December Yards of the Month The Yards of the Month for December are Mr. and Mrs. Gonzalez at 12606 Wood Dawn and

Mr. and Mrs. Ibarra at 12802 Hidden Castle.

Woodforest G

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Woodforest G

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Woodforest G

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Woodforest G

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A MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF THE WOODFOREST CIVIC ASSOCIATION

December 2010

We Wish You a Merry ChristmasWe Wish You a Merry ChristmasWe Wish You a Merry ChristmasWe Wish You a Merry Christmas … … … …

May your holiday season be safe and bountifully blessed with the warmth of family and friends. The utmost heartfelt gift is sharing and giving to others. As you contemplate your holiday plans, stretch out a hand to someone less fortunate.

…..…..…..….. andandandand Happy New YearHappy New YearHappy New YearHappy New Year !!!!!!!!!!!!

COUNTY BURN BAN NOTICE It is your duty as a citizen and resident of Harris County to help protect both property and

lives. Failure to comply can result in legal consequences. Harris County Commissioners Court issued a 90-day Burn Ban on October 26, 2010 for all of Harris County; including all unincorpo-rated areas. This notice was immediately posted at the WCA Office and under the Announce-

ments section of the web page. In 1999 the Texas Legislature enacted HB 2620, which specifi-cally addresses outdoor burning. This act authorizes counties to prohibit or restrict outdoor burn-ing and provides a criminal penalty for noncompliance. A person commits an offense if the per-son knowingly or intentionally violates the outdoor burning prohibition or restriction. An offense is a Class C misdemeanor, which is punishable by a fine up to $500. For complaints or to report outdoor burning, contact the Harris County Public Health and Environmental Services at 713-920-2831 or send an email to pollution_control@hcphes.org. For additional information, go to www.hcfmo.net/outdoorburning.

BLACK ROCK CHRISTMAS SHOW It’s B-A-A-C-K ! If you want to see holiday magic of lights and animation, shows will run from December 1st -28th this year; weather per-mitting, at 211 Black Rock. This is a repre-sentation of 55,000 lights and 128 channels of computer controlled animation effects. There are five (5) different shows, each approxi-mately 17 minutes long, that alternate and run continuously every night; barring severe weather conditions, so plan to visit often. Tune your vehicle radio to Radio Black Rock on FM 95.5 STEREO. Shows times are: Sunday – Thursday 6:30 pm – 10:30 pm Friday – Saturday 6:30 pm – 11:00 pm To see more over the top Christmas decorat-ing, go to www.lonestarholidays.com.

Deposits $ 44,664.68 Disbursements $ 58,100.60 Rent $ 776.89 Utilities $ 855.84 elec, water, sewer, tele, internet, copy machine lease,

postage meter lease, alarm monitoring Street lights $ 10,802.25 Garbage Pickup $ 38,018.98 Legal $ 698.94 Payroll $ 3,928.80 Cul-de-sac Maintenance $ 554.67 Newsletter (printing, supplies, postage) $ 609.36 Computer support $ 149.95 Office Supplies & Equipment $ 604.11 Postage $ 1,100.81

• The Annual Election pre-empted a regu-lar business agenda.

• New board members are required to at-tend the December 14th meeting to help judge the lights and to receive their member packets…. officers will be selected at the January 11th meeting.

Deed Restriction/ACC: There were 88 violations cor-rected, 18 new ones reported and 221 in various stages of fine assessments or issuing final 30 day certified letters. The Com-mittee also approved 11 ACC Requests and referred seventeen (17) accounts to the Board for approval to submit for legal remedy.

Community Awareness: • Block Captains Committee – Block Captains met on

October 28th to discuss providing refreshments at the An-nual Meeting and arranged the Committee Calendar for 2011. These “Welcome Wagon” members were provided nine (9) addresses that have new owners. This committee meets on a quarterly basis; all interested persons are wel-come to join.

• The Good Neighbor Program –Interested volunteers are asked to contact the office for further details.

Beautification Committee: • Yard of Month – See an exceptional yard? Call the of-

fice with addresses of your favorites.

The Adopt an Entrance Esplanade Program – Contact the office to get on the volunteer list!

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WCA Financial Report Meeting Highlights

Committee Reports

WOODFOREST GAZETTE

VEHICLE STICKERS Two vehicle stickers were enclosed with all invoices mailed out in October along with a letter of explanation. A question was recently asked and the answer is hereby restated for clari-fication: The Vehicle Sticker Program is based upon the standard “single family dwelling” concept; not based on the number of combined lot(s) owned. Staff is here to assist, but do not have authority to change the policies of this Asso-ciation.

CRIME REPORTS There have been only a few reports made to this office re-cently. Most were late night vehicular theft or burglary. It appears that the focus is back on tires and rims in and around the streets of Blackwater, Taranto and Foxford.

WCOP ~ Citizens on Patrol Meetings: THIRD Tuesdays/monthly

WCA Office @ 7:00 pm Next meeting ~ Tuesday, January 18, 2011

TRASH SERVICE - ISSUE It is a violation to leave trash cans at the curb for an extended amount of time. Our trash service provides the benefit of “BACK DOOR SERVICE PICK UP” for your convenience and to discourage cans left curbside. On the day of service, placing your trash cans either 1) in front of the garage, or 2) on the side of the house, the workers will identify the pattern for routine back door pick up. However, all garbage bags or yard debris must be placed at the curb, bagged or bound, in accor-dance to the contract. As weather turns cooler, pick your pref-erence to avoid those unnecessary trips to the curb or retriev-ing runaway cans blowing in the wind!

ELECTIONS ARE OVER PLEASE REMOVE ALL

POLITICAL YARD SIGNS

NEW BOARD MEMBERS Attendance at the Annual Meeting did not merit a quorum of homeowners present or accounted for by proxy to move for-ward with an open general election. Therefore, new board members appointed by the ballot votes of the Board are Carlos Cepeda, Pamela Holmes and last but not least, Roy Ridgeway. Although David Moon and Rozelia Spikes did not garner a majority vote, we extend our heartfelt condolences and offer standing invitations to join us on committee activities. A spe-cial thank you to Ray Davis for providing refreshments to whet our whistles and fill the bellies of the hungry cookie monsters☺.

SHOPPERS BEWARE Yes, it’s time to remind shoppers to be aware of their sur-roundings to avoid burglary or theft incidences by parking in well-lit parking lots, not shopping alone late at night and not leaving items visible in the vehicle. However, most women typically carry a PURSE with “everything/their life” in it! It is even more important during the holiday season to heed this warning: PLEASE DO NOT CARRY A PURSE OR HANDBAG! Take only what you need in your pocket or a waist/fanny pack.

DECEMBER 2010

“End of Year Tidbits” Precinct Two Commissioner - County elections are over and after eight years, Commissioner Sylvia Gar-cia was defeated by Jack Morman. As we anticipate the be-ginning of a new reign for our precinct, we respectfully bid adieu to Sylvia Garcia for her service and may we develop an even stronger relationship with new leadership. Esplanade Beautifications – Six pink oleander plants were recently donated to the cause. Since several entrances already had oleanders, it was decided to strive for that same continuity. These plants are proven to be very tolerant of drought conditions and will provide some needed color. A big thank you goes out to Mr. and Mrs. Cabness for getting them in the ground. Christmas Lighting Contest –Come join us! Judging yard displays will be on Tuesday evening, December 14th after a short 6:30 pm board meeting to take care of only necessary business (see back page for details). 2011 New Year - I look forward to seeing some projects to fruition in 2011 and am dedicated to make sure that the board continues to work together as a working board. I’ve always tried to lead by example and involvement is more than just keeping a seat warm once a month. We will continue our ef-forts to do whatever needs to be done for the best overall in-terest of this community.

Commentary: Commentary: Commentary: Commentary: “Two wrongs don’t make it right…” Living in a deed restricted community is a personal choice and includes the responsibility to abide by guidelines that are logically applied. It is a believable assumption that most would agree change is necessary and sometimes a little un-comfortable; even painful if neglected too long. But nothing justifies excuses to look for comparable violation(s) in the attempt to nullify personal non-compliance. We are all adults; so let us all just be responsible adults. Admit when you’re wrong, fix it, and move past it. Don’t worry about what someone else is supposedly getting “by with” just because you think you know what’s going on. It’s likely that pre-sumptiveness of others’ issues are completely wrong. That being said, if statements made in the newsletter some-times sound “condescending”; I apologize… but not sorry. If the shoe fits, then wear it. It is my personal opinion that the majority of residents recognize the need to generalize infor-mation when addressing some issues to avoid speculative cu-riosity of others’ business. The majority of residents or home-owners are proud and committed to this neighborhood and instinctively understand that statements should not be taken personally or out of context where it isn’t warranted. Pleas-ing everyone is impossible. If anyone is offended, it’s possi-ble they recognize themselves or their actions. Condescend-ing ~ or truthful?

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President’s Desk President’s Desk President’s Desk President’s Desk ANNUAL ASSESSMENT INVOICES Annual assessment invoices are due in the office by January 31st of each year. For those who have already paid, we sin-cerely thank you !! In accordance with the declarations and covenants of this sub-division, the obligation as stated is to pay per lot. The 2011 as-sessment rate remains the same at $250.00 per lot. The assess-ment payment is mandatory and is legally enforceable as a con-dition of living in a deed-restricted community. Homeowners are encouraged to pay their assessments promptly to avoid additional fees and charges. Late payments received after January 31st will be assessed a $25.00 administra-tive fee. After March 1st, a late charge of $45.00 will also be added. Failure to pay will result in a disruption in trash ser-vice. Alternatively, assessment balances can be paid online through the website at www.woodforestcivicassociation.com.

GARAGE SALE ISSUE

The Association requires the posting of one (1) authorized ga-rage sale sign in your yard. Any unauthorized sales, docu-mented and reported to the Office, will be notified and assessed a $250.00 fine. The Association has allowed additional signs to be posted at neighboring intersections and roadways for your convenience. Unfortunately, there have been numerous com-plaints that these signs are not being removed and are still posted on Sundays or later. It is important that the garage sale (or directional) signs be removed by the end of the day on Saturday. If clutter or lack of compliance continues, the Board will address this subject in detail in the new year to find remedy.

TREE REMOVAL

Section 4.16 (6) – The Rules and Regulations clearly state that, “No trees shall be removed, except to re-move dead or diseased trees, or to provide room for additions, and then only with ACC Approval”.

It is NOT okay to cut a tree down just because you want it out of your way. Numerous complaints have been received about such unauthorized removals. As a Board, we recognize the im-portance of this restriction since the neighborhood “forefathers” obviously intended to include “large stately trees”. We have interceded several times, asking homeowners to either plant a replacement tree or face paying a fine for the unnecessary tree removal. The Board will address this subject in detail in the new year.

YARD AND STREET PARKING There have been numerous concerns about yard parking, block-ing street traffic and neighboring driveways. Our residential streets were not built to accommodate street curb parking. Please be aware that numerous vehicles may be towed soon if parked illegally. Your immediate cooperation is requested.

2011 COMMITTEE CALENDAR: D/R Committee - first Thursdays, monthly @ 6:30 pm at WCA Office B/C Committee - last Thursdays, quarterly @ 6:30 pm at WCA Office

CHRISTMAS LIGHTING CONTEST ‘Tis the Season to be Jolly. Every year, volunteers drive through the neighborhood looking at residents’ yard displays of Christmas spirit. Judging will be for the top two favorites in each of these categories: Most Original, Best Street Lighting (predominately cul-de-sac areas), and Best Religious Theme. To make sure that your decorations or your favorites are con-sidered, submit nominations to the office by phone, email or drop off an Entry Form no later than Tuesday, December 14th. We appreciate homeowners’ participation and winners will be announced in the January newsletter. If you’d like to assist judging this year’s contest, meet at the Office on December 14th at 6:30 pm to coordinate coverage areas.

Office Hours:Office Hours:Office Hours:Office Hours: Mon—Fri 9:00AM—6:00PM

13439 Woodforest Blvd.

Houston, TX 77015 Phone: 713-453-1503

Fax: 713-450-2920 Email: woodforest@comcast.net

~ 2010 Christmas Contest ~ Entry Form

CATEGORIES: Most Original ~ Best Street Lighting ~ Best Religious Theme NOTE: Judging will take place on Tuesday, December 14th

Board of Directors Debbie Lonon Pres Leigh Ann Bennett 1st VP Joe Zatopek James Ballard Harold Baxley Mary Rodriquez Debbie Cabness Alan Bennett Carlos Cepeda Pamela Holmes Roy Ridgeway

We’re on the Web!

woodforestcivicassociation.com

Regular Monthly Board Meetings WCA Office on the second

Tuesdays at 6:30PM

HOLIDAY CLOSURE DATES We will be closed on these dates:

*Thursday-Friday, November 25–26 and

*Friday, December 24, 2010

Recommend Nomination(s):

*Address __________________________________________

For Category: ______________________________________

*Address __________________________________________

For Category: ______________________________________

Please register my home in the Christmas Lighting Contest:

Name ___________________________________________ Address __________________________________________ For Category: _____________________________________