school bus safety school starts august 22nd tax-free …… · • once on the bus, take your seat...

Copyright © 2011 Peel, Inc. Willowlake Watch - August 2011 �

Willowlake

www.willowlake.siteblast.com August20�� Volume8,Issue7

The Official Publication of the Willowlake Homeowners Association

Watch

Aug. 3 ..................... Waste/Recycle PickupAug. 10 ................... Waste/Recycle PickupAug. 17 ................... Waste/Recycle PickupAug. 18. ..............................Board MeetingAug. 19-21 ...................Tax-Free WeekendAug. 22 .......................... 1st Day of SchoolAug. 24 ................... Waste/Recycle PickupAug. 31 ................... Waste/Recycle PickupSept. 5 .......................................Labor DaySept. 7 .................... Waste/Recycle Pickup

SCHOOL BUS SAFETYSchool Starts August 22nd

School will be back in session August 22, 2011. Please be aware of children walking and biking to and from school!! Of course, we want all children to be safe and school buses are relatively safe. However, accidents and injuries involving school buses do happen. More often than not these injuries happen when children are entering or exiting the bus. Here are some safety tips for school bus riders:

• Have a safe place to wait for the bus, away from traffic and the street.

• Stay away from the bus until it comes to a complete stop and the driver signals you to enter.

• Hold onto the handrails when entering or exiting the bus.

• Once on the bus, take your seat and remain seated face forward.

• Talk quietly so that you don't distract the driver.

• Never throw things on the bus and keep your hands to yourself.

• When you exit the bus, take ten giant steps away from the bus. When you are closer than 10 feet from the bus, the driver might not see you. This is known as the DANGER ZONE.

• I f you fo rge t something on the bus, do not return to the bus. The driver might not see you.

(Continued on Page 3)

The tax-free weekend for general merchandise purchased in Texas is scheduled for August 19-21,

2011 and applies to the following items:

• Clothing and footwear under $100

• School supplies under $100

• Backpacks under $100 for elementary and secondary students

• Includes layaway items

For a complete list of tax-free items go to: Texas’Tax-FreeWeekend.com

TEXAS’ 2011TAX-FREE WEEKEND

August 19-21

MArk YOUr CALEndEr

2 Willowlake Watch - August 2011 Copyright © 2011 Peel, Inc.

WillowlakeAll Emergencies ...............................................................911Bratton Pools .................................................. 281-988-7700Cypress-Fairbanks Hospital ............................ 281-897-3300Harris County Sheriff ..................................... 713-221-6000Department of Public Safety .......................... 281-890-5440Fire Department (non-emergency) ................. 713-466-6161Center Point Energy - Power Outages Only ... 713-207-2222Center Point Energy - Gas .............................. 713-659-2111Harris County Animal Control ...................... 281-999-3191Memorial City Hospital ................................. 713-932-3000MUD #11 ...................................................... 281-807-9500Poison Control Center ................................... 800-222-1222Willowplace Post Office ................................ 281-890-2392Harris County Road & Bridge ....................... 281-353-8424VF Waste Services, Inc. .................................. 713-787-9790Harris Co. Public Health & Environ. Svcs. .... 713-920-2831

Your Randall Management, Inc. Team ............ 713-728-1126Association ManagerJane Godwin ...... [email protected], ext. 11Assistant ManagerJanet Bonura [email protected], ext. 17Deed Restriction CoordinatorLucy [email protected], ext. 18Accounting ContactsJaneth Flores [email protected], ext. 25Lily Flores [email protected], ext. 22Answering Service: 713-850-4729 - After Business Hours(For Emergencies)

President - Annette Rathgeber ............. [email protected] V. President - Debi Bon .......................... [email protected] - Stacey Ward [email protected] - Daniel Flores [email protected] - Nancy Kapell ...................... [email protected]

impoRTANT NumbERS

mANAgEmENT iNFo

boARD oF DiREcToRS

newsletter PublisherPeel, Inc. ........................................................ 888-687-6444 Sales Office [email protected], 888-687-6444

NEWSlETTER iNFo

For information on your homeowner’s assessments, deed restriction violations or questions in general please contact:

Randall Management, Inc.6200 Savoy, Suite 420, Houston, TX 77036Phone: 713-728-1126 Fax: [email protected]

2011 commiTTEESArchitectural Control Committee Mark Lackey ....................................... [email protected] Events ..............................................................OPENNewsletter Linda O’Pry [email protected] of the Month Annette & John Rathgeber .......... [email protected] Chairman Mark Hubenak [email protected] Captains ................................................... OPENGazebo Rental - Randall Management ........... 713-728-1126Pool Chairman Lynn Piwonski [email protected] Chairman Diego Lamacchia [email protected]

KiDS’ coRNERKiDS’ coRNERA guy is driving around Wadsworth, Ohio and

he sees a sign in front of a house. “Talking Dog For Sale.” He rings the bell and the owner tells him the dog is in the backyard. The guy goes into the backyard and sees a Labrador retriever sitting there. “You talk?” he asks. “Yep,” the lab replies. “So, what’s your story?” The lab looks up and says, “Well, I discovered that I could talk when I was pretty young. I wanted to help the government, so I told the CIA about my gift, and in no time at all they had me jetting from country to country, sitting in rooms with spies and world leaders, because no one figured a dog would be eavesdropping. I was one of their most valuable spies for eight years running.” “But the jetting around really tired me out, and I knew I wasn’t getting any younger so I decided to settle down. I signed up for a job at the airport to do some undercover security, wandering near suspicious characters and listening in. I uncovered some incredible dealings and was awarded a batch of medals. I got married, had a mess of puppies, and now I’m just retired.” The guy is amazed. He goes back in and asks the owner what he wants for the dog. “Ten dollars,” the guy says, “Ten dollars? This guy is amazing. Why on Earth are you selling him so cheaply?” “Because he’s lying, he never did any of that stuff.”


Willowlake• Be aware of the street traffic around you.

• If you need to cross the street, cross in front of the bus, never behind the bus.

Motorists should follow safety rules around school buses. Yellow flashing lights indicate that the bus is preparing to stop. Motorists should slow down and be prepared to stop. Red flashing lights indicate that the bus has stopped and that children are getting on or off. Motorists must stop their cars and wait until the red flashing lights are turned off. Here are a few more safety tips for motorists:

• When backing out of a driveway or garage, watch out for children.

• When driving through neighborhoods and especially in school zones, watch out for children. Children don't always pay attention to traffic and don't always know that motorists have trouble seeing them.

• Slow down. Watch out for children walking or playing in the street.

• Be alert and ready to stop. Children sometimes dart into the street.

School Bus Safety - (Continued from Page 1)

WILLOWLAkE COMMUnICATIOn

To Do List: • SIGN UP FOR A FACEBOOK

ACCOUNT (FREE)

• SEARCH FOR WILLOWLAKE H.O.A.

• JOIN THE WILLOWLAKE H.O.A. GROUP

• RECEIVE IMPORTANT NOTIFICATIONS VIA EMAIL!

Increasing water safety awareness and standards

FACTS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT DROWNING

For more information,check out our website at

www.colinshope.org

Most children are out of sight or missing for less than 5 minutes and usually in the presence of 1 or both parents.

NO ONE is “drown proof” – no matter their level of swimming ability.

Falls, entrapments, and injuries lead to drowning regardless of swimming level.

5min

Drowning can occur in less than 2 minutes.

Most children die who are submerged for as little as 6-10 minutes.

Irreversible brain damage can occur in 4 minutes or less.

2min 4min 6min

Children who drown may not scream, splash, or struggle. They can silently slip beneath the water, even with adults & lifeguards present.

DROWNING IS QUICK AND SILENT

DROWNING CAN STILL OCCUREVEN IF YOU KNOW HOW TO SWIM

TEXAS has more drownings than any other state so far this year and we still have a long HOT summer ahead of us. Please be safe in and around the water.Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s Pool Safety Campaign www.poolsafely.gov

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� Willowlake Watch - August 2011 Copyright © 2011 Peel, Inc.

WillowlakeLEASH LAW rEMIndEr

Animals that are not properly restrained pose a threat to all of our residents. Harris County has a Leash Law and advises, “All dogs and cats must be kept under restraint while in the unincorporated areas of Harris County, Texas. The custodian of a dog or cat is not authorized to have, to harbor or keep any unlicensed dog or cat, nor to allow any dog or cat to become a stray.” Restraint is defined as “the control of a dog or cat under the following circumstances:

1. When it is controlled by a line or leash not more than six (6) feet in length, if the line or leash is held by a human being, who is capable of controlling or governing the dog or cat in question.

2. When it is within a fully enclosed vehicle.

3. When it is on the premise of the custodian and the animal does not have access to sidewalk or street.”

While you may believe your pet is friendly, it is hard to know exactly how they will react in all situations. There have been reports in our neighborhood of dogs attacking other dogs, and dogs biting residents who are on walks. An animal running toward someone who is walking or jogging by is very scary for that person. And a dog bite can be traumatizing, especially to a child. Properly restraining your pet could also prevent you from becoming legally liable or sued because of an incident.

Re spons ib l e pe t ownership also requires picking up after your pet. It is a good idea to carry disposable bags with you while on walks. Besides keeping

your neighbor happy, you will also be protecting the quality of our watershed.

It is up to all of us to help keep our community a safe and comfortable place for residents by being responsible pet owners. To make a complaint or report an animal that is not properly restrained, please contact Harris County Animal Control at 281-999-3191.

GRACIE GALVANRealtor

Area resident for 17 years.

Selling Your Home- Free Market Analysis

Buying A Home- Free Home Search Service

Look no further for greatcustomer service and put

experience to work for you!

Member of HAR/MLS serviceAlways working for you!

SRES, CHMS, & ALHS Specialist

RE/MAXWest [email protected]

Direct: 281-732-0009


Willowlake

FREE?DID YOU SAY

YES! YOUR NEWSLETTER IS PROVIDED100% FREE OF CHARGE TO YOUR HOA

At no time will any source be allowed to use the Willowlake contents, or loan said contents, to others in anyway, shape or form, nor in any 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 or expressed permission from the Willowlake Homeowners Association and Peel, Inc. The information in the Willowlake Watch is exclusively for the private use of Willowlake residents only.

DISCLAIMER: Articles and ads in this newsletter express the opinions of their authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Peel, Inc. or its employees. Peel, Inc. is not responsible for the accuracy of any facts stated in articles submitted by others. The publisher also assumes no responsibility for the advertising content with this publication. All warranties and representations made in the advertising content are solely that of the advertiser and any such claims regarding its content should be taken up with the advertiser.* The publisher assumes no liability with regard to its advertisers for misprints or failure to place advertising in this publication except for the actual cost of such advertising.* Although every effort is taken to avoid mistakes and/or misprints, the publisher assumes no responsibility for any errors of information or typographical mistakes, except as limited to the cost of advertising as stated above or in the case of misinformation, a printed retraction/correction.* Under no circumstances shall the publisher be held liable for incidental or consequential damages, inconvenience, loss of business or services, or any other liabilities from failure to publish, or from failure to publish in a timely manner, except as limited to liabilities stated above.

PUT On YOUr THInkInG CAP(ANSWERS AT THE BOTTOM)

Good luck, and remember, no cheating.On a standard traffic light, is the green on the top or bottom?In which hand is the Statue of Liberty’s torch?What two numbers on the telephone dial don’t have letters by them?When you walk, does your left arm swing with your right or left leg? Don’t you dare get up to see!How many matches are in a standard pack?On the United States flag is the top stripe red or white? (We should all know this one.)Which way do fans rotate?Do books have even-numbered pages on the right or left side?How many lug nuts are on a standard car wheel?How many sides are there on a standard pencil?On which playing card is the card maker’s trademark? (I wasn’t even close.)How many curves are there in the standard paper clip?Does a merry-go-round turn counter or clockwise?Which way does water go down the drain, counter or clockwise?

Answers: BottomRight1, 0Right(20)RedClockwise as you look at itLeft (page #’s are either centered or towards the outside of the page - the first page of a book is always on the right so even numbered pages are on the left and the page number would be to the outside of the page, hence, the answer is left)FiveSixAce of spades(3)CounterClockwise north of the equator - it’s called the Coriolis Effect (It’s counterclockwise if you are south of the equator)

1.2.3.

4.

5.6.

7.8.9.10.11.

12.13.14.

1.2.3.4.5.6.7.8.

9.10.11.12.13.14.

Advertise Your Business Here

888-687-6444

� Willowlake Watch - August 2011 Copyright © 2011 Peel, Inc.

Willowlake

rECIPE OF THE MOnTH - BrOCCOLI CHEESE SOUP

Saute onion in oil. Add water and bouillon. Cook until dissolved. Add noodles. Cook uncovered 3 min. Add thawed broccoli and garlic. Cook 4 minutes. Add milk and cheese. Heat until cheese melts. Thicken, if desired.

3 T oil1 C chopped onion

6 C water6 cubes chicken bouillon cubes

8 ozs. fine egg noodles2 - 10 oz. pkg. chopped broccoli

garlic powder6 C milk

1 lb. shredded Velveeta cheeseopt. 2-3 T thickened cornstarch

Ingredients

Enjoy!

GOInG 100 PErCEnT OrGAnIC nOT FEASIBLE?By Melanie Dragger, M.Comm.

The Environmental Working Group (EWG), a non-profit organization specializing in research and advocacy related to public health and the environment, has released its 2011 updated “Dirty Dozen” list of the 12 fruits and vegetables containing the most pesticides. Topping this year’s list? Apples. This begs the question, “Can eating an apple a day really keep the doctor away?”

The answer may lie in where you get your apples. Although the EWG’s ranking was cited as an overestimate of the risk by the Alliance for Food & Farming, a non-profit organization with the stated mission of providing a voice for farmers to communicate their commitment to food safety, consuming organically grown products can reduce the amount of pesticides that enter your body. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), long-term exposure to pesticides can lead to death or serious illness, including developmental and reproductive disorders, impaired nervous system function, and certain cancers. Further, the WHO has found children to be at higher risk from exposure than adults.

However, organically grown products are typically more expensive than conventionally grown products, and some organic products may be difficult to find in some areas. If growing your own fruits and vegetables is not an option, and purchasing 100 percent of your produce in organic form is monetarily unfeasible, the EWG’s list offers a good starting point for consumers.

According to the EWG’s 2011 report, which is based on its analysis of tests conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

and the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the following 12 fruits and vegetables (the “Dirty Dozen”) consistently contained the highest amount of pesticides when conventionally grown, and should be consumed in organic form when possible:

1. Apples2. Celery3. Strawberries4. Peaches5. Spinach6. Nectarines (imported)

7. Grapes (imported)8. Sweet bell peppers9. Potatoes10. Blueberries (domestic)11. Lettuce12. Kale/collard greens

Alternatively, according to the EWG, the following 15 fruits and vegetables (the “Clean 15") consistently contained the least amount of pesticides, and by adhering to this list, individuals can get their recommended daily allowance of fruits and vegetables without incurring the expense of buying organic products in order to limit their exposure to pesticides:

1. Onions2. Sweet Corn3. Pineapples4. Avocado5. Asparagus6. Sweet peas7. Mangoes8. Eggplant

9. Cantaloupe (domestic)10. Kiwi11. Cabbage12. Watermelon13. Sweet potatoes14. Grapefruit15. Mushrooms

(Continued on Page 7)

Copyright © 2011 Peel, Inc. Willowlake Watch - August 2011 7

WillowlakeHarris county Sheriff ’s Office Crime Report

Willowlake 6/1/2011 - 6/30/2011Pro-Active CallsMeet the Citizen - 1Solicitors - 0Suspicious Person - 2Suspicious Vehicle - 0Traffic Stop - 6Traffic Initiative - 1Welfare Check - 0Vacation Watch - 0

re-Active CallsAggressive Animal - 0Assault - 0Burglary/Hab - 0Burglary/Motveh - 1Credit Card Abuse - 0Crim. Mischief - 0Disturbance/Juvenile - 0Disturbance/Loud Noise - 1Disturbance/Other - 0 Forgery - 1 Fraudulent Use ID - 0 In Progress - 0 Missing Person - 0 Open Door/Window - 0 Robbery/Agg - 0 Theft/Residence - 0 Vehicle Stolen - 0

PH: 866-917-8271PUCT #10089

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Underscoring the importance of the consumption of fruits and vegetables was the release of MyPlate, also in June, replacing the classic food pyramid. The USDA’s new food icon is a simple, visual cue that advises individuals to “make half your plate fruits and vegetables,” graphically shrinking the role of meats and dairy products in the national diet.

More information on the EWG, as well as the full list of fruits and vegetables ranked, can be found at http://www.ewg.org. More information on the Alliance for Food and Farming can be found at http://www.foodandfarming.info. To learn more about the USDA’s MyPlate, visit http://www.choosemyplate.gov, and to discover more about the WHO, visit http://www.who.int/en.

Going 100 Percent Organic... - (Continued from Page 6)

By Melanie Dragger, M.Comm.

The Environmental Working Group (EWG), a non-profit organization specializing in research and advocacy related to public health and the environment, has released its 2011 updated “Dirty Dozen” list of the 12 fruits and vegetables containing the most pesticides. Topping this year’s list? Apples. This begs the question, “Can eating an apple a day really keep the doctor away?”

The answer may lie in where you get your apples. Although the EWG’s ranking was cited as an overestimate of the risk by the Alliance for Food & Farming, a non-profit organization with the stated mission of providing a voice for farmers to communicate their commitment to food safety, consuming organically grown products can reduce the amount of pesticides that enter your body. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), long-term exposure to pesticides can lead to death or serious illness, including developmental and reproductive disorders, impaired nervous system function, and certain cancers. Further, the WHO has found children to be at higher risk from exposure than adults.

However, organically grown products are typically more expensive than conventionally grown products, and some organic products may be difficult to find in some areas. If growing your own fruits and vegetables is not an option, and purchasing 100 percent of your produce in organic form is monetarily unfeasible, the EWG’s list offers a good starting point for consumers.

According to the EWG’s 2011 report, which is based on its analysis of tests conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

and the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the following 12 fruits and vegetables (the “Dirty Dozen”) consistently contained the highest amount of pesticides when conventionally grown, and should be consumed in organic form when possible:

1. Apples2. Celery3. Strawberries4. Peaches5. Spinach6. Nectarines (imported)

7. Grapes (imported)8. Sweet bell peppers9. Potatoes10. Blueberries (domestic)11. Lettuce12. Kale/collard greens

Alternatively, according to the EWG, the following 15 fruits and vegetables (the “Clean 15") consistently contained the least amount of pesticides, and by adhering to this list, individuals can get their recommended daily allowance of fruits and vegetables without incurring the expense of buying organic products in order to limit their exposure to pesticides:

1. Onions2. Sweet Corn3. Pineapples4. Avocado5. Asparagus6. Sweet peas7. Mangoes8. Eggplant

9. Cantaloupe (domestic)10. Kiwi11. Cabbage12. Watermelon13. Sweet potatoes14. Grapefruit15. Mushrooms

(Continued on )

school bus safety school starts august 22nd tax-free …… · • once on the bus, take your seat...

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