Willowlake - September 2011 by Peel, Inc.

Willowlake

www.willowlake.siteblast.com

September 2011

Volume 8, Issue 8

The Official Publication of the Willowlake Homeowners Association

TEXAS NATIONAL NIGHT OUT OCTOBER 4TH

It’s time again to gather your neighbors and team up with your Law Enforcement Agency to give crime a going-away party. The 28th Annual National Night Out held on Tuesday, October 4, 2011 from 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm, is held on the first Tuesday of October in Texas. National Night Out is sponsored by the National Night Out Association of Town Watch. This past year’s National Night Out campaigns involved citizens, law enforcement agencies, civic groups, business, neighborhood organizations and local public officials from more than 9,000 communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities and military bases worldwide. On this night, residents in neighborhoods throughout Houston are asked to turn on their lights, lock their doors and spend the evening outside with your neighbors, police officers, firefighters and EMS paramedics. National Night Out is designed to: • Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness • Generate support for and participation in local anti-crime efforts • Strengthen neighborhood spirit and law enforcement – community partnership • S end a strong message to criminals to let them know neighborhoods are organized and fighting back. National Night Out is a great way to get together with your neighbors, find out what’s going on in your community and visit with local law enforcement officers about what you can do to help reduce the opportunities for crimes to occur. Participation can be as simple as a small block party, or as big as a parade or carnival. If your street doesn't have a block captain, organize your own block party. To get involved, or to find out how to register your event for National Night Out, call the Harris County Sheriff’s Office at 713-221-6000. The continued safety of our families is our number one concern; we all want to live in a crime free community. Please support this important event! Copyright © 2011 Peel, Inc.

Willowlake Annual HOA Meeting Coming In October The Willowlake Annual HOA Meeting is coming in October. Watch for more details in the mail.

TRASH SURVEY RESULTS In response to homeowner feedback, the Willowlake Board of Directors mailed out a Trash Survey to all homeowners in June. The survey detailed the Board of Directors’ decision process in making the change from twice a week to once a week trash collection. The two biggest factors were cost and increased recycling services. The total yearly savings amounted to $13,563.00. A total of 29% of homeowners participated in the survey. Only homeowners with HOA accounts in good standing were counted toward the final results. Of the 29% who participated 21% of homeowners stated they would like to remain with once a week trash collection and 8% stated they would like to move back to twice a week. Considering the yearly savings and results of the survey the Willowlake Board of Directors has decided to remain with the once a week trash collection. I would like to thank all those who took the time to let us know your opinion on the subject. Your feedback is greatly appreciated. Sincerely, Annette Rathgeber Willowlake HOA President

Labor Day / September 5th

Labor Day, Monday, September 5, 2011, celebrates the achievements of workers and the labor movement. It also marks the unofficial end of the summer season. Willowlake Watch - September 2011

Willowlake IMPORTANT NUMBERS 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 Willowplace Post Office................................. 281-890-2392 Harris County Road & Bridge........................ 281-353-8424 VF Waste Services, Inc.................................... 713-787-9790 Harris Co. Public Health & Environ. Svcs...... 713-920-2831

MANAGEMENT INFO Your Randall Management, Inc. Team............. 713-728-1126 Association Manager Jane Godwin....... jgodwin@randallmanagement.com, ext. 11 Assistant Manager Janet Bonura........jbonura@randallmanagement.com, ext. 17 Deed Restriction Coordinator Lucy Mora................deed@randallmanagement.com, ext. 18 Accounting Contacts Janeth Flores. collections2@randallmanagement.com, ext. 25 Lily Flores collections@randallmanagement.com, ext. 22 Answering Service: 713-850-4729 - After Business Hours (For Emergencies) For information on your homeowner’s assessments, deed restriction violations or questions in general please contact:Randall Management, Inc. 6200 Savoy, Suite 420, Houston, TX 77036 Phone: 713-728-1126 Fax: 713-728-5015 www.rqsmith@randallmanagement.com

BOARD OF DIRECTORS President - Annette Rathgeber...............annette_mg@yahoo.com V. President - Debi Bon........................... debibon@sbcglobal.net Treasurer - Stacey Ward............................w.stacey@sbcglobal.net Secretary - Daniel Flores........................dsflores10@sbcglobal.net Director - Nancy Kapell....................... .nancykapell@yahoo.com

NEWSLETTER INFO Newsletter Publisher Peel, Inc.......................................................... 888-687-6444 Sales Office........advertising@PEELinc.com, 888-687-6444 2

Willowlake Watch - September 2011

2011 COMMITTEES Architectural Control Committee Mark Lackey........................................ markl@comcast.net Social Events...............................................................OPEN Newsletter Linda O’Pry.......................mommyma1422@sbcglobal.net Yard of the Month Annette & John Rathgeber........... annette_mg@yahoo.com Security Chairman Mark Hubenak........................mhubenak001@comcast.net Block Captains James Deitiker...................................deitikerj@yahoo.com Gazebo Rental - Randall Management............ 713-728-1126 Pool Chairman Lynn Piwonski................................LMP4040@yahoo.com Park Chairman Diego Lamacchia.........................dlamacchia@hotmail.com

MARK YOUR CALENDER Sept. 5........................................Labor Day Sept. 7..................... Waste/Recycle Pickup Sept. 11.......................... Grandparent's Day Sept. 14................... Waste/Recycle Pickup Sept. 15...............................Board Meeting Sept. 21................... Waste/Recycle Pickup Sept. 28................... Waste/Recycle Pickup Oct. 4........................Texas Natl. Night Out Oct. 5...................................Columbus Day Oct. 10..................... Waste/Recycle Pickup Oct.................. Annual Mtg. (Details Soon)

KIDS’ CORNER My young grandson was visiting one day when he asked, “Grandma, do you know how you and God are alike?” I mentally polished my halo and I said, “No, how are we alike?” “You’re both old,” he replied.

Happy Grandparent’s Day, September 11th

Willowlake Rules! Rules! Rules! This year has been an interesting one as a member of the board. There have been a lot of challenges that have come about because of changes in management companies, trash service contracts, the condition of our economy and a seemingly widespread lack of concern for the preservation of our community’s assets. If you are wondering what your association dues pay for, please call Randall Management for a copy of the financial statements or better yet, attend the annual meeting in October. First, I would like to remind everyone that the board is made up of residents like you, who volunteer their time in order to keep our community running smoothly and looking nice while managing expenses at the same time. Not a single board member gets paid a dime for their efforts. We also have several residents who volunteer their time maintaining the newsletter, the pool, the park and as security coordinator working with the Constables and the Sheriff’s departments. Some of these positions require a significant amount of time on a monthly basis that for the most part goes unnoticed and unrecognized. Thank you to all who serve! Rules are in place in the form of deed restrictions and at the pool, the park and along our streets to enforce laws and to comply with

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insurance guidelines as well as to help preserve the value of our homes and community assets. When you move in you are given a set of these deed restrictions. When you renew your pool card each year, you agree to follow these pool rules or have your privileges suspended or worse depending on the violation. Please remember: *If you don’t pay your dues, you are not entitled to use the pool. Period. *The pool is for people, not pets. Your precious pet needs to stay at home and out of the pool area for many reasons, most of them health related. *Your child might look older than 12 or act older than 12, but if they are not 13 they should not be at the pool without an adult. *Drinking alcohol on any public property including the pool or either of the parks is against the law; even if you hide it in a plastic cup. *Smoking in the pool area is not allowed. *Pool parties are not allowed. *The pool closes at 9:00, please leave before then. We do know when you stay after hours and you could have your privileges suspended or revoked. (Continued on Page 4)

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Willowlake Rules! Rules! Rules! - (Continued from Page 4) *Do not access the pool without using your card. Also do not let anyone else into the pool area when you are exiting or entering with your card…more than likely they do not belong. Do not be offended if another resident or board member asks you to use your own card to get into the pool, everyone should be enforcing and protecting our property. Finally, if you see someone jumping the fence to gain access to the pool, or sneaking into the pool area with someone else who allows this to happen, pick up the phone at the pool and report the incident. This is trespassing and the Sheriff will send someone out to handle the situation. A Big Thank you!! to all of the responsible homeowners who notify the management company or a board member when something is wrong, who help keep our amenities clean and who help to enforce our rules and regulations!! Debi Bon, HOA Board Member 2006-present

TEENAGE JOB SEEKERS Because of renewed interest, we are once again bringing back the “Teenage Job Seekers” section of our Willowlake newsletter. Requirements are: • 18 years of age or younger • A resident of Willowlake • Reliable • Trustworthy • Prior experience a plus Teenagers interested in jobs such as house/pet sitting or babysitting, please email Linda at mommyma1422@sbcglobal. net with your first and/or last name, your age and/or an email address/phone number for contact information in the newsletter. Note: For safety purposes, any information received will be for the purpose of the Willowlake newsletter only, and this information will be omitted from view on the web site of Peel, Inc., our publisher. By Linda O’Pry, Newsletter Editor

REACHING YOUR NEIGHBORS • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Atascocita Blackhorse Ranch Bridgeland Chelsea Harbour Coles Crossing Copperfield Cypress Mill Cypress Point Eagle Springs Enchanted Valley Fairfield Fairwood Harvest Bend The Village Kleinwood Lakemont Lakes of Fairhaven Lakes of Rosehill Lakes of Savannah Lakes on Eldridge Lakes on Eldridge North Lakewood Grove

Willowlake Watch - September 2011

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

and many others...

Legends Ranch Longwood North Lake Forest Riata Ranch Riverpark on the Brazos Shadow Creek Ranch Silverlake Southgate Steeplechase Stone Forest Stone Gate Summerwood Village Creek Villages of NorthPointe Willowbridge Willowlake Willow Pointe Winchester Country Winchester Trails Windermere Lakes Wortham Villages

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Willowlake What Are Block Captains?

Block Captains are the backbone of a successful homeowners association (HOA). They act as the association’s liaison for their immediate neighbors. Responsibilities of a Block Captain: • Introduce yourself to the neighbors on your block • Gather information for the neighborhood directory, current names, addresses, phone numbers and email addresses • Attend HOA's annual meeting • Report to the HOA board of directors any block information needing attention by the association • Encourage social activities for your block by asking others to host a get-together • Hold periodic block captain meetings to discuss issues relating to your area of the neighborhood • Welcome new neighbors on your block and encourage them to participate in association events • Work with deed restriction enforcement by alerting HOA management company of potential violations • Make sure all neighbors receive important communications from HOA James Deitiker has agreed to be Block Captain Coordinator with the goals of rebuilding block captain network and renew community spirit in Willowlake subdivision. Please contact James at deitikerj@yahoo.com to volunteer to be a block captain for your block.

Church News

Mark your calendar for the annual Saint Maximilian Kolbe Fall Festival. Saturday, October 1, 2011, 10 AM - 8 PM The church located at 10135 West Road, Houston, TX 77064 Activities include: Petting zoo, camel rides, games, moonwalk, maze, giant slide, obstacle course, silent auction, white elephant, crafters, vendors with great fun, music and fellowship. For information, call Joy Onorato at 713-856-9609 - Visit church web site at www.stmaximilian.org By Lynn Harper

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 Watch is exclusively for the private use of Willowlake residents only. 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.

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Willowlake How to Spot Suspicious People in Your Neighborhood When it comes to keeping your home safe, how can you judge if those you see in the neighborhood are supposed to be there? Whether you have joined a Neighborhood Watch group and are tasked with keeping an eye on the community, or are just trying to watch out for the safety of your own home, it’s important to catch suspicious behaviors so that you can report them to the police. It’s not just someone spray painting graffiti on a fence or throwing a rock through a window that you have to worry about. Though you may think that you’d immediately be able to tell that something is wrong, this is not always the case. Here are a few ways to spot those who might be trying to blend in as they prepare to break in or commit a crime: Someone going house to house, ringing door-bells. While there are lots of legitimate reasons to go door to door, there are some burglars who dress up as solicitors or repairmen as a ruse so that they don’t look

Willowlake Watch - September 2011

out of place on the porch. If they knock and get no answer, they can assume that the home is unoccupied. If any of the people walking through the neighborhood go to a back or side yard after ringing the doorbell, this is particularly suspect.  Someone hanging around a home you know to be empty. Whether the owners are on vacation or have moved away, make a point to strike up a conversation with anyone who’s around the home. Even if they are simply taking care of the home while the owners are away, you should make an effort to notice them. People hanging around an empty house may be a sign of a burglary in progress. Anyone carrying anything large out of the home. Sure, it’s possible that someone has purchased that TV from your neighbor, or that your neighbor is moving. It’s also possible that they are stealing the TV. If you see anything valuable being carried away from a home, go see what’s going on. This is

especially true if it’s after dark, because there are fewer legitimate reasons for carrying large items out of the home. Look for people constantly coming or going from a particular house. Sure, they may just like to invite lots of friends over, but it may be the sign of a drug house or other vice activities. If you see someone who shows strange mental symptoms wandering around the neighborhood, they may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. In both situations, it’s best to call the police rather than approaching anyone yourself, as they may behave in unpredictable or irrational ways. With all of the above situations, move cautiously and with common sense. Don’t get in the middle of a violent confrontation or a burglary in progress – instead, call 911 and let the police deal with it or call our the Harris County Sheriff’s Department at 713221-6000. By Debi Bon - HOA Vice-President

Sudoku The goal is to fill in the grid so that every row, every column, and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 through 9. Each digit may appear only once in each row, each column, and each 3x3 box.

SUDOKU

Willowlake Harris County Sheriff ’s Office Crime Report

Sudoku

View answers online

View answers online at www.peelinc.com

Willowlake 7/1/2011 - 7/31/2011

© 2006. The goal is to fill in the grid so that every row,Feature everyExchange column, and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 through 9. Each digit may appear only once in each row, each column, and each 3x3 box.

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Pro-Active Calls Meet the Citizen - 1 Solicitors - 0 Suspicious Person - 5 Suspicious Vehicle - 4 Traffic Stop - 1 Traffic Initiative - 0 Welfare Check - 1 Vacation Watch - 6

Re-Active Calls Aggressive Animal - 0 Assault - 1 Burglary/Hab - 2 Burglary/Motveh - 0 Credit Card Abuse - 0 Crim. Mischief - 2 Disturbance/Juvenile - 0 Disturbance/Loud Noise - 3 Disturbance/Other - 0 Forgery - 0 Fraudulent Use ID - 0 In Progress - 0 Missing Person - 0 Open Door/Window - 0 Robbery/Agg - 0 Theft/Residence - 0 Vehicle Stolen - 0

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Willowlake Watch - September 2011

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Willowlake Watch - September 2011