Fall 2012 - Cape Royale

Fall 2012
The
Communicape
Neighborhood Watch Chair J. R. Shuttlesworth reports that weekend
night patrols began Friday, October 5, 2012. Volunteers, in vehicles marked
with “Patrol” signs drive the Cape from 10:00 PM to 2:00 AM Fridays and
Saturdays. Their job is to OBSERVE what is going on in the Cape and
REPORT any observed criminal behavior to 911 immediately, and any
suspicious activity to the Sheriff’s office.
During the day, each area will have golf cart patrols touring their
neighborhoods. The patrols are being coordinated by Neighborhood
Captains: Don and Debbie Freel serve as Captains for Harbor Point Estates;
Rick and Wendy Harvey for Forest Cove; John Incerta coordinates Marina
patrols; Katy Smith the Villas de Marina area; Pam Chandler Royal Greens;
Linda and Bill Walker serve Imperial Point and Trailer Storage; Donna and
Sid Gold Imperial Estates; Linda MacGregor the Reserve; Sandra Chesser
King’s Point; and Barb Leiskau King’s Ridge.
Pine Harbour needs a Captain, and additional volunteers are needed for
weekend night patrols and day patrols. If you can help, contact J. R.
Shuttlesworth (653-2662) or the Cape Office.
Even if you cannot help with the patrols, you are an important part of
Neighborhood Watch. The most important part of the program is to make all
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citizens more aware of what goes on around them and empower them to
report what they see.
If you see criminal activity, call 911 immediately. If
you see suspicious activity, get at much information as possible
(description of persons and vehicles, license plate numbers, etc) and call
the Sheriff’s Office at 936-653-4367.
Neighborhood Watch is a national program that consists of
concerned citizens and neighbors working with local sheriff offices,
constables and police officers to reduce crime in their neighborhood.
The program has proved very successful in all areas of the country
where it has been instituted. Cape Royale is happy to join other
Neighborhood Watch Programs in San Jacinto County.
In celebration of National Night Out (Texas), the Cape
Royale Neighborhood Watch Committee hosted a hot
dog picnic. About 65 residents enjoyed the hot dogs
while the Committee answered questions, enlisted
volunteers, and passed out material to be used for
identifying homes wishing to participate in the
program.
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Pier G Takes Shape
After some delay (waiting for the Corps of Engineers to
“work us to the top of the stack”) Pier G is scheduled for
completion by the first week in October. We are
currently accepting rental contracts, for the “official”
opening, November first.
Pier G consists of ten 12 X 26 foot slips and ten 12 X 30
foot slips and will be our best, yet. Although existing
piers were retrofitted with additional anchors after Hurricane Ike, they were incorporated in Pier G
design. Two large concrete underwater anchors were also included in the design to provide an
additional measure of safety/stability in case of another storm.
We owe Norm Matticks a special “thanks” for all his hard work. Norm provided the upgraded
specifications, oversaw the bidding process, worked patiently with the Trinity River Authority and
U.S. Corps of Engineers for permits, and followed the construction.
We would also like to thank the Cape POA Board for their confidence to invest in an asset that will
return dividends to the Cape. The Marina has provided us with a positive income stream, both to
maintain the Marina, as well as fund other essential repairs and projects in the Cape.
Of course, property owners will be given the priority for rental. We have a few oversize boats in
smaller slips that will move to Pier G, which will also free up slips for those who do not require the
larger slips. Please contact Beverly, at the Marina (936-653-2628) or Patsy at the POA office (936653-3233) to reserve your slip. - James Chesser, Marina Chair
Winter Marina hours
Monday, Thursday, Friday 1 – 5 p.m
Saturday and Sunday 9 - 5
Closed Tuesday and Wednesday
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Clarence says he is happy to be here! This former
pipefitter from Shepherd is a man of many skills;
and working here at the Cape, he will certainly
have the opportunity to use them. During his first
month on the job he completed an impressive
number of work orders, many self-initiated. He’s
currently installing the plumbing on the new pier.
He says that he drives around the Cape and tries to identify things that
need fixing and fix them.
The saying goes “A good man is hard to find”. HOWEVER, it looks like the
Utility District has found TWO recently.
When you see James Casey (Casey) he’ll most likely
be doing 2 things – working and smiling (except
when he’s having his picture taken!) Whether he’s
mulching brush, cleaning up the dump site,
watering plants, or whatever he seems happy to be
doing it. Casey joined the District in July from the
City of Dayton where he was working in the utilities
department. When you see Casey around, stop and say “hi”.
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The newest “man about town” is Jerry Yeager.
Jerry has several years experience in utilities
construction and the operation of heavy
machinery. Rumor has it that he’s been
operating a backhoe since he was about 10
years old. In our water/sewer business,
backhoe operation is a critical skill for digging
up the leaky pipes. Chances are if you see the backhoe, it will be Jerry
driving it.
Dena Wright will be in the office whenever there’s a third
hand needed. Dena has extensive office experience before
taking time off to be a full-time Mom. The District is very
glad Dena came out of retirement.
Cape residents gathered to wish Wayne Gladden well as he left the Cape for
a new job with the TRA. Lanny Locke presented Wayne with a bag of cat
food in hopes he would take Cape Cat home, but it didn’t work!
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It's hard to believe that we are approaching two full years of service from the Flag
Committee of the CRCA.
We have a wonderful group of dedicated committee members who have done a great
deal to better the lives of our Cape Royale family and the community as a whole.
Our "official" members are:
Brent Blake
Gwen Fugman
Mary & Paul Miller
Mary Shay
Jackie & Jim Brown
Suzanne & Lanny Locke
Audrey & John Russell
Linda & Bill Walker
Carol Famulari
Manette & Arnold Farber
Franzi Luton
Barbara & Joel McDowell
Charlene & Robert Sawyer
Lynn Watkins
There are many others who help out the above members from time to time.
When asked why they spend the time and effort, here are some responses:
“While I feel that I am always aware of the privilege of having men and women who fight and die for my
freedoms, placing these flags assigns a specific individual to each flag..someone’s son or daughter, someone’s
father or mother, someone I personally knew. I also put them there for others to be reminded…and when I take
them down, I use the opportunity to thank each person that these flags represent. It’s a prayer time for me.”
Suzanne Locke
“Lots of folks thanked Manette and myself for putting out the flags as they drove out of the Cape.”
Arnold Farber
“My Dad taught his family a love for the American flag many years ago. We have always had a flag to fly at our
home. When I learned about this Flag Committee I was happy to volunteer. It's an honor for me to put them up at
the entrance to Cape Royale. Many people stop and say a kind word to thank us. We are so blessed to live in
this great country.”
Audrey Russell
We all have our own reasons, expressed or not, why we would be involved in this project.
Our last flag day for this year will be November 11, Veteran’s Day. (Robert Sawyer, Flag Chair)
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There will be a Wildlife Meeting October 20 at 10 AM. Everyone is welcome
to attend.
You have probably noticed that this was a bumper crop
for fawns with most doe having twins and several triplets.
You may also have noticed that you can see right through
the woods in many places, right up to deer head height.
Many people are reporting deer eating things not
normally eaten and coming right up on to porches and
decks to eat potted plants. We can buy new potted
plants.
It is harder to replace trees. Deer eat baby trees right off
at the ground. There is no kind of tree they will not eat.
There is not enough food in the Cape to support the number of deer that we have.
Hunger = Poor Health = Dead Deer
Few of us like the idea of trapping deer, however, trapping is preferable to starvation
and mass die-offs. The meeting October 20 is to discuss taking a census to determine
just how many deer we have and how many should be removed. We have not trapped in
several years, BUT CHANCES ARE WE WILL HAVE TO TRAP IN 2013.
Come to the meeting October 20 to discuss the problem.
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have started and the office
and club parking lots are among the first targeted areas
During Fall road repairs there were problems with
the cones being moved, most likely as a joke. Cones
are placed for SAFETY. Please do not move them and
report anyone that you see doing it. On a dark night
the mis-placement of cones could cause and
accident. Thanks for your cooperation.
Summer has passed Although the Summer
was a tough one the Cape fared very well and very few plants
and trees were lost. Now if we could only have a Fall as
beautiful as last year!
Thanks to CRUD for moving fallen trees from the roadway and
pushing them out of the way of mowers. To SHEICO for cutting
down the dead trees near power lines. This resulted in very few
power outages for the Cape.
I've noticed a few bluebonnets growing in the wildflower area
but we're behind in rainfall and that effects germination. If we
get rain soon we can still have a knockout wildflower area!
We have more memorial trees to plant this fall and will replace the crepe myrtle tree
damaged on North Cape Royale sign bed.
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We survived the roadside spraying without too many complaints. I don't enjoy this
any more than the rest of you but it has to be done. Within a few years the grass will
overgrow the asphalt and we'll have costly road repairs. (Linda Walker, Grounds)
On a visit to the dumpsters 16 raccoons were counted so we shifted our
priorities to the little bandits. We trapped 12 raccoons and 2 opossum
and released them several miles away after painting their backside
orange. So if you see one with orange spray paint let me know.
To date we have spayed/neutered 39 adult cats, There are only two cats
at the dumpsters that still have to be caught but
many, many more in the subdivisions are continuing
to have kittens. We need to get the kittens and spay
the moms. The donations given to this program are
used only for the spay/neuter program and some
medical treatment.
Anthea has fostered 51 kittens just since this Spring.
Over 40 of these were picked up in the Cape! These
little ones are fostered and after they are socialized
and reach 2 pounds they are adopted through the
Houston SPCA. This is the most humane way we have found to take care
of our feral cat population so your donations are appreciated. Make
donations to Cape Royale Dumpster Kitty Project or call Linda Walker at
713-818-1645.
If you see kittens call the same number or the Cape Royale Gate-936653-4283. (Linda Walker – Chair Dumpster Kitty Project)
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The previously defunct committee is officially back and on track with performing the duties and
responsibilities of Deed Restrictions Committee.
Thanks to the volunteers who are willing to serve, at the risk of a decline in personal popularity!
We are committed to maintaining the property values inside the Cape and educating current residents of
the restrictions and guidelines necessary to that end.
A major focus is the blight and danger resulting from last year’s drought.
We are asking all residents to actively inventory dead trees and debris on their own lots and take the
necessary steps to clear and clean them. We feel that the situation is creating additional fire hazards and
the spread vegetation disease. Please help us by self governing this area of concern to all.
(Much of this is documented on Utility District Video)
No one knows how the little raccoon got into the dumpster. He was first discovered by our
regular dumpster divers who put a board into the dumpster to try to help him crawl out. He didn’t
take the hint. All day long people stopped by to peer in at him. How many? Maybe 20 or more are
seen by our camera looking into the dumpster, commenting on its little prisoner.
As night was coming on finally someone decided that action was needed and did what we all
do when we don’t quite know what to do – THEY CALLED THE GATE! The Gate said “Hmm. . . a
raccoon, isn’t that kind of like a cat? Let’s call Linda Walker!”
Linda came and took a look. She says he was over on one side with his nose stuffed up in the
corner. She called Anthea Szabo, our licensed animal rescuer and rehabber. Anthea arrived in her
pirate-flagged golf cart, carrying her super- strong capture net. Using her golf cart, she climbed up
and leaned as far as she could into the dumpster. One quick scoop and she had him. She climbed
down, did a quick assessment, and held the net close to the ground. He happily scampered off to
look for his mother.
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NOTE: Remember the baby deer rescue from the Summer edition? The
unidentified boat passenger who walked the fawn up the steps has been
identified (by his proud father Jeff) as Robert Ottman, a senior Meteorology
student at Texas A&M, Eagle Scout, and possible future weatherman. Good job
Robert!
Here’s to easier and safer walking!
Thanks CRCA for the NEW
POOL FURNITURE - TABLES!
CHAIRS! UMBRELLAS!
is adding a water faucet. This will allow for
the planting of trees and bushes to beautify the new area.
is reportedly much cleaner and better
maintained since the implementation of the new rules. ( www.caperoyale.org )
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The Annual CRCA/Terry Vaughn Golf Tournament
was a huge success with 86 players and beautiful
weather.
We owe a big THANK YOU to Susan Vaughan with Terry Vaughan &
Associates, Inc. and Jay Mincks with Insperity.
Also, THANK YOU to Tournament Chair Pat Stephenson and her committee of
Fred Stephenson, Joe and Cindy Burch; all the food, beverage and hole
sponsors; plus all the players.
This tournament is our only fund raiser and allows us to make donations to a number of
local non-profit organizations and to our own CRPOA.
First Place Team
Gary Hudgeons, Robert Garcia,
Jere Lewis, Alta Gibbs
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Second Place Team
Joel McDowell, Blake Franks,
Corky Familari
Third Place Team
Jack Welker, Leon Hirsch,
Melanie McLendon, Carol Andrews
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October 13, 2012
A great time for all
Good Food
Good Music
Good Company
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Saturday, October 27th – Bingo/Pizza Party
Saturday, December 1st – CRCA Annual Christmas Dinner
Saturday, December 8th – Breakfast w/Santa
Saturday, January 19, 2013 – CRCA Art Show
CRCA will need three new board members in May 2013. If you are interested in serving
on the board contact Lisa Anderson @936-653-3882.
BINGO: Third Saturday 7:00 p.m. Civic Room (check calendar)
Bridge Wednesdays 1 – 4 p.m. Call Mary Masterson to bet on the sub list
Mahjong
653-8550
Tuesdays 2:30 – 4:30 for more info call Mary Masterson 653-8550
Scrapbooking First Tuesday 10:30 am – 1:00 p.m.
Tennis
Monday/Friday 8:30 AM; Tuesday Evenings 6:30 PM
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PICTURES CONTRIBUTED BY (or stolen from)
ANTHEA SZABO
JOEL MCDOWELL
Special Thanks to all of you who took the time to send in material.
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Get the latest from the Cape. Share your Cape pictures and
experiences.
Become a friend of Cape Royale.
Cape Royale Boating Association
http://crba-livingston.com/
Cape Area Fire Department
http://capeareavfd.org/
Chamber of Commerce
http://coldspringtexas.org/
Coldspring/Oakhurst ISD
http://www.cocisd.org/
Cape Royale Golf
http://www.crgolf.net/
Cape Royale Utility District
http://www.cr-ud.org/
Remember: If you e-mail changes notify [email protected]
Next Edition January, 2013
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