Judge Robert Eckels Presented WCERT with a Plaque at the January Civic Association General Meeting (from the Harris County Citizens Corp Website)

On January 18, 2007, Harris County Judge Robert Eckels presented the Westador Community Emergency Response Team (WCERT) with a plaque of recognition for being the first CERT Team in Harris County.  The Westador CERT Team graduated in July of 2003 and was the first to complete the eight-week training program offered by the county.

“The Westador CERT team, the first CERT team in Harris County, are great ambassadors in promoting CERT throughout our community.  They are an excellent example of how CERT team members are important leaders in our community in promoting emergency preparedness,” said Judge Eckels.

Richard Murphy, the team leader, stated that he is pleased with what the team has accomplished over the past three and half years by creating a partnership with the Ponderosa Volunteer Fire Department, by participating in numerous community preparedness drills and exercises, and by conducting community preparedness outreach.

New Water Meters are Being Installed in Westador

Hays Utility South crews began installing new water residential meters on February 3 on Tuliptree and are proceeding northward, street-by-street, along the 1000 and 1100 blocks to Tigris.  Upon completing all replacements in Westador ­ West they will move to Verret in Westador - East and proceed northward on the 700 and 800 blocks to Timor.  The complete project may take several months.

Most residential water meters in Westador are the originals that were installed over 30 years ago.  All will now be replaced with new meters except for several replaced during 2004 through 2006.  Your Westador MUD Board has approved and financed new meter replacements to assure that all customers are billed correctly for the water they use.

Most meter change outs will be accomplished in 30 minutes.  Before a residence has its water cut off, a Hays employee will knock on that door to inform the customer and to learn if this is a convenient time.  If there is no answer, Hays will proceed with the change.  Hays employees will flush the line after changing the meter to void most of the water discoloration caused by disturbing the line.

Root entanglement at a few water meter boxes present a more complex replacement problem requiring extra equipment and more completion time.  A second specially crew equipped will be assigned to deal with this problem.

President Reviews Residents’ Input, Collections, and Other Matters by Don Markus, WCA President

At our General Meeting in January, I asked those attending to become more pro-active in providing information to the Board.  As further detailed in an article by Bill Streidl, (page 7 – “Westador Civic Association Needs Residents’ Input”), the best mode of communication is in a well prepared written statement that each director can use for follow-up.

There has been a lot of discussion about collecting overdue fees lately.  The Board is pursuing several options to reduce outstanding accounts.  Our Treasurer, John Cullinan, has recently completed opening a PayPal account that will allow payments in the future to be made using MasterCard or Visa.  We are hopeful that this will encourage some of our overdue accounts to be brought up to date.  The two properties the most in arrears, almost half of the total outstanding, have recently had foreclosure actions initiated.  One is a bank foreclosure; the other was brought by Westador.  Other actions are being taken by our Accountant and will be turned over to our Lawyer if payment is not received in a timely manner.  We hope that our efforts will quickly clear up any doubt as to the Board’s willingness to look out for those who faithfully pay their fee every year.

This month, the Board will consider options to reduce our electric bill.  Many of you attended the meeting last week where the use of different electrical providers was discussed.  The Board sponsored that event and continued a discussion with the speaker after the presentation.  We will be discussing the information and expect to make a decision about the proper course to follow during our meeting this month.  This is only one of several different expense categories we are looking at.  Please let us know if you see opportunities for savings elsewhere in our budget.    

Senior Forum

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

                The Westador Community Emergency Response Team (WCERT) has scheduled a free CPR training and renewal session for Saturday, March 24, 2007 at the Cali clubhouse from 9 AM to 1 PM.  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.

CCFCC Annual Meeting is to be March 21 at the PFVD Station

The 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, to cook, and to do yard work while earning a buck, or two, in the process. 

                The latest information sheet is being distributed with this issue of  the Westwind.

Some Homeowners Have Not Paid Their Annual Maintenance Assessments as of February 8, 2007

Homeowners who are delinquent on the annual maintenance fees incur interest, collection and legal fees, have lien notices filed on their property, and (including their renters, if any) are prohibited from using common facilities such as the tennis courts, pools, and clubhouses.  The following list of addresses reflects only those homeowners who have a Lien Notice filed on their property or are delinquent for more than one year as of February 8, 2007 (and are not making regular payments).         

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, these homeowners’ addresses will not be listed and trash and garbage collection service will not be suspended unless they cease to comply with the arranged payment plan.

Westador has received entire 2007 assessment payments from 540 homeowners as compared to 530 homeowners in 2006.  In addition 11 homeowners have requested payment plans.  Past due notices with interest and added fees are to be mailed shortly.   

Residents at the addresses where the 2007 maintenance fee is not paid will be prohibited from using common facilities such as the tennis courts, pools, and clubhouses, until the fee is paid.

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 January 2007.  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 to update their information for the directory.  In any event, Westador welcomes -

Westador Resident Randy Bachman Gave Presentation on Electrical Provider Options

          Residents concerned about the rising costs of energy attended a presentation by Randy Bachman on February 1, 2007 at the Cali clubhouse. 

Electricity can be purchased from a number of Retail Electric Providers (REPs) offering a variety of contractual arrangements and rates.  Residents should visit the website, HTTP://WWW.PowerToChoose.Com, which has tables comparing rates by the various REPs and information with respect to the terms of service, including deposit requirements, monthly service charges, and other charges.

Under certain conditions, such as non payment of the bill or the financial failure of a REP, an energy user can have his REP changed without prior notice to a “Provider of Last Resort” (POLR).  If this happens, the user should engage a new REP as quickly as possible in order to avoid the high rates that a POLR will charge.

Residents experiencing outages or having complaints are urged to call or write your representatives -

Pool Passes are to be Updated in April and May by BethAnne Lechmann

NANES POOL OPENS SATURDAY MAY 20th. Again this summer, Westador residents will be required to show their NEW Blue Pool Pass to be admitted to either the Cali or Nanes Pool.

Your last year's pass will need a 2007 renewal stamp on it.  New residents will have two weekends to have their photos taken for their 2007 Pool Pass.  Children must be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian who can show proof of residency (driver’s license) and prove they paid their 2007 fees.

Residents with a 2006 Blue Pool Pass will also need to come and obtain a renewal stamp for 2007.  If your 2006 pass is lost or worn out, you may have your photo taken for a new 2007 pass.  After this one, it will cost $1 for a new pass.

The 2007 Pool Rules Agreement will be read and signed by each resident as well.  The Westador Pool Pass will be valid for both pools, so come to the session that best fits your family’s schedule.  We have made the process quicker this year.

  Saturday  April 29   Nanes Club House      10 AM-2 PM

  Sunday  April 30     Cali  Club House          2 PM-6 PM

  Saturday  May 6       Cali Club House         10 AM-12 Noon

  Sunday  May 7         Nanes Club House       3 PM-5 PM

Westador homeowner's fees must be paid in full to obtain a pass and to use the pools.  Guest passes will be available for visiting grandchildren and other relatives.  We will no longer be taking pool pass photos on demand throughout the summer, so plan ahead.

Summer Lifeguards Needed by BethAnne Lechmann

Security by Sue Strawbridge

In January, Westador had a residential burglary in the 1100 block of Verret.  The burglary occurred during the last week of January when the residents were out-of-town.  Entry to the home was made through a front window.

Remember to report any suspicious activity to our deputies by calling 713-221-6000.  Don’t call my phone number and leave messages about suspicious activity you may have seen that day or at a prior time during the week.  You need to call the Sheriff’s Department when you see the activity occurring so the deputies can investigate at that time. You can notify me of your concerns after you have reported it to the police.  If there is a crime in progress or a life threatening event, call 9-1-1.

The Valentine Dance for Tweens Held February 10 by Gail Wescott

                We had around 25 to 30 kids come by.  There was lots of food and loud music, and the kids were dancing to all genres of  music.

I would like to thank the Davilas and Rickye Grove for their help chaperoning this event.

Book Club is to meet February 27 by Kathleen Wilson

Westador Civic Association Needs Residents’ Input by Bill Streidl

About 50 residents including nine members of the Westador Civic Association (WCA) Board of Directors attended the Quarterly General Meeting at the Cali Clubhouse on Thursday January 18, 2007.  Trash Collection procedures, increased Association Fees, and delinquent fee payments stimulated the most discussion during the meeting. 

Several residents were critical of some of the WCA Board’s action or inaction about these and other matters.  WCA President Don Markus suggested that the WCA Board could do a better job of making decisions about, and taking actions on, resident’s opinions, suggestions, and concerns if more residents participated in WCA affairs.  He also suggested that residents communicate with Board members prior to all Board and general meetings as well as participating in those meetings.

The WCA Board serves pro bono, and tries to carry out its activities to the best of its ability based upon residents’ input.  In the absence of such input and participation some issues that remain unknown are never considered.  Others may not represent the feelings and concerns of the majority of residents.

We urge you to voice your opinions and suggestions to your WCA Board.  A quick effective method for contacting a Board member is via E-Mail.  Each of your Board members needs your thoughts in an organized basis for reference and follow-up and E-Mail provides a quick and inexpensive way to document your contact.  US mail is equally acceptable but, not as fast!

Addictive Technology and the Internet by Denise Landers

Managing time becomes difficult when you get lost browsing through miscellaneous Internet sites. Internet involvement can consume many hours of an already-tight schedule. Consider the following:

• More than 1 in 20 adults surveyed said their relationships have suffered from excessive use of the Internet.
• An additional 12% said they frequently remain online longer than they would like to.
• 14% claimed it was difficult to stay offline for more than a few days.

When your web browsing activities consume productive hours, affect relationships, are difficult to stay away from, and cause symptoms similar to withdrawal, the positive characteristics of easy Internet access quickly fade.

What can you do to ensure that you have your browsing under control? Try one of these techniques:

• Determine beforehand why you are on the Internet and what you need to find out. Stick with your plan and do not be sidetracked by pop-up ads and unrelated links.
• Set a time limit that fits within your daily schedule. If you need to be reminded when time is up, use your cell phone alarm or some other device to alert you to move on to another activity.

Society For the Advancement of Floral Design Plans Programs for 2007 by Pam Dube

February Join us at Eklektik Interiors, where designer Pat Clark will demonstrate the use of floral in home decorating.  Eklektik Interiors is located at 16721 Champion Forest Drive.  So save the date of February 20^th for this exciting presentation.

March We will be back at the Cypress Creek Christian Center, 6823 Cypresswood Drive for our March meeting on the 20^th.  Beth O’Riley a former Texas Cup Winner from Austin will present a program using fresh flowers. 

April On the 17^th, Marya Davidson has graciously agreed to present her program that was cancelled in January due to inclement weather.  She will be demonstrating the use of armatures in fresh floral design.  This meeting will also be held at the Cypress Creek Christian Center

                As always, guests are welcome to attend.  Refreshments will be served beginning at 6:30 PM. and the meeting will start at 7 PM.

The 2nd Annual Touch A Truck Will Be Here Soon by Kristen Cooley

On Saturday, March 3, 2007, from 11 AM -2 PM at Spring Tabernacle Church on 2920 near I-45, the MOMS Club of Spring-Central will hold our Touch a Truck fundraiser.  There will be 20 vehicles for the young and old to explore.  We will have emergency vehicles, military vehicles, school buses, construction equipment, and many more.  The cost is $5 per person; under age 1 are free. 

Organizations Serve Westador

                Westador is a part of a very involved infrastructure of governmental and other organizations.  Following is a brief description of some of the entities with summaries of their relationship and responsibilities.

                Harris County – Maintains Westador’s streets and storm sewer system and periodically sweeps streets.  Provides contracted deputies assigned to Westador.  Constables and other deputies enforce traffic and provide backup to Westador’s assigned deputies.

Ponderosa Volunteer Fire Department (PVFD) and Cypress Creek Emergence Medical Service (CCEMS) – Provide first responder service for fire, flood, and medical emergencies.  Both entities are taxing authorities under Emergency Service Districts (ESD’s).

Westador Municipal Utility District (MUD) – Maintains Westador’s sanitary sewer system and water distribution system. 

North Harris County Regional Water Authority (NHCRWA) – Will provide ground water purchased from city of Houston to Westador MUD. 

Westador Civic Association (WCA) – Maintains recreational and common facilities.  Contracts with the county for Deputy Sheriffs assigned to Westador.  Contracts for trash service and pays for streetlight electricity.  Monitors area for compliance with deed restrictions and enforces such deed restrictions.

Cypress Creek United Civic Associations (CCUCA) – Provides guidance for operation of civic associations and property owner associations for its members.  The WCA is a member.

CenterPoint Energy – Maintains electric service in Westador including streetlights.  Call 713-207-2222 to report defective streetlights.

Cypress Creek Flood Control Coalition (CCFCC) – Provides a voice as liaison with the Harris County Flood Control Department with respect to flood control matters and promotes community participation in guiding Harris County officials in local flood protection.

Exercise with Pilates is Provided by Westador Resident Entrepreneur Interview Westador residents exhibit a wide variety of talents besides the traditional roles as parent, office worker, and good neighbor.  This column is designed to feature Westador’s small business entrepreneurs to encourage residents to do business with their neighbors. 

Priscilla Murphy’s current exercise with Pilates involves a variety of movements and muscle groups.  Mat (floor) work is an opportunity to work the torso muscles concentrically and eccentrically.  The reformer (equipment type) is more of an opportunity to do various movements through the arms and legs while stabilizing through the torso in a lying, sitting, kneeling, or standing position.  Obviously this is much easier explained with physical action and so Priscilla is offering individually designed Pilates based Mat sessions in the privacy of your home.

Priscilla has lived in Westador for about 12 ½ years, but has worked with movement for about 3 times that long.  Movement is physical body movements usually related to dance.  More recently she has pursued exercise, and specifically, Pilates exercises.  Her background is in ballet having been classically trained in the Royal Academy Syllabi.  This all started in Singapore as a child and has been transported here.

She is currently the Principal of the Lower School at the Houston Ballet Academy.  Some of her labors have been involved with Houston Ballet II, Houston Grand Opera, Houston Metropolitan Dance Company, the High School for Performing and Visual Arts, and Hubbard Street II.