Westador Subdivision Westwind

Easter time is so Egg-citing! by Cindy Poetz

It’ so Egg-citing this time of year! Why? It’s all about the Egg Hunt. The children of Westador know the annual Easter Egg Hunt is just around the corner and they’re getting ready. Don’t miss it…Sunday, April 9^th at the Cali Clubhouse.

The hunt is for all children ages 0-11. At 2 PM, there will be crafts, treats, cascarones, and a moonwalk for the kids. At 2:30 SHARP, the egg hunt begins. Bring a camera!

If you are able to volunteer (fill eggs, hide eggs, or prepare treats) please call Cindy Poetz at 281-537-6990.

Deed Restriction Committee to Conduct Inspections by Carl Mayes, WCA Deed Restriction Director

The WCA Deed Restriction Committee will be conducting an inspection of all homes within the Westador subdivision looking for deed restriction violations. Every home will be inspected and given a notice even if there is no violation to be found. All residents will receive 1 of 3 types of notices. The first type of notice is one that simply states that the DRC has inspected your home and all is fine. The second type of notice is one with the 10 most common types of violations listed. If a deed violation box is checked, that is the violation, which must be remedied immediately. The third type of notice is a formal letter addressing deed restriction violations that may be a little more severe and in which case could, possibly, require a little more time to resolve. When will these inspections occur? Approximately one week after the date of this article's publication. Where will the inspections begin? East Westador is where we will begin. I encourage everyone to check their homes and property and we will see you all soon.

Nanes pool opens May 6

Waves Registration is Set for April 3 by Gail Wescott

Attention: Westador Swimmers

It’s time to sign up for the Westador Waves – Monday, April 3 at 7 PM at the Cali Clubhouse

Your neighborhood swim team is the Westador Waves and they are desperately in need of swimmers of all ages.

The age groups of swimmers range from 6 and under, 7 and 8, 9 and 10, 11 and 12, 13 and 14, and 15 through 18.

If you have a child in any of these categories, this is a summer activity where they will meet lots of great kids and get plenty of exercise.

The swim team is a great way for your kids to have fun while getting lots of exercise and meeting new people. Our meets are all local, so there is not a lot of traveling involved. Swim Team will teach your children how to swim and how to compete while having fun. It’s a great way for both parents and children to make new friends within the neighborhood.

So come out to the Cali Clubhouse on Monday April 3 at 7 PM to sign up your children. If you have never been on the swim team, before make sure you bring your birth certificate with you. The cost is $70 for the first swimmer; $55 for the second; $50 for the third; and $40 for the fourth child. Practice begins on April 24 and will go until June 30. Meets begin on May 13 at the Cali Pool.

For more information you can call Gail Wescott or Blanca Baldwin.

Senior Forum

Potluck Dinner March 8, 2006 - Good Food and Flood Control:

MUD Director Gordon Landwermeyer explained the nature, extent, financing, and expectations of the joint Westador MUD Harris County Flood Control Project currently underway in Westador at our Wednesday March 8, 2006 Senior Forum Dinner. About forty Westador Seniors learned about the project while concurrently sharing a tasty variety of favorite salads, entrees, and deserts.

Millie and Ed Roth and Jean and Gordon Landwermeyer co-hosted the dinner. Ed Roth announced that Wednesday December 10, 2006 has been selected for our Christmas Dinner. The Westfield High School Choir will again share their entertainment talents with our seniors.

Ponderosa Volunteer Fire Department Round Up

A Safety Retreat for adolescent females (11-18) will be held April 29, 2006 at Spring Woods United Methodist Church, 1711 FM1960 West, from 9 am to 6 PM. There is no charge for the program and lunch is provided for this great day of learning how to protect yourself.

Learn CPR, how to defend yourself from abductors, personal safety awareness, internet safety, and kitchen safety. The program is brought to you by: Ponderosa Volunteer Fire Department, Cypress Creek EMS, Harris County Sheriff, Harris County Constables, I-Safe America, and Spring Woods Methodist Church.

E-Mail KGriffin@SW_UMC.Org or call 281-444-6468. Sign up before April 19, 2006.

Visit our website at WWW.PonderosaVFD.Org.

WCA President Comments on Deed Restrictions and the Pride Committee by Ann Koelling

Each one of these offices is designed to carry out and enforce the deed restrictions and architectural controls of this community. We are in the process of refining and improving the way we carry out these processes. This year it may appear we have doubled our efforts, but in effect, it will enhance our efforts to keep the subdivision looking at its best.

I’ll explain by saying that in the past, the Pride Committee was the only committee we had that inspected the neighborhood for violations on a yearly basis. The Pride Committee gave out a blue ribbon award if your property looked great, a green slip if your property passed inspection, and a red slip if it did not. In turn, these red slips were turned over to the Deed Restrictions Director to take further action.

This year, the Deed Restrictions Director is new to the board and has a committee of people who work with him implementing the deed restrictions for the neighborhood. He will be doing his plan of action that will look a lot like what the Pride Committee will be doing next month. During this process, the Pride Committee and the Deed Restrictions Committee have not yet had the opportunity to correlate their plans of action. But, on a good note, by the time the Pride Committee walks the neighborhood, possible red slips will be few and far between.

In addition, the deed restrictions committee will walk the neighborhood on a regular basis throughout the year to keep current with situations that are not conducive to the welfare of all of us.

The board welcomes the efforts of these Westador committees’ volunteers and is eager to see the improvements to the neighborhood in a very timely fashion.

Toxic Insect Control is Discussed by Jerry Butler

I’ve been told that my “What To Do With A Dead Bird” January article was so riveting that I should continue next with “WTDWA Dead Squirrel”. I don’t think so. However, I would like to start a new thread with some bites and stings info from the Texas Poison Center Network. I’ll begin with one of my personal favorites (fire ants).

Fire ants. There are two species of fire ants. They respond rapidly and aggressively to any disturbance of the colony or to a food source. A single fire ant can and will sting repeatedly, even after the venom sac is empty. Initially the stings result in a localized intense burning sensation followed within 24-48 hours by the formation of a white pustule at the sting site. A minority of those stung are hypersensitive to the venom and require more intense treatment.

Bees and wasps. Bees typically establish new hives in the spring and fall. This is when they are most active. Any type of bee can sting you only once. If possible, remove the stinger by scraping it from the skin. Do not pinch the stinger to remove it. Consult the Poison Center if symptoms include breathing difficulty, hives, cramping, tightness in the chest or other allergic type reactions or call 911. Wasps also have a painful sting and can sting you multiple times. They do not lose their stinger. Treat local reactions the same as for other bites and stings.

Brown recluse. The brown recluse spider is commonly known as a “fiddleback” because of the violin-shaped marking on the back of the head portion. The shape and intensity of the fiddle design may vary. The body size is ¼ to ¾ inch with the leg span about the size of a half dollar. It lives in dark secluded places where there is little activity. Effects from a bite may be immediate or delayed and vary from a stinging sensation to intense pain. Within 24-36 hours fever, chills, weakness, and pain may occur. Within 24 hours, the bite site can erupt into an ulcerating lesion. Due to potential medical problems, call the Poison Center for instructions. The Poison Center is at 1-800-222-1222.

Westador Welcomes New Residents

On a monthly basis, Hays Utilities (contractor for the Westador Municipal Utility District) provides Bill Streidl with a listing of residences that have had their water turned on or off. The purpose of this list is to assist the Civic Association in the maintenance of the Residents’ directory, the electronic version of which is distributed quarterly. The process is not totally accurate for a variety of reasons.

The most recent list follows, and Westador welcomes these newcomers to our subdivision. These new residents have been reported by Hays covering the month of February 2006. Telephone numbers often are subject to change since many new residents have the water turned on before move in and their new telephone numbers have not yet been obtained. Therefore, new residents are urged to contact Bill Streidl to update their information for the directory. In any event, welcome to -

Name	Address
Thomas Desire	711 Romaine
Cedrick Taylor	802 Maranon

Newcomers can contact Wilma Perez for newcomer packets and are encouraged to attend the quarterly general meetings, become volunteers, participate in Westador events, and otherwise become involved in our community.

Some Homeowners Have Not Paid Their Annual Maintenance Assessments for 2005 and Prior as of March 8, 2006

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. This month, four addresses were added where the homeowner had ceased making payments..

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 March 8, 2006.

1102 Baffin	1010 Loire	1011 Rhine
1118 Baffin	706 Maranon	703 Timor
807 Baltic	806 Maranon	719 Timor
819 Baltic	818 Maranon	1114 Timor
1027 Baltic	814 Misty Lea	17903 Zagar
1010 Lodgehill	706 Oder	17918 Zagar
706 Loire	1006 Rhine

Also, the Board has authorized stopping the trash and garbage collection service for homeowners who are delinquent for more than one year. If delinquent homeowners are 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.

All homeowners who have not yet paid their maintenance fee are urged to do so promptly. The 2006 fee was due January 1, 2006, and is now past due if it is still unpaid. Contact the Westador Accountant, Nelson Jones at 281-351-2010 to make payment arrangements.

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.

The next printing of the information sheet is set for the May issue. Additional sheets can be obtained from the editor of the Westwind..

March 16 Has a Past

1836 Texas approves a constitution.

1915 Federal Trade Commission organizes.

1945 U.S. defeats Japan at Iwo Jima.

Westador Women's Group Update

by Shelli Black and Amber Boyle

WOMEN’S NIGHT

Our next next meeting is on April 5, 2006, where we will be stuffing cascarones (confetti eggs). A cascarone begins as a clean, empty eggshell. The contents can be emptied out of the uncooked egg by tapping a thumbprint-size hole into the top shell. On the bottom of the egg, make a small pinhole. While standing over a bowl, put your mouth over the small pinhole and blow the egg contents out of the larger hole at the other end. It is easiest to store the empty eggs in the original egg containers. Once the egg is blown and dried, it is stuffed with multi colored confetti, and gluing a square of tissue paper over the hole seals the open end. The eggs are then decorated with markers, crayons, or paint. After the eggs are complete, they are crushed on the heads of unsuspecting friends and family, which leaves tissue paper, confetti, and eggshells in their hair and down their shirts. We need blown, clean eggs to make the cascarones. If you can donate some blown eggshells, please call Shelli Black for pick-up.

The completed cascarones will be used at the Easter Egg hunt which is set for 2 PM April 9 at the Cali clubhouse.

All ladies in Westador are invited for an evening of socializing with neighbors. If you wish, you may bring a snack or non-alcoholic beverages to share. If you have any questions, please call Shelli Black, Andrea Barnes, or Deborah Krupp.

FREE SCRAP-BOOK DEMONSTRATION!!!

On Thursday, April 13th from 7 to 9 PM, we’ll have an “Embellish the Book Cover” Demonstration, or mini-class. Learn a fun technique for dressing up your plain album covers. Why should the inside get all the attention? If you would like to participate in the mini-class, there will be a few things you’ll need to bring. Of course all are welcome to just observe and take away a few new ideas.

Not into Scrapping? Bring your favorite craft and come on out and join us. Maybe you’ll inspire an idea or a new hobby!

Don’t forget Scrap-Night is always free of charge, so grab a friend, and let’s have some creative fun! Call Amber Boyle for a list of required supplies for the mini-class participation.

The next Scrap-night will be held May 11^th.

Report nonworking streetlights to CenterPoint Energy at 713-207-2222. Give the operator the street address and pole number. The pole number can be found on the pole.

If your trash pickup is missed or bungled, please report it to Republic Waste’s Customer Service group

(281-540-0513 or 281-446-2030).

CPR Class Was Conducted on March 4

More than 50 participants attended the free CPR class sponsored by the Westador Citizens’ Emergency Response Team (WCERT) at Cali on March 4. Cypress Creek Emergency Medical Services (CCEMS) taught the class with the assistance of several dummies. Certificates issued at this class are good for a year.

The WCERT especially thanks Frank Coleman for his contribution of the refreshments that were available for the class.

The WCERT was awarded the Community Builder’s award at the 20^th annual Cypress Creek United Civic Associations (CCUCA) trade show and conference held February 25, 2006. Richard Murphy (WCERT contact) was named in the award.

Westador is Involved with CCUCA by Ann Koelling

On Saturday, February 25^th, 2006, Nelson Jones (Accountant), John Danner (Secretary), Phil Bode (Architectural Control), Carl Mayes (Deed Restrictions), Beth Anne Lechmann (Pools), Doug Barnes (Grounds), John Cullinan (Treasurer), and I attended the Cypress Creek United Civic Association (CCUCA) conference and tradeshow at the Crown Plaza Hotel on the Northwest Freeway. WOW! We were all impressed.

There we attended workshops where we received up-to-date and useful information designed to help our board members do their jobs in the best interest of the community! We all brought back some pretty interesting information that we plan to implement in the upcoming months. We covered such topics as collections, deed restrictions, architectural control, finances, how to hold board and general meetings, building and joining coalitions that help us get things done that we can’t get done alone, and a number of other very informative subjects.

During lunch, awards were given out for exemplary work performed by individuals within the subdivision. There was the Neighborhood Improvement Award, the Barbara Bain Distinguished Volunteer Award, the Community Builder Award, and the Neighborhood Newsletter Award. This year Richard Murphy was honored to receive the Community Builder Award on behalf of himself and the Westador CERT. Congratulations Richard and all the other CERT people on the team.

The Society for Advancement in Floral Design (SAFD) to Present Floral Demonstration by Pam Dube

On Tuesday, March 21^st, Nora Cisneros, a local florist from Flowers of Kingwood, will present “Body Flower Fiesta”. Nora, who is a Texas Master Florist and has been in the industry for over 13 years, will demonstrate different styles and new techniques for corsages and other body flowers. It is a program you will not want to miss with Mother’s Day and Prom just around the corner.

Ever wondered how to create a hand-held spiral bouquet? At our April meeting you can find our just how it is done and create your own to take home. Darlene Capo will lead us through this exciting hands-on event. There will be a cost associated with making your own bouquet and you will need to sign up before hand, so call if you are interested in making one.

SAFD is a non-profit group that promotes the study and enjoyment of floral design. Each month from September to May we meet to learn more about floral design. SAFD meets on the third Tuesday of each month at Cypresswood Creek Christian Center, 6823 Cypresswood Drive beginning at 6:30 PM. Guests are always welcome. If you have an interest in learning more about joining SAFD, please call Pam Dube at 281-516-3323.