Villages of Decker Oaks - March 2017 by Peel, Inc.

VILLAGE OF DECKER OAKS

MARCH 2017

VOLUME 2, ISSUE 3

Storm Water Drainage Facilities & Lot Maintenance The Village of Decker Oaks Homeowner(s):

The Board of Directors (“Board”) of The Village of Decker Oaks Homeowners Association, Inc. (“Association”) would like to ensure each of its residents is properly informed regarding recent issues affecting our community. We understand that many residents are concerned about the declining condition of the storm water drainage facilities (“Facilities”) that service our community and that run adjacent to or within the front yards of numerous homes in our community. The condition of the Facilities is apparently causing sinkholes to form in the front yards of owners’ lots. The goal of this notice to the community is to identify the manner in which most subdivisions are structured as it relates to storm water drainage facilities, clarify the likely cause of the sinkholes, clarify the Association’s role and responsibilities in the Facilities and sinkholes, and identify the steps that have been and are being taken by the Board, SCS Management, and legal counsel to hopefully bring resolution to this issue. We must first start with the notion that in most communities with public right of ways and storm water drainage facilities, it is rarely if ever the responsibility of the community association to maintain these features of the community. It is uncommon for any developer to create an obligation or the authority for the community association to maintain storm water drainage facilities. The standard practice is for a governmental entity like a city or county to maintain storm water drainage facilities, or perhaps the developer creates some sort of utility district to maintain the storm water drainage facilities once the development is complete and turned over to the owners. The governing documents for The Village of Decker Oaks are consistent with the standard practice of developers, and there is no obligation or authority in the governing documents for the Association to maintain the Facilities in The Village of Decker

Oaks. We understand that the Facilities are located within the boundaries of lots adjacent to the public right of ways. It is important to note that the Association does not have any ownership interest in the public right of ways or the lots. Please see below pertinent sections of the deed restrictions for The Village of Decker Oaks Residents: • Per the Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, Restrictions and Easements (“DCCR”) Article II section 2.09 “Lot means; 2.09.1 Any of the numbered lots shown on the plat covering the real property described in section 1.01”. Plats include 2002-100598, 2003-022382, and 2004-135748. • Per the DCCR section 2.10 “Owner means the person who holds title to a lot according to the real property records of Montgomery County, Texas”… • Per the DCCR section 4.07 “General duties of owners (Maintenance Responsibilities) each owner shall maintain their lot and improvements thereon in a manner consistent with the standards of use, conduct, appearance and maintenance generally prevailing in the subdivision from time to time and as may be more specifically determined by this DCCR and the governing documents.”… • Per the DCCR section 4.07.4 “It is the responsibility of each owner to prevent the development of any unclean, unhealthy, unsightly or unkempt condition on such owner’s lot. **Please reference the DCCR for The Village of Decker Oaks for the full content.** The Association’s legal counsel received documentation stating the drainage easement was transferred to the public on September 3, 2002. Please note the Association is not a public entity such (Continued on Page 2) Village of Decker Oaks Community Newsletter - March 2017

VILLAGE OF DECKER IMPORTANT NUMBERS OAKS ASSOCIATION MANAGEMENT CO.: SCS Management Services, Inc. Phone:.............................................................. 281-463-1777 Fax:................................................................. 281-463-0050 ...................................................... 7170 Cherry Park Drive ............................................................Houston, TX 77095 Website:..........................................................www.scsgo.com Association Manager Kate Loeffler..................................................... 281-500-7128 Association Assistant Manager Patty Weber...................................................... 281-500-7139 Service Manager Tiara McGee.................................................... 281-500-7111 Deed Restriction Coordinator Susan Spratley ................................................. 281-500-7118 HELPFUL NUMBERS Montgomery County Constables .................... 281-356-3883 WCA .............................................................. 281-766-1914 Enviro Waste Systems..................................... 936-264-3001 Hughes Natural Gas....................................... 281-356-8241 Quadvest ........................................................ 281-356-5347

BASHANS PAINTING & HOME REPAIR • Interior & Exterior Painting • HardiPlank Replacement • Sheetrock Repair • Cabinet Painting • Pressure Washing • Fence Repair/Replacement • Custom Staining • Gutter Repair & Replacement • Crown Molding

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NO MONEY UP FRONT

(Continued from Cover) as the county. The Board consulted 2 separate law firms regarding whether or not the Association has the obligation or the authority to maintain the Facilities and/or repair sink holes in the lots. The Association is in no way legally obligated or responsible for any defect on a homeowner’s property. The Association is not liable for the maintenance, upkeep or repair of the Facilities or lots. In order to maintain volunteer immunity and insurability, the Board must follow the advice of legal counsel. If the Board ignores the advice of legal counsel, it may be a breach of the standard of care of the Board. The attorney has been working closely with the office of the County Attorney for Montgomery County to determine the maintenance responsibility of the Facilities. The initial understanding was Montgomery County was responsible for the Facilities. Recently, it was confirmed by Montgomery County that it does not maintain curb and gutter storm water drainage facilities such as the Facilities in The Village of Decker Oaks. It is important to note that the lack of maintenance responsibility of Montgomery County does not translate into an obligation or authority to maintain the Facilities by the Association. Legal counsel for the Association has recently obtained information that suggests the initial developer attempted to create a utility district. Complete research on this issue is still pending, and an update on the history of the development of the community as it relates to a utility district and maintenance of the Facilities will be provided. Working under the notion that the creation of a utility district was the initial idea as to how to structure future maintenance, the issue of future maintenance of the Facilities will need to be addressed. As we sit today, the owners are responsible for the maintenance of the lots and all appurtenances thereto, and the Association has no obligation or authority to maintain these facilities going forward. We recognize that some of the residents are asking the Association to fund the repairs to the Facilities and sink holes in the lots. The Board, SCS Management, and legal counsel are working diligently to understand the history of the development of the community as it relates to a utility district and what possible solutions may exist to fund future maintenance of the Facilities. We ask that everyone act courteously and respectfully while we work toward finding a solution.

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Village of Decker Oaks Community Newsletter - March 2017

VILLAGE OF DECKER OAKS

Why Acupuncture? By: Yunguang Yang (Lily), Licensed Acupuncturist & Herbalist, MAOM, Dipl. O.M. (NCCAOM) Some people have regular acupuncture maintenance treatments as part of their pursuit to stay healthy and active, others prefer acupuncture to Western medicine because: 1. They have a condition that does not respond to conventional care, so that they have to look for alternative health care options. 2. Conventional care often involves drugs with undesirable side effects or unwanted, perhaps risky medical procedures. 3. Western drugs are expensive and when multiple drugs are used at the same time, they could interfere with each other. 4. Patients prefer a natural, holistic medical approach to healthcare. Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) are safe with little side effects, because the herbal ingredients are combined to minimize and counteract the possible side effects. They work together to balance the body and allow the body to heal itself. Does it Hurt? Acupuncture needles are very different from clinical, hollow needles used for ordinary injection, vaccinations, etc. Acupuncture needles are not much thicker than a human hair and insertion of an acupuncture needle is practically painless. In some cases, you may not even know the needles are in place, in others, there may be some tingling, warming, heaviness, or a feeling of the Qi moving up and down the channels in your body. Most people find acupuncture extremely relaxing and many fall asleep during the treatment. What are the main objectives of acupuncture treatment? The main objectives of an acupuncture treatment can be summarized in five main categories: 1. Relieve pain and other symptoms. 2. Relieve stress and emotional issues. 3. Treat addictions and substance abuse. 4. Strengthen the immune system. 5. Balance, harmonize and integrate functions of organs with each other, making for a unified and healthy person. Talk to your licensed Acupuncturist about what acupuncture and TCM can do for you. For more information, please visit w w w. a m a r a n t h a c u p u n c t u re . c o m o r w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / amaranthacupuncture. What does the World Health Organization say about acupuncture? The World Health Organization (WHO) updated their list of conditions, symptoms or illnesses that may be treatable with acupuncture. The list of indications for acupuncture includes over 100 conditions, including lower back pain, neck pain, sciatica, tennis elbow, knee pain, periarthritis of the shoulder, sprains, facial pain, headache, dental pain, tempromandibular (TMJ) dysfunction, rheumatoid arthritis, induction of labor, correction of malposition of fetus, morning sickness, nausea and vomiting, postoperative pain, stroke, essential hypertension, primary hypotension, renal colic, leucopenia, adverse reactions to radiation or chemotherapy, allergic rhinitis, including hay fever, billary colic, depression, acute epigastralgis, peptic ulcer, acute and chronic gastritis, etc. Talk to your licensed Acupuncturist about what acupuncture and TCM can do for you. Copyright © 2017 Peel, Inc.

Red Imported Fire Ants I was making dinner the other night and my kiddo was outside playing. He came rushing in panicked. He discovered the fire ants of the season. While I knew it was inevitable, I was hoping that it would occur a bit later in the year. But, it’s true. Fire ants have begun to yet again, dot the landscape with their mounds. Spring time is usually when people see fire ants swarming (although it can also happen in the fall). Swarming is a reproductive process that usually occurs on warm days after a rain event. Winged males and females leave the mound and fly into the air to mate. After mating, they fall to the ground where males die and females break off their wings and search for a location to establish a new colony. Mated females dig a small chamber in soil, lay a few eggs and rear those young by themselves until the young become mature worker ants. At that point workers take over colony functions and the queen continues to expand the population of the colony by laying more eggs. While searching for a new colony location, many mated fire ant queens are killed by lizards, birds, spiders, other ants, and often my shoe stomping on them. Queens that survive can be managed by broadcasting fire ant bait over your entire property. New colonies are usually very small and may not have substantial mounds for locating Fire ant queen without wings. easily for individual treatment. When worker ants forage for food, they would have the opportunity to locate, pick up, and carry fire ant bait back to the colony to share with other ants including the queen. For more information or help with identification, contact Wizzie Brown, Texas AgriLife Extension Service Program Specialist at 512.854.9600. Check out my blog at www.urban-ipm.blogspot.com The information given herein is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names is made with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service or the Texas A&M AgriLife Research is implied. The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service provides equal access in its programs, activities, education and employment, without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation or gender identity. Village of Decker Oaks Community Newsletter - March 2017

VILLAGE OF DECKER OAKS

MARCH MARKS

NATIONAL NUTRITION MONTH

Five Key Nutrition Tips for a Health Lifestyle March is National Nutrition Month, and it marks the perfect time to assess the foods you eat and commit to a healthy lifestyle. It’s never too late to make healthy eating a part of your everyday life and DyRell DiLorenzo, Hospitality Site Manager at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Lakeway, is ready to help get you started with these five key tips: • Highlight fruits, vegetables, and whole grains - This category should be 45-60 percent of your daily calorie intake. • Fiber, fiber, fiber - Fiber is important for our bodies during the digestion process, as it slows down how we process these foods. • Embrace lean proteins - This includes poultry, fish, beans, egg whites, nuts, and other lean meats. 15-25 percent of our diet should come from proteins, according to the USDA.

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• Don’t fear fats - Although fats sound like something we should stay away from, it is essential to get between 20-30 percent of your daily calories from fats. Good fats include, olive oil, nuts, seeds, avocado and fatty fish. • Moderation is key - Just because you are eating healthy doesn’t mean you can’t indulge on occasion. Just be wary of your sugar and calorie intake, read the ingredients, and decide “is this really worth it?” Healthy eating is not about strict dietary limitations, staying unrealistically thin, or depriving yourself of the foods you love. Rather, it’s about feeling great, having more energy, improving your health and stabilizing your mood.

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Village of Decker Oaks Community Newsletter - March 2017

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VILLAGE OF DECKER OAKS

TENNIS TIPS

By USPTA/PTR Master Professional Director of Special Events - Polo Tennis and Athletic Club

How to execute The Two Handed Backhand Lob

In previous newsletters, I offered tips on how to hit the forehand groundstroke, the two-handed backhand, the one-handed backhand, the forehand volley, the two-handed backhand volley, the serve, the forehand half-volley, the onehanded backhand volley, the overhead “smash”, the forehand service return, the backhand service return, the forehand high volley approach shot, the two-handed high volley approach shot. the one-handed high volley approach shot, and the forehand lob. In this issue, I will offer instructions on how to execute the Two Handed Backhand Lob. This shot is used when a player is forced to retrieve a ball that is hit deep to the backhand side of the player, and the opponent is either charging to the net or staying far back. The player hitting the lob is looking for “air time” to regain balance and court space. This ball should be hit high enough so the players at the net cannot reach and “slam” the ball down, or force the opponent at the base line to retrieve back. In the illustrations, Roxanne Cossette, a Member of the Polo Tennis and Athletic Club, shows the proper technique to execute this stroke. Step 1: The Back Swing: When Roxanne is forced deep into the backhand side and realizes that she must hit a defensive lob, Copyright © 2017 Peel, Inc.

she pivots to the left and gets her racket back early. Notice that the head of the racket is low and her left hand is on the handle of the racket. Her eyes are focused on the path of the ball and her weight is on her left foot. Step 2: The Point of Contact: Roxanne is now ready to hit the ball. Her eyes are now focused on the point of contact and the face of the racket is tilted at a 45-degree angle to create height and depth on her lob. Her goal is to keep her head still and not start looking up to her opponent or to the other side of the court. Step 3: The Follow Through: The success of a deep lob is the follow through. Roxanne’s left wrist is still “laid back” and her shoulder is lifting the racket above her head. Her right hand is holding the racket slightly, but still in control of the racket. Step 4: The Shuffle Back: Once Roxanne finishes the stroke, her goal is to either move forward toward the net top to hit an overhead, or to shuffle back to the middle of the court to drive the next ball back to the opponent. In this caption, she moved back to the center of the court waiting for the opponent’s shot to come back. Look in the next Newsletter for: How to execute “The One-Handed Backhand Lob” Village of Decker Oaks Community Newsletter - March 2017

VILLAGE OF DECKER OAKS

Crossword Puzzle

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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SUDOKU

View answers online at www.peelinc.com DOWN ACROSS 1. Incline 1. Tack 2. Change 5. Giant 3. Small particle 9. Philippine dish with marinated 4. Compass point chicken or pork 5. Night bird 11. Journalist's question 6. Body snatcher 12. Tiny insects 7. Cultivate 13. Cut of beef 8. Volcano 14. School group 10. Change into bone 15. South 16. Musical productions 17. United States 18. Canadian prov. 18. Bottle need 19. Palladium (abbr.) 20. Upset 20. Many 22. Cow's chow 21. Perfect 23. Year (abbr.) 22. Captain (abbr.) 24. Computer makers 24. Institution (abbr.) 27. Brews 25. Swain 29. Sleep disorder 26. African country 31. Parent teacher groups 28. Fast plane 32. Strong rope fiber 30. Pastry 33. Bend 34. Decorative needle case © 2006. Feature Exchange

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Sudoku

© 2007. 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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VILLAGE OF DECKER OAKS Tomball Art League

Spring 2017 Fine Art Show

SATURDAY, MARCH 11 * 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

LONE STAR – BECKENDORF CONFERENCE LONECOLLEGE STAR COLLEGE – BECKENDORF CONFERENCE CENTER CENTER * 30555 TOMBALL PARKWAY, TOMBALL 30555 TOMBALL PARKWAY, TOMBALL 77375

77375

Original Artwork by Local Artists

JUDGED SHOW Prepare to be amazed at the artwork within your community, from Elementary to High School Students, College Level and Adult Students, to Non-Professional, Semi-Professional and Professional Level Artists! OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

ENTRYARE FEES, JOINSHOW THE SHOW! YOUELIGIBILITY AN ARTIST?REQUIREMENTS, ART INTAKE & REGISTRATION DEADLINES ONLINE AT www.thetomballartleague.com

Oil, acrylics, watercolor, pastels, drawing, mixed media, photography, digital art, abstract, experimental, nonobjective, sculpture, studio fine crafts. TAL membership not required for entering your artwork! Eligibility information, Registration forms, Fees, Instructions and deadlines online at: www.thetomballartleague.com

Attendance is free!

ENJOY AN AFTERNOON OF IMPRESSIVE ART

Don’t missJUDGED this exhibit of outstanding artwork from artists within your community, from Elementary to High School PROFESSIONALLY COMPETITION: Students, College Level and Adult Students, to Non-Professional, Semi-Professional and Professional Level Artists!

RIBBONS AND CASH AWARDS: JUDGED - BEST OF SHOW – ADULT JUDGED - BEST OF SHOW – STUDENT ARE YOU AN ARTIST? TAL FAVORITE by vote of TAL Members

Join the show!

TAL membership not required for entering your artwork! Oil, acrylics, watercolor, pastels, drawing, mixed media,

RIBBONS AWARDED EACH DIVISION AND studio CATEGORY photography, digital AT art,JUDGE’S abstract, DISCRETION experimental,IN non-objective, sculpture, fine crafts. 1ST PLACE, 2ND PLACE, 3RD PLACE, 1ST HONORABLE MENTION and HONORABLE MENTION

Judged Competition!

RIBBONS AND CASH AWARDS

Eligible ribbon winners may qualify for*the Star–Art Guild Juried Show. (LSAG rules and guidelines apply for CASH AWARDS Best of Show – Adult BestLone of Show Student acceptance into LSAGATjuried shows.) RIBBONS AWARDED JUDGE’S DISCRETION IN EACH DIVISION AND CATEGORY ST

1 PLACE, 2

PLACE, 3 PLACE, 1 HONORABLE MENTION and HONORABLE MENTION

Eligible ribbon winners may qualify for the Lone Star Art Guild Juried Show. (LSAG rules and guidelines apply for acceptance into LSAG juried shows.)

For additional information: www.thetomballartleague@gmail.com

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Village of Decker Oaks Community Newsletter - March 2017