holiday cheer helped make the Winter Festival fun!
Lights Shine BrightThe results of the annual holiday lights competition are in. Peek inside to see the winners in a multitude of categories.
INSIDE THIS
ISSUE
Our speaker will be William Morfey
Small Claims Court and Other Dispute Resolution OptionsJoin us for a talk with TMCC President and attorney at Zimmerman, Axelrad, Meyer, Sterm & Wise, P.C. to learn more about cost-effective ways to obtain resolution to legal disputes that can not be settled informally.
Come early!
Pizza at 6:30
The Timbergram
2014Membership
DriveNew year, new dues! After
surpassing our membership goal last year, we need your
help once again. Your modest dues payment - only
$30 per household - is essential to Timbergrove
Manor Civic Club activities.
See the enclosed membership form for
more details!
continued on next page...
West 11th Street Park Updateby Lorraine Cherry, Friends of West 11th Street Park
As you walk around the woods this winter, you may notice an occasional pink ribbon tied around the branch of a tree. No, this is not a variation of “Tie a yellow ribbon round the old Oak tree.” We are using the pink ribbons to mark Chinese Tallow trees for removal next spring. These trees are easy to identify in fall because their leaves turn bright red. In spring, with the lush new growth in the park, it’s harder to find them unless they’re marked.
Why do we want to remove them? In a natural area like West 11th Street Park, there are limited resources for plants to grow. If one type of plant grows especially well, it will take resources from other plants that do not grow as well. Unfortunately, the very characteristics that make plants attractive to home gardeners—fast growing, resistant to pests, minimal care, disease-resistant—make non-native plants a danger to the natural habitat.
The Chinese Tallow is a classic example of invasion by a non-native species. It is native to eastern Asia. They were brought to Texas in the early 1900s and again in 1949 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture as a potential oil seed crop. For a long time, they were also promoted by nurseries for use in home gardens, although it is now illegal to sell Chinese Tallow trees in Texas. A mature tree can produce over 100,000 seeds a year, and they germinate readily and grow in all types of conditions.
Animals, birds, and insects that eat other plants tend to avoid eating the Chinese Tallow. This contributes to the tree’s ability to spread rapidly. This brings up a second important reason to eliminate non-native species: living things within an ecosystem evolve together. The animals, birds, and insects that are accustomed to living with a native plant can be driven out if an exotic species takes the place of that plant.
Because removing non-native species has been an ongoing project for
almost 10 years, we don’t have a huge number of Tallows in the park and we want to keep it that way. In addition to Chinese Tallow, we make a special effort to control Chinese Privet, Waxleaf Ligustrum, Nandina, and Tree of Heaven, in addition to some other less common non-natives.
Chinese Tallow
Jaycee Park Updateby Darlene Wayt, committee member, TMCC Environmental Affairs
For the Jaycee Park CIP #F-000758, the Parks Program Manager is getting the design teams under contract.
Trees for Houston will be in the park on January 25 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. supervising volunteers who will be pruning and trimming about 30 of the Seamist trees. To help, email Darlene at [email protected].
Boy Scout Troop 604 will be in the park in January and April 2014 cleaning the splash pad and de-littering the grounds, the date and time will be posted on FB Friends of Jaycee Park. For info, c o n t a c t E d S h e r w o o d a t [email protected] or David Jackson at [email protected].
Give Green in 2014
If your 2014 charitable giving includes giving “green,” consider Houston Park s Board fo r Jayc ee Pa rk a t www.houstonparksboard.org. Click on Projects, Past Projects, Jaycee Park, Donate, choose Jaycee Park from the dropdowns and go from there. Private funds were largely responsible for the renovation as I’m sure most of you know because so many of you contributed and private funds are being used for maintenance needs that public funds do not cover. For example, this past year, the private fund replaced the splash pad bench coating that cracked and fractured, replaced a damaged donor plaque, paid for pruning and landscaping of the crepe myrtles and some trimming of the Seamist trees. For questions about this fund, contact Trent Rondot of Houston Parks B o a r d a t ( 7 1 3 ) 9 4 2 - 8 5 0 0 o r [email protected].
expand this facility should not be approved. If you agree, formal written comments can continue to be submitted until 30 days after the technical review of the application is completed. (It was not completed as of December 1.) Reference application No. 2241B in your comments. They can be mailed to: Office of the Chief Clerk, TCEQ , Mail Code MC-105, P.O. Box 13087, Austin TX 78711-3087, or posted online at: http://w w w. t c e q . t e x a s . g o v / a b o u t /comments.html
Southwaste Disposal Facility continued
TMCC exists only because of the dedication of the many volunteers who play a variety of roles. After several years of donating his time and services, Chris Favre is resigning from the position of treasurer. Now we need your help! Experience with Quickbooks is recommended, but not essential. To volunteer please contact Bill at [email protected].
Volunteer Needed
Knitting Hearts Delivers Handmade Cheerby Darlene Wayt
The Women of Knitting Hearts raised about $700 at their annual pre-Christmas sale of all handmade items and made 300 Christmas stockings that the Girls-in-Action stuffed with crayons, coloring books and small puzzles. The funds and stockings were used to benefit children in Houston and Mexico.
The photo is a latch-hook rug designed and hand made by Cathy M. of Knitting Hearts. The etched, wooden frame was designed and built by Dave C., a church member and Knitting Hearts supporter.
Knitting Hearts is a women’s outreach ministry that facilitates projects that benefit our local community as well as missions; promotes community friendship and interaction; and offers women of all ages a chance to relax for a few hours
a m o n t h i n a supportive, friendly, n o n - s t r e s s f u l environment.
Women of all skill levels – and even no-skill levels – are welcome and may participate as much or as little as d e s i r e d a n d , i f wanted, will receive instruction from the m o r e a d v a n c e d women who function as teachers for the rest of us. The Christmas stocking project involved cutting an outline from felt. Most women and girls knit or crochet, some do latch-hook, sew, make jewelry and some come to visit with friends and make new friends.
Knitting Hearts meets the first and third Saturday of each month from 10:00 a.m. to noon at Lazybrook Baptist Church, 1822 W. 18th Street. There is no cost and no need to buy supplies. Hope to see you in 2014. If you have questions, contact Mandy at (713) 516-2063 or Darlene at (713) 385-4465.
Poinsettia patterned latch-hook rug designed and made by Cathy M. of Knitting Hearts
Annual Winter Festival Sparkles
photo credits: : Jeff Wayt
Michelle Ray, Activities Chair
Let it Snow, Let It Snow, Let It S n o w ! O n D e c e m b e r 7 t h , Timbergrove Manor Civic Club held its annual Winter Festival. Jaycee Park was filled with festive sounds as our friends and neighbors turned out for the annual Winter celebration.
This year’s event – with 26,000 pounds of snow, 1200 donut ho le s , 14 dozen kolaches, coffee and orange juice, popcorn, two bouncy houses, a balloon artist, a face painter, two trains, and Santa was amazing in every way. We had the perfect climate for snow with lows in the 40's this year. A l though the number o f attendees was down by about one-half, it was a great time held by all as in years passed.
A special thanks goes out to our sponsor Hartman & Associates, o u r T M C C B o a r d a n d Chairpersons, all volunteers, and to our vendors Ice Express, Mona's Moonwalks, Queen Donuts, and Santa who all helped our Winter Fe s t i v a l c o m e a l i v e . T h e community also assisted locally with a food drive, and the food was delivered to Lazybrook Baptist Church.
Thank you to all of our neighbors who came out to support this annual event and food drive. You are the best inside the loop Timbergrove Manor!
To win Yard of the Month you must be a current dues-paying TMCC member and cannot have won a YOTM award within the past year. Congratulations to the following neighbors for their attractive, well-groomed yards!
November
6526 Kury – Holly & Glen Bell6239 Hurst – Donna & Jacques Christoffel 6335 Waltway – Ro & Daniel Furstenfeld2326 Droxford – Bobbie Comer
December
6218 Hurst – Amy & Richard Amos6743 Cindy – Virginia & Ford Sasser6322 Lindyann – J.S. Adzgery2531 Willowby – Kellie & Weston Northington
Timbergrove Manor Civic Club LeadershipOFFICERS AND DIRECTORSOFFICERS AND DIRECTORSOFFICERS AND DIRECTORSOFFICERS AND DIRECTORS
President Bill Morfey 832-651-0112 [email protected]
VP Leslie Hillendahl 281-236-6345 [email protected]
Secretary Peter Davies 713-861-1550 [email protected]
Treasurer Chris Favre [email protected]
Director Michael Thompson [email protected]
Director Darlene Wayt 713-385-4465 [email protected]
Director Lorraine Cherry 713-869-4445 [email protected]
Director Allen White [email protected]
Director Patrick Valentz [email protected]
Past Pres Angie McKinney 713-894-2317 [email protected]
Yard of the Month
CHAIRPERSONS - TMCC COMMITTEESCHAIRPERSONS - TMCC COMMITTEESCHAIRPERSONS - TMCC COMMITTEESCHAIRPERSONS - TMCC COMMITTEES
Activities Michelle Ray 832-715-5819 [email protected]
Beautification Leslie Hillendahl 281-236-6345 [email protected]
Block Captains Carolyn Bryant 281-723-9810 [email protected]
Citizens Patrol Lillian Jolliffee 713-869-1079 [email protected]
Deed Restrictions Enforcement
Design Review Dana Whitney [email protected]
Environmental Affairs
Lorraine Cherry 713-869-4445 [email protected]
Membership Tim LouqueGary NordstromTim LouqueGary Nordstrom
Timbergram Jennifer Vickers [email protected]
Timbergreeters Carolyn Bryant 281-723-9810 [email protected]
Web Site [email protected]
Yard of the Month
Leslie Hillendahl 281-236-6345 [email protected]
Tree Waste:
Wednesday, January 15Wednesday, March 19
Junk Waste/Heavy Trash:
Wednesday, February 19Wednesday, April 16
Recycling - every other week:
Thursday, January 2Thursday, January 16Thursday, January 30Thursday, February 13Thursday, February 27Thursday, March 13
Solid Waste Collection Schedule
Holiday Lights Shine Bright
Once again, the TMCC Activities C o m m i t t e e h a s s c o u r e d t h e neighborhood for the most impressive holiday lights displays. Thanks to all our neighbors who add seasonal cheer to the streets of Timbergrove Manor.
Best Show of Lights
6538 Grovewood
Most Traditional
1723 Droxford
Most Religious
1323 Guese
Best Original Theme
6539 Lindyann
Chemical Feed StationTMCC Secretary Peter Davies has been working diligently to secure a speaker from the City of Houston to update membership on the Bryce Street Chemical Feed Station at the March meeting. What do YOU want to know? Submit your questions at the January m e e t i n g o r e m a i l [email protected].
By Lorraine Cherry
Craft Beer and Banh Mi Come to the ‘Hood
So, it’s time to talk about Hughie’s, the new place located in the old Dairy Queen digs up on 18th Street. Maybe you’ve been driving by it now for a couple of months and wondered if you should give it a try. Well, the short answer is: “Yes, absolutely.” And here’s why:
Hughie’s calls itself a “Tavern and Vietnamese Grille” and it does a very good job of each. Every time we’ve been, they have just gotten in a dozen new craft beers, a lot of them on tap. I’m
generally not a big beer drinker, but I have tried a few at Hughie’s
that could make a convert out of me.
The knowledgeable ba r t ender w i l l
help you pick something to y o u r t a s t e , ideal ly to go
w i t h s o m e o f
their great food. And never fear—they also have wine by the glass.
I have limited myself to a few favorites on our multiple visits here. The shaking beef features chunks of filet mignon, flame-broiled and served with a great sauce, fresh vegetable salad, and steamed rice. Just below it on the menu is a similar and equally good dish made with chicken. For a light dinner, I’ve really enjoyed their crispy calamari, super crisp on the outside and tender on the inside. The appetizer portion is giant, and makes a great meal with a side salad dressed with their flavorful raspberry house dressing. Finally, their banh mi (sandwiches) are stellar, packed with meat or tofu and lightly pickled vegetables on a hot, crispy roll.
The owner says that all the Vietnamese dishes come from his mother’s recipes, and they are certainly the strong point here. However, if you’re visiting with the kids or Aunt Eulalie from west Texas or anyone else who might not like ‘exotic’ food, you can also order up some Americana reminiscent of the original Dairy Queen, including buttermilk chicken tenders and a classic cheeseburger. Or you can further explore multiculturalism and order fish and chips.
Best of all, Hughie’s does take out! Take a look at the menu at www.hughiesgrille.com then given them a call at 713-869-1830.
E2 = Excellent Eats
submitted by Kristin Lucas
New Master Plan for Memorial ParkThe Memorial Park Conservancy, along with other groups, is
spearheading the creation of a new master plan for Memorial Park. Their first step is to solicit citizen input. They've created a website where we can enter our thoughts, and in February 2014, they will use this input to start a plan and park design. Please visit this web site to contribute: memorialparkmasterplan.mindmixer.com
Crime in TMCCinformation submitted by Lillian Jolliffe, Chair, Citizens Patrol CommitteeThe holidays are here, so whatever you do, make your home look occupied as much as possible when you have to be gone. Leave on a TV or radio and lights. Crooks always look for the obvious signs you are not home. Be safe and have a wonderful Christmas and prosperous/safe New Year.
#6400 Kury & 2300 Tannehill ##6500 Lindyann ###6700 Grovewood & 6400 Lindyann *2500 Haverhill & 6200 Waltway **6700 blk Kury & 2400 Willowby ***1000 Shirkmere (note: blocks, not specific addresses)
TYPE OF CRIMEAUG 2013AUG 2013 SEP 2013SEP 2013
TYPE OF CRIMEDIST. 2 TMCC DIST. 2 TMCC
Aggravated Assault 0 0 1 0
Auto theft 8 0 7 0
Burglary of Motor Vehicle 30 2# 54 2*
Burglary 10 1## 13 2**
Theft 23 2### 16 1***
Robbery 0 0 2 0
TOTALS 71 5 93 5
Planning Ahead: Your Opinion Wanted
The American College of Sports Medicine has ranked the top fitness trends based on a worldwide survey of fitness professionals. Make a New Year’s resolution to incorporate these trends in your family’s fitness program this year:
Educated and experienced fitness professionals. As the fitness market becomes more competitive, consumers are realizing the importance of working with professionals who have been certified through accredited health/fitness educational programs.
Strength training. This was once the domain of bodybuilders, but it’s now an essential part of a complete physical activity program.
Children and obesity. This is the year to reverse an alarming trend of rising obesity rates by getting overweight kids involved in exercise.
Personal training. As more personal trainers are educated and certified, they are becoming more accessible to a greater number of people.
Core training. This training specifically emphasizes strength and conditioning of the stabilizing muscles of the abdomen and back.
Special programs for older adults. Fitness facilities are offering more exercise programs for active older adults. Get your parents involved now!
Sport-specific training. High school athletes are now training during the off-season to prepare themselves for their specific sports.
Pilates. This form of exercise that targets the core of the body has become a mainstay of most fitness facilities. If you haven’t already done so, try it this year to increase your flexibility and posture.
Resolve To Follow These Fitness Trends In 2014Special Feature for Timbergram readers by Pamela Efferson Properties
Thank You! Thank You!
A heart-felt “THANK YOU” for helping me make 2012 one of the best years in my Real Estate career. I value your business, friendship and referrals and appreciate your support.
Over the last 8 years I have worked diligently to earn your trust and I appreciate your loyal patronage. Thank you for entrusting me with the sale or purchase of your home, your neighbor’s home or a family member’s home.
May 2014 bring you continued happiness, health and prosperity.
Pam Efferson
Recipe from Food52 submitted by Jennifer Vickers
If your new year’s resolution is to eat a little healthier, look no further than this delicious, savory crustless quiche. Packed with protein and vitamins from power-house grain quinoa and dark, leafy kale, this dish is an easy make-ahead breakfast or lunch.
Quinoa and Kale Crustless Quiche
Naturally Good: Fast Food from Your Kitchen
✤ ½ cup quinoa
✤ 2 tablespoons olive oil
✤ 1 Vidalia onion, thinly sliced
✤ 1 bunch ka le, s tems removed and cut into ribbons
✤ 2 garlic cloves, minced
✤ 3 ounces cold cream cheese, cubed
✤ ½ cup g rated wh i te cheddar cheese
✤ 4 large eggs
✤ Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1. Heat the oven to 350º F and prepare a 9-inch pie dish (either butter the dish thoroughly or spray with baking spray). Rinse the quinoa. Combine the quinoa and 1 cup water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and then reduce to a simmer. Cook for about 20 minutes, until the quinoa is tender and the water has been absorbed. Set aside.
2. While the quinoa is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. When the oil is shimmering, add the onion. Slowly cook until soft and browned, stirring occasionally, about 20 minutes.
3. Remove the onions from the pan and place them in a large mixing bowl. Add the kale to the hot onion pan. Cook over medium heat until the kale is wilted and bright green, about 2 minutes. Allow the greens to cool. Squeeze out any extra liquid using your hands or a clean dish towel.
4. Add the kale, quinoa, garlic, cream cheese and cheddar to a mixing bowl. Stir the ingredients so that they are evenly distributed. In a small bowl, whisk the eggs so that they are well combined. Pour over the quinoa-kale mixture. Stir until the egg clings to the greens. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
5. Pour the mixture into the prepared pie dish. Bake for about 45 minutes, until the top is golden and the quiche has started to pull away from the edge of the baking dish. This dish is delightful hot, but even better at room temperature.
Submit your fast, tasty, healthy recipes for the next edition of “Naturally Good”. Email your favorites to
Advertise with The Timbergram.
Check out past issues, advertising rates and more:
bit.ly/TMCCNews
by Bill Morfey, President, TMCC
Almost everyone has heard of The People’s Court. Born in the early 1980’s, it was a television show that was way ahead of the “reality TV” wave of the early 2000’s. Much of its appeal came from the fact that real litigants would appear in front of Judge Wapner to have their disputes settled, all without the aid of an attorney.
Although there are no cameras rolling to capture the proceedings, Texans have long had a forum available to them for settling smaller monetary disputes. And just like The People’s Court, you don’t have to hire a lawyer to represent you. Welcome to the Texas small claims court!
Recent changes in the law have somewhat altered the way that small claims cases are handled (they are now a part of the Justice Courts), but the
essence of the process remains unchanged. Although using an attorney is an option, small claims cases proceed under rules that are less formal than what is encountered in other courts. Thus, the system is designed to allow an average citizen to file a claim and represent themselves throughout the process.
There are limits to the types of claims t h a t c a n b e raised in a small claims court. Most notably, the amount in controver sy mus t be $10,000.00 or less (not including costs or claims for reimbursement of attorneys’ fees). Juries are available (for an extra fee), but are not required.
Of course filing a lawsuit, even under the small claims rules, is a serious matter. Although the process is designed to be easy enough for non-attorneys to handle, it is a real court proceeding that must be taken seriously. But if you are involved with a claim that is $10,000.00 or less that you cannot resolve informally, small
claims court may be the answer for getting a cost-effective re so lu t ion . For information on filing a suit (including fees and downloadable forms),
visit the Harris County J P w e b s i t e a t
www.jp.hctx.net/suits.
A t our upcoming genera l meeting, I will offer a more in-depth look at the process and also point out alternative forms of dispute resolution that are available in our community. Hope to see you there!
Small Claims Court Can Be a Big Deal
