Rice Military News June 2009

8/14/2019 Rice Military News June 2009

1/12

RMCC JUNE 2009

W

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by Phyllis Thomason, President

The smart meter technology weve been promised is now a reality in RMilitary!

This is CenterPoints first step in moving the electric grid into the digital ag

Smart meters encourage greater energy conservation by giving us the ability better monitor and manage our electric use and its cost. This enables usmake more informed energy choices. Using less energy saves us money ameans less power may need to be producedwhich is good for consumers agreat for the environment!

Even though the installation of smart meters in Rice Military is completewill take a while for all of the new meter functionality and communicatisystems to begin to work.

Beginning in August of this year, the benefits will include:

Improved Outage Response Smart meters will automatically notify CentPoint Energy about power outages, which allows for faster power restoration

Remote Meter Reading Smart meters provide the capability for remote mter reading, virtually eliminating the need for CenterPoint to go house-house to read meters.

Smoother Transactions Remote connection and disconnection of electservice should reduce the time it takes to process service orders for mhomes.

In the future, Smart Meters will enable:

Energy efficiency and savings Allows consumers the ability to monielectricity usage and better manage energy costs by making small changsuch as adjusting our thermostats.

New products and savings Retail Electric Providers (REPs), who sell eltricity to us, could offer new, innovative products and services.

Home area networks (HAN) Smart meters will function interactively wcompatible HAN devices such as thermostats or other electric appliances remote operation.

With the knowledge gained from this powerful new tool, we may begin tuing off unneeded appliances, changing to more efficient lighting, and adjuing our thermostats to save energy. Another important tool would be the abity of the REPs to offer lower rates for off-peak use and higher rates duripeak periods, such as hot summer afternoons. By reducing our electrical mand, less power is produced; decreased power generation translates into duced emissions and better air quality.

For more information on your smart meter visit www.CenterPointEnergy.co

Smart Meter Technology

Q U A R T E R L Y

M E E T I N G

G R E E N H O U S T O N

B Y B R I A N C R I M M I N SF R O M C I T Y O F H O U S T O N

S O L I D W A S T E M A N A G E M E N T

J U L Y 1 4 , 2 0 0 9

T U E S D A Y, 7 P M

D O R I S M I L L E R

C E N T E R 5 2 1 6 F E A G A N S T

JUNE 2009

RICE

MILITARY

NEWSLETTER


2/12

RMCC JUNE 2009

www.ricemilitary.org

by Phyllis Thomason

All of the noise about The WashingtonQuiet Zone has finally paid off!

Details proposed by the Traffic and

Transportation Division of the City of HoustonsPublic Works and Engineering Department were presented during the public hearing onWednesday, May 27, at the United Way Build-ing on Waugh Drive.

The Washington Quiet Zone was one ofsix requested quiet zones selected to be fundedin the 2009 CIP Budget.

After a month long traffic usage study,the recommendations to close the crossings atRoy, Thompson, Bonner, and Parker were madeto the residents. A type of barricade will beplaced at these crossings to warn drivers. Along with these closures, the recommendation forthe use of medians and channelization along T.C. Jester and Heights Boulevard were made.Crossing gates and channelization were recom-mended at Patterson and Harvard, and moresubstantial gates would be installed to protectus at the crossing at Durham and Shepherd.Channelization is created by the placement of

vertical panels between lanes to prevent driversfrom u-turning. Examples of this type of treat-ment can be seen at the at-grade crossings on Westheimer at Highland Village. The City oHouston has also proposed that portions of Allen

Street and Sherwin become one-way.Residents were given an opportunity to

make comments and ask questions at the conclu-sion of this meeting, and they will be able to con-tinue providing comments for another two weeksin writing. All comments will be considered, andif there are changes to be made, another publicmeeting will be held within 60 days. If the rec-ommended plan is accepted, work will begin im-mediately. Once all improvements have beenmade by the City of Houston, a Notice of Intent

will be submitted to TxDOT and Union PacificRailroad. These two entities evaluate the installa-tion of the safety improvements; they have 60days to answer with a Notice of Establishmentof the Quiet Zone.

If all goes according to plan, the Washing-ton Quiet Zone should be effective early 2010!

Thanks to all who wrote emails and lettersof request to Mayor White and our city councilrepresentatives. This dream is about to become

Shhh! Youre in a Quiet Zone


3/12

RMCC JUNE 2009


Your Input Needed on Residential Parking Permits

by Phyllis Thomason

With the opening of several bars and thenear-completion of many others along WashingtonAvenue and Durham/Shepherd, Rice Military resi-

dents are already beginning to see a chronic com-

muter parking problem. Folks who drive to this en-tertainment area need a place to park and most estab-lishments do not provide enough parking spaces

even though they have met the City of Houston re-quirements.

Many of you have informed me of the numberof cars parked on your street that block your drive-ways and basically block any through traffic on your

street. Along with the increased vehicular traffic comethe incivilities of the inebriated drivers who have beenover served!

The city council may designate residential ar-eas within the city with chronic commuter parking problems as residential parking permit areas. Wmust request the designation, submit the proper paper-work, work with the parking official assigned to ob-serve our problems, and once the parking official con-sults with and obtains concurrence of the traffic engi-

neer, a residential parking area can be established.All of this takes time and effort. I am willing

to spend that time and effort if the majority of youwant to move in this direction.

What say you? Send me a note [email protected].


4/12

RMCC JUNE 2009

Editorial: Our Rice Military Drainage


by Joel Reichek, Past RMCC President

Every morning I walk in the neighborhoodon my way to Memorial Park. I have noticed that

many of our drainage ditches are filled withleaves, brush, tree limbs, and trash. A few daysago we experienced almost 11 inches of rain in a24-hour period. Many of our drainage ditchesfilled with rainwater, and a few of our streets andhomes experienced some short-term flooding.

These drainage ditches are designed to fillup during a heavy rain and hold that rainwater fora short period of time until the storm water drain-age system and the bayous can accept that rain-

water. In most cases the ditches drain ratherquickly and cause no undue problems or floodingin the streets. I have noticed in my walks in theneighborhood that many of our ditches are notdraining as well as they used to. Thats because ofall of the debris in the ditches that clog the inlets

and the culverts.

Many residents in the neighborhood believethat it is the responsibility of the City to keep theseditches and culverts cleaned out. While the City

bears some responsibility, you as a resident orhomeowner also bear responsibility for the ditchesand culverts in front of your house. It is your re-sponsibility to cut the grass and weeds in yourdrainage ditches and to keep the culverts clean sothat storm water can flow freely thru the storm wa-

ter system. Don't plant flowers in your drainageditches and in front of your culverts. If everyonetakes responsibility for the drainage ditches andculverts in front of their houses, everyone will

benefit by having a much better drainage system.While many feel the open drainage ditches

are unsightly, the open drainage system worksvery well when properly maintained. Seventy per-cent of the City has open drainage ditch systems.Before we get any closer to the Hurricane Season,take a few minutes to step outside your house andcheck your ditches in front of your house. If theyare overgrown or clogged with debris, remove thatdebris and cut the grass and weeds in your ditch.

If the culverts are clogged, clean them out. Youand your neighborhood will benefit greatly.

An example of well-groomed ditches.


5/12

RMCC JUNE 2009


Rice Military Civic Club

Membership Form

_____ $20 Household Membership for one year

_____ $30 Business Membership for one year

_____ $5 Senior Membership for one year

_____ I want to donate $_____ extra for community outreach!

Name _____________________________________________________________

Address ____________________________________________________________

Telephone ___________________ Email __________________________________

_____ I would like to be contacted about upcoming civic club events

_____ I would like to be contacted about local volunteer opportunities

Please mail this form to: PO Box 130311, Houston TX 77219

or go online to pay dues at www.RiceMilitary.org

Already a member?

Give this to a neighbor!


6/12

RMCC JUNE 2009


Restaurant Review: Pagoda Vietnamese Bistro and Bar

by Eileen Sims

Tucked away just off Shepherd near I-10, youwill find Pagoda Vietnamese Bistro. Once inside this

unassuming yellow house, the atmosphere is surpris-ingly modern with Asian accents. Sisters Ester andSandy Tran, who opened the restaurant five monthsago, said they were inspired by the idea of elevatingthe Vietnamese dinning experience in Houston. Theyhave succeeded. This is not your typical mom andpop Vietnamese fast food place. A large sleek bar andlounge area occupies the front of the restaurant, boast-ing a drink list of Pagodatinisour favorite was theCherry Blossom Martini: not too sweet, not too strong,just perfectly refreshing.

For dining, Pagodas menu is full of traditionalVietnamese favorites but also includes entrees with amodern, upscale twist. Think marinated lamb withlemongrass mint sauce and garlic mashed potatoes, forexample. Appetizers range from Calamari Crunch($7), which we found to be slightly over cooked, to theCrab Stack, a mix of fresh crab, mangos, avocado andcucumber, which we felt lacked flavor.

I highly recommend any of the rolls. TheSpring Rolls were fresh and perfectly packaged, sothey did not fall apart with the first bite, and the rich peanut sauce for dipping was a crowd pleaser. Myfavorite was the Pagoda Rollpork, shrimp, beansprouts, and yellow crepe rolled in rice paper servedwith a delicious fish sauce. There is a nice selectionof noodle and soup dishes (if you are a fan of Pho, it

should not be missed!) as well as several vegetarianchoices. The Shaking Beef ($15), marinated filetmignon with tomato rice, was hands down the mostimpressive dish we sampled.

The staff was friendly and wore genuinesmiles, although the service seemed a little off thenight we were there, especially since the restaurantwas far from full, but to be fair, our waiter said hewas new.

Overall I was impressed with Pagoda andfeel it is a welcome addition to our neighborhood. Ilook forward to returning to its contemporary atmos-phere, fresh food, interesting menu, and tasty marti-nis!

Pagoda Vietnamese Bistro and Bar4705 Inker Street832-673-0400www.pagodabistro.com


7/12

RMCC JUNE 2009


Enjoy Summer and Have a Picnic!

by Lisa Walter

Warm weather is a great time for picnics.Havent you heard? From the beach to the backyardand from blue skies to starry nights, everything tastes better outside! You can go to the park, the lake, gohiking, on a date, for a family reunion, after church, onthe road during vacation, or for a unique brunch. Hereare some ideas and tips for a great picnic:

Take care of the food! This does not mean thefood should take a lot of care. Keep the cold foodscold and keep the non-perishables in containers thatwill keep the bugs out. Simple foods can be the best,and it is really the spirit of the event and not the foodwhich makes it memorable, dont you find? My favor-ite no-cook all-purpose picnic menu is a loaf of French

bread, herbed goat cheese, ripe pears, chocolate-covered almonds, strawberries, and a bottle of cham-pagne. Sandwiches are a picnic standard. Wrap sand-wiches in parchment paper instead of plastic to keepthem from getting soggy.

Personalize your picnic! Bring out your favor-ite blanket and some pillows for comfort. Try incensesticks instead of bug spray, and dont forget a Frisbeeand a deck of cardsfor after the meal. Ifyou have kids who

would like to set offfireworks on the 4thof July, why not takea drive out of townwith a picnic and fire-crackers? Or youcould have a birthday picnic complete with a piata. Nellie Keyes Park, located at Rose and Lester, is a

Advertise in the

next newsletter!

Email [email protected]

good place to take kids, or go on your own for asweet solo lunch.

Hummus BLTs

1 clove garlic1 15 oz can garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp ground cumin

3 tbsp sesame tahini

Juice from 1 lemon

1/4 to 1/2 cup water, as needed

8 slices whole wheat bread

8 slices cooked bacon

8 slices beefsteak tomato

12 thin slices cucumber2 cups lettuce or arugula

To make the hummus: Place the garlic in afood processor. Pulse to mince. Add the garbanzos,salt, cumin, tahini, and lemon juice. Process on me-dium speed. With the motor running, drizzle in thewater through the feed chute until you have acreamy paste.

For the sandwiches: Spread the hummus onthe 8 slices of bread. (Store remaining hummus cov-

ered in the fridge. Drizzle with olive oil and servewith crudits.) Arrange 2 strips of bacon on 4 slices.Place 2 slices of tomato on the bacon. Sprinkle thetomato with salt and pepper. Put the cucumber sliceson the tomatoes. Top each with 1/2 cup of lettuceand the remaining 4 slices of bread. Wrap each sand-wich in parchment paper and keep cool until you areready to eat.


8/12

RMCC JUNE 2009


by Laury Adams

Think of the pile of plastic bottles thatwill be created with all the empty water bottlesyou and your family toss away in one year!

For me, reducing that pile started sometime ago when my friend Susan Battelstein andI talked about the outrageous price of bottled water one is forced to pay in airports. We allknow that liquids cannot be carried through se-curity. Susan suggested travelers could startwith an empty bottle and fill it with water onthe other side of the security gate. This simple

solution has saved me many bucks.

The travel idea can be adopted in oureveryday lives. Now, I carry a handy plasticcontainer that fits in my purse and fill it withfiltered water from the refrigerator. And thebottled water I use to have on the table for cli-ents has been substituted with a pretty glasspitcher filled with ice water and a slice oflemon.

You can probably think of creative ways

to reduce the amount of disposable plastic in your life. Not only do we save money, but wesave the environment.

Big goals are achieved by everyone doinga little. Your little can make a differenceitscalled the Power of One.

Rice Military Calendar

Rice Military Civic Club hosts many events open to both

members and non-members, including a wine club, book

club, socials, as well as many other activities. To find the

specific times and places for these events, visit our website

at www.RiceMilitary.org. Get email notices and updates by

signing up for them at the bottom of our website. If you areon Facebook, join our group by searching for Rice Military

neighborhood. Find an event that interests you and get to

know your neighbors. See you there!

JuneMonday 8 recycle

Monday 8 heavy trash: junk

Monday 22 recycle

JulySaturday 4 Independence Day

Monday 6 recycle

Monday 13 heavy trash: tree waste

Tuesday 14 RMCC Meeting

Thursday 16 Wine Club

Monday 20 recycle

August

Monday 3 recycleMonday 10 heavy trash: junk

Monday 17 recycle

Monday 31 recycle

Queen of Green Says:Save $ While Saving

the Environment


9/12

RMCC JUNE 2009


Rice Military Civic Club Officers

Elected Offices

President Phyllis [email protected]

Vice-President Jack [email protected]

Secretary Will D. [email protected]

Treasurer Kathleen [email protected]

Non-Elected Offices

Social Coordinator Peggy [email protected]

Newsletter Editor Wendy [email protected]

All officers are volunteers. Please contact them with anyquestions, issues, or compliments! We would like to thankofficers and all other volunteers for their work to makeRice Military one of the best neighborhoods in Houston!

ELECTRONIC NEWSLETTER

NOWAVAILABLE

Get a greener Rice Military Newsletter!

If youd like to receive this newsletter

by email on PDF in lieu of a hard copy,

then email

[email protected]

with PDF Newsletter in the subject line

along with your name and home address

in the email.


10/12

RMCC JUNE 2009


by Gerald Franklin

of the Gerald Franklin Agency, 146 Wescott

Most of you have probably heard by now thatthe two Specs stores on the north side of the Wash-

ington Avenue traffic circle are too close to MemorialElementary under the 1000 ft. alcohol free zoneadopted in 1996 by Houston City Council at the re-quest of H.I.S.D. Some of the information being cir-culated by the City of Houston about the license applications is not accurate. I know, because myagency made the applications on behalf of Specs inDecember 2007.

We applied for a Package Store Permit, a BeerRetail Dealers Off-Premise License, a Local CartagePermit, and a Package Store Tasting Permit for the

location at 6010 Washington Avenue, Suite A, to beissued to Specs Liquor #57. We also applied for aWine Only Package Store permit and a Beer RetailDealers Off-Premise License for the location at 6010Washington Avenue, Suite C, to be issued to SpecsWines, Beers & Finer Foods #58, by giving the citylicense division notice by fax on December 7, 2007.

The TABC (Texas Alcoholic Beverage Com-mission), which actually issues the licenses, reliesupon the individual cities to determine whether the proposed location of any license is appropriate ac-cording to their regulations. In the case of these twoSpecs stores, we made an error on the initial faxedapplication, indicating that the stores were not within1000 feet of a school. We subsequently correctedthis information and had a number of discussionswith the City employee charged with measuring thedistance, which is approximately 665 feet. We weretold that the City was interpreting the alcohol freezone as not being applicable to these stores. The ac-tual application forms that were delivered to the Cityfor signature correctly identified the stores as being

within 1000 feet of a school.And they did not containany representation that the sales would be less than

50% alcohol. In fact, there is no place on the appli-

cation forms in use at the time to make such an asser-

tion.

The City Secretary signed the corrected formson January 8, 2008, and the TABC issued the licenseson February 20, 2008. Specs signed a ten-year leaseand construction commenced under building permitsissued by the City. The stores opened with City Oc-cupancy Permits in late July 2008. On August 1, theHouston City Secretary sent a letter to the TABC stat-ing that the location certification had been made inerror. The stores have been operating under threat ofclosure since then. On March 20, 2009, the Harris

County Attorneys Office, at the request of the TABC,filed a law suit to close the stores because of the 1000ft. alcohol free zone.

There is a provision in the Texas law that al-lows the City to grant a variance from the alcoholfree zone. Specs has applied for that vari-ance. Mayor White and a number of Council Mem-bers have said that they will consider the variance ifthere is an indication that the neighborhood wouldlike the stores to remain.

I am told that some people in the neighbor-

hood fear that granting a variance to allow Specs toremain would in some way influence the ability of thebars and restaurants on Washington Avenue to securevariances from the parking requirements. These aretwo entirely separate issues. The Specs variance willbe considered by City Council. Parking variances, ifsought, will be considered by the Planning Commis-sion, which has only granted a few parking variancesand only when there was ample evidence that suffi-cient parking existed.

Editorial: Specs and the Alcohol Free Zone


11/12

RMCC JUNE 2009


by Wendy Wilkinson

We spend a lot of money on our bicycles.And we store them in our garage to keep them safe.

This only works if we keep our garage door shut.I was told this story by someone who lives in

our neighborhood. She was outside working in herfront yard one morning. She hardly noticed the twomen walking down the street, and they didnt noticeher at all. Then the menducked into a garage left open by her neighbor. Within sec-onds they both grabbed a bicy-cle from that open garage.When she happened to walk

outside her gate, she surprisedone of the men who promptly abandoned one ofbikes as he ran away behind the other man who wasalready down the street on the bike he had stolen. Ittook her a second to realize that she had just inadver-tently prevented a theft of one of her neighbors two

bikes. She called the police and later talked with herneighbor. Turns out the neighbor had accidentally leftthe garage door open, leaving the bicycles in the open.

I urge everyone to take a minute every time

they leave the house to make sure their garage door isdown. Create a habit of sitting in your driveway andwatching the garage door close. Also think abouttimes you might leave your garage door open whileyou are in the house. How many times while workingin our yard or garage do we leave the garage dooropen while we go inside to get a drink or answer the phone? Conduct this experiment yourself: time howlong it would take someone to walk into your opengarage, take a bike, and ride around the corner. Thentime yourself getting a drink of water. Think about

how vulnerable your belonging can be in an open ga-rage.

While we cannot prevent all crime, a little timeand common sense can go a long way toward protect-ing your property.

Letter from the Editor


12/12

SHARE YOUR NEWS

We welcome your news, photos, and comments on

items published but reserve the right to edit for clar-

ity, style, and length. For the September newsletter,

articles are due August 15, 2009. Send items to

[email protected]. Articles and ads do not nec-

essarily reflect the views of the Rice Military CivicClub, nor does the Civic Club take responsibility for

errors of fact that may be expressed by the writers

and advertisers.

Thank you,

Wendy Wilkinson, editor

Rice Military Civic Club

PO Box 130311

Houston TX 77219-0311

Support Your Civic Club

And Become a Member!

Pay Dues at

www.RiceMilitary.org

Rice Military News June 2009

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