We all have a tendency to focus on what we want to accomplish in the future. Sometimes, especially at the end of a year, it’s also good to take stock of what we have accomplished in the past. State Senator Brandon Creighton put together a newsletter that does just that. It provides a great summary of flood mitigation accomplishments affecting the Lake Houston area since Hurricane Harvey. They include:
Rescue operations during the flood
Donation drives for relief supplies
Passage of $89.3 billion disaster relief bill at Federal level
Public hearings to identify things that contributed to the disaster
Plea to See – tours of the disaster area by Governor Abbott, Lieutenant Governor Patrick, and Land Commissioner Bush
Appointment of Lake Houston area representatives to SJRA board
Lowering of Lake Conroe during peak of hurricane season to provide a buffer against flooding
Expansion of SJRA’s responsibilities to include flood prevention
Passage of Senate Bill 1047. It allows those affected by disaster to pay property taxes in quarterly installments.
Start of dredging
Installation of new SJRA and Harris County Flood Control District gauges
Institution of new policies re: SJRA warning notices
Approval of Harris County $2.5 billion flood bond
Request for reservoirs along Lake and Spring creeks to reduce inbound water during floods
Request for ten additional tainter gates at Lake Houston Dam to discharge water earlier and faster during floods.
One of two dredges on the San Jacinto that will eventually devour the sand bar that now dwarfs it. The sand bar blocks a major drainage ditch. The blockage contributed to the flooding of more than 650 homes.
Many people, including Senator Creighton, played major roles in these accomplishments. For a complete description of who is doing what, download Senator Creighton’s Hurricane Harvey Newsletter.
As we look back at our accomplishments, we should be proud. But we should also not forget that the major work lies ahead. Requesting gates and reservoirs, or even appropriating money for them, is not the same thing as building them. Having a meeting about the mouth bar is good, but not as good as removing it.
In summary, we’ve had a good year, but we can’t let up. The job isn’t done yet.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 11/29/2018
457 Days since Hurricane Harvey
00adminadmin2018-11-29 13:59:102018-11-29 14:06:30Senator Creighton’s Update on Flood Mitigation Accomplishments to Date
Mercer Botanic Gardens has always been a work in progress…perhaps a little more so since Hurricane Harvey. The Harris County Precinct 4 Park – known for its ever-changing natural color, idyllic walkways, and dazzling displays of native plants – took it on the chin during Harvey. The flood devastated plantings and caused some of the worst damage in Mercer’s history. Floodwaters up to eight feet high ravaged paths, buildings, and gardens. They downed trees, ripped beds out by the roots, and buried everything under layers of mud.
Downed Tree after Harvey
Flooded Meeting Room
Ruined Beds
Back, Bigger, Better
The Botanic Gardens – a favorite of gardeners, seniors, and parents with small children– offers a civilized version of nature, relaxing strolls while holding hands, quiet contemplation, a place to learn, and a place to forget about all the stresses of modern life.
Now, under the leadership of Jack Cagle, Harris County Precinct 4 commissioner, it’s becoming that again…with some major improvements that will help it better survive future floods. The county and volunteers have spent much of the last year rebuilding, replanting, restoring, and even relocating parts of the facility.
Changes
Plans to relocate parts of the gardens began after the Tax Day Flood damaged areas of Mercer closest to Cypress Creek. The devastation highlighted the need for additional acreage on higher ground. Soon after, The Mercer Society, the nonprofit providing philanthropic support to Mercer, launched the Rebuild Mercer Campaign with a goal of purchasing 34 additional acres. Much of that land had already been purchased when Harvey hit, necessitating even more changes.
By Christmas last year, the Mercer Society (TMS) relocated their Gift and Plant Shoppe to 400 Main Street in Old Town Spring. Filled with botanic treasures, holiday gifts, and an assortment of plants, The Gift Shoppe is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
By March of this year, the Gardens had officially reopened.
In September, more than 100 veterans with The Mission Continues and 17 CarMax employees volunteered to install sod and prepare raised beds throughout the Creekside Ramble and parts of Storey Lake.
Volunteers sod Creekside Ramble
Part of Mercer’s new west side.
Construction of a new library will begin in 2019. And 4.5 acres of additional gardens could be open by Spring.
Cypress swamp on Mercer’s new west side
Where to Find Mercer
Located at 22306 Aldine Westfield Road, just a few blocks north of the airport and 1960, the Botanic Gardens are a 15 to 20 minute drive from Humble and Kingwood.
You and your family may find some of these upcoming events interesting.
Mercer Winter-Spring 2019 Programs
January
Children’s Winter Camp. Wednesday, Jan. 2 through Friday, Jan. 4 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Children can kick off the new year with lessons in healthy cooking at Mercer’s Winter Camp. Following the Learn! Grow! Eat! & Go! Junior Master Gardener curriculum, children will use the Charlie Cart Project mobile kitchen to practice cooking techniques encouraging healthy eating. Children will also plant vegetables, taste fresh produce, and engage in fun, outdoor physical activities. Space is limited, and registration is required. $30 per child. Registration starts Monday, November 19. To register or to receive additional information, call Mercer Botanic Gardens at 713-274-4160.
Lunch Bunch: Palm Textures. Wednesday, Jan. 9 from noon to 2 p.m. Palms add texture to the landscape and make any garden feel like a tropical paradise. Cheyenne Griffin, Mercer Botanic Gardens horticulturist, will discuss these textures and how to protect palms from the cold. Participants should bring a lunch and dress for the weather. Lunch Bunch is a free program offered at Mercer’s East Side Gardens and is recommended for participants ages 12 and older. To register or to receive additional information, contact Mercer Botanic Gardens at 713-274-4160 or mercerbotanicgardens@hcp4.net.
February
Lunch Bunch: The Basics of Backyard and Small-Scale Composting. Wednesday, Feb. 13 from noon to 2 p.m. Experienced horticulturists and gardeners often tout compost as the black gold of the gardening world because of the wonders it can perform in the garden. John Ferguson, owner of Nature’s Way Resources, demonstrates how to produce compost for small and large properties, from the backyard to golf courses. All materials, including tools and equipment, is provided by Mercer. Participants should bring a lunch and dress for the weather. Lunch Bunch is a free program offered at Mercer’s East Side Gardens and is recommended for participants ages 12 and older. To register or to receive additional information, contact Mercer Botanic Gardens at 713-274-4160 or mercerbotanicgardens@hcp4.net.
March
Children’s Spring Camp. Monday, March 11 through Thursday, March 14 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Spring is a time for newness and change. During Mercer’s Spring Camp, children will explore and embrace foods and cooking techniques that encourage healthy eating habits. Mercer’s education staff will utilize the Learn! Grow! Eat! & Go! Junior Master Gardener curriculum and the Charlie Cart mobile kitchen during this unique children’s camp. Camp includes planting vegetables, tasting fresh produce, and engaging in fun, outdoor physical activities. Space is limited, and registration is required. $40 per child. Registration starts Monday, January 28. To register or to receive additional information, call Mercer Botanic Gardens at 713-274-4160.
March Mart Plant Sale. Friday, March 15 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday, March 16 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Shop a variety of hard-to-find plants during one of the Texas Gulf Coast region’s largest and most anticipated horticultural events beginning Friday, March 15 at 10 a.m., with early shopping for The Mercer Society Members (TMS) at 8 a.m. An invitation only reception and plant sale for TMS Supporting Members and higher begins Thursday, March 14 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. All-day express checkout is available for The Mercer Society members only. To receive additional information or to purchase your membership, call Mercer Botanic Gardens at 713-274-4160.
March Mart Training. Individual and group training will be conducted on an as needed basis. All volunteers are welcome to contact the Mercer volunteer coordinator at 713-274-4160 or mercerbotanicgardens@hcp4.net for any questions and additional information regarding March Mart assignments or shifts.
Lunch Bunch: Honeybees and Backyard Beekeeping. Wednesday, March 20 from noon to 2 p.m. Join Jerry Maxwell and Roger Nelson, members of the Montgomery County Beekeepers Association, as they discuss interesting facts and details about honeybees, the amazing role bees play in our environment, and the benefits of pure honey. Learn what it takes to start your own beekeeping adventure in your own backyard. Participants should bring a lunch and dress for the weather. Lunch Bunch is a free program offered at Mercer’s East Side Gardens and is recommended for participants ages 12 and older. To register or to receive additional information, contact Mercer Botanic Gardens at 713-274-4160 or mercerbotanicgardens@hcp4.net.
April
Lunch Bunch: The Incredible Edibles. Wednesday, April 10 from noon to 2 p.m. Join a casual conversation with Marilyn O’Connor, the Herb Lady, and discuss ways to incorporate herbs into your garden year-round. Enjoy hands-on, scratch-and-sniff fun while exploring the textures and fragrances of various herbs. Then, stroll the Herb Garden at Mercer for more inspiration! Participants should bring a lunch and dress for the weather. Lunch Bunch is a free program offered at Mercer’s East Side Gardens and is recommended for participants ages 12 and older. To register or to receive additional information, contact Mercer Botanic Gardens at 713-274-4160 or mercerbotanicgardens@hcp4.net.
Ongoing Events
North Side Greenhouse Team. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon. Join a plant committee and grow plants year-round for events and sales or help with various projects from construction to irrigation! Contact Mercer’s volunteer coordinator at 713-274-4160 or mercerbotanicgardens@hcp4.net.
Gardening. Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to noon. Seek out what’s blooming and learn about plant grooming, pruning, and weeding in the Pollinator and Conservation gardens. Wear closed-toe shoes, gloves, and hat, and bring sunscreen and water. Contact Mercer’s volunteer coordinator at 713-274-4160 or mercerbotanicgardens@hcp4.net.
Gardening. Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon. Take part in plant grooming, pruning, weeding, and mulching in the Prehistoric and Shade gardens. Wear closed-toe shoes, gloves, and hat, and bring sunscreen and water. Contact Mercer’s volunteer coordinator at 713-274-4160 or mercerbotanicgardens@hcp4.net.
Cooking Thyme. Select Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Explore fresh food with all five senses during the Cooking Thyme program at Mercer Botanic Gardens. Children will learn the connections between cooking and the plants that grow in the garden and on the farm. This free, hands-on opportunity allows children to prepare and taste foods and equips them with knowledge to make healthy food choices. Cooking Thyme classes for children in kindergarten through second grade are scheduled Feb. 6, March 6, and April 3. Classes for children in third grade through fifth grade are scheduled Jan. 16, Feb. 20, March 20, and April 17. Registration is required, and space is limited. To register or for more information, call Mercer Botanic Gardens at 713-274-4160.
Lunch Bunch. Second Wednesday of the month from noon to 2 p.m. Join fabulous speakers at these free presentations covering diverse topics. Participants should bring a lunch and dress for the weather. Lunch Bunch is a free program offered at Mercer’s East Side Gardens and is recommended for participants ages 12 and older. For more information, contact Mercer Botanic Gardens at 713-274-4160 or mercerbotanicgardens@hcp4.net.
Storytime in the Gardens. Every Monday at 10:30 a.m. In partnership with Harris County Public Library, Mercer presents a unique Storytime in the natural setting of Mercer for parents and children to enjoy together. Storytime garden locations may vary each week. Call 713-274-4160 to find out the location or to check for cancellations due to weather or holidays.
Mercer serves people of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, sex, religion, national origin, or physical ability. Anyone seeking additional information or requiring special assistance to participate in any program should contact Mercer at 713-274-4160 or mercerbotanicgardens@hcp4.net. Visit Mercer online at www.hcp4.net/Community/Parks/Mercer.
Posted by Bob Rehak with help from Crystal Simmons
Photos Courtesy of Harris County Precinct 4
Beauty Courtesy of the Creator
455 Days since Hurricane Harvey
https://i0.wp.com/reduceflooding.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Mercer-West-Side.jpg?fit=1500%2C989&ssl=19891500adminadmin2018-11-27 20:08:152018-11-28 22:24:43Mercer Botanic Gardens After Harvey: Still One of the Gems of Harris County
Memorial Hermann’s Convenient Care Center in Kingwood finally opened on November 19, 2018. The original opening had been planned for September 16, 2017, right after Harvey. Remediation and reconstruction due to flooding delayed the opening more than 14 months. The opening represents yet another milestone on the long road to recovery.
Memorial Hermann’s new Convenient Care Center in Kingwood in now open 24/7, even though construction trailers still occupy much of the parking lot.
Days Away from Opening when Harvey Struck
“When Hurricane Harvey struck, we were days away from the grand opening,” said Josh Urban, senior vice president and CEO of Memorial Hermann Northeast Hospital and Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center. “Like many others in our community, we experienced significant damage from the storm.”
New Type of Health Care Delivery
The 44,450-square-foot Convenient Care Center will offer adult and pediatric primary care through Memorial Hermann Medical Group. It will also offer comprehensive imaging services, lab services, sports medicine and rehabilitation, and a 24-hour Emergency Room staffed by board-certified emergency medicine physicians and nurses.
“Memorial Hermann’s Convenient Care Centers offer a new approach to health care,” said Teal Holden, senior vice president of Memorial Hermann Ambulatory Services. The Center takes the stress out of scheduling appointments for routine health needs. It offers families primary care connected to a host of conveniently located support services..
Easy Transfer to Higher Levels of Care if Necessary
The Kingwood location is an extension of Memorial Hermann Northeast. And it connects to the larger Memorial Hermann system. If patients need higher level of care, patients can be transferred to nearby full-service hospitals.
Memorial Hermann has been a large part of the Humble/Kingwood Community for generations. I’m happy to see that MH’s commitment to this facility survived the storm.
Construction trailers still occupy most of the parking lot, but the Center has indeed opened. For those who wondered whether it would ever happen, it’s a welcome sight for sore eyes…and sore backs.
At 10PM Sunday night, Memorial Hermann’s new Convenient Care Center in Kingwood had two cars parked in front of the ER entrance.
Posted by Bob Rehak on November 25, 2018
453 Days since Hurricane Harvey
https://i0.wp.com/reduceflooding.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/MH-CCC-NightMH-CCC-Night_6_02.jpg?fit=1500%2C702&ssl=17021500adminadmin2018-11-25 22:11:262018-12-04 21:38:26Flood-delayed Memorial Hermann Convenient Care Center Finally Opens in Kingwood Town Center
Senator Creighton’s Update on Flood Mitigation Accomplishments to Date
We all have a tendency to focus on what we want to accomplish in the future. Sometimes, especially at the end of a year, it’s also good to take stock of what we have accomplished in the past. State Senator Brandon Creighton put together a newsletter that does just that. It provides a great summary of flood mitigation accomplishments affecting the Lake Houston area since Hurricane Harvey. They include:
One of two dredges on the San Jacinto that will eventually devour the sand bar that now dwarfs it. The sand bar blocks a major drainage ditch. The blockage contributed to the flooding of more than 650 homes.
Many people, including Senator Creighton, played major roles in these accomplishments. For a complete description of who is doing what, download Senator Creighton’s Hurricane Harvey Newsletter.
As we look back at our accomplishments, we should be proud. But we should also not forget that the major work lies ahead. Requesting gates and reservoirs, or even appropriating money for them, is not the same thing as building them. Having a meeting about the mouth bar is good, but not as good as removing it.
In summary, we’ve had a good year, but we can’t let up. The job isn’t done yet.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 11/29/2018
457 Days since Hurricane Harvey
Mercer Botanic Gardens After Harvey: Still One of the Gems of Harris County
Mercer Botanic Gardens has always been a work in progress…perhaps a little more so since Hurricane Harvey. The Harris County Precinct 4 Park – known for its ever-changing natural color, idyllic walkways, and dazzling displays of native plants – took it on the chin during Harvey. The flood devastated plantings and caused some of the worst damage in Mercer’s history. Floodwaters up to eight feet high ravaged paths, buildings, and gardens. They downed trees, ripped beds out by the roots, and buried everything under layers of mud.
Downed Tree after Harvey
Flooded Meeting Room
Ruined Beds
Back, Bigger, Better
The Botanic Gardens – a favorite of gardeners, seniors, and parents with small children– offers a civilized version of nature, relaxing strolls while holding hands, quiet contemplation, a place to learn, and a place to forget about all the stresses of modern life.
Now, under the leadership of Jack Cagle, Harris County Precinct 4 commissioner, it’s becoming that again…with some major improvements that will help it better survive future floods. The county and volunteers have spent much of the last year rebuilding, replanting, restoring, and even relocating parts of the facility.
Changes
Plans to relocate parts of the gardens began after the Tax Day Flood damaged areas of Mercer closest to Cypress Creek. The devastation highlighted the need for additional acreage on higher ground. Soon after, The Mercer Society, the nonprofit providing philanthropic support to Mercer, launched the Rebuild Mercer Campaign with a goal of purchasing 34 additional acres. Much of that land had already been purchased when Harvey hit, necessitating even more changes.
By Christmas last year, the Mercer Society (TMS) relocated their Gift and Plant Shoppe to 400 Main Street in Old Town Spring. Filled with botanic treasures, holiday gifts, and an assortment of plants, The Gift Shoppe is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
By March of this year, the Gardens had officially reopened.
In September, more than 100 veterans with The Mission Continues and 17 CarMax employees volunteered to install sod and prepare raised beds throughout the Creekside Ramble and parts of Storey Lake.
Volunteers sod Creekside Ramble
Part of Mercer’s new west side.
Construction of a new library will begin in 2019. And 4.5 acres of additional gardens could be open by Spring.
Cypress swamp on Mercer’s new west side
Where to Find Mercer
Located at 22306 Aldine Westfield Road, just a few blocks north of the airport and 1960, the Botanic Gardens are a 15 to 20 minute drive from Humble and Kingwood.
You and your family may find some of these upcoming events interesting.
Mercer Winter-Spring 2019 Programs
January
Children’s Winter Camp. Wednesday, Jan. 2 through Friday, Jan. 4 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Children can kick off the new year with lessons in healthy cooking at Mercer’s Winter Camp. Following the Learn! Grow! Eat! & Go! Junior Master Gardener curriculum, children will use the Charlie Cart Project mobile kitchen to practice cooking techniques encouraging healthy eating. Children will also plant vegetables, taste fresh produce, and engage in fun, outdoor physical activities. Space is limited, and registration is required. $30 per child. Registration starts Monday, November 19. To register or to receive additional information, call Mercer Botanic Gardens at 713-274-4160.
Lunch Bunch: Palm Textures. Wednesday, Jan. 9 from noon to 2 p.m. Palms add texture to the landscape and make any garden feel like a tropical paradise. Cheyenne Griffin, Mercer Botanic Gardens horticulturist, will discuss these textures and how to protect palms from the cold. Participants should bring a lunch and dress for the weather. Lunch Bunch is a free program offered at Mercer’s East Side Gardens and is recommended for participants ages 12 and older. To register or to receive additional information, contact Mercer Botanic Gardens at 713-274-4160 or mercerbotanicgardens@hcp4.net.
February
Lunch Bunch: The Basics of Backyard and Small-Scale Composting. Wednesday, Feb. 13 from noon to 2 p.m. Experienced horticulturists and gardeners often tout compost as the black gold of the gardening world because of the wonders it can perform in the garden. John Ferguson, owner of Nature’s Way Resources, demonstrates how to produce compost for small and large properties, from the backyard to golf courses. All materials, including tools and equipment, is provided by Mercer. Participants should bring a lunch and dress for the weather. Lunch Bunch is a free program offered at Mercer’s East Side Gardens and is recommended for participants ages 12 and older. To register or to receive additional information, contact Mercer Botanic Gardens at 713-274-4160 or mercerbotanicgardens@hcp4.net.
March
Children’s Spring Camp. Monday, March 11 through Thursday, March 14 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Spring is a time for newness and change. During Mercer’s Spring Camp, children will explore and embrace foods and cooking techniques that encourage healthy eating habits. Mercer’s education staff will utilize the Learn! Grow! Eat! & Go! Junior Master Gardener curriculum and the Charlie Cart mobile kitchen during this unique children’s camp. Camp includes planting vegetables, tasting fresh produce, and engaging in fun, outdoor physical activities. Space is limited, and registration is required. $40 per child. Registration starts Monday, January 28. To register or to receive additional information, call Mercer Botanic Gardens at 713-274-4160.
March Mart Plant Sale. Friday, March 15 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday, March 16 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Shop a variety of hard-to-find plants during one of the Texas Gulf Coast region’s largest and most anticipated horticultural events beginning Friday, March 15 at 10 a.m., with early shopping for The Mercer Society Members (TMS) at 8 a.m. An invitation only reception and plant sale for TMS Supporting Members and higher begins Thursday, March 14 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. All-day express checkout is available for The Mercer Society members only. To receive additional information or to purchase your membership, call Mercer Botanic Gardens at 713-274-4160.
March Mart Training. Individual and group training will be conducted on an as needed basis. All volunteers are welcome to contact the Mercer volunteer coordinator at 713-274-4160 or mercerbotanicgardens@hcp4.net for any questions and additional information regarding March Mart assignments or shifts.
Lunch Bunch: Honeybees and Backyard Beekeeping. Wednesday, March 20 from noon to 2 p.m. Join Jerry Maxwell and Roger Nelson, members of the Montgomery County Beekeepers Association, as they discuss interesting facts and details about honeybees, the amazing role bees play in our environment, and the benefits of pure honey. Learn what it takes to start your own beekeeping adventure in your own backyard. Participants should bring a lunch and dress for the weather. Lunch Bunch is a free program offered at Mercer’s East Side Gardens and is recommended for participants ages 12 and older. To register or to receive additional information, contact Mercer Botanic Gardens at 713-274-4160 or mercerbotanicgardens@hcp4.net.
April
Lunch Bunch: The Incredible Edibles. Wednesday, April 10 from noon to 2 p.m. Join a casual conversation with Marilyn O’Connor, the Herb Lady, and discuss ways to incorporate herbs into your garden year-round. Enjoy hands-on, scratch-and-sniff fun while exploring the textures and fragrances of various herbs. Then, stroll the Herb Garden at Mercer for more inspiration! Participants should bring a lunch and dress for the weather. Lunch Bunch is a free program offered at Mercer’s East Side Gardens and is recommended for participants ages 12 and older. To register or to receive additional information, contact Mercer Botanic Gardens at 713-274-4160 or mercerbotanicgardens@hcp4.net.
Ongoing Events
North Side Greenhouse Team. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon. Join a plant committee and grow plants year-round for events and sales or help with various projects from construction to irrigation! Contact Mercer’s volunteer coordinator at 713-274-4160 or mercerbotanicgardens@hcp4.net.
Gardening. Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to noon. Seek out what’s blooming and learn about plant grooming, pruning, and weeding in the Pollinator and Conservation gardens. Wear closed-toe shoes, gloves, and hat, and bring sunscreen and water. Contact Mercer’s volunteer coordinator at 713-274-4160 or mercerbotanicgardens@hcp4.net.
Gardening. Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon. Take part in plant grooming, pruning, weeding, and mulching in the Prehistoric and Shade gardens. Wear closed-toe shoes, gloves, and hat, and bring sunscreen and water. Contact Mercer’s volunteer coordinator at 713-274-4160 or mercerbotanicgardens@hcp4.net.
Cooking Thyme. Select Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Explore fresh food with all five senses during the Cooking Thyme program at Mercer Botanic Gardens. Children will learn the connections between cooking and the plants that grow in the garden and on the farm. This free, hands-on opportunity allows children to prepare and taste foods and equips them with knowledge to make healthy food choices. Cooking Thyme classes for children in kindergarten through second grade are scheduled Feb. 6, March 6, and April 3. Classes for children in third grade through fifth grade are scheduled Jan. 16, Feb. 20, March 20, and April 17. Registration is required, and space is limited. To register or for more information, call Mercer Botanic Gardens at 713-274-4160.
Lunch Bunch. Second Wednesday of the month from noon to 2 p.m. Join fabulous speakers at these free presentations covering diverse topics. Participants should bring a lunch and dress for the weather. Lunch Bunch is a free program offered at Mercer’s East Side Gardens and is recommended for participants ages 12 and older. For more information, contact Mercer Botanic Gardens at 713-274-4160 or mercerbotanicgardens@hcp4.net.
Storytime in the Gardens. Every Monday at 10:30 a.m. In partnership with Harris County Public Library, Mercer presents a unique Storytime in the natural setting of Mercer for parents and children to enjoy together. Storytime garden locations may vary each week. Call 713-274-4160 to find out the location or to check for cancellations due to weather or holidays.
Mercer serves people of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, sex, religion, national origin, or physical ability. Anyone seeking additional information or requiring special assistance to participate in any program should contact Mercer at 713-274-4160 or mercerbotanicgardens@hcp4.net. Visit Mercer online at www.hcp4.net/Community/Parks/Mercer.
Posted by Bob Rehak with help from Crystal Simmons
Photos Courtesy of Harris County Precinct 4
Beauty Courtesy of the Creator
455 Days since Hurricane Harvey
Flood-delayed Memorial Hermann Convenient Care Center Finally Opens in Kingwood Town Center
Memorial Hermann’s Convenient Care Center in Kingwood finally opened on November 19, 2018. The original opening had been planned for September 16, 2017, right after Harvey. Remediation and reconstruction due to flooding delayed the opening more than 14 months. The opening represents yet another milestone on the long road to recovery.
Memorial Hermann’s new Convenient Care Center in Kingwood in now open 24/7, even though construction trailers still occupy much of the parking lot.
Days Away from Opening when Harvey Struck
“When Hurricane Harvey struck, we were days away from the grand opening,” said Josh Urban, senior vice president and CEO of Memorial Hermann Northeast Hospital and Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center. “Like many others in our community, we experienced significant damage from the storm.”
New Type of Health Care Delivery
The 44,450-square-foot Convenient Care Center will offer adult and pediatric primary care through Memorial Hermann Medical Group. It will also offer comprehensive imaging services, lab services, sports medicine and rehabilitation, and a 24-hour Emergency Room staffed by board-certified emergency medicine physicians and nurses.
“Memorial Hermann’s Convenient Care Centers offer a new approach to health care,” said Teal Holden, senior vice president of Memorial Hermann Ambulatory Services. The Center takes the stress out of scheduling appointments for routine health needs. It offers families primary care connected to a host of conveniently located support services..
Easy Transfer to Higher Levels of Care if Necessary
The Kingwood location is an extension of Memorial Hermann Northeast. And it connects to the larger Memorial Hermann system. If patients need higher level of care, patients can be transferred to nearby full-service hospitals.
The Convenient Care Center is at the eastern end of the new H-E-B shopping center that flooded so badly. For more information, visit http://www.memorialhermann.org/locations/convenient-care-center-kingwood/
Memorial Hermann has been a large part of the Humble/Kingwood Community for generations. I’m happy to see that MH’s commitment to this facility survived the storm.
Construction trailers still occupy most of the parking lot, but the Center has indeed opened. For those who wondered whether it would ever happen, it’s a welcome sight for sore eyes…and sore backs.
At 10PM Sunday night, Memorial Hermann’s new Convenient Care Center in Kingwood had two cars parked in front of the ER entrance.
Posted by Bob Rehak on November 25, 2018
453 Days since Hurricane Harvey