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Copyright © 2009 Peel, Inc. Ranch Record - February 2009 �

Ranch Record February 2009 • Volume 3, Issue 2

News For The Residents of Blackhorse Ranch

Ranch Record

Go GreenGo PaperlessSign up to receive TheRanch Record in your inbox.Visit PEELinc.com for details.

Inside This IssueClay Road's AR Top Readers .... 3

Virus and Spyware ..................... 4

WRAP ........................................ 6

Cypress Cares ........................... 9

New Food Guide Pyramid for Preschoolers ............................ 10

and much more!!

SPEEDING IN BlackhorSE

raNchParkING oNThE STrEET

Mosthomeownershavesomespaceintheirgaragereservedforstorage–insomecasesmostofthegarage,therebynotleavingenoughroomfortheirvehicles.Consequently, many owners park their vehicles on the street making it difficult for otherstopassandcreatinghazardousconditionsforthechildren. Althoughwe’reallanxioustogethometobewithourfamilies,speedingandrecklessdrivingisagainstthelawandendangerseveryone.BlackhorseRanchisafamilyorientedcommunitywithmanychildren;forthatreasonbeforeyouspeedorparkonthestreet,pleaseconsidertheirwell-being.Also,childrenplayinginthestreetcanunknowinglycreateadangeroussituation,especiallyonheavilytraveledstreets;thedrivermaynotseethechild,especiallyintheeveningorafterdark. Weallknowthatchildrenhaveatendencytomoveaboutimpulsivelyandmayinadvertentlyrunintothestreet.Pleasedon’tletatragedyhappenbeforeparkingyour vehicle off the street or obeying the speed limit. For the benefit of all the residentsandchildren,andtheoverallappearanceofyourneighborhood,pleasedonotparkonthestreet.Makeaccommodationsinyourgarageordrivewayforyourvehiclesandkeepyourstreetsclearandsafeforallandplease,DONOTSPEEDINBLACKHORSERANCH.

Children are our greatest treasures, and we’re creating a threatto their safety by parking

on the streets and by speeding through Blackhorse Ranch.

HappyValentine's

Day!

2 Ranch Record - February 2009 Copyright © 2009 Peel, Inc.

Ranch Record

TheRanchRecordisaprivatepublicationpublishedbyPeel,Inc.Itisnotsanctionedbyanyhomeownersassociationororganization,norisitsubjecttotheapprovalofanyhomeownersassociationororganization,norisitintended,norimpliedtoreplaceanypublicationthatmaybepublishedbyoronbehalfofanyhomeownersassociationororganization.Atnotimewillanysourcebeallowed touse theRanchRecord Newslettercontents,orloansaidcontents,toothersinanyway,shapeorform,norinany media, website, print, film, e-mail, electrostatic copy, fax, or etc. for the purpose of solicitation, commercial use, or any use for profit, political campaigns, or other self amplification, under penalty of law without written orexpressedpermissionfromPeel,Inc.TheinformationinthenewsletterisexclusivelyfortheprivateuseofPeel,Inc.

Newsletter Article Submissions Interestedinsubmittinganarticle?Youcandosobyemailingblackhorse@peelinc.comorbygoing tohttp://www.peelinc.com/articleSubmit.php.Allnewsmustbereceivedbythe9thofthemonthpriortotheissue.Soifyouareinvolvedwithaschoolgroup,scouts,sportsetc–pleasesubmityourarticlesfor theRanchRecord. Personalnews for theStorkReport,TeenageJobSeekers,specialcelebrationsandmilitaryservicearealsowelcome.

IMPORTANT NUMBERSEMERGENCY NUMBERSEMERGENCY................................................................... 911Fire..................................................................................... 911Ambulance......................................................................... 911HarrisCountySheriff.........................................713-221-6000Cy-Fair Volunteer Fire Dept. Bus. Office..........281-550-6663

AREA hoSpITAlS Cy-FairMedicalCenter....................................281-897-3300NorthCypressMedicalCenter..........................281-477-0830WillowbrookMethodist....................................281-477-1000

SChoolSCy-FairISD........................................................281-897-4000WarnerElementarySchool................................281-213-1645SpillaneMiddleSchool..................................... 281-213-1645CyWoodsHighSchool...................................... 281-213-1727CyFairHighSchool..........................................281-897-4600

pUBlIC SERvICESCypress Post Office ........................................... 281-373-9125DriversLicenseInfo..........................................281-955-1100HarrisCountyTax............................................. 713-224-1919

NEwSlETTER pUBlIShERPeel,Inc..............................................................888-687-6444ArticleSubmissions.........................blackhorse@peelinc.comAdvertising...................................... [email protected]

TAXES • ACCOUNTING • BOOKKEEPING

TAX TIME IS HERECall Lisa Beitler CPA at 281-455-5625

to schedule your tax preparation

Visit me at my new Cypress Location13611 Skinner Suite 165, Cypress 77429 (In Fuerst Law Office)

• Personal and Business Tax returns• QuickBooks services including training• IRS problem resolution• Payroll preparation, Sales Tax, Property taxes• Financial statements• Small business set-up and consulting• Tax planning

“I am a full-service CPA offering a personalized

approach to your personal and business accounting needs in

Cypress, Texas.”

Lisa BeitlerCertified Public Accountant

17 years experienceTexas A&M Graduate

Cypress resident

“The Cypress CPA”281-455-5625

[email protected]

290 Cypress BusinessNetworking Group

The 290 Cypress Business Networking Group meets everyThursdaymorningat7:30amatNewk’sExpressCafé locatedatHwy290andSpringCypressintheKrogerShoppingCenterneartheCinemarkTheater.ThegroupisopentoallbusinessownersandprofessionalswhowanttoincreasetheirexposuretotheresidentsofCypressandthesurroundingareas.Thereisnocosttoattendthemeeting.Ifyouwouldlikemoreinformation,pleasecallKenParkerat281-384-1562.visit our new website at 290Cypress.com

Attention Kappa Delta Sisters … The Houston Northwest KappaDeltaAlumnaeAssociationholdsmeetingsthe4thTuesdayofeachmonthat6:30p.m.Visitwww.kdhnwaa.comforallthedetails.


Ranch Record

ClayRoadBaptistSchoolispleasedtoannounceitsARTopReadersinMiddleSchool(Grades6-8)fortheFall‘08semester.AcceleratedReader(AR)isacomputersoftwareprogramthathelpsteachersmanageandmonitorstudents’reading.Studentschooseabook at their level and read it at their own pace. When finished, the student takes a short quizonthecomputer.Thefollowingreadersearned20pointsormorelastsemester;

Katherine HulbertDaniel MuellerJeremy Nguyen Lauren NugentJared Pereira Beau Powell

Rebecca RoyallJeffrey SchultzRandal SchultzAmanda Sutherland Anderson Toups Phoebe Toups

Austin UlmerKristen WalkerKylee Waters

Not pictured: Daniel Bunch

Corrie AndrewsAshton Binkley Hannah Cochran Christian DixonYvonne Espinoza Andrew Harding

Clay Road's AR Top Readers

Spring Cypress at Skinner Road17255 Spring Cypress Road, Suite A

www.txercare.com

281-304-9113

Texas Emergency Care Center is open 24 hours a day.We’re committed to delivering comprehensive medical services in acomfortable environment with little to no wait time – day or night.

You’ll experience:• A full-service facility equipped with a complete laboratory,

radiology, CT scanning and cardiac monitoring.• Prompt, friendly and caring service.• Quality face time with a physician who is both emergency

residency-trained and Board Certified in Emergency Medicine.

After all, emergencies just can’t wait.

Ready or not ... we are.

NOW OPEN Emergency Room Open 24 Hours

All private insurance accepted.

Accredited by the Joint Commission ofAccreditation of Healthcare Organizationsfor our commitment to excellence.

TECS ad-newsletter 7.5x5-Peel:Layout 1 7/7/08 9:21 AM Page 1

� Ranch Record - February 2009 Copyright © 2009 Peel, Inc.

Ranch Recordvirus and Spyware and Mail… oh My!

Submitted by Laurie ScottHerewearein2009,andthedaysof

thinking that our anti-virus and anti-spywaresoftwarewillprotectusisover.Weliveinatimewhenorganizedcrimeallovertheworldistryingtoeithergetyour personal information directly orturningyourcomputerintoa“zombie”that without your knowledge attacksother computers or sends out spam.EvenApplecomputerhasposted(ratherquietly) a recommendation that Macusersconsiderusinganti-virussoftware.

The generic term for viruses, spyware,etc. is malware, and malware authors aregetting more and more creative in gettingtheirhandsintoyourcomputer.Aparticularlynastyapproachbeingusedistotrickyoubypoppingupawindowthatsaysyourcomputerisbeingscannedforviruses,andthatupwardsof40havebeenfound. It instructsyoutoclick on a button to download their “anti-virus”softwaretocleanyoursystem.When

youclickonthatbutton,you’vejustallowthespywareontoyoursystem.Itisaveryconvincing window and looks legitimate.Oncedownloaded,itaddsinsulttoinjurybytellingyouneedtopurchasethesoftwaretoactually remove the viruses. Of course, itdoesn’t remove any spyware or virus, andgettingyoutosendthemmoneyisjusticingontheircake.ThemostcommonnamesforthisprogramisWinAntiVirus2008(andnowa2009version)andProAntiSpyware.

The problem with these and manyothermalwareprogramsisthattheyareincreasingly difficult for your anti-virus and anti-spyware program to detectand almost impossible to completelyremove. Many threats appear beforethe anti-virus companies even have achancetoupdatetheirsoftware,leavingyoucompletelyunprotected.

Sohowcanyoukeepyourcomputersafe from such threats? The first thing

youmustdoisbesuretokeepyouranti-virusuptodate.Ifyoursubscriptionhasexpired,youshouldeitherrenewitorelseuseoneofthefreeanti-virusprogramslikeAVGFreeorAvast (theyhavepaidversionsbutyoudon’tneedthem).Microsoft’santi-spywareprogram“Defender”isincludedwithVistaandcanbedownloadedfreefromMicrosoftforWindowsXP.ThoughthethreatforMacsislow,programslikeClamXavandMacScan

(Continued on Page 5)


Ranch Recordareavailable,asareprogramsfromSymantecandMcAfee.

Nextiskeepyouroperatingsystemuptodate.BothMicrosoftandApplefrequentlyissueupdates,andit’sveryimportantyoupatchyourcomputerbeforethebadguyswormtheirwayin.

Finally and most important is your behavior when using yourcomputer.YoucanownaVolvoorMercedeswith12airbagsand5-wayseatbelts,butifyourbehavioristodrive120milesanhour,thosesafetyfeaturesaren’tgoingtohelpyouwhenyouhitasolidwall. Likewise,whenyou’reusingyourcomputer,don’tclickonlinksoropenattachmentsinemail,evenifit’sfromsomeoneyouknow–theymaynotevenknowtheysentit!Ifyou’reexpectingit,thenok.Don’tclickonemaillinksthatlookliketheycamefromyourbank,manypeoplehavegiventheirbankinglogininformationtothievesbecausetheythoughttheywereloggingintotheirbank,butreallyweren’t.IfyouuseInternetExplorer,besureyou’veupgradedtoversion7(clickonHelp|Abouttoseetheversionnumber.)Ifyou’reusingFirefox,youshouldbeusingversion3.Safariusersshouldbeat3.2(4.0willbereleasedsometime“soon”.)Don’tclickonpop-up’s,anddon’tdownloadmusicsharingsiteslikeLimeWire,wheremalwareisEVERYWHERE.Followthosefewtipsandyou'llenjoyamuchsafercomputingexperience.

virus & Spyware - (Continued from Page 4)


Ranch Record

Technology for Today’s Home

... News Submitted by Jill Fant

Jeans & Jewels Dinner-Dance and Silent

Auction– Feb 20thEntirecommunity–youarecordially

invitedtothe Jeans & Jewels Dinner-Dance and Silent AuctioninhonorofWRAP (Wildcats RightAfter Prom)!ThiseveningoffunwillbeatLindsayLakes onFriday,February20th from7:30-11:30–sosavethedate!

For ticket information please checkwebsite,cywoodswrap.orgorcontactcommitteechairMargaretMahoneybyphoneat281-351-1619orbyemailatdennisjmahoney@netzero.net

We are still accepting donationsfor the silent auction, please contactMargaretMahoney.

Mr. Cy woods Contest - Feb 26thparticipantsshouldplanonattending2rehearsalsafterschoolonTuesdayandWednesdaypriortotheevent.Onlyalimitednumberofcontestantsand escorts will be accepted based on a first come, first serve rule.

Admission tickets will be $10 and will bepresoldandatthedoor.AlsolimitedVIPSeatingwillbe$20(Youwillhaveaseatononeofthefirst four rows!)

WRAP is Cy-Woods High School’s parent-driven Project Prom organization. The purpose of WRAP is to provide a drug- and alcohol-free all-night party for the graduating seniors and their guests after their prom. Held at the CFISD Berry Center on May 22, 2009, from 11:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., it is a fun-filled evening of shows, games, activities, food, gifts and prizes! Website for WRAP is cywoodswrap.org

WRAP—WildcatsRightAfterProm, Inc.ourparentdrivenprojectpromorganizationwill be hosting the first Mr. Cy Woodscontest onThursday, February 26, 2009 at6:30pmintheCypressWoodsHighSchoolAuditorium.Theseniormenwillbejudgedin three categories: formal wear, swimsuitand talent. Senior class women will beescortingthecontestantsonstagethroughoutthe competition. Al’s Formal Wear ofWillowbrookwillbeprovidingthetuxesforthemen towear in thepageant. Ifyouareinterestedinparticipatingasacontestantoranescort,sendanemailtooneofthecommitteechairs: Suzanne Chaffin [email protected][email protected] is a $35.00 entry fee and all


Ranch RecordCypress Creek high School

Celebrates Spring Cougar DayHouston, TX, January 3, 2009 The Cypress Creek High SchoolAthletic Booster Club will behaving its annual spring fundraiser, Cougar Day, on Saturday,February7th,2009from12:00p.m.to5:00p.m.Thecommunityisinvitedtoparticipateintheday’sfestivities,whichwilltakeplaceattheCypressCreekHighSchoolfootballstadiumcomplex,9815GrantRoad,Houston. Featuredactivitiesare:BakedPotatoMealSale,SilentAuction,ConcessionStand,FacePainting,CakeWalk,andCougarSpiritItemssale.Thedaywillalsoshowcasethespringseasonboys’andgirls’sports:Baseball,Soccer,Softball,Track&Field,Swimming,Golf,WrestlingandTennis.Severaloftheteamswillhavescrimmagesordodemonstrations. AllfundsraisedwillgodirectlytosupportCypressCreek’sboys’andgirls’athleticprograms. Forfurther information,pleasevisit theCypressCreekAthleticBooster club website at www.cycreekabc.com or contact JeneaneSchultzat832-444-7607.

ATTENTIoN2009 CY-FAIR / CY-wooDS hIGh SChool SENIoRS

TheAultElementaryPTOawardsa$500scholarshiptoonemale andone female applicantwho is graduating fromeitherCy-FairHighSchoolORCy-WoodsHighSchoolandgraduatedfromAultElementary.Scholarshipapplicationsandguidelinescan be obtained from the Counselors’ office. The deadline for submittingapplicationsisApril10,2009.

HappyValentine’s Day!

281-256-2204Tues-Thurs 9AM - 7PM

Fri 9AM - 5PMSat 9AM-4PM

Salons at Stone Gate11734 Barker Cypress

(One block south of Hwy 290)

www.salonsatstonegate.com

Gift Certificates Available!

WelcomeAlecia Chadwick!

Accepting New Patients - Se Habla EspanolSame Day Appointments

Comprehensive Adult and Children Eye ExamsFull Glasses and Contact Lens Dispensary with In-house LaboratoryLASIK and Cataract EvaluationsManagement of Eye Infections and DiseasesNon-dilation Retinal Camera Available

••

•••

Authorized Merchantfor prescription

Maui Jim Sunglasses

Optimax VisiOnDr. Sharon U. Than

Therapeutic Optometrist

281-373-1163www.optimaxvision.com12344 Barker Cypress Road, Ste. 170

(north of 290 behind Randalls)

Use Your FlexibleSpending Accounts Here

Before the Year Ends!


Ranch RecordSoap Box Derby park Coming to Northwest harris County!!!

Greater Houston Soap Box Derby is hosting a Derby Day onSaturday,February28,2009,from10AMuntil2PMattheHockleyCommunityCenter,locatedat28515OldWashingtonRd.Thepublicisencouragedtocomeoutthatdaytoseethesoon-to-openHockleyDerbyParkandtolearnaboutSoapBoxDerbyracing.Therewillbesomethingforeveryone,bothyoungandold,andadmissionisfree.Derby Day events include Derby history and information, guidedtours of the hill, a display of cars representing all race divisions,constructionandspeedclinics,testdrivesofDerbycarsintheparkinglot,aPinewoodDerbyRace(bringyourownPinewoodDerbycar),andanexcitingpitcrewcontest.Foodanddrinkswillbeavailableatreasonableprices.For registration information&directions,pleasevisithoustonsoapboxderby.org. HockleyDerbyPark,whichisadjacenttothecommunitycenter,is currentlyunder constructionbyHarrisCountyPrecinct3 and isduetoopeninthefallof2009.Withtheopeningofthispark,GreaterHoustonSoapBoxDerbywillbeabletoprovidenotonlymoreracingeventsthanthe3eventsnowheldeachyearonthecurrentWestParkDrive Hill, but also accommodate a larger number of participantsandspectators.Thetrackwasdesignedtobethesamelength,heightand profile as “Derby Downs,” the All-American Soap Box Derby’s nationaltrackinAkron,Ohio. GreaterHoustonSoapBoxDerbyinviteslocalcivicorganizationsand companies to become an active partner in this truly unique

All-American youth tradition through event sponsorships and orvolunteering.About Greater houston and the All-American Soap Box Derby 2009isour19thYearofSoapBoxDerbyinHouston.SoapBoxDerbyracingisaseventy-two-year-oldAll-Americanyouthtradition.SoapBoxracersaregravitypoweredwithdriver-controlledsteeringandbrakes.Therearethreeracecardivisions–Stock,SuperStockandMasters–tomeetvaryingage,size,weightandskilllevels.ThecarsforallthreedivisionsareassembledfromkitspurchasedfromtheAll-AmericanSoapBoxDerbyinAkron,Ohio.AlimitednumberofloanercarsareavailablefornewdriversintheHoustonarea. The Super Kids program promotes Soap Box Derby racing forchildren with disabilities. Harris County Precinct 3, headed byCommissioner Steve Radack, has constructed eight specially builttwo-seat,dual-controlSuperKidscarsforuseinHouston’sDerby.All-AmericanLocalraceeventsareopentogirlsandboyswhoareatleast8yearsofage;NDRRallyracesareopentoyouthages7andup.RaceeventsaresanctionedbytheAll-AmericanSoapBoxDerby,NationalDerbyRallies,Inc.(NDR),andNationalSuperKidsClassic TheGreaterHoustonSoapBoxDerbyisacharitable,tax-exemptcorporation run by volunteers for the benefit of today’s youth.Website:www.houstonsoapboxderby.orgEmail:[email protected]:713/871-1304

CYPRESS DANCE STUDIOwww.cypressdance.com - 832-475-9142

Huge dance floor available forpractice, lessons & parties.

For kids & adults.

Ballroom | LatinCountry Western

Salsa | SwingBelly Dancing

Zumba | 2 left feet

Register online atwww.cypressdance.com

10% Off YOURNExT CLASS

Gift Certificates

Happy ValentinesOpen 7 days a week

25250 NW Fwy, Suite 280Corner of 290 & Skinner

next to Cypress Park n Ride

Copyright © 2009 Peel, Inc. Ranch Record - February 2009 9

Ranch Record

As 2009 is now underway, Cypress Cares would like toannouncethedatesthatwewillbeboxingupourcarepackagesfor the year. All boxing events will be held at the Cole’sCrossingCommunityCenter,locatedat13050BarkerCypressRoadatJarvisRoad.

Several of our packing days this year are specifically at times whenCyFairISDisnotinsessionsothatourstudentswillhaveanopportunitytobeinvolvedaswell.Thedatesareasfollows:

January31,10:00March14,10:00April25,10:00July8,12:00

August17,2:00October3,10:00

halloween Treats for TroopsNovember14,10:00

Christmas Trees and DecorationsDecember28,1:00

Christmas Break Service project for Cy Fair Students

CypressCareshasreceivedmorethankyounotesfromthetroopswhohavereceivedpackages.Visitourwebsite,www.cypress-cares.orgtoviewthetroopresponses,aswellasmorecurrentinformationaboutupcomingevents,donationideasandmore.

Ourtroopsneedanddeserveoursupport;getinvolvedtoday!

Come and explore the world ofPlayNation Play Systems

Quality Redwood & Cedar or Pine Swing Sets. We’re close to home at 20204 Schiel Rd.

LET KIDS BE KIDS

climb ~ swing ~ slide

www.PlayNationHouston.com281-923-2874

Featuring Play System Installation by Some Assembly Required

FREE DIABETES ClASSES oFFERED

onthe2ndSaturdayofeachmonthAtKindredHospitalHoustonNorthwest

11297FallbrookDr.

“IntroductiontoCarbohydrateCounting”8:30am-10:30am

“IntroductiontoInsulinPumpTherapy”10:30am–12:30pm

“AdvancedPumpingSkills&SupportGroup”

1:30–3:30RSVPpriortoeachclasstoTereKelly

at281-517-1008

�0 Ranch Record - February 2009 Copyright © 2009 Peel, Inc.

Ranch Record

Ifyou'reparentinga2-to5-year-old,chancesareyou'realltoofamiliarwiththepickypalatesofpreschoolers.Whetheryourtotisjustoccasionallypersnicketyoreverymealismetwithascrunched-upnose,astuck-outtongue,andatantrum,nodoubtyoucouldusesomenutritionaladvice,nowandthen,forfeedingyourdiscriminatinglittlediner. EntertheU.S.DepartmentofAgriculture(USDA),withitsbrandnew"MyPyramidforPreschoolers"website.Usingguidancebasedon current scientific research and the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (the government's most recent recommendations), theinteractivesitewillhelpparentsandcaregivers:

createacustomizedeatingplanforpreschoolers(usingsamplemealsandsnacksthatcantranslateintoaprintable,fridge-door-worthypersonalizedplan)helpkidsdevelophealthiereatinghabitsandbemorephysicallyactivefigure out if kids are growing as they should, by looking at things likeBodyMassIndex(BMI)andHeight-for-Agecharts

What This Means to You Gettingpreschoolers to eat—andeatwell— isoftena test inpatience,persistence,andcreativity.Butitallboilsdowntorealizing(andlearningtolivewiththefact)thateatingornoteatingisoftenhowpreschoolersexpressthatthey'rebecomingincreasinglyindependentbigkidswiththeirowntastesandopinions. "Foodjags"—whenkidswillonlyconsumecertainthingsandrejectmostothers—areacommon,albeitaggravatingpartofearlychildhood,especiallytheage2to5set.Sure,youmaywanttothrowin the dishtowel every time your 2-year-old hurls the peas on the floor oryourpreschoolersticksanoseupattheporkchops.Butyoucan'tlettheirperpetualpickinessruletheroost. Tohelpmakepreschoolersmoreopen-mindedaboutwhattheyputintheirmouths,trythesetips:

Set and stick to a daily meal and snack time schedule.Youngchildrenusuallyneed threemealsand twoor threenutritioussnacksaday.pay attention to portion sizes and timing of snackssotheydon'tinterferewithappetitesforthenextscheduledmeal.Be creative with snack choicessoyou'llgetthemostnutritiousbangforyourbuck.Combinetwoormorefoodgroups—likegrahamcrackerswithcreamcheeseandbananas,pearsliceswithcheese,whole-wheatminipitaswithhummusandcucumbersorshreddedcarrots,orwhole-graincrackerswithpeanutbutterandjelly(ifallergiesaren'tanissueathomeorschool).

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Include your preschoolers in the action.Lookforrecipeswithingredientsyourkidslikeandinvitethemtojoinyoutoshopfor,cook,andservethefood.Preschoolersfeelimportantwhengrown-upswelcometheirassistance.Thentheyenjoyasweetsenseofprideinwhattheyhelpedtoprepare.Reel in the junk food, but don't ban it altogether. If youcompletelyforbidcertainfoods,kidsaremuchmorelikelytowantthemevenmore.So,it'sOKtoallowsomespecialtreatseveryonceinawhile.Don't cook special meals just for picky eaters.Servethesamethingforthewholefamily,butincludenewchoicesalongsidesomethingyouknowyourkidslike.let them feel like they have a choice.Thatdoesn'tmeanlettingthempickouttheirsnacksormeals.Itmeanspresentingthemwithhealthyoptions,thenallowingthemtodecidewhethertoeat,whattoeatontheirplates,andhowmuchtoeat.Don't expect kids to be "clean-platers."Letchildrenrecognizetheirowninternalcuesthattellthemwhenthey'rehungryandwhenthey'refull.Encourage trying at least one biteofdifferentnutritiousfoodsateachmeal,butdon'tbargainforbitesorusedessertasareward.Ifyoutellkidstheycanhaveacookieiftheyeattheirspinachthatonlymakesthetreatseemthatmuchmoreappealingthantheveggies.Plus,itcreatesmealtimetensionandsetsthestageforapowerstruggle.Be persistent.Itmaytakeawhileforlittleeaterstoacceptnewtastesandtextures—youmayhavetopresentafoodupto15timesbeforethey'lltryit.Say no to soda and too much juice(nomorethan4to6ouncesofjuiceperdayforpreschoolers).Waterandmilkaretheonlybeverageskidsreallyneed.Butavoidservinganydrinkrightbeforemealsthatmightspoiltheirappetite.Serve smaller portions,whicharelessoverwhelmingforkids.Plus,biggerportionsmayencourageovereating.Create positive peer pressure.Lookforopportunitiesforkidstoeathealthywithfriends(athome,playgroups,orschool).Set a good example.Sitdownforfamilymealstogetherandmakesureyourkidsseeyouenjoyingthesamewholesomefoodsyou'reexpectingthemtoeat.Get more inventive as they grow. Create food faces. Offercondiments,dressings,anddips(likepeanutbutter,applesauce,ranchdressing,yogurt,creamcheese,guacamole,orsalsadip)fordunkinganddecorating.Servecolorfulfruitsandveggies

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New Food Guide

Pyramid for

Preschoolers

NoT AvAIlABlE oNlINE

Copyright © 2009 Peel, Inc. Ranch Record - February 2009 ��

Ranch Record

�2 Ranch Record - February 2009 Copyright © 2009 Peel, Inc.

Ranch Record

Classified AdsPersonal classifieds(onetimesellitems,suchasausedbike...)runatnochargetoBlackhorseRanchresidents,limit30words,[email protected] classifieds (offering a service or product line for profit) are $50, limit 40 words, please contact Peel, Inc. Sales Office @ [email protected].

Bashans Painting & Home Repair

• Interior & Exterior• 20 Years Experience• Hardiplank Installation• Wood Replacement• Pressure Washing• Sheetrock Repair & Texturing• Cabinet Painting• Door Refi nishing & Replacement• Wallpaper Removal• Custom Staining• Fence Replacement or Repair

Commercial/ResidentialFree Estimates

281-347-6702

References Available • Fully InsuredNO PAYMENT UNTIL COMPLETION

281-731-3383cell

[email protected]

Walk-Ins Welcome

281-256-228610750 Barker Cypress, Suite 114

(1 mile south of 290)

Sun & Mon: ClosedTue-Thur: 9:30am-7:30pm

Fri: 9:30am - 5:30pmSat: 9:00am - 4:00pm

Gift Certificates Available.




Ranch Record

When we say “Nobody Outcleans The Maids”® we mean it. When you hire us, we’ll assign youa team that’s bonded, insured, uniformed, fully trained, supplied with state-of-the-art equipmentand ready to give you a healthier, more thorough clean than you’ve ever experienced before.

Some things we’ll always do. Our 22-Step Healthy Touch® Deep Cleaning System

Kitchen• Clean sink • Clean appliance exteriors• Clean inside microwave• Clean range top• Damp wipe cabinet doors• Clean counters• Hand wash floor• Load dishwasher

Bathrooms• Clean sinks, counters; change towels• Clean, disinfect toilets, tubs, showers• Hand wash, disinfect floors

All Rooms• Pick up and straighten• Dust sills, ledges, wall hangings• Remove cobwebs• Dust/vacuum furniture• Vacuum floors, carpets• Vacuum stairs• Vacuum under beds• Change linens, make beds• Empty trash

Windows• Clean entry window & one

set of patio door windows• Clean window over kitchen sink

When was the last time someone got down on hands

and knees and cleaned yourbathroom floors?

100% Satisfaction GuaranteeCall us within 24 hours after yourclean. If we didn't clean somethingto your satisfaction, we will recleanit – free of charge.

Call today for a FREE, no obligationestimate right over the phone.

832-593-7500www.maids.com

Make your own candy for Valentine’s Day! Valentine’sDay isThursday,February14…andit’sareallyreallybigholiday!AccordingtotheGreetingCardAssociation,anestimatedonebillionvalentinecardsaresenteachyear,makingValentine’sDaythesecondlargestcard-sendingholidayoftheyear.Sincemanyfolksgivecandyalongwiththeircards,thisyearyoumighthavefun making your own candy. Put somepieces of homemade white divinity in aclearbagtiedwitharedorpinkribbon,andyourgiftissuretogeneratesweetthoughts(and probably some hugs and kisses aswell)!Therearemanyrecipesfordivinity,all fairly similar; so pick one from yourfavoritecookbookorInternetsite,andstartcooking.It’seasytomake;andifyou’reaWeightWatchersmember,thiscandywon’tsabotageyourgoodefforts—it’sonlyonepointperpiece!

Divinity2eggwhites•1/2cupwater

1/2cuplightcornsyrup•2cupswhitesugar MIXtogetherwaterandcornsyrupinaheavypan,andbringtoaboil.Addsugarandcontinueboilinguntildissolved.Continuecookingovermediumheat,withoutstirring,tothehard-ballstage(about250°onacandythermometer). WHILEsyrupmixtureiscooking,beateggwhitesinalargebowluntiltheyjustholdtheirshape.Whenthesyrupisready,pouritslowlyovertheeggwhitesinasteadythinstream,whippingslowlyatthesametime.Donotscrapepan. BEATcandymixtureuntil candycanbedroppedontowaxedpaper intopiecesthatholdtheirshape.(Thiscantakeawhile.)YIELD:40pieces(about1-1/2poundsofcandy)WeightWatchersPoints:1pointperpiece

�� Ranch Record - February 2009 Copyright © 2009 Peel, Inc.

Ranch Record

Meet RebeckaAswelookforwardto2009,maybewehavekidsgraduatingfromhighschool,maybeweourselvesdecidedtogobacktoschool,ormaybe

wearelookingforwardtoacareerchange.Eitherway,wearelookingforwardtothisyearwithoptimismandhope–hopeforhealthandhappiness.Whateverourgoalsareforthenewyear,thechildreninfostercareremaininprettymuchthesameplace,withthesamegoals.Yousee,thechildrenwereremovedfromtheirhomes,fromtheirfamilies–notbecauseofsomethingtheydid,butsomethingtheirparentsdid.Now,theyliveinatemporaryfostercaresystemwonderingwhatthefutureholds.Fostercareisatimeforthesechildrentoheal,butitisnottheend.Itissupposedtobeatemporarysystemuntilthechildrencanmoveontopermanency,andpermanencybeingthesafe,stableandlovingfamilythatwillbethereforthemforever.

MeetRebecka.Shehasbeeninfostercareafewyearsandhashopes.Herbiggesthopeisthatsomeonewillloveherenoughtoclaimher.Herotherhopesincludetheperson,orfamily,beingpatientenoughforhertolearnandgrow,andcatchupforallofthetimemissed.Forsomechildren,theyneedthatoneononetime,thetimetobespecial,thetimetofeeltheobjectofothersattention.

Rebecka,11,isanactive,intelligentandengagingchild,whoneedsdirection,andassistanceinstayingfocused.Rebeckalikestoread,listentocountrymusic,sing,attendchurchandplaywithfriends.Rebeckaistalented,intelligentandagiftedvocalist.Shelikestoplaywithkidsherage.Rebeckahowever,atthistime,requiressupervisionwhilewithpeers.Sheviesforattention.Sheisayounggirlwithabeautifulsmileandalotofpotential.Althoughshemayexhibitchallengingbehaviors,shewillthrivewithacommittedfamily.

Rebecka would benefit from being adopted by parents who have strong parenting skills. Rebecka will need time to bond. She would benefit from a permanent placement with aloving,supportiveandunderstandingfamilywhereshecontinuetogrowandlearn.Rebeckaneedsconsistentcarefromparentswhowillpromoteherfuturesuccess.Ifyouwouldliketolearnmoreaboutadoptionfromfostercare,pleasecontacttheAdoptionCoalitionofTexasatinfo@adopttexas.orgor512-301-2825.IfyouareinterestedinlearningmoreaboutRebecka, contactGraceLindren,LMSW,Wendy’sWonderfulKidsRecruiter/AdoptionCoalitionofTexas

512-687-3209/fax512-692-2540,[email protected],youcanviewastorywithRebeckaonNews8AustinForever

Families~ justclick the link:http://www.news8austin.com/content/living/forever_families/?ArID=226023&SecID=428

Photo Courtesy of the Adoption Coalition of Texas/The Heart Gallery of Central TexasPhoto by HJ Brockway, Photo Gusto


Ranch RecordA Special Invitation to

All women in the CommunityEyewitness to Majesty: Abandoning Self for Christ

with Mindy FergusonCome, walk along with Peter as an eyewitness to the life of Christ.

Watch Peter transform from Simon the ordinary fisherman, to Peter fisher of men.Peter will encourage you and inspire you.

But most of all, he will challenge you to abandon self for Christ. AllwomeninthecommunityareinvitedtojoinusonTuesdayeveningsatGoodShepherdUnited Methodist Church in Fairfield for this eleven-week Bible study, featuring author andCypressresident,MindyFergusonofFruitfulWordMinistries.Eachweekwewillcometogetherfor90minutesoffellowship,music,prayerandin-depthteachingbyMindy.Childcareisfreewithadvancereservations.Pleasecomeandbringafriend!

DATES: Tuesdayevenings,Feb.3rd-Apr.21st

TIME: 7:00to8:30p.m.

loCATIoN:GoodShepherdUMC,20155Cypresswood

Drive, Fairfield Subdivision(290andMasonRd)

CoST:$13.00forworkbook

To REGISTER CoNTACT:Good Shepherd UMC office at

281-373-2273orAynneDaugherty([email protected])at

281-373-1822VisitMindy’sministrywebsiteat:www.Fruitfulword.org

The Ranch Record is a monthlynewsletter mailed to all BlackhorseRanch residents. Each newsletterincludesvaluableinformationaboutthecommunity,localareaactivities,schoolinformationandmore. If you are involved with a schoolgroup,playgroup,scouts,sportsactivity,social group, etc. and would like tosubmitanarticleforthenewsletteryoucan do so online at www.PEELinc.comoryoucanemail [email protected]. PersonalnewsfortheStorkReport,Teenage Job Seekers, specialcelebrations, birthday announcementsandmilitaryservicearealsowelcome.

A newsletter for Blackhorseresidents by Blackhorse residents.

The Ranch Record


Ranch Record

March 14 & 15, 2009

2nd Annual

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long Term Care: Manage the CostsSubmitted by Rich Keith

Yearly long term care costs haveincreased 15% since 2004 to nearly$75,000in2007.And75%ofAmericanshavenolongtermcareplans. A recent survey from GenworthFinancial's 2007 Cost of Care Surveyfound the average national cost ofcarefornursinghomes,assistedlivingfacilities and in thehomehas steadilyincreasedover thepast fouryears andhasreachednewhighsthatexceedmosthouseholdincomesintheU.S.Therisingcostsoflongtermcaremay, therefore, present difficulties for many Americans should theyneedtopayforlongtermcareoutoftheirownpockets. AseparatenationalpollconductedbyPublicOpinionStrategiesforGenworthFinancialwithinputfromtheAlzheimer'sAssociationfoundthat75percentofAmericanshavemadenolongtermcareplansand59percentexpressedconcernaboutbeingabletopayforlongtermcare.Almosthalfoftherespondents(44percent)incorrectlybelievethatMedicareortheirprivatehealthinsurancewillpayfortheirlongtermcareneeds.Inactuality,healthinsurance

and the federal Medicare program donotgenerallycoverlongtermcare. Genworth'sannualbenchmarkstudysurveyedmorethan11,000nursinghomes, assisted living facilities andhomecareproviders.Itwasconductedby CareScout between January andFebruary2007togainacomprehensiveviewof longtermcareexpenses.Thesurvey is available atwww.genworth.com.

Accordingtothesurvey,theaveragenationalcostin2007ofasingleyearinaprivatenursinghomeroomis$74,806.Toputthisintocontext,oneyearinaprivatenursinghomeroomcostsnearlyoneandahalftimestheaveragefull4-yearcollegedegreeintheU.S.,includingtuition,roomandboard.NotetheCollegeBoard'snationalaverageforpubliccollegesis$51,184forfouryears,makingasingleyearinanursinghome46percentmoreexpensive. Thecostofassistedlivingfacilitieshasalsoincreasedsharply



Ranch Recordinthelastfouryears,bymorethan13percent,toanewannualaveragecostof$32,573foraone-bedroomunit. Ifgiventhechoicebetweencareinafacilitysuchasanursinghomeoranassistedlivingfacilityandcareathome,75%ofnationalpollrespondentssaidtheywouldprefercareathome.However,thehourlyrateforahomehealthaidehasincreased2.7percentsinceGenworth's2004CostofCareSurvey.Theaveragecostfora40-hourperweekhomehealthaide–$52,977ayear–ismorethanthemedianhouseholdincomeintheU.S.of$46,272. TheAlzheimer'sAssociationrecentlyreportedthattheprevalenceof Alzheimer's disease has increased 10 percent in the last five yearsandthatsomeoneinAmericadevelopsAlzheimer'severy72seconds.Seventy-twopercentofpollrespondentssaidthatthepossibilityofdevelopingAlzheimer'sdiseasemakesplanningfortheirlongtermcaremoreimportanttothem.Followingarekeyfindings from the survey, broken out by major category. NursingHomes:Theaverageannualnationalcostofaprivateroom in a nursing home is $74,806 or $204 per day, reflecting a 14.8percentincreaseover2004rates.Thisremainsthemostcostlycareoption. AssistedLiving:Aprivateone-bedroomunitinanassistedlivingfacilityhasanaverageannualcostof$32,573,a13percentincreasesince2004.

Home Care:The average hourly rate for Medicare/Medicaidcertified and state licensed home health aides is $25.47 an hour, a costthattranslatestoa$52,977peryearfor40hoursperweek. With so many Baby Boomers heading into retirement, it'scriticalthatlongtermcareplanningbeintegratedintoeveryadult'sretirementstrategy.Payingforjustafewyearsoflongtermcareoutofpocketcanveryeasilydepleteanentirelife'ssavingsandretirement.Notplanningaheadcanalsolimitthevarietyofchoicesavailable,suchastheabilitytoliveindependentlyathomewithassistancefromahomehealthaide.Source:GenworthFinancial,Inc.

long Term Care (Continued from Page 16)

Angels’ Attic

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Ranch Record

We Challenge What You Pay For Electricity!If SparkPowerBank isn’t your current electricity provider…chances are you're paying too much!

I’m Texas Energy Analyst Alan Lammey. Maybe you’ve heard me on the radio talking about the market forces that drive energy prices. I’m here to tell you that you’re not stuck paying those high prices to big electric companies anymore! Stop it.

Why pay more than you have to? Those days are over!

Why would you want to go with an electric provider that charges you more, when you can go towww.sparkpowerbank.com and pay far less for the same electricity?

SIGN-UP ONLINE

TODAY!

Please choose "Newsletter Ad" as your referral on the SparkPowerBank.com website.

Make sense?

www.sparkpowerbank.com

February is American heart MonthSubmitted by Karen Behrend

II. Risk Factors you CAN alter:o High Blood Pressure (three readings at 140/90 in a

month,seeyourdoctor)o Smoking(#1preventablecauseofheartattacksinthe

US.Smokershavea70%greatriskthannonsmokers).Toughhabittobreak,butsoonerorlateryouwillquit!

o Cholesterol(Bloodcholesterolof200mg/dlisdesirable,239mg/dlisborderlineand240mg/dl+ishigh)Knowyournumbersandgetacompletebreakdownofyourtotalcholesterol,HDL,LDLandTriglycerides. Haveyourdoctorexplainthenumberstoyou!

o Obesity(morethan30%ofyourdesirableweight)Eatingtoomuchofthewrongfoodscanmakeyoufat!Focuson5fruitsorveggiesadayforthenext20days.

o PhysicalInactivity(Choosetomove!30-60minutes3-4timesaweek!)

III. other contributing Factorso Diabeteso Stress/Tensiono HormonalFactorso Alcohol

February isAmerican Heart Month! Here are somefactsandtipstohelpyoukeepyourhearthealthyandhelppreventHeartDisease.

Cool hEART FACTS:o Theheartbeats2.5billiontimesinalifetime(65yrs)(if

youtakecareofit,maybemore!)o Ittakes23-24secondsforadropofbloodtocirculate

throughtheentirebodyo Your body pumps 1 million barrels of blood in a

lifetime!o Yourbodyhas60,000milesofbloodvesselso Everydayover650Americanshave coronarybypass

surgery.

RISK FACToRS: I. Unalterable Risk Factors you CAN NoT change:o FamilyHistory(father/brotherhadheartdiseasebefore

age55,ormother/sisterbeforeage65).o Gender(menhaveahigherrisk)o Age(Menover45andWomenover55areatincrease

risk)(Continued on Page 19)

Copyright © 2009 Peel, Inc. Ranch Record - February 2009 �9

Ranch Record

DISCLAIMER:Articlesandadsinthisnewsletterexpresstheopinionsoftheirauthorsand do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Peel, Inc. or its employees. Peel, Inc. isnotresponsiblefortheaccuracyofanyfactsstatedinarticlessubmittedbyothers.The publisher also assumes no responsibility for the advertising content with thispublication.Allwarrantiesand representationsmade in theadvertisingcontentaresolelythatoftheadvertiserandanysuchclaimsregardingitscontentshouldbetakenupwiththeadvertiser.*Thepublisherassumesnoliabilitywithregardtoitsadvertisersformisprintsorfailuretoplaceadvertisinginthispublicationexceptfortheactualcostofsuchadvertising.*Although every effort is taken to avoid mistakes and/or misprints, the publisherassumesnoresponsibilityforanyerrorsofinformationortypographicalmistakes,exceptaslimitedtothecostofadvertisingasstatedaboveorinthecaseofmisinformation,aprintedretraction/correction.* Under no circumstances shall the publisher be held liable for incidental orconsequential damages, inconvenience, loss of business or services, or any otherliabilitiesfromfailuretopublish,orfromfailuretopublishinatimelymanner,exceptaslimitedtoliabilitiesstatedabove.

Advertising Information PleasesupportthebusinessesthatadvertiseintheRanchRecord.Their advertising dollars make it possible for all BlackhorseRanchresidentstoreceivethemonthlynewsletteratnocharge.If you would like to support the newsletter by advertising,please contact our sales office at 888-687-6444 or advertising@PEELinc.com.Theadvertisingdeadlineisthe10thofeachmonthforthefollowingmonth'snewsletter.

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PrimaryRiskFactorshavethestrongestrelationshiptoheartdisease(familyhistory,smoking,highbloodpressure,highcholesterolandphysical inactivity), when two or more of these are present, thelikelihoodofheartdiseasegreatlyincreases.

10 TIpS To hElp DEvElop hEAlThY hABITS AND pREvENT hEART DISEASE IN YoUR FAMIlYTake care of your heart and your children’s hearts by:

Regulardailyphysicalactivity(walk,bike,hiketogether)Participateinage-appropriatesports,lessonorclubs.Letkidstry a variety and find what they likeParticipateinhouseholdchores(thephysicalkind)Follow a healthy diet; low in fat and high in complexcarbohydrates. Be supportive. Focus on positive instead ofnegative.Praiseforajobwelldone!Don’t reward kids with food…find other ways to celebrate!Besupportive.Focusonpositiveinsteadofnegative.Praiseforajobwelldone!LimitTV,videogameandcomputertime…disconnectfromit!1-2hoursadaymax!BeapositiverolemodelandpracticewhatyoupreachSetgoalsandlimits.Dailyactivity,1-2dessertsaweek.Learn CPR. The next life you save may be someone youlove!

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5.6.

7.

8.9.10.

Feb. is American heart Month- (Continued from page 18)

20 Ranch Record - February 2009 Copyright © 2009 Peel, Inc.

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