2009 Neighborhood News
Click on the date below to go to that article
12/23/09 -
Security update & trash pickup |
|
|
12/11/09 -
Christmas Pagent |
12/14/09 - Burglary Alert, Safety
Tips |
|
11/25/09 - Decorations, Deeds Road |
12/5/09 - Deeds Road, Pagent |
|
10/23/09 - Flags, Reeds Road,
Recycling |
11/5/09 - Newsletter, Deeds Road,
Solicitors |
|
9/9/09- Blood
Drive, Flags, Water, NNO |
10/8/09 - Flags, Reeds Road,
Recycling |
|
7/3/09-
Parade, Water, Burn Ban |
8/30/09 -
Burglaries |
|
5/22/09-
Pool, Trees, Street Lights |
6/24/09-
Swim Team, Fireworks, Water |
|
5/1/09-
Flooding, Pool,
Debris |
5/8/09-
Flooding,
Sewage Plant Odors |
|
4/9/09-
Easter, Pool, Katy Freeway |
4/18/09-
Swim Team, MUD 238, Flowers |
|
3/1/09-
DST, Easter, Pool, Ann Meeting |
3/20/09-
Pool, Ann Meeting |
Security Alert
We sent out a Burglary of Motor Vehicles (BMV) Alert on December 14th and I
wanted to provide you with an update on the HOA’s activities and what’s
happened since. There were 4 reported BMV’s as of the 14th. They occurred on
Fawn Run, Deeds, Barkers Forest Lane and Mulberry Hill. Also on Buffalo River
Way, there were reports of egging of a car and vandalism to Christmas lights.
We have had several reports of criminal mischief and thefts of Christmas
decorations.
The HOA Board approved the hiring of late night patrols that began on Friday
December 18th and will continue throughout the holidays. On Saturday night
(December 19th), Deputy Cruz spotted a car driving around Section 2 without
its lights on at about 4:30 am. When it turned onto Owl Forest, he was able to
block them into the cul-de-sac. There were 3 males in the vehicle, one had a
Nebraska drivers license, the other two had Texas drivers licenses. Their ID’s
came back clean and there was nothing in the vehicle that would indicate they
had items that did not belong to them.
On Monday (21st), we had several instances of theft and criminal mischief
involving Christmas decorations. They were on Magnolia Trail, Purdy Court,
Misty Brook and two on Deeds. At about 3:30 am, the constables made an arrest
of 5 individuals that were caught engaging in criminal mischief on Deeds.
Three of the individuals were 17 and two were 18. It’s important to note that
we did not have off-duty patrols that night, but the residents saw them and
called it in. This is a major victory for our Neighborhood Watch group! The
HOA can hire off-duty patrols or have a constable on duty every day of the
week, but having neighbors that watch out for one another is the first, and
probably the most effective, line of defense.
Also on Monday, we received a report about suspicious solicitors that began
dancing on the front steps after they were asked to leave. They were both men
dressed in all black with a white makeshift arm band. The constables were
called and they asked them to leave the neighborhood. A friend in an old
suburban with a Louisiana license plate picked them up. This vehicle had been
seen previously in the neighborhood and should be considered suspicious. If
you see this vehicle, please call the constables immediately!
Many of you may recall that a few years ago we had what we thought to be a
rash of thefts involving Christmas decorations. As it turned out, a handful of
kids thought it would be really funny to move everyone’s decorations around
from one yard to another. Once again, we are getting reports of missing
decorations only to later find them in someone else’s yard or at the pool! If
you wake up to find new or missing decorations in your yard, please contact
Judy or I. (jmcglaughlin@miswaco.com) (cpharr@swbell.net) We will try to match
up the reports and advise the resident. We have already received word that a
resident has found letters spelling “JOY” in his yard; please contact us if
you have had these decorations removed from your yard.
As a follow up to our Alert to Burglary of Motor Vehicles, we received the
following excellent tip from a resident that works for State Farm……
“We have seen an increase with theft of GPS systems. We have been told by our
contact at Binswanger glass that the thieves look to see if you have the
circles on your windshield from the suction mounts first and then assume you
have hidden your GPS under your seat or in the glove box. We advise our
clients to keep Windex wipes in their cars and wipe off the circle imprints.”
We all know that the better we protect ourselves and our property, the better
the thieves get at finding a way around our defenses. Anyone that works in
computer security or loss prevention is likely nodding their head in
agreement!
One final note that I received from Sergeant Lebeau. He sent out the following
safety alert to the Katy area warning of an attempted home invasion.
“In the early evening hours on the 21st, unknown suspects attempted to kick in
the front door of a home in Cimarron. Entry was not made. The home was lighted
at the time and the residents were at home. Call dispatch at 281-463-6666 if
you observe anyone suspicious in your area or if anyone attempts to force
entry into your home. Lock yourself in a room while calling the constables and
stay on the phone until a deputy arrives. Always lock your deadbolts when you
are home or away.”
The increase in criminal activity in Barkers Ridge is alarming & of much
concern to us all. We repeat the advice that if something looks suspicious to
you, you should not hesitate to call it in to the Constables. You are the best
judge of what is normal and what is not, and you should trust your instincts.
The other message is that we are not alone in witnessing this increase in
activity, and we have taken short-term measures to increase the presence of
law enforcement in our community. We will be exploring other options to
increase our security during holiday & non-holiday seasons.
Wishing you a safe and Merry Christmas,
Carolyn Pharr
Security Director, Barkers Ridge HOA
Trash Pickup
There will be trash pickup on December 24. For the pickup on Monday, December
28, it would be helpful to disassemble any discarded boxes to reduce overall
space requirements & to bag as neatly as possible any surplus waste. The more we
can streamline what needs to be picked up, the faster will be the collection
time in a very heavy trash day.
Return To Top
BURGLARY OF MOTOR VEHICLES ALERT
Precinct 5 Constables Office 281-463-6666
The Barkers Ridge Homeowners Association and Neighborhood Watch Group have been
alerted to a burglary of a motor vehicle (BMV) that occurred this week. Many of
you may recall the alert we sent a few months ago or saw the news that the
Westlake Subdivision was hit heavily by BMV’s. Unfortunately, the cheer of the
holiday season brings with it an increase in criminal activity. Below is a list
of reminders to help keep you, your family and your possessions safe throughout
the holidays. Many of you receive emails from family and friends warning of a
recent scam or hoax. Some of the messages are based on real life experiences,
while others are created out of imagination. Even the ones that are not based on
fact do often contain information worth sharing. In addition to the BMV
information, I’ve included a list of holiday safety tips that are worth reading
and sharing!
Again, I will stress enough how important it is to call the constables’ office
if you see or hear anything suspicious, but it is also incredibly helpful to
alert Judith McGlaughlin and/or I (cpharr@swbell.net)
of activity or behavior that you report to the constables’ office. Every month I
receive an update from Deputy Wilkerson on resident calls and activity that
occurred in Barkers Ridge. Receiving information directly from you in situations
like a BMV or criminal mischief allows me to send updates to the Neighborhood
Watch Block Captains and to all the residents of Barkers Ridge in a timely
manner!!!
Below are a few worthy reminders and some tips that will aide you in making
calls to the constable’s office as well as information on how best to prevent
your vehicle from being burglarized.
WHEN CALLING CONSTABLE DISPATCH:
It is extremely important that you become familiar with the following
instructions, so that when the need arises, you can properly report suspicious
activities, crimes in progress, or emergencies. Be prepared!
1. Identify yourself - Name, address, phone number.
2. Type of crime - Burglary, assault, suspicious person, etc.
3. Is it in progress??
4. Where is it taking place? Address, landmark if no address.
5. Is the suspect armed? With what? gun, knife, etc.
6. Description of person(s) or vehicle(s) - Be specific.
7. What direction were they traveling?
BMV’s can occur at all hours, day and night and the thieves have one thought on
their mind: finding something to steal ... something valuable left in the car.
BMV’s are "crimes of opportunity" and could have been avoided had simple
preventative steps been taken. To prevent becoming a target means limiting their
ability or opportunity to commit the crime. A small amount of effort on your
part can make a huge difference in your vulnerability to a BMV.
DON’T BE A TARGET:
Don't leave valuables in your car. That sounds like "common sense", but many of
us do leave items of value in plain view every day. If you leave valuable items
visible in your car, you instantly become a target.
- If you must leave valuable items in your car, place items out of sight or move
them to an area that is not immediately obvious. This includes packages,
backpacks, gym bags, GPS units, MP3 players, etc.
- Don’t tempt them. Don't leave any indication that there might be valuables
"out of sight" in your vehicle, such as docking stations or connector cables.
Leave nothing in "plain sight" that might make your vehicle worth
"investigating" by a thief; not even loose coins or a CD.
- Park as far up your driveway as you can and if at all possible, park in the
garage.
- Always lock your car and set the alarm if you have one, even when if it is
parked inside the garage.
All this information is very well and good, but we all know how crazy our
schedules can become! And as I mentioned before, with the season of giving, also
comes the season of taking! I am sure I am not alone in getting overwhelmed and
forgetting to bring in gifts and packages that I’ve left in the car! I’ve also
even used the car as a ‘hiding’ place for certain gifts and consider myself
extremely lucky that they were still there when I was ready to wrap them! In the
event you become a victim of a BMV and have had items stolen that in hindsight
you feel you could have prevented, please take solace in the fact that it could
happen to any of us and the best thing you can do learn from it and report it!
Below are important holiday safety reminders. Some of the information I’ve
gleaned from various emails and others are compliments from several law
enforcement agencies.
SHOPPING TIPS:
Dress casually and comfortably.
Avoid wearing expensive jewelry.
Only carry necessary cash, checks and/or credit cards you expect to use
(and of course your drivers’ license).
Present an alert appearance. Even though you are rushed and thinking about
a thousand different things, don’t forget to stay alert to your surroundings.
Keep cash in your front pocket.
When returning to your vehicle, carry your keys in your hand and be ready
to unlock the door and enter as quickly as possible. As you approach your
vehicle, scan the area, and take a quick look inside before entering.
Shop with friends or relatives if possible; there IS safety in numbers. Among
pickpockets' favorites are revolving doors, jammed aisles, elevators, and public
transportation stops and vehicles, especially at rush hour. Carry the day's most
expensive purchases closest to your body, and don't carry so much you lose the
ability to react quickly.
TRAVELING TIPS:
- Avoid driving alone or at night.
- Keep the car doors locked while driving.
- Do not leave packages or valuables on the seat of your car.
- If you must leave something in the car, lock it in the trunk or put it out
of sight.
- Keep a secure hold on your purse, handbag and parcels. Do not put them
down or on top of the car in order to open the door.
- Avoid putting your purse on the passenger seat or a seat in the back. Loop
the seatbelt through your purse strap to secure it in place!
- Do not approach your car alone if there are suspicious people in the area.
- Never be embarrassed or afraid to ask mall or store security for an escort
before leaving your shopping location.
- Do not let flyers on your front or back windows distract you. Emails have
been circulating warning of carjackers that place flyers on the back of car
windows. The email appears to be a hoax, but it is a worthy reminder to stay
alert and to not let yourself become distracted!
MISCELLANEOUS TIPS:
· Do not have your home address in your GPS system. Use a nearby location such
as a grocery store or gas station. If your vehicle is stolen while out and
about, they’ll have access to your home address and know that at least you are
out! And, do not leave the removable GPS mounted to the dashboard – place it
in the glove box or otherwise out of sight!
· On cell phones, avoid using names such as Home, Hubby, Dad, Mom, etc. An
email was circulated that told of a woman whose purse was stolen. The cell
phone was in the purse and the thief sent a text to “Hubby” saying she forgot
the PIN number for the ATM card. The thief got away hundreds of dollars!! The
validity of the story is unclear, but the moral is a good one! If you receive
a text from friends or family to meet them somewhere, be sure to call back and
confirm the message. And NEVER text a PIN number!!!
· If you receive a call supposedly from your bank or possibly the police
wanting to verify your PIN, do not give that information. Notify the police
immediately that you received such a call. Never give any information about
your ATM card or PIN over the telephone.
I hope you find this information helpful and remember to heed the warnings!!
Wishing you a Safe and Happy Holiday Season ……
Warmest Regards,
Carolyn Pharr
Barkers Ridge Neighborhood Watch
cpharr@swbell.net
Return To Top
The rains over the last week or so have saturated the grassy area between the
two burms to the east of the tennis courts. So, we will be moving the “stage” to
the south burm, and the audience will be seated in the east parking lot. If you
can walk to the event, we urge you to do so: if you drive, then the west parking
lot will be available. Be sure to bring your lawn chairs for personalized
seating.
We are looking forward to the toy drive: please remember that it doesn’t have to
be an expensive gift. Literally, it is the thought that counts. Don’t wrap it,
and make sure it is a new, not a pre-used toy.
The weather looks, well, almost perfect – cold for Christmas, but there will be
a morning drizzle that should clear by lunch.
Denise Allen has assembled a team for refreshments after the celebration. This
will be in the pool area.
On another topic, don’t forget to fill out a Vacation Watch if you are traveling
over the holidays. The Constable’s office advises that vacation watches be
turned in at least three days prior to departure.
We look forward to seeing you on Saturday night – 6:30 is the start time.
Return To Top
Here’s hoping you all enjoyed the snow on Friday, the sun is out today but the
spirit of the season remains!
Deeds Road Pavers
Yes, the project is finally complete. The contractor was unaware of
permitting/planning requirements when working in a Harris County Right of Way.
Unfortunately for us & the contractor, the learning process came at a high cost.
This will be the only paver replacement we will do, the other entrances look to
be in fairly good condition.
Candy Toss
Our friends at the West Lake Volunteer Fire Department tell us that Santa
will make his early arrival for the much anticipated “candy toss” on December
15, with make up days schedule for December 18 and December 19. The Candy Toss
will start at 6:30 p.m. to appox 8:30 p.m.
The make up days are for bad weather days and for Fire or Medical calls that
require us WVFD to miss the scheduled appointment times.
Christmas Decorations Awards
The Decorations Committee plans to award the “Best Christmas Yard” in each of
the four weeks that approach the Christmas holiday. There will be four awards
per section, with one award given each week. In addition, there will be an award
featuring the favorite “Kids’ Theme”. The Decorations Committee (who did such a
nice job on decorating Barkers Ridge, as shown in the photo) invites all
residents to join with us in celebrating the spirit of the season with our
decorations—and unleash your creativity and good cheer as you decorate your home
and yard!
“The First Christmas” – A Christmas Pageant
Candy and Steve Herzing will host “The First Christmas—A Children’s
Christmas Pageant” on December 12 at the Barkers Ridge Community Park. The
pageant will feature twelve, very talented children of Barkers Ridge residents,
as the cast reenacts those present at the Nativity. All Barkers Ridge residents
are invited to attend the pageant, and sing along with the children throughout
the performance our most treasured Christmas carols.
The “stage” will be placed in the grassy area to the east of the tennis courts,
along Magnolia Trail. All residents are invited to share in the celebration and
the Christmas caroling, and encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs for
seating. The presentation will start at 6:30 p.m. We will not have a make up day
for the event, and will try to post any updates on Saturday morning.
Denise Allen is heading up the Refreshments Committee, the menu for which is
under development for this coming week. However, if you have information on
where to rent a large dispenser for hot beverages, let me know!
Cheers, and enjoy the great weather
Return To Top
We wish you a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday & extended weekend! Please find
below some updates for your consideration:
Christmas Decorations
I’ve received so many comments about the beautiful decorations that went up last
Sunday, and wanted to extend the Board’s deepest appreciation to the volunteers
& team leader, Dianne Williams Bennett. You can see some of the volunteers, many
of whom spent countless hours retrofitting the older bows & wreaths with new
ribbons, bows & ornaments. We are truly fortunate to have the dedication &
artistry of so many in our community. Thank you all!
The First Christmas – A Barkers Ridge Event
We are very excited about our first celebration of the First Christmas – which
will be held on December 12 at 6:30 in the Barkers Ridge Recreation area. Candy
& Steve Herzing have organized a wonderful enactment of this event, bringing a
dozen kids from the Barkers Ridge community to take on the roles of the
nativity.
It will be a wondrous event, and we want you to be there. The event will be held
in the grassy area to the east of the tennis courts, bounded by Magnolia Trail.
Bring your lawn chairs at around 6p. There will be ushers to help with the
seating, and to provide you with a program. The audience will join in with the
cast to sing your favorite Christmas hymns & carols.
We are also collecting unwrapped, new toys for a toy drive for Mayde Creek
Elementary. As we noted in the most recent newsletter, over the last several
years, the schools in our community, including Mayde Creek Elementary, have
relied on the Santa Cops program to provide presents and meals to needy families
at Christmas. Unfortunately, Santa Cops is not partnered with KISD this season.
Kimberly Wisener, a counselor at MCE (KimberlyAWisener@katyisd.org), is
coordinating the collection of toys for the kids at MCE (aged 4-12). Consider
buying just one extra gift this year to help out and share the joy of this
season. Some of us only have a little and some of us have a lot, but most of us
have something to give.
At the end of the program, we will be serving refreshments. Denise Allen has
agreed to serve as the Refreshments Committee Chair, and she is assembling her
team now.
Deeds Road
What more can be said? We are now going into the fourth week of having the
entrance of Deeds Road barricaded with no movement. The contractor now has the
necessary paperwork, and work was to have resumed today. We have placed calls at
their office, but there is no one home. We have spoken to our attorney about
next steps. We will keep you posted.
No Trash Pickup on Thanksgiving (or the day after)
Thanksgiving is one of the holidays in our contract with AW, and trash will
not be picked up tomorrow. The next collection day is the regular collection
day, Monday – not Friday, as some people assume.
Naturally, there will be an increase in trash volumes, and we ask you (beg you)
to keep your trash cans behind your house until collection day. Plus, if you do
not use trash can liners normally, it would be a great idea to get some this
weekend to hold the extra volume, to reduce any odors, and to make it easier &
cleaner for the AW workers to make the rounds on Monday.
2010 Dues Assessment
Letters should have gone out yesterday with your dues assessment for 2010,
which is unchanged from last year. This year, Crest is offering some other ways
to make payments. Remember, January 31 is the due date before late penalties are
assessed.
Return To Top
I’m sending you the
Fall/Winter
newsletter, which highlights our accomplishments of the past months, plus
contains some very special information about the Christmas holidays to come. I’d
like to recognize the work of Dianne Williams Bennett, Cathy Martin, Mary Adams
and the host of other great folks who will bring the artistry of their
decorations to Barkers Ridge. I would also like to recognize a very terrific
Candy Herzing, who has agreed to share her wonderful Christmas pageant, which
she produced (with the help of some great kids & parents) with the rest of the
Barkers Ridge Community. You are all invited to share in the joy of song,
celebration & giving.
We would like to distribute this newsletter to all homes in Barkers Ridge, so if
you can take a section of the neighborhood to distribute, please let me know.
Things that didn’t get into the newsletter: 1) the Deeds Road paver replacement
was delayed by equipment failures, but will get back on track today/tomorrow
with the Magnolia Trail entrance to follow 2) we took down six trees in the
common area and they WILL be replaced, this time with oak trees. They will
certainly be smaller to start, but I promise, they will grow; and 3) 93Q has a
contest where you can support your own Mayde Creek cheerleaders – click on
http://thenew93q.com/contests/gridiron-invasion-voting/voting/ and select
Mayde Creek High School. It only takes a second and I know a few mom’s that you
can make so proud!
Finally, there have been reports of people going door to door in some
subdivisions claiming to be selling fundraisers to make money for basketball
uniforms at MCHS, etc. MCHS confirms that these people do not represent MCHS -
uniforms are provided by the district. Please call the constables at
281-463-6666 if you encounter any solicitors.
All of us on the HOA Board wish you our best.
Judith McGlaughlin
Return To Top
All,
What a glorious start to the definitely-fall weekend! I hope you all enjoy the
beautiful weather, the crisply manicured lawns, & the company of your good
neighbors! Please find a few updates below:
Flags
We’ve attached a flyer
from the MCHS Choir regarding the flags that you see in the neighborhood on
American holidays. As mentioned in our last communications, we generally don’t
promote the fundraiser of any one group, but in this instance, the flags mean
a lot to the “curb appeal” of our neighborhood – so I pass along the
invitation. I quote a resident who completed a survey about what she likes
best about Barkers Ridge:
“I like the events. Like the bike parade or when I got home from work and all
the American flags were flying. I have never lived in a neighborhood that did
these things.”
By the way, the newsletter is under construction this weekend (looks like I’ll
be spending time at this computer a lot this weekend!) and we should complete
by the following weekend.
Deeds Road Pavers
Yes, we are finally going to replace the pavers at the Deeds Road intersection
– as well as the Magnolia Trail intersection after. It will take a full week
per intersection, and the intersection will be blocked off. The project should
start on Monday, November 2, depending on weather conditions. Here is what to
expect:
- Day one will be demolition and removal of existing concrete and curb. This
is a noisy and dirty process that will start around 08:00 AM.
- Day two will be used to complete any pending demolition from previous day.
Then prepare sub grade, install form wood, expansion joint and steel
reinforcement materials.
- Day three will be to complete any pending preparation from previous day.
Then pour concrete for street with stamp finish applied.
- Day four will be to form and pour curb.
- Concrete should be poured and curing by the end of the week, and
completely cure over the weekend..
- Following Monday, October 9, the crew will start the Magnolia Trail and
Morton Road intersection with same schedule as above.
Electronic Recycling Event
The 2nd biannual Energy Corridor District free e-recycle and shredding event
will take place Saturday, November 7 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the western
ConocoPhillips Parking Lot behind the ConocoGas Station at the Northwest corner
of N. Eldridge and N. Dairy Ashford.
E-recycling includes CPUs (Central Processing Units), monitors, keyboards,
laptops, power cords, printers, TVs, FAX machines, cell phones and more.
Residents are also encouraged to bring personal documents, photographs,
diskettes, micro-fiche, CD-Roms, videotapes, cassette tapes and X-rays for
shredding. Residents can bring up to five bankers boxes of documents to be
shredded. Among those items that can be accepted are accounting ledgers,
envelopes, file folders and checks. Microwaves and household electrical items
(blenders, etc.) will not be able to be recycled at this event. TV and monitor
recycling will be limited to three (3) per vehicle. For a full list of items
that can and cannot be recycled, please visit www.energycorridor.org.
Judith McGlaughlin
Return To Top
All,
We had a great National Night Out on Tuesday night, with about 12 parties with
an average attendance of about 10-15 participants. Sergeant Bennett and Deputy
Wilkerson made it to most of the parties to visit with & get to know our Barkers
Ridge residents. Thanks to all the wonderful block captains who braved the
potential rains & the participants who sweated through our unseasonal 100%
humidity.
In other news:
Water Restrictions Remain In-Place
The MUD reports that water restrictions remain in place. A letter explaining
duration & cause is being drafted & will be mailed to each home.
Mobile Vet Clinic
The Mobile Vet Clinic has scheduled November 21 for another visit to our
community. They will be in the pool area parking lot from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Thanks to Congressman McCaul
A broken mailbox in the Estates section was quickly replaced, we believe due to
the work of Constituent Liaison Marita Mikeska, who placed a call on our behalf
to the postal district. Postal units have been replaced in Section 1 and Section
2, and it’s time to look at all the boxes in Section 3 (the Estates). We will
try to head off another breakdown – which would have required Estates residents
to pick up their mail at the Cairnway station for two weeks.
Resident Survey
OK, guys, I only have 55 surveys from you, and that’s not enough to make for
a meaningful analysis or conclusions. I’m including the form again in the
message below. Think of us as partners: we have to work together to make this a
good neighborhood, and without your input, we’re just guessing about what works
and what doesn’t work. Please don’t leave this burden on the Board’s shoulders
alone, and fill out the survey below. You have the easy part: I get to input the
data, set up the analysis, and summarize the findings! This summary will be in
the next newsletter, which I am shooting for at the end of October.
Morton Review
The publishers of the Morton Review have kindly agreed to let us post their
newsletter at our website, www.barkersridge.org. This journal is full of
information & leads on local businesses, as well as listings from teenagers in
the area who will babysit or walk your dog. We’re working with the publication
to see if they can help with the distribution of our newsletter, the Ridge
Runner. Stay tuned, I hope this works!
Cheers
Return To Top
Blood drive at Westlake Volunteer Fire Department – September 12
Westlake Fire Department will be having a blood drive on September 12th from
10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Schedule an appointment by contacting: Kevin Sitzes @
281-492-0020 (between 9 a.m.-5 p.m.) or
westlakefiredeptpr@sbcglobal.net. All of us know how important WVFD is to
our lives & our community: please consider making a donation!
National Night Out – October 6
As occurred last year, Barkers Ridge’s neighborhood block captains will be
hosting parties for their respective blocks of residents on the first Tuesday of
October, or October 6. Your block captain will be contacting you with specifics
& invitations. If you have the chance to sit out with your neighbors on a
hopefully cool October night – take it! Your block captains work very hard in
keeping Barkers Ridge safe & letting the HOA know about problems so that we can
be responsive. Please honor & accept the invitation of those that do host a
block party.
Flags adorn our streets
For those of you who are new to Barkers Ridge, the wonderful flags that you
see at the curbs of many of our residents’ homes were installed by the Mayde
Creek High School Choir – the last tranche of a year-long shared celebration of
our country & our community. I am told that the Choir will start their second
year of such an offering, starting with Columbus Day on October 6 – which will
be a preview day. This means that every home will receive a flag, with an
invitation to continue the celebration through five additional holidays
scattered throughout the year.
We don’t normally promote a fund-raising effort (there are so many) but these
flags do so much for the spirit and dignity of our community. Please consider
sponsoring the Choir on this endeavor.
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas
Well, not really, but there are a couple of us almost grown-ups who are
thinking about it. Our wonderful Christmas decorating committee, headed up by
Diane Williams Bennett, will be looking to expand its membership, so let me know
if you are interested.
We’re also thinking of reintroducing the lost art of Christmas caroling, and
possibly a Christmas pageant at the recreation center. Let me know you or your
children’s interest as a caroler or as a recipient of said carols (sort of as
the 4th of July parade route residents get to view the parade from their front
yards). We will finalize our plans in October.
Motor vehicle burglaries
No increase in BMV’s since our warning a week or so ago. However, a resident
emailed me today to let me know that he had witnessed a work truck in the
neighborhood, pulling a trailer with tree limbs, apparently soliciting work –
and that the solicitation at a home where the residents were clearly at work
seemed to last far too long.
If you see something that looks strange, go ahead and call Deputy Wilkerson at
281-463-6666. She can question the workmen to make sure of their intent & keep
an eye out for you and your neighbors. There’s nothing wrong in being safe,
rather than sorry.
A reminder from MUD 238
In order for the Harris County MUD No. 238 (the District) to continue to
provide water service to the subdivisions under its jurisdiction, beginning
Saturday, September 5, 2009, the subdivisions of Barkers Ridge, Oak Ridge, Lake
Ridge, and Barkers Crossing will begin Stage 2, Mandatory Water Restrictions.
Under Stage 2, Mandatory Water Restrictions, residents of the District will be
restricted to washing vehicles and watering lawns/irrigating between the hours
of 8:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. using the following schedule:
- • Residents with even numbered street addresses will water only on Sundays
and Thursdays
- • Residents with odd numbered street addresses will water only on
Saturdays and Wednesdays
Sprinkler/Irrigation systems should be re-programmed to the above schedule.
Violators of Stage 2 Mandatory Water Restrictions will be subject to penalties.
This measure is required because the District’s Water Well No. 1 must be taken
off-line in order for the West Harris County Regional Water Authority (WHCRWA)
to complete the final surface water tie-in and interconnection with the
District. This work was supposed to have been completed in July but because of
the drought conditions our area has been experiencing these last few months, the
District was able to postpone the necessary tie-in work. However, in order for
the District to meet its obligations to WHCRWA, this required work can no longer
be postponed. Currently, the time needed to complete the interconnection with
WHCRWA is estimated at 3-4 weeks. During this time, the District’s Water Well
No. 2 will be the sole water supply source for the District. Signs will be
posted at the entrances to the subdivisions under the District’s jurisdiction as
a reminder.
Should water usage under Stage 2, Mandatory Water Restrictions prove
insufficient to maintain water service to the District, or require Water Well
No. 2 to have excessive pumpage hours, additional restrictions under Stage 3,
Mandatory Water Restrictions may be implemented in order for the District to
maintain water service to residents.
Houston is the place to be!
Dallas, Houston and Austin are among the top four U.S. cities in which to earn a
living, according to Forbes Magazine. The magazine found Dallas to be the most
desirable city in the nation to live and work, while Houston was second and
Austin came in fourth. Among the best reasons to take up residence in Houston or
Dallas, according to Forbes, is the number of top-ranked companies headquartered
in each city: 38 and 15, respectively. The rankings were determined by median
income, cost of living, job growth and the quality of the business environment.
Return To Top
Greetings all,
In the past weeks, we believe that there has been an increase in burglaries of
motor vehicles parked on the street – in our neighborhood and others as well.
Carolyn Pharr has drafted the following alert.
Additionally, I have received a handful of surveys completed from the last
newsletter. I know that we are all so very busy, but I am asking you to please
take a few moments to complete this survey. It is the best way we have of
knowing how we can improve our performance – and hope your time in completing
it is a fair trade-off for what we have done and can do with the information.
I’ve attached a
PDF, but
will send it via email again if you respond back to me to do so. The fax
number at Crest is 281-579-7062.
Cheers
BURGLARY OF MOTOR VEHICLES ALERT
Precinct 5 Constables Office 281-463-6666
The Homeowners Association and CrimeWatch Group have been alerted to several
burglaries of motor vehicles (BMV’s) that have occurred in the past few weeks.
Residents in the Estate section have been targeted recently, but Sections 1,
2, 4 and 5 have also all had incidents – some of which were not reported
(maybe because the car had been unlocked, etc). The Oak Ridge Subdivision
(directly adjacent to and behind the Estates) has also seen a spike in their
BMV Reports. Many of you may have seen or heard the news that the Westlake
Subdivision was hit heavily by BMV’s a couple months ago and it appears that
the thieves have now moved on to our area.
We cannot stress enough how important it is to call the constables’ office if
you see or hear anything suspicious. Do this as soon as possible! If you do
see a criminal act taking place, do NOT attempt to investigate on your own or
try to confront them! Call the constable’s office immediately and provide all
the descriptive information you can. Below are a few worthy reminders and some
tips that will aide you in making calls to the constable’s office as well as
information on how best to prevent your vehicle from being burglarized.
WHEN CALLING CONSTABLE DISPATCH:
It is extremely important that you become familiar with the following
instructions, so that when the need arises, you can properly report suspicious
activities, crimes in progress, or emergencies. Be prepared!
1. Identify yourself - Name, address, phone number.
2. Type of crime - Burglary, assault, suspicious person, etc.
3. Is it in progress??
4. Where is it taking place? Address, landmark if no address.
5. Is the suspect armed? With what? gun, knife, etc.
6. Description of person(s) or vehicle(s) - Be specific.
7. What direction were they traveling?
BMV’s can occur at all hours, day and night and the thieves have one thought
on their mind: finding something to steal ... something valuable left in the
car. Many BMV’s are "crimes of opportunity" and could have been avoided had
simple preventative steps been taken. To prevent becoming a target means
limiting their ability or opportunity to commit the crime. A small amount of
effort on your part can make a huge difference in your vulnerability to a BMV.
DON’T BE A TARGET:
Don't leave valuables in your car. That sounds like "common sense", but many
of us do leave items of value in plain view every day. If you leave valuable
items visible in your car, you instantly become a target.
· If you must leave valuable items in your car, place items out of sight or
move them to an area that is not immediately obvious. This includes packages,
backpacks, gym bags, GPS units, MP3 players, etc.
· Don’t tempt them. Don't leave any indication that there might be valuables
"out of sight" in your vehicle, such as docking stations or connector cables.
Leave nothing in "plain sight" that might make your vehicle worth
"investigating" by a thief; not even loose coins or a CD.
- Park as far up your driveway as you can and if at all possible, park in
the garage.
- Consider the use of motion-activated lighting to deter possible criminal
activity.
- Always lock your car and set the alarm if you have one, even when if it is
parked inside the garage.
Precinct 5 Constables Office 281-463-6666
Judith McGlaughlin
Return To Top
The Barkers Ridge HOA wishes you all a very happy & safe 4th of July
weekend! With virtually no rain in the last 30 days and heat indexes nearing
110F during the day, these are very stressed times indeed! Please be sure to
be safe & take precautions to keep you and your neighbors out of harm’s way.
With apologies, please find below some proselytizing that we wouldn’t
normally do – save for the stressed times we find ourselves in.
Proscription #1
Don’t forget the 4th of July Bicycle Parade – tomorrow morning,
Saturday, (10 a.m.) starting at the pool. WVFD’s ladder trucks/EMV’s +
balloon-animal crafting crown + cub scout flag ceremony + face painting +
water & cookies + bicycle decoration contest = don’t miss it!!
Proscription #2
Many municipalities & MUDs have begun to ask their residents to voluntarily
reduce water consumption. Short of a water conservation plan, there are a
number of things you can do now to eliminate waste in your use of water –
and stretch these increasingly short supplies through this very long summer.
We’ve attached pages from the last newsletter that provided you some key
facts & suggestions, and repeat them now that the need is so very apparent.
- Water your yard during cooler times of the day, and never between the
hours of 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. – why? Evaporation reduces much of the
effectiveness of watering your yard during daytime – so do it at night to
make your dollars count!
- Mulch around plants, bushes, and trees to help the soil retain water.
- Use an automatic shutoff nozzle on hoses.
- Adjust watering lawns and shrubs to avoid watering the concrete.
- Lower the water level in pools to reduce the amount of water splashed
out.
- Cover your swimming pool to reduce evaporation – why? Swimming pools
lose up to 1,000 gallons of water per day if left uncovered
The MUD directors meet on July 10, and will consider the need for
rationing measures. MUD President Larry Biediger informs us that water use
by June 24, the MUD has pumped more water in a month than ever before. If
you wish to attend the meeting, it will held at 11:00 a.m., at 1300 Post
Oak, Suite 1400. It is a public meeting: notice is posted at the sewage
treatment plant.
Proscription #3
Most of you know this, but there is a burn ban in Harris County. Here’s a
message from the Fire Marshall:
July 1, 2009, It's Hot and It's Dry
The holiday fireworks sales season is here, and the Harris County Fire
Marshal’s Office is asking everyone to BE CAREFUL, and reconsider their use
of fireworks this holiday season. Any carelessly used firework has the
potential to start a fire or cause injury. Because of the drought
conditions, there is an outdoor burning ban in unincorporated Harris County.
There is also a local declaration of disaster that prohibits that sale, use,
or transportation of certain fireworks – specifically, stick rockets and
missiles with fins. Please call 281-999-2200 to register any complaints
about the illegal sale or use of fireworks this holiday season.
If you’re a parent, make sure to supervise your kids this holiday – maybe
more than you might normally do for your older ones. The grass is dry & can
be inviting to those who might want to dare nature. Keep an eye on them.
And, for those of us who really care about how our neighborhood looks on the
day after, pick up the debris after you finish your celebration! Have a safe
and happy 4th – and be proud to be an American!
Proscription #4
Some of you may have heard that one of our lifeguards succumbed to the
heat a week or so ago, and the pool manager acted capably and quickly to
revive her & call for medical attention. Sweetwater was kind enough to share
the “what to do” with us in its ‘heat related emergencies” document, which
is attached. Proscription #4 – avoid situations that can cause heat related
illnesses, and please, do the same for your pets!!
Proscription #5
This is not really a proscription, but just a word of caution for those
folks who live along the hike & bike trail around the detention pond – and
who have built a bridge, walkway or fence support. This is MUD property, and
the MUD is under no obligation to notify you if they need to remove that
structure to complete their mowing or safety requirements.
Judith McGlaughlin
Return To Top
Greetings from the heat capital of Southeast Texas!
Please find below a few items to update you on this warm (hot) June
afternoon:
Fourth of July Bicycle Parade is on!
My favorite event of the season is just around the corner – the annual 4th
of July celebration & bicycle parade. As we have done in the past, we have
invited our the Westlake Volunteer Fire Department to lead the parade, with
ladder trucks & emergency vehicles. This year, we have invited back the
kids’ favorite, Bob-O the Clown, to make his magic with balloon animals. And
this year, we are honored to have Cub Scout Pack 1235 lead a flag ceremony
before the parade begins. The boys will also be handing out water and cold
drinks as the riders return.
The festivities start at 10a on July 4. Meet us at the pool with your
bicycle decorated: we will be recognizing the best three decorated bicycles.
If you have other non-motorized vehicles or just want to walk with your
kids, you are welcome to do so!
Swim Team Request
The Wild Wing Café on the Katy Freeway (at Westgreen) is donating 10% of
its proceeds on June 25 (all day) to the Barkers Ridge Swim Team. Bring in
the
brochure for the team to receive the funds!
Sale & Use of Aerial Fireworks Banned Though Week’s End, Possibly
Extension by Governor’s Office
Harris County Judge Ed Emmett issued a county disaster declaration this
afternoon, banning the sale and use of all stick rockets and missiles with
fins within Harris County. With Harris County experiencing unseasonably warm
temperatures and dry conditions for several weeks, Emmett said, the risk of
wildfires and damage to residential and commercial property is unacceptably
high and warrants the countywide ban on the specified fireworks. The judge
noted that many fireworks merchants already have agreed to a voluntary ban
on the sale of the items, a move Emmett praised as responsible and
civic-minded.
“Public safety is my top priority in this matter, and this declaration is
absolutely necessary to ensure that Harris County residents remain as safe
as possible in these weather conditions,” said Emmett. “While I applaud the
voluntary sales ban to which many merchants have already agreed, this
declaration extends that ban not just to sales, but also to the use and
transportation of these particular fireworks by anyone other than a licensed
pyrotechnics expert at a permitted event.”
Emmett’s disaster declaration takes effect at midnight tonight. Under state
law, the ban remains in effect for 60 hours – until noon Friday – unless
extended by Gov. Rick Perry. Emmett has notified the governor’s office of
the disaster declaration by telephone and letter this afternoon.
“I strongly encourage residents of Harris County to enjoy the activities
leading up to the Independence Day holiday, but to do it in such a way that
protects themselves, their families and their neighbors,” said Emmett.
Laws and ordinances vary within Harris County, with some jurisdictions and
municipalities outlawing the use of all fireworks. Residents are encouraged
to familiarize themselves with all related regulations before using
fireworks of any kind.
Water Main Break
Last night, the MUD experienced a water main break somewhere in the middle
of Buffalo River Way. Severn Trent crews were on the scene and the main was
fixed about 10 p.m. Thanks to both the MUD and ST for such a quick response.
Judith McGlaughlin
Return To Top
Barkers Ridge Pool
The Barkers Ridge pool opens on Saturday, May 23, starting at 11 a.m. For
those of you registered for your tags on-line, and tags have not come: we
will have a list at the pool gate & you will certainly be allowed in without
your tags. For those of you who have not registered, you can fill out a form
at the pool when you arrive, and we use the pool facility as well. We can’t
give you your tags, as we have to check the status of your account.
Taking Care of Our Trees & Our Sewers
Well, they may not be ours but I know many have adopted the trail at the
detention pond and the trees that line that trail as our own. One of our
residents had a great idea: let’s adopt the trees to make sure they get
enough water when Mother Nature’s current rain activity is overwhelmed by
the heat of our Houston summers. Those of you with fences along the trail
are ideal candidates (and well may be doing it already!). Let me know your
interest.
With the same spirit, we received 2 families to volunteer for the SWIM
program – the one that marks our drains to remind people not to throw grass
clippings & trash into our waterways. I’ve received more comments that the
sewers must be clogged than volunteers. Let’s turn that concern into action,
especially if you want to engage your kids (> 10 years) in a worthwhile
volunteer effort. With a little more critical mass, I’ll start organizing
the effort!
Update on Street Lights
Last time, we reported how to notify Centerpoint regarding an outage in your
street light – which required that you know the six digit number on the
street light. A resident who works for the City of Houston, shares this
information:
The link below takes you to a page where you can locate a light on a map and
click it to report it out. You don't have to know the street light number.
http://gis.centerpointenergy.com/streetlight_outage_reporting/
Mobile Vet Clinic
The Dog & Cat Vaccination & Health Clinic will be in Barkers Ridge on May
26, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the pool area parking lot.
Solicitors/Suspicious Persons/Home Security
Last week, we had four reports of aggressive solicitors or suspicious
persons in the neighborhood – and that’s four too many. Please know that
solicitation is not illegal & we cannot prevent them from coming into our
neighborhood. But you also have a right to your privacy & security – and if
you have any doubts about solicitors, please call the constable at
281-463-6666, and report this as a suspicious person case. The constables
will come & question, and usually suggest that there are other neighborhoods
that might have more interest in their activity.
Another good reminder passed to me by a resident: Put your car keys beside
your bed at night. If you hear a noise outside your home or someone trying
to get in your house, just press the panic button for your car. The alarm
will be set off, and the horn will continue to sound until either you turn
it off or the car battery dies. Next time you come home for the night and
you start to put your keys away, think of this: It's a security alarm system
that you probably already have and requires no installation. Test the range.
It will go off from most everywhere inside your house and will keep honking
until your battery runs down or until you reset it with the button on the
key fob chain. It works if you park in your driveway or garage. If your car
alarm goes off when someone is trying to break into your house, odds are the
burglar/rapist won't stick around. After a few seconds all the neighbors
will be looking out their windows to see who is out there and sure enough
the criminal won't want that. And remember to carry your keys while walking
to your car in a parking lot. The alarm can work the same way there. This is
something that should really be shared with everyone. Maybe it could save a
life or a sexual abuse crime.
Update on Bear Creek Flooding
From our good friends in Bear Creek: The SBA opened a Disaster Loan Outreach
Center in Harris County on May 19 at 19818 Franz. We are awaiting
clarification from Judge Emmett's office as to the status of additional
resources, if any are still under consideration. We will post updates to
this information on the home page of our Website, which is open to the
public:
www.bearcreeknetwork.org.
Please contact me if you would like a copy of the flyer that describes this
program.
Judith McGlaughlin
Return To Top
We have an update on a few issues that were addressed in our last
correspondence, that you will find of interest:
Bear Creek & Regional Flooding
The below is a message from the Hunters Park Community Association, which
represents the residents of Bear Creek. Barkers Ridge works closely with
many communities in this area, to jointly address common problems. I know a
number of you sustained damage to your vehicles.
Bear Creek is making a concerted effort in our neighborhood to appeal for
federal funds for our families that were flooded last week. Resources will
be opened for us if we can have the area declared a disaster area. This is
only considered after damages in excess of $25 million have been reported to
the OEM. As of yesterday, we were better than halfway there. My request:
Would you please forward this information to any other neighborhoods that
may have experienced damage?
Homeowners should call the Harris County OEM, 713-881-3100. Report your
damage, making it clear that we had raw sewage overflowing bathtubs along
with various hydrocarbon elements (gasoline, oil and diesel fuel)
contaminating the water. Specifically ask that the State declare our area a
disaster area immediately. REPORT AN ESTIMATED DAMAGE AMOUNT!
This will benefit everyone in our area. We are hoping to open up funding for
temporary housing, low-interest, low-hassle loan availability for
rebuilding, and numerous tax credits for the victims of the flooding.
Sewage Treatment Plant
A number of residents have reported that there are strong odors
emanating from the Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) between Oak Ridge & Barkers
Ridge. Our MUD president, Larry Biediger confirms that a coupling came apart
on an air line because the bolts were not tightened appropriately and the
two pieces of pipe just came apart. The second problem was that the bolts
that hold the mixer up were not tightened properly either and the mixer
disengaged. Without the air coming into the tanks and the mixer mixing the
air into the sewer water, the foul smell was generated.
Severn Trent has been advised of the odor, and ordered to redress the
problem immediately. The cost of these repairs will come out of the final
payment to the contractor who engineered & constructed the STP expansion.
Water Meter Covers
Residents have also reported that the covers to their water meters
disappeared with the flooding last week. Larry advises to call 281-578-4200
(ask for Dispatch) to have the lids replaced.
From Larry: “There are a lot of covers missing. According to Severn Trent,
MUD 238 is not the only district with the same issue of missing lids. They
had new lids purchased and are having them reinstalled. ST was there
yesterday in the district putting lids on, but the techs ran out of lids. ST
tells me that the techs just loaded up with another 100 lids this morning
and will be out in the district replacing more this today.”
Pool Tag Pickup
The second allocated day to pick up pool tags is this Saturday, from 11a
to 3p. If you want to apply for pool tags on line, go to
www.barkersridge.org, and click on the “pool” icon.
Street Light Outages
If your street light goes out, contact
http://centerpointenergy.com/outage to report it.
Return To Top
Flooding in Barkers Ridge
We’ve received a number of calls regarding the flooding that occurred in
Barkers Ridge and much of West Houston. I have asked the County to come out
previously and inspect the drains, and their reply was that they are not
blocked. They have also advised me that the streets are a secondary system
for holding excess volumes of water (which I have confirmed though
engineering data), and that as long as the water recedes quickly, then the
system is functional.
Unfortunately, that explanation may not be sufficient as flood waters
approach your home – and in Bear Creek, the conditions were far worse, and
water did enter a number of homes. I know vehicles were left on the street
in Barkers Ridge, but I have not heard that they were damaged. They
certainly were in Bear Creek.
The story in the Houston Chronicle this morning underscored the potential
for a more structural threat that Bear Creek faces, and it may be a broader
regional issue. I will contact Harris County Flood Control to gain more
information about this issue & its impact on our community.
However, I think it’s important for all of us to take responsibility for any
blockage to the storm sewers that we may cause. Even after the flooding, I
saw a resident on Buffalo River Way pushing his grass clippings into the
system. One option might be to set up a system where residents can report
violations to the HOA Board, and we can contact these residents directly.
Another option – which I would like to pursue this summer – is to organize
our kids to engage Barkers Ridge in the Storm Water Inlet Marking program
(SWIM) – that was described in the fall issue of the Ridge Runner. This
program will also address the issue of the unsightly debris in the detention
ponds that is discussed below.
Debris in the Detention Pond
The MUD Board has agreed to retain a crew to clean up the debris in the
detention pond area. Although this is not the MUD’s primary responsibility, they
recognized the impact of the flooding on the aesthetics of the trail and the
ability of the detention ponds to channel the excess waters to the flood control
waterways.
I think many residents were taken aback by the volume of waste, which reflects
our own behavior & practices. It’s great to have the MUD to help out, but let’s
look to ourselves as the ultimate solution.
If you or your child would like to volunteer for the SWIM program, please
contact me & we’ll try to get something organized.
Recycling Glass
I’ve also been contacted by a resident on Mulberry Hill Lane, who wants to
start up another glass recycling co-op – such as the one described in the Fall
2009 Ridge Runner. This involves getting some neighbors together to take turns
going over to the recycling center on Brittmore on a weekly basis. A co-op can
only be as big as your vehicle will hold – 5-6 is a good number to shoot for.
Please get with if you are interested, and I’ll put you guys together.
Fence Construction
The new pool fence is going in today & tomorrow in time of the pool’s
opening on May 23.
You will also note that a portion of the perimeter fence was replaced (by Eagle
Ridge Way). This fence had been damaged by the hurricane & required replacement.
The rest of the Morton Road perimeter fence is to be replaced in 2013.
New Landscaping
Hou-Scape has replaced several landscaped areas, including adding
landscaping to the Morton/Dulaney monuments. The flowers will be blooming
shortly.
We took this as an opportunity to redress the landscaped area in the median that
had been blocking the view when turning into Barkers Forest Lane. This barrier
is now eliminated.
Pool Season
Our pool season will start on May 23 (Memorial Day) but the Tuesday-Sunday
schedule does not start until after the kids get out of school (June 4 is their
last day). The season runs until Labor Day, which this year is September 7.
One of our residents has asked that we keep the pool open after Labor Day, on
the weekends, through the month of September. This extended time is not in our
current contract, but can be arranged at an additional cost. I’d like to have a
sense if this is something that a number of our residents desire. Please let me
know your thoughts.
Judith McGlaughlin
Barkers Ridge HOA
Return To Top
On a rainy and dark spring morning, we offer the following update:
Barkers Ridge Swim Team Registration
Despite the threatening weather today, the BRST is holding its first day of
swim team registration at the pool today until noon, and will be out again
tomorrow from noon to 2 p.m. Last day for registration is Wednesday, April 22,
from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
If your child has not participated in the swim team, this is a great
organization combining exercise & fun for your kids (and you).
Pool Hours, Pool Tag Pickup & Registration
The new on-line version to register for your pool tags is going well, and
we’ve had a number of residents sign up this way but we’d love more to do so.
You will receive a confirmation from Bernita Armstrong to verify that
communications have been received. The web address is
www.barkersridge.org,
and click on “pool”.
Onsite registration starts May 2, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., then again on May 9
(same hours) and May 18 (5 p.m. to 8 p.m.). The pool opens on May 23.
Need another copy of the “extended” newsletter, go to
www.barkersridge.org.
The link is on the home page. While you are there, check out the “ads” and
“real estate” sections. “Ads” have been verified & are current; and Diane
Sanders has posted her very timely “Real Estate Update”, featuring “Where
Housing is Headed”.
Close Encounter
Speaking of Diane Sanders, a vehicle (pickup?) apparently drove into her yard
& though a chain link fence Friday afternoon. While it missed a large tree and
her house, she is worried about the driver. If you have any information on
this incident, please call Diane at 281-579-8022 or email her at
diane@soldmany.com.
MUD 238
In their last meeting, the Board of Directors of MUD 238 discussed new
electronic payment alternatives, at the request of several residents in the
community. The MUD will be finalizing its decision in the months to come. The
MUD Board meetings are the first Friday of the month, and are held at 1300
Post Oak, Suite 1400, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Lunch is usually provided to all
attendees. Public notice is posted at the gate in front of the sewage
treatment plant on Morton Road, by the hike/bike trail.
Spring Flowers & Landcaping
Our spring color will (hopefully) be installed next week. At this time, we
will be upgrading approximately ½ of our landscaped areas, including the
monuments at Morton and Dulaney Roads. Your feedback on these improvements is
always welcome!
Return To Top
Easter Egg Hunt
The Barkers Ridge HOA will host its annual “Easter Egg Hunt” on Saturday, April
11, starting at 3p at the recreation center. This is a great event for kids &
grandkids – and will feature the hunt itself, a petting zoo, the very successful
burlap sack race, and other festivities. Please join us at this event.
After a gorgeous week, there is a 30% outlook for rain on Friday & 20% on
Saturday – followed by a 60% chance on Sunday. If there are any changes to the
event, we will send you an email by noon on Saturday – but it looks like we’ll
be able to miss the possible turbulence (knock on wood).
Pool Hours, Pool Tag Pickup & Registration
The new on-line version to register for your pool tags is going well, and we’ve
had a number of residents sign up this way. You will receive a confirmation from
Bernita Armstrong to verify that communications have been received. The web
address is
www.barkersridge.org, and click on “pool”. Onsite pickup is on May 2, May 9,
and May 18 – as shown below.
We had a mistake in the pool hours, not recognizing that the kids go to school
through June 4. The revised pool hours are also reported below.
Barkers Ridge Swim Team registration is April 18, 19, and 22. Please see your
Spring 2009 newsletter for more information on this great organization.
Need another copy of the “extended” newsletter, go to www.barkersridge.org. The
link is on the home page. While you are there, check out the “ads” and “real
estate” sections. “Ads” have been verified & are current; and Diane Sanders has
posted her very timely “Real Estate Update”, featuring “Where Housing is
Headed”.
Spring Flowers & MUD 238
Our thanks to MUD 238 for trimming the grass in the detention pond area
around the beautiful spring wildflowers. If you didn’t take a walk around the
trail in the last 5 or so days, you missed something really great.
Katy Freeway Managed Lanes
The Harris County Toll Road Authority will start the “managed lanes”
offering on April 18. For information on what managed lanes are & the rate
schedule, please visit
https://www.hctra.org/katymanagedlanes/.
Happy Easter
As always, we on the Board of Directors wish you a very happy & safe holiday
weekend.
Return To Top
The Annual Meeting is March 25, and Victor Treat and I am up for re-election.
If you cannot attend the meeting, but are willing to provide us with a copy of
your signed proxy, we would both be very grateful. You can fax it to my office
at 832-295-2660, or scan & send it back to me via email (I think those are the
easiest ways to return).
We hope you enjoy the newsletter, and please be aware of the dates upcoming,
including the Easter Egg Hunt, the Swim Team’s 2009 registration, the
registration for pool tags, and the opening of the Barkers Ridge pool in late
May.
Kindly yours,
Judith McGlaughlin
Barkers Ridge HOA
Return To Top
Welcome to the first day of March! Although the temperatures are fairly
low, the weather is beautiful, with just the hint of spring in the air. Enjoy
& celebrate!
With the upcoming renewal comes a number of dates to note for our community,
both immediate & extended:
- · First, daylight savings time goes into effect this coming Sunday (March
8th), so remember to “spring forward” your clocks (for us early risers, that’s
one less hour of sleep)
- · Secondly, Spring Break for Katy ISD is March 16-20. Our good constables
advise to watch out for the additional kids that might be running about – and
note that, if you are traveling, to take advantage of the Vacation Watch
program (forms at www.barkersridge.org)
- · The Annual HOA meeting is set for March 25, starting at 6:30 p.m. As in
prior years, we will meet in the Mayde Creek Junior High Cafeteria.
- · Our Easter Carnival will be held on Saturday, April 11, from 3 p.m. to 5
p.m. HOA Board member, Victor Treat, is the primary organizer of this event,
and will be looking once again to the community for volunteers – both to stuff
eggs & help out at the fair. We have already booked the petting zoo, and the
second annual sack race event is planned once again. With any luck, we’ll slip
in the “egg on a spoon” race as well. (Let me know if you’d like to be tapped
for this year’s event!)
- · Barkers Ridge’s own Swim Team, the mighty Marlins, are gearing up for
yet another successful season. Here are the registration dates
- Saturday, April 18th, from 10 A.M. – 12:00 Noon,
- Sunday, April 19th, from 12:00 Noon – 2:00 P.M,
- Wednesday, April 22nd, from 5:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M.
- In addition, the BRST is looking for sponsors for the 2009 season, the
benefits of which include
- Name on Banner, hung at all meets
- Name/Company Logo on front of all Heat Sheets
- It’s tax deductible, and
- The satisfaction of helping the neighborhood community Swim Team can’t
be measured!
- · Finally, the Barkers Ridge pool opens on May 23. We will have three
dates for pool tag pickup:
- Saturday, May 2 (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
- Saturday, May 9 (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
- Monday, May 18 (5 p.m. to 8 p.m.)
- We’ll have additional announcements on other methods to pick up your
pool tags.
We hope you have a great week & look forward to seeing you at the Annual
Meeting!
- Judith McGlaughlin, Barkers Ridge Homeowners Association
Return To Top