Greetings!
Observed the first Monday in September, Labor Day is an annual celebration of the social and economic achievements of American workers. The roots of Labor Day grew out of violent clashes between labor and police during the Haymarket Riot in 1886, when thousands of workers in Chicago took to the streets to demand an eight-hour workday.
Eight years later, in May 1894, workers went on strike to protest 16-hour workdays and low wages at the Pullman Palace Car Company, which manufactured railroad cars in a plant near Chicago. Members of the powerful American Railway Union (ARU) joined in and rail traffic across the country was crippled. Days after the ARU joined the Pullman strike, a languishing bill in Congress to make Labor Day a national holiday was signed into law by President Grover Cleveland.
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Before it was a federal holiday, Labor Day was recognized by labor activists and individual states. On Sept. 5, 1882, union leaders in New York City organized what is recognized to be the first Labor Day parade. "When I First Put This Uniform On" (from an opera by Gilbert and Sullivan) was played by a band from the Jewelers Union of Newark Two to kick off the parade march. |
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Many thanks to our hard working Elections Committee. We now have 2 newly elected Board members, Danika Murphy and Tim Johnson. We would like to acknowledge outgoing Board members Charlie Storer and Keith Hamm for their civic service. At our hot but well attended meeting in August, we finished out the fiscal year and are getting ready for the new fiscal year ahead. Starting in 2024, the Idylwood Civic Club fiscal year will coincide with the calendar year.
Our September 19th meeting will be at the home of Josh Espinedo & Nathan Reedy (6670 Meadowlawn). Candidates running for various local offices for November 7th elections will be in attendance, and we will have a chance to talk with them and hear their priorities. Our October meeting will be devoted to committee work and all members are invited to attend. We will be able to meet and talk to neighbors and have a chance to shape what we do in the neighborhood.
The Idylwood Civic Club relies on volunteers. We need host homes for our meetings in 2024. We also need block captains to hand out flyers promoting upcoming events. We are also getting ready to create a new website. We will hire a professional to set up the structure, but we need volunteers to help with the content and design.
Please see the associated signup sheets below if you would like to assist. Email: president@idylwood.org with your contact details.
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Many thanks to everyone who works to make the Civic Club of value to our neighborhood!
Regards,
Diane Schenke
President
Idylwood Civic Club
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We are starting a new fiscal year, which extends 16 months through December 2024. We will start collecting dues for this new fiscal year immediately. If you pay before the end of 2023, your rate will be $30. Our dues will increase to $40 starting January 2024. We have a goal to engage 50% of our households as dues paying members this upcoming year. Your dues are used to enforce our deed restrictions, sponsor social events & fund community improvements. Extra donations for those purposes are always appreciated!
Add your address to the memo line. If your bank or credit union doesn't offer Zelle® yet, just download the Zelle® app to get started.
If you prefer to pay by cash or a check (made out to Idylwood Civic Club) mail your contribution to:
Idylwood Civic Club
PO Box 9225
Houston, TX 77261-9225
No matter which method you choose, always include your address to ensure that you receive the payment credit!
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We are in the final stages of assembling a new neighborhood directory and are selling advertising in that directory. If you know a professional or a business that might be interested, please refer to the rate sheet shown below. (Click on the image to see a full resolution version in your browser.) |
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Have Chainsaw - Will Travel |
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For more information or how you can help - please contact Amy Dinn at 713-501-5070 or acdinn@gmail.com. Thank you and hope to see you on September 30th!
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Calling All Future Rapinoes & Pulisics |
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Houston Parks and Recreation Department will be presenting a 1-hour workshop on the topic of Get Recruited for College Soccer on Tuesday, September 26, 6:30 - 7:30 pm at Alief Neighborhood Center.
This workshop is for all soccer players ages 13 - 18 and their parents who want to learn how to get recruited to play college soccer. Learn various strategies that will give you the best chances to attain a scholarship and play at the next level with a Division I, II, or III university.
Topics include:
- How to contact college coaches
- Creating effective highlight videos
- Social media
- Being aware of recruiting rules
- College ID Camps
- Showcase Tournaments
- Importance of academic performance and grades
- and more...
Location: Alief Neighborhood Center, 11903 Bellaire Blvd, 77072
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Join the East End Community Coalition for the 5th Annual Gus Wortham Golf Tournament. This event will help support the completion of the historic renovations for the cart barn, pavilion and short-game practice area. Click on the image above for details.
Last year’s tournament sold out quickly, so act soon if your team wants to secure a spot for a good cause.
November 1, 2023 | 4-Person Scramble
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Also: This year the Gus Wortham Park Golf Course will be the home of the Greater Houston City Amateur Championships from Sep 29 - Oct 1. The Senior Championships take place the following week from Oct 6 - Oct 8. Come out and cheer for your City Amateurs at these local events.
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Mobile Farmers Market is an offshoot of the Urban Harvest Saturday Farmers Market bringing fresh local produce direct to neighborhoods.
Their goal is to give customers more choice, support healthy eating, and continue to help build a resilient local food community in Houston. Everything at the Mobile Market is sourced from local farms and producers and sold at cost to customers.
Plaza Santa Clara
2nd Wednesday of every month
10am to 1pm
5616 Lawndale St.
August 9th
Lantrip Elementary
1st and 3rd Weds from 2-4 pm
100 Telephone Rd.
August 2nd & 16th
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DEED RESTRICTIONS - REMINDER |
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Section 4.5 of the Deed Restrictions describes Signs and Billboards. No sign of any kind may be displayed to public view on any Lot except signs of not more than six (6) square feet used to:
- Advertise the Lot for sale or lease
- Indicate security services
- Identify the builder or contractor while construction is in progress on such Lot
- Promote a political candidate, party or issue beginning no earlier than ninety (90) days before the date of the applicable election or referendum
For more details, download a copy of the deed restrictions here
As a reminder, the City of Houston will conduct a general election on Tuesday, November 7, from 7 am to 7 pm. Positions up for election include Mayor, City Controller, our own District I Council Member and all At-Large Council Member positions.
We also have a new email address for reporting potential deed restriction variances:
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Idylwood Community Exchange is now
Idylwood Neighborhood Exchange
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The former Idylwood Community Exchange is now being hosted on Google Groups as the Idylwood Neighborhood Exchange. To request an invitation for this group, please send a request to: Barc.Lee2020@gmail.com
Please note that like its predecessor, this group is privately maintained by a resident, and not managed by the ICC Board.
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Idylwood Pet of the Month |
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Well......here's the scoop.....
It's just too doggone hot!
This heat wave is catastrophic!
The fish aren't jumping!
The squirrels have gone nutty.
The bats are...crazy.
The songbirds can't carry a tune.
The snakes have just slithered away.
Let's just wait to see who will be stirring in October!
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Neighbors: Submit your pet(s) to be featured in upcoming newsletters by sending 1-3 photos with a short story about your best friend(s) with the subject line "Pet(s) of the Month" to: idylwoodgardenclub@gmail.com
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Friendly Reminder From The Pets
For the health and safety of all neighborhood pets and people,
please scoop our poop!
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Please watch for email meeting updates from
Idylwood.neighbors.group@gmail.com.
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Garden Club Meeting Dates and Times
First Saturdays of the Month from 10 am-noon
(Possible exceptions for Labor Day and New Year's Weekends-then it's the 2nd Sat.)
New members are welcome to join us!! Yealy dues are $20.00!!
Get Ready to Start The New "2023-2024" Garden Club Year!
Sept. 9, 2023: hosts: Irma Nino and Carmen Martinez on 6625 Meadowlawn; Speaker: Lynetta Freeman-topic: Container Gardening
Oct. 7, 2023: host: Peggy Wallace on 6736 Sylvan; Speaker: Amber Leung- topic: Bird Friendly Communities
Nov. 4, 2023: hosts: Amy Dinn & Jake Goldstein on 6724 Sylvan; Speaker: Liliana Cracraft- topic: Healing Herbs
Dec. 2, 2023: hosts: Patricia Hattenbach & Jim McCallum on 1404 N. MacGregor Way; topic: Holiday Pot Luck Lunch and Fun Gift Exchange
Jan. 6, 2024: host: Robin Raasch on 6655 Rockbridge Lane; Speaker: TBD
Feb. 3, 2024: hosts: Rosie Pesina & Hugo Banda on 6641 Fairfield;
Speaker: TBD
March 2, 2024: Fieldtrip TBD
April 6, 2024: host: Diane Kopfensteiner at the Lamar Towers; topic: Tour of the Urban Harvest Market and Thompson & Hanson's Nursery
May 4, 2024: host: Sally Lehr on 1704 Idylwood; topic: Neighborhood Plant Sale!
For more information, contact the Garden Club President:
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American Beautyberries are a delicious sight to behold!!
Brilliant purple clusters of berries against bright green leaves are are calling you (and the birds and squirrels) to taste this late summer delicacy! American beautyberries are a wonderful bushy shrub that grow easily in our yards, parks, and forests. Renowned Houston chef and cookbook author, Anita Jaisinghani, shares her recipe for a lemon cake topped with beautyberries! Do a quick search for other recipes and also discover how Native Americans enjoyed this purple jewel. (My tip: harvest the berries and freeze them for future use.)
See Anita's article in the Houston Chronicle on August 23, 2023 for more info and the beautyberry recipe. Click on the link below:
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Invasive Grass Species Thrives in Texas, Maui, and Beyond !
Guinea grass is one of the most ecologically damaging invasive plant species in the world and is source of fuel in fast spreading wildfires! Originally from sub-Saharan Africa, it has been planted in Texas, Hawaii, and elsewhere to feed cattle.
University of Texas researchers have been studying this grass for years to find a natural method of minimizing its damage. A possible answer: an African fly called the gall midge. How could a little fly combat the destructive qualities of a grass that smothers out native plants and grasses, becomes dried out patches that feed wildfires, and exudes a vinegar type chemical that inhibits other seeds' germination?
This article provides a brief and fascinating explantation of how natural methods of combating invasive plants and insects have proven to be effective over the last decades. Now, if they can just find the right species of little gall midges to eat this guinea grass!!
Click the link below to learn more from the Houston Chronical article on August 24, 2023.
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Houston Botanic Gardens - Sept. Fun Pick
Hear From Our HBG Experts: Horticulture Seminar
Saturday, September 16, 2023 9:30 am — 5:00 pm $65
Join the Garden’s in-house experts on the horticulture team for a day of learning about soil, plants, trees, water, and more.
In addition to lectures from four Garden experts – covering lessons learned around the Garden, new trends in horticulture, tropical plants, and planting for wildlife – participants will enjoy opportunities to socialize with presenters and other attendees over coffee, lunch, and a happy hour.
Other program choices:
Sept. 8 - A Late Summer Night's Dream
Sept. 16 - Canvas and Cocktails
Sept. 16. - Botanic Bingo
Sept. 23 - Mindfullness Meditation
Sept. 23 - Botanical Printing
Sept. 30 - Flutter- The Monarch Butterfly Dance Project
Be sure to check out the September events' details by clicking the link below:
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Visit these areas throughout the Botanic Garden:
The Island
Natural Ecosystems
South Gardens ~~ Community Garden
Ticket Window: 713.715.9675 ext. 100
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Vegetable Garden Planting Dates Chart
Do you want to know exactly when to plant vegetables and herbs in your garden? Click here for Texas A&M University's yearly planting calendar for Harris County. You may want to print this out for future reference.
Tree Planting Guide For Houston
As our Idylwood trees age, succumb to disease and storm damage, and grow too close to our homes and power lines, we sadly see these marvelous companions disappear. Now is a good time to start researching the best trees for your yard to properly fit your needs, desires and space.
The Houston Area Urban Forestry Council has a fabulous planting guide for trees in the Houston area. This guide is packed with all the basic info you need when considering planting new trees.
Happy gardening!
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Remember: COH Tree Trash Gets Turned Into Mulch
When Picked Up on The First Tuesdays of Odd # Months
Keep in mind that trimmings from trees, shrubs and bushes can be placed on your curb for the city's Tree Trash pick-up on the first Tuesday of odd months.
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Thanks for your membership and love of nature!
Let's keep Idylwood beautiful and safe!
Kind regards,
Patricia Hattenbach
phattenbach@gmail.com
713-724-9608
2023-2024 Officers:
President: Patricia Hattenbach
Vice President: Nicole Wood
Secretary: Amanda Cai
Treasurer: Peggy Wallace
Thanks again to Jim McCallum and Patricia Hattenbach for providing the Yard of the Month write-ups and photos. It's wonderful to learn more about our great neighbors!
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Yard of the Month
September 2023
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The Sun stole our nominations!
It's dire straits for our yards and gardens!!
We are all in the same boat with this dilemma of how and what to save in our yards and gardens - wondering if we can even make a difference. This severe heat wave that is now going on is taking its toll. At this writing (8-27-23) it has been 48 days of no rain in Houston and 25 days of 100 + degree temperatures. Our landscapes are suffering and it appears that we will all sustain losses of plants, bushes, shrubs, trees, and lawns. Only the hardiest of natives and established specimens may survive.
On August 24, the City of Houston ordered residents to restrict their outdoor water use to between the hours of 7 pm and 5 am, and to two days a week depending on their street address. Residents will be fined $2000 if found in violation of the limits after being warned once.
Public Works is also reporting an increase of lower water pressure and a growing number of leaks in the water mains throughout the city. For more information, click the link below.
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click link above for access to their website
September 2023
Planting Guide
- Fall is in the air. Refresh container gardens with snapdragons, dianthus, mums, petunias, lobelia, crotons & more.
- Get your transplants in your fall vegetable garden. Early September is your last chance to get tomatoes and peppers in the ground. Cool-season vegetables such as cauliflower, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, kale, mustard, lettuce, and kohlrabi can be planted September through January, look for seeds or transplants to add to your garden.
Pests
Blast off sucking insects (aphids, mealybugs, etc) with water and/or spray with insecticidal soap. Leaf miners are active on citrus, they will not kill your citrus, leave alone or alternate treatments of spinosad and neem to keep them at bay. BT will get rid of cabbage loopers. Insects such as chinch bugs and fungal diseases on lawns (grey leaf spot) are two things to watch out for. Organic treatment products can be found in our plant care shed.
Mulch
Mulching keeps plant roots cooler, weed seeds at bay, and conserves water. Apply 3” deep around trees and shrubs. Add compost around annuals, herbs, and vegetables. Do not mound mulch against the base of a plant, this only invites insects and fungus to come in contact with the crown of plants
Hummingbirds
Migrating hummingbirds can be found at your feeders and natural nectar sources. Keeping feeders clean, filled, and in a shady area will encourage visitors.
Recipe for Nectar: Bring 4 cups of water to a boil, add 1 cup of granulated sugar, stir until dissolved. Allow to cool, fill feeders. Keep excess sealed in refrigerator.(no need to add red food coloring)
Natural nectar sources for hummingbirds: Turk’s cap, Hamelia, Shrimp plant, Firespike, Salvia, Lobelia (cardinal flower), Mexican oregano, Pride of Barbados, Anisacanthus, and cigar plants. These are all hummer magnets.
Water
Maintain watering on newly planted seeds and transplants, use a rain wand to avoid disturbing plants with small root systems. On St. Augustine and other lawns, water well but less often. With shorter days and cooler nights – begin to reduce the amount of water applied as needed. Avoid watering in the evenings if possible to prevent fungal diseases.
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Keep eyes out for your neighbors!
If going out of town, tell your neighbors but do not post on social media. Please keep an eye out for unusual activity and report to HPD (911) and (713) 884-3131 and the Constable's office (713) 274-3400. Please keep your home and cars locked at all times. Report any incidents to ALL authorities;
more reports = more patrols.
HPD is moving to a National Incident Based Reporting System (NIBRS). To view crimes reported to HPD from Jan-Mar 2022, please go to HPD's website and download the excel file here and sort by zip code or beat. Our beat is 11H10, which includes several zip codes.
A screenshot of last month's crime map is below. To interact with this map, including date ranges and area, go to Community Crime Map.
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Jake Goldstein and Steve Palmer co-chair our patrol group and report the group’s collective 30 patrol hours per month to HPD. Please contact Jake if you are interested in volunteering with our citizens patrol group.
Having a patrol presence in the neighborhood is a crime deterrent and a great way to give back to our community.
Please join us! More information on HPD's Volunteer Citizen Patrol is available here.
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Upcoming Dates to Remember |
- 09/04/2023: Labor Day
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09/05/2023: Tree Limbs & Yard Waste
- 09/05/2023: Recycling
- 09/19/2023: Idylwood Civic Club Meeting: 7:00pm @ the home of Josh Espinedo & Nathan Reedy (6670 Meadowlawn St).
- 09/19/2023: Recycling
- 09/24/2023: Schwenkfelder Thanksgiving Day (1734)
- (1906) Devil's Tower named 1st national monument
- (1957) Brooklyn Dodgers play last game at Ebbets Field
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(1968) 60 Minutes premieres on CBS
- 10/03/2023: Recycling
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10/03/2023: Heavy Trash
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Stay Informed!
Check out info about the neighborhood, including downloading a copy of the deed restrictions here.
Report a pothole, get your trash bin repaired or replaced, report a problem with a traffic signal, missed trash pickup, and more.
GRAFFITI ABATEMENT
Call the East End District at 713.928.9916 during business hours with the tagged address, intersection, and colors.
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Stay Connected!
NEXTDOOR.COM
Great way to connect with East End residents. It’s a great place to report or look for a missing pet, announce a garage sales, put out a crime alert, etc. This site is endorsed and its use encouraged by HPD. Sign up here
FACEBOOK
Google Email Group - Idylwood Neighborhood Exchange
If you are not currently a member and would like to join, please send an invitation request to Barc.Lee2020@gmail.com.
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If you have something you would like to see published in the Newsletter, drop us a line. Comments or concerns?
Let us know how we're doing.
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Idylwood Officers and Directors 2023-2024
PRESIDENT: Diane Schenke (Fairfield)
VICE PRESIDENT: Keith McCarthy (Merry)
TREASURER: Nicole Wood (Idylwood)
SECRETARY: Monique Studak (Sylvan)
Directors: Class A (two-year terms ending in December 2025):
Patricia Hattenbach (N. MacGregor); Tim Johnson (Wildwood); Danika Murphy (Rockbridge); Irma Niño (Meadowlawn); Richard Vela (Lindy)
Directors: Class B (two-year terms ending in December 2024):
Beth Barrette (Meadowlawn); Amy Dinn (Sylvan); Joshua Espinedo (Meadowlawn);
Jeff Klemm (Merry); Paul Leggett (Merry); Laura Manion (Meadowlawn)
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Post Office Box 9225
Houston, TX 77261-9225
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