Community Newsletter

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Willowlake

Community Newsletter www.willowlake.siteblast.com

September 2009

Volume 5, Issue 9

The Official Publication of the Willowlake Homeowners Association

Letter from the President I overheard a mom at the pool the other day admonishing her child for walking right by some of their belongings that needed to be picked up. When the child stated that she wasn’t told to pick up anything she responded by saying, “Can’t you just see that it needs to be done, and do it without being asked?” Hmmm, what a good thought. We have been trying to teach our kids to take initiative as well. We even went as far as defining it for them: seeing something that needs to be done, and doing it. I think this is a character quality. Most often, values are caught, not taught. They will learn by watching us more often than by listening to what is being preached to them. Do your kids see you picking up trash in the street or park that was left by someone else or fell off of the garbage truck? Do they see you bringing the trash bins in at the pool because you know the trash has come already and you are on your way to the pool anyway, or do they watch you walk right by it? Thankfully, we do have some neighbors that pick up newspapers when it is obvious someone is out of town, shut off a sprinkler that has been forgotten, or reprimand someone else’s child when they see them destroying property that belongs to all of us. Thank you to the residents that found a horrible mess left at the pool and cleaned it up instead of leaving it for others. Thank you to the residents who on several occasions have taken the initiative to repair some of our signs at the gazebo park and return them anonymously. It is neighbors like these that make our community a great place to live. Thank you to the following individuals who worked on staining and cleaning our dock: Monica Ward, Jonathan Ward, Thomas Ward, Dreux Bon, Trevor Bon, Patrick Sheahan, Diego Lamacchia, Randy Thigpen, John Booker, Dione Booker, Kelly Ledet, William Bass and Christy Bass. Might I encourage your family to find ways to do something nice for someone in Willowlake without being asked? Who knows, it could catch on! One of our residents recently took the time to attend a security meeting hosted by some of our neighboring communities (Thank you, Carrie). She then made a point of sharing what she learned at our board meeting. Because of this action, we are now looking into ways to better share security information with our residents in Willowlake as well as the surrounding subdivisions. We have set up a group account on Facebook for you to join. With Facebook, you will be able to receive timely information without waiting for the newsletter. We will use it to communicate immediate concerns of security, general administration issues and announcements of events. Please log onto your Facebook site, search for Willowlake H.O.A. and click to join the group. Please remember to slow down. The legal speed limit in our subdivision is 30 mph, and even that is too fast when children are present. School is back in session and we all need to remember to drive slower and watch out for kids running out behind cars and getting off the bus. Our constables will be making a point to monitor cars stopping for the buses. Till next time, Debi Bon Copyright © 2009 Peel, Inc.

Willowlake Communication To Do List:  SIGN UP FOR A FACEBOOK ACCOUNT (FREE)  SEARCH FOR WILLOWLAKE H.O.A.  JOIN THE WILLOWLAKE H.O.A. GROUP  RECEIVE IMPORTANT N OT I F I C AT I O N S VIA EMAIL!

Willowlake 2009 Annual Meeting The Willowlake 2009 Annual Meeting is tentatively scheduled for October 29, 2009 at 7PM. Two Board positions will be up for election. The location of the meeting is the Houston First Church of the Nazarene at 10001 W. Sam Houston Parkway across from John Moore. Watch your mail for the official notice and proxy! (Continued on Page 3)

Willowlake Community Newsletter - September 2009 

Willowlake important numbers

board of directors

All Emergencies................................................................911 Bratton Pools................................................... 281-988-7700 Cypress-Fairbanks Hospital............................. 281-897-3300 Harris County Sheriff...................................... 713-221-6000 Department of Public Safety........................... 281-890-5440 Fire Department (non-emergency).................. 713-466-6161 Center Point Energy - Power Outages Only.... 713-207-2222 Center Point Energy - Gas............................... 713-659-2111 Harris County Animal Control....................... 281-999-3191 Memorial City Hospital.................................. 713-932-3000 MUD #11....................................................... 281-807-9500 Poison Control Center.................................... 800-222-1222 Post Office Central.......................................... 800-275-8777 Harris County Road & Bridge........................ 281-353-8424

President Debi [email protected] Vice President Paul Ford.................................................paulford@fan.net Treasurer John Booker................................... [email protected] Secretary Annette Rathgeber....................... [email protected] Director Monica Ward........................... [email protected]

management info

Newsletter Publisher Peel, Inc.......................................................... 888-687-6444 Sales [email protected], 888-687-6444

Your SCS Management Team.......................... 281-463-1777 Association Manager Terrie [email protected], ext. 7121 Service Manager Alicia Newby..................... [email protected], ext. 7134 Deed Restriction Coordinator Ian Blackburn................ [email protected],ext. 7114 Accounting Representative Mayra [email protected], ext. 7130 For information on your homeowner’s assessments, deed restriction violations or questions in general please contact: SCS Management Services 7170 Cherry Park Drive ; Houston, Texas 77095 281-463-1777 • www.scsmgmt.com

2009 committees Architectural Control Committee Mark Lackey................................................ 281-970-4671 Social Events...............................................................OPEN Newsletter Linda O'[email protected] Yard of the Month Annette & John Rathgeber.......... [email protected] Security Chairman Mark [email protected] Block Captains Phyllis [email protected], 281-469-6131 Gazebo Rental - SCS SCS Management........................................ 281-463-1777 Pool Chairman Lynn Podraza................................ [email protected] Park Chairman Diego [email protected]  Willowlake Community Newsletter - September 2009

newsletter info

For streetlight outage: http:\\www.centerpointenergy.com/outage Newsletter Articles

If you have ideas for articles or are interested in writing articles for the newsletter please email your articles to Linda O'Pry at [email protected] by the 5th of each month.

Advertising Information Please support the businesses that advertise in the Willowlake Community Newsletter. Their advertising dollars make it possible for all Willowlake residents to receive the monthly newsletter at no charge. No homeowners association funds are used to produce or mail the newsletters. If you would like to support the Willowlake Community Newsletter by advertising, please contact our Sales Office at 888-687-6444 or advertising@PEELinc. com. The advertising deadline is the 10th of each month for the following month's newsletter.

Don’t Forget! If you are planning any home improvements, addition or exterior change, please contact SCS for an Architectural Review application. Upon receipt of your form, the association will respond as quickly as possible. Compliance with our community guidelines is greatly appreciated. To obtain an application: call 281-463-1777 or log on to the SCS website at scsmgmt.com Copyright © 2009 Peel, Inc.

Willowlake Willowlake 2009 Annual Meeting- (Continued from Cover Page)

Where does my annual assessment go? All funds go for the maintenance and upkeep of the community such as the entrances, all common areas, street lights, electricity, lake maintenance, community insurance, fence maintenance and much more!

Mark Your Calendar! August 31 - West Rd. Security Group Mtg.Willowbridge Club House 7pm September 7 - Labor Day September 10 - Board Meeting - 7pm September 13 - Grandparent’s Day

august 'YARD OF THE MONTH' Congratulations to 9506 Hanging Moss Trail!

What an impressive yard! In a time of unpredictable weather, you’ve maintained a perfectly manicured yard. The grass is green, the flowerbeds are vibrant, and the bushes are well trimmed. Keep up the good work! Annette & John Rathgeber, Yard of the Month Committee

September 22 - First Day Autumn September 30 - Last Day Pool Open October 6 - National Night-Out, 6pm (Start Planning) October 29 - Willowlake Annual Meeting - 7pm

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September 12 is Chocolate Milkshake Day! Stop by our Northwest Branch, pick up a gift card and celebrate on us!

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Willowlake Community Newsletter - September 2009 

Willowlake Newsletter Reporter By Linda O’Pry, Newsletter Editor

Hello residents! I hope all of you enjoyed the August newsletter. We have had good feedback, and that’s a good indication that we are moving in the right direction. September’s edition has a variety of interesting articles, like the return of our Block Captain Committee; while October’s issue, along with other topics like the Annual Meeting, will bring ghoulish jokes and a spooky story for the kids; plus, a few surprises too, so look for them! Then, in November’s newsletter we will honor Veterans in Willowlake, who are currently serving in the military (watch for article in October issue.) Now, on another note: I want to point out some recent changes to the newsletter that you might have overlooked: • (Under Important Numbers): Bratton Pools and Harris County Road and Bridge were added • (Department of Public Safety): phone number was changed • (Center Point Energy-Power Outages Only): phone number was changed • (Under Committees): Newsletter Editor and Block Captain Chairperson added • (Security Chairman changed): email Mark at mhubenak001@ comcast.net for crime alerts, etc. • (Under : For streetlight outage): web site changed to http:// www.centerpointenergy.com/outage • (Birthday and Baby Announcements) section added • (Lost and found for animals) section added Good news: All our committees, except for the Social Events and Mom’s Group, have been filled. Thank you to all my fellow volunteers. You are doing a great job! The bad news is that without a Social Events Committee there can be no community Halloween party for the kids; so won’t you please consider chairing this committee, perhaps for one or more events? One more thing: every month in the newsletter there will be new things to report, so don’t miss out on something that could affect your life in good ways. Please contact me if you have suggestions to make our newsletter better. Stay connected to our community by reading the newsletter!

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 Willowlake Community Newsletter - September 2009

Pool Committee Update By Lynn Podraza, Pool Chairperson

Hi neighbors! My name is Lynn Podraza and I have lived in Willowlake for over 10 years, since February 1998. When Willowlake’s pool went to “no lifeguards”, the Pool Chairperson position also needed to be filled, so I volunteered. Last year was a rough start with pool maintenance issues, but with the change to Bratton Pools as our maintenance company, we have all been able to enjoy longer hours at the pool; and enjoying these hours later into the season than most of our neighboring subdivisions. The last day of pool season remains the same, September 30. This year, we extended our pool hours from 6am to 9pm; thus, allowing many adults to enjoy swimming laps in the early morning. For the most part, this year has been successful with the exception of a few isolated incidents of disrespect and vandalism. Keeping our pool area safe and clean is everyone’s responsibility; and I greatly appreciate how many residents have helped to keep the pool area nice, kept a look-out, and called me whenever issues came up. Our family couldn’t ask for a better place to live, in my opinion. My son, who I home-school, tells me often what a great place he has to grow up in:) Our neighborhood is a great mix of people, and everyone I’ve met in our community has always been friendly and helpful. I also volunteer as the Committee Chair for Cub Scout Pack 381 chartered through Wilbern Elementary. My husband, Tracy, also volunteers in scouting as the Webelos Den Leader. Cub Scouting is an awesome experience for all boys, and starts in 1st grade as a Tiger Cub and runs through 5th grade, where the boys finish Cub Scouts as Webelos. Then, they move on to joining a Boy Scout Troop. Your son doesn’t have to attend Wilbern to join the Wilbern Pack either. Whether public, private, or home-school, almost every elementary school in the area has a Cub Scout Pack to help your boys begin their journey to becoming creative, thoughtful, kind and responsible young men. Please email me if you’re interested in scouting. We have several families in Willowlake in every rank of Cub Scouts. Rally Night to join Cub Scouts this fall is Tuesday, September 15th at Wilbern Elementary from 7-8pm. One more thing! I volunteer for several positions every season with Fun-Fair-Positive-Soccer (FFPS). My son played 7 seasons and watching the kids have a great time with no pressure and only positive encouragement keeps me volunteering, even after he’s moved on to other hobbies. Please visit www.ffps.org if you’re interested about this too. The fall season begins in October with one practice per week and one game on Saturday. Eight games make up the season and every child gets a trophy. I enjoy helping out in the neighborhood and appreciate how involved our Board is when it comes to improving and maintaining our community. Please feel free to contact me anytime with your pool questions or comments, and I will see you at the pool! Copyright © 2009 Peel, Inc.

Willowlake

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Willowlake Community Newsletter - September 2009 

Willowlake

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 Willowlake Community Newsletter - September 2009

Our physicians at 1960 Family Practice are using the latest and most advanced technology to diagnose and treat your medical conditions. We perform routine physicals, well woman exams including pap, pilot/flight physicals and well child exams. Our doctors are board certified in Family Practice, Internal Medicine and Pediatrics. We have experience of 20+ years in the medical field. We look forward to providing our patients with excellent services at our new location as well as maintaining our current care in the 1960 area. For those patients living in the 290 area, we encourage you to schedule appointments at our second location. Because sickness doesn’t revolve around a Monday-Friday 8-5 schedule, we offer Urgent Care for your convenience. Our 1960 location has extended hours with evenings and weekends available. The 290 location offers Saturday hours from 9am-12pm. Call today to schedule your appointment. 281-586-3888

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Willowlake Community Newsletter - September 2009 

Willowlake Block Captain Committee-Back Again!

By Phyllis Howard, Block Captain Chairperson Hello friends and neighbors! My name is Phyllis Howard and in full swing. As you probably know, several years ago there existed I have volunteered to be the Chairperson for the Block Captain a Willowlake Block Captain Committee who fought and won with Committee. To give you a brief description of myself, I will start by picket signs and perseverance (wow), against a Wal-Mart being built saying: I am a wife of 32 years to Ray Howard Sr., mother to LaRita, right next to our community that many did not want. Back then, we Ray Jr. (Marissa), and Shannon and a very proud grandmother to proved ourselves to be strong, organized, and determined. Sometime Alexa Rae Howard. I will be retiring from my job after 30 years later, however, interest in the committee seemed to wane and the at Texas Southern University on August 31, 2009. We are active committee, later without a chairperson, was doomed to fail. My members of Mt. Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church and my husband hope is to ‘bring that passion back’, because we never know when is an Associate Minister. Upon retiring, I will have more time to an event or crisis of any kind might occur, and ‘the time is right to devote to our community and other interests. I have long thought prepare now’! I like to think that we are a close community with that this committee is important in many ways and I’m so glad to caring people, and with this committee we can help each other by be a part of it. Being the Chairperson of this committee will be a educating ourselves with the latest facts. big job, and I can’t do it alone. That’s why I ask you to join with After updating the previous Block Captain list, I have found that me in getting the word out to all residents through the newsletter, only 8 out of 22 streets are represented by a Block Captain. The by emailing, flyers, word of mouth, and also monthly meetings, other 14 streets do not have a Block Captain or Co-Captains. As messages like National Night-Out, Willowlake Annual Meeting, you can see, we have a lot of work to do, so let’s get started! Below crime alerts from our area and also surrounding areas, neighborhood is a list of our streets and where they now stand: projects, and community parties. Because of the time nature, the Streets that have Block Captains but need more Co-Captains: Block Captain Committee can get information out quicker than even Summer Run Dr., Bending Willow Ln., Winter Run Dr., the newsletter. All of the possible job descriptions for this committee Goldenglade Dr., Willow Crossing Dr. (has 2 Co-Captains), Big are not yet well defined; but in the near future, and with the help of Branch Ct., Green Valley Ln., and Autumnway Ct. factSheet_ad_half.pdf 6/25/2009 2:24:33 PM the Board and suggestions from other volunteers, we should soon be (Continued on Page 9)

For more information, check out our website at

www.colinshope.org Increasing water safety awareness and standards

DROWNING CAN STILL OCCUR EVEN IF YOU KNOW HOW TO SWIM

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DROWNING WILL AFFECT YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW

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NO ONE is “drown proof” – no matter their level of swimming ability.

Falls, entrapments, and injuries lead to drowning regardless of swimming level.

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Drowning is the 2nd leading cause of unintentional injury-related death ages 1-14.

A majority of people overestimate their own and their child’s ability to swim, especially in a panic event.

DROWNING IS QUICK AND SILENT 2min

Drowning occurs in as little as 2 minutes.

4min

Irreversible brain damage occurs in as little as 4 minutes.

5min

Most children are out of sight or missing for less than 5 minutes and usually in the presence of 1 or both parents.

6min

Most children die who are submerged for as little as 6-10 minutes.

Children who drown do not scream, splash, or struggle. They silently slip beneath the water, even with adults & lifeguards present.  Willowlake Community Newsletter - September 2009

Copyright © 2009 Peel, Inc.

Willowlake Block Captain Committee - (Continued from page 8) Streets that don’t have Block Captains or Co-Captains: Shadowglade Ct., Echoglade Ct., Autumnway Dr., Big Willow Ln., Hanging Moss Tr., Willow Trace Ct., Willowlake Park Dr., Trailing Moss Ct., Trailing Moss Dr., Hanging Moss Tr., Mossy Tree Ln., Leaning Tree Ln., Goldenglade Cir., and Willow Lodge Ct. Look for more articles in upcoming newsletters, where I will continue to expand the list with more volunteers and offer more information about the committee in general. Please contact me at [email protected] or at 281-469-6131 for suggestions or if you would like to volunteer as a Block Captain or Co-Captain of your street. Together we can really make a difference!

Kids’ Corner When a dog loses his tail, where does he go to get another one? To a retail store! Why did the Big Bad Wolf get caught? One of the pigs squealed on him! What are prehistoric monsters called when they sleep? A dinosnore!

DISCLAIMER: Articles and ads in this newsletter express the opinions of their authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Peel, Inc. or its employees. Peel, Inc. is not responsible for the accuracy of any facts stated in articles submitted by others. The publisher also assumes no responsibility for the advertising content with this publication. All warranties and representations made in the advertising content are solely that of the advertiser and any such claims regarding its content should be taken up with the advertiser. * The publisher assumes no liability with regard to its advertisers for misprints or failure to place advertising in this publication except for the actual cost of such advertising. * Although every effort is taken to avoid mistakes and/or misprints, the publisher assumes no responsibility for any errors of information or typographical mistakes, except as limited to the cost of advertising as stated above or in the case of misinformation, a printed retraction/correction. * Under no circumstances shall the publisher be held liable for incidental or consequential damages, inconvenience, loss of business or services, or any other liabilities from failure to publish, or from failure to publish in a timely manner, except as limited to liabilities stated above. At no time will any source be allowed to use the Willowlake contents, or loan said contents, to others in anyway, shape or form, nor in any media, website, print, film, e-mail, electrostatic copy, fax, or etc. for the purpose of solicitation, commercial use, or any use for profit, political campaigns, or other self amplification, under penalty of law without written or expressed permission from the Willowlake Homeowners Association and Peel, Inc. The information in the Willowlake Community Newsletter is exclusively for the private use of Willowlake residents only.

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Willowlake Community Newsletter - September 2009 

Willowlake All of Your Dental Needs Under One Roof Burglary Prevention Burglary is a crime of opportunity. Make the burglar’s work risky and difficult, and you stand a good chance of stopping them before they get in. By following these simple steps below, you can reduce the possibility that your home will be targeted. Note: if you would like to receive community updates via email; such as crime alerts, please contact Willowlake’s Security Coordinator, Mark Hubenak at [email protected]. Dean Lankford, DMD

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Doors and Windows • Always lock your doors and windows even when leaving for "just a minute." • All exterior doors should be solid core or of metal construction. • All entry doors should be equipped with a good quality deadbolt lock, having a minimum of a one inch throw. • A good quality double cylinder deadbolt lock should be used if there is glass within 40 inches of the lock. • If using a double cylinder deadbolt lock, have a key readily accessible in case of an emergency. • Use a heavy duty strike plate secured with number 12 gauge threeinch wood screws. • Install a peephole with at least a 180-degree viewing area. Never open the door without knowing who is there. • Secure any sliding glass doors with an anti-lifting device and a secondary locking device. • Windows have latches and not locks, therefore, install secondary locking devices on all windows. Exterior and Landscape • Install lights in areas around doors, walkways, and driveways. • Locate outside lights high and out of reach. • Use inexpensive timers or photo electric cells to automatically turn the lights on and off at dusk and dawn. • Trim shrubbery and trees so doors and windows are visible from the street. • If there is a second floor, prune the trees so that a thief cannot use them to reach a second floor window. • To discourage an intruder, plant thorny plants along fences and near windows. • Do not leave ladders or tools outside, as they can assist a person in gaining entry. • Gates on fenced yards should be locked with good quality padlocks. • Install large reflective numbers (minimum 3 inches) on your house so police and other emergency personnel can find your home quickly. • Report street light outages ASAP. (www.centerpointenergy.com/ outage) Alarm Systems • Choose a reputable, well established company. • Learn how to use your alarm system properly to reduce false alarms. (Continued on Page 11) Copyright © 2009 Peel, Inc.

Willowlake Burglary Prevention - (Continued from page 10) • Do not write your alarm code/password on or near the alarm keypad. • Put a warning sign on windows and entrances. • Make sure your alarm call back list is always up to date. Additional Information • Acknowledge all callers through locked doors. • Keep doors, windows and garage doors closed and locked even when at home. • Before moving into a new house, re-key or change the locks on all exterior doors, also change the code to your garage door opener. • Draw all curtains or shades at night to prevent viewing from the street. • Never leave a house key in an obvious place such as under plants or a doormat. (These are the first places a burglar will look). • Keep a current inventory of all your valuables. Include photos or video, descriptions, and serial numbers of all electronic equipment. • Engrave valuables with your Texas driver’s license number (preceded by the letters “TX”). In the event your home is burglarized, this will help police identify the property if it is recovered. • Secure cash and jewelry in bonded storage.

• If you come home and see a broken window or door that’s been left open, don’t go in. Confronting a burglar can be dangerous. Phone the Sheriff ’s Department immediately from a neighbor’s house or another location. • When traveling, give your home a lived-in look by having grass cut, mail and newspapers picked up, and lights turned on and off. • Also when traveling, mail or fax a Vacation Watch form to the Harris County Sheriff ’s Department. (Download a copy from the Willowlake Web-site.) Getting Involved • Know who belongs in your neighborhood. Report suspicious persons, vehicles or activity to the Sheriff ’s Department immediately (713)221-6000. Be alert in protecting not only your home but your neighbor's home as well. • Don’t tell a stranger that your neighbor is not at home or volunteer any personal information about your neighbor. • Never leave notes on your door that reveal your home is not occupied.

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Willowlake Community Newsletter - September 2009 11

Peel, Inc. Willowlake 311 Ranch Road 620 S. Ste 200 Lakeway, TX 78734-4775 www.PEELinc.com

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12 Willowlake Community Newsletter - September 2009

Copyright © 2009 Peel, Inc.