1. No category

The
Communicape
Winter- 2015
Sunset at the Marina – January 28, 2015
Photographed by Cape Resident Spencer Howard
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
CAPE ROYALE PROPERTY
OWNERS ASSOCIATION
2014-2015
BARBARA MOORE, President
40 Kings Point Drive
653-8815, (cell) 713-703-0822
[email protected]
DAVID HITT, Vice President
81 Crown Drive
653-3606
[email protected]
LEE SARGENT, Secretary
80 Edgewater Lane
653-2381, (cell) 281-370-4437
[email protected]
DAVID STAPP, Treasurer
35 Cherry Hill
(cell) 832-244-3711
[email protected]
GARY TRUCHELUT,
Parliamentarian
121 N. Fairway Loop
(cell) 936-554-6576
[email protected]
JOEL MCDOWELL, Director
265 N. Pine Harbour Drive
653-4487, (cell) 832-465-7717
[email protected]
JAMES CHESSER, Director
100 Lake Grove Drive
936-653-5722
[email protected]
The Board meetings are held in
the Club on the fourth Thursday
of the month at 3 p.m.
Coldspring, Texas
a brief history
(Some excerpts from Here and There, "Bob Bowman's East Texas" Column)
The history of Coldspring is linked to Stephen
F. Austin's first colony in Texas which
established, among other areas, San Jacinto
County. Austin's original colony extended to
the Trinity River watershed, roughly along
Texas 156, toward Point Blank. After receiving
a commission from the Mexican government
to settle the area, Joseph Vehlein, a German
immigrant to Mexico, deeded 640 acres to
Robert Rankin, an American Revolutionary
officer. This acreage included the site of
Coldspring.
First named Coonskin, the settlement had a
post office as early as 1847. But within a year
it had been changed to the less rustic name of
Fireman’s Hill. Finally, in 1850 it became
Cold Spring, and in 1894 the two words were
joined.
Photo courtesy TxDoT
In 1870 with the establishment of San Jacinto
County, Cold Spring became the county seat.
Cold Spring originally stood in a low-lying area
known locally as the “gullies.” When the
county courthouse was built there, rainwater
kept flowing down the hill, washing away the
foundation of the building. The town
eventually moved to the top of the hill, leaving
behind a jail and the courthouse. The
courthouse burned in the 1920s and it, too,
was rebuilt on the hill. The old jail, now a
museum, still stands in the gullies.
The former site has retained the old county jail
and the nearby “Hanging Tree.” The
population in 1907 was estimated at between
400 and 500.
San Jacinto County Courthouse
Old San Jacinto
County Jail
Photo courtesy of LouAnn Herda, June 2002
In the 1920 the town was still reliant on the
lumber industry and in the 1930s a CCC camp
was built. The effects of the Great Depression
were dulled, but not eliminated. After WWII oil
was discovered nearby and in 1968 the Trinity
River was impounded here behind the
Livingston Dam.
The town reached its peak in the early 60s
with 750 residents, declining to 569 by 1980
and bottoming out at 538 for the 1990
Census.
San Jacinto County
Hanging Tree
Photo courtesy of Charles Watson August 2012
Page 2 of 21
The Communicape
Cape Property Owners Association
The POA will honor Precinct 4 Constable Alvin Wyatt at the February 26 Board Meeting. We
encourage everyone to attend to support and show appreciation for the work Constable Wyatt does
at Cape Royale.
Barbara Moore, President Cape POA
Mark your calendar
Cape POA
Annual Meeting and Election
Saturday, April 11, 2015
9:00 a.m. – Registration and Voting
Civic Room
10:00 a.m. – Annual Meeting
Club Room
Noon - Lunch
Saturday, April 11,2015
Cape Area Volunteer Fire Department
Annual Fund Raiser
Barbeque
The Communicape
Page 3 of 21
Cape POA Community Manager – Stacey Leasman
I am excited to announce that Cape Royale POA won Best Property
Owner's Assn. at the Best of San Jacinto County 2014 Banquet which was
sponsored by the San Jacinto County Chamber of Commerce. We truly
have a great group of staff and volunteers that make up this great
community, we are so thankful for each and every one of you!
Following is information about the upcoming election. In addition, included
are some guidelines for deceased animals and wildlife; and information on
the display of house numbers.
We are slowly getting closer to warmer weather and I am looking forward to
my first "spring" here at The Cape!
Stacey Leasman, Community Manager
It Is Election Time
If you are currently not involved with the Cape Royale community and
would like to run for a position on the Board...here is your chance!
We are losing 3 board members in April and are looking for candidates to
run for the 2015-2016 term. These positions will be for 2 (3) year terms
and 1 (1) year term. An Election Committee has been formed and is
now working. If you are interested in running for the POA Board, or
need more information, please feel free to contact this office or anyone
on the committee. Committee members are as follows:
Frank Closs
Anne Closs
Joan Sikkelee
Tom Cook
Suzanne Locke
Pat Stephenson
The candidate information sheet is included in this Communicape, or you
can pick one up at the POA office. The information sheet should be
submitted no later than Friday, February 27, 2015, to get on the ballot.
You can e-mail, fax or drop it off here at the office.
We are also in need of a Committee Chair for our Compliance Committee
as well as Neighbor Hood Watch Committee. If you are interested in
serving on either of these Committees, please contact the POA office
with any questions.
Page 4 of 21
The Communicape
Page 5 of 21
The Communicape
Dead Animal Procedure at Cape Royale
Cape Royale is a beautiful place to live. One of the wonderful attractions to the
Cape is the amount and diversity of wildlife that inhabit our community. Along
with this benefit, however, comes the reality that some of our wildlife friends die
in inconvenient locations, including the private yards of our residents.
In order to provide all property owners with guidance in regard to the disposition
of dead animals found on personal property, the Board has formulated and
published the following procedure:
1. Dead animals are the responsibility of the property owner. The property
owner should dispose of the carcass by their own means.
2. If the property owner is physically unable to complete this task, and if no
neighbors or friends can be recruited for this purpose, and only then, the
property owner may call the P.O.A. office for assistance.
3. When such requests are received by the P.O.A. office, the task of animal
disposal shall be assigned to the Maintenance Personnel.
4. The Board will periodically designate a specific location on P.O.A. owned
property for the disposal of the animal carcass. This will be in a location where
"nature can take its course" and which is both out of sight and smell from any
home, and being an area which is rarely, if ever, frequented.
5. At present, the disposal location is designated as: P.O.A. property at the
southern end of Shetland Lane, and down the further dirt pathway to Reserve G.
Community Property Manager contact info
Stacey Leasman
[email protected]
(936) 653-3233
Page 6 of 21
The Communicape
Is Your House Number Displayed?
The importance of having an address number on your home can not be emphasized
enough. All too often across the country, fire and EMS emergency responses are delayed
as responders attempt to locate the correct address.
In the case of an emergency, such as a fire, a difference in minutes can mean the difference
between life and death. Fire fighters are equipped with many tools to help improve their
arrival time. However, house numbers are imperative for a quick reference.
Here are a few recommendations:

The numbers on residences should be at least 3 inches high.

Numbers should be a contrasting color to the background.

Numbers should be placed on, above, or at the side of the main entrance, so that
they can be easily detected from the street.

If the entrance is more than 50 feet from the street, or cannot be seen from the street,
a second set of numbers should also be displayed on a marker by the street.
We are very fortunate here in Cape Royale to have Elgean Shield to
volunteer his time to make the reflective blue 911 address markers that you see around The
Cape. If you are in need of a reflective address marker, you may contact him at the number
below. The price to have this done is $20, which covers the cost to make the address
marker. This is one option for making sure your home number is visible.
 Elgean Shield – 936-520-1238
At the very least, any house number is better than none at all. Another concern to consider
is that many emergency responders do not live in The Cape or Coldspring and are not
familiar with all of the streets or family names. This is all the more reason to have a house
number clearly posted by your front door.
The Communicape
Page 7 of 21
YOUR COMMUNITY BEGINS WITH YOU
Serve on a Committee  Have Your Voice Heard 
Volunteer
-
ACC Committee
Facilities Committee
Compliance Committee
Marina Committee
-
-
Club/Civic Committee
Gate Committee - Grounds Committee
- Communications Committee -
Parks & Recreation Committee - Pool Committee
Roads Committee
-
Trailer Storage Committee
-
Finance Committee
-
Flag Committee
Wildlife Committee
Neighborhood Watch Committee
* * *PLEASE CONSIDER JOINING A COMMITTEE * * *
* * *Contact the Cape Royale P.O.A.* * *
Stacey Leasman, Community Manager
E-Mail: [email protected]
Office (936) 653-3233
Fax (936) 653-4088
WE ARE CURRENTLY IN NEED OF CHAIRS FOR :
Neighborhood Watch Committee
Compliance Committee
Page 8 of 21
The Communicape
Important information for all Cape Residents
Gate - Stop at the Gate and get the paperwork you need to register your vehicles,
complete the family list and pay for your guests' marina access. Complete forms and
return to the Gate; your stickers will be ready in 7-10 days. Meanwhile, you will get a
temporary pass for coming and going. You can get stickers for vehicles registered to
owners; up to 4 per household.

For emergency purposes, you should also register your golf carts and ATVs. If there is
an accident, emergency personnel can identify the owner through this registration.

The family list will allow members of your immediate family entrance without you having
to call the gate every time they are coming. All other visitors must be approved by you
in advance by calling the Gate at 936-653-4283 (gate) or emailing to
[email protected]. Those not approved by you will be turned around at the gate.

Trash - The Cape Royale Utility District operates the trash site located on S. Cape
Royale Drive just beyond the tennis courts. All regular household trash can be
deposited here. Heavy items, and debris from your yard can be taken to the brush site,
located on S. Cape Royale Drive right before you get to the boat launch at the Marina.
The brush site is open 10-4 Mon thru Fri, and Sat from 2-4. Both sites are for use by
Cape Royale residents only; no contractors.
Pool - The pool opens Memorial Day weekend, and closes Labor Day weekend.
Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 am thru 8:00 pm. Closed Mondays for cleaning.
Pool passes are available for purchase for $30 per household at the pool or at the POA
office.
Exercise Room - Located at the Club (first door after you walk up the steps). Sign key
out at Gate. Must be resident or on resident family list. All other guests must be
accompanied by resident.
Trailer Storage - Spots available - $100 for empty trailer, $250 for trailer with
boat/jetski. See POA office for details and contract.
Marina - Slips for renting long term and short term - call Marina for details 936-6532628. We have a Marina store and non-ethanol gas available, store is located at the
end of pier C on the water.
Page 9 of 21
The Communicape
Wildlife Committee - Ken Clark
I know that some of our Cape residents don’t want to hear what I am about to tell you but facts are
facts. Please spend some time reading what research tells us about a healthy forest and how to keep it
healthy for all to enjoy for many years to come.
Our wonderful forest has taken quite a hit in the past few years with drought and other weather related
problems. We are still losing trees which is depleting our forest. Our only hope for the future of our
forest is to allow it to rebuild with growth to repopulate what we have left and are still losing.
Research shows that the rise in deer population and their grazing habits prevent forests from maturing,.
The study, conducted by researchers at Cornell University, found that deer prefer seeds of native
woody plants and reject invasive ones. This selective eating leads to loss of native vegetation and
helps foreign plants take over forest land. The researchers also found that the impacts of deer grazing
on vegetation were severe and resulted in bare soil and reduced plant biomass, less growth of woody
species and relatively fewer native species.
Grasses establish themselves in a piece of land. As the forest grows, Small herbs and shrubs replace
grasses. Later, woody plants and trees take over the area. Researchers have now found that deer
prevent the growth of woody plants. This promotes the growth of thorny thickets, tallow trees and other
evasive plants. If deer leave the forests alone, trees such as pines, oaks, sweet gums, and other
indigenous trees (which is what our forest contains) can sprout and grow unimpeded.
If a forest is healthy, it will support about 15 deer per square mile, and many scientists say that a
degraded patch of forest cannot be restored unless the population is about five deer per square mile.
The Cape is becoming a degraded patch of forest, just look around! The Texas Parks and Wildlife
biologist estimated 30-40 deer per square mile in The Cape.
In many forest one-third of the remaining species of native plants are endangered, largely because of
deer. Many warblers, thrushes and dozens of other ground-nesting birds lose the protection of native
plants, and some species of native pollinators -- butterflies, moths, beetles -- vanish.
The POA is scheduling a trapping session soon. Our hope is to reduce the deer population to a
sustainable number. These deer will be removed to a processing plant. The resulting venison will be
ground up and given to homeless shelters.
The Wildlife Committee realizes that some of you will not stop feeding the deer no matter the results of
deer over population, but we do request that you do not feed the deer for the month of February. This
will help us reduce our population of deer in order to assist our forest to grow.
Thanks,
Ken Clark,
Chair of the Wildlife Committee
Page 10 of 21
The Communicape
Grounds Committee – Linda Walker
A few days of spring-like weather and now
I’m ready to enjoy my favorite time of the
year. I feel Cape Royale is the most beautiful
subdivision in SE Texas. We have it
all……beautiful spring flowers, trees, a
fantastic lake and wonderful people who
share this community as their home! We are
so fortunate!
We are going to have a great wildflower bed
this year. Plan on taking lots of pictures this
year. Going to make a path of landscaping
stones to make it easier to get to the middle
of the bed. I have ordered new wildflower
designations signs.
Many residents have asked about Deer
Resistant Plants. You can have beautiful
flowers but just have to change from the
traditional plants we are used to in our
landscape. To help I will leave at the sales
office printouts for you to pick up. Also we are
more than happy to answer any questions
you may have concerning gardening
challenges. My cell number is 713-818-1645.
If by chance you are not too busy in your own
yard…………..this committee needs
volunteers. Call me at the above number.
Our faithful little flowering plum tree by the clubhouse
Linda Walker, Chairman
Greg Truchelut, Board Liaison
Snaps up front
Pansies by the Pool
Page 11 of 21
The Communicape
Marina Committee – Lanny Locke
Marina Committee has an approval from
the POA Board to remove and replace
the Pier H , , , and after bids we have
selected a contractor. Hope to start on
March 1.
Road Committee – Robert Sawyer
As most of you are aware the “fall roadwork” has not been completed as of yet. This
was not the plan, but unfortunately that is how it has worked out. Through a series of
problems with equipment rentals, breakdowns, weather delays and now lack of
available asphalt, our road construction company has not been able to finish.
Hopefully this will be corrected in the next couple of weeks.
I wish to thank our dedicated members of the road committee:
 Jim Brown
 Sue and Danny Howard
 Lanny Locke
 Doug Pulgini
 Lynn Watkins
Our Board liaison, James Chesser, has been especially helpful in our long range
planning and guidance.
Page 12 of 21
The Communicape
Cape POA Tennis
A FINE LOOKING GROUP OF PEOPLE . . .
And wouldn’t you like to be one of them? These are the Cape tennis players
- Cape residents and their friends who play tennis.
Here’s what YOU need to join this group:
*A sense of humor. Don’t come without it.
*A basic knowledge of tennis and ability to hit the ball at least some of
the time (or willingness to chase the ball ALL the time!
*Tennis shoes (a must)
*Tennis racket (or we’ll lend you one)
Currently winter hours for playing are Monday, Wednesday and Friday 9:00 a.m.
Tuesday evening 5:30 p.m. Usually between 5 and 10 players show up.
If you want more information, call Lanny Locke 832-425-6716 or e-mail
[email protected]
You, too, can be one of the BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE!
Page 13 of 21
Cape Area Volunteer Fire Department
Highlights for 2014
March 10 - Hosted and instructed a Boaters
Education course alongside the Texas Parks &
Wildlife wardens for 29 people.
June 26 - Class for area law enforcement taught by
Dennis Watters on operating the Humminbird Side
Scan Sonar to locate and recover a drowning victim
in open water.
Answered 72 calls for structure, brush, and vehicle
fires including lift assist, water search and rescue,
vehicle accidents, medical landing zones, and
propane leaks.
Received a 2015 Wildland Brush Truck, a Genesis
JAWS of Life, water dry suits, cold water emersion
suits, 4 summer lightweight life vests, FLIR (thermal
imaging night vision camera, 60 KW Generator &
1000 gallon propane tank allowing the fire station to
become an emergency shelter during power
outages.
We requested and received grants and donations
from Texas Forest Service, SHECO, Eastex
Telephone, and the San Jacinto County Emergency
Services District, and FEMA.
We donated 30 fishing rods and tackle for kids to the
Texas Parks and Wildlife Wardens to have summer
classes at Wolf Creek Park.
We have logged 1580 miles, 225 hours, and 945
gallons of gas on our Water Rescue Boat and 45
hours on the 2 Jetskis.
Remember to take your cell phone and call 911 if
you have problems. Check your gas tank before
leaving the marina and make sure your boat has
been maintained. We have painted reminders on the
boat launch ramps and piers to wear a life vest while
on the water. If you are in the water it is too late!
Our fundraiser this year will again coincide with the
POA Annual Meeting on April 11th. Donations can
be mailed to P.O. Box 1608 Coldspring, TX 77331.
The Communicape
Page 14 of 21
The Communicape
Cape Royale Utility District
UTILITY DISTRICT TO ASSIST FIRE DEPARTMENT
At its January board meeting, the Cape Royale Utility District voted to add $1.00 for the
Cape Area Fire Department to each water bill, making it easy for Cape residents to show
their appreciation and support for the fire department. This money will be collected by the
Utility District, then passed on to the fire department. While this $1.00 will be added to each
water bill, it is a voluntary donation. Any resident not wishing to donate can contact the
District and request the amount be removed. Randy Hall, fire department representative,
stated that the money collected will be used mainly for better equipment and training for the
fire fighters. All donations to the fire department, including the $1 on the water bill, are tax
deductible.
We are lucky to have the Fire Department right here in the Cape plus it is the ONLY
fire department that also does water rescue.
Through fire department efforts, the Cape has a better fire rating that will allow most
residents to get a discount of $200 - $500 on their home owner insurance BUT you have to
ask. If you need more information about the Fire Department, or about the fire rating, or
about anything related to it, contact Randy Hall 713-653-0555.
Just like one drop of water isn’t much, $1 isn’t much. However, all our $1 combined
can significantly impact our Fire Department. In addition, the Utility District will continue to
accept and pass on other donations that residents want to make to the Fire Department.
Cape Royale Utility District
1330 Cape Royale Drive
Coldspring, Texas 77331
936-653-4861
Page 15 of 21
Cape Royale Boating Association
The Communicape
Kicks off 2015 with Annual Commodores Banquet
Cape Royale Boating Association (CRBA) held their annual Commodore’s banquet on Saturday, January 31st. The banquet
opened with a Happy Hour sponsored by Susan Vaughan of Vaughan Associates Inc. real estate firm. We appreciate their
continued support of our Happy Hour, it is always a fun time. CRBA members seated themselves for a formal dinner
catered by the Church Ladies. Music for dining and dancing was provided by the talented Jim Atkins. The evening’s
entertainment was made possible by a donation from Diane and Steve Colburn from Wolf Creek Heating, and Air
Conditioning,. The music always makes this event special. Many thanks to these two businesses for their continued
support of CRBA.
Following dinner the annual awards began. Past Commodore Paul Hoffman took a moment to commemorate our 2014
Commodore David Green, who passed away this summer after fighting cancer. David had served on the CRBA board in a
variety of positions for a decade. His service to CRBA and willingness to help wherever he was needed exemplified his
leadership. It was after a decade of serving on the board, mostly behind the scenes, CRBA leadership finally convinced him
to be Commodore in 2013. David was a familiar face around the marina and great campaigner for CRBA. He contributed
so much to our success and for many of those in the club became a friend. We will miss him.
Commodore Patrick Blanchard highlighted the evening with a special presentation of the first ever CRBA Honorary
Lifetime Membership Award to our first and founding Commodore Dick Hoffman. Dick Hoffman was a longtime resident
of Cape Royale who had the foresight 20 years ago to initiate the formation of a boating association for Cape Royale.
CRBA continued existence today is a testament to his well thought out planning and guidance through the years. Dick’s
contributions have been immeasurable. Well done Commodore!
Left Photo: 2015 Commodore Patrick Blanchard presents founding Commodore Dick Hoffman with the Lifetime CRBA
Honorary Membership Award. Right Photo: Two generations of Commodores, son Paul Hoffman and father Dick.
Page 16 of 21
The Communicape
The evening continued on with highly anticipated “Sailor of the Year “award. This award goes to the sailing race
team with the highest total point scores for the combined Spring and Fall racing season. This year’s award went
to team “Raven”, skippers Lou VonWoglom and Howard Lincoln were at the helm. Congratulations on being
the sailboat to beat out there!
The final presentation of the night was the annual formal
installation of new CRBA officers for 2015.
This year’s board is:
Commodore: Patrick Blanchard
Vice Commodore: Jim Brown
Rear Commodore - Sailing: Dave Nielsen
Rear Commodore - Power: Kiran Chaudri
Secretary: Val and Curt Hensen
Treasurer: Jackie Brown
Immediate Past Commodore: Paul Hoffman
Governor: Sue Howard
Governor: Lee Hay
Governor: Fred Davidson
Following the awards and officer installations, the music continued and people danced and talked until it was
time to shut down. This is always a fun event and is a good way to meet some of the newcomers you may not
see at every event during the year. CBRA has something for everyone. You do not have to own a boat to join.
We have, picnics, boat raft ups, sailing activities, outings to restaurants on the lake. If you want to learn to sail
it’s a great place to meet someone with a boat that would love to have you crew with them. The best place to
see what is scheduled for 2015 is the calendar on our website – www.crba-livingston.com
Come join these smiling faces!
Page 17 of 21
The Communicape
Page 18 of 21
The Communicape
Cape Royale Civic Association
CAN YOU SAY GUMBO?!?!?!
Yep, it’s time for the Annual Gumbo Cook Off….woo woo
This year’s Gumbo Cook Off is being sponsored by Don & Jackie Powell and Leon &
Sharon Hirsch. A big thank you to both couples for all you’re doing to keep the Cook
Off going. THANK YOU!!!!!
Okay, let’s get to the facts:
When: Saturday, February 21st at 6:00 pm – contestants must have their gumbo at the
clubhouse by 5:30 pm in a crock pot.
Where: Cape Royale’s Clubhouse
How Much?: Attendees are $10.00 per person, contestants are free. Registration
forms for either (contestants or attendees) are attached. Please print, complete and
enclose the form with your payment made payable to CRCA. You can either mail it
to CRCA, #1 Sales Drive, Coldspring, TX 77331 or drop it off at the sales office.
BYOB?: YES, YES, YES, YES, YES, ….did I say YES?
YES!!!!
Contestants: We can manage a maximum of 12 contestants,. Therefore, the first 12
people to contact Jackie Powell, 281-384-7226 will be in the Cook Off. I have already
registered myself so there are 11 spots left, hee hee!!
Contestants’ Guidelines: 1. Gumbo must be in a crock pot, 2. Gumbo must be at the
Clubhouse by 5:30 pm, 3. Gumbo must have a name, and 4. Contestants must state
if they will be cooking with shelled seafood for allergy purposes.
Attendees’ Guidelines: Come HUNGRY and have FUN
That should do it, so the Gumbo Cook Off has officially begun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yvette Drummond
[email protected]
713-447-6691
The Communicape
Page 19 of 21
2015
Annual Gumbo
Cook Off
Sponsored By
Don & Jackie Powell and
Leon & Sharon Hirsch
DOOR PRIZES
TASTE ALL THE
CONTESTANTS
GUMBO
BYOB – DON’T
FORGET
MAXIMUM
CONTESTANTS 12
FEBRUARY 21ST @ 6:00 PM
JOIN US AT THE CLUBHOUSE
Attendee or Contestant Registration
Please Print and Fill Out. Checks made payable to CRCA
______ Attendee - $10.00 per person
______ Contestant – No Charge
Name(s): 1. _____________________________
2. _____________________________
3. _____________________________
4. _____________________________
WHO WILL BE THIS
YEAR’S
WINNER?!?!?
crca
Please drop your payment at
the Sales Office
Questions?!?
Contact Jackie Powell
281-384-7226
Registration Deadline is Wednesday, February 18th
Page 20 of 21
The Communicape
Cape Kitty Rescue
Caterwauling
Are you sometimes awakened from your sleep by a sound somewhere between a fire engine trying to start and
someone being murdered? Are you being “serenaded” at night? Are you seeing cats in your yard or your neighbor’s yard that
you haven’t seen before? Those are signs that cat breeding season is upon us. Cape Kitty Rescue would like to stop these
disturbances to your sleep. We want to trap these breeding toms and females BEFORE they produce kittens, but we need
your help to find them. If you observe cat breeding behavior or know where unaltered cats are, call Cape Kitty Rescue @713818-1645. If you wonder about your neighbor’s cats (or cats that hang out at their house), ask if they are spayed or neutered.
If you don’t want to ask, call us and we will ask.
A tom wants to fight to show how macho he is, and if no other tom is around, he would just as soon fight your neutered pet. He
may inflict painful wounds that can get infected leading to vet bills, and even death for your pet. He will spray his musk on your
doors, tires, and wherever else he wants to mark his territory. This smells just a little better than “skunk juice”. He may also
choose to serenade outside your window, if he has any reason to think there is a fertile female nearby. Once neutered, this
behavior stops, and he becomes a “good citizen”, still willing and able to help rid the neighborhood of mice, rats, and snakes.
A female cat may breed several times a year, but most all will breed between February and May. They may breed as early as
4 months and have as many as 5 kittens, possibly by 5 different males. A female cat in heat will cry like she’s in pain and will
continue to come into heat until she breeds or is spayed. She can even breed again while nursing kittens. In 2013 a cat in
Imperial Point had produced 9 kittens before she was finally captured.
Several people in the Cape feed and care for small colonies of feral cats that have been spayed or neutered. These are not
pets, but live free. Most of these, like the cats at the Village, have the tip of one ear trimmed. This says “Someone cared
enough about me to have me spayed or neutered.” These cats are useful in keeping down rats, mice and snakes around the
yard. Some people feed cats that have not been altered – these are the ones we want to target, but we need your help to
identify them.
KITTENS: Last year, in addition to the feral kittens we found, we picked up at least 9 kittens, ranging in age from
approximately 5 weeks to approximately 5 months who had obviously been raised by people, then apparently abandoned to
take care of themselves. Two of the older ones were so scared they climbed a tree and cried until some caring Cape residents
happened to walk by. These people spent an hour sitting by the tree, calling them down, then carried them home and called
Cape Kitty. One baby we found too late, she didn’t make it, but in her last hours at least she knew warmth and caring.
If you find a kitten and want to give it a “forever”, home, then by all means do; however, if you think you are doing it a favor by
keeping it “until it can look out for itself” then releasing it, you are mistaken. It will have no survival skills. If you know you’re
not going to want a “forever cat”, then call us and we’ll either take it or help you foster it until it’s ready for adoption. One of our
strategies for managing and reducing the free-roaming cat population in the Cape is to get kittens into forever homes, usually
outside the Cape. If you find kittens, call Cape Kitty Rescue @713-818-1645.
FIRST TNR OF THE SEASON: Thanks to the help of a Cape resident we made our first Trap/Neuter/Return of the year
EXCEPT this guy didn’t return. A family member of one of the vet techs at the clinic saw him and adopted him right on the
spot. Lucky cat to find a home of his own. Spayed or neutered cats are an asset, especially if you live in the woods. They
help keep rats, mice and snakes away.
Once again, thank all of you for the help and support you give us. We are a 501©3 so donations are tax deductible. When you
shop on Amazon, log in to www.Smile.Amazon.com . It is the exact same prices and same site as regular Amazon. Look for
the area where you choose a charity, and type in "Cape Kitty Rescue" Coldspring Texas. Cape Kitty Rescue will receive a
percentage of your order and benefit from the shopping you are already doing!
Cape Kitty Rescue is a non-profit, registered with the State. Our mission is to help control the free-roaming cat
population of Cape Royale through the humane methods of Trap/Neuter/Return for adults and Rescue and Remove to
homes the kittens of these cats. Contact us at [email protected] or call us at 713-818-1645 (Linda). Send
donations to 971 Kings Way. Visit our Facebook page Cape Kitty Rescue. Visit our website www.capekittyrescue.org
Community Links
Page 21 of 21
The Communicape
Cape Royale Property Owners Association – www.caperoyale.org
Cape Royale Boating Association – www.crba-livingston.com
Cape Area Volunteer Fire Department –
http://www.firedepartment.net/directory/texas/san-jacintocounty/coldspring/cape-area-volunteer-fire-department
Cape Royale Golf – www.crgolf.net
Cape Kitty Rescue – www.capekittyrescue.org
San Jacinto Chamber of Commerce – www.coldspringtexas.org
Nextdoor Neighbor Cape Royale – Currently there are 67 Cape
Royale members and 137 nearby members – please contact
Spencer Howard – [email protected] for additional information.
Do you have Community Links for Cape Royale? Please email
your links to [email protected].
Charlene Sawyer - Communicape Chair
951 S. Cape Royale Drive
[email protected]