The Power of People Working Together

11/16/24 – When Houston City Council Member Fred Flickinger announced a “Median Madness” event, I must admit I was skeptical. But within the first hour, I began to see significant progress and the power of people working together.

The objective was vine control along Kingwood Drive. This story has nothing to do with flooding. But it was inspiring.

Dozens of volunteers turned out to help members from the City’s Park’s Department push back vines. As the number of volunteers swelled into a small army, a line of yellow T-shirts stretched for blocks.

The group deployed quickly, powered by anger at the vines that were pushing past the curbs and endangering traffic.

Since Beryl, the sense of frustration in the community over the vine problem has become palpable. Today, people did something about it. They turned out en masse to battle the vines. Cutting. Chopping. Sawing. Tugging. Piling. Grinding.

Photos of Event

Below are some pictures of City Council Members, bank presidents, doctors, retirees and community activists working together side by side to improve both aesthetics and safety for the entire community.

*Initial briefing at 8:30 AM. City Council Member Fred Flickinger is in black shirt (center).*

*The volunteers spread out, chopping and tugging at vines, then piling them.*

*As more joined the group, the small army stretched for blocks.*

*The problem looked insurmountable. But the volunteers were undeterred.*

*Soon the Parks Department was grinding the piles of vines and hauling them away.*

*The only thing missing was a cheer-leading squad chanting “Push ’em back. Waaaay back!”*

*Members of Houston Public Works and the Parks and Recreation Department joined the volunteers.*

*The latest fitness craze. A tug-of-war workout.*

*Soon, volunteers had the vines a safe, comfortable distance from traffic.*

*District E staff circulated with water to keep the volunteers hydrated.*

*Watch your step. Tripping over vines was a constant threat, although I didn’t see anyone fall.*

*Visible signs of success and satisfaction.*

*City Council Member Twila Carter wasted no time pitching in. Can you spot her facing the camera on the right?*

*Council Member Fred Flickinger working side by side with volunteers.*

*At-Large City Council Member Sally Alcorn (blue shirt) joined in the fun*

*Taking out the trash. Car bumpers and patio umbrellas were among the archeological discoveries in the vine jungle.*

*Despite the hard work, everyone kept smiling. They were seeing progress!*

After the divisiveness of the recent election, it was refreshing to see so many people working together for a common cause.

Thanks to all who participated. And for those who missed it, please turn out next time.

This will be the first event of several, according to a District E spokesperson. And it will be combined with periodic mowing to help improve aesthetics and safety by keeping the vines down.

Posted by Bob Rehak on 11/16/24

2636 Days since Hurricane Harvey