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Based on the Vote Tallies at our November meeting, here are the final Election Results:
Officers (one-year term ending in December 2026):
- President: Doug Lawson (Hey! That’s me!!)
- Vice President: Suzy Harrington
- Treasurer: Nicole Wood
- Secretary: Danika Murphy
Directors at Large, Class A (5 positions ending Dec 2027):
- Roberto Gomez
- Patricia Hattenbach
- Jeff Hinderer
- Tim Johnson
- Blake Mudd
Directors at Large, Class B (position vacated by Suzy H.)
NOTE: Class B term ends Dec 2026.
A warm welcome to the newly elected members of the Idylwood Civic Club Board, and a heartfelt thanks to our out-going President (Diane Schenke), Vice President (Keith McCarthy) and Directors. Because of the contributions of dedicated neighbors, Idylwood continues to be a place we cherish and love.
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Looking forward to seeing everyone at the Holiday Potluck Party this Tuesday, December 2nd starting at 6:30pm.
Best Regards,
Doug Lawson
President
Idylwood Civic Club
| | Idylwood Has Gone To The Dogs | | At long last, the dog park has opened! Thanks to everyone who came out to celebrate the grand opening of our new dog park (aka the Brays Barker). Everyone had a doggone good time. | | |
Lindy Lane is officially claiming the title of best block in the neighborhood (all in good fun, of course)! We recently hosted what became a “Wine and Swine” potluck block party, featuring a roasted pig prepared by our own Emmanuel Fyssas and his son. More than half of our occupied homes joined in—over 13 families!
The celebration stretched into overtime thanks to great company, delicious food, and the undeniable truth that there will be no swine before its time. A heartfelt thank-you to all our neighbors for helping us bring a little Lindy Lane spirit to life and for strengthening our wonderful Idylwood community.
(submitted by the Lindy’s - Richard, Emmanuel, Cheryl, and Suzy)
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The Mission of Idylwood’s 2028 Centennial Task Force is to:
- Celebrate 100 Years of preservation of Idylwood’s original architecture, craftsmanship, and natural beauty.
- Enhance the reputation of Idylwood among Houston’s historic neighborhoods.
- Build Community among Idylwood’s current residents while increasing its desirability, safety, and enjoyment.
Accordingly, we are planning events and activities for everybody, to include annual Wine Tastings, a Home Tour, lectures on the history and architecture of the neighborhood, and publishing Flavors of Idylwood: A Culinary Stroll Through the Neighborhood, a book of your yummy recipes and Idylwood myths and stories.
Celebrating our centennial is a BIG undertaking, and it’s not too late to add your time, talent, and ideas. For more information, email Co-Chairmen:
| | Idylwood Author's Book Launch | | |
(submitted by Suzy Harrington)
It’s finally here!
I’m thrilled to invite you to the virtual launch of my new book, Building Health-Promoting Organizations: A Practical Model for Making It Happen.
Free eBook for registering!
Join us for an energizing, interactive session where I’ll share the story behind the book, introduce the Harrington Well-Being Model, and demonstrate brand-new tools designed to help you make it happen—and make it yours!
Date: Tuesday, December 2nd
Time: 12:00-12:50pm (central)
Where: Virtual via Zoom
| | | Come celebrate, learn, and be inspired to create cultures where well-being truly thrives. | | Calling all Cooks & Storytellers! | | (Click the image above to view a full copy in your browser.) | |
- Dec 02: Heavy Trash
- Dec 02: Idylwood Holiday Party!
- Dec 05: WALK30
- Dec 08: Recycling
- Dec 12: WALK30
- Dec 14: Hanukkah begins at sundown
- Dec 19: WALK30
- Dec 21: Winter Solstice
- Dec 22: Recycling
- Dec 25: Christmas Day
- Dec 26: Kwanzaa + WALK30
- Dec 31: Hogmanay + Auld Lang Syne
- Jan 05: Recycling
- Jan 06: Tree Limbs & Yard Waste
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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.
| | December 2025 Idylwood Pet of the Month | | Part time pet = Full time fun !! | | |
Hi everybody, I’m Barkley! I’m only a guest in Idylwood, so thanks so much for the Pet of the Month nomination.
I live with Zac on Park Ln. I mean Bark Ln! I come over when his previous roommate (our shared mom and dogmom) goes out of town.
| | I’m a pretty normal guy. I like snackin', snugglin' and snoozin'. I also like going for walks and pulverizing the finish on your hardwood floor! I’m very proud of my skills in that area. Don’t even try to put those dog socks on me - they won’t last 5 minutes! | | | I love coming to Idylwood! The new dog park is awesome and there is much greenspace to explore. Speaking of that, gotta go and so see you guys later! Thanks again for the nomination! | | Narrative by Barkley to Zac Bodner. | | Neighbors: Submit your pet(s) to be featured in upcoming newsletters by sending 1-4 photos with a short story about your best friend(s) with the subject line "Pet(s) of the Month" to: phattenbach@gmail.com & idylwoodgardenclub@gmail.com | | |
Friendly Reminder From The Pets
For the health and safety of all neighborhood pets and people,
please scoop our poop- especially along the bayou trails !
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Garden Club 2025-2026 Calendar
First Saturdays of the Month from 10 am-noon!
(Usual exceptions may be for Labor Day, New Year's, and Easter,
then it's the 2nd Saturday)
New members are welcome to join!! Yealy dues are only $20.00!!
(Easy to pay: Zelle Treasurer Peggy Wallace (Stark) at: pwallace7820@yahoo.com)
Meeting dates for our 2025-2026 year!
Sept. 6: Hosts: Amanda Cai and Dave Martin-6652 Merry Lane; Speaker: Briony Gannon- Texas Master Naturalist
Oct. 4: Free Field Trip and Guided Tour of Finca Tres Robles;
5715 Canal St, 77011; 10am-noon; if you have not rsvp'd, there is still room to join the tour, just meet the group at the farm at 10 am.
Nov. 1: Hosts: Nathan Reedy and Josh Espinedo - 6670 Meadowlawn; It's a Double Header Meeting !!
Speakers:
1. Jaime and Joseph - Owners of Bloom Handcrafted Beauty Products (using botanicals) AND
2.Fern Specialist Darla Harris will show and tell us all about ferns for our area.
Dec. 6: Hosts: Patricia Hattenbach and Jim McCallum - 1404 N MacGregor Way; Holiday Pot Luck Brunch and Fun Gift Exchange ($15 max)! 10 am - noon; poinsettia pick up from noon - 1:00pm
Jan. 10: Host: Nicole Wood - 1725 Idylwood; Speaker: Janice Brown - Girl on the Grow!
Feb. 7: Hosts: Irma Nino and Carmen Martinez - 6625 Meadowlawn;
Speaker: Chevvy Tang, Master Gardener; Topic: Permaculture
March 7: Fieldtrip: Edith L Moore Bird Sanctuary - 440 Wilchester Blvd 77079;
Members will carpool leaving at 9:50 am
April 11: Host: Suzy Harrington - 6609 Lindy Lane; Speaker: TBD
May 2: Neighborhood Plant Sale- Host: Sally Lehr - 1704 Idylwood
June, July, & August 2026: members and meetings take a summer break.
For more information, contact the Garden Club President:
Patricia Hattenbach at phattenbach@gmail.com or at 713-724-9608
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Nature News
Where beauty of science, culture, history takes root
in Memorial Park - the Ismaili Center and Gardens!
Plan to visit the newest addition of unique greenspaces and buildings at Memorial Park - the Ismaili Center! This park space is the next phase of Memorial Park's major renovation led by landscape architect Thomas Wolf. To learn more, click on the link below:
Ismaili Center at Memorial Park
Ranch to become part of the state park system - road trip!!
Texas Parks and Wildlife has accepted a gift of 50,000 acres of western Hill Country land from the Moody Foundation. This will become the second largest tract in the state's park system. To learn more about this exciting acquisition, click on the link below:
Silver Lake Ranch becomes a state park
Tracking cattle key to slowing deforestation around the world!
A project started in Belem, Brazil of piercing the ears of cattle with a tag, which helps to track the movement of cattle and their impact on deforestation, climate change, quality of meat production, and more. All of these aspects have global implications. To learn more, click the link below:
Tracking cattle key to slowing deforestation
Neil Sperry offers solutions to gardening issues
Having a few problems in your yard or garden? In his Chronicle article, Neil offers some tips on what to do for yellowing 'oaks', shrubs wilting, and struggling zoysia lawn and pineapple plants. To learn more, click the link:
Yellowing red oak and more
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Going Native
Tips from Buchanan's Native Plants
Incorporate Texas Natives into Your Landscape!
Native plants. The term has different meanings for different gardeners. There are Texas natives, US natives and those plants that act like natives. All in all, what most of us want in our garden are low maintenance plants that are attractive and functional. Plants that are not invasive and are a benefit to wildlife.
When you plant a garden, it is not just for you – it is a habitat for all living things around you. So, with that in mind, here is our top 10 native plants for Houston that do just that. Many are heat and drought tolerant – cheerfully returning year after year in your garden.
Click here to learn more: Buchanan's Top Ten Native Plants.
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Houston Botanic Gardens
Bird Feeder Wreaths
In Partnership with Houston Audubon
December 13, 2025 10:00 am - 11:30 am
Storytime in the Garden
With Park Place Regional Library
December 19, 2025 10:30 am - 11:00 am
Dish Gardens
Become a Tiny Gardener
December 20, 2025 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Butterfly shadow boxes
Preserve Timeless Beauty
December 20, 2025 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
*Be sure to confirm all events' details & fees by clicking the link below*:
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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: TAMU Harris County 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.
Houston Area Urban Forestry Council - Tree Planting Guide
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
2025-2026 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 Pet and Yard of the Month articles and photos.
It's wonderful to learn more about our great neighbors!
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Yard of the Month will return in January.
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Buchanan's Native Plants
(click the link above for access to their website)
December 2025
Garden Health
Deadhead and feed cool-season color and vegetables with an organic slow-release fertilizer such as Microlife 6-2-4. Continue to plant cool weather color: pansies, snapdragons, and cyclamen. Lettuces, arugula and mustard greens can also still be started from seed.
Pests
Bring in containerized tropicals: Plumerias, crotons, dracaenas, etc. Check undersides of leaves and new growth for insects and treat accordingly.
Lawn
Mow fallen leaves with a mulching mower. When the lawn can’t take more leaves, add to flower beds. When beds are full of mulched leaves, add them to the compost bin.
Birds
Don’t forget to keep seed feeders full and fresh water in birdbaths. Put out suet cakes — the extra protein helps keep our feathered friends warm in the winter months.
Freezes
Have frost cloth on hand to cover tender plants in case of freezing weather. Wrap plants completely down to ground level. The fewer drafts that move under the frost cloth, the better.
Soil
Work compost into the top couple inches of your garden beds. Use cover crops such as peas, oats, or rye to keep the soil active. These cover crops can be cut and worked into the soil before spring planting.
Water
Maintain watering on newly planted seeds and transplants. Continue to deep water trees and shrubs. A well-hydrated plant holds up to frosts and freezes better than a drought-stressed plant.
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If going out of town, alert your neighbors and request a Vacation Watch from Precinct 6 Constables. Click HERE to access the form.
Please keep an eye out for unusual activity and report to HPD (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.
To view crimes reported to HPD from through Jan 2025, download the HPD Excel file here and sort by zip code or beat. Our beat is 11H10, which includes several zip codes.
Click here to view the Community Crime Map. Enter 77023 in the search window and filter by date range.
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Jake Goldstein and Steve Palmer co-chair our patrol group and report the group’s collective 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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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 (residents only)
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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Idylwood Officers and Directors 2026
PRESIDENT: Doug Lawson (Merry)
VICE PRESIDENT: Suzy Harrington (Lindy)
TREASURER: Nicole Wood (Idylwood)
SECRETARY: Danika Murphy (Rockbridge)
Directors: Class A (two-year terms ending in December 2027):
Roberto Gomez (Park); Patricia Hattenbach (N. MacGregor); Jeff Hinderer (Park); Tim Johnson (Wildwood); Blake Mudd (Meadowlawn)
Directors: Class B (two-year terms ending in December 2026):
Beth Barrette (Meadowlawn); Chris Casey (Sylvan); Amy Dinn (Sylvan); 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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