Westador Westwind On-Line

Westador Deputies Lopez and Mangum Arrest Burglary Suspect

On Tuesday, May 9, there were two home burglaries (1000 block of Caspian and the 1100 block of Kanah) and an attempted burglary on Rhine.  Entry was made to the homes by kicking in the back door or breaking a back window.  Westador deputies caught the suspect and arrested him.

Previously, there were five residential burglaries with similar entry methods.  One home was in the 700 block of Loire, two homes were in the 700 block of Marne, one home was in the 1100 block of Kanah, and one home was in the 1000 block of Manatee.  Entry to the Kanah home, however, was made through the front; and entry to the Manatee home was through an unlocked door.

Swim Team Season has Started by Gail Wescott

Our first meet (Red & White) was Saturday the 13^th and it went very well.  Our next meet will be at Cali with guest team - Willow Forest

Parents, remember we will need one volunteer per family at every meet. There is a lot of work to be done for these meets, and it is much easier and faster if we can share the load.  There are all kinds of jobs to be done, so you will get to have your pick of what you would like to do.  We need timers, scribes, runners, ready bench helpers, and concession helpers.  Thank you in advance for all the help you are giving us. We appreciate your time and energy. Also, parents please make sure you let the coaches know if your child will not be swimming at a meet. This is very important when the coaches are planning for relays.

New Pool Passes Have Been Issued by Beth Anne Lechmann

Thanks to several volunteers, we were able to issue new 2006 pool passes to about 500 residents along with guest and grandchild passes. Pool passes must be shown to enter the pools this summer. Residents may bring one guest; however, they need to remain with that guest at all times. Guests will not be allowed into the pool without a Westador resident.

If you missed the pool pass sign up, you can contact the Pool Director and make an appointment to get a Pool Pass made for you and those family members living in your home. All residents must have their Homeowners Fees paid in FULL to enjoy the benefit of using the pool for the summer.  You will be checked before being issued your pass, so please make sure you have paid your fees

Adult pool volunteers are needed

The civic association is in need of some adult volunteers who would be willing to sit at the pool check in table for about 2-3 hours once a week or so to check Pool Passes at either pool.  If there are enough volunteers, it would only be once a week. You could actually help while your family is at the pool too!  Thanks so much for pitching in to help make your neighborhood a fun place !

Security by Sue Strawbridge

Our deputies, Deputy Mangum and Deputy Lopez, patrol our subdivision.  However, with 39 streets to patrol and about 699 homes to watch, they obviously can use any residential input concerning suspicious activity or persons in our neighborhood.  If you see anything that appears suspicious-someone in a neighbor’s yard, someone at the pool during non-pool hours- DON’T hesitate to call dispatch at 713-221-6000 to inform the deputies and have them investigate.  Of course, for a crime in progress, call 9-1-1.

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.      

                A new sheet is being printed this month and it should be retained and placed in a convenient location, probably near a telephone

WCERT Sets General Meeting for Fourth Thursdays by John Danner, WCERT Communications

                Westador residents are invited to attend all general meetings of the Westador Community Emergency Response Team (WCERT) on the fourth Thursday of each month at 7:30 PM at the Cali clubhouse. 

Architectural Control Approval Forms are Needed for Renovations by Phil Bode

Based on the temperatures of late, I know I can refer to spring projects in name only.  But whether it is spring or summer, we all know this is a great time of year to get some of those projects around the house completed.  Landscape the yard, get that pool or spa installed, build that brick mail box you always wanted - all projects that will make the appearance of our individual properties as well as the overall subdivision look better.  However, from an Architectural Control Committee (ACC) project approval process, nothing seems to be happening.  Does this mean we are not doing the projects or just that we are forgetting to get ACC approval? 

Speaking from experience, I just completed a fence in my back yard, and my next planned project is to paint the house.  The fence was approved by ACC, and I intend to fill out my ACC request for approval on the house-painting project tonight.  However, I must admit that I bought the paint this weekend before I remembered that I needed to get ACC approval, even though I intend to paint it the exact same color.  I know, or at least I have been told, it is a lot easier to get approval before starting the project than having to “redo” if it fails to meet our deed restrictions.  If you need a form, feel free to contact anyone on the committee; or I can send you one by E-Mail.  At some point, I hope to have them on the web site, but I have been dragging my feet in getting the committee together and developing the best form for that distribution.  For best results, contact me.

The other committee members are Pat Wheeler, Dan Vogel, and Maria Javarone.  Call anyone of us if you have any questions on the approval process.  We look forward to hearing from you.

By the way, last season’s hurricane preparations (such as plywood and window tape) should be removed.  It can be redone this year, if needed.

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 the subdivision.  These new residents have been reported by Hays covering the month of April 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 -

Some Homeowners Have Not Paid Their Annual Maintenance Assessments for 2005 and Prior as of April 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 there were no changes to the list.

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 April 8, 2006.   

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.

Water Exercise Starts June 12

Westador Waves are Practicing for Meets by Gail Wescott

Coach Geoff Wescott is with us now, and the practices should go very smoothly.  I would like to personally thank all the older swimmers who helped Coach Rickye Grov when Geoff was gone.  You guys are truly a tribute to the Wave establishment. Coach Rickye deserves a huge thank you too. She has done a fabulous job with all the swimmers.. 

Following is the training schedule.

April 24 – June 2 Practice Times

 June 5 – June 23 Practice Times

Waves Summer Schedule

** To be announced

Westador Women’s Group Welcomes New Members by Amber Boyle

Calling all Women of Westador: Please join us, Wednesday, June 7, at the Nanes Clubhouse from 7 to at least 9 PM for an evening of fun, fellowship, and activities.

After being involved in this group since November 2004, I am pleased to step up to the role of the new Westador Women’s Group Coordinator.

In the short time since this group was established, it has seen some big changes.  Originally, a few moms with small children started meeting at the pool during the summer of 2004; and the Westador Mom’s Group (WMG) was born, with playgroups and play dates being planned.  Since then, working moms and women with school aged children started joining the group, and some could not always attend the weekly playgroups.  We have had several members come and go, as often happens in this transient time of job relocations and whatnot.  Therefore, we decided to open our WMG to a Westador Women’s Group (WWG) open to all Women of Westador regardless of children or age.

This group is a ‘Free of Charge’ group that meets monthly, currently on the first Wednesday of the month.  We try to plan an activity to the enjoyment of everyone based on the consensus from our participants.  We usually try to bring something in the way of food, beverage, or utensils.  This is absolutely not mandatory.

Some of our focus is on community events, like the Easter Egg Hunt and Christmas Party both coordinated by Cindy Poetz.  Additionally, we try to help growing families by planning meal delivery for several days to two weeks after a new baby is born.  Most, or all of us are moms who know just how difficult this time can be.  I especially appreciated it, as when I joined this group, we had just moved here, knew no one, had an 8-month-old son, and learned I was expecting again on the very day of my first meeting!

We have also talked about a blood drive and self-defense class to help those in need and empower ourselves as women.

The WWG still plans playgroups/play dates for our little ones, as a separate activity.  There is also a Scrap-Night (Craft Night) held on the second Thursday of the month at the Cali Clubhouse from 7-9 PM.  Children 9+ years are welcome to attend with an adult.

The June 7 meeting will consist of a recipe exchange and game night.  Please bring your favorite side dish with recipe cards, or E-Mail address for instructions, and/or a game.  We are all usually looking for new dishes to serve our families. If you don’t have time, that’s okay too; participation in an event is never mandatory.  You’re welcome to just come out and enjoy the evening with us if you wish.

We know how intimidating it can be to just show up at an existing group. Rest assured that our group is not that large, and we welcome newcomers with open arms.

For more information, please contact Amber Boyle.

Scrap-Night, Thursday, June 8 Cali Clubhouse 7-9 PM.

This night will be an open crop, with experienced scrap bookers on hand to give basic instruction if needed.  Come out and join us to see what scrap booking is all about. You may just find a new hobby.  If you’re not into scrap booking, bring your favorite craft and share it with the group.  There’s plenty of room, and you might find some new friends!

The Quarterly Meeting of the Civic Association Included Entertainment and Door Prizes

          “My, my, it’s Miller time.  Meeting Adjourned” announced the president of the mock board, played by an actor from the ACE Theatre, at the April 20 WCA general meeting and then the regular meeting began.

Residential Water Shutoffs Scheduled by Hays Utilities

Your Westador MUD Board approved the installation of six new shutoff valves along Nanes to provide more rapid and efficient repair when water line breaks occur as they did during 2005.  Please review the following schedule of planned residential water shutoffs which began April 13, 2006.

         May 26               Verret at Nanes         56 homes affected

June 15               Marne at Nanes         28 homes affected

June 29               Kanah at Nanes         52 homes affected

Northwest Harris County MUD 16 Expose’ on Channel 13 Causes Justifiable Anger by the five Westador MUD Directors

If you watched the April 27 – 30 Wayne Dolcefino story on the disreputable activities of certain Directors of NWHC Municipal District (MUD) 16, you were probably angered and disgusted by their violation of trust in serving their constituents.  Your feelings are replicated and multiplied by those on your Westador MUD Board.  (NWHC MUD 16 is located about a mile west of Highway 6 near Copperfield.)

You should know that your Board follows policies, procedures, and practices that preclude the possibility of any such events occurring at Westador MUD. These provide appropriate checks and balances to insure that we continue to provide a high quality water and sanitary sewer service with honesty and integrity at the lowest effective tax and water rate costs.

· Before each monthly meeting, each Director reviews invoices charged to Westador MUD to insure that all are reasonable and appropriate. 

· Consultants answer any invoice questions by Directors before the checks are released.

· Our consulting Attorney answers any question about the validity of any expenditure.

· We scrupulously stick to the letter and intent of Texas law related to any expenses claimed by individual Directors.

· Every check is signed at the meeting by three Directors.

· Separate consultants are used for Tax Assessing, Accounting, and Auditing.

· We review and approve or disapprove all actions taken or proposed by our District Engineer (Jones & Carter) or our Operator (Hays Utilities).

We believe that constant and open communications are appropriate and very desirable between us and our residents and customers. We regularly use the Westwind and E-Mail to keep you informed of Westador MUD’s plans, projects, problems, and opportunities.  Our phone numbers are shown quarterly in the Westwind. We listen when you address us. 

Westador MUD Board Considering SPA With City of Houston by Bill Streidl

The City of Houston has offered the possibility of signing a “Strategic Partnership Agreement “ (SPA) with our Westador Municipal Utility District (MUD).  Key provisions of an SPA are:

• The City agrees that it will not annex our MUD for a 30-year period from the time we sign our SPA.
• The City will begin collecting a 1% (One Percent) tax on all retail sales subject to sales taxes. Such taxes will be collected from retail businesses within the Westador Municipal Utility District. This area is from the new XL Auto Parts (former Browning Office Supply location) eastward for one and a half blocks to include the strip of stores around Space Liquors.  The area is also from Luby’s westward for one and a half blocks to include the strip of stores around Dunkin Donuts.  The two half blocks between the above are served by your MUD but they are excluded because they are “out of district.”  The hospital and a few other health facilities are “in district” but they are not subject to sales tax.
• The City will return .5% (one – half percent) of all such taxes collected to Westador MUD for our exclusive use in operating the District.  This return to Westador is estimated at $20,000 per year.

The vote of your Board of Directors about this agreement was 3 “yea”, 1 “nay” and 1 “abstain.”  Before such an agreement can be signed, two public hearings are required by law to provide an opportunity for public discussion about the Board’s decision.

These hearings have been scheduled as follows:

• Tuesday May 16, 2006 as part of the regular Board of Directors meeting beginning at 6:30 PM at the Nanes Clubhouse.
• Wednesday June 7, 2006 as a special meeting at 6:30 PM at the Nanes Clubhouse.

EP Band and EP Quartet to Perform in Houston by Mary Jane Maiers

The EP Band and EP Quartet will be making their first US appearance at Spring Woods United Methodist Church (UMC) on Wednesday, June 21 at 7 PM.

.  Their performances have been said to be one of the best gospel shows in Europe. Now for the first time we can see them here in Houston. Their music is described as southern gospel music with inserts of rock, jazz, and country, which makes it even more fun.

Kent Lundberg, the lead singer, grew up in Karlskoga listening to Elvis as a little boy. In the 80’s, Kent started singing in a local church choir and later joined the Music Theater in Värmland where he participated in several productions.  In 1995, he became a student of Nicolai Gedda, the world famous tenor opera singer.  This resulted in his getting into Operahögskolan in Stockholm, the biggest music university in Sweden.  His career then included singing at small church concerts all the way up to singing solo in opera productions.  The dream of Elvis and the gospel music was always there though.  It was fall 2000, and only a coincidence that Kent walked into a church one night where the group One Way Brothers was performing southern gospel.  They had been singing together since school and sounded just like The Jordanaires with Elvis.  Kent loved it.  Contact was made and EP Quartet was started.  Four other musicians, who had been playing together for a long time also from the mid region of Sweden, were added as the EP Band.  The premier of “Songs of Inspiration” was in January 2001 and we now have the opportunity to hear and see them perform here in Houston.

Wednesday, June 21 at 7 PM

Spring Woods United Methodist Church

1711 FM 1960 West

House Numbers are Painted on Curbs by WCA

                Approximately every three years, the Westador Civic Association (WCA) contracts to have house numbers painted on the curbs at the front of all residences.  The numbers are uniform in appearance and age, thus benefiting emergency and delivery services in locating addresses.