president`s message - Hyde Park Civic Association

APRIL 2010
A P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E H Y D E PA R K C I V I C A S S O C I AT I O N
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Allyson Wilkinson, President
Arbor Day is April 30th. As I appreciate it, this
day celebrates the simple idea of setting aside
a special day for tree planting. In honor of this
holiday and its increasing importance (after 135
years of observance), Hyde Park salutes the
trees in our neighborhood.
• Hyde Park enforces its deed restriction that
“no healthy living tree greater than 7 inches in
diameter may be destroyed by whatever means”
and this enforcement has resulted in a retention
of trees in the neighborhood. If you hear
chain saws this spring, please contact
deedrestrictions@hydeparkunited.org.
• Lamar Park offers shade, a place to gather,
and resource for your charitable donation.
The Lamar Park committee maintains two ways
to give. One is through your civic
association (which is not tax
deductible) and one is
through the City of
Houston Parks Board
(which is tax deductible).
If you would like
more information on
being a benefactor
for a trees in Hyde
Park, please
contact treasurer@
hydeparkunited.org
• Plant a tree! The
City of Houston has
gifted Hyde Park
with 42 hardwood
trees in the following
species: (6) Shumard red oak, (6) Texas
Green Ash, (2) Retama (Jerusaleum Thorn),
(8) Evergreen elm, (6) Mountain Laurel,
(4) Redbud, (4) Red Maple, and (6) Mexican
plum. The trees must be planted on the City
right-of-way (e.g. that strip of green between the
sidewalk and the street) and owners must agree
in writing to water and feed the tree(s) for a
minimum of two years. Past president, Kathy
Schipper, has them at her home and can give
you more information and make arrangements
for viewing. Contact Kathy at kathleencanty@
sbcglobal.net.
Also, Kathy has graciously agreed to an evening
pick up option — one night only — after the April
general meeting on April 5th. Come join your
neighbors to discuss neighborhood issues with
an emphasis on trees and go home with a tree!
Kathy says that these trees are HUGE! A truck
is required for transport - and she does not have
a truck. If you would like a tree but do not have
transportation, please contact president@hydeparkunited.org and we will do what we can to
assist in getting these beauties to you!
See you on April 5th!
BOARD CONTACTS
PRESIDENT
Allyson Wilkinson
president@hydeparkunited.org
VICE PRESIDENT
Cynthia Greenwood
vicepresident@hydeparkunited.org
SECRETARY
Macy Bodenhamer
secretary@hydeparkunited.org
TREASURER
Carlos Fernandez
treasurer@hydeparkunited.org
OTHER CONTACTS
DEED RESTRICTIONS
Stephen Marchione
deedrestrictionschair@hydeparkunited.org
MEMBERSHIP
Alice McCarthy
membership@hydeparkunited.org
NEWSLETTER EDITOR
Jill Ledgerwood
newsletter@hydeparkunited.org
NEWSLETTER CO-EDITOR
Macy Bodenhamer
secretary@hydeparkunited.org
W W W. H Y D E PA R K U N I T E D . O R G
P. O . B O X 6 6 4 2 2 • H O U S T O N , T X 7 7 2 6 6 - 6 6 4 2
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
H PU m eet s t he f ir st M o nd ay o f e ve ry m o nt h! ! ! !
Friday, April 2
Good Friday
Sunday, April 4
Easter Sunday
Monday, April 5
HPU Civic Association Meeting, 7:15pm
at Grace Lutheran Church
Monday, April 5
Recycling pick up
Tuesday, April 13
Junk Waste pick up
HPU MEMBERSHIP TRENDS
Sunday, April 14
Deadline for May newsletter
content. Email content to
newsletter@hydeparkunited.org
Monday, April 19
Recycling pick up
Monday, April 22
Earth Day
Monday, April 30
Arbor Day
Monday, May 3
HPU Civic Association Meeting, 7:15pm
at Grace Lutheran Church
-
Submitted by Carlos Fernández, Treasurer
In last newsletter we presented you
with some informational data about the
composition of our new and renewing
membership. In this month’s article, the
second in this series, we briefly cover
the membership by street. In the table
above you can see how each street is
represented in the membership roaster.
This is ranked from the highest to the
lowest. The top six ranked streets
account for 60% of membership in
the last 12 months.
What street do you live in? Are you a
member? If you are not currently a
member yet, this is the time to become
one: help us reach our goal! From the
graph you can see that our year-to-date
membership is at 49% of our 2010 goal.
Just fill and mail with your payment
along with one of the membership forms
in this newsletter or log on to our
www.hydeparkunited.com web page
and use Pay Pal to accomplish the
same thing more conveniently.
Next month we will cover an analysis of
how long members have maintained
their membership current. •
MEETING MINUTES
APRIL 2010
March 2010 • Submitted by Macy Bodenhamer, Secretary
INTRODUCTION AND OFFICER REPORTS
The March 2010 meeting of the Hyde Park United (HPU) Civic
Association was held at Grace Lutheran Church on Monday,
March 1.
Hyde Park United Vice President Cynthia Greenwood
began the meeting by introducing the board officers and positions. She asked for a motion to accept the February minutes
that were published in the March 2010 newsletter. A motion was
made, followed by a second, and the February minutes were
approved as submitted by Macy Bodenhamer, secretary.
NEW BUSINESS
Hyde Park United Civic Association was honored to present
residents with a moderated panel discussion with representatives of the Harris County Democratic, Republican, and Libertarian parties. Hyde Park includes not one, but two political
precincts. Cynthia acted as moderator and introduced:
• Rose Day, Harris County Democratic Party Precinct
Chair, Precinct 38
• Jeff Daiell, Harris County Libertarian Party Executive
Committee (and gubernatorial candidate)
• Bill Galbraith, Harris County Democratic Party
Precinct Chair, Precinct 37
• Kandace Heimer, Harris County Republican Party
Precinct Chair, Precinct 38
Cynthia asked each chair to answer a panel of predetermined
questions. The precinct chairs, all serving as volunteers in the
positions, outlined the positions and races currently on the ballot. They explained their backgrounds and how they work together, and offered details on how and why residents should
get involved at the precinct level. The chairs also explained the
value to neighborhoods when residents take the time to get to
know political candidates and understand their positions on key
issues. After the moderation, residents had an opportunity to
pose questions to specific chairs.
A handout of the Court Structure of Texas was provided, explaining the alignment of the Supreme Court and Court of Criminal Appeals, the District Courts, County-Level Courts, and the
Justice and Municipal Courts.
Also in attendance was HPU resident Tammi Wallace, chief of
staff for the office of State Representative Ellen Cohen, District
134. Tammi provided resource materials for voting and information from Cohen’s office.
There was a motion to adjourn the March meeting, followed by
a second. The motion carried and the meeting adjourned.
PIP REPORT
Neighborhood Crime Report • January 2010
March 2010 • Reported by Kathy Schipper
The topic of the March meeting was Red Light Camera Enforcement Safety.
This program uses state-of-the-art digital cameras and detection systems to reduce the number of red light runners and collisions at some of Houston’s most
dangerous intersections. The goal is to change behavior that causes collisions,
severe injury and death.
Each intersection is equipped with a high resolution, high-speed digital camera.
The camera is activated when a vehicle enters the intersection AFTER the traffic signal has turned red. The camera takes a series of two images to document the violation.
The program operates 24-hours per day, seven days a week and operates in all
weather conditions. The Houston Police Department reviews every violation
before a Notice of Violation is issued to the registered owner of the vehicle.
The Notice of Violation contains images of the violating vehicle before it enters
the intersection, while it is in the intersection and of the license plate.
Revenue generated by the program is split 50-50 between HPD Traffic Safety
and the State of Texas Trauma Care Fund. Harris County’s Ben Taub Trauma
Center received 4.75m last year.
The violations are of a civil nature and are not reported to the Texas Department of Public Safety or to any insurance companies, but the fines must be
paid to avoid collections proceedings and the entry of a civil judgment against
the driver.
Please report concerns or questions online to the 802 Westheimer Store
Front using a email address: centralpatrol1district@cityofhouston.net. The
Storefront will also use this address to send out e-mail messages and alerts
regarding recent criminal activity.
HPD again asked that people who want to report suspected criminal activity to
contact the HPD Dispatch Line (713/884-3131).
As a reminder, please report or fax to the Storefront, non-emergency
complaints or problems utilizing the Central District One PIP “Citizen
Complaint Form”, a copy of which is available on our website. Fax the
form to HPD Storefront: (713) 284-8616
The purpose of PIP (Positive Interaction Program) is to facilitate an exchange
of information between the Houston Police Department (HPD) and neighborhood residents, using monthly community meetings as a forum. Hyde Park
United falls within the boundary of the Central Patrol/District One PIP Group
and usually meets the fourth Wednesday of every month at 7:00 p.m. Everyone is invited (and encouraged) to attend the meetings, which are held at the
Police Officers Union Bldg, 1602 State St. Go to www.houstontx.gov/police/pip
for the next meeting date. (There is no April meeting). •
IMPORTANT
PHONE #s
HPD Non-Emergency Dispatch
713-884-3131
Use to report suspicious criminal activity,
noise violations, etc.
HPD Westheimer Storefront
713-284-8618, email: centralpatrol1
district@cityofhouston.net
District D City Council Representative
Wanda Adams
832.393.3001
email: districtd@cityofhouston.net
City Services Helpline
3-1-1 or (713) 837-0311
website: http://www.houstontx.gov/
Call to report potholes, traffic light
outages, illegal dumping, alarm permit
questions, parking citations info, and
much more.
United Way
2-1-1 Helpline
Social services like rent and shelter
assistance, low-income tax preparation,
food stamps, childcare, senior
services, etc.
Texas Wildlife
Rehabilitation Coalition, Inc.
HOTLINE: 713-468-8972
FAX: 713-468-8282
director@twrc-houston.org
Wildlife Rehab & Education
713-861-WILD
7 days a week
Except New Years Day, Easter,
Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
State Representative
Ellen Cohen
713.627.0134
email: info@ellencohen.org
NOW SEEKING
BEAUTIFUL YARDS:
The HPU Beautification Committee
requests nominated yards to feature
each month. With Spring upon us,
let us know you are proud of your
lawn or your neighbors’ lawn.
Send nominations to
president@hydeparkunited.org
APRIL 2010
HPU WELCOMES TWO NEW
B L O C K C A P TA I N S !
By Cynthia Greenwood
Hyde Park United (HPU) Civic Association
extends a warm welcome to our newest block
captains! Mike McCann has volunteered to
serve as block captain for West Drew, while
Timothy Perez will volunteer to represent
residents on Commonwealth.
HPU is grateful to Alice McCarthy and Neal
Boggiano, who held the position of block
captain for many years. Alice served as the
block captain for Indiana and West Drew for
approximately 10 years. In January, Alice
joined the HPU board as membership chair.
Neal Boggiano, who passed away in February,
served as the block captain of Commonwealth
for about nine years.
Block captains serve as the main point of
contact between the HPU board of directors
and the residents who live on their designated
newsletter delivery routes. They are responsible for delivering the monthly HPU newsletter
and keeping residents informed about civic
association business.
If you are interested in serving as a block
captain the next time an opening arises, please
e-mail president@hydeparkunited.org or
vicepresident@hydeparkunited.org.
HPU Sponsors Block Captain
Appreciation Dinner in April
Since 2005 the Hyde Park United
(HPU) Civic Association has sought
to recognize its most loyal volunteers
for their service to the Hyde Park
neighborhood.
On Tuesday, April 20, at 6:30 p.m.
the association will sponsor a Block
Captain Appreciation Dinner at El
Tiempo 1308 Cantina restaurant,
located at 1308 Montrose Boulevard.
Please save the date!!
All block captains and newsletter
bundlers should have received an
e-mail dinner invitation around
mid-March, which included a request
to respond. For further details about
the menu for this year’s dinner, please
look for a follow-up e-mail invitation
and/or a phone call in early April.
For more information, please
contact Cynthia Greenwood at
vicepresident@hydeparkunited.org or
call 713-527-8699.
Submitted by Cynthia Greenwood
CALLING ON LOCAL BUSINESSES!
Place your business card sized ad in this newsletter to reach over a
thousand households and support your community at the same time!
· Yearly (12 issues): $150/year
· Month-by-month: $20/month
E-mail our Treasurer to get started! Treasurer@hydeparkunited.org
and Hyde Park United block captain (Welch).
Resident of the Month
Neighborhood Block Captains
Bomar
Dan Schnorr 832-455-7135
California / Westheimer
Kathleen Schipper 713-522-2538
Commonwealth
Timothy Perez 713-524-8026
Fairview / Van Buren
Beth Cunningham 713-557-2567
Hyde Park / Hyde Park Apts.
Linda Carter 713-524-2952
Name: Trevor Eade
Street: Hyde Park Blvd.
Occupation: Director, Marketing/Communications
How long have you resided here? Almost four years
Favorite activities: Travel, Dining out, Spending time with
friends and neighbors, Active volunteer within Houston’s
LGBT community (Board Director, Pride Houston, profiled
member, Houston CVB’s myGayHouston, member of
OutandEqual Houston, Chairman of Houston Astro’s –
“Pride in the Park”)
What do you like most about living in our
neighborhood? I love the diversity and friendliness of our
community. It is so eclectic and full of the most amazing
boutique stores, bars, restaurants and local neighborhood
parks, right in the heart of the city – anything goes in the
part of Houston, and was recently recognized by the American Planning Association as one of the nation's great 10
neighborhoods. It is great that we can walk (and not always have to drive) to the various stores, bars, restaurants
– which makes this area unique…and that reminds me
somewhat of being back in the UK.
If you would like to nominate yourself or a neighbor as a featured
resident, please email Newsletter@HydeParkUnited.org.
Hyde Park Crescent
Stephen Hill 281-658-6129
Hyde Park Townhomes
Daniel Posada 713-454-7834
Indiana / Yupon
Brigette Wignall 832-549-7669
Jackson
Doug Prince 713-471-6816
Maryland
Chris Lemus 713-528-1673
Michigan
Tom Whitworth 713-523-8035
Missouri
Jeanne Wallace 713-528-0834
Montrose
Bill Pesota 713-527-8026
Peden
Mike Lutomski 713-443-4380
Vermont
Sharon Lord 713-522-9427
Waugh
Sue Chin 713-522-3231
Welch
Scott Whitley 713-545-1497 & Terri Higgs 713-524-8026
West Drew
Mike McCann 713-526-6777
West Gray / Hazel
Scott & Lina Rigrod 713-528-2791
Willard
Camille Bogel 713-526-7625
Yoakum
Macy Bodenhamer 713-521-4655
H Y D E PA R K N E I G H B O R H O O D
Sanitation Schedule, April 2010
Garbage & Yard Trimming Collection:
Every Monday (except holidays)
Recycling:
PLEASE TAKE NOTE: Our new recycling day is MONDAY.
The following is the schedule for March, April, and May:
April 5
April 19
May 3
May 17
May 31
June 14
Heavy Trash:
Is picked up the 2nd Tuesday of every month, however
months alternate between “Tree Waste” and “Junk Waste”:
April 13- Junk Waste
May 11- Tree Waste
June 8- Junk Waste
Please note- Your automated container and
recycling bin should be at your curb by 7am and
be removed by 10pm on your collection day. If it
appears it may rain, do not put out your newspapers
(they will be picked up but cannot be recycled).
Glass is not accepted curbside. You may bring
glass to the Westpark Consumer Recycling Center or to
one of the drop off sites that accept glass- Sunbeam,
Kirkpatrick or Lawndale and on Center St. @ Harvard
past Washington Ave.
If you do not have a recycle bin and would like to participate in the City’s recycling program, please call 3-11 to order one.
If you are interested in looking at the city’s recycling
schedule yourself, or need to know what materials are
accepted for curbside recycling go to
www.houstontx.gov/solidwaste/77006.html.
DON’T FORGET! HPU meets the first Monday of every month!!!!
HYDE PARK CIVIC ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION FORM
Did you know that there are more than 1,100 households in our neighborhood, yet less than 20% are members of our civic association?
Please help support your community by officiating your membership. The Hyde Park United Civic Association is a 501c(4) not-for-profit organization, and thus relies solely on donations, contributions and membership dues to fund its neighborhood and civic activities. Donations
are not tax-deductible.
Date: ______________
J New Member
J Renewal Cost: $25 annually for residents and renters
Additional donation(s) of _____________ for Lamar Park and ____________ for Neighborhood Protection
Name: ____________________________________________________________________________________
Address: __________________________________________________________________________________
Home Phone: _____________________________
Bus. Phone: _____________________________________
E-mail: ____________________________________________________________________________________
Community Interests/Concerns:_________________________________________________________________
One vote per membership. The bylaws of Hyde Park United define who can be a member. Your annual membership insures your voice will be
heard in all matters concerning the area you have chosen to call home. Through our newsletter and monthly meeting, you can be part of this beau-
tiful, historic and growing area. Thank you for joining and helping us build a “sense of community.” Mail with your check with completed form to:
Hyde Park United • P.O. Box 66422 • Houston, TX 77266.
You also can join online at www.hydeparkunited.org or bring this form to the next meeting.