Colonies November 2018
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<strong>November</strong> <strong>2018</strong><br />
IMPORTANT NUMBERS pg. 2<br />
BRADFORD COLONY 1 & 2 pg. 3<br />
BRADFORD COLONY SECTION 3 pg. 3<br />
CHARLESTOWN COLONY pg. 4<br />
CONCORD COLONY pg. 5<br />
GEORGETOWN COLONY I pg. 5<br />
GEORGETOWN COLONY II pg. 6<br />
JAMESTOWN COLONY pg. 6<br />
LANGHAM CREEK COLONY pg .6<br />
YORKTOWN pg. 6<br />
TEENAGE JOB SEEKERS LISI pg. 9<br />
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Important <strong>Colonies</strong> Numbers Important <strong>Colonies</strong> Numbers<br />
Bradford Colony I and II Board Members<br />
https://community.associawebsites.com/sites/BradfordColonyHOA<br />
Matt Sanders - President<br />
Arturo Alcedo - Vice President<br />
Pauline Dunglinson - Treasurer<br />
Debbie Lowery - Secretary<br />
PMG Management - 713-329-7100<br />
11000 Corporate Centre Dr. #150 Houston, TX 77041<br />
Shannon Abernathy, 713-329-7130<br />
PMG s.abernathy@pmghouston.com<br />
713-329-7130<br />
Bradford Colony Section Three (BCS3) Board<br />
Mark Przywara - President<br />
832-418-3409/msp0007@yahoo.com<br />
Open - 1st Vice President/Treasurer<br />
Open - 2nd Vice President/Secretary<br />
Theodora Daly (ACMP) 281-855-9867<br />
Charlestown Colony Board of Directors<br />
Alex Vargo, President 832-498-7085<br />
Ray Neal, Treasurer<br />
Byron Tipping, Secretary<br />
byron_tipping@yahoo.com<br />
Silverio Sanchez Director<br />
silverio@holycov.org<br />
Sharon Tipping, Vice Pres./Arch. Control 281-550-7915<br />
Shannon Abernathy, PMG s.abernathy@pmghouston.com 713-329-7130<br />
Concord Colony Board of Directors<br />
OPEN, President<br />
Jeanne Pressler, Secretary<br />
Olivia Hernandez, Treasurer<br />
Marilyn Knox, Director<br />
Heather Perez, Director<br />
Shannon Abernathy, PMG s.abernathy@pmghouston.com 713-329-7130<br />
11000 Corporate Centre Dr. #150 Houston, TX 77041<br />
Georgetown Colony I Board of Directors<br />
Brian Rogers, President/ Architectual Control 281-861-5411<br />
Richard Cottrell, Vice President 281-855-4433<br />
Lydia Rogers, Secretary<br />
Marco Varela, Treasurer<br />
Anthony "Tony" Flores, Director<br />
COMMITTEE POSITIONS<br />
Deed Restrictions Committee<br />
Yard of the Month Signs-Lydia Rodgers 281-861-5444<br />
www.scsmgmt.com or Sunni West 281-463-1777<br />
Georgetown Colony II Board of Directors<br />
Bruce Medley, President<br />
Richard Barbour, Vice President<br />
Timothy Fiore, Treasurer<br />
IMPORTANT COMMUNITY NUMBERS<br />
MUNICIPAL ULTILITY DISTRICT 102<br />
Municipal Utility District 102 - 15300 Falmouth<br />
MDS (Water) - District Operator,<br />
Customer Service/Billing Inquiries - 281-290-6507<br />
Service Dept (leaks, emergencies) 281-290-6503<br />
Coats, Rose, Yale, Holm,<br />
Ryman & Lee, P.C. - Legal Council - 713-651-0111<br />
Assessments of Southwest -<br />
Tax Assessor/Collector 713-482-0216<br />
Harris County Sheriff Department - Security -<br />
713-221-6000<br />
SCHOOLS<br />
Cy-Fair School District Admin. 281-897-4000<br />
Horne Elementary (K-5) 281-463-5954<br />
Truitt Middle School (6-8) 281-856-1100<br />
CyFalls High School 281-856-1000<br />
brucemedley@sbcglobal.<br />
rbbarbour@gmail.com<br />
Tim_Fiore@yahoo.com<br />
SCS Management Services, Inc.<br />
Sunni West/ Property Manager 281-500-7119<br />
Emergency 911<br />
Fire & Ambulance<br />
713 466-6161 281-256-2266<br />
Clay Rd. Courthouse Annex 281-463-2446<br />
State Highway Dept. 713-802-5076<br />
Animal Control 281-999-3191<br />
Rape Crisis (24 hrs.) 713-528-7273<br />
Suicide Prevention (24 hrs.) 713-228-1505<br />
Battered Women & Children 713-528-5785<br />
MISC.<br />
Car Share/Van Share 713-227-0003<br />
Alcoholics Anonymous (24 hours) 713-686-6300<br />
Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse 713-520-8620<br />
Crisis Hotline (24 hours) 713 -228-1505<br />
Harris Co. Children’s Protective<br />
Services (24 hours) 713-394-4000<br />
Jamestown Colony Board Members<br />
Wayne Modgling 281-389-9347<br />
Steve Palmer 281-859-0895<br />
Beverly Franklin 281-345-8216<br />
Dan Grosu 281-667-7796<br />
Kelsey Heath 832-964-5207<br />
Rick Moore 281-8501211<br />
Erica Morgan, PMG<br />
e.morgan@pmghouston.com 713-239-7156<br />
Langham Creek Colony Board of Directors<br />
William Thielen- President<br />
Eric Sandrock - Vice President<br />
Larry Jasinski - Secretary/Treasurer<br />
Shannon Abernathy, PMG s.abernathy@pmghouston.com<br />
713-329-7130<br />
PMG Management - 713-329-7100<br />
11000 Corporate Centre Dr. #150 Houston, TX 77041<br />
Langham Creek <strong>Colonies</strong> Tennis & Swim Assoc, Inc.<br />
Langham Creek <strong>Colonies</strong> HOA #1<br />
Langham Creek <strong>Colonies</strong> HOA #2<br />
Genesis Property Management, Inc. 713-953-0808<br />
Yorktown Colony Board of Directors<br />
Terri Delaney President / ACC /Pool<br />
Brenda Whiteman - VP/Treasurer<br />
David Furr - Director<br />
Martha Muzquiz - Director<br />
Ben Salas, Secretary<br />
Shannon Abernathy, PMG 713-329-7130<br />
s.abernathy@pmghouston.com<br />
PMG Management - 713-329-7100<br />
11000 Corporate Centre Dr. #150 Houston, TX 77041<br />
The <strong>Colonies</strong> Recreation and<br />
Property Owners Association<br />
Rick Barbour, President (GCII)<br />
Terri Delaney, Vice President (YC)<br />
Brian Rogers, Secretary (GCI)<br />
Jeanne Pressler, Treasurer (CC)<br />
Matt Sanders, Director (BC 1&2)<br />
Theodora Daly, ACMP, Inc, Property Management<br />
For Pool Tags & Tennis Court Keys: Appointment Required.<br />
Contact <strong>Colonies</strong>Rec@gmail.com<br />
U. S. Post Office (Bear Creek) 1-800-275-8777<br />
Center Point Gas 713-659-2111<br />
To report gas leaks 713-659-3552<br />
Reliant Energy 713-207-7777<br />
Street Light Repair 713-207-2222<br />
AT & T 713-237-7304<br />
Street Repair 281-353-8424<br />
Harris County Animal Control 281-999-3191<br />
Humane Wildlife Removal 281-377-5335<br />
Texas Wildlife Rehabilitation 713-468-8972<br />
Bear Creek Library 281-550-0885<br />
MTA Buses (Routes & Scheduling) 713-635-4000<br />
NEWSLETTER PUBLISHING/ADVERTISING<br />
Krenek Printing Company<br />
7102 Glen Chase Ct., Houston, Texas 77095<br />
281 463-8649 Fax# 281 463-2425<br />
Articles email: news@krenekprinting.com<br />
Ads email: ads@krenekprinting.com<br />
2 <strong>November</strong> <strong>2018</strong> | <strong>Colonies</strong> Community Newsletter
BRADFORD COLONY 1 & 2<br />
(BC1&2) NEWS FROM THE BOARD<br />
ANNUAL MEETING<br />
Our annual meeting is going to be on Wednesday <strong>November</strong> 7, <strong>2018</strong><br />
at 7 PM (MUD 102 building). Please come to the meeting. We would<br />
love to hear your input, questions and/or comments concerning our<br />
community. If you are unable to come in person, please sign the proxy,<br />
which you would have received in the mail around mid-October and<br />
either mail it back to our manager Shannon Abernathy or give it to one<br />
of the Board members. We will need to have enough homeowners or<br />
proxies to make this meeting happen.<br />
ARCHITECTURAL IMPROVEMENT REQUEST<br />
& DEED RESTRICTIONS<br />
When you are ready to beautify the exterior of your home or add an extension<br />
or new landscaping, please complete an Architectural Improvement<br />
Request form (available on TownSq or from our manager), send the<br />
completed form to our manager for Board approval prior to starting the<br />
work. The purpose of Deed Restrictions and the enforcement of them<br />
is one of our efforts to protect and preserve the property values in our<br />
neighborhood. These restrictions exist to assure our neighborhood a<br />
pleasing appearance and quality property value, while allowing as much<br />
individual expression as possible. Bradford Colony is a group of neighborhoods<br />
that exhibit an immense amount of pride in their community<br />
and respect for their neighbors. If you have any questions or concerns<br />
regarding deed restrictions or property improvement requests or issues,<br />
please contact our manager Shannon Abernathy 713-329-7130, email:<br />
s.abernathy@pmghouston.com. The Board wants to thank those who<br />
have complied with this regulation and appreciate their cooperation.<br />
WINTER GARDENING TIPS<br />
<strong>November</strong> is time to set out pansies for fall through spring color. They<br />
are quite hardy and by planting them now, they will become well established<br />
for late winter and early spring blasts of color. Other annuals<br />
to plant in <strong>November</strong> include snapdragons, pinks, dianthus and Sweet<br />
Williams. If you have a lot trees, you can rake up the leaves and grass<br />
clippings for composting or use as mulch in vegetable gardens or shrub<br />
beds. Apply winterizing fertilizer at this time to your St. Augustine lawn<br />
to strength the root system.<br />
MISC.<br />
<strong>November</strong> 6 th is mid-term election. <strong>November</strong> 7 th is our community’s<br />
annual meeting. <strong>November</strong> 8 th is National Parents as Teachers Day.<br />
<strong>November</strong> 11 th is Veterans Day. <strong>November</strong> 13 th is World Kindness<br />
Day. <strong>November</strong> 18 th is Mickey Mouse Birthday. <strong>November</strong> 22 nd is<br />
Thanksgiving. <strong>November</strong> 26 th is Cyber Monday and <strong>November</strong> 27 th is<br />
National Day of Giving.<br />
Daylight saving time ends Sunday, <strong>November</strong> 4 th . This is also a good<br />
time to check the batteries of smoke detectors and carbon monoxide<br />
detectors to ensure they are in good working conditions.<br />
Lastly, the Board wishes everyone a happy and safe Thanksgiving!<br />
• Fences/Decks<br />
• Arbors/Patio Covers<br />
• Painting Int/Ext<br />
Specializing in Residential<br />
Home Improvement Projects<br />
713-416-79 81<br />
www.shaffer.cc<br />
• Bathroom Remodels<br />
• Kitchen Remodels<br />
• Home Repairs Int/Ext<br />
Serving your community for over 20 years!<br />
<strong>Colonies</strong> Community Newsletter | <strong>November</strong> <strong>2018</strong><br />
BRADFORD COLONY SECTION 3<br />
(BCS3) 2019 HOME OWNERS ASSESSMENT/2019 BUDGET<br />
The budget for 2019 is being worked on and all efforts are being made<br />
to keep the Assessment the same as it was in <strong>2018</strong> (i.e. $300).<br />
Property owners should be receiving their 2019 invoice and related<br />
payment details soon. Note that this invoice will also include any past<br />
due charges for any properties that have an outstanding balance.<br />
As in past years, the Board and ACMP are doing everything possible<br />
to keep expenses to a minimum without sacrificing services and the<br />
quality in the neighborhood as well as not negatively compromising<br />
the HOA’s future financial condition.<br />
(BCS3) THANKSGIVING TRASH PICK UP<br />
As is the case every year, with Thanksgiving falling on a Thursday, the<br />
next trash pick-up will on the following Monday (<strong>November</strong> 26 th ) and<br />
not on the day after Thanksgiving.<br />
(BCS3) DEED RESTRICTION VIOLATION:<br />
FARM ANIMALS/POULTRY<br />
It has come to the Board’s attention that some residents are housing<br />
poultry (chickens and roosters) in their backyards. This is a direct<br />
violation of Section 7.12 of the HOA Governing Documents. The management<br />
company has been notified and the properties in question<br />
have received letters asking them to remove said poultry from their<br />
properties and the neighborhood.<br />
It is hoped that this issue can be rectified without having to use legal<br />
measures to enforce the HOA Deed Restrictions.<br />
(BCS3) LET’S BE CAREFUL OUT THERE<br />
With the time change and less daylight, all residents are asked to be<br />
especially careful when driving around the neighborhood. Sometimes<br />
it is difficult to see our children in the twilight as they play outside or in<br />
the early morning as they rush to catch the school bus or walk to school.<br />
Let’s honor the posted 20 MPH speed limit in the neighborhood as well<br />
as all the stop signs.<br />
(BCS3) BOARD UPDATE<br />
In last month’s COLONIES REVIEW, we told you that our three-member<br />
Board of Directors was being reduced to two members since one Board<br />
member/resident was moving to San Antonio.<br />
This month, I am having to inform all of you that another present<br />
member of the Board is moving to Austin.<br />
These changes have reduced the Board to a single resident (Mark Przywara)<br />
and a bare minimum effort as to the handling of HOA/BCS3 related issues.<br />
BCS3 needs some residents to step up to fill the open Board positions<br />
and perpetuate the internal (i.e. resident) control of the HOA. Please<br />
contact Mark Przywara (832-418-3409 or msp0007@yahoo.com) if you<br />
have any interest or questions about being a part of the Board.<br />
Thank you for your response to this request for involvement.<br />
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3
CHARLESTOWN COLONY<br />
(CHC) NOTES FROM THE BOARD<br />
Happy Veterans Day & Thanksgiving!<br />
YARD OF THE MONTH FOR SEPTEMBER:<br />
Congratulations to 5918 Charlestown Colony!<br />
UPCOMING EVENTS:<br />
• Veterans Day will be observed <strong>November</strong> 12 th<br />
• Thanksgiving - <strong>November</strong> 22 nd<br />
• CyFair Holidays - <strong>November</strong> 19 th -23 rd<br />
• Coming soon annual HOA dues for 2019<br />
and Property taxes!<br />
VETERANS DAY:<br />
A special thanks to all our Veterans, Active<br />
Military and their families for their service and<br />
all the sacrifices that they have made for our<br />
freedom and safety!<br />
THANKSGIVING:<br />
<strong>2018</strong> has been a challenging year of rebuilding<br />
and reconstructing our lives and homes.<br />
However, we have a lot to be thankful for this<br />
year! Remember, we are “Houston Strong”<br />
and resilient survivors of Hurricane Harvey!<br />
OUR FURRY FAMILY MEMBERS:<br />
There have been several complaints about<br />
dogs not being on a leash when being walked<br />
and pet owners not picking up after their animal<br />
does their “business.” Please be mindful<br />
and respectful of our neighbors and common<br />
areas such as the park and pick up after your<br />
pets. There continues to be a noticeable<br />
number of lost and found pets posted on<br />
the Nextdoor App. As we continue to rebuild,<br />
please secure the furry family members by<br />
fixing broken fencing or other measures of<br />
security for our loving pets.<br />
HOME RENOVATION PROJECTS:<br />
It has been almost 15 months since Harvey<br />
devastated Houston and for those who are<br />
still working on repairs, please be conscious<br />
of our deed restrictions. The Architectural<br />
Review form is required to complete exterior<br />
projects such as replacing fences, exterior<br />
painting and pretty much any other exterior<br />
project attached to the home that can be<br />
viewed from the street. The Architectural form<br />
can be obtained from Principle Management<br />
Group Houston (PMG). We have all endured a<br />
lot due to the flood and have probably filled<br />
out enough forms over the last few months<br />
to last a lifetime. However, this form is just<br />
another step in the renovation process and<br />
keeping the project on track. Our deed restrictions<br />
have these forms in place to maintain the<br />
appearance of Charlestown Colony. If exterior<br />
projects are completed without consent,<br />
the homeowner could be subject to make<br />
changes such as re-painting the house all over<br />
again which is costly and time consuming.<br />
Most of the Architectural Review forms can<br />
be processed within 10 business days, but it<br />
could take up to 30 days. If it is urgent, please<br />
indicate that on the form and include a phone<br />
number. PMG may be able to offer a verbal,<br />
“yes” to get the project started while the form<br />
is being processed.<br />
PARKED CARS ON STREETS<br />
AND PARKED CARS CLOSE STOP SIGNS:<br />
We are still seeing cars parked on the street<br />
close to stop signs, which becomes very difficult<br />
for drivers to maneuver around on-coming<br />
traffic. Please park cars safely on the streets<br />
to avoid accidents. We love our residents and<br />
do not want to see anyone injured.<br />
CHARLESTOWN COLONY PARK:<br />
Our community park is enjoyed by many of<br />
the residents and their family members! It has<br />
bounced back since the days of Hurricane Harvey!<br />
Let’s keep it looking amazing! There have<br />
been reports of trash and debris in the park.<br />
Please remember to pick up after ourselves.<br />
DEBRIS REMOVAL<br />
& DEED RESTRICTION VIOLATIONS:<br />
It is the homeowner’s responsibility to remove<br />
trash and debris from the front of their home. If<br />
more time is needed for repairs, the HOA Board<br />
and management company will review these<br />
on a case-by-case basis. Please reach out to<br />
the management company.<br />
GOT THE NEXTDOOR APP?<br />
https://nextdoor.com/<br />
It only takes a few minutes to sign up and<br />
it helps keep everyone informed on current<br />
events in our area.<br />
If you see something, say something, because<br />
we are our best defense against crime and<br />
retaining our home values!<br />
Report:<br />
• Park Lights that are not working properly<br />
• Safety issues in common areas<br />
• Suspicious activity<br />
• Abandoned Houses<br />
• Homes where recovery efforts<br />
have not begun<br />
• Other Violations of our Deed Restrictions<br />
ANNUAL DUES PAYMENT:<br />
Thank you to all who have paid your HOA dues!<br />
If HOA dues have not been paid yet, expect a<br />
certified letter soon with penalties. In order<br />
to avoid additional costs and fees, there are<br />
several options to make HOA payments. As of<br />
February 1 st , unpaid annual dues are considered<br />
delinquent and subject to late fees and<br />
penalties. Our management company has new<br />
policies and procedures in place to collect on<br />
past due HOA assessments. If these have not<br />
been paid yet, please make every effort to pay<br />
or make a payment arrangement. The Board<br />
worked diligently to maintain our HOA dues<br />
at $300 for <strong>2018</strong> although the neighborhood<br />
incurred additional expenses caused by the<br />
flooding. There are several payment options<br />
available.<br />
Register and Pay online:<br />
https://access.associawebsites.com/Associa-<br />
Access/sites/CharlestownColonyCIA/<br />
Mail: PMG/Charlestown Colony<br />
P.O. Box 3157, Houston, TX 77253-3157<br />
Pay in Person: PMG<br />
11000 Corporate Centre Drive #150,<br />
Houston, Texas 77041<br />
If a payment plan needs to be worked out,<br />
please contact our Association manager,<br />
Shannon Abernathy, at a.abernathy@<br />
pmghouston.com (713-329-7130). Email or in<br />
more serious situations, certified mail, should<br />
be your preferred method of contact as these<br />
provides a written record of the conversation<br />
and any agreement or modification granted.<br />
TRASH PICK-UP:<br />
As we continue to work on renovating our<br />
homes, please be cognizant of trash collection<br />
dates and the items that should be included in<br />
the trash for pick up. If the trashcans are left<br />
out, there is a possibility that a deed restriction<br />
violation letter may be sent.<br />
Trash Pick-up is Monday and Thursday by WCA<br />
unless it falls on one of the holidays below.<br />
Mondays - Heavy Trash and Recycling<br />
Thursdays - Normal Trash Pick-up<br />
<strong>2018</strong> Holidays (No Trash Pick-up):<br />
• Thursday, Nov. 22 nd - Thanksgiving Day<br />
What recycles? See below, call their customer<br />
service line at 281-368-8397 for questions<br />
regarding the recycling program.<br />
• Paper: Newsprint, magazines, catalogs, junk<br />
mail and envelopes, copy paper, file folders,<br />
paper grocery bags, telephone books, greeting<br />
cards. Cardboard such as cereal boxes, shoe<br />
boxes, soda and beer boxes and storage/<br />
moving boxes.<br />
• Glass containers: Post consumer food and<br />
juice containers, beer and soda bottles.<br />
• Plastic containers: Post consumer food, juice,<br />
soda, water, shampoo bottles. Plastic items<br />
must contain the international recycling code<br />
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7. Plastic grocery type bags and<br />
Styrofoam are excluded.<br />
• Steel and aluminum containers: Beer, soda,<br />
tuna, vegetable, juice, pet food and similar<br />
metal containers are acceptable.<br />
Hazardous Waste:<br />
Hazardous Waste such as paint and paint related<br />
products, batteries, electronics etc. should<br />
not be put out in regular trash for pick-up. There<br />
are several options to dispose of these items.<br />
Harris County Household Hazardous Waste:<br />
http://eng.hctx.net/watershed/hhw_home.html<br />
6900 Hahl Rd., near Hwy 290 and Gessner (281-<br />
560-6200) Houston, TX 77040<br />
Hours of Operation are Wednesday 9 AM-3<br />
PM and 2 nd Saturday of the month 9 AM-2 PM<br />
Electronics such as TV’s, computers, game<br />
consoles and much more can be disposed at<br />
4 <strong>November</strong> <strong>2018</strong> | <strong>Colonies</strong> Community Newsletter
Compucylce: www.compucycle.net or Best Buy, go to www.bestbuy.<br />
com and type “recycle” into the “search Best Buy” area at the top of<br />
the page.<br />
Mud 102 Alerts:<br />
Stay up to date on trash pick-up and water alerts by signing up for MUD<br />
102 Alerts. It only takes a couple of minutes to sign up.<br />
News And Notes:<br />
Lone Star College and Houston Community College - If Fall registration<br />
was missed for a regular semester, check out the late start class dates<br />
and mini-mester classes.<br />
CONCORD COLONY<br />
TOWNSQ APP<br />
Our Management Company, PMG Houston has a new way to communicate.<br />
Please sign up at www.townsq.io to receive important community<br />
updates. You will also have access to your individual account information,<br />
the Associations governing documents, ACC applications and<br />
more. You can send messages to the Management Company as well.<br />
All you need is your PMG Houston account number. If you do not have<br />
your account number available, please call 713-329-7100 and anyone<br />
at the company can look it up for you.<br />
(CC) HOA MEETING<br />
Our meetings are held the second Tuesday of every month at the<br />
MUD #102 Building which is located at 15300 Falmouth Ave. under<br />
the <strong>Colonies</strong> Water Tower. Watch for our meeting notice signs posted<br />
throughout our neighborhood. We encourage you to attend. The meeting<br />
begins at 7 PM. The entrance to the MUD 102 building is about a<br />
half block north of the intersection of Falmouth and Kentwick. Look<br />
for the water tower north of Falmouth and the driveway lined on one<br />
side by a black wrought iron fence.<br />
(CC) GARAGE SALES<br />
Concord Colony residents are not to have more than two garage sales<br />
per year.<br />
(CC) HOA request<br />
Dear Concord Colony Residents,<br />
Your Board of Directors and Community Manager strive to make this<br />
community look its best at all times. We are asking you to please take<br />
a good look at the exterior of your home and yard. Landscape your<br />
flowerbeds if needed, trim your trees and bushes if needed and also<br />
reduce the clutter. If the paint on your home is chipping or fading,<br />
please consider repainting (approved colors only). However, before you<br />
start painting, you must submit an ACC application to the management<br />
company for review.<br />
If you have any questions or need an ACC application please do not<br />
hesitate to contact your community manager, Shannon Abernathy,<br />
s.abernathy@pmghouston.com, 713-329-7100.<br />
Thank you in advance.<br />
(CC) STREET LIGHTS<br />
If a street light is out or remains on all the time, get the numbers off the<br />
pole, address and call Centerpoint Energy at 713-207- 2222 or go to www.<br />
centerpointenergy.com/outage and you can report the issue online.<br />
(CC) COMMUNITY MANAGEMENT CONTACT<br />
Each and all of the residents in Concord Colony should feel free to contact<br />
your community manager with concerns, questions or an issue in<br />
Concord Colony. The contact information for your community manager<br />
is located inside the back cover of the newsletter under “Important<br />
Colony Numbers.”<br />
<strong>Colonies</strong> Community Newsletter | <strong>November</strong> <strong>2018</strong><br />
(CC) DEED RESTRICTIONS<br />
Please remember that deed restrictions are strongly enforced and<br />
any outside construction or major landscaping changes to your home<br />
must be approved by the Architectural Control Committee (ACC). ACC<br />
contact information for Concord Colony is on the inside back cover of<br />
this newsletter.<br />
GEORGETOWN COLONY I<br />
(GC1) HOA ANNUAL DUES<br />
Visit www.scsmgmt.com and go to Pay Assessment Online and pay by<br />
eCheck or by credit card (Visa, Master Cards, Discover, Amex). Homeowners<br />
with delinquent accounts, please contact SCS Management<br />
directly at 281-463-1777 to discuss installment plans.<br />
(GC1) GEORGETOWN COLONY SURVEILLANCE CAMERAS<br />
The surveillance cameras in the entrance of Georgetown Colony<br />
have been restored and we now have that extra security measure.<br />
(GC1) GEORGETOWN COLONY FINANCIAL PLANNING<br />
Financial planning for FY19 is in progress. An announcement<br />
for the open budget meeting will be posted to SCS Go.<br />
(GC1) OH NO YOU DITTIN’<br />
Be courteous and respectful to your neighbors and pick up<br />
your doggie waste when walking them.<br />
(GC1) LOW HANGING BRANCHES AND LIMBS<br />
Tree limb ceiling height of 17 ft. is required over public roadways for<br />
emergency vehicle access. Homeowners needing tree service can<br />
contact SCS Management www.scsmgmt.com for preferred vendors<br />
in our area.<br />
(GC1) GOING ON VACATION?<br />
Did you know you can request a deputy to drive by and check on your<br />
house during your vacation? Check out the Vacation Watch Program<br />
here: https://bit.ly/2IfzXPo and submit a request.<br />
(GC1) HARRIS COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT (HCFCD)<br />
www.hcfcd.org<br />
HCFCD Flood Warning System is a good resource to monitor stream<br />
levels in the drainage channels adjacent to GEO1 during heavy rains.<br />
HCFCD Bond projects F-53 was approved to de-silt, repair channels<br />
that drain into the Addicks and Barker reservoirs. You can find detail<br />
information regarding this bond on www.hcfcd.org.<br />
(GC1) STRAY CATS<br />
To prevent an overpopulation of stray cats, please consider spay/<br />
neutering your pets. Cats with clipped ears are part of the feral community<br />
program and cannot be removed. If you need assistance with<br />
spay/neutering feral cats in your area, please contact Theresa Caldwell<br />
at theresacaldwell10@yahoo.com. All cats will ONLY be spayed and<br />
neutered and returned to their environment.<br />
(GC1) Stay connected with neighborhood news with the Nextdoor app<br />
Sign up for the Nextdoor app at Nextdoor.com or download the app.<br />
It’s a free, private social network for you, your neighbors and your<br />
community. You will find information on Crime & Safety, Lost & Found<br />
and For Sale & Free just to name a few.<br />
5
GEORGETOWN COLONY II<br />
(GCII) DEED RESTRICTIONS<br />
We want to thank all of the homeowners in GCII who take the time<br />
and expense to keep their property maintained! It shows pride in your<br />
ownership and it keeps all of our property values up! Before doing<br />
home improvements, please submit an Architectural Review Form to<br />
the Board for approval prior beginning any exterior work. The forms<br />
may be obtained from SCS Management at www.scsmngt.com or<br />
281-463-1777.<br />
JAMESTOWN COLONY NEWS<br />
(JC) NEWS FROM THE BOARD<br />
ARCHITECTURAL & MODIFICATION REVIEWS<br />
If you are planning on making external changes to your property,<br />
please remember to submit a Home Improvement Request Form before<br />
initiating the work.<br />
To submit a request, log in to Townsq.io - Under DOCUMENTS, ASSOCI-<br />
ATION DOCUMENTS, you will see the Jamestown Colony ACC form. The<br />
Jamestown Colony ACC Guidelines can be found under DOCUMENTS,<br />
GOVERNING DOCUMENTS.<br />
MUD 102 ALERTS<br />
For emergency notifications and important information for water,<br />
sewer, garbage and security services, please enroll in text and/or<br />
Email blast alerts at: www.hcmud102.org.<br />
SAVE THE DATE<br />
<strong>November</strong> 6, <strong>2018</strong> - Election Day<br />
<strong>November</strong> 11, <strong>2018</strong> - Veterans Day<br />
<strong>November</strong> 22, <strong>2018</strong> - Thanksgiving<br />
December 1, <strong>2018</strong> - Santa in Park (Section I)<br />
VISIT US AT WWW.TOWNSQ.IO<br />
We are committed to improving the communications shared within<br />
the neighborhood. If you have not joined www.TownSq.io - please do<br />
so today!<br />
Available for FREE to Associa / PMG communities, join TownSq<br />
(www.Townsq.io) now to start experiencing community your way!<br />
• Connect with your neighbors<br />
• Collaborate on community happenings<br />
• Stay up-to-date on association interests<br />
• Manage your account<br />
• View Association website<br />
• And more, any time, on any device.<br />
Your account is already set up and ready to use. Simply download<br />
TownSq in the app store using your mobile device or register at www.<br />
townsq.io with your Associa account number and zip code. If you need<br />
your account number, please contact Erica Morgan at<br />
emorgan@pmghouston.com.<br />
LANGHAM CREEK COLONY<br />
(LCC) LANGHAM CREEK COLONY<br />
ANNUAL ASSESSMENTS<br />
If you have any special needs or questions concerning your assessment<br />
statement, call Principal Management Group at 713-329-7100.<br />
YORKTOWN COLONY<br />
(YTC) MANAGEMENT COMPANY<br />
The contact is Shannon Abernathy at 713-329-7130 or<br />
s.abernathy@pmghouston.com.<br />
(YTC) ASSESSMENTS<br />
After careful consideration of the current year’s budget and expected<br />
needs for the community in 2019, the Board has set the 2019 assessment<br />
at $355 per home. You will receive your account statements in<br />
<strong>November</strong> and payments are due on January 1, 2019. It is important<br />
that you pay your assessments on time to avoid late fees and additional<br />
penalties. In <strong>2018</strong>, the Board had to make the difficult decision to<br />
send several accounts that were unpaid to the Association’s attorney<br />
for collection. They will continue this same process in 2019 to ensure<br />
that assessments are collected.<br />
(YTC) NNO<br />
We had a great turnout for NNO again this year. I would like to thank<br />
Martha and all her volunteers that helped to make this event a great<br />
success. We had a representative from Precinct 4’s Commissioner<br />
Jack Cagle stop by and drop of cookies and other freebies to had out<br />
along with our Officers that took time to stop in and say hello. As the<br />
fun continued, we were surprised to see one of our own VFD trucks<br />
roll up, kids of all ages came over to see this beast, they were able to<br />
climb inside and see first hand the beauty in this life saving vehicle.<br />
Thanks to all of you who came out to show your support and for your<br />
participation. See you again in 2019.<br />
(YTC) THANKSGIVING<br />
Although this is the day that generally gets looked over in preparation for<br />
Christmas, we need to take the time and reflect on this day appointed<br />
for giving thanks for the many Blessing in our lives and the lives of those<br />
who look over us. Celebrate with your family and friends with food, fun<br />
and laughter. Make the memories. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!<br />
(YTC) CHRISTMAS<br />
Christmas will be here before you know it. There will be a decoration<br />
contest and the winner will receive $50 gift card. We will judge them<br />
on December 14 th .<br />
(YTC) YARD OF THE MONTH<br />
We would like to Thank all the past winners for their hard work and<br />
efforts in keeping the neighborhood looking good. We appreciate everything<br />
you have done. We will resume recognition for YOTM in April,<br />
this gives plenty of time to get those flowers planted and let us see the<br />
results. Happy Planting!<br />
(YTC) BACKYARD ARTICLE<br />
Cooler weather flowers<br />
Our mild Texas winters allow us to enjoy outstanding displays of color all<br />
year long. As the weather begins to cool, Pansies are the best flower our<br />
area. They prefer locations with well-drained moderately rich soil and full<br />
sun to partial shade (six hours or more of sunlight). They grow best when<br />
evening temperatures remain between 40 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit and<br />
daytime highs do not exceed 75 degrees. They are capable of surviving<br />
temperatures down to the single digits; They will freeze solid, thaw out<br />
when the sunlight hits them and continue to bloom all winter. Pansies<br />
often last until the end of March and re-seed themselves.<br />
Snapdragons are colorful and thrive in full or partial sun throughout<br />
the fall, winter and spring. They are cold-hardy to about 25 degrees<br />
and are disease-resistant. For best results, the snapdragons should be<br />
planted in well-draining soil to prevent the roots from rotting.<br />
The vibrant blue of Lobelia draws attention to any garden area. It<br />
is an easy-to-grow, cool weather annual. Once planted, lobelia can<br />
reach their beautiful full potential. Their environment should consist<br />
of fertile, moist, well-draining soil, with part sun or bright shade. Lo-<br />
6 <strong>November</strong> <strong>2018</strong> | <strong>Colonies</strong> Community Newsletter
<strong>Colonies</strong> Community Newsletter | <strong>November</strong> <strong>2018</strong><br />
7
Become a Dental Assistant<br />
in just 10 weeks!<br />
belia blooms can be found in white, pink, red and violet-blue. Since<br />
they are half-hardy plants, lobelia plants need to be protected if the<br />
temperature drops below 30 degrees. Their bright summertime blooms<br />
can last until the first frost.<br />
Another easy-to-grow annual that creates a brilliant border is the alyssum.<br />
Growing to about 8 inches tall, white, pink, violet, purple and lavender<br />
alyssum brightens any yard with an explosion of flowers. Alyssum can also<br />
be planted in small openings in a rock garden to add a splash of color. They<br />
like full or partial sun and tolerate average or dry soil conditions.<br />
(YTC) CRIME REPORTS<br />
We are now getting crime reports from the MUD #102 for September.<br />
Training Since 1995<br />
Approved by the TWC Career Schools and Colleges<br />
Criminal Mischief 1<br />
Theft Other 1<br />
If you see something, say something. Call the sheriff’s department at 713-<br />
221-6000. Lock your car doors and take your valuables out of your car.<br />
www.hdas.biz | For info packet call 281-363-0600 or email admin@hdas.biz<br />
Katy • Clear Lake • The Woodlands<br />
10 Week Course - Tuition $3250 • Payment Plans<br />
Winter Session begins 1/12/19<br />
BOAT & R.V.<br />
STORAGE<br />
Convenient 24 Hr. Access • 13 514 Wieman Rd.<br />
Prices start at $ 50. 00<br />
281-550-1136<br />
Hwy. 6<br />
WIL-STOR<br />
&<br />
N<br />
290<br />
529<br />
Wieman<br />
Clay Rd.<br />
Eldridge Rd.<br />
West Little York<br />
I-10<br />
(YTC) MUD 102<br />
Stay informed with the MUD District and sign up with<br />
www.hcmud102.org to receive emails.<br />
(YTC) Trash Talk<br />
Trash pickup is on Monday and Thursday. They run early in the morning<br />
so if you are not an early riser you need to put your trash out the night<br />
before. Trash bags need to be put in trashcans, we have tons of stray<br />
cats and other animals that get into the trash bags.<br />
(YTC) DEED RESTRICTIONS<br />
Commercial vehicles have been added to our deed restrictions and it<br />
will read. Commercial/Company vehicles - Only one company/commercial<br />
vehicle per house hold, no such vehicle may be larger than a<br />
one ton and such vehicle must be parked in the driveway. This will be<br />
made available to the homeowners soon.<br />
The officers that patrol our neighborhood are contracted by us and<br />
are here to protect us and our property. They have no concern of your<br />
immigration status, so please call them.<br />
(YTC) SE HABLA ESPAÑOLA<br />
Spanish Speaking Board Member Contacts are:<br />
Ben Salas 832-524-9080 Martha Muzquiz 832-563-2207<br />
(YTC) VACATION WATCH<br />
If you are planning a vacation for an extended time you can go to www.<br />
harriscountyso.org/Programs/programs_VacationWatch.aspx and you<br />
can submit a form for the Sheriff’s department to keep an eye on your<br />
house while you are away.<br />
(YTC) ARCHITECTURAL AND MODIFICATION REVIEW<br />
Please remember when you are making modification to the exterior<br />
of or home and or your property you must submit an application<br />
for approval before the work begins. To submit a request, log in on<br />
pmghouston.com website using My Account. On the top left side, you<br />
will click on Services and Amenities and then click Architectural Review.<br />
There you can submit a request.<br />
For fabor, alludanos a conservar limpia nuestra colonia.rebisa, el frente<br />
y lado de tu casa, recoje los botes de basura, no, dejes cosas que se<br />
miran mal; en tu patio aci, bamos a evitar las cartas de h.o.a. muchas<br />
gracias. Juntos acemos la diferencia.<br />
(YTC) HAVE YOU LIKED US YET ON FACEBOOK?<br />
Yorktown Colony now has a Facebook. This is to keep each other<br />
informed on events and happenings going on in the neighborhood.<br />
Inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated. If anyone has anything<br />
they would like see on the site please let us know.<br />
www.facebook.com/YorktownColonyNeighborhood<br />
8 <strong>November</strong> <strong>2018</strong> | <strong>Colonies</strong> Community Newsletter
Featured Business of the Month<br />
Lifetime Floors<br />
Lifetime Floors is your neighborhood flooring and remodeling store that is just around the corner. Whether you are installing new flooring,<br />
counter tops, showers or bathroom remodels, we are here to help. We have many products, including wood, wood-look tile, porcelain tile,<br />
travertine, quartz, vinyl flooring, and carpeting from many well-known manufacturers such as Mohawk, Shaw, Anderson, Mannington, Columbia,<br />
Dreamweaver, and many more. We have been in the flooring industry for more than a decade and have been providing our clients with<br />
the best products at competitive prices.<br />
You can shop from the convenience of your home as we offer free in-home design services and estimates. Our designer will bring you a variety<br />
of the latest samples for you to choose from for the perfect look that fits your needs and lifestyle.<br />
We work to ensure your complete satisfaction. When you choose us, you can be confident that your<br />
home improvement project will go as planned. We want you to feel confident that every aspect of the<br />
remodeling process will meet your highest expectations.<br />
We invite you to visit our showroom located at 11901 Barker Cypress Road next door to Benjamin Moore<br />
paints and All The Crave Cheesecake. We look forward to meeting you and being your new flooring and<br />
remodeling expert. We proudly offer up to 36 months interest free financing through Synchrony Financial.<br />
Please contact us to set up an in-home estimate or enjoy shopping in our showroom.<br />
Lifetime Floors<br />
11901 Barker Cypress Road<br />
www.lifetimefloors.com • (281) 758-5992<br />
Kimberly Hawk<br />
(713) 591-8876<br />
Email me at: kim@lifetimefloors.com<br />
HELP HORNE ELEMENTARY!<br />
An easy way to help our school is to turn trash into cash. Horne Elementary participates in the Box Tops<br />
for Education program. Some of the grocery items we use have Box Tops on them. Each Box Top is worth<br />
10 cents for the school. You would pick up a dime on street - so cut out the Box Tops and donate to<br />
Horne! You can find the Box Tops logo on hundreds of products like Cheerios®, Hamburger Helper® and<br />
Kleenex®, in almost every aisle of the store. To donate the Box Tops, simply bring them to the reception<br />
desk at Horne, give them to a family with children who attend Horne or contact this year’s coordinator,<br />
Rufina Bonilla, for pick up. Her email address is rufinamb@gmail.com and her cell phone number is<br />
713-294-6940. Let’s collect them all year long and give Horne a big boost to start the new school year!<br />
COLONIES TEENAGE JOB SEEKERS<br />
If you are between 12 and 18 and would like to be added to the teenage<br />
job seeker’s list, please fill out the form on our website (www.krenekprinting.com,<br />
click submissions and choose Jobseekers) with your<br />
name, birthdate (mo. & yr.), phone number, year you will graduate and<br />
the name of your newsletter/subdivision. Check the list of jobs you want<br />
on your form. Please make sure your email is correct, we send emails<br />
in the summer to make sure all the info is still good and that you want<br />
to stay on the list. If we do not hear back from you after 3 tries, we will<br />
remove you from the list until we do. Must have parent(s) permission.<br />
DISCLAIMER<br />
Neither the subdivision, nor Krenek Printing is responsible for those listed<br />
on the Teenage Job Seeker List. Please ask for and check out references<br />
if you do not personally know those listed. This is just a list of teenagers<br />
from the subdivision who wish to find part time jobs. Responsibility for<br />
any work done by these teenagers is between those seeking helpers and<br />
the teens and their parents.<br />
TEENAGE JOB SEEKER’S LIST<br />
MAY NOT BE VIEWED ONLINE AVAILABLE IN<br />
PRINTED NEWSLETTERS ONLY<br />
CODE KEY:<br />
B - BABYSITTING, CPR - CPR CERT., FAC - FIRST AID CERT., RCC - RED CROSS CERT.,<br />
SS - SAFE SITTER, SL - SWIM LESSONS, PP - PET/PLANT SITTER, P - PET CARE<br />
ONLY, H - HOUSE CARE, L - LAWN CARE, C- CAR CARE/DETAILING, T - TUTORING<br />
<strong>Colonies</strong> Community Newsletter | <strong>November</strong> <strong>2018</strong><br />
9
Pet Information<br />
HARRIS COUNTY LEASH LAW<br />
Animals that are not properly restrained pose a threat to all our residents.<br />
While you may know your pet is friendly, an animal running at someone<br />
who is walking by is very scary for that person. Many children are afraid<br />
of animals and become frightened, which could result in the child getting<br />
hurt trying to avoid the animal.<br />
Harris County Animal Control advises, “All dogs and cats must be kept<br />
under restraint while in the unincorporated areas of Harris County, Texas.<br />
The custodian of a dog or cat is not authorized to have, harbor or keep<br />
any unlicensed dog or cat, nor to allow any dog or cat to become a stray.”<br />
RESPONSIBLE PET OWNERSHIP<br />
Being a responsible pet owner is much more than just providing adequate<br />
water, food and shelter for your pet. Domestic pets are completely dependent<br />
on their owners for their welfare.<br />
• Owning a pet is a lifetime commitment. If you can’t make<br />
the commitment, don’t get the pet.<br />
• Choose a pet that fits your lifestyle. Don’t get a high energetic dog,<br />
if you don’t have the time to exercise him. If you can’t afford groom<br />
ing or can’t do the grooming yourself, pick a low maintenance dog.<br />
• Spay or neuter your pets. There are too many homeless animals<br />
without adding to the problem.<br />
• Don’t make your dog a “backyard dog.” Dogs strive on<br />
companionship and need to be with their human pack.<br />
• Be aware of weather conditions. Leaving your dog in the car on<br />
a hot day or in the yard without shade or water is risking your dog’s life.<br />
• Make sure your home is “pet” safe. Pesticides, medications,<br />
household cleaners and some houseplants (dieffenbachia, philo<br />
dendron, hyacinth and mistletoe) can be deadly to your pet.<br />
Keep them out of reach.<br />
• Provide veterinary care for your pet. Keep their vaccinations<br />
up to date and make sure they have annual checkups.<br />
• Keep identification tag on your pet... it is your pets ticket back<br />
home. Both dogs and cats need ID!! Microchipping is good too,<br />
but an external tag is essential, it could mean the difference of your<br />
neighbor returning your pet to you or turning him into the pound!<br />
• Obedience train and socialize your animal.<br />
• Don’t let your pets run loose. Dogs should be walked leashes.<br />
Any outdoor off leash access should be secure in a fenced area.<br />
An outdoor cats average lifespan is 3 years, an indoor cat’s average<br />
lifespan is 14 years.<br />
• Provide your pet the proper diet. Obesity can be as deadly as<br />
malnutrition. Be aware that some foods can be deadly, such<br />
as chocolate and fatty foods can cause pancreatitis.<br />
• Make sure your pet get proper amount of exercise.<br />
• Take extra precautions during holidays like Fourth of July or<br />
New Year’s. It is the scariest time for pets, make sure your pets<br />
are secure indoors. Also protect your pet during Halloween.<br />
• Be kind to your pet and show him with love... remember you are his world.<br />
• Take special care of your pet during their senior years.<br />
ATTENTION! PET POOPS / YOU SCOOP<br />
Please be respectful of community grounds and neighbors’ yards. If your<br />
pet poops during your walk, be prepared to scoop and trash. Come with<br />
a scooper and a recycled grocery bag or anything else. It may not be the<br />
most fabulous way to walk your pet, but it does show your respect for<br />
every homeowner and our beautiful community.<br />
Restraint is defined as “the control of a dog or cat under the following<br />
circumstances:<br />
1. When it is controlled by a line or leash not more than six (6) feet<br />
in length, if the line or leash is held by a human being, who is<br />
capable of controlling or governing the dog or cat in question<br />
2. When it is within a fully enclosed vehicle<br />
3. When it is on the premise of the custodian and the animal does<br />
not have access to sidewalk or street.”<br />
While it may be nice to have your animal out in the yard while you work or<br />
play, it is against the law, unless the animal is properly restrained.<br />
Let’s all help keep our community a safe and comfortable place for all our<br />
residents by being responsible pet owners. This will not only protect anyone<br />
who may be walking or bicycling in the area, but also the pet owner who<br />
could be held legally responsible or possibly sued for failing to properly<br />
restrain their pet.<br />
To make a complaint or report an animal that is not properly restrained<br />
please contact:<br />
Harris County Precinct #5, Contract #87: 281-463-6666<br />
Harris County Animal Control: 281-999-3191<br />
Harris County Health Department, Rabies/Animal Control Section<br />
2223 West Loop South, Houston, Texas 77027-3588 www.countypets.com<br />
STOP THAT BARKING<br />
Many dogs left alone all day get lonely, bored and restless. Many find relief<br />
in barking. Some respond noisily to any and all activity. But, nothing is as<br />
annoying as incessant barking - even for dog lovers. If your dog is a yapper<br />
or a yowler, please consider some of these bark-abatement ideas to keep<br />
the noise down in your area. Your neighbors will thank you!<br />
• Training. Always the first recommendation for any behavioral problem!<br />
Help is as close as the Yellow Pages. Training not only helps your dog, you’ll<br />
be surprised how much it helps you, too. You may get some insight into why<br />
your dog barks so much or what it is trying to communicate.<br />
• Citronella collars. A humane alternative to the electric-shock, anti-barking<br />
collar and costs about the same. Available on the web and in pet stores.<br />
• Confinement. Sometimes simply bringing an outspoken dog indoors or<br />
confining it to a crate can cut down on the disturbance to neighbors.<br />
• For inside dogs, reduce stimulus. Close drapes to help muffle street noise<br />
or leave a radio on to mask it.<br />
• Companionship. Dogs are pack animals; they need companionship - a cat,<br />
bird or another dog. Consider a mid-day visit from a pet-sitting service or<br />
drop your pooch off at a friend’s place or a day-care facility once or twice<br />
a week.<br />
Keep in mind that dogs who bark from loneliness or boredom, may not do it<br />
when you are home. Meanwhile, your neighbors may be getting serenaded<br />
while you are away.<br />
10 <strong>November</strong> <strong>2018</strong> | <strong>Colonies</strong> Community Newsletter
VETERANS DAY NOVEMBER 11TH<br />
Veterans Day is an official United States public holiday, observed annually<br />
on <strong>November</strong> 11, that honors military veterans; that is, persons<br />
who served in the United States Armed Forces. It coincides with other<br />
holidays, including Armistice Day and Remembrance Day, celebrated<br />
in other countries that mark the anniversary of the end of World War I;<br />
major hostilities of World War I were formally ended at the 11th hour<br />
of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, when the Armistice with<br />
Germany went into effect. The United States previously observed<br />
Armistice Day. The U.S. holiday was renamed Veterans Day in 1954.<br />
Veterans Day pays tribute to all American veterans—living or<br />
dead—but especially gives thanks to living veterans who served<br />
their country honorably during war or peacetime.<br />
When Is Veterans Day?<br />
Veterans Day occurs on <strong>November</strong> 11 every year in the<br />
United States.<br />
In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower officially changed the<br />
name of the holiday from Armistice Day to Veterans Day. In 1968,<br />
the Uniform Holidays Bill was passed by Congress, which moved<br />
the celebration of Veterans Day to the fourth Monday in October.<br />
The law went into effect in 1971, but in 1975 President Gerald<br />
Ford returned Veterans Day to <strong>November</strong> 11, due to the important<br />
historical significance of the date.<br />
Great Britain, France, Australia and Canada also commemorate<br />
the veterans of World War I and World War II on or near <strong>November</strong><br />
11th: Canada has Remembrance Day, while Britain has Remembrance<br />
Sunday (the second Sunday of <strong>November</strong>).<br />
In Europe, Great Britain and the Commonwealth countries it is common<br />
to observe two minutes of silence at 11 a.m. every <strong>November</strong> 11.<br />
Veterans Today<br />
The military men and women who serve and protect the U.S. come<br />
from all walks of life; they are parents, children, grandparents,<br />
friends, neighbors and coworkers, and are an important part of<br />
their communities. Here are some facts about the veteran population<br />
of the United States:<br />
<strong>Colonies</strong> Community Newsletter | <strong>November</strong> <strong>2018</strong><br />
• 16.1 million living veterans served during at least one war.<br />
• 5.2 million veterans served in peacetime.<br />
• 2 million veterans are women.<br />
• 7 million veterans served during the Vietnam War.<br />
• 5.5 million veterans served during the Persian Gulf War.<br />
• Of the 16 million Americans who served during World War II,<br />
about 558,000 are still alive.<br />
• 2 million veterans served during the Korean War.<br />
• 6 million veterans served in peacetime.<br />
• As of 2014, 2.9 million veterans received compensation<br />
for service-connected disabilities.<br />
• As of 2014, 3 states have more than 1 million veterans among their<br />
population: California (1.8 million), Florida (1.6 million) & Texas (1.7 million).<br />
• The VA health care system had 54 hospitals in 1930, since then it<br />
has expanded to include 171 medical centers; more than 350<br />
outpatient, community, and outreach clinics; 126 nursing home<br />
care units; and 35 live-in care facilities for injured or disabled vets.<br />
WHY I SLEEP SOUNDLY<br />
In <strong>November</strong>, we celebrate Veterans Day for those who are actively serving, living<br />
Veterans or Veterans killed while serving. A little history lesson about Veterans<br />
Day. Veterans Day originated as “Armistice Day” on Nov. 11, 1919, the first anniversary<br />
of the end of World War I. Congress passed a resolution in 1926 for an<br />
annual observance and Nov. 11 th became a national holiday beginning in 1938.<br />
Unlike Memorial Day, Veterans Day pays tribute to all American Veterans living<br />
or dead, but especially gives thanks to living Veterans who served their country<br />
honorably during war or peacetime. The military men and women who serve and<br />
protect the United States of Amerca come from all walks of life; they are parents,<br />
children, grandparents, friends, neighbors and coworkers and are an important<br />
part of their communities. The top four most cited reasons why young men and<br />
women join the Armed Forces is Patriotism, life style, uniform and social status.<br />
Patriotism is the reason why young men and women agree to serve our country<br />
so they can defend our borders and not stand on the sidelines and just watch.<br />
The lifestyle of people in Armed Forces is challenging, adventurous, risky and<br />
yet envious and charming. The uniform has appealed more to the youth than<br />
advertisements of other careers. Social status, when you see a person in Armed<br />
Forces uniform you automatically give respect to him/her. This respect and love<br />
from the countrymen plays a major role in someone choosing it as a career. Every<br />
night, I sleep soundly knowing that the young men and women of the Armed<br />
Forces are serving our country to defend our Freedom and our Flag.<br />
Written by Carla Brownlee at girls1900@aol.com.<br />
11
Air Conditioning Contractors of America<br />
CyFair ISD Education News<br />
WWW.CFISD.NET<br />
IMPORTANT DATES<br />
<strong>November</strong> 19 th -23 rd - Student/Staff Holiday<br />
Principals representing the nine CFISD campuses.<br />
Starting from left they are Ana Martin (Cy-Fair High<br />
School), Jodi White (Arnold Middle School), Maria<br />
Mamaux (Aragon Middle School), Dr. Abe Lozano<br />
(Holbrook Elementary School), Connie Roberson<br />
(Wilbern Elementary School), Elizabeth Bradley<br />
(Pope Elementary School), April Wright (Lowery<br />
Elementary School), Heather Motzny (Sampson<br />
Elementary School) and Stacie Everson (Birkes Elementary<br />
School).<br />
CFISD CAMPUSES EARN ALL POSSIBLE<br />
<strong>2018</strong> TEA DISTINCTION DESIGNATIONS<br />
Nine CFISD campuses were recognized for earning all possible distinction<br />
designations by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) during the<br />
Board of Trustees meeting October 8 th .<br />
The honored campuses were:<br />
Birkes, Holbrook, Lowery, Pope, Sampson and Willbern elementary<br />
schools, Aragon and Arnold middle schools and Cy-Fair High School.<br />
Campuses that received an accountability rating of Met Standard<br />
are eligible to earn distinction designations, which are awarded for<br />
achievement and progress in the following areas:<br />
Academic Achievement in English Language Arts/Reading; Academic<br />
Achievement in Mathematics; Academic Achievement in Science;<br />
Academic Achievement in Social Studies;<br />
Top 25%: Comparative Academic Growth; Top 25%: Comparative<br />
Closing the Gaps and Postsecondary Readiness.<br />
Each campus is assigned to a unique comparison group made up<br />
of Texas schools that are most similar to it. The groups are determined<br />
on grade levels served, size, percentage of students who are<br />
economically disadvantaged and mobility rate. It also includes the<br />
percentage of English language learners, students receiving special<br />
education services and students enrolled in an Early College High<br />
School program.<br />
A campus earns a distinction designation if it is in the top quartile of<br />
its comparison group for at least 33 percent (for high schools) or 50<br />
percent (for elementary and middle schools) of the indicators used<br />
to award the distinctions.<br />
Campuses earning one or more of these distinction designations met<br />
rigorous criteria to earn the highest level of recognition in the state<br />
accountability system.<br />
“Congratulations to our campuses that earned distinctions designations,”<br />
said Dr. Linda Macias, CFISD associate superintendent of<br />
curriculum & instruction and accountability. “Earning one or more<br />
distinction designations is quite an accomplishment and should be<br />
celebrated. We are especially proud of our campuses who earned all<br />
of the distinction designations available to them and recognize the<br />
commitment of our administrators, teachers and the community to<br />
the success of our students. High expectations and an attitude of doing<br />
‘whatever it takes’ is a common theme among these campuses.”<br />
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12 <strong>November</strong> <strong>2018</strong> | <strong>Colonies</strong> Community Newsletter
Joel Muller<br />
281-304-9488<br />
11740 Barker Cypress<br />
www.joelmuller.com<br />
Hablamos Español<br />
PERSPECTIVE<br />
REGISTER FOR DECEMBER MINI-MESTER AND SPRING<br />
Registration opens <strong>November</strong> 14 th for December mini-mester<br />
classes starting December 17, <strong>2018</strong>, as well as Spring classes that<br />
start January 14, 2019. Register at the Barker Cypress campus<br />
located at 9191 Barker Cypress, the LSC-Fairbanks Center location<br />
located at 14955 Northwest Freeway or the LSC-Cypress Center<br />
located at 19710 Clay Road. Registration is also available online at<br />
LoneStar.edu/registration or call 281-290-3200 or 832-782-5000 or<br />
832-920-5000 for information. For Weekend College information,<br />
call 832-482-1070 or go to LoneStar.edu/weekend-college.<br />
HOLIDAY VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS<br />
Stop by the Bosque Gallery to see the Student Art Exhibition <strong>November</strong><br />
29 th -December 13 th . Meet the talented student artists at the<br />
opening 5 PM reception that includes the 6:20 PM awards ceremony<br />
<strong>November</strong> 29 th . For information, go to LoneStar.edu/BosqueGallery.<br />
Bring the family for some holiday musical entertainment in<br />
the Main Stage Theatre with “A Christmas Carol, The Musical,” a<br />
co-production with Stageworks Theatre <strong>November</strong> 23 rd -December<br />
16 th . A Dance Showcase will be held <strong>November</strong> 16 th in the Black Box<br />
Theatre. Also on in the Main Stage Theatre will be Choir Concert,<br />
<strong>November</strong> 28 th , as well as the Symphony Orchestra Concert in<br />
tandem with Jazz Ensemble Concert December 6 th .<br />
For information, go to LoneStar.edu/BoxOffice.<br />
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L.I.F.E. LESSONS FOR NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER<br />
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are free and held Wednesdays at 10 AM in the Lone Star College-CyFair<br />
Branch Library (Room 131.) Programs in <strong>November</strong> and<br />
December are “Gandhi: Stories of Peace and Culture” <strong>November</strong><br />
14 th , “Vietnamese Fish Soup” <strong>November</strong> 28 th , “German Christmas<br />
Markets” December 5 th and “Christmas Carols” December 12 th .<br />
There are no workshops <strong>November</strong> 21 st , December 19 th , December<br />
26 th and January 2 nd . Workshops will resume January 9 th .<br />
Call the library at 281-290-3214 for L.I.F.E. program information.<br />
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<strong>Colonies</strong> Community Newsletter | <strong>November</strong> <strong>2018</strong><br />
13
14 <strong>November</strong> <strong>2018</strong> | <strong>Colonies</strong> Community Newsletter
Community Centers<br />
BEAR CREEK COMMUNITY CENTER<br />
281-859-1566 • 713-274-3190 www.pct3.hctx.net<br />
The Bear Creek Community Center will be temporarily housed and have<br />
limited classes/events at the Glazier Senior Education Center, 16600 Pine<br />
Forest Lane, Houston, Texas 77084<br />
In addition to scheduled activities on the Bear Creek Community Center,<br />
Commissioner Steve Radack’s Bear Creek Community Center is now offering<br />
the following upcoming events and activities for the summer. Please call<br />
713-274-3190 to register for any of these events.<br />
INTERMEDIATE CONVERSATIONAL SPANISH: Has it been awhile since<br />
you spoke Spanish? Maybe you want to refresh your skills because you are<br />
taking a trip? Join Maria Venegas every Friday, 9:30-10:20 AM. You must<br />
have some knowledge of Spanish before starting this class.<br />
FAMILY ZUMBA: All ages are welcome to this high-energy cardio class. Everyone<br />
will enjoy this mix of Latin and International dance moves. Classes<br />
are 6-7 PM on Mondays and Wednesdays.<br />
TAI CHI: Every Saturday morning 8:30-9:30 AM. Learn this ancient Chinese<br />
art that integrates and strengthens mind & body through slow, practiced<br />
movements that help to lower stress and blood pressure.<br />
CHAIR YOGA: This class is perfect for anyone with mobility or balance<br />
limitations. Chair yoga involves performing specific poses while using the<br />
support of a chair. The class meets every Friday, 10-11 AM.<br />
Special note: Advance registration for activities is typically requested. An adult must<br />
accompany and remain with anyone under the age of 18 visiting the center. A calendar<br />
of events is available at the Harris County Precinct Three website at www.pct3.com.<br />
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<strong>Colonies</strong> Community Newsletter | <strong>November</strong> <strong>2018</strong><br />
15
what’s Happening in YOUR area!<br />
<strong>November</strong> Events<br />
20 TH ANNIVERSARY ADAM J SKINNER MEMORIAL<br />
GOLF TOURNAMENT<br />
<strong>November</strong> 8, <strong>2018</strong><br />
Register Now:https://cyfairhoustonchamber.chambermaster.com/<br />
eventregistration/register/31913.<br />
Shotgun start 11 AM. This annual golf tournament benefits the Adam<br />
J. Skinner Memorial Scholarship of the Cy-Fair Educational Foundation.<br />
In the 20 years since the tournament was established, more than<br />
$111,000 has been given to the Adam Skinner Memorial Scholarship.<br />
Location: Blackhorse Golf Club 12205 Fry Rd. Cypress, TX 77433<br />
Contact Information: Co-Chair Mark McShaffry, The Backyard Grill 281-897-<br />
9200; Eric Dunlap, Cy-Fair Houston Chamber of Commerce 281-373-1390<br />
THE ANNUAL CHRISTMAS BAZAAR<br />
<strong>November</strong> 9-11, <strong>2018</strong><br />
The Norwegian Seamans Church, 4309 Young Street, Pasadena 77504<br />
A unique shop with Scandinavian Christmas items such as linens, knitwear,<br />
Norwegian “nisser” and handmade decorations. Scandinavian<br />
folk dance, bakery, silent auction and great raffle prizes.<br />
Hours:<br />
Friday: 11 AM-4 PM Saturday: 10 AM-4 PM Sunday: 12-4 PM<br />
HOLY COVENANT UNITED METHODIST CHURCH PRESENTS<br />
29 TH ANNUAL HEARTWARMING CHRISTMAS CRAFT SHOW<br />
<strong>November</strong> 10, <strong>2018</strong>, 9 AM-4 PM<br />
22111 Morton Ranch Road, Katy, TX 77449<br />
HARRIS COUNTY MASTER GARDENER<br />
The Texas A&M AgriLife extension Service and the Harris County Master<br />
Gardeners are pleased to offer the Green Thumb Gardening Series of<br />
Lectures (January-October). These presentations are free and there<br />
are no reservations. For questions please call 713-274-0950.<br />
Houston Urban Tree Conference<br />
Friday, <strong>November</strong> 16, <strong>2018</strong> - Trini Mendenhall Community Center,<br />
1414 Wirt Road, Houston, Tx 77055.<br />
8:15-9 AM - Registration<br />
9-10 AM - Under-Utilized Trees for the Urban Landscape<br />
10-11AM - Tree Problem Diagnosis<br />
11 AM-12 PM - Don’t Get Caught with Your Plants Down…<br />
Keeping Up with the Latest Tree Planting Research.<br />
12-1 PM - Lunch<br />
1-2 PM - Crape myrtle Bark Scale - Research Update<br />
2-3 PM - Tree Diseases in the Urban Landscape<br />
Cost - $45<br />
Sign-up: houston-urban-tree-conference.eventbrite.com<br />
THINKING AHEAD TOWARD THE HOLIDAYS<br />
Double your dollars raffle for Loving Arms Pet Placement<br />
Double your Dollars for Doggies... and Kitties, too! Through the<br />
generosity of the Nicola-Musso Charitable Foundation, each dollar<br />
raised will be matched one for one. Double your support of our<br />
deserving dogs and cats and enter for a chance to win one of these<br />
great gift cards. Gift Card Prizes: 1 st Walmart $250, 2 nd HEB $200, 3 rd<br />
Walmart $100, 4 th Target $100, 5 th Home Depot $100, 6 th Amazon<br />
$100. Tickets: $5 each/5 for $20.<br />
Purchase tickets from any LAPP representative or via our website: www.<br />
lovingarmspetplacement.com. Drawing: Saturday, <strong>November</strong> 17,<br />
<strong>2018</strong> Need not be present to win - Winners will be contacted by phone.<br />
Gift Wrapping will again be done at Barnes and Noble on FM 1960, in<br />
the Champions area, from December 17 th through December 24 th .<br />
Volunteers with Loving Arms will gift wrap any gifts for monetary<br />
donations. That is our final fundraiser for the year.<br />
Loving Arms Pet Placement goes to great lengths to restore the health<br />
of dogs and cats who come into our rescue. Our vet bills are high. With<br />
the additional mouths to feed, our fosters’ food bills are more than usual.<br />
One way to donate to Loving Arms - without using your own money<br />
-is to register our rescue with your Kroger card. To donate “painlessly”<br />
to Loving Arms Pet Placement, go to www.krogercommunityrewards.<br />
com, enter CT571, click on Loving Arms Pet Placement to attach our<br />
rescue to your Kroger card. Each time you scan your card, Kroger<br />
donates money to LAPP.<br />
We also have a Wish List on our website at<br />
www.lovingarmspetplacement.com.<br />
There are pets still in need of temporary shelter. Would your family like to<br />
help a dog or cat in need? Loving Arms Pet Placement is a foster-based<br />
rescue for dogs and cats and is always in need of foster families.<br />
While fostering can be challenging, knowing that you helped an<br />
animal when it most needed shelter and security and then helped<br />
it find its forever home will give you endless joy. Tell Loving Arms Pet<br />
Placement in what capacity you can help. Can your home accommodate<br />
only small animals or can you foster big dogs? Can you handle<br />
puppies and kittens or only mature animals? Can you take more than<br />
one animal at once? LAPP has a form for those interested in fostering<br />
to fill out on our website.<br />
Visit Loving Arms Pet Placement website at www.lovingarmspetplacement.com<br />
or visit us at PetSmart on Highway 6 and FM 529<br />
each Saturday from 11 AM until 5 PM. We are also at Petco (FM1960<br />
at Eldridge) on Saturdays from 11 AM until 4 PM.<br />
Loving Arms Pet Placement is a non-profit 501(c)(3)<br />
organization created to address the problems of<br />
stray and abandoned cats and dogs in Houston and<br />
Harris County. Our organization is comprised of dedicated<br />
volunteers who foster animals in their homes<br />
as an alternative to taking the animal to a shelter.<br />
<strong>2018</strong> PECAN HARVEST FESTIVAl<br />
Sunday, <strong>November</strong> 18, 11 AM-6 PM<br />
The West Fort Bend Management District and the City of Richmond<br />
are proud to announce the <strong>2018</strong> Pecan Harvest Festival held in Historic<br />
Downtown Richmond. We are excited to present this annual event, which<br />
highlights the rich history of pecans in Fort Bend County while simultaneously<br />
showcasing the unique features of Historic Downtown Richmond.<br />
The festival’s beloved Kidz Zone will be nestled in historic Decker Park,<br />
while live music entertains all day from Wessendorff Park’s acoustically<br />
designed Gazebo. Festival attendees can stroll along the trails from<br />
Second St. around historic Morton Cemetery at edge of Wessendorff<br />
Park. An old-fashioned hayride will expose riders to the Historic District<br />
of Richmond, while the Festival features Artisan Vendors, a Farmer’s<br />
Market, a Beer & Wine Garden, a Baking Contest and a Classic Car Show.<br />
16 <strong>November</strong> <strong>2018</strong> | <strong>Colonies</strong> Community Newsletter
what’s Happening in YOUR area!<br />
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension is hosting the Pecan Education portion<br />
of the Richmond Pecan Harvest Festival, including interactive agricultural<br />
exhibits and the Fort Bend County Pecan Show. Attendees<br />
will find 40+ varieties of award winning pecans, submitted by many<br />
of the established pecan growers of Fort Bend County. The pecan<br />
education portion of the festival is graciously supported by a partnership<br />
with the Texas Pecan Growers Association and Fort Bend<br />
County Farm Bureau, cooperatively investing in agricultural education.<br />
The Pecan Harvest Festival is a family-friendly event, which uniquely<br />
introduces Richmond’s charm, as experienced by the more than 5000<br />
in attendance last year! Bring the entire family to our Third Annual<br />
Pecan Harvest Festival of Richmond, Texas for good old fashioned fun!<br />
For more information, contacts, applications and entry forms, go to<br />
www.pecan-harvest-festival-tx.com.<br />
KATY’S LARGEST GIFT MARKET<br />
AT THE KATY MERRELL CENTER<br />
The 11 th Annual Home for the Holidays Gift Market will take place <strong>November</strong><br />
16-18, <strong>2018</strong>. We are excited to be back in the arena this year<br />
as well as the pavilion. 180 vendors in 2 buildings! Show hours: First<br />
Call Shopping Hours 10 AM to 1 PM. General Admission: Friday 1-8 PM.<br />
Saturday 10 AM-6 PM & Sunday 11 AM-4 PM. Follow us on Facebook<br />
to get up to date contest, coupons, vendor introductions and more.<br />
Facebook: Home for the Holidays Gift Market.<br />
Contact information: 281-788-4297 Stacie, Katelyn or Lynnie.<br />
Email HomefortheHolidaysGiftMarket@yahoo.com.<br />
Also, Home for the Holidays Galveston Moody Gardens Convention<br />
Center is Friday, <strong>November</strong> 23 rd 12-8 PM and Saturday,<br />
<strong>November</strong> 24 th 10 AM-6 PM.<br />
Annual Open Enrollment<br />
<strong>November</strong> 1 to December 15, <strong>2018</strong><br />
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<strong>Colonies</strong> Community Newsletter | <strong>November</strong> <strong>2018</strong><br />
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December Events<br />
ST. CUTHBERT EPISCOPAL CHURCH BLOOD DRIVE<br />
St. Cuthbert Episcopal Church will be hosting a Blood Drive on Sunday,<br />
December 2 nd , beginning at 8:30 AM. A mobile unit will be in the parking<br />
lot until 12:30 PM. To donate, you must be a least 17 years of age, at<br />
least 110 lbs. and in good general health. If just 20 people donate, we<br />
can save 60 lives! It only takes about 15 minutes, so please stop by.<br />
Save a life - donate blood. St. Cuthbert is located at 17020 West Road<br />
(at Queenston). For more information, visit us at www.st.cuthbert.org.<br />
24 TH ANNUAL FROSTYFEST CRAFT FAIR<br />
December 1, <strong>2018</strong><br />
The 24 th Annual Frostyfest Craft Fair will be held on December 1, <strong>2018</strong>, at<br />
Epiphany of the Lord Catholic Church, 1530 Norwalk Drive, in Katy, Texas<br />
77450, from 9 AM to 3 PM. There will be over eighty top Texan vendors<br />
selling HANDCRAFTED merchandise. Santa Claus is coming to Frostyfest<br />
for pictures presented by Boy Scouts of Katy. Refreshments will be sold<br />
by the Knights of Columbus all day starting with breakfast tacos. Ladies<br />
Club will be having a bake sale and also a Silent Auction run by the Craft<br />
Club. All proceeds will be benefitting the new Epiphany Catholic School.<br />
For more information contact Brenda Cason at 281-346-8009.<br />
Harvey Knocked Us Down<br />
BUT A NIGHT IN BETHLEHEM IS BACK IN <strong>2018</strong>!<br />
Visit Bethlehem this season on Saturday, December 1 st and Sunday,<br />
December 2 nd , 5-8 PM. This is a FREE event for the community!<br />
Messiah’s A Night in Bethlehem is an outdoor, interactive event<br />
where individuals and families are invited to stroll through Bethlehem<br />
at their own pace. Imagine what life was like during this miraculous<br />
time in history as you visit the Spice Merchant, the Produce<br />
Market, sample the wonderful treats at the Bakery and taste the<br />
savory soup at the Soldier’s Tavern. Listen to the storyteller and<br />
visit the shepherds and the Inn. Listen for the Kings arrival at the<br />
stable with gifts for Jesus, as Mary & Joseph look on. Don’t miss this<br />
living, interactive recreation of the original Christmas story. Join us<br />
for free activities for the family including candle making, creating a<br />
clay pinch pot, sewing a coin bag or playing Bethlehem dress-up.<br />
Pet the live animals and enjoy cookies, hot cider and coffee.<br />
Messiah A Lutheran Faith Community is a congregation of the<br />
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). Messiah is located<br />
at 11522 Telge Road, ½ mile north of Highway 290. For more<br />
information, 281-890-3013 or www.messiahlc.org. All people are<br />
welcome at Messiah.<br />
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17
Houston Area Events<br />
Fall Festival and Pumpkin Patch <strong>2018</strong> - thru Nov. 10, <strong>2018</strong>, Fri.<br />
9 AM-3 PM, Sat.-Sun. 10 AM-5 PM - Open to the Public. Blessington<br />
Farms, 510 Chisolm Trail, Simonton, TX 77476. Phone: 832-444-<br />
8717. Email: info@blessingtonfarms.com. Payment: Cash, Debit<br />
cards, Visa/MasterCard, Discover, AmEx.<br />
The Ultimate Christmas Show (abridged) - <strong>November</strong> 7,<br />
<strong>2018</strong>-December 23, <strong>2018</strong>, Wednesday-Saturday, 7 PM, Saturday-<br />
Sunday Matinee, 2 PM, Stages Repertory Theatre, 3201 Allen<br />
Parkway, Suite 101, Houston, TX 77019, tickets start at $25. It’s<br />
the Annual Holiday Variety Show and Christmas Pageant at St.<br />
Everybody’s Non-Denominational Universalist Church-where all<br />
faiths are welcome because we’ll believe anything! There’s just one<br />
minor problem: none of the acts scheduled to perform have arrived.<br />
Now it’s up to three quick-witted church members to perform the<br />
ENTIRE Variety Show and Christmas Pageant by themselves! An<br />
irreverent yet heartwarming romp through tradition, The Ultimate<br />
Christmas Show (abridged) bursts with festive, slapstick fun as<br />
these cheerfully ridiculous clowns celebrate all of our favorite<br />
holiday traditions-at once.<br />
Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market - <strong>November</strong> 8-11, <strong>2018</strong>,10<br />
AM-8 PM, One NRG Park, general admission $20. Join us in kicking<br />
off the holiday season at the 38 th annual Houston Ballet Nutcracker<br />
Market, the BIGGEST and BEST holiday shopping market in Texas! It<br />
is a one-stop giant pop-up shop featuring hundreds of merchants<br />
from all across the country showcasing unique items for everyone,<br />
including home decor, gourmet food, apparel, accessories, toys, gifts<br />
and much more. Proceeds from each admission and special event<br />
ticket purchased, plus 11% of all the merchandise purchased benefits<br />
Houston Ballet Foundation, its Academy and scholarship programs.<br />
International Quilt Festival - <strong>November</strong> 8-11, <strong>2018</strong>, George R.<br />
Brown Convention Center, admission $9-$50. International Quilt<br />
Festival is the country’s largest quilt show with more than 1,600 quilt<br />
and works of fabric art on display; nearly 1,000 shopping booths for<br />
quilts, fabrics, patterns, books, crafts and jewelry and more than<br />
500 classes for all skill levels and techniques. Hours are Thursday-<br />
Saturday 10 AM-7 PM, Sunday 10 AM-4 PM. If you are enrolled for<br />
a class at Festival, you do NOT need to purchase daily admission<br />
tickets. Your badge serves as entry to the show.<br />
The Galleria’s 30 th Annual Ice Spectacular and Tree Lighting -<br />
<strong>November</strong> 10, <strong>2018</strong>, 6 PM, The Galleria, 5085 Westheimer Road,<br />
Suite. 4850, Houston, TX 77056, admission is FREE. The Galleria will<br />
kick off the holiday season with the lighting of its 55-ft Christmas tree<br />
during the 30 th Annual Ice Spectacular event. Angelica Hale, 11 yearold<br />
runner-up from Season 12 of America’s Got Talent is the featured<br />
performer.<br />
Second Sunday Pickers - <strong>November</strong> 11 th and December 9 th , 2-4<br />
PM, Jesse H. Jones Park, 20634 Kenswick Drive, Humble, TX 77338,<br />
admission is FREE. Beat the heat and join this musical group that<br />
is celebrating over 30 years of concerts! Sing along, bring your own<br />
instrument, dance or just have fun. Join us as the Second Sunday<br />
Pickers entertain with acoustic music, including country-andwestern,<br />
bluegrass, folk, gospel, Cajun and blues. Visitors of all ages<br />
are welcome.<br />
Astroworld Festival - <strong>November</strong> 17, <strong>2018</strong>, One NRG Park, Houston,<br />
TX 77054. Scott and Scoremore, as well as LiveNation concerts are<br />
ready to give fans a festival in the shadow of the former theme park<br />
residence. Tickets range $89 to $250.<br />
Via Colori Street Festival - <strong>November</strong> 17-18, <strong>2018</strong>, 10 AM-5 PM,<br />
Hermann Square At City Hall, 901 Bagby St., Houston, TX 77002,<br />
admission: $7-$10. Massive Outdoor Art Gallery. Family Festival. Music<br />
Concert. All in one! All roads lead to creativity when over 200 artists<br />
converge on the streets to celebrate the artistic spirit of Houston. The<br />
Via Colori® Street Painting Festival has grown into one of Houston’s<br />
signature art events and it remains the only street painting festival in<br />
the region.<br />
Panto Star Force - <strong>November</strong> 21, <strong>2018</strong>-December 30, <strong>2018</strong>,<br />
Wednesday-Saturday, 7 PM, Saturday-Sunday Matinee, 2 PM,<br />
Stages Repertory Theatre, 3201 Allen Parkway, Suite 101, Houston,<br />
TX 77019, tickets start at $25. Panto Star Force is an adventurous,<br />
cosmic blast of blockbuster hilarity! Jed, a farm boy from the planet<br />
Cypress, joins forces with a zany band of space rebels, robots and<br />
furry bartenders (and Buttons, of course!) to stop the powerful<br />
Emperor Snorkelfish and Dark Tater from taking over the galaxy.<br />
Come ready to laugh, cheer and boo in true Panto style, with plenty<br />
of toe-tapping music and intergalactic fun for the whole family!<br />
Texas Renaissance Festival - Weekends thru <strong>November</strong> 25,<br />
<strong>2018</strong>, 9 AM-8 PM, 21778 FM 1774, Todd Mission, TX 77363. Admission<br />
varies. The Texas Renaissance Festival is an interactive theme park<br />
that embraces different eras, including the 16 th century and beyond.<br />
The 55-acre theater is filled with live entertainment, food and shops.<br />
The enchanted 55-acre village comes to life as all of Europe comes to<br />
pay homage to the King and Queen with Eight Themed Weekends.<br />
Hundreds of costumed performers are showcased in over 200 daily<br />
performances. Visitors meander along shaded cobblestone walkways<br />
visiting almost 400 shoppes overflowing with unique arts and crafts<br />
of offering delicious foods and beverages. All ages will be amused by<br />
the games of skill and human-powered rides.<br />
WITS Performance Poetry for Teens at Levy Park - 1 st Friday of<br />
each month, 7-8:30 PM Levy Park 3801 Eastside, Houston, TX 77098,<br />
admission is FREE. During this monthly workshop for students ages<br />
13 to 19, young writers will craft original poems, meet other young<br />
writers and work with professional performance poets to explore<br />
their creative voices. No registration is required and walk-ins are<br />
welcome.<br />
Open Hangar - WII Aircraft and Museum, 1 st and 3 rd Saturday of<br />
each month, 10 AM-3 PM, West Houston Airport, 18000 Groschke<br />
Rd., Houston, TX 77084. The Houston Wing of the Commemorative<br />
Air Force invites you and your family, friends or group to visit our<br />
Hangar and tour our WWII Aircraft and WWII Museum. Get up close<br />
to our Wing’s 5 flyable WWII military aircraft. Go inside a WWII<br />
Paratroop aircraft and climb into the cockpit of a WWII trainer.<br />
The Commemorative Air Force is a national nonprofit organization<br />
dedicated to preserving, restoring and flying military aircraft so that<br />
younger generations can appreciate the role of military aviation<br />
through history in the defense of our country and the preservation<br />
of our liberties. The CAF welcomes new members of all ages with an<br />
interest in Aviation or WWII History.<br />
Third Thursdays Sip & Stroll - 3 rd Thursday of each month, 5-9<br />
PM, Houston Heights 19th Street, 325 W 19 th St., Houston, TX 77008,<br />
admission is FREE. Pick up complimentary sips along the line of<br />
local shops while you shop boutique clothings, handmade jewelry,<br />
home decor, antique, vintage, local made toiletries and visit our<br />
Eateries for crafted cocktails and delicious local fare!<br />
18 <strong>November</strong> <strong>2018</strong> | <strong>Colonies</strong> Community Newsletter
p r e s e n t e d b y<br />
Door registration opens at 4:30 pm<br />
1901 N. Shoreline Dr. Corpus Christi, TX 78401<br />
group rates available • children under 7 FREE<br />
Special $12. 50 rate for Destination Heaven<br />
conference attendees<br />
For tickets, info, or for conference registration:<br />
Text the word TRUTH<br />
to 22828 to join our email list<br />
Cars and Coffee - through December 29, <strong>2018</strong>, 9 AM-12 PM.<br />
Gateway Classic Cars Of Houston, 1910 Cypress Station Drive,<br />
Suite 200, Houston, TX 77090. Admission is free. Cruise in to<br />
Gateway Classic Cars every last Saturday of the month for<br />
Cars & Coffee. So far we have had some amazing turnouts, but<br />
we want to continue to grow! Enjoy delicious donuts, coffee<br />
and all of our sweet rides! No Admission fee and everyone is<br />
welcome! No cruiser? No sweat bring the daily driver. Hope to<br />
see you there. 250+ classic & exotics.<br />
Farmers Market at Imperial - Saturdays through December<br />
29, <strong>2018</strong>, 9 AM-1 PM, 234 Matlage Way, Sugar Land, TX 77478.<br />
Admission is free. In addition to a wonderful selection of<br />
vendors, the Farmers Market brings you family fun! Each week,<br />
the Market features live music, cooking demonstrations or other<br />
seasonal entertainment. Presented by the Fort Bend Chamber of<br />
Commerce.<br />
Carlos Cruz-Diez at the Cistern: Spatial Chromointerference<br />
- Weekly through January 13, 2019. Cistern At Buffalo Bayou<br />
Park, 105 Sabine Street, Houston, TX 77007. Times: Wednesday<br />
through Friday - 3:30-6 PM; Saturday and Sunday - 11<br />
AM-6 PM. Admission: $10 per person; $8 for Seniors, Youth<br />
and Students. The Cistern’s distinctive architecture as well<br />
as its sheer size and raw interior, punctuated by a series of<br />
rhythmical columns, will make for an intriguing and interactive<br />
experience. Visitors to Carlos Cruz-Diez at the Cistern: Spatial<br />
Chromointerference will be encouraged to wear white or light<br />
colored clothing and will actively participate in viewing as the<br />
color changes creating a sensation of movement.<br />
interactive temporary public sculpture Open House - Daily<br />
from dawn until dusk through February 28, 2019, admission<br />
free. Sam Houston Park, 1100 Bagby, Houston, TX 77002. The<br />
artistic duo, Havel Ruck Projects, made up of local artists, Dan<br />
Havel and Dean Ruck, transformed a previously abandoned house<br />
into an interactive temporary public sculpture. Sourced from<br />
Cherry House Moving Company, the 1940s-era house was originally<br />
located in Santa Fe, Texas. After moving the home to Sam Houston<br />
Park in April, Havel and Ruck stripped the structure’s interior and<br />
exterior using drill saws and other tools. They cut circular holes<br />
into the walls and filled them with PVC pipe to create a “Swiss<br />
cheese” or “lace” appearance and collaged the interior walls with<br />
vintage images sourced from family, friends and local resale shops<br />
representing the city’s people, places and past.<br />
Comedy Night at HPL - Monthly on the 3 rd Thursday, 6-8<br />
PM. Houston Public Library, 500 Mckinney Avenue, Houston,<br />
TX 77002. Admission is free. The Houston Public Library offers<br />
“Open Mic” comedy night where local and non local comedians,<br />
comediennes, ventriloquists and impressionists of ALL ages<br />
present family comedy to the audience. Improv Performers from<br />
Station Theater closes out the night with games that involve the<br />
audience. Everyone who participates in at least one open mic<br />
throughout the year become eligible to participate in the Annual<br />
Comedy competition which is held in December. Prizes in the<br />
amounts of $100 and $75 gift cards are given to the 4 winners.<br />
Two adult and two youth. Event is free and open to the public.<br />
Food and non alcoholic beverages are allowed in the sitting area<br />
during this event only. You can bring your own food and order<br />
from many of the surrounding food places. All ages.<br />
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St. John XXIII<br />
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ARMED FORCES NIGHT<br />
September 21, <strong>2018</strong><br />
at St John XXIII Stadium<br />
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<strong>Colonies</strong> Community Newsletter | <strong>November</strong> <strong>2018</strong><br />
19
Scouting News<br />
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BOY SCOUT TROOP 3<br />
Boys, are you yearning for exciting outdoor programs that stir your imagination and<br />
interest? How about camping, fishing, canoeing, hiking, backpacking and off-road<br />
biking? Do you want to learn wilderness survival, cooking, first aid, orienteering and<br />
shooting skills? Scouting is Fun… with a Purpose - where boys grow into men instilled<br />
with values of duty to God and Country, community service, citizenship, leadership and<br />
self-confidence. Troop 3 is a boy-lead troop where the boys plan an exciting year-round<br />
outdoor program. We camp monthly and include rock climbing, backpacking and<br />
canoeing. Troop 3 also participates in a weeklong winter camp, as well as a weeklong<br />
summer camp. We welcome all young men, 11-18 years old to visit Boy Scout Troop<br />
3 at 7:00 PM Monday nights at Richard & Meg Weekley Community Center located<br />
at 8440 Greenhouse Road, Cypress. No previous scouting experience needed! Come<br />
see for yourself what Boy Scouts has to offer and visit with the Scouts to learn more<br />
about our troop. Please visit our website www.houstontroop3.com for more information.<br />
BOY SCOUT TROOP 609<br />
Boy Scout Troop 609 is a specialized for Boys with high functioning Autism Spectrum<br />
Disorders. They meet at the Westview School on the 1 st and 3 rd Saturday of the<br />
month from 9:30-11:30 AM. Julian Hightower had his Eagle project. He collected<br />
Art supplies for Texas Children’s Cancer Center. The Boys went Camping to Lake<br />
Livingston, they cooked and went fishing. They helped the Westview Family Fun Day.<br />
HOMESCHOOL CUB SCOUT PACK 164<br />
Cub Scouts is a fun way to teach boys about character, respect, responsibility and<br />
many other traits. Pack 164 is a Christian, home school Cub Scout Pack that services<br />
the Greater West Houston/Katy area. Pack 164 promotes service to God, to country<br />
and to others. If you are interested and your son is in 1 st through 5 th grade, please<br />
contact Jack M. Jones at 281-558-5722.<br />
BOY SCOUT TROOP 10<br />
Boy Scout Troop 10 has a new home! We now meet at Copperfield Church on Monday<br />
evenings from 7 PM-8:30 PM. Our meeting rooms are upstairs in conference<br />
rooms #2 and #3. Please enter through the front doors of the church, head up the<br />
stairs and feel free to come visit us at any time! Troop 10 has a campout scheduled<br />
for every month of the school year, which gives the Scouts ample opportunities to<br />
earn their ranks and many assorted merit badges.<br />
If you would like more information about Boy Scout Troop 10 you can contact our<br />
Scoutmaster, Chris Kubiak at 281-382-2643 or email him at ckubiak95@comcast.<br />
net or contact our Committee Chairperson, Taunia Berg, at 832-217-6076 or email<br />
her at the.berg.family@gmail.com. You can also check out the Troop website at<br />
www.troopwebhost.org/Troop10Houston. We hope to see you very soon!<br />
GIRL SCOUTS OF SAN JACINTO COUNCIL<br />
COPPER CREEK MEADOWS COMMUNITY<br />
Girl Scouting is open to all girls ages 5 (must be in kindergarten) through 18 who are<br />
willing to accept the Girl Scout Promise and law. Copper Creek Meadows Community<br />
serves girls in the residence areas for the elementary schools listed below, as well as the<br />
corresponding middle and high schools. Home schooled and private school students<br />
are always welcome. Our elementary schools are: Birkes, Fiest, Hairgrove, Horne,<br />
Kirk, Lee, Lieder, Lowery, Metcalf, Owens, Tipps, Wilson, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton,<br />
Texas Christian School and Christian Life Center.<br />
More information about Girl Scouts may be found on the Girl Scouts of San Jacinto<br />
Council website, www.gssjc. The Council phone number is 713-292-0300. For information<br />
on the Copper Creek Meadows Community, please contact coppercreekmeadowsgirlscouts@gmail.com.<br />
Girl Scouts builds girls of courage, confidence and<br />
character, who make the world a better place.<br />
20 <strong>November</strong> <strong>2018</strong> | <strong>Colonies</strong> Community Newsletter
SHIELD BEARER<br />
ASSOCIATE<br />
DIRECTOR SELECTED<br />
AS THE <strong>2018</strong> WOMAN<br />
OF EXCELLENCE<br />
Shield Bearer Associate<br />
Director Melissa Rotholz<br />
was recently selected as<br />
the <strong>2018</strong> Woman of Excellence<br />
by the Women Empowering<br />
Women Express<br />
Network (WEWEN) of the<br />
American Business Women’s<br />
Association (ABWA)<br />
and honored at the Federation<br />
of Professional Women<br />
(FHPW) Awards Gala.<br />
The mission of ABWA is<br />
to bring together businesswomen of diverse occupations and to<br />
provide opportunities for them to help themselves and others<br />
grow personally and professionally through leadership, education,<br />
networking support and national recognition. Melissa is a founding<br />
member of ABWA - WEWEN, has served as VP of Communications,<br />
President-elect and is currently President of the organization.<br />
The Woman of Excellence Award highlights women that have<br />
demonstrated outstanding leadership and mentorship within their<br />
member organization, their professions and the community. The<br />
mission of FHPW is to unite member organizations to enrich personal<br />
and professional relationships and expand leadership, partnership<br />
and educational opportunities. The FHPW Educational Foundation<br />
awards scholarships to aid and advance the education and knowledge<br />
of women in the community.<br />
As Associate Director of Shield Bearer, a local non-profit organization<br />
dedicated to hope and healing for survivors of human trafficking,<br />
crime and abuse, veterans and active military families, struggling<br />
marriages and many other hurting hearts, Melissa oversees community<br />
engagement including marketing, public relations, volunteering<br />
and events. She has over seventeen years of experience<br />
leading teams dedicated to elevating individual and organizational<br />
performance in the public, private and charitable sectors. Melissa<br />
feels specifically called to empower families with education and<br />
resources and is passionate about speaking out for those that have<br />
experienced traumatic events and are unable to afford services and<br />
programs. She has pioneered a Mother Daughter Strong program<br />
that focuses on building strength physically, emotionally, mentally<br />
and spiritually, created a Mentor Program for homeless women and<br />
community volunteers and implemented fundraising initiatives<br />
resulting in increased donor participation year over year.<br />
Melissa also currently serves as a mentor for sister ABWA league<br />
Cy-Fair Express Network, an Ambassador for the Greater Tomball<br />
Area Chamber of Commerce, on the Houston Northwest Chamber<br />
of Commerce Gala Fundraising Committee, on the Cypress Gems<br />
Chapter of the National Charity League Senior Recognition Committee<br />
and volunteers regularly with multiple local nonprofits.<br />
She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from<br />
Texas State University and a Master of Science in Organizational and<br />
Human Resource Development from Abilene Christian University.<br />
Her most treasured roles are wife of twenty-four years and mom to<br />
two teenagers.<br />
<strong>Colonies</strong> Community Newsletter | <strong>November</strong> <strong>2018</strong><br />
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21
Yummy<br />
Comforting<br />
Soup Recipes<br />
COLD FIGHTING<br />
CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP<br />
Yield: 4-6 servings<br />
Cook Time: 30 minutes<br />
Prep Time: 20 minutes<br />
Total Time: 50 minutes<br />
The most soothing, comforting, cozy soup for the<br />
flu season! Quick/easy to make, you’ll be feeling<br />
better in no time!<br />
Ingredients:<br />
1 tablespoon olive oil<br />
1 onion, diced<br />
3 carrots, peeled and diced<br />
2 stalks celery, diced<br />
3 cloves garlic, minced<br />
1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger<br />
1 tablespoon minced lemongrass<br />
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme leaves<br />
1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary<br />
5 cups chicken stock<br />
2 bay leaves<br />
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs<br />
3/4 cup uncooked ditalini pasta<br />
Juice of 1 lemon<br />
Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste<br />
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives<br />
Directions:<br />
• Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large stockpot or<br />
Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion, carrots and<br />
celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about<br />
3-4 minutes. Stir in garlic, ginger, lemongrass, thyme<br />
and rosemary until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.<br />
•Whisk in chicken stock, bay leaves and 1 cup<br />
water; bring to a boil. Add chicken; reduce heat<br />
and simmer. Cook, covered, until the chicken is<br />
cooked through, about 10-12 minutes. Remove<br />
chicken and shred, using two forks; set aside.<br />
•Stir in pasta and cook until tender, about<br />
8-10 minutes.<br />
• Stir in chicken and lemon juice; season with<br />
salt and pepper, to taste.<br />
•Serve immediately, garnished with chives,<br />
if desired.<br />
This delicious recipe brought to you by<br />
Damn Delicious<br />
https://damndelicious.net/<strong>2018</strong>/09/30/cold<br />
-fighting-chicken-noodle-soup/<br />
MEXICAN SOUP<br />
1 cup chopped onion<br />
1 cup chopped celery<br />
4 to 5 cups chicken broth<br />
1 can Ro-Tel tomatoes<br />
1 can stewed tomatoes<br />
2 to 3 cups diced chicken<br />
2½ lb. Velveeta cheese<br />
2 cups cooked rice<br />
salt & pepper<br />
1 Tbsp. garlic powder<br />
Chili pepper seasoning to taste (optional)<br />
SANTA FE SOUP<br />
2 lbs ground beef/ground turkey<br />
1 medium onion diced<br />
1 small can green<br />
2 cans shoepeg corn<br />
1 can kidney beans<br />
1 can pinto beans<br />
1 can black beans<br />
1 can rotel tomatoes<br />
1 can diced tomatoes<br />
2 pkg taco seasoning<br />
2 pkg ranch dressing<br />
2 cups water (Chicken Stock/Beef Stock)<br />
Saute onion and celery; combine<br />
with chicken broth, stewed<br />
tomatoes, and Ro-Tel tomatoes.<br />
Add diced chicken along with<br />
Velveeta cheese; stir well. Add<br />
cooked rice; season to taste with<br />
salt and pepper. Add remaining<br />
seasonings. Simmer for 45 minutes.<br />
Serve with corn bread.<br />
Brown ground beef with onion<br />
in pot to be used for soup. Drain<br />
grease. Empty all undrained<br />
cans of ingredients into the pot<br />
with the beef, add taco seasoning,<br />
ranch dressing and enough<br />
water to make a soup consistency.<br />
It is optional to add cilantro<br />
to taste at this point. allow to<br />
simmer approximately 30 minutes<br />
and serve with sour cream<br />
and cheese.<br />
22 <strong>November</strong> <strong>2018</strong> | <strong>Colonies</strong> Community Newsletter
GARDENING TIPS FOR NOVEMBER<br />
• Brown patch will continue to plague St. Augustine lawns as<br />
nights get cooler and humidity and rain continue. Discolored circles<br />
will appear in low areas almost overnight. Apply a fungicide<br />
recommended for brown patch according to label directions.<br />
Avoid walking through brown-patched turf. It spreads easily<br />
from the bottom of your shoes. If brown patch appears in the<br />
same lawn areas every year, add an inch or two of sandy topsoil<br />
to eliminate those low spots.<br />
• Fertilize St. Augustine turf with a winterizing formula to promote<br />
root growth over the winter months. Lower your lawn mover<br />
blades now and mow on a schedule that cuts no more than onethird<br />
of the grass blade away.<br />
• As chrysanthemums and other perennials finish blooming, cut<br />
flowering stalks to the ground to permit all strength to be used<br />
in making root growth.<br />
• Feed roses lightly, but avoid nitrogen fertilizers. Do not<br />
prune now. Keep up spraying program and water deeply.<br />
• Remove dead foliage and plant debris to help eradicate insects<br />
and disease organisms. Thin out and transfer volunteer seedlings.<br />
Beds made now will benefit by weathering before being<br />
planted. If soil is heavy, dig six inches deep, leave rough, cover<br />
with gymsum and strawy manure, water and allow to mellow.<br />
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••<br />
JANEY: PLEASE MAKE A COPY AND PUT IN FORMS FOLDER TO<br />
MAKE PDF AND LEAVE THIS TEMPLATE WHERE IT IS. THANKS,<br />
MARY<br />
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••<br />
• Bananas are more likely to bear fruit if the trunk does not die<br />
back in winter. Cut banana stalks back to six feet, wrap with<br />
newspaper and burlap.<br />
• Continue mulching for winter. Build up a thick top mulch to<br />
protect roots from freezing and winter drying. Don’t throw<br />
away those pine tree needles; they make great acidic mulch for<br />
azaleas, gardenias and next Spring’s impatiens.<br />
• Place pansies in beds after weather has cooled.<br />
Use a little blood meat mixed in soil under each plant.<br />
• Now is the best time to plant trees and shrubs.<br />
HOMES CURRENTLY FOR SALE OR HAVE SALES PENDING<br />
Total
BRIEF HISTORY OF THANKSGIVING<br />
The tradition of the Pilgrims’ first<br />
Thanksgiving is steeped in myth and<br />
legend. Few people realize that the<br />
Pilgrims did not celebrate Thanksgiving<br />
the next year or any year thereafter,<br />
though some of their descendants<br />
later made a “Forefather’s Day” that<br />
usually occurred on December 21 st<br />
or 22 nd . Several Presidents, including<br />
George Washington, made one-time<br />
Thanksgiving holidays. In 1827, Mrs.<br />
Sarah Josepha Hale began lobbying<br />
several Presidents for the creation of<br />
Thanksgiving as a national holiday, but<br />
her lobbying was unsuccessful until 1863<br />
when Abraham Lincoln finally made it a<br />
national holiday.<br />
Today, our Thanksgiving is the fourth<br />
Thursday of <strong>November</strong>. This was set<br />
by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in<br />
1939 (approved by Congress in 1941),<br />
who changed it from Abraham Lincoln’s<br />
designation as the last Thursday in<br />
<strong>November</strong> (which could occasionally end<br />
up being the fifth Thursday and hence too<br />
close to Christmas for businesses). But<br />
the Pilgrims’ first Thanksgiving began at<br />
some unknown date between September<br />
21 st and <strong>November</strong> 9 th , most likely in very<br />
early October. The date of Thanksgiving<br />
was probably set by Lincoln to somewhat<br />
correlate with the anchoring of the<br />
Mayflower at Cape Cod, which occurred<br />
on <strong>November</strong> 21, 1620 (by our modern<br />
Gregorian calendar-it was <strong>November</strong> 11 th<br />
to the Pilgrims who used the<br />
Julian calendar).<br />
There are only two contemporary<br />
accounts of the 1621 Thanksgiving: First<br />
is Edward Winslow’s account, which<br />
he wrote in a letter dated December<br />
12, 1621. The complete letter was<br />
first published in 1622. The second<br />
description was written about twenty<br />
years after the fact by William Bradford<br />
in his History Of Plymouth Plantation.<br />
Bradford’s History was rediscovered<br />
in 1854 after having been taken by<br />
British looters during the Revolutionary<br />
War. Its discovery prompted a greater<br />
American interest in the history of the<br />
Pilgrims. It is also in this account that<br />
the Thanksgiving turkey tradition is<br />
founded.<br />
The primary sources above only list a<br />
few items that were on the Thanksgiving<br />
“menu,” namely five deer, a large number<br />
of turkeys and waterfowl, cod and bass;<br />
plus the harvest, which consisted of<br />
wheat, corn, barley and perhaps any<br />
peas that survived the scorching. To<br />
that list, we can probably add a few<br />
additional things that are known to have<br />
been native to the area and eaten by the<br />
Pilgrims: clams, mussels, lobster, eel,<br />
ground nuts, acorns, walnuts, chestnuts,<br />
squashes and beans. Fruits and berries<br />
such as strawberries, raspberries,<br />
grapes and gooseberries were available<br />
growing wild. Pilgrim house-gardens<br />
may have included a number of English<br />
vegetables and herbs, perhaps things<br />
like onions, leeks, sorrel, yarrow, lettuce,<br />
carrots, radishes, currants, liverwort,<br />
watercress and others. It is unlikely<br />
much in the way of supplies brought on<br />
the Mayflower survived, such as Holland<br />
Cheese, olive oil, butter, salt pork, sugar,<br />
spices, lemons, beer, aqua-vitae or<br />
bacon. It appears the Pilgrims may have<br />
had some chickens with them, so likely<br />
had access to a limited number of eggs.<br />
No mention of swine is found in any<br />
account of the first year. They did not<br />
yet have any goats or cattle: the first of<br />
those arrived on the ship Anne in 1623.<br />
Excerpts source:<br />
http://mayflowerhistory.<br />
comthanksgiving/<br />
THANKSGIVING PARTY<br />
PLANNING CHECKLIST<br />
One month before:<br />
Determine your overall budget for decor and food.<br />
Call or email family and friends to discuss holiday plans<br />
and invite them to join you for the occasion.<br />
Three weeks before:<br />
Order flowers from your local florist and source the other<br />
seasonal elements you’d like to incorporate (pumpkins,<br />
gourds, leaves, acorns, etc.).<br />
Rent extra chairs or linens from your local rental<br />
company, if needed.<br />
Check to be sure you have necessary serving pieces for<br />
the buffet. Use post-it notes to label which menu items<br />
go on each platter.<br />
Two weeks before:<br />
Make wheat place cards and plan seating arrangement.<br />
Purchase materials and prepare any crafts for the table.<br />
Order turkey.<br />
One week before:<br />
Create a master shopping list that includes<br />
all ingredients for menu.<br />
Stock up on wine and nonalcoholic beverages.<br />
Send tablecloth and napkins to a dry cleaner<br />
so they’re perfectly pressed.<br />
Thaw turkey in refrigerator, if frozen. Allow for at least<br />
1 day of thawing for every 4 pounds of turkey.<br />
Two days before:<br />
Buy groceries.<br />
Make any favors.<br />
Arrange flowers.<br />
Day before:<br />
Set the table. Bake pies.<br />
Prepare any dishes you can do ahead of time.<br />
Day of:<br />
Prepare food that still needs to be cooked.<br />
Warm any dishes that were made ahead of time.<br />
Prepare the guest bathroom by emptying trash, setting out<br />
clean guest towels and lighting a candle next to the sink.<br />
Set all serving pieces out that will be used on a buffet.<br />
Have trash cans and extra garbage bags ready<br />
for clean-up.<br />
Light candles and turn on music.<br />
Get dressed and party ready!<br />
Source: HGTV.com<br />
24 <strong>November</strong> <strong>2018</strong> | <strong>Colonies</strong> Community Newsletter
STRESS-LESS HOLIDAY ENTERTAINING:<br />
SET UP A THANKSGIVING BUFFET<br />
For this year’s Thanksgiving feast, set up an inviting buffet that’s<br />
piled high with mouthwatering dishes, seasonal decorative elements<br />
and touches of vintage elegance for a holiday celebration that your<br />
loved ones won’t soon forget.<br />
Keep It Simple! For a meal that already requires days of prep, serving<br />
food buffet-style is a surefire way to lighten the load on the hostess.<br />
And on a holiday that’s as food-centric as Thanksgiving, there’s no<br />
better way to give guests the freedom to come back for a second<br />
(and third!) helping of their favorite dishes. This is a great time to get<br />
creative and think about repurposing furniture from other parts of<br />
the house - an old dresser, desk or even a wood door propped up on<br />
sawhorses would make a perfect buffet.<br />
Source: www.hgtv.com/design/make-and-celebrate/entertaining<br />
8 TIPS FOR A SIMPLY CHIC THANKSGIVING<br />
Thanksgiving is all about focusing on what really matters: family,<br />
friends and the ultimate comfort food. Take a fuss-free approach with<br />
our tips for setting a seasonal table that incorporates rustic elements<br />
with a touch of sophistication.<br />
Stir It Up<br />
The party starts as soon as guests arrive. Greet friends and family with<br />
a tray of piping-hot cider, garnished with fresh cinnamon stir sticks.<br />
Set the Scene<br />
Create a centerpiece overflowing with flowers in shades of ivory,<br />
pumpkin and sage placed atop a salvaged wooden board.<br />
Celebrate the Season<br />
To complement this table’s muted color palette, fill the area around<br />
the centerpiece with pale gourds and squash. Incorporate beeswax<br />
taper candles and flickering gold votives to warm the mood.<br />
Count Your Blessings<br />
This Thanksgiving let everyone join in the fun of decorating the table<br />
while remembering to count their blessings. Craft our chain of thanks<br />
in advance then ask guests to write down what they’re thankful for on<br />
the paper strips. Run the chain down the length of the table and take<br />
turns reading the sentiments aloud during the meal. For an extra dose<br />
of fun, leave the strips of paper anonymous and let everyone guess the<br />
author of each one.<br />
Help Yourselves<br />
The best way to enjoy company is by keeping your own load light<br />
during the party. Simplify your hosting duties by setting up a buffet<br />
near the table and letting guests help themselves to their favorite<br />
Thanksgiving foods. Use fresh herbs and seasonal fruit to garnish each<br />
dish and set out menu cards identifying the ingredients in each item.<br />
WHAT TO DO BEFORE, DURING, AFTER<br />
THANKSGIVING DINNER<br />
The most wonderful time of year also means less time for you!<br />
Keep your focus on YOU before, during and after holiday eating:<br />
1) BEFORE: during the day, drink plenty of water, eat hydrating<br />
fruits - melons, apples, take a long walk, eat a whole-grain breakfast.<br />
2) DURING: continue to hydrate, make sure your plate has MORE<br />
vegetables, avoid white grains and choose whole grains, gravy<br />
on the side, fresh baked potatoes vs. mashed, WATER!<br />
3) AFTER: continue to hydrate, stay active, go for a walk,<br />
have a small piece of dessert - key is small!<br />
10 ALTERNATIVES TO A THANKSGIVING TURKEY<br />
There are plenty of alternative Thanksgiving meals that will give you<br />
that holiday feeling. Here are some ideas:<br />
• Pork Roast: Adding apples and cinnamon will ensure that no one<br />
misses the turkey when you serve this dish. It smells and tastes<br />
like holiday heaven.<br />
• Roasted Chicken: A roasted chicken certainly qualifies as<br />
a solid turkey replacement.<br />
• Thanksgiving Jambalaya: You can substitute any meat here:<br />
turkey breast slices, chicken, shrimp.<br />
• Baked Cod or Microwaved Salmon: Who says you can’t serve fish<br />
on Thanksgiving?<br />
• Eggplant Parmesan: Both vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike<br />
will love you for this.<br />
• Leg of Lamb: A great alternative that will everyone, especially<br />
if you add exotic spices and seasonings<br />
• Beef Stew: Hearty and plentiful; your house will be filled with<br />
the most amazing aromas.<br />
Courtesy of: www.bonappetit.com/<br />
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The Perfect Bird<br />
Score points with guests by preparing a perfectly cooked turkey then<br />
garnishing the bird with fresh apples and bunches of sage.<br />
Gather ‘Round the Table<br />
When it comes down to it, the most important part of your Thanksgiving<br />
dinner is being surrounded by loved ones. Spend the days leading up<br />
focusing on prep work so you can relax and enjoy yourself on the big<br />
day.<br />
Light It Up<br />
Scatter votives and taper candles of different heights down the<br />
middle of the table to make the entire dining room glow. Purchase<br />
inexpensive raw wood holders from a craft store, then apply stain to<br />
turn them a rich mahogany. Use unscented candles so fragrances don’t<br />
compete with the aromas of the food.<br />
Source: www.hgtv.com/design/make-and-celebrate/entertaining<br />
<strong>Colonies</strong> Community Newsletter | <strong>November</strong> <strong>2018</strong><br />
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7 ESSENTIAL BLACK FRIDAY<br />
SHOPPING TIPS<br />
Believe it or not, Black Friday is almost here.<br />
But before you make a single purchase, there<br />
are a few things we recommend you do. Remember,<br />
Black Friday was created by retailers<br />
to benefit retailers. But with our pointers<br />
below, you’ll be able to turn the tables and<br />
ensure you make the wisest buying decisions<br />
throughout the holiday season.<br />
Make a list, check it twice: One of the worst<br />
things you can do during the holidays is purchase<br />
items blindly without a shopping list.<br />
This is true whether you shop online or in-store.<br />
Shopping without a specific list causes you to<br />
spend more and purchase items that you may<br />
not necessarily need. By creating a shopping<br />
list with specific items, you avoid falling into<br />
the trap of buying unnecessary stuff.<br />
Embrace your inner Scrooge: So you’ve<br />
found what looks like the perfect deal and<br />
you’re ready to pull the trigger. Stop. Before<br />
you buy anything, there are two things you<br />
should always do. First, use a price-comparison<br />
engine such as Google Shopping,<br />
ShopSavvy or PriceGrabber to make sure<br />
you’re getting the best price on the item you<br />
want to buy. It pays to shop around; you’ll<br />
be surprised by how easy it is to find lower<br />
prices. After you’ve done your homework and<br />
ensured you’re not being overcharged, find<br />
out if there are any perks to purchasing from<br />
one store versus the other. Maybe you’re an<br />
Amazon Prime member and Amazon’s offering<br />
free next-day shipping. Or maybe you have a<br />
Best Buy rewards card that promises double<br />
points. Any opportunity to stack on additional<br />
savings - even if small - should not be missed.<br />
Start your shopping early: Black Friday is<br />
no longer a one-day event. As a matter of fact,<br />
the best sales aren’t even released on Black<br />
Friday, they’re actually unveiled throughout<br />
Thanksgiving week. So the earlier you start<br />
your shopping, the better your chances of finding<br />
the items you want on sale and in stock.<br />
In the past, we noticed some of the best deals<br />
were released on the morning of Thanksgiving<br />
Day. That’s not to say you should avoid Black<br />
Friday, but be aware that “Black Friday” is<br />
now a season that includes most of <strong>November</strong><br />
and December.<br />
Be wary of doorbuster sales: Black Friday<br />
wouldn’t be the same without a head-turning<br />
doorbuster sale. However, these time-sensitive<br />
sales were designed to lure shoppers<br />
into stores in hopes of getting consumers to<br />
spend on other nonessentials. Oftentimes, a<br />
store will have a very limited number of doorbuster<br />
items in stock. Moreover, they’ll release<br />
them at odd hours in the morning. So unless<br />
you’re first in line, your chances of scoring a<br />
doorbuster deal are slim to none.<br />
Get social: Want to get a leg up on the latest<br />
Black Friday offerings? One of the best ways<br />
to see what’s coming down the pipes is by<br />
following your favorite retailers on social<br />
media. Facebook and Twitter tend to be the<br />
most active platforms for retailers, but don’t<br />
be surprised if stores start using Instagram to<br />
reveal secret coupon codes or early preview<br />
deals as well.<br />
Use one card: Data breaches are bound to<br />
happen - especially during the holidays - and<br />
the best way to safeguard yourself against any<br />
potential identity theft is to limit the number<br />
of credit cards you use during the holiday<br />
season. While you could make your purchases<br />
with cash only, there are many benefits to<br />
using a credit card, whether you’re earning<br />
cash-back rewards or using your card for the<br />
added protections it offers.<br />
Know your return policies: Retailers tend to<br />
tweak their return policies during the holidays.<br />
While some may extend them, others might<br />
restrict them or increase their restocking fees.<br />
Doorbuster and “final sale” products tend to<br />
have the strictest policies, so be sure you’re<br />
comfortable with a store’s policy before you<br />
buy anything. Also, be sure to ask for and save<br />
your receipts. You never know when you may<br />
need them.<br />
Source: www.tomsguide.com/us/black-fridayshopping-tips,news-26046.html<br />
26 <strong>November</strong> <strong>2018</strong> | <strong>Colonies</strong> Community Newsletter
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YOU SHOP<br />
SAFELY ON<br />
CYBER MONDAY<br />
Type the phrase “Cyber<br />
Monday” into Google and<br />
you’ll find links not only to<br />
special Cyber Monday coupons and savings, but also to Cyber Monday-only<br />
sales at some of the largest online retailers. It’s truly become the Internet’s<br />
version of Black Friday. Cyber Monday began “officially” in 2005 (it was<br />
made up by a marketer), but the phenomenon goes back to the beginning<br />
of online shopping, before computers were a fixture in homes. People would<br />
return to work on the Monday after Thanksgiving and shop from their<br />
office computers. This year, more than 60 percent of American consumers<br />
are expected to shop online on Cyber Monday, although many of us will<br />
be shopping from the comfort of our living-room sofas. Cyber Monday has<br />
gone mobile as well, with about half of online shoppers expected to make<br />
holiday purchases from their smartphones or tablets. Of course, as the<br />
popularity of Cyber Monday grows and the deals get bigger and better, the<br />
risks of shopping online also increase. Cybercriminals love Cyber Monday<br />
too and work hard to get rich off the huge number of people engaging in<br />
online commerce around the holidays. To help shoppers stay safe and<br />
secure on Cyber Monday, here are some tips.<br />
Shop from a secure computer: A computer or Android phone that isn’t<br />
protected by antivirus software is more likely to be compromised by malware.<br />
Otherwise, all data entered into or transmitted from that phone or<br />
computer is at risk, including all forms of personally identifiable information,<br />
credit-card numbers and bank accounts. Be sure to keep the operating<br />
system and all internet-facing apps updated to the latest software versions.<br />
Shop using a secure connection: Data can be at risk during transit if<br />
an attacker controls the network or uses packet-sniffing software. Web<br />
protocols such as HTTPS encrypt communications, but in some advanced<br />
attacks even those could fall to a “man-in-the-middle” attack. Nonetheless,<br />
always look for the HTTPS lock symbol in your browser address window<br />
when performing an online purchase.<br />
Search for deals on retailer sites, not on search engines: Scammers<br />
“poison” search results with malicious or deceptive links. Want that latest<br />
game console? Run a search on the Best Buy, Amazon or GameStop sites<br />
rather than on Google.<br />
<strong>Colonies</strong> Community Newsletter | <strong>November</strong> <strong>2018</strong><br />
Use trusted vendors: Any website can be attacked by hackers, but limiting your<br />
shopping to established and trusted vendors limits your exposure. Bookmark the<br />
most trusted online retail sites to make sure you don’t get redirected to fakes.<br />
Don’t fall for ‘too-good-to-be-true’ deals: Cyber Monday features a lot<br />
of incredible, legitimate deals offered by trusted mainstream retailers.<br />
But cybercriminals will prey on shoppers’ desire for the lowest prices<br />
and will try to slip in a lot of fake deals. Watch out especially for emails,<br />
text messages, pop-up browser windows and Facebook and Twitter posts<br />
promising fantastic savings. Clicking on links in the messages or posts could<br />
lead to scams, phishing sites or sites distributing malware. And don’t open<br />
attachments in emails promising fantastic deals.<br />
Plan ahead and don’t be rushed: Cyberattacks take but a split second to occur.<br />
Sometimes all that’s required is clicking on a link in an email. Look for clues to<br />
malicious links, such as an extra “.cc” at the end of what would otherwise be a<br />
trusted domain name. Take the time to make sure you’re on the correct website.<br />
Review credit-card and bank statements regularly during the shopping<br />
season: Malware can infect credit-card readers in stores and unscrupulous<br />
cashiers often steal card numbers as well. If you find a transaction that<br />
doesn’t match your purchases, your account may have been compromised.<br />
If so, contact your bank or card issuer.<br />
Don’t use debit cards online: You’ve got far less protection against fraud<br />
on a debit card than you do with a credit card. Stick to credit cards when<br />
shopping online. If you absolutely must use a debit card, use the prepaid<br />
kind with a set spending limit.<br />
Use unique passwords and logon information for every site you visit:<br />
Yes, it’s a pain to remember all those passwords. But if one of them is<br />
stolen, a cybercrook will try using it on other websites. Passwords should<br />
be as long as possible and contain a mix of upper-and lower-case characters,<br />
numbers, punctuation and symbols - and they shouldn’t be reused,<br />
especially for any website that handles your money. If you have trouble<br />
handling them all, use a password manager.<br />
If you’re shopping from a tablet or smartphone on Cyber Monday,<br />
use a trusted vendor’s app, not a web browser: Vendors have more<br />
control over their own apps than they do over mobile browsers, which<br />
often don’t display the web addresses of the sites to which you’re giving<br />
your credit-card information.<br />
Never install software on your mobile device from a website link or<br />
code: Software from locations other than the device’s official “store,” such<br />
as Apple’s iTunes App Store or the Google Play Store, has a greater chance<br />
of being malicious. Even then, check to make sure that the app developer<br />
is the official retailer - a lot of Amazon-related apps in Google Play have<br />
no connection to Amazon.<br />
Source: www.tomsguide.com/us/cyber-monday-safety-tips,review-1956.html<br />
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Garage, Cul-de-sac. Granite<br />
countertops, remodeled Mstr bath<br />
shower. 2 A/C units, paint - in/out.<br />
Carpet, Roof, sprink sys, covered<br />
patio. Hardee Plank, Master dn.<br />
Spacious bath. Did not flood. $325k<br />
Georgetown Colony<br />
Stunning 1 story TOTALLY professionally<br />
remodeled by family architect with TOP<br />
quality materials, and magazine worthy<br />
decor, Tuscan inspired PORCELAIN tile<br />
floors. Charcoal grey QUARTZ counters.<br />
Samsung appliances, LOTS more!! $180s<br />
Georgetown Colony<br />
Beautifully redone 4 BR 2.5 BTH.<br />
Master down w/ spacious bath, closets.<br />
Kitchen has marble tile floor, granite<br />
counters, new cabinets, stainless<br />
appliances, glass backsplash. Deck<br />
outside, family room, stone fireplace,<br />
New light fixtures, more. $180s<br />
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