Westador Westwind On-Line

First General Meeting of the Civic Association in 2006 is to be January 19

Residents are encouraged to attend the first general meeting of 2006 at 7:30 PM Thursday January 19, 2006 at the Cali Clubhouse.

            A summary of financial results for the year ended December 31, 2005 are presented below and will be discussed at the meeting.  Receipts were above the budgeted amount by $1,153.  While there was a shortfall in the collection of annual maintenance fees of about $3,500, interest income and other receipts were above the budgeted amount by about $4,500.  Expenditures were more than the budget amount by $3,729 as a result of numerous variances. 

Westador Civic Association has a New Mailing Address

Some people who mailed their fees to the old P. O. box were using their computers to pay bills and neglected to update to the new address.  If you are one of those people, please update the address on your computer. The old P. O. box will close in a few months.

Westador’s correct (new) mailing address is:

   Westador Civic Association, Inc.

   P. O. Box 1052

   Cypress, Texas  77410-1052

Most homeowners mailed their 2006 annual fee to the above address, but some experienced difficulty in meeting the December 31 deadline to obtain the $20 discount.  If you are one of those, have since paid your fees, and met the requirements to receive the discount in 2005 (last year), the association will grant the discount to you.  If you paid the fees late and took the discount, the discount amount will not be collected.

Westador has a New Voting Precinct by Casey Westell, Precinct 550 Chairman

                Recent law changes have required many Harris County precinct boundary changes.  Up to 5,000 registered voters may reside in a single precinct.  As a result, Precincts 111, 550, and 836 have been merged to form a new Precinct 550.  This new Precinct 550 stretches from Westador to I-45 with Cypress Creek forming the northern boundary.

WCERT Plans March CPR Training by John Danner (WCERT Communications)

                A newly formed Westador Community Emergency Response Team (WCERT) management core has tentatively scheduled a free CPR training and renewal session for Saturday, March 4, 2006 at the Cali clubhouse.  The time will be announced.  By attending, you will know what to do “if your elderly parent needs resuscitation”.

            WCERT training is not required to attend this session or any WCERT function.  The team depends on participation by all residents regardless of whether or not such participant is a “certified” member.

Westador Joint Flood Relief and Drainage Project is Underway

         The Westador Municipal Utility District (WMUD) and Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) joint flood relief project is proceeding under the direction of WMUD engineers Jones & Carter and a contract with the L. N. McKean Construction Company. 

         WMUD cooperated with HCFCD to develop an interlocal contract so that HCFCD has provided $867,500 toward the project cost and committed to an additional $72,500.  This total will be half the cost of this project.  WMUD’s half comes from the sale of bonds voted by Westador residents several years ago.  No property tax increase is needed.

         This project will mitigate most Westador house-flooding problems when extremely heavy rain falls in this immediate area by assuring more efficient drainage into Cypress Creek.  It will be of limited value in reducing the level of floodwaters that back into Westador from a severely flooded Cypress Creek.  Simply stated floodwaters will not run uphill. 

         This project involves the following: 

· Clearing a 1400’ x 250’ strip land at the north end of Red Oak to permit the construction of a new overflow channel. Many residents will have noticed the increased truck traffic on Red Oak because of excavation and slope paving activities.

· Constructing a 200’ wide x 5’ deep overflow channel on this clearing.  This channel will intercept the existing drainage ditch just east of the 1000 block of Baffin and continue northward to Cypress Creek.

· Installing a second box 5’ x 10’culvert under Nanes Drive beside the existing one just north of Maranon.  The ditch between Bamwood and Nanes will be widened but not paved.

· Installing concrete slope and bottom paving along the entire drainage channel from Nanes to Tigris except for about 500’ on the east side of the ditch between the new overflow channel and Tigris.  The bottom of the ditch in that area will be widened 25’ to provide a wetland area that was required to secure approval for slope paving from the US Army Corps of Engineers.  This slope paving will improve water flow, stabilize channel banks, and stop the erosion danger to several Westador residence fences and yards.

Some temporary one-lane traffic lanes will become necessary on Nanes Drive north of Maranon when the new box culvert is installed under Nanes Lane beginning on or about January 18, 2006 and will last for about 3 weeks.  The west lane and the east lane will be closed at separate times until the culvert work is completed.

Please observe the traffic signs, cones, and lights to assure safe transit through this area.

Some Homeowners Have Not Paid Their Annual Maintenance Assessments as of January 10

Homeowners who are delinquent on the annual maintenance fees incur interest, collection and legal fees, have lien notices filed on their property, and are prohibited from using common facilities such as the tennis courts, pools, and clubhouses.  There were no changes in this list from the prior month.

 The following list of addresses reflect only those homeowners who have a Lien Notice filed on their property or are delinquent for more than one year as of January 10, 2006. The 2006 fee is not yet delinquent.               

Also, the Board has authorized stopping the trash and garbage collection service for homeowners who are delinquent for more than one year.  If a delinquent homeowner is making monthly payments in accordance with an arranged payment plan, that homeowner’s address will not be listed and trash and garbage collection service will not be suspended unless they cease to comply with the arranged payment plan.

“Dead Bird” Disposal is Handled by the County by Jerry Butler

Should you encounter a dead bird, please be forewarned that it may be carrying the West Nile virus.  Beyond that, taking a page out of current events, scientists and public health authorities remain vigilant against the threat of the so-called “avian flu” or “bird flu” being introduced into the U.S.  Whereas it hasn’t happened yet – and it may not happen – it’s just one more reason to be wary of a dead bird.

Okay, what should you do?  Well, Harris County has a Dead Bird Reporting Number: 713-440-3036.  They will instruct you on proper handling and whether you should bring the bird to their facility.  The following is taken from  (WWW.HarrisCountyHealth.Com/HCMosquitoCtrl/DBInfoActivityMaps/DBDropoff.HTM): “Dead birds (dead for less than one day and no ants or maggots, please) being submitted for testing for the West Nile virus will be accepted at Mosquito Control, Monday to Friday, from 8 AM - 4 PM.  Please note that there is no Saturday or Sunday dead bird drop-off.

Please call 713-440-3036 for more information regarding this drop off site.  Their drop-off address is the HCPHES Mosquito Control Division, 3330 Old Spanish Trail, Houston, Texas  77021.  It is located at the southeast corner of Hwy 288 and O.S.T.  Go to Building C, Dead Bird Drop-Off Room #123.  Please use the O.S.T. entrance (front gate), which is only accessible to eastbound O.S.T. and northbound 288 feeder traffic.  There is a map link on the website, too.

Forms for Approval of Home Projects can be Obtained from the ACC by Phil Bode

As hopefully you are all aware, each time we do anything to our properties, we are required by the deed restrictions to obtain approval of the project from the Architectural Control Committee (ACC).  Whether it is painting our house, building a new fence, landscaping our yard, or making a major addition to the house, it must first be approved by the ACC.

This process of approving or denying certain projects within the subdivision may seem somewhat adversarial to most of you.  And it is from this perspective that I decided to write a short explanation of why I believe Westador goes through the ACC review process.

For most of us, our homes are the most expensive purchase we make in our entire lives.  Rather than viewing the ACC review process as adversarial, I encourage you to view it as a process that is meant to add value to each of our homes as well as the community as a whole.

Our homes are more than places to provide shelter from the elements for our families.  In addition, when they are properly maintained, they will likely increase in value.

Most of us are aware that a home, just like any other depreciating asset, requires a certain degree of scheduled maintenance.  If we don’t keep them painted or let our yards grow up in weeds, we potentially suffer what can be drastic reductions in the value of our properties.  Unpainted wood rots.  Rotted wood deteriorates and ultimately may fall down.  Un-watered yards may result in foundation damage.  By scrimping on a paint or  repair job here or there, or not doing the landscape job we know is needed, we may be losing sight of the ultimate goal to increase the values of our properties.

I am hearing that some of you are trying to save a few dollars by not painting your house, fixing a leaky roof, or watering your yard.  This may actually decrease the value of your investment.  You’ve heard the saying “you can pay me now or pay me later” and I believe it may apply to our home investments as well.  Please don’t shortcut our subdivision process, as doing so may actually cost money in the long run.

The ACC is here to assist you in this endeavor.  If you need a form, feel free to contact anyone on the committee, or I can send you one by E-Mail.  For best results, contact me.

The Westador Information Sheet is Printed Quarterly

             The Westador information sheet is printed quarterly, or more often in the event of some major changes.  Of special interest are the teen helpers anxious to baby-sit, cook, and to do yard work while earning a buck or two in the process.  

WCA President Rings in New Year by Ann Koelling, WCA President

HAPPY 2006 to everyone in Westador!!!  As with all years, I always look forward to the new year with renewed enthusiasm and eager anticipation that the next twelve months will bring all of us - all people all over the world - a year filled with good health, wonderful relationships with our family and friends, accomplishment in our fields of work, understanding and peace in our hearts, and lots and lots of good cheer.

Westador keeps rolling along as it has been doing since its inception back in the ‘70’s.  This 699 home subdivision has aged gracefully and still holds noticeable attractiveness to those who visit our neighborhood.

The ways a subdivision maintains its beauty is by the respect the residents have for their neighbors, their own property and themselves.

Keeping your lawn mowed and edged and clear of debris lets everyone know you love your neighbor as yourself.    Keeping the basketball courts out of the cul-de-sacs enables residents to enter and leave their homes without having to worry if they run over a child or a child’s belongings.  Riding dirt bikes or motorized bikes of any kind on the streets of Westador disturbs the tranquility of the neighborhood and disrupts the calm mood we look forward to having after a long stressful day or week at our jobs.  Working on your cars or trucks inside your garage and not on the street up on blocks keeps the image of our neighborhood unspoiled, and last but not least, numerous cars constantly coming and going to the same house give the indication that either a business is being run from the home or numerous people are living under the same roof.

These are the complaints we have received over the last couple of months.  Thankfully, the majority of the people of the neighborhood abide by the rules and regulations of Harris County and of our own Deed Restrictions.  For those of you who are known to bend the rules, Westador caught your eye – and you wanted to live here.  I’ll bet it was because it was such a beautiful neighborhood with great houses and a fantastic location.  Now you are a part of that beauty, please help keep it neat as a pin and pretty as a picture.

If you are unaware of the rules and regulations and if you do not have a set of deed restrictions, or if you did not receive an information packet when you moved into the neighborhood, please call Wilma Perez.  She will be most happy to provide one to you quickly!  If you have any questions for me, please do not hesitate to call me. 

A Website is Available for Medical Information

Guidelines for Curbside Trash Service are Detailed by Jerry Butler

As always, bundles of tree branches, shrub and brush trimmings, or newspapers and magazines should be tied and neatly stacked, forming an easily handled package not exceeding 5 feet long or 50 pounds, and 18 inches in diameter.  Our contractor has the right to not pick up your bundles unless they meet these requirements.  Please note that such bundles and lawn clippings in bags will be left behind if not placed at curbside.

Ponderosa Volunteer Fire Department Round Up

During an emergency, you do not have time to ask questions, and you do whatever is necessary to correct the situation.  You call 9-1-1 when you need help.  If you have a fire, you naturally call the fire department.  As a matter of fact, people call the fire department for many other reasons besides just fires.  When there is a crisis, the Ponderosa Volunteer Fire Department is there for you.  There is a saying in the fire service that when people need help for anything they call the fire department. 

Many people are also curious about the basic background of their community-based fire department.  The Ponderosa VFD is a 65 member primarily volunteer fire department.  The volunteers are at three fire stations; Ponderosa, Cypressdale, and Northview in a 13 square mile area protecting over 47,000 people and hundreds of businesses.  The fire chief directs the departments’ operations in conjunction with six appointed command staff positions.  All volunteers are in constant communications with the Cypress Creek EMS dispatch center via a radio pager.  Five personnel assist the force and are paid an hourly rate Monday through Friday to provide additional staffing during our volunteers’ work time.

Westador’s “Super” Neighbors by Bill Streidl

Editor’s Note – There are people in Westador who extend themselves “above and beyond the call of duty”.  Once a quarter, the Westwind plans to feature one of those.  If you know of one, please call Bill Streidl at 281-440-6762 or the Westwind editor at 281-444-7283. 

           

All residents can participate in making Westador a friendly, clean, and attractive subdivision.  To that end, some of our residents go out of their way to accomplish all of these goals.  Gordon and Jean Landwermeyer are some of these “super” neighbors.  They moved to Westador from Midland, Texas in 1972 and their contributions to making Westador a good place to live are exceptional.

Gordon has been known to mow the lawns of neighbors who are on vacation, make repairs for mechanically impaired neighbors, and assist with other chores for anyone who needs help.  Currently he serves on the Board of Westador MUD and the Ponderosa Joint Powers Authority (the organization that processes all wastewater for Westador and six other subdivisions) and the Cypress Creek Flood Control Coalition.  Gordon is a past President of our Westador Civic Association and has served on the Board of The Association of Water Board Directors of Texas (AWBD).  He is currently on the Legislative Affairs Committee of AWBD.

Jean is the long-time Clubhouse Director on the Westador Civic Association Board.  She has thoroughly refurbished the Nanes and Cali clubrooms and bathrooms as well as the pool bathrooms at Cali.  Do you remember the dark stained walls in both clubrooms, the impossible acoustics at Cali, the worn out ranch furniture at Nanes, the lack of round tables at Cali, and the plain textured walls in all baths?  Residents owe Jean and her helpers thanks for the furnishing, decoration, and maintenance of both facilities.  Both Landwermeyers have organized and hosted Westador Senior Forum Dinners. 

Gordon and Jean have raised a family of eight children while pursuing their many activities related to the quality of life in Westador.  During any short period of time Jean may be found inspecting the clubhouses while Gordon is changing light bulbs for someone (at 6’ 6” he needs no ladder for 8’ ceilings) or assisting a neighbor in making a fence or other simple home repairs.  The actions of both help define the terms “Caring” and “Sweat Equity”!

Fifty plus NAM January/February Activities.

One Stroke Painting with Linda Sue Carter Monday January 23, 2006 1 PM (second class).  Cost is $15 per class plus supplies and $1 daily user fee.

Ceramics with Mary Jane Thursdays beginning January 19, 2006 9 AM for four weeks.  Cost is $1 daily user fee and supplies.

Precinct 4 Bus Trip to The Grand Opera House in Galveston for “Sing! Sing! Sing! The Music of  Benny Goodman  Sunday January 22, 2006 11:30 AM.  Cost is $26 plus lunch on your own at Shrimp and Stuff.

Guest Speakers Fran Gay of Logimedix (Diabetic and Respiratory Care) and Ellen Rininger of Assist-Med (Home Health Care and Pain Management) Friday January 27, 2006 9 AM.  Cost is $1 daily user fee and bring a friend.

Income Tax Aide Program Thursdays 11 AM (beginning February 2) and Tuesdays 9 AM (beginning February 7) through April 13, 2006.

Precinct 4 Bus Trip to the George Bush Library in College Station  Wednesday February 8, 2006 8 AM.  Cost is $6 plus lunch on your own at J Cody’s and $1 daily user fee.

Antique Group Trip to Bellaire Friday February 17, 2006 9:30 AM.   Cost is $10, plus lunch on your own.

Cypress/Woodlands Junior Forum Party Wednesday  February 22, 2006 9:30 AM.  Cost is $1 daily user fee.

New Class - Country Western Dance and Waltz Class Mondays at 10:45 AM beginning January 23, 2006.  Cost is $1 daily user fee.

Mahjongg Group Tuesdays at Noon.

Basic Beginner Line Dance Class Wednesdays at 1 PM.  Cost is daily user fee.

One Hour Exercise Class Mondays and Fridays at 9:30 AM. 

Duplicate Bridge Group Class Mondays at 12 Noon. 

Social Dance Class Tuesdays at 10:45 AM.

Yoga Classes Mondays and Wednesdays at 2 PM.  Cost is $85 for 17 classes and $1 daily user fee.