Terra Nova - February 2014

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VOLUME 2, ISSUE 2

TERRA NOVA OFFICIAL COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER

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FEBRUARY 2014

Terra Nova

Yard

of the

Month

January YOM honors goes to the Anderson family at 5315 Ashmere Lane. This yard has a lot of lovely plants and flowers to enjoy. The flowerbeds and hedges compliment a well manicured, healthy lawn. All of this is accented by an attractive brick walkway and gorgeous red front door.

The flowerbeds contain nandina, complete with red berries, blooming knockout roses in both red and pink, yaupons, katie ruellia, and a large potted hibiscus. The hedges frame the house by continuing around both sides. Please walk or drive by and check out this yard and home.

Bulletin Board March HOA Quarterly Meeting The spring quarterly meeting of the Civic Association of Terra Nova will be held on Thursday, March 6, 2014 at 7:30p.m at the Terra Nova Clubhouse (5200 Woodville Lane). All residents are encouraged to attend.

New Terra Nova Phone Directory The Terra Nova phone directory is in the process of being updated. This directory is only for TN residents and will not distributed outside of the subdivision. Please send your name, telephone number and street address to Debby Cariss by email to mutts.cariss@gmail.com, or by phone at 832-559-1990. If you wish, your email address and cell number can be also included in the directory.

Terra Nova Welcome Committee The TN Welcome Committee works very hard to greet every new neighbor and could really use your help.

If you notice someone new moving in on your street, please contact us. We have a care package, containing important documents and gift, to welcome each new neighbor into the community. Our contact information is as follows: Joann Cash 281-251-3427 bncash65@yahoo.com Melanie Breed 281-320-8353 meeb@sbcglobal.net Debby Cariss 832-559-1990 mutts.cariss@gmail.com

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Terra Nova Community Newsletter - February 2014

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IMPORTANT NUMBERS MANAGEMENT COMPANY

Community Asset Management, Inc 9802 F.M. 1960 Bypass W., #210 Humble, Texas 77338 281.852.1155 DIRECTORS

Samantha Heaton.......................................................President ...........................................................samheaton@comcast.net Melanie Breed................................................1st Vice President ..................................................................meeb@sbcglobal.net Debra Cariss.................................................2nd Vice President .........................................................mutts.cariss@sbcglobal.net Trey Marrs.....................................................3rd Vice President ...............................................................wimarrs@hotmail.com L. “Gio” Giovanangelo..................................4th Vice President ...............................................................giovannangelo@att.net Bill Newman...............................................................Treasurer .......................................................newman77379@yahoo.com Joan Moreno...............................................................Secretary ..............................................................dunmor63@gmail.com WELCOMING COMMITTEE

Melanie Breed.....................281.320.8353,meeb@sbcglobal.net Debra Cariss.............832.559.1990, mutts.cariss@sbcglobal.net Joann Cash.....................281.251.3427, bncash65@yahoo.com NEIGHBORHOOD NUMBERS

Marquee Postings................................samheaton@comcast.net Pool Maintenance and Lifeguards........................713.609.9489 Poison Control Center.........................................800-222-1222 Reliant Energy......................................................800.332.7143 NEWSLETTER

Editor...............................................................Susan Tsujimoto ...............................................................tnnewdirt@gmail.com Newsletter Publisher.....................................................Peel Inc. ............................................................................888.687.6444 Advertising...............888.687.6444, advertising@PEELinc.com

MARCH ISSUE DEADLINE All articles for the March issue of the New Dirt should be sent to the editor (tnnewdirt@gmail.com)

by February 6, 2014.

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Terra Nova Community Newsletter - February 2014

AT THE LIBRARY Barbara Bush Library Book Clubs February Meetings Evening Book Club On February 7, from 7:00 – 8:45 PM the Evening Book Club will discuss “The Healing” by Jonathan Odell. The club will meet in the Women's Council of Realtors Conf.

Rm. (2nd Floor).

Great Books Discussion Group On February 13, from 7:00- 8:45 PM the Great Books Discussion Group will meet in the Women's Council of Realtors Conf. Rm. (2nd Floor) to discuss “Oedipus the King” by Sophocles. The Great Books Discussion Group meets on the third Monday of each month.

Afternoon Book Discussion Group The Afternoon Book Club will meet on two dates in February to “Dear Life” by Alice Munro. The first meeting will be held on February 27 from 1:30 - 3:30 PM, in the Earl Elliot Room (Foyer). A second meeting will be held on February 28 from 2:30 – 4:30 PM in the Women's Council of Realtors Conference Room (2nd Floor).

Detailed calendar with many other library events and programs at https://host4.evanced.info/harris/evanced/eventcalendar.asp Susan Tsujimoto, Editor

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THE

KISD News Briefs Klein ISD Campuses Set Open House Schedule Intermediate and elementary campuses across the Klein ISD encourage parents to attend the open house events held at their child’s respective campus. These meetings provide an opportunity for both the campus and parents to conference about their child’s progress, as well as share information pertinent to the school and the spring semester. Strack Intermediate’s open house will be held on January 28, 2014 from 6:00 - 7:30 pm, and Benfer Elementary’s open house will be held on February 25, 2014 from 5:30 – 8:00 pm.

Klein ISD Art Students Selected to Participate in Quick Draw Contest Art students at Klein Collins High School Strack Intermediate were selected as finalists or alternates for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Quick Draw. The Quick Draw Contest is a

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50-minute sketching contest open to all junior high (grades 6 – 8) and high school (grades 9 – 12) students. During the competition, students will draw a still life, portrait or full figure from direct observation. Trophies and cash awards will be presented to the champion and class champions. Congratulations to Klein Collins High School finalists: Diego Camerena, Waldimir Cardenas, Micala Stephens and Elizabeth Wenzel, and alternate: Angela Martinez, and to Strack Intermediate finalists: Sara Collier and Brianne Watson, and alternate: Annette Saavadra The Drowsy Chaperone to be presented by Klein Collins High School Drama Terra Nova’s own Isabella Pallavicini is the female lead in The Drowsy Chaperone, a parody of the American musical comedies of the 1920’s. The Drowsy Chaperone runs from Jan. 30-Feb. 4th at Klein Collins High School, and is directed by Mrs. Robin Welch, who is also a resident of Terra Nova. Tickets are $10 for students, $12 for adults (groups of 20 or more receive a discount), and may be purchased online at www.kleincollinsdrama.org or at the Klein Collins box office. Performances will be held at Klein Collins High School (20811 Ella Boulevard) on Jan 30, 31, Feb 1, 3 & 4 at 7:00 pm and on Feb 1 at 2:00 pm.

On November 5, 2013, Texans are asked to consider and vote on nine proposed amendments to the Texas Constitution. Of particular note is Proposition 6, which will appear on the ballot as follows: Proposition 6 (SJR 1) The constitutional amendment providing for the creation of the State Water Implementation Fund for Texas and the State Water Implementation Revenue Fund for Texas to assist in the financing of priority projects in the state water plan to ensure the availability of adequate water resources.

Explanation: This amendment is a package of water legislation to set up a revolving loan program available to local governmental entities such as municipalities that are sponsoring local water improvement projects. If passed, the amendment will provide a one-time investment of approximately two-billion dollars, which will be withdrawn from the Texas Economic Stabilization Fund (ESF), also known as the Rainy Day Fund, to capitalize the loan program.

Argument for (Yes vote): Supporters of Prop 6, which include groups such as H2O4TEXAS, Water Texas and The Nature

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The Recipe Box Susan Tsujimoto, Editor Recently, I’ve been receiving a lot of healthy-eating emails containing smoothie recipes. I absolutely LOVE a good smoothie for a quick breakfast or snack, but in the middle of winter (or a polar vortex), I just can’t bring myself to prepare anything with “ice” as a main ingredient! A quick Google search yielded the following recipes for “hot” smoothies. Stay warm and enjoy!

Cold Weather Hot Cinnamon Apple Smoothie (from cleancuisineandmore.com) Serves: 1 1 apple, cored and cut into large chunks (leave the skin on) ¼ cup black or yellow raisins ½ teaspoon cinnamon 2 tablespoons raw pecans

1. Place the apple chunks, raisins, cinnamon and ¼ cup water in a microwavesafe bowl. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes. Remove the bowl from the microwave and let the apples cool for 1 minute.

2. Add the apple-raisin mixture to a high speed blender. Add the pecans and ¾ cup warm water. Process on high, until smooth and creamy. Pour into a coffee mug and drink warm.

Spiced Oatmeal Smoothie

(from kitchenkonfidence.com) Serves: 1 ¼ cup rolled oats ¼ cup water ½ cup milk 1/3 cup plain 0% fat Greek yogurt ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, plus more for dusting Pinch of turmeric 1 apple, cored and roughly chopped ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon pure maple syrup A small squeeze of fresh lemon juice 1 fresh date, pitted and chopped (optional)

1. Combine oats and water in a microwave-safe bowl. Cook for 2 minutes.

Set aside.

2. To a blender add milk, yogurt, cinnamon, turmeric, apple, vanilla, maple syrup, lemon juice, date (if using), and warm cooked oats. Blend on high until smooth.

3. Pour into a large mug or jar. Finish with a light dusting of cinnamon on top.

SAFETY NOTE: If you have a glass blender jar you need to be extra careful that you let the ingredients cool down a little bit before you put them in the glass jar, otherwise the glass could explode and cause serious injury.

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LRUD

WATER TIP LRUD Water and Water Conservation Quiz (answers on page 6) 1. What generally accounts for the greatest use of household water? a. Washing Machines b. Dishwashers c. Showers d. Landscaping 2. How many gallons (or liters) does the average washing machine use per load? a. 8 (30 liters) b. 25 (95liters) c. 41 (155 liters) d. 64 (242 liters) 3. Taking a bath saves more water than taking a shower. a. True b. False 4. How many gallons of water are wasted in an average home each year due to leaky household pipes? a. 3,000 b. 5,000 c. 9,000 d. 11,000

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Host an international exchange student through Ayusa. Learn the true heart and soul of a culture!

Ayusa is a non-profit high school foreign exchange student organization. We welcome teenagers from over 60 countries worldwide and provide host family placement and ongoing supervision for 5 and 10 month academic programs. These exceptional young people look forward to a warm bond of friendship with your family and a rewarding cultural exchange. Host families are asked to • provide meals • provide a bedroom either shared or private.

Students pay for all other personal expenses while in the U.S. Ayusa is currently accepting applications for the 2013/2014 program year. Visit our website to fill out your online application – the schools in our area have limited spots available for exchange students, so act now! All across the world, Ayusa students are eagerly awaiting their host family placement. Please call today and begin the adventure of a lifetime!

Visit our website at www.ayusa.org or call us at (888) 552-9872. You can also contact our local representative Vicki Odom at vodom@ayusa.org or call 832-455-7881 for more information as well.

Your newsletter is provided 100% Free of charge to your HOA ... and is made possible by the advertisers within.

PEEL AD

Please frequent their businesses and let them know where you saw their advertisement.

While there, be sure to say “Thanks!”

www.peelinc.com

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Weatherize for Winter Fortifying insulation and sealing off air leaks in your home are like putting on a warm sweater on a cold day. You can maintain a comfortable indoor temperature, and cut energy consumption and bills with weatherizing projects such as storm windows, insulation, roofing, and siding. Weatherproofing your home can reduce heating and cooling costs up to 20 percent. Here are a few easy ideas to save energy this winter: Check your insulation and plug air leaks to save up to 10 percent on heating and cooling.

• Use caulk and weather-stripping to seal cracks around windows, doors, light and plumbing fixtures, switches and electrical outlets.

• Check and add insulation if needed in your attic, exterior walls, ceilings, floors, and crawlspaces.

• Close the fireplace damper when not in use.

Cut down on water heating — typically 13% of your utility bills.

• Use less hot water, by taking shorter showers, washing laundry in cold water, and turning off water when brushing teeth. Using cold water for laundry instead of hot or warm water can save the average household more than $30 annually.

• Turn down the thermostat on your water heater. For each 10-degree reduction in water temperature, you can save between 3% to 5% in energy costs.

• Insulate your water heater.

• Consider buying an ENERGY STAR water heater.

Find more ways to Take Care of Texas and save on your energy bills this winter. Additional resources are available at the Texas State Energy Conservation Office, Energy.gov, and Energystar.gov.

Gr a b a s w e a t e r f o r yourself too — in Texas, up to 50 percent of your utility bill goes for heating and cooling.

• Lower your thermostat in the winter. Raise it as high as is comfortable in the summer.

• Use a programmable thermostat with four temperature settings which can save the average household up to $180 per year in energy costs.

• Clean or replace HVAC filters once a month, or as needed.

• Regularly sc h e dule HVAC service visits.

QUIZ ANSWERS (From Page 4) 1. Landscaping. Up to 50% of household water goes toward outdoor use. About 50% of that is lost to evaporation or runoff from overwatering.

2. 41 gallons. High efficiency washing machines can use less than 30 gallons a load. If you use an older machine, wash only full loads on the proper settings.

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Terra Nova Community Newsletter - February 2014

3. False. It usually takes about 70 gallons to fill a bathtub; while a 5 minute shower uses 10 to 25 gallons.

4. 11,000 gallons. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) each home wastes enough water in 1 year to fill a backyard swimming pool. Leaky toilets and faucets are the common culprits.

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THE

CROSSWORD PUZZLE Crossword Puzzle

ACROSS ACROSS 1.1.Charge Pear type 5.5.Syrian bishop __ matter Bridge support 9.9.Against 10.Landing Jarred 10.

11.Leaves Hind 11.

12.Boom Civil authority 12. box 13.Allure Make it yourself pizza 13. brand antelope 15. African 15.

Hoopla 16. Polite 16.Leafy ___ Monroe 18. green 18.

Sieges 21. Marry 21. Bumbling insect 22. Esophagus 22. Crustacean 26. Woken 26. Birch-like tree 28. Goad 28. Note 29.

Type of tooth 29. Prick 30.

30.Refer Canal 31.

31.Posttraumatic Dr. Jekyll andstress Mr. __ disorder 32. Decays 32. Sieve

ACROSS 1. Pear type 5. __ matter 9. Bridge support 10. Jarred 11. Hind 12. Civil authority 13. Make it yourself pizza brand 15. Hoopla 16. ___ Monroe 18. Sieges 21. Bumbling insect 22. Crustacean 26. Birch-like tree 28. Note 29. Prick 30. Canal 31. Dr. Jekyll and Mr. __ 32. Decays

DOWN 1. Hook part 2. Brand of sandwich cookie 3. Replace a striker 4. Color saturation 5. Expression of surprise 6. Faithful 7. Ill-natured 8. City in Ohio 10. Gives a conceited smile 14. Laces 17. Chemical compound 18. Embarrass 19. Cantankerous 20. Warm 23. Brand of coffee alternative 24. Except 25. Bucks wives 27. Compass point

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DOWN DOWN 1.

1. Nativity Hook partscene piece 2. at the cookie Greek 2. Competition Brand of sandwich 3. games Replace a striker 4. Capital Color saturation 3. of the Ukraine 5. Symbol Expression of surprise 4.

6. Expression Faithful 5. of surprise 7. Emblem Ill-natured 6.

8. Pickle City injuice Ohio 7.

10.

Gives a conceited 8. A ball out of boundssmile (2 wds.)

14.

Laces 10. Twist violently 17. Ripper Chemical compound 14.

18. Embarrass 17. Strums 19. Cantankerous 18. Slough 20. Warm 19. Ross ___, philanthropist 23. Brand of coffee alternative 20.

Gods 24. Except 23. sandwich cookie 25. Brand Bucks of wives 24.

Seaweed 27. Compass substance point 25. Cabana 27. Blue

View answers online at www.peelinc.com

© 2007. Feature Exchange

© 2006. Feature Exchange

© 2007. Feature Exchange

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Terra Nova Community Newsletter - February 2014

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