c OLLEGE

P ARK Neighborhood Association

VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT www.CollegePark-Richardson.com

JUNE– JULY 2017

ENJOY THESE BENEFITS WHEN YOU JOIN

Crime Alerts Neighborhood Roster

Yard of Month Curb Address Painting

National Night Out Welcome for New Residents

Crime Watch Patrols Christmas Street Sign Decorations

House-watching for Out-of-Town Residents

MEMBERSHIP STATEMENT

On Last page

JOIN OR RENEW

YOUR CPNA MEMBERSHIP

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Notes from the President Patti Glenn

pattiglenn@tx.rr.com 972-900-9188 or 972-699-1615

Please join CPNA – our annual year runs from June 1, 2017 – May 31,2018. Annual dues are only $35 for the year. The more members we have the more we can do to improve/beautify the neighborhood. We will be distributing the CPNA membership form with envelope addressed to our new Treasurer, Pam Young on your front door in the next week or so. Please complete the form and mail your check.

The minutes of our Annual Meeting have been loaded to the CPNA website. Jerry Silverman was elected to serve as VP and Pam Young was elected to serve as Treasurer. CPNA wants to thank Lynne Patterson and John Pantzer for their service in these positions for the past 4 yrs.

CPNA will fund painting of addresses on curbs in the near future. We have completed negotiations with a vendor. A flyer will be distributed shortly advising everyone – Details of specials (i.e. college, US flag, Texas Flag) will be offered but residents will need to pay the additional cost directly to the vendor.

I want to thank D’Ann Funk for volunteering to Welcome new residents to the neighborhood. She will be sending out post cards to welcome them and set a time to drop by this Welcome Gift Bag. If you know of a new resident (owner or tenant), please let D’Ann or me know. D ’Ann’s contact info is shown on the CPNA Officer & Board Members on pg 4.

CPNA would like to enhance the Oncor easement space facing Spring Valley. We are getting information from the city with their recommendation on planting wildflowers (like at City Hall or the Library this past spring - which were gorgeous this year). At meeting the questions arose how far the seeds from the wildflowers might spread to neighboring yards. Per the city, when they are planted they are not just spread like fertilizer they are actual pushed into the ground and they are mowed early enough that this has not been a problem.

In January, we are planning to apply to the city for matching funds to install irrigation for future beautification projects like berms and shrubs in the easement. We are also looking into installing a bench or two, particular in the small area on the west side of College Park where there are a few trees and shade.

Please remember we do have water restrictions in place for our sprinkler systems but you can hand water with a water hose anytime. Likely, we have had a lot of rain lately so that many of us have been able to cut way back on our sprinkler use and our lawns are looking great

Our neighborhood is using a private online network called NextDoor College Park, and I think you'll benefit from joining us. On our NextDoor site, neighbors share community events, recommenda-tions, items for sale/free, crime/safety concerns, ideas about how to make our neighborhood better, and more. Please join us to build a better neighborhood!

If you have not signed up for the Next Door website site, I highly recommend it. There are lots of good things showing up. You may get to know you neighbors a bit better & help send pets home or even find a cabinet to work on if you are inclined. Richardson Police & the City both post to it & keep us informed on city things going on. You can lurk or participate.

Discussions include things about the wild critters who sometimes visit our backyards. Who to call for tile work? Cleaning the vents? Foundation repair? Selling your stuff? (I purchased by car from an ad on Next Door) Need a babysitter? Police updates? Stranger danger from the neighbors-crime alerts that can travel very fast! Things for sale or FREE Giveaways. If you are interested, please send me an email & I will send you an electronic invite.

Crime Watch Patrol Stats

FOR MAY

Patrol Hours: 140.5 Plus 20.5 hours of Crime Watch Meeting Time

Types of Observations

Open Garage Doors 34 Suspicious Persons 2 Other Property Observations 10 Suspicious Vehicles 6 House Watches 17

The following people patrolled this month

Rusty provided 3.5 hours of

K9 patrol. Good boy, Rusty.

Lee Michaels, Ray Champion, Jim Krizmanic,

Dieter Paul, Rick Skaggs, Joe Sheehan, Len

Foster, John Thompson, Dale Klosterman,

Ben Parlapiano, Ray Hill, Chris Williams,

Peggy Williams, Sonia Hetherington, Gordon

Melton, Patti Glenn, Sara Bostelmann, and

Kathy Hill.

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CRIME TIPS

YARDS OF THE MONTH - June

Don & Sharon McCants

1006 Edgewood

Sara & Orlyn Bostelmann 1209 Oakmont

Our thanks to Callaway's Nursery located on Plano Road, north of Campbell

for sponsoring

CPNA Yard of the Month

Crime Tip: Do not leave cell phones, GPS units, DVD players, monitors, laptop computers, wallets or purses inside your vehicle in plain view. Unattended valuables are an invitation to a thief. Crime Tip: A number of folks have comments on the number of car burglaries in the last several months. These burglaries have occurred both on the street & in the driveways. Many of the vehicles were left unlocked. Please lock your car regardless of where you park it.

Crime Tip: Another way to deter burglaries is to keep the neighborhood well lit at night. If you do not already keep your front porch & driveway lights on at night, I encourage you to do that for you & for a brighter neighborhood.

You can buy dusk-to-dawn or motion detector sockets that screw into your currently installed outdoor lights. You then screw your regular light bulb (including LEDs) into the dusk-to-dawn or motion detector socket. These special sockets are not expensive – I priced them at Batteries Plus Bulbs & they are about $12-15 each. I am sure they are also available at Lowe’s & Home Depot.

I have my front porch lights on dusk to dawn & my back lights on motion detectors. Burglars don’t like light so the more light we have in the neighborhood at night, the better. The additional cost of electricity is very, very small. Additional Crime Tips on Pg 14

YARDS OF THE MONTH - July

Carol Short

1208 Edgewood

Lee & Sally Michaels

1000 Dunbarton

Our thanks to Callaway's Nursery located on Plano Road, north of Campbell

for sponsoring

CPNA Yard of the Month

College Park Market Analysis Summary as of 07/09/17

Active Listings 7 (Includes 4 pending & 1 under option)

Avg list price $288.1K Avg price/sq ft $123.57

Sold past 6 months 22 Avg sold price $278.8K Avg price/sq ft $125.26

Please note this does not include “For Sale by Owner” Properties

The Market Analysis combines College Park, College Park North, College Park East (Glenville Park), and Town North Park subdivisions If you would like additional information or a market

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CPNA - Dedicated to improving our neighborhood & community

Membership dues covers June 1, 2017 through May 31, 2018

All College Park Neighbors, not just homeowners are invited to join CPNA!

Mail dues of $35.00 to Treasurer Pam Young

1202 Dunbarton Richardson, TX 75085

Questions? Pam Young 214-415-4132

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD

REALTOR®, Associate Broker GRI, ABR, SRS , SRES, PSA, BPOR

THANK YOU, PATTI

At the annual Neighborhood Association Meeting, I understand that Patti lauded me for being a newsletter editor for a number of years. It is only fair that I applaud her for being President of the organization even longer than I’ve had this position.

This is something I enjoy doing or I wouldn’t do it. For me, it’s fun. And Patti is the source of all those helpful articles you see in the newsletter every month. Helene Levitan

So thanks to you, Patti, for all of your help

CPNA OFFICERS AND COMMITTEE HEADS 2017-2018

President Patti Glenn 972-699-1615 pattiglenn@tx.rr.com 972-900-9188 cell Vice President Jerry Silverman 972-231-2300 ljstex@twc.com Secretary Sharlee Skaggs 972-690-3172 sharlee@mac.com Treasurer Pam Young 214-415-4132 youngp99@att.net Parliamentarian Jerry Silverman 972-231-2300 ljstex@twc.com Welcome Comm. D’Ann Funk 972-567-9556 frgger1221tx@yahoo.com Beautification/YOM Dale Klosterman 972-644-1583 daleklost@gmail.com Beautification/YOM Pam Young 214-415-4132 youngp99@att.net Newsletter Helene Levitan 972-519-0270 hdlevitan@gmail.com Crime Watch Patrol Kathy Hill 214-533-5295 kathyhill0878@yahoo.com AT LARGE Member Chris Xeros 972-740-4151 cxeros@tx.rr.com AT LARGE Member Chieu Mai 972-235-0028 maihennhouse@sbcglobal.net AT LARGE Member Peggy Williams 972-680-2863 pjwillia@sbcglobal.net AT LARGE Member Laura Koloc 972-235-6516 lkoloc@email.com Webmaster Mike Jahrig 469- 644-0528 mjahrig@att.net

On the Lookout for Online Phishing Scams?

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Google is no stranger to cyberattacks that have targeted the technology giant & the millions of users of Google products & services.

The most recent phishing scam to target Google users this month focuses on file sharing via Google Docs. With this scam, users receive an email in their inbox asking them to open a Google Doc from one of their contacts. When users click on the file, the fake Google Doc seeks permission to access their accounts.

Phishing is a common tactic used to gain access to a user's login credentials or other personal information. In most cases, users are asked to click on a link & then provide account details like username & password. These phishing emails can look like the real deal, complete with a Google logo. Unfortunately, once a user's credentials are given to a scam artist, the hacker can access email accounts, social networks like Facebook or other platforms.

The most recent Google Docs phishing scam is one in a long line of scams that Google has posted on their website to inform consumers. Other recent phishing scams have told Gmail users that their email accounts will be suspended if not updated or that their email accounts have been compromised & need to be recovered.

Google has processes in place to help protect consumers, including browsing & attachment warnings & a commitment to never ask for personal information over email. It's critical, though, for users to be diligent when opening emails, attachments & websites -- especially those that ask for personal information.

Consumers should pay attention to warnings & alerts that pop up while browsing or accessing emails & attachments. Consumers should also verify email addresses & sender names are accurate & check that URLs match the description of the link.

Learn more about how to detect & report phishing scams targeting Google users, so you can protect yourself. https://support.google.com/mail/answer/8253?hl=en

1101 EDGEWOOD Joshua and Tory Lane

Plus their cute dog, Penny Lane

1203 DUNBARTON Craig & Liz Hooker

Craig works for AT&T Liz is a Stay-at-home Mom with

Micah, 3 yr old & Noelle, 6 months old Liz was anchor for ABC News-College Station.

They moved here from Georgia, but Craig had lived in Plano before living in Georgia

Welcome to the Neighborhood !

Crime Watch Patrol Stats

FOR JUNE

Patrol Hours: 104.25 Plus 12 hours of Crime Watch Meeting Time

Types of Observations

Open Garage Doors 23 Suspicious Persons 1 Other Property Observations 16 Suspicious Vehicles 4 House Watches 31

The following people patrolled this month

Sara Bostellman, Rick Skaggs, Len Foster,

John Thompson, Dieter Paul, Ray Champion,

Jim Krizmanic, Patti Glenn, Chris Williams,

Peggy Williams, Jay Sheehan, Dale

Klosterman, Ben Parlapiano, Gordon Melton,

Gala Partlow, John Partlow, Lee Michaels,

Chuck Laird and Kathy Hill.

Rusty Michaels patrolled for 3.5 hours.

Rusty provides our K9 patrol

Lawns MOW! tall grass becomes thin & weak & more prone to weeds.

For healthy lawns, do not mow too low. St. Augustine should be mowed at 2 to 2.5 inches & Bermuda at 1.5 inches.

Fertilize with a quality all Nitrogen fertilizer formulated for N. Texas clay soils. You can use this same fertilizer on your trees, shrubs & flowering plants.

Fertilize Use a high Nitrogen fertilizer everywhere: Lawn, trees, shrubs, container plants, annuals, perennials.

Our soil in general has an ample amount of phosphorus. Choose a water soluble, high nitrogen product for containers.

Here are a few ways to lessen your auto-related costs.

Slow & steady. Gas mileage decreases at speeds over 50 mph. In fact, every 5 mph you drive above 50 mph is like paying an additional 20 cents per gallon of gas.

Get some air. Replacing your air filter every 30,000 miles will help keep dirt out of your engine & save fuel. On most cars, you can do it yourself in less than five minutes.

Idle hands. Idling while parked can use a quarter- to a half-gallon of fuel per hour. By contrast, starting your vehicle requires only 10 seconds worth of fuel. If you stop to look for directions or make a call or text, be sure to turn off your engine.

Check gas apps. Find the lowest gas price along your route using an app like GasBuddy or Gas Guru for Android or iPhone.

Bundle up. Insuring your home & auto with a single company, or bundling your policies, can discount your rates up to 10% per year.

Read the manual. A quick glance at your owner's manual before routine service at the dealership could save you from unnecessary extras.

DIY. Check how-to videos online to learn how to do minor repair jobs yourself. Replacing your own wiper blades & fuses or topping off fluids can save you cash.

Here's to more money-saving motoring!

Source: MONEY

Guide to Lower Car Expenses

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This month, continue to keep your garden beautiful by adding summer blooming annuals & Crepe Myrtles! Even though our Dallas-Fort Worth summers are exceptionally hot, you can still have a lush, colorful landscape if you select the right plants. Here are you June/July Gardening Tips:

Plant Crepe Myrtles: Plant these gorgeous heat & drought tolerant, summer blooming beauties in several places. Choose a variety that will fit your space (height & width) based on the tree’s mature size.

Annuals: Spring is a fast memory; it’s time to turn our thoughts to the hot, dry summer. Keep the color show going by adding a dash of annuals with foliage color: purple fountain grass, sweet potato vine, coleus, caladiums. For blooming color consider: gomphrena, pentas, begonias, zinnias, lantana, or moss rose. If your taste is more tropical, you cannot beat the gorgeous blooms of hibiscus or mandevilla.

Shrubs: Fill those empty spots in your landscape. Shrubs can provide color in your beds year round thru their foliage.

Perennials: Add summer & fall “bloomers” to your landscape to continue the colorful show.

Grass: Add new sod or plugs at the beginning of the month & water 2 times a day for the first 2-3 weeks. Remember grass requires at least 4 hours of direct sunlight a day to thrive! .

Vegetables: Plant fall tomato transplants the last week of the month. Root cuttings from your own spring plants.

Herbs: Plant herbs everywhere: in containers, in your vegetable or flower bed—anywhere they will have ample room to grow & get sufficient sunlight. Visit the nursery & we can help you select the right plants for your landscape!

Prune Prune buds & flowers from lamb’s ear, coleus, caladiums, basil, mums, & santolina. Flowers on these plants stop any future growth.

Cut any spring growth that is straying from the line or form that you’ve taken the time to create. Dead head spring perennials.

Prune lower branches of shade trees to allow more sunlight if your turf is struggling. Wait till July to prune Oaks!

June - July Gardening Tips

(Bruce Miller Nursery)

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Phone Fraud is Bigger Than Ever

FOR AS LONG as there have been telephones, there have been crooks trying to call & steal your money. What is new is the sheer volume of unsolicited calls that Americans endure each year — over 29 billion in 2016 alone by one estimate, including lots of potential rip-offs. No wonder fraud complaints have increased nearly 60% since 2010, according to the Federal Trade Commission. Scams are continuing to show up across the country this year.

When Phonies Phone

Don’t let crooks scare you off from answering a call.

1. Do some research. Google the salesperson & company before you buy. Explore their reputations thoroughly. If you can’t locate solid information, walk away.

2. Don’t react out of fear. No matter how threatening or urgent their script, do not act immediately. Always hang up & give yourself time to think it over & check them out.

3. Trust your instincts. If a caller sounds fishy, hang up. The chances of losing out on a great deal are much less than losing your nest egg.

The IRS scam

The voice on the other end of the line claims to be an IRS criminal investigator. Arrest is imminent if you don’t immediately pay thousands of dollars in back taxes. Individuals are instructed to put $500 on multiple iTunes gift cards & give up the 16-digit codes. Don’t be fooled. The IRS would never ask a taxpayer to buy iTunes cards or any other card for payment any reason.

Computer Caper

Internet scam artists create little boxes that pop up on your computer screen, telling you that you have a virus & need to call for technical support. Don’t believe it. Computer companies never notify customers of a problem through pop-ups, unless it is from virus-protection software that you installed.

The Fake Sheriff

You get a call from someone posing as a sheriff’s deputy claiming you’ve missed jury duty & owe the county a $1,000 fine. Pay immediately, the caller says, or you will go to jail. Rest assured, no sheriff or court will call you & demand payment like this for missing jury duty. If you get this call, hang up, then call the police & report it.

Lottery Fraud

A con artist calls & tells you that you have won the Australian (or Jamaican) lottery. All you have to do to collect is wire $1,500. Don’t do it. Lotteries never call to give money to people who haven’t even bought a ticket.

Credit Card Fraud

You get a call from your bank that there is a problem with your account. To straighten it out they need your account number, date of birth & the last four digits of your Social Security number. Hang up. This is a scam to get information to hack your account.

by Doug Shadel, AARP Bulletin

Cyber-Crime Spotlight: Tech-Support Scams

One increasingly worrisome crime is affecting computer users who get tricked into thinking that they have a problem with their PC. According to USA Today, a typical scenario involves a user that gets a nasty looking pop up while they are surfing the internet. It explains that their computer is infected & they should call the displayed number for tech support.

Once they call, the scammers take control of their computer, do nothing, & charge outrageous fees. On average, a typical victim will be out around $280 for using one of these "tech support" companies.

Although these scams might seem obvious to many users, analysts estimate that more than $24.6 million dollars were lost in the last two years.

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Sprucing up your home doesn't have to take up a lot of time. To help you spring into warm-weather home improvement, here are 24 simple projects that take 24 hours or less to accomplish: 1. Put a Fresh Coat of Paint on the Front Door. Standard paints can take a long time to dry, especially if you live in a humid climate. SnapDry® from Sherwin-Williams® dries in as little as one hour, You'll be able to close the door without it sticking. The paint can be used inside or outside & it resists dirt, fingerprints, UV rays, & weathering.

2. Update Kitchen Cabinets. Recently, homeowners have been changing the facades of their kitchen cabinets & painting them instead of staining them—a trend that has grown tremendously. Add new knobs to complete the look for an easy, inexpensive way to give your cabinets a face-lift.

3. Swap Pillows & Throws. You can't replace your couch every time the season changes, but switching out pillows & throws is a great way to give seasonal flare to your living room décor.

4. Create a Statement Wall. Installing graphic wallpaper or wood planking on one wall, or simply painting a wall or the ceiling a contrasting color, can add drama to any room in the house.

5. Spruce Up the Deck for Summer Enjoyment. A refinished deck looks great & doesn't have to be a lot of work. SuperDeck® from Sherwin-Williams goes on fast & easy & protects the integrity of your wood deck. It can even reduce the surface temperature of the wood, making the deck barefoot-friendly on a hot summer day.

6. Add a Wow Factor to Your Entryway. Large planters with hardy, bright blooms add curb appeal when positioned on either side of the front door.

7. Update Your Lighting. Modern light fixtures in kitchens & bathrooms shed a whole new perspective on the room. Consider installing a dimmer so you can create the right mood any time of the day. While you're upgrading the lighting, be sure to replace old-style incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient ones that will last longer & cost less to operate.

8. Create a Gallery Wall. Hang multiple family photos and/or chic prints in varying frame styles & sizes on one wall of the living room.

9. Rearrange Your Furniture. Talk about a no-cost way to get a totally different look. Experiment with alternate furniture configurations & don't be afraid to move pieces from room to room.

10. Create a Recharging Drawer in the Kitchen. Clean out that junk drawer, add dividers & a power strip, & you have the perfect place for recharging your family's electronic devices.

11. Install a Ceiling Fan. Nothing says spring & summer like a ceiling fan wafting a gentle breeze through a room. Choose the style & size that's right for your space. Bonus: ceiling fans can help reduce energy bills by cheaply supplementing air-conditioning & heating.

12. Organize Your Mudroom. Whether it's a formal mudroom or a corner of the entryway, every house has a spot where shoes, backpacks, & other personal items collect. Organize that area with hooks for hanging & cubbies or shoe racks for storage.

13. Add a Display Shelf above a Doorway. A wooden shelf above a doorway is a great place to feature collectibles.

14. Add Vintage Glass to a Powder Room. Replace the ordinary doorknob on your powder-room door with a vintage or replica glass knob.

15. Install Decorative House Numbers. You can purchase decorative tile or glass numerals from a variety of sources.

16. Stencil Something Fun. Add animal or character stencils to the walls of a child's room, staircase or kitchen, or patio table for a quick artsy take.

17. Add a Ceiling Medallion. Draw attention to a light fixture by installing a decorative ceiling medallion that is a slightly different color than the ceiling.

18. Replace a Kitchen Faucet. A new kitchen faucet can be practical & decorative but also can control water flow, saving money.

19. Pressure Wash Siding & Walkways. Power washing exterior home areas makes siding & walkways look fresh.

20. Hang a New Mirror in the Bathroom. A decorative framed mirror in place of a standard bathroom mirror adds interest, elegance & even light to the space.

Home Improvements You Can Do in 24 Hours or Less

Continued on next page

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Grilling Safety

There’s nothing like outdoor grilling. It’s one of the most popular ways to cook food. But, a grill placed

to close to anything that can burn is a fire hazard. They can be very hot, causing burn injuries. Follow

these simple tips and you will be on the way to safe grilling.

21. Put a Decorative Decal in the Laundry Room. Create some fun in the laundry area by add-ing a decal with a humorous saying, such as "Life Is Too Short to Fold Fitted Sheets!"

22. Make Your Own Art with a Shower Curtain. Love large-scale artwork but have a small-scale budget? Use wood to frame a decorative shower curtain & turn it into wall art.

23. Upgrade Bathroom Towel Storage. Replace those builder-issued towel bars & rings with decorative options that add pizzazz.

24. Wash Windows. What's the one spring DIY task that will make all the others in your home look even better? Washing the windows to allow spring & summer sunlight into your home. Trying just a few of these easy home improvement tasks is a fast way to perk up your home for spring & summer.

Home Improvements You Can Do in 24 Hours or Less, cont’d.

Grilling is one of America's favorite warm-weather pastimes. While you should always practice fire safety, among other basic grilling safety tips, there are other safety issues to keep in mind. These are safety tips you may not normally consider, like helping keep bees, wasps & other pests away as you grill. One of the last things you probably want to worry about when you’re fine-tuning your famous burgers or ribeye steak is dodging bites & stings!

Here are some ways to help make sure that your grilling technique & meat tenderness are the only things you’ll have to worry about around the grill.

Do’s & Don’ts to help keep pests away while grilling Do

• Mow lawn before grilling • Remove areas of standing water • Remove trash from grilling area • Inspect grill & surrounding area for wasp nests & other pests • Keep Food Covers • Clean grill & dining area thoroughly after each use

Don’t • Wear perfume or floral scents • Wear bright colors or pattered clothes • Leave sugary drinks or sweets out • Swat at bees or wasps

How to help keep wasps away while grilling Before you begin grilling, carefully inspect your grill & the surrounding area for any signs of wasps or wasp nests. Wasp nests can differ in appearance, but they’re umbrella-shaped, made of paper & are generally located in areas with some protection, like:

• In the corners of windows • Underneath soffits • Under porches & awnings • Below decks

However, wasps have been known to build nests in other protected places, like in hose reels, electric outlet boxes & even inside gas grills. So when you’re grilling, keep your sauces & beverages covered to help keep wasps away. If wasp nests are present, either outside or inside your grill, then they will need to be removed.

How to help keep bees away while grilling Bees are drawn to floral scents & bright colors, so before you’re ready to grill, skip the fragrant shampoo & perfume & stick to un-patterned clothes in muted colors. You may also want to avoid wearing dark colors & reds, as some bees may associate these colors with their natural predators, in turn seeing you as a threat.

You can help prevent bees from joining your BBQ by cleaning up immediately after cooking and/or eating outside. If you spill any sweet drinks or sodas, mop them up immediately, as the sugar can attract bees. Also, make sure any outside trash is away from the grilling area, sealed properly & removed frequently.

If bees are around you, try to avoid being stung by not swatting at them. Instead of swatting, you should move away calmly in a straight line. However, there are some more aggressive bees who may still find you as a threat & sting you. That's why it's best to take proper measures to try to avoid attracting them in the first place.

When it comes to outdoor pests, prevention is the best solution. During grilling season, keep your lawn mowed to help deter any pests that like to hang out in tall grasses & weeds. Also make sure to remove any areas of standing water that can harbor mosquitoes or other insects that are drawn to water. After your barbecue is over, remove all food & thoroughly clean your grill & dining surfaces to help prevent ants from taking over.

A little planning can help you enjoy grilling without interference from pests.

NOT YOUR NORMAL GRILLING SAFETY TIPS

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Saturday morning,

June 17th, one of our CWP noticed the

remains of a dark gray cat on Berkeley. Beware the coyotes are

active in the area. It goes without saying that coyotes normally do not hang out or come out during the middle of the day. Be extra careful on

your walks. Be extra careful on your pets & children when they go outside to play.

Please consider feeding your outdoor animals during the day & bring in any leftovers before dark.

I know it’s difficult to keep feral or outside cats close to home but do the best you can. I would not suggest leaving your small dogs outside at night or all day without supervision since coyotes easily jump fences. I have loaded information about coyotes from the Humane Society of the US on the CPNA website www.collegepark-richardson.com

We must to learn to live with the wildlife like most other cities in the US.

This is another reminder to keep your outdoor cats indoors, especially at night. Keep dogs on a leash when walking them. Discourage Coyotes from Visiting Your Yard

Coyotes are commonly found in suburbs & cities such as Richardson throughout the year & are sometimes seen in groups in the summer or fall, as pups born in the spring grow older. Coyotes are generally not dangerous to people, but they can present a danger to small pets. If you have a concern about an unusually aggressive coyote, please contact Animal Services at 972-744-4480.

Coyotes are most often seen at dawn & dusk, but they can be active any time of day. Their regular diet is small animals such as rabbits, rodents & insects, but they will eat anything. Small dogs & cats can become prey if wild animals are scarce or if coyotes have become used to scavenging for pet food or garbage in neighborhoods.

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THEY ARE BACK - Coyote Warning

You can discourage coyotes by:

• Not feeding them or other wildlife. • Securing garbage containers & eliminating

garbage odors. • Feeding your pets indoors, if possible. If your

pets are fed outdoors, be sure to remove any

leftover food. • Placing bird feeders well above coyotes’

reach. • Keeping pets confined to securely fenced

areas. Walk dogs on a leash & keep cats

indoors. • Making fences at least 6 feet high & extending

6 inches below ground level. • Using bright lights & making loud noises to

discourage coyotes from staying.

If a coyote visits your yard, wave your arms,

shout, & spray it with a water hose to keep

coyotes from losing their natural fear of humans.

Learn more at cor.net/index.aspx?page=1791.

Coyote sighting request – I have been corresponding with Richardson Animal Control regarding coyotes – they have asked me to keep them informed about sightings. If you see a coyote, please make note of the time (approximate ok) & location — send email, text, or call – Patti Glenn 972-900-9188 pattiglenn@tx.rr.com - I will not be releasing your name and it will only go to animal control.

On-Trend Backsplash Ideas A backsplash can be the focal point of a kitchen, or complement other decorative elements. Here are five backsplash options that are on-trend right now.

Glazed subway tile—These rectangular, sleek tiles can be glazed in almost any color, allowing you to get the exact shade you're looking for. Penny tiles—Penny-sized tiles are making an appearance in kitchens, giving the room a glassy pop of color and unique design. Blend with counters-Streamline the counters & the backsplash by using the same solid material for both, like stone or marble. Stainless steel-Use stainless steel bricks & silver grout to give your kitchen a clean and chic, industrial look. Patterned-Make your backsplash a geometric eye-catcher by choosing a diamond pattern, or by alternating pairs of horizontal and vertical rectangular tiles.

Planting leafy trees around the exterior will stop the sun from shining inside your home. Even for the cost of buying a 15- to 20-foot-tall tree, trees are still the best value. Window films are transparent, metalized sheets that reflect heat before it can be transmitted through glass into your home.

Set your air conditioner's thermostat to 78° F when you're at home. But, let that number rise to a higher temperature at night or when you're not at home. You can save 5% to 15% on your air conditioning bills by raising the temperature setting on your thermostat when you're away & don't need cooling, according to the U.S. Dept of Energy.

Fans are the keys to circulate air inside the house. If possible, operate fans on your home's upper level. Moving air also helps evaporate the perspiration from your skin. Set your ceiling fan to blow "Downward" in the summer & "Upward" in the fall.

Stop stove-top boiling & oven baking during hot spells. Reduce indoor heat by making microwave nachos or eating a cool salad. If you must boil pasta for tomorrow's potluck, cook in the evening.

After cooking, turn on the kitchen exhaust & turn on the bathroom exhaust fan after a hot shower. Remove heat & moisture at the source. Reducing humidity can help increase comfort.

AC efficiency is mostly a function of the technology. Keep the filter clean to allow for good air movement & keep the unit level so the condensation drains properly.

If you replace your older air conditioner with a newer unit, you could reduce your energy costs by half, according to the Dept of Energy. Look for a high-energy-efficiency ratio (called SEER) or an Energy Star-qualified unit. Higher SEER ratings mean more cool air for each kilowatt of electricity used.

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HOME TIPS TO KEEP YOU COOL THIS SUMMER

Family gatherings, barbecues, poolside afternoons, & fun outdoor activities are in full swing--the dog days of summer have officially arrived! Your dog or cat is a member of your family & it's always fun to include them in your summertime soirées, but are they prepared to withstand the heat? Following are safety tips to make sure your pets stay safe this summer

1. Provide Plenty of Clean Water & Shade Dehydration in dogs & cats is a real possibility during the summer, especially if your pet is the type to run & play outside for long periods of time without drinking water. Signs of dehydration include dry gums, loss of skin elasticity & excessive drooling. Make sure your pet has a place to escape from the direct sunlight--a shady tree or canopy are great spots to rest.

2. Never Leave Your Pet in Your Car Leaving your pet in a car for a few minutes might not seem like a big deal, but it can lead to a heat stroke & death in dogs & cats. In bright sunshine, your car practically acts like an oven, becoming much hotter inside than the outside air. On a 90° day, the inside of your car can reach 160°. Take your pet with you or leave him/her at home during trips.

3. Watch for Unknown Grassy Knolls Pets love to run, play & investigate grassy areas. But did you know many lawns are treated with fertilizers & pesticides during the summer? Keep your pet safe this summer by keeping them off unknown grassy areas or find a safe spot, like a dog park. Tall grass is also a favorite hiding spot for snakes when the weather gets hot.

4. Watch for Hot Asphalt When the temperature is high, don’t let your dog stay on hot asphalt. Being so close to the ground, your pet’s body can heat up quickly, & sensitive paws will burn. Keep walks during these times to a minimum

5. Do Not Leave Pets Unattended Unsupervised Around Water Do not leave pets unsupervised when you’re out with them. Introduce your pets to water gradually & make sure they wear flotation devices when on boats.

Dog Summer Safety Tips

*Rushing into a remodel: this is a classic mistake people make when renovating. You should never even consider doing any demolition work until every detail has been considered & planned for. The end project should be planned for before you begin the project.

* Paying more for building materials than you need to : shop around & ask your contractor if they get special pricing on materials. Sometimes you may pay more for a contractor but what you save in materials cost makes it well worth it.

* Using cheap materials : what you save up front when you buy cheap materials may seem enticing but may end up costing you much more in the long run. Don't skimp on materials as it will not pay off.

* Not getting lien releases when you make pay-ments : this is by far one of the biggest mistakes a homeowner makes when renovating. When work is finished & you are asked to pay, make sure you get a lien release. Know the laws in your state that pertain to construction liens.

* Ignoring safety procedures : there are safety procedures that need to be adhered to when you have anyone working in your home. If you have someone working on your roof for example make sure that they are tethered or are using the right safety equipment.

* Cutting corners to save money : when renovating you need to do things correctly because one thing affects many other things. Don't cut corners when renovating because what you save in one area will cost you in another.

* Focusing on décor only & not on quality construction : you see this kind of renovation when people "flip" houses. They are often more concerned with the décor & the quality of construction can suffer.

* Forgetting to consider floor plan flow : often times homeowners forget to have a space plan made before they begin. The smallest detail is critical when renovating, even a simple detail like not allowing enough space in a dining room for chairs to be pulled out from the dining table is essential to having a functional space.

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*Not getting the right permits : this is one of the biggest mistakes people make when renovating. Even though you will have to get an inspection from your local inspector at the permitting office, this can save you thousands of dollars in the event something was done wrong in the process. Inspectors are there to make sure the work is done correctly. You will not get a permit if it is not done correctly. Although it may be inconvenient, this is a very good thing for the home owner.

* Hiring non licensed trades : make sure the trades you are working with are licensed to do the type of work they are doing for you ; plumbers, electricians, etc.

* Choosing the cheapest contractor : the best contractor for the job is not necessarily the cheapest. If your only criteria for hiring a contractor is price then you will probably be disappointed. Your contractor is an essential part of a successful remodel & price is only one of the criteria in making your decision.

* Choosing the first contractor you hire: hiring a contractor should take time & careful consideration. Don't hire the first person you meet with. Meet with at least three contractors & interview them with a list of questions that you ask to each of them. Make sure they understand your time expectations & that you have good rapport with them.

* Incorrect measuring for cabinets : never measure for your own cabinets; have a professional do the measuring

* Choosing trendy or dramatic colors & finishes -just because you like something doesn't mean everyone else will. Dramatic or trendy colors limit the buying pool if you are selling. Before you do any remodel you have to consider why you are doing the remodel. Is it for form & function or is it for design & decor?

* Not adding a contingency for budget overages : just because you have a budget doesn't mean every line item will be exact. You have to allow for budget overages. If you don't you will most certainly be very disappointed when you find yourself having to write the check you never planned on writing.

Continued on next page

Remodeling/Renovation Mistakes by Denise Lones, The Lones Group

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The scorching summer months mean your A/C has to work overtime & your bill takes the heat. But if you focus on keeping yourself cool, your A/C doesn't have to do all the heavy lifting. These simple tips will help you beat the heat & lower your electricity bill — because no one should get burned by high summer bills.

Close out heat - Reduce incoming heat by up to 33%. Simply close your blinds & turn them face up during the day.

Enjoy 6° of savings - Set your thermostat at 78°.You'll spend 6 – 18% less on cooling than if you kept it at 72°. You can also set it higher when no one’s home.

Keep the savings in - Seal air leaks with caulking & weather stripping. It's one of the most cost-effective ways to save on cooling.

Ditch incandescent bulbs - They radiate 90% of their energy as heat. Replace them with LEDs — these bulbs radiate 75% less heat & last up to five times as long.

Sleep cool from head to toe - Rest your head on a cooling pillow — your head gives off more heat than you think. Also, use cotton sheets; they’re lighter & offer more ventilation.

Dive into relief - A kiddie pool is an inexpensive way to keep both your little rascals & furry friends cool & happy all summer long.

Scrub faster. Save more - Take shorter showers to reduce the amount of energy your water heater uses. And be sure to use the bathroom fan to get rid of heat & humidity afterward.

Feel fantastic - Set your fans to run counterclockwise, keeping the warm air higher up. Also, fans cool people, not empty rooms. Turn them off when you leave

& save up to 8% on cooling costs.

Additional Tips

*Wash your clothes in cold or warm water to cut energy usage per load in half. Hang washed clothes outdoors or lay flat to dry inside.

*Air dry dishes instead of using the dishwasher's drying heater.

*Keep your fridge temperature between 35-38° & your freezer at 5°.

Remodeling/Renovation Mistakes, cont’d * Choosing appliances last is a huge mistake : many homeowners work with a kitchen designer to work on their cabinet design but leave the appliance selection until later. They often want to see how much money they have left but this is a very bad idea because appliances need to be picked up front, especially when allotting for space or extra amenities such as a downdraft vent in a cooktop.

* Skimping on storage -storage is extremely important especially if you are going to resell after the renovation; don't forget to maximize the storage space in any renovation.

The key to a successful renovation is choosing the right contractor, doing your homework & planning before you ever swing a hammer or write a check. Knowing these common mistakes can help you make the right choices when renovating.

Cool Off Your Summer Electricity Costs

*Use an automatic timer on your pool pump & limit to 8 hours of pumping /day.

*Go big on BBQ. Grilling outside keeps your kitchen cool & electricity costs down.

*Change your filters at least once every three months & have your A/C equipment checked by a professional every year.

Continued In Next Column

Crime Tip: Have your keys in hand & ready when walking to or from your vehicle to avoid having to stop & search at your most vulnerable point.

Crime Tip: Get a burglar alarm installed that is monitored & has an audible signal. Place signs in your yard & stickers on your windows indicating the home has an alarm system. Make sure you obtain a City permit for the alarm.

Crime Tip: If you have a home with a sliding glass door, install a slide bar & pin. An old broom handle will work as a slide bar & you can drill a small hole in the top of the door frame & place a nail in the hole to prevent the door from being raised up.

Crime Tip: Know your neighbors. This rule applies to your home & your business. Learn what your neighbors drive & their work hours. If your neighbor works all day & you see a vehicle parked in their driveway that you have not seen before, this is suspicious. Call the police & let them determine if they have the right to be inside the property. Or call your neighbor & verify with them that someone is supposed to be at their residence.

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