Memorial Park Conservancy’s Gala – A Sylvan Success

What a perfectly magical Gala night!

Gala Chair Madeleine Hussey with Honorary Chair Meg Goodman

Memorial Park is a very popular place and a well-loved park. Memorial Park Conservancy’s First Gala Chairman Madeleine Hussey and committee-members Blaine Adams and Stephanie Fox have proof! Over 400 guests attended this wildly successful first effort to host a fundraising gala on behalf of the park.

After a week of rain and sweltering heat, nature took care of its own and gave the Conservancy the first perfect night of the season to celebrate Memorial Park.  Honorary Chairs Meg Goodman and Mike Bonini’s home enchanted guests who also enjoyed the brilliance of Jackson and Company’s picnic-themed dinner.  Guests danced with the night to the groovin’ sounds of Mid-Life Crisis and the Hot Flashes. Guests also bid on our small, but fabulous, auction which reflected the many ways Houstonians enjoy Memorial Park.

The Gala brought in over $275,000 for the Memorial Park Conservancy, Inc. All proceeds benefit Memorial Park Conservancy, Inc. the non-profit charged by donor Ima Hogg with protecting and preserving the park. The 25-year Memorial Park Conservation Master Plan, approved by Houston’s City Council, in 2004, is well underway. Our thanks to all of you for your continuing support!  

John Caudill, Memorial Park Conservancy Past Chair Claire Caudill, and Chair Steve Costello

Memorial Park Picnic a la Jackson & Company

Volunteer Mary Nurre and MPC Board Member Blaine Adams share a laugh at the auction tables

MPC Volunteers roll out prized tandem bike donated by Cyclone Cycles on behalf of Greater Houston Offroad Biking Association (GHORBA)

Trail Party Days

Join Memorial Park Conservancy and Houston Parks & Recreation Department for the fellowship and a breath of fresh air at one of our upcoming trail days. Click here for more details.

We will be marking, mulching and laying granite to extend existing running trails along the I10 border. Trail crews meet at the Golf Clubhouse – MPC Conference Room (formerly the Golf Museum) Dates & times vary.

ArBOOretum - Saturday, October 28 

MPC Executive Director Sally Tyler adds finishing touches to face of “Fairy Princess” Isabella Flores

Memorial Park Conservancy volunteers enjoyed painting faces and a night in nature at ArBOOretum 2006. Over 4,000 visitors played carnival games, experienced a petting zoo, pony rides, puppet shows, pickles, popcorn and more. Proceeds from the event help support the conservation and education programs at the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center. 
 

MPC Volunteer, Shaun Lopez, puts his talents to work.

Trees Planted on Westcott Esplanade 

The City of Houston, together with Guaranty Bank and Temple-Inland Forest, gave two Westcott Esplanades a Forest Facelift on Saturday, November 4, 2006, at 10:00 a.m.  Following a brief ceremony, Mayor Bill White and 200 volunteers will plant 2,006 Loblolly Pine Trees, native to Houston, on the medians near Westcott and Durford.

“When these trees grow tall, the Westcott esplanades will not only be beautiful but will provide environmental benefits for us all,” said Mayor Bill White.  “Guaranty Bank and Temple-Inland have shown their commitment to Houston, its citizens and our City with their donation.  They’ve been great corporate sponsors of Tour de Houston and now these trees are further evidence of their commitment to the city.”

Guaranty Bank and Temple-Inland chose to give the 2006 Trees to the City and the Mayor as a gesture of appreciation.  When these trees mature they will serve as a green corridor from I-10 to Memorial Drive and will connect the beautification project under way at the Washington and Westcott roundabout. 

Memorial Park Security Tips for Runners*

• Do not leave your purse or pc on your car seat.
• If you have to bring your purse/wallet, pc, phone with you, place it in your trunk prior to your arrival.
• Do not leave your key on your tire.
• Be mindful of cars exiting golf course or tennis parking.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• If you witness any suspicious activity, contact the police at 713-884-3131 or 9-1-1 for emergency.

*Courtesy of your HPARD Urban Park Rangers Vanessa Johnson and Sherell Gee and COH Police Officer J.C. Roberts.

Thomas Harms, seated with wife, Joan, and son, Stephen (standing) give tribute to brother Bob with a memorial bench on the 17th Hole.

Memorial for Long Time Golfer at the 17^th hole

October 31, 2006

Robert Morgan Harms passed away eight days before his 84th birthday, Houston Texas, his home for over 40 years (9/15/22-09/7/06). He is survived by his brother, Thomas Harms, Tom's wife Joan, and their children.

Bob Harms’ golf partners and Memorial Park Golf Pro-Shop employees gave tribute through a golf cart parade, shared memories of humorous moments in memory of their life-long friend.

Kelly Harlan of Houston Parks & Recreation Department Horticulture Division spoke of Bob’s love for and feeding of the Memorial Park Golf Course ducks.

The hole has been named “Harms’ Way”.

Memorial Park Conservancy, Inc.  Plan. Protect. Preserve.