Willowlake - June 2012 by Peel, Inc.

Willowlake

www.willowlake.siteblast.com

June 2012

Volume 9, Issue 6

The Official Publication of the Willowlake Homeowners Association

What's Happening in Willowlake? WEBSITE GETS NEEDED REVAMPING

Happy Father’s Day To All Willowlake Dads!

The Willowlake HOA Board is pleased to announce the recently revamped Willowlake website. It sure has been due for some updating and it’s finally completed. All kinds of important and useful information for Willowlake residents are available, and just a few clicks away. Forms, Legal Documents, Board Meeting Minutes, Contact Numbers, and much more can be accessed in the website, but you have to visit it to find out how resourceful it is. The website is located at www. willowlake.siteblast.com. As always, we value your feedback so feel free to contact me or any board member with your comments and suggestions. Thanks for your attentiveness, and happy surfing! By Nancy Kapell, HOA Vice President TEENAGERS ORGANIZE PARK CLEAN-UP Volunteers Needed! On Saturday, June 9th, 2012 at 9:00 a.m. there will be an organized clean-up of the Willowlake park. We’ll meet at the Gazebo. Teenagers who would like to participate in this event will be supplied with gloves and a trash bag to dispose of the garbage they collect. The park is littered with all sorts of trash, aluminum cans, plastic bottles, broken glass, etc. Although this event is coordinated by teenagers to show their civic spirit, grown-ups and others may join in as well. If you would like further information or would like to express your interest in volunteering, please contact 281-9556902.

WILLOWLAKE ICE CREAM SOCIAL Who: All residents of Willowlake subdivision are invited What: An opportunity to meet and talk to your neighbors while enjoying treats. Ice cream and typical toppings will be there for your enjoyment. Invitees are welcome to bring treats to share. When: Sunday, June 10th from 11:00am - 1:00pm Where: Willowlake Gazebo For more information, contact James Deitiker at 281-955-6902. FLAG DAY In the United States, “Flag Day” is always celebrated on June 14th. It commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States, which happened that day by resolution of the Second Continental Congress in 1777. In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation that officially established June 14th as Flag Day; in August 1949, National Flag Day was established by an act of Congress. FIREWORKS…DO’S AND DON’TS The Willowlake Board of Directors requests that this 4th of July, all residents execute caution regarding fireworks, and that they use fireworks responsibly and away from children. We ask that you stay out of busy streets and away from parked cars for the same reasons. Be sure to sweep up debris after setting off fireworks and dispose of it in the trash. Please do not dump debris and waste in the sewer or in our lake or wetlands area near the gazebo. NOTE: Please end the firework festivities by or before 1:00 a.m. in consideration of your neighbors. Also, watch for possible fireworks ban due to drought conditions. Willowlake Watch - June 2012

IMPORTANT NUMBERS Willowlake 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 District 5 Vacation Watch............................... 281-290-2100

2012 COMMITTEES Architectural Control Chairman Mark Lackey................................... melackey@comcast.net Social Events Chairman James Deitiker.................................deitiker@sbcglobal.net Newsletter Editor Linda O’Pry.............................mermaid400@sbcglobal.net Yard of the Month.......................................................OPEN Neighborhood Watch Chairman Dave Bannen........................................... dbannen@att.net Gazebo Rental Randall Management.713-728-1126 Pool Chairman Lynn Piwonski................................LMP4040@yahoo.com Park Chairman Diego Lamacchia........................dlamacchia@hotmail.com

MANAGEMENT INFO Randall Management, Inc. Team....................... 713-728-1126 Manager Jane Godwin..........jgodwin@randallmanagement.com, ext. 11 Asst. Manager Miguel Trevino..... mtrevino@randallmanagement.com, ext. 15 Deed Restrictions Lucy Sandoval.............deed@randallmanagement.com, ext. 18 Collections Jennifer Phillips.. collections@randallmanagement.com, ext. 22 Answering Service After business hours for common area emergencies............................... (713) 850-4729 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

NOT AVAILABLE ONLINE

BOARD OF DIRECTORS President - Debi Bon.............................. debibon@sbcglobal.net Vice President - Nancy Kapell.............. nancykapell@yahoo.com Treasurer - Stacey Ward...........................w.stacey@sbcglobal.net Secretary - Daniel Flores.......................dsflores10@sbcglobal.net Director - David Bannen..................................dbannen@att.net

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

Willowlake Watch - June 2012

Just a Few Reminders

1. The pool opened on May 1st and pool cards were activated on that day also. Keep them as they will be used again next year. ________________ 2. Please KEEP THE POOL GATE CLOSED (not propped open for anyone.) It isn’t fair to allow people who are not residents, those who don’t have a pool card or residents that are not in good standing to use our pool. If someone asks you to open the gate for them, tell them they will need to go home and get their own pool card and open it. ________________ 3. School let out on May 30 and that means more teenagers out possibly looking for trouble. It also means there will be more children playing in the streets, so please watch out for them. ________________ 4. Hurricane season began June 1st. It’s not too early to prepare.

DID YOU SAY

FREE?

YES! YOUR NEWSLETTER IS PROVIDED 100% FREE OF CHARGE TO YOUR HOA and is made possible by the advertisers within. Please frequent their businesses and let them know where you saw their advertisement. While there, be sure to say “Thanks!”

Willowlake

Kids’ Corner

Question: Does every living creature - including insects and tiny marine animals - have a brain? Answer: No, for example, a starfish is literally brainless. (It also has no blood. In fact, it’s not even a fish. For this reason, marine biologists call it a “sea star.”) Many other animals also have no brains, depending instead on a nervous system or at least sensory cells. Yet sponges, which are far from tiny, don’t have either of those. Jellyfish, by contrast, are bundles of nerves! (And no, they’re not fish, either.) There are brains, and there are brains. A grasshopper has one, but it can walk and jump without it. And a cockroach has a brain, but not like the kind you may have in mind. If you cut off its head, it will continue to learn; but not for long. By Marilyn vos Savant

Bashans Painting & Home Repair Commercial/Residential Free Estimates

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• Interior Carpentry

• Faux Painting

• Cabinet Painting

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• Wallpaper Removal and Texturizing

• Window Installation

• Pressure Washing

• Ceiling Fan/Light Fixtures

• Fence Repair/Replacement

• Trash Removal

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References Available • Fully Insured NO PAYMENT UNTIL COMPLETION bashanspainting@earthlink.net Willowlake Watch - June 2012

Willowlake

BRACING GARAGE DOORS FOR HURRICANE SEASON

Because of their size, garage doors are highly susceptible to wind damage, including buckling, twisting off the tracks and impact from debris. Because of their width, double-wide garage doors are more susceptible to wind damage than single doors. Unless you have a tested hurricane-resistant door, the wind may force it out of the roller track -- especially if the track is light weight or some of the anchor bolts are not in place. This occurs because the door deflects too much under excessive wind pressure and fails. Failure of the garage doors allows the full fury of the hurricane to act on interior walls, doors, ceiling or roof that form the barriers between the inside of the garage and the rest of the house. This frequently leads to failure of these surfaces and can lead to significant loss of the roof. One of the simplest solutions is to replace the garage door and its tracks with a door that is code approved for both wind pressure and impact protection. Another solution is to protect the garage door with a shutter or screen product that is rated for both wind pressure and debris impact. You can also check with your local building supplier or garage door retailer to see if a retrofit kit is available for your garage door; it is best if the supplier can do the installation. Note: Since

the springs on garage doors are dangerous, only a professional should adjust them. Vertical bracing systems can be effective for supporting the door against wind pressure loading. Permanently attaching wood members to the garage doors will change the balance of the door and can create dangerous situations that have to be addressed by a professional installer. Furthermore, bracing systems will not improve the resistance of the door to penetration from windborne debris. Backing your car against the door provides little additional bracing and just puts it closer to possible impacts. Besides bracing garage doors, five other Spots where some work can make a difference in how well your home survives a hurricane include: • Shutters • Shingles • Soffits • Seals • Surroundings The above information is taken from the Institute for Business & Home Safety. Learn more from “S Marks the Spot,” their instructive pamphlet on hurricane protection.

DID YOU KNOW?

CONSTANT VISUAL SUPERVISION

LEARN TO SWIM

WEAR LIFE JACKETS

MULTIPLE BARRIERS ON ALL POOLS & HOTTUBS

The MOST near-drowning and drowing incidents occur during June and July in Texas! Please take these simple steps to keep your family safe in and around the water and have the Best Summer Ever!

KEEP BACKYARDS & BATHROOMS SAFE

LEARN CPR

Willowlake Watch - June 2012

VISIT US CHECK POOLS/HOTTUBS 1ST FOR MISSING CHILDREN ONLINE

Willowlake Prepare and Protect for Hurricane Season June 1 - November 30

The destructive force of a hurricane should never be taken lightly. These powerful storms can unleash devastating winds, torrential rains, storm surges, and tornadoes, causing extensive damage. And while you can’t stop a hurricane from coming, you can strengthen your home against its brutal force. Here are some plans you can make and steps you can take to help protect your property, and even save your life. PREPARE Long before hurricane season (June 1 - November 30), make sure you take these precautions to help insure your family’s safety and minimize damage to your property: • Develop a family disaster plan. • Find the fastest routes from your home and workplace to your public evacuation shelter or other safe area. Let friends and relatives know the shelter’s location. • Make sure you’re aware of the disaster plans of your workplace, children’s schools, or day care centers. • Make sure your vehicle fuel tanks are filled. • Designate an out-ofstate friend or relative as a family contact. • Put together a disaster survival kit in case you need to evacuate. • The kit should include basics such as water, food, first aid supplies, clothing and blankets, emergency supplies/tools, and special items such as cash. • Be sure to include important documents, including insurance policies. • Once you have placed these items in airtight plastic bags, store them in an easy-to-carry container, such as a plastic storage container with lid or a duffle bag. • Keep the kit in a convenient place known to your whole family. • Change the water and food supply every six months. • Update your kit once a year, based on your family’s changing needs. • Ask your physician or pharmacist about whether you can store your medications with your survival kit and the best way to do so. PROTECT When a hurricane warning is given: • Secure your property. Copyright © 2012 Peel, Inc.

• Close window shutters or attach protective panels with previously installed fasteners. • Garage or store vehicles you plan to leave behind. • Moor boats securely. If your boat is ashore in a jack stand, strap the boat down when possible. • If you have a pool, cover the pump filter. • Anchor garage doors. • Get yourself and your family to safety. • Keep your radio tuned to local weather advisories. • If you are ordered to evacuate, go to a shelter as directed by local authorities. • Lock doors and windows before you go. • Bring your survival kit and other supplies. • Let friends and relatives know where you plan to be. • If an evacuation has not been ordered or there is no time to get to a shelter, stay in the middle of your home away from windows. Try to take cover under a staircase or a heavy piece of furniture. • Dial 2-1-1 to register if you have special care needs, or if you simply do not have transportation: Gulf Coast residents in evacuation zones with special health care needs-who do not have friends or family to help-should register in advance for a ride by dialing 2-1-1 in advance. Residents with no other transportation can register for a ride in advance by dialing 2-1-1. HELPFUL HINTS A 74 M.P.H. wind (the lowest hurricane wind) can blow water up a wall about 4”, forcing gallons of water through even very small cracks in walls and causing serious damage! That’s why it’s so important to seal any holes or cracks. Also, make sure your home has flood insurance because a standard home insurance policy doesn’t cover damage caused by a flood. Flood insurance is backed by the U.S. Government’s National Flood Insurance Program. There is generally a 30-day waiting period for the policy to go into effect. Willowlake Watch - June 2012

Willowlake Mark Your Calendar June 6, 13, 20, 27................….Waste Recycle Pickup June 9…....................Teenagers Organize Park Clean-Up June 10…………................……………………Ice Cream Social June 14……………………...........………………..Flag Day June 17………………….............………………….Father’s Day June 20…………………............…………….Summer Begins June 21………………..........………………..Board Meeting July 4………………….......…………. Independence Day

First Place Mother’s Day Out A ministry of the

Houston First Church of the Nazarene now enrolling for 2012-2013 (begins Sept. 4)

Tuesdays & Thursdays 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. for ages 3 months to 5 years Open House: August 31, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

10001 W. Sam Houston Pkwy N

281.897.0300

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. 6

Willowlake Watch - June 2012

Harris County Sheriff’s Office Crime Report Willowlake (4-1-2012 - 4-30-2012) 911 Hang Up 0 Alarm Local 5 Alarm/Rep. -Site 0 Alarm/Sil/Pan/HU 2 Burglary/Motveh 0 Check Park 35 Contract Check 104 Crim Mischief 1 Disch Fire Arm 0 Dist/Family 0 Dist/Juvenile 0 Dist/Loud Noise 1 Dist/Other 0 DOA 0 Domestic Prevent 0 Illegal Dumping 0 Mud Bldg Chk 7 Solicitors 1 Stranded MV 0 Susp Person 0 Theft/Other 0 Traffic Hazard 1 Traffic Stop 4 Vacation Watch 1 Veh Abandon 0 Veh Suspicious 0 Vehicle Stolen 1 -Submitted by Dave Bannen, Director of the Board and Neighborhood Watch Chairman

Did You Know?

1. Willowlake residents can submit a one-time classified ad at no cost for the newsletter for items such as bikes, furniture, toys, baby clothes, etc.? Ad must be 30 words or less. 2. Our residents can submit names and/or articles/pictures for occasions like birthdays, birth announcements or anniversaries for the newsletter? 3. That you can submit an article and picture (group pictures are nice) for holidays such as Christmas, Easter, Halloween, etc.? 4. That you can submit articles if you have lost or found property such as bikes, wallets, keys, cameras, etc.? This would also apply to lost or found dogs and cats. FYI, classified ads, articles and pictures must be submitted to me by or before the 5th of the month, and would appear in the following month’s newsletter. Articles must be in office word format with pictures being sent as a separate attachment. Please contact me if you have any questions. By Linda O’Pry, Newsletter Editor Copyright © 2012 Peel, Inc.

Willowlake

LEASH LAW REMINDER Animals that are not properly restrained pose a threat to all of our residents. Harris County has a Leash Law and advises, “All dogs and cats must be kept under restraint while in the unincorporated areas of Harris County, Texas. The custodian of a dog or cat is not authorized to have, to harbor or keep any unlicensed dog or cat, nor to allow any dog or cat to become a stray.” Restraint is defined as “the control of a dog or cat under the following circumstances: When it is controlled by a line or leash not more than six (6) feet in length, if the line or leash is held by a human being, who is capable of controlling or governing the dog or cat in question. When it is within a fully enclosed vehicle. When it is on the premise of the custodian and the animal does not have access to sidewalk or street.” While you may believe your pet is friendly, it is hard to know exactly how they will react in all situations. There have been reports in our neighborhood of dogs attacking other dogs, and dogs biting residents who are on walks. An animal running toward someone who is walking or jogging by is very scary for that person. And a dog bite can be traumatizing, especially to a child. Properly restraining your pet could also prevent you from becoming legally liable or sued because of an incident. Responsible pet ownership also requires picking up after your pet. It is a good idea to carry disposable bags with you while on walks. Besides keeping your neighbor happy, you will also be protecting the quality of our watershed. It is up to all of us to help keep our community a safe and comfortable place for residents by being responsible pet owners. To make a complaint or report an animal that is not properly restrained, please contact Harris County Animal Control at 281-999-3191.

Harris County Juvenile Curfew Ordinance

Juveniles under the age of 17 are subject to the Harris County Juvenile Curfew Order. The curfew includes all areas located in unincorporated Harris County and is ENFORCED SEVEN DAYS A WEEK. The hours of enforcement are from midnight to 6:00 A.M. Exceptions to the curfew are: • Accompanied by parent, guardian or custodian. • Engaged in lawful employment or traveling to or from employment. • Participating or traveling to or from school-sponsored or church-affiliated activities, recreational activities supervised by adults and sponsored by a government entity, civic, non-profit organization or similar entity that takes responsibility for the juveniles. • On the sidewalk of juvenile’s residence or sidewalk of next door neighbor, if neighbor does not complain. • Involved in an emergency. • In vehicle or aircraft involved in interstate travel with the consent of a parent, guardian or custodian. • Married or previously married; or had disabilities of minority removed by a court of competent jurisdiction. Law enforcement officers will carefully assess each situation regarding a possible infraction of the juvenile curfew. If the juvenile is taken into custody, the juvenile may be transported to a processing center. While at the processing center, the juvenile’s parent, guardian or custodian will be contacted and asked to pick up the juvenile. If a parent, guardian or custodian cannot be located or does not pick up the juvenile, the juvenile will be transported to Chimney Rock Center (southwest Houston) operated by Children’s Protective Services. The juvenile can receive a citation, which is a Class C Misdemeanor with up to a $500.00 fine. In addition, the parent, guardian or custodian may also be issued a citation if they knowingly allow the juvenile to violate curfew. An owner, operator or other person in control of a public place may be issued a citation if they knowingly permit a juvenile to remain on the premises during curfew hours. Many juveniles do not recognize the potential dangers they face by being on the streets during these times. The curfew is designed to reduce the chances of juveniles becoming a victim of crime. Willowlake Watch - June 2012

Willowlake

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Willowlake Watch - June 2012