Shepherd Park Plaza Civic Club

THE PLAZA PULSE

{contents}

[Departments]

[Features]

[Reviews]

January 2009

• SPP Citizens Patrol - Patrol Hours• Deputy Constable• SPP Clubs - Plaza Moms Society - Garden Club - The Mens Club

• New Sign Design Wins• Holiday Decoration Winners• Fall Decoration Winners• Water Line Update• Supporters of Constable Patrol• Report Swimming Pool Hazards• Whatʼs Happening Around

• Around the Neighborhood• Calendar - Important numbers - Dates to remember• Yard of the Month• Welcome New Neighbors

New Sign Design Wins

Thanks for the Holiday Cheer! Every year, the decorations displayed by our residents make Shepherd Park Plaza one of Houston’s most beautiful neighborhoods during the holiday season. And the spirit of competition for coveted awards adds to the overall holiday spirit! Tommy Whitley, SPPCC vice president, coordinated this year’s decoration judging and worked with our guest judges: Sam E. Ricatta, former owner of North Shepherd Florist, now with the Blossom Shop in Conroe. Art Chapa, Constable Pct. 1 Patrol Supervisor. Beverly Smith, Constable Pct. 1 CaptainIt was a tough job, but the group was able to choose the winners from our outstanding displays. Congratulations!

After tallying resident votes from the Fall Fling and email responses, sign design “A” was the overwhelming choice. Thanks to everyone who shared their opinion!

And thanks to all of you who have generously offered to be sign sponsors and help underwrite the costs of repainting and refurbishing our 12 neighborhood entrance signs. They have represented us well for more than 40 years—and they deserve an update! Billy Hartman, project coordinator, will be contacting all those who signed on as sponsors in the coming weeks with additional information. Additionally, Tom Dornak, SPPCC president, has submitted a grant application to the City of Houston. We are still responding to the additional information requests from the city, but hope to offset some of the project costs with matching funds.

The sign’s project scope is still to be determined—the more money we raise, the more we’re able to accomplish. But the first step is to give our current signs and structures a good pressure washing. If you’d like to volunteer to help with this or are able to loan a pressure washer for the cause, please contact Billy Hartman at 713-305-5035 or billy@hartmanassociates.com for information.

BEST OVERALL DISPLAY

971 ThorntonMickey & Monica Krause

1110 RichelieuChris & Deborah Campos

1st

2nd

2nd

BEST RELIGIOUS DISPLAY

1162 CurtinBill & Ailene Hartman

1154 CurtinDarrell Krause

1st

2nd

MOST ORIGINAL DESIGN

1007 RichelieuEvan & Mary Burris

1147 ChantillyGeorge & Wilma Lahrssen

1st

2nd

BEST TRADITIONAL DISPLAY

BEST Cul-de-sac DECORATION/LIGHTING:

1059 CheshireDaniel & Lynda Becka

1151 ChantillyMatthew & Adriane Schultea

1st

Candlelight East Chantilly East1stPLAZA MOMS FAVORITE:

1061 Cheshire Jack and Gwen Hunt

PRESIDENTS AWARD: 4727 Brian Haven Margaret Mock

2nd

BEST NOVELTY DISPLAY

1051 ChamboardKatherine & Janel O'Rourke

1047 ThorntonDean Dicks

1st

2nd

BEST LIGHTING DISPLAY

1003 ChamboardGeorge & Mary Parnham

1046 CurtinAlfred & Florence Kenjura, Sr.

1st

2nd

BEST DOOR DESIGN

1104 CheshireAdolph & Janice Benys

1043 MartinGeraldine & Janie Gurley

1st

2nd

BEST WINDOW(S) DISPLAY

1115 RichelieuEdward & Faye Bartniski

1067 ThorntonWhanell & Cecile Spriggs

1st

2nd

SECTION 1

SECTION Favorites / CHILDREN’S Favorites

1051 CurtinJames & Brenda McKee

1066 ChamboardVerna Morton

Favorite

Children

Favorite

Children

Favorite

Children

Favorite

Children

SECTION 2

1070 Chantilly LaneFrank and Elizabeth DeLaRosa

4707 ApolloChris & Kim Schultea

SECTION 3

1017 CheshireRobert & Bertha Burda

1121 CheshireLarry & Lori DeWitt

SECTION 4

1021 RichelieuChip & Sandi Cherry

1106 RichelieuRyan & Kathy Moroney

[OFFICERS]

[COMMITTEES]

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President Tom Dornak

Vice President Tommy Whitley

Secretary Jennifer Lamb

Treasurer John Mills

Architectural Control Steve Rogers

Citizens Patrol/Traffic Safety Tom Caver

Constable Liaison Monica Krause

Deed Restrictions Jimmy Walker

Entrance Flower Beds Monica Krause

Greeter Eileen Hartman

Historian Dorothy Lofton

Hospitality Polly Wilhelm

Membership Jim Worthing

Parks/City Liaison Brian Lamb

Plaza Pulse Editor: Co-Chair Laurie Hardwick Julie Landreth

Publicity/Advertising Billy Hartman

Webmaster Mike Clark

Section 1 Rep. Caroline Marciano

Section 2 Rep. Krystal/Will Kelly

Section 3 Rep. Stacy Bartula

Section 4 Rep. David Barrett

Garden Club Rep. Shirley Barrett

Plaza Moms Co - Rep. Holly Inderrieden Kresta Franklin

Pulse Editor: Laurie Hardwick 713-956-2474Pulse Design: Julie Landreth 713-476-9466pulse@shepherdparkplaza.com

{board of directors}

[representatives]

Earlier this year we were all informed by the City that the water line replacement project in Shepherd Park Plaza was to be issued in two contracts, Northern (Cheshire to Candlelight) and Southern (Chamboard Lane to Chantilly Lane), and the southern half of our subdivi-sion was scheduled to start first during the month of August. As it turns out, the northern project started first in November and, as this issue was going to press, is now working in the northeastern streets of Shepherd Park Plaza. We have received the following information from a representative of the contractor:

Managing Contractor & Progress PlanThe contractor managing this project is named R. K. Wheaton. They are placing door tags as they move along this project. The project name is Shepherd Park Terrace Water Line Replacement. This project includes replacing water lines within the streets bordered by: Shepherd Blvd., Cheshire Ln., Ella Blvd. and Pinemont Dr. As can be realized, this project covers multiple neigh-borhoods and only the northern half of Shepherd Park Plaza. The project started in November to streets just north and west of Durham Elementary School. SPP streets currently under construc-tion are east ends of streets: Candlelight to Cheshire. The eastern portion of Bethlehem St. in Candlelight Subdivision is also under construction. The contractor indicated that progress on these streets will continue in December, but only go west to any cul-de-sacs just west of Park Plaza Dr. Plans for progress will then move to streets just north of Bethle-hem St. (Lehman Rd. to Pinemont Dr.). With the current progress plan, it is likely that work to the northwestern section of SPP will not happen until after Christmas, though no promises were made by the managing contractor. The construction schedule of the contract for the southern side of Shepherd Park Plaza is not known at this time. Collins Construction Co. is managing this construc-tion and has not yet started.

Construction ProcedureThe contractor takes steps to have all under-

ground utilities located. The various under-ground utilities are either flagged or use paint markings. The main water line is primarily installed on only one side of each street, on the street side of your water meter location, and at 5 to 6 ft. below grade. The side of the street that the main line will be installed varies per the city plan. The main water line is installed first. An 8-inch line is first bored on one side of each street and then the pipe is installed. In cul-de-sacs, this 8-inch main line is installed around the entire cul-de-sac to the other end of the cul-de-sac. The contractor excavates large bore holes to place the boring equipment underground and bores up to 300 feet in each direction, though smaller observation holes are excavated along the bore route.

Once the main lines are installed, the contrac-tor will replace all dirt and move to other locations of the project until the city performs a chlorine test on these main lines. This will take approximately 1 month. The contractor will then return to do more excavating to tie the main line to each meter along the new line as well as bore a new smaller line under the street pavement to each meter located on the opposite side of the street. This second round does not require large hole excavating, but does include digging in the front corner(s) of every home. The bottom line is that the disruption in the front of your home will be for a period of up to approximately two months and every resident will have some excavation occurring in the street right of way in front of their house. Some will experience more digging than others, depending on which side the main line is installed. Once all water lines on a particular street are installed and tied into the water meter, the contractor then moves to restoring any damaged sidewalks, curbs, driveways, sprin-kler lines and landscaping. The contractor also takes steps to have CenterPoint repair damaged underground street light cabling.

Remembering Fall FondlyKudos to the following folks who won for their top- notch autumn decorations:

BEST SCARECROW

1002 MartinMark & Catherine Snider

1147 ThorntonGary & Sarrah Moseley

1st

2nd

BEST DECORATIONS

1017 CheshireRobert & Bertha Burda

1135 RichelieuTom & Patricia Dornak

1st

2nd

1st

2nd

MOST ORIGINAL

1055 CheshirePatti Bearman

What’s With the Water Lines? by Tom Dornak & Chuck Blesener

1107 RichelieuMichael & Rachelle Vento

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4431 APOLLO4439 APOLLO4507 APOLLO4511 APOLLO4723 APOLLO4727 APOLLO4831 APOLLO4907 APOLLO4706 BRIAN HAVEN4714 BRIAN HAVEN4727 BRIAN HAVEN4729 BRIAN HAVEN4803 BRIAN HAVEN4805 BRIAN HAVEN1002 CANDLELIGHT1006 CANDLELIGHT1007 CANDLELIGHT1008 CANDLELIGHT1012 CANDLELIGHT1014 CANDLELIGHT1016 CANDLELIGHT1017 CANDLELIGHT1019 CANDLELIGHT1021 CANDLELIGHT1026 CANDLELIGHT1027 CANDLELIGHT1029 CANDLELIGHT1030 CANDLELIGHT1034 CANDLELIGHT1038 CANDLELIGHT1042 CANDLELIGHT1043 CANDLELIGHT1044 CANDLELIGHT1046 CANDLELIGHT1047 CANDLELIGHT1049 CANDLELIGHT1050 CANDLELIGHT1053 CANDLELIGHT1056 CANDLELIGHT1058 CANDLELIGHT1061 CANDLELIGHT1065 CANDLELIGHT1066 CANDLELIGHT1103 CANDLELIGHT1107 CANDLELIGHT1110 CANDLELIGHT1115 CANDLELIGHT1119 CANDLELIGHT1126 CANDLELIGHT1130 CANDLELIGHT1131 CANDLELIGHT1134 CANDLELIGHT1135 CANDLELIGHT1138 CANDLELIGHT1139 CANDLELIGHT943 CHAMBOARD949 CHAMBOARD950 CHAMBOARD954 CHAMBOARD967 CHAMBOARD978 CHAMBOARD979 CHAMBOARD990 CHAMBOARD991 CHAMBOARD994 CHAMBOARD1002 CHAMBOARD1003 CHAMBOARD1011 CHAMBOARD1014 CHAMBOARD1015 CHAMBOARD1018 CHAMBOARD

1026 CHAMBOARD1031 CHAMBOARD1035 CHAMBOARD1039 CHAMBOARD1043 CHAMBOARD1046 CHAMBOARD1050 CHAMBOARD1055 CHAMBOARD1058 CHAMBOARD1059 CHAMBOARD1063 CHAMBOARD1066 CHAMBOARD1071 CHAMBOARD1111 CHAMBOARD1115 CHAMBOARD1119 CHAMBOARD1127 CHAMBOARD1134 CHAMBOARD1138 CHAMBOARD1143 CHAMBOARD1147 CHAMBOARD1151 CHAMBOARD1154 CHAMBOARD1155 CHAMBOARD1158 CHAMBOARD1162 CHAMBOARD1166 CHAMBOARD1167 CHAMBOARD1170 CHAMBOARD1174 CHAMBOARD1175 CHAMBOARD1191 CHAMBOARD902 CHANTILLY907 CHANTILLY910 CHANTILLY918 CHANTILLY919 CHANTILLY922 CHANTILLY930 CHANTILLY938 CHANTILLY939 CHANTILLY1002 CHANTILLY1006 CHANTILLY1010 CHANTILLY1018 CHANTILLY1022 CHANTILLY1030 CHANTILLY1031 CHANTILLY1035 CHANTILLY1043 CHANTILLY1046 CHANTILLY1047 CHANTILLY1050 CHANTILLY1051 CHANTILLY1058 CHANTILLY1062 CHANTILLY1063 CHANTILLY1066 CHANTILLY1067 CHANTILLY1106 CHANTILLY1122 CHANTILLY1126 CHANTILLY1127 CHANTILLY1130 CHANTILLY1131 CHANTILLY1139 CHANTILLY1143 CHANTILLY1146 CHANTILLY1147 CHANTILLY1150 CHANTILLY1155 CHANTILLY

1162 CHANTILLY1166 CHANTILLY4602 CHANTILLY CIR4603 CHANTILLY CIR4615 CHANTILLY CIR4618 CHANTILLY CIR1002 CHESHIRE1003 CHESHIRE1004 CHESHIRE1005 CHESHIRE1006 CHESHIRE1007 CHESHIRE1009 CHESHIRE1010 CHESHIRE1011 CHESHIRE1013 CHESHIRE1016 CHESHIRE1017 CHESHIRE1021 CHESHIRE1024 CHESHIRE1025 CHESHIRE1026 CHESHIRE1027 CHESHIRE1030 CHESHIRE1034 CHESHIRE1035 CHESHIRE1037 CHESHIRE1039 CHESHIRE1040 CHESHIRE1041 CHESHIRE1042 CHESHIRE1043 CHESHIRE1045 CHESHIRE1046 CHESHIRE1049 CHESHIRE1051 CHESHIRE1052 CHESHIRE1057 CHESHIRE1058 CHESHIRE1059 CHESHIRE1060 CHESHIRE1061 CHESHIRE1103 CHESHIRE1104 CHESHIRE1106 CHESHIRE1107 CHESHIRE1108 CHESHIRE1109 CHESHIRE1113 CHESHIRE1114 CHESHIRE1117 CHESHIRE1119 CHESHIRE1120 CHESHIRE1121 CHESHIRE4719 CLIFT HAVEN947 CURTIN950 CURTIN958 CURTIN962 CURTIN972 CURTIN979 CURTIN982 CURTIN983 CURTIN986 CURTIN1002 CURTIN1011 CURTIN1023 CURTIN1031 CURTIN1038 CURTIN1046 CURTIN1047 CURTIN

1063 CURTIN1067 CURTIN1075 CURTIN1078 CURTIN1103 CURTIN1107 CURTIN1110 CURTIN1111 CURTIN1114 CURTIN1119 CURTIN1127 CURTIN1130 CURTIN1134 CURTIN1139 CURTIN1142 CURTIN1151 CURTIN1154 CURTIN1155 CURTIN1163 CURTIN1166 CURTIN1174 CURTIN1182 CURTIN1183 CURTIN1186 CURTIN4619 DUNSMERE4615 GOLF DR4702 GOLF DR4706 GOLF DR4710 GOLF DR4711 GOLF DR4714 GOLF DR1003 MARTIN1004 MARTIN1007 MARTIN1011 MARTIN1016 MARTIN1018 MARTIN1019 MARTIN1021 MARTIN1024 MARTIN1025 MARTIN1026 MARTIN1027 MARTIN1029 MARTIN1030 MARTIN1032 MARTIN1035 MARTIN1036 MARTIN1039 MARTIN1040 MARTIN1042 MARTIN1045 MARTIN1048 MARTIN1049 MARTIN1053 MARTIN1054 MARTIN1055 MARTIN1057 MARTIN1061 MARTIN1063 MARTIN1065 MARTIN1103 MARTIN1105 MARTIN1106 MARTIN1107 MARTIN1108 MARTIN1109 MARTIN1110 MARTIN1111 MARTIN1115 MARTIN1006 RICHELIEU

Thanks for Your Constable Contribution! As of December 8, the following have contributed to the 2009 SPP Deputy Constable Program:

1008 RICHELIEU1010 RICHELIEU1012 RICHELIEU1016 RICHELIEU1024 RICHELIEU1026 RICHELIEU1029 RICHELIEU1030 RICHELIEU1031 RICHELIEU1032 RICHELIEU1033 RICHELIEU1038 RICHELIEU1041 RICHELIEU1042 RICHELIEU1043 RICHELIEU1045 RICHELIEU1052 RICHELIEU1053 RICHELIEU1055 RICHELIEU1057 RICHELIEU1061 RICHELIEU1063 RICHELIEU1102 RICHELIEU1103 RICHELIEU1106 RICHELIEU1107 RICHELIEU1115 RICHELIEU1118 RICHELIEU1119 RICHELIEU1122 RICHELIEU1123 RICHELIEU1126 RICHELIEU1127 RICHELIEU1131 RICHELIEU1134 RICHELIEU1135 RICHELIEU942 THORNTON943 THORNTON951 THORNTON954 THORNTON955 THORNTON959 THORNTON971 THORNTON1018 THORNTON1030 THORNTON1039 THORNTON1042 THORNTON1051 THORNTON1055 THORNTON1059 THORNTON1067 THORNTON1071 THORNTON1106 THORNTON1107 THORNTON1111 THORNTON1119 THORNTON1122 THORNTON1123 THORNTON1127 THORNTON1135 THORNTON1142 THORNTON1146 THORNTON1147 THORNTON4707 THORNTON CIRCLE4718 THORNTON CIRCLE4719 THORNTON CIRCLE

Who Ya Gonna Call? Regardless of how much they flush out the new lines, there will be sand and other debris in the water when homes are connected that will clog filters and screens on washing machines, refrigerators, faucets, toilets, etc. It may be necessary to remove and clean these several times.

If the crews cut your home water line, be sure and let them know right away. If your streetlights are out, call CenterPoint at 713-207-2222 or the city’s Helpline at 3-1-1. You will need the pole number (located on the side of each streetlight) and the address when calling.

The contractors are required to provide residents written notifica-tion, via door hangers, 72 hours prior to the start of construction on your street. This work will be going on for most of 2009 and we will have to grin and bear it to get better water pressure and cleaner water. If you have questions, contact the Construction Management and Inspection Project Manager or the City of Houston Project Manager. If the issue is not resolved, contact the City of Houston Managing Engineer or Tim Lincoln, Senior Assistant Director, Construction Branch at 713-837-7074 or tim.lincoln@cityofhouston.net. A list of construction contacts by street is available at www.shepherdparkplaza.com.

Thanks for Supporting Our Constable Patrol! SPP’s Constable Patrol Program is fully funded by our residents—your annual contribution pays for this important security service. For 2009, each resident is asked to contribute $175 to keep our deputy patrolling—but contributions in any amount will help fund this important security program.

As of December 8, 352 residents or 48% of SPP homes had contributed for 2009-and we greatly appreciate their participa-tion! However, more than half of our residents have not yet contributed to next year’s program.

Check the list of addresses to see if you have made a contribution for 2009. If not, you can download a contribution form at www.shepherdparkplaza.com and mail or deliver the from along with your check (payable to SPP Civic Club) to Jim Worthing at 1029 Richelieu.

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neighborhoodaround the

by Romi Sandel & Laurie Hardwick

With Sympathy - Our condo-lences to Jim and Dorothy Worthing who are mourning the loss of their daughter Jamie Wilson.

Stork Landings! - Michael and Ana Braun welcomed their first child Sophia Regina on October 6. Philip and Leann Salmons along with big sister Kendall are happy to announce the birth of Ethan Frank who arrived on November 21!

Shepherd Honored as Volunteer – Long-time SPP resident Walter Shepherd received the 2008 David D. Allen Award which is awarded by the YMCA of Greater Houston. The award is presented to an individual who, in service to the people of the Houston area, exem-plifies the highest ideals of the YMCA and is someone who has: made a significant impact on the YMCA; raised or contributed significant funds or assets; performed exceptionally in his or her duties over a period of time; performed an act that prevented disaster or who performed especially well during a disaster related to the YMCA;

or developed a significant solution, device or idea that had dramatic impact in improving YMCA systems or programs.

Rapid Recovery - We wish Jay Ochoa a speedy recov-ery after his recent shoulder surgery. It didn’t keep him from his Thanksgiving dinner with his wife Lydia and their daugh-ter Margaret and son-in-law Erich.

Food & Fun - Sherri Beasley had a really fun and entertain-ing event at her home her recently. She and her family cooked up a massive Italian dinner for some visiting musicians. The musicians, Allan Holdsworth, Chad Wackerman and Jimmy Johnson, were performing at The Continental Club and wanted

a true taste of Texas. The evening just happened to coincide with Sherri’s mom’s birthday (age withheld!) and it’s reported that she was the life of the party.

Walter Shepherd

Make a Wish - Chris Campos recently celebrated his 40th birthday.Tom Dornak blew out 50 candles on his cake.

The Ring Please - Marshall Hartman is proudly wearing his Aggie senior ring. Congratulations!

In the Bag! SPP resident Diana Welch needs your clean, dry plastic shopping bags. She turns used bags into PEweave™, a woven fabric made from polyeth-ylene plastic bags. You can drop your used bags from any store, including those used to deliver newspa-pers, on Diana’s front porch at 1135 Chamboard.

Share Your News - Please pass along any news of note about SPP residents so that we can spotlight them in the future issues of the Pulse. If you have news to share, please let us know by emailing pulse@shepherdparkplaza.com or contacting Romi Sandel at 713-962-4171.

Walter is actively involved in the YMCA and is a volunteer at the Northwest Family YMCA. Born and raised in Houston as a Y kid, Shepherd began his volunteer services as a coach at the North-west Family Y. He has since served as chair of the Partners Campaign and the center’s board. Today, he continues to serve on the North-west Family YMCA Board. He is most active in the men’s scripture sharing at the center’s Doty Family Memorial Chapel, which Shepherd helped to raise almost all of the funds to build.

Garden Club Closes 2008 in StyleThe December meeting of the Shepherd Park Plaza Garden Club was a Christmas party held at Chatter's restaurant with 35 mem-

bers and guests attending—and a special appearance by Santa Claus. Carol Jean Hebert was very busy all evening getting photos of Santa with the party goers. The members socialized and enjoyed great appetizers generously provided by Charles Hebert. Shirley Barrett got the evening underway with a humorous summary of "2008-A Year For The Record Book.” A delicious meal followed Shirley's opening and then a fun gift exchange.

The group’s January meeting will be January 12 at the home of Sarrah Moseley, 1147 Thornton. The topic will be "Bonsai" with master gardener Clyde Holt, speaker. Membership is open to residents of Shepherd Park Plaza. For more information call 713-688-0673.

Important Numbers e Police/Fire: 911

Citizens Patrol713-686-1917

CP Vacation Watch713-682-5959

SPP Membership713-688-4315

City Helpline: 311

Deed Restriction713-680-9226

Architectural Guidelines713-956-1167

Park & City Liaison713-682-2133

Traffic & Safety713-686-1917

Plaza Pulse News713-956-2474

Pulse Advertising713-305-5035

New Neighbor/Greeter713-305-5036

SPP Historian713-682-4872

Garden Club713-688-0673

Plaza Moms832-477-7871

Men’s Group713-683-9945

sunday monday tuesday wednesday thursday friday saturday

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14

21

3

10

17

24

deputyconstable dispatch

713-755-7628

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18

25

2

9

16

23

TREE WASTEONLY

HEAVYTRASH

SPP CALENDAR

MEN’S GROUPMEETINGHSPPCC BOARD

MEETING D

GARDEN CLUBMEETING

= Curbside RECYCLING

= TRASH & YARD WASTE

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12

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january 2009

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A NOTE ABOUT TRASH : you can legally put your heavy trash out at 6:00 pm the Friday before your heavy trash day.

PLAZA MOMSMEETINGh

NEW YEAR'S DAY

“I have a dream...”

Martin LutherKing Day

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Report Swimming Pool Hazards By Chuck Blesener

Many yards in our neighborhood still have fences down thanks to Hurricane Ike, and some of those yards have swimming pools. It is obvious how dangerous this can be for young children, but it is also a violation of city ordinance and should be corrected immediately. Councilmember Toni Lawrence has asked everyone to notify her office at districta@cityofhouston.net and call the City Health Department at 713-640-4399 to report all locations with problems. If you know of unfenced pools that are not being attended to, please report these dangers.

Plaza Moms Making 2009 Plans After a wildly exciting and fun-filled 2008, Plaza Moms is ready for the New Year! Please join the Plaza Moms for the first meeting of 2009 on January 27 from 7-9 pm at the home of Shannon Zierau, 1057 Cheshire. Safety and personal secu-rity will be the topics discussed at this month’s meeting. All moms and moms-to-be are welcome, so please plan to join the fun. And, mark your calendars for Thursday, January 22 as the Plaza Moms have planned another Ladies’ Night Out! Watch for more details!

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PLAZA MOMSNIGHT OUT!m

2009

[ ]S P P C I T I Z E N S PAT R O L

�e $10 Winners for November were Jose Carranza, Jim Elliott, Karen Key, and Bill Marshall. Attention Patrollers: To qualify for monthly drawings, patrol hours must be turned into Robin McClung at 1178 Curtin by the 5th of each month.

Auto PatrolWalk/Bike Patrol

Total PatrolBase Station Patrol

Total Hours

4 10

14 0

14

190

1951

70

7070

7

1417.531.5 0

31.5

4427.571.5 51

122.5

1 2 3 4 TotalSECTIONSPATROL HOURS

N OV E M B E R 2 0 0 8 C I T I Z E N PAT R O L S TATS

H e l p C P Ke e p Wa t c h As always, we need new patrollers and base station operators to donate a bit of time each month to keep our neighborhood safe. If you would like to join the SPP Citizens Patrol, you can �nd an application at www.shepherdparkplaza.com or call Tom Caver, program coordinator, at 713-686-1917 for details.

HAPPY NEW YEAR! You know, one of the best ways to start o� this year is to check and make sure that you have paid your 2009 Constable contribution. We need everyone to participate. A list of those homes that have contributed for 2009 is in this issue.

And one more reminder for 2009—report anything, and I mean anything suspicious to the Constable Dispatch o�ce at 713-755-7628. Don’t wait to call. You may save your own home or a neighbor’s just by picking up the phone.

By the way, Deputy Martin is putting in some extra time patrolling our streets that have had their streetlights damaged by the waterline replacement. She will be extra diligent on those streets.

Checking in with our Deputy Constableby Monica Krause, program coordinator

Prepared by: Robin McClung

2008

MILES PATROLLED 1165

Arrests . . . . . . . . . . . . .Citizen Assists . . . . . Citizen Contacts . . . . . Criminal Offenses . . . . . . Investigations . . . . . . . .Park Checks . . . . . . . . .Suspicious person/vehicle . .

Vacation Watch . . . . . . .Misc. Calls . . . . . . . . . .Dispatched Calls . . . . . Total Calls . . . . . . . .

TRAFFICVerbal/Written Warnings . . 5Citations . .4 for 5 violations

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7021

36141

5310

182n

ove

mbe

r

calls handled by deputy martin

What's Happening Around Houston by Carol Jean HebertThe Armand Bayou Nature Center (ABNC) was founded in 1974 as a result of efforts begun by an environmental visionary, Armand Yramategui. Armand foresaw the urban growth around Armand Bayou and strove to have this land remain a wilder-ness. Armand's tragic death in 1970 inspired a local, regional and national coalition of people and organizations to acquire the 2500 acres of land now preserved as ABNC. ABNC is a non-profit organization that was established with the mission preservation and environmental education.

As the largest urban wildlife refuge in the United States, the Center's stewardship programs ensure that future generations have the opportunity to experience a wilderness close to home. ABNC's educational programs promote the value of preservation and conservation of natural resources. These programs also encourage everyone to incorporate ecological concepts into their daily lives.

The Center's core consists of a boardwalk through the forest and marshes, live animal displays, educational signage, bison and prairie platforms, butterfly gardens and a 1800's farm site. These venues are part of the Center's vision of a "Discovery Loop" educational tour of ABNC, its habitats and Texas cultural history. ABNC also has the Martyn, Karankawa, Marsh, Lady Bird and Prairie trails that allow you to see and learn about the forest, prairie, marsh and natural bayou habitats once common in the Houston/Galveston area.

Just south of Houston, this is a wonderful chance to see part of the Gulf Coast....still in its natural state. For more information about hours, special programs and events, visit www.abnc.org or call 281-474-2551.

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Fran MarinoRealtor

Keller Williams RealtyMetropolitan

SPP Resident since 1981SPP Garden Club Member

713.530.5330 cell713.589.6822 e-fax

fran@franmarino.comwww.franmarino.com

You're In " S ta ble H ands " W ith F ra n F or A ll Your R e a l E s tate N ee ds

Leann Salmons, CLHMSBroker Associatelsalmons@marthaturner.com

832 868 9453 Cell713 558 3385 Direct

Lifetime Shepherd Park Plaza ResidentSPP Moms Club Member

Area Specialist

Call me for a Free Expert Home or

Market Evaluation!

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Hogue Plumbing, Inc.Owner 3rd Generation Plumber

Chuck Hogue

713-895-8733President P.O. Box 924734

Houston, Texas 77292-4734

Advertisement Section

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www.goDOGusa.com

Home of the Go Dog Social Club Celebrating the canine spirit with socials, �eld

trips and classes for you and your dogs. Services Include:

Social Club Petsitting Mid Day Walk Packages Canine Massage Puppy Kindergarten Pet Taxi Pet First Aid & CPR

The dogs have fun and the people have fun.

Ain’t Life Grand!

Casey Brown-Farris713-688-6363

PRSRT STDUS POSTAGE

PAIDDMR, 77041

Section 1:George & Mary Parnham1003 Chamboard

Section 3:Pete & Sharon Santikos1056 Cheshire

Section 2:Malcolm & Priscilla Phillips4618 Chantilly Circle

Section 4:Steve & Pam Rogers1119 Richelieu

DECEMBER Yards of the Month

Shepherd Park Plaza Civic ClubP.O. BOX 10453HOUSTON, TX 77206www.shepherdparkplaza.com

THE PLAZA PULSE

Welcome New Neighbors

ySection 2:Kirby & Christina Lesher1030 Chantilly

Thanks to RAINBOW LODGE for donating our new neighbor gift certificates! They are located at 2011 Ella Blvd., and the owners are Oak Forest residents! Let’s continue to support the companies that provide us such wonderful gifts for our new neighbors!Their website is: www.rainbow-lodge.com. If you have moved into the neighborhood recently and have not yet been greeted by the SPP Civic Club, please contact Eileen Hartman at 713-305-5036 or eileen@hartmanassociates.com.

SPP MEN’S GROUP by Chuck BlesenerThe Shepherd Park Plaza Men’s Group and their wives met on Tuesday, December 9 at Salt Grass Steakhouse for their first annual Christmas

lunch. They discussed the current water line replacement project and the members were treated to a short film presentation of old movie clips and a sing-along by resident film buff August Galiano.

The group will meet again for their regular monthly luncheon on January 8 for spaghetti at Whitney Oaks Hall. The group is also planning a trip by bus on Tuesday, January 20 to a cheese factory in Cleveland followed by lunch and sightseeing.

The SPP Men’s Group is open to all men of the neighborhood and has no dues, rules or officers. They meet on the second Thursday of each month at 11:30 am for lunch at local restaurants and take trips by County bus several times during the year. For more information contact Chuck Blesener at 713-683-9945.

Got E-mail?If you provide the SPP Civic Club with your email address, you can receive periodic alerts about important news in our area. And if your email address changes, please be sure to provide your updated address to SPPCC at membership@shepherdparkplaza.com and advertising@shepherdparkplaza.com.