VOL

Village of Oak Lake Homeowners Association

Newslette r March 2019 Volume 18, Number 3

A FEW HEARD A LOT

With a relatively few residents showing up, the new Fort Bend County Judge KP George and new Precinct 4 Com-missioner Ken DeMerchant and staff members introduced themselves at the VOLHOA annual meeting last February 11 in Oyster Creek Elementary School cafeteria. Judge George said that he has been on a “listening tour” to various attendances, and that he will have “an open door” to all county residents. Commissioner DeMerchant stated that he was a civil engineer, enjoys getting things done, and anticipates working with all residents. And, after brief remarks by Fort Bend Sheriff’s deputy Sgt. Jeremy Goodrich and Fort Bend County MUD 41 Presi-dent Ben Weibel, the meeting was adjourned by HOA president Laura Montalvo for a few minutes, then recon-vened under a lower required quota of attendees in order to allow official business. HOA board members Joe Hernandez and Leo Furman were reelected to three-year terms, without other candi-dates volunteering. At the new commissioner’s request, Mark Vogler, Fort Bend County Drainage District director, gave a history, and an update on flood control efforts. Vogler zeroed in on how the drainage district’s past efforts through the years have affected Village of Oak Lake and MUD 41, and then detailed how much more has been done in the past 18 months since Hurricane Harvey flood-ed some 115 homes in VOL. With extensive support from Gulf Coast Water Authority, the county has been able to deepen and widen Red Gully, with plans, within the next two years, to extend the gully northward and along Oleta Lane to eventually double the water retention capacity of Red Gully. To the west and south, the Red Gully waters now will flow more rapidly through Oyster Creek, past Cullinan Park and Sugar Land Regional Airport to Ditch H past Constellation Stadium through Sugar Land to the Brazos River. Vogler stated that these improvements are anticipated to reduce flooding. The district would have to get bond issue fund approval in order to make any major improvements in

the future. There is no such issue planned at this time. During a question and answer session there were com-ments from at least one resident that these efforts, thus far, are only “a band aid” toward a solution... Vogler then asked residents if they thought these improvements were significant, and many hands were raised. In other business, President Montalvo, via a power point showing, listed HOA achievements for 2018, and plans for future projects. They all are listed on the VOLHOA web-site. The meeting was adjourned at 8:10 p.m. after two hours.

VOL SPRING CLEANUP DAY

Saturday, March 30th

10:00 AM at the pool

DIGNITARIES AT VOL - The new Precinct 4 Commission-er Ken DeMerchant, left, and new County Judge K P George, right, spoke at the annual VOLHOA meeting last February 11. First they chatted here with HOA President Laura Montalvo.

VOL 2

Neighborhood News

Jason Bradley - Publisher jason.nn@att.net

Wayne Chandler - Editor waynechandler@windstream.net

This newsletter is published privately, but with the concern and support of the Village of Oak Lake Homeowners Association. It is delivered, door-to-door, to 1,150 homes in VOL the last two

days of each month.

For advertising information, call 832-724-3750

This newsletter reserves the right to reject, edit, or omit an ad for any reason, and is not liable for any losses sustained as a result

of printing errors.

VOL Officers

Laura Montalvo, President lauravolhoa@gmail.com

Leo Furman, Vice President lfurman_houston1@comcast.net

JR Garcia, Treasury jgarcia@cobbfendley.com

Joe Hernandez, Secretary joehdez@hotmail.com

Carla Wingerson, Director carlasdesk@wingernet.com

For Newsletter Matters, call

832-724-3750 Or e-mail: Jason.nn@att.net

For matters regarding the Village of Oak Lake Homeowners Assn., Including Architectural Control and Landscaping Committee.

Sterling Association Services, Inc One Avalon Place

Sugar Land, TX 77479

Becky Salinas Phone: 832-678-4500 Ext. 363

Fax: 832-678-4543 E-mail: servicedesk@sterlingasi.com

Rent the VOL Sign

Rent the VOL sign at the entrance of the subdivision.. Use it for birth announcements, birthday wishes, awards,

wedding congratulations, bon voyages, anniversaries, special occasions, welcome home, etc.

It's $10 a day per side.

Around

the

Lake

Congratulations - and thanks – to Joe Hernandez and Leo Furman, both reelected to the VOLHOA board at the annu-al meeting last February 11. And, while we’re at it, thanks to Laura Montalvo, JR Garcia and Carla Wingerson , the other three board members, who also volunteer to serve us.

***** When this neighborhood was formed back in the early 1980s the developers must have thought that it enhanced marketing efforts to say there was an Oak Lake. We’re still looking for the Oak Lake in this village. There’s a lot of water in Red Gully. Maybe it should have been called Village of Red Gully. No, let’s pretend there’s an Oak Lake.

***** A $12.5 million dollar project is under way to make traffic flow easier through the intersection of SH 6 and U.S. (Southwest Freeway), Sugar Land’s busiest intersection. The project will widen SH 6 from Brooks Street south to Lexington Avenue, and take about 15 months to complete. A partnership between Fort Bend County, City of Sugar Land and Texas Department of Transportation will make this possible.

***** Hope you’ve noticed and admired the bountiful and pretty flowers at the SH 6 entrance and most other intersections in the neighborhood, thanks to VOLHOA’s new landscape budget. Nice.

***** We all benefit when we recycle. Best Trash’s Matthew May says that about 40% of VOL residents recycle. If eve-ryone did, there would be a lot fewer recyclable items go-ing into the landfills, which are filling up. If our collector, Best Trash, could sell more of the recyclables it could low-er our monthly trash bill. So many recyclable items go into regular trash. Most fami-lies who recycle put a lot more items in the recycle bin than the trash bin. With everything possible going into the recycle bins, our collector could limit trash collections to one day a week instead of the current two days a week.

VOL 3

NEW PATIENT SPECIAL

$49 special (adult) / $29 special( kids 5 - 13)

Services includes: Comprehensive examinations and treatment planning, Oral cancer screening,

Teeth cleaning, Tooth colored fillings, Teeth whitening,

That would reduce our bill, too. Now, trash collections are on Wednesdays and Saturdays, recyclables only on Satur-day. When you have big trash items such as water heaters, sofas, grills, dish washers, please leave them out only on Saturday, Big Trash Day. Thanks.

***** It’s amazing to me to see the amount of counter space in most supermarkets devoted to pet food. In case you didn’t know, pet food is a big business. According to the Pet Products Association, Americans spent $69.5 billion on their pets in 2017, and almost $30 billion going to pur-chase food. And, according to the Association for Pet Obesity Preven-tion (POP) 56% of dogs and 60 % of cats are “clinically overweight” or downright fat. The trend for the past 10 years has been that more and more pets are obese, POP said.

***** By the way, there’s a new Pets Supplies Plus store now open where Blockbuster used to be in Woodbridge.

***** Weep not for most of the major league baseball players who are back at work this month in Spring Training. The average salary is $4.52 million so no one’s going broke. Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout was the highest paid baseball player in 2018 at $34 million. Pro basket-ball’s highest salaried player now is Stephen Curry at $37.5 million.

***** Any youngsters, girls or boys, from pre-K to 8

th grade are

invited to attend the Austin Angels dance clinic from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday March 30 at Austin High School for $25. The day will conclude at 12:45 p.m. with a perfor-mance by all participants. These Jr. Angels then will per-

form at the Angelica Spring Show on April 5. To pre-register call 281-327-7610 for Mysha Corb or visit my-sha.corb@fortbend.com.

***** While Texas Transportation Commissioner Laura Ryan spoke mostly about expansion of the state’s mobility needs with TXDOT, the Commission has responsibility for monitoring aviation, rail and public transportation. Ryan was guest speaker at Fort Bend Commissioner Andy Mey-ers’ 23

rd annual breakfast last February 7.

The road responsibility in Texas is enough in itself, 80,000 miles total. It breaks down to 28,000 miles of state, 3,500 miles of interstate, 41,000 miles of farm to market, plus 350 miles of park roads.

***** BIG BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENT: Some 20 baby alligators were born to a mama alligator last September near the boardwalk in Cullinan Park. These alligators joined other alligators, opossums, ra-coons, armadillos, deer, water snakes and some 247 spe-cies of birds in this neighborhood 740-plus acre Cullinan Park which is almost as big as New York City’s Central Park and twice as large as Houston’s Hermann Park. Cullinan Park Conservancy members believe that, by the end of March, there will be a new overlook on the east side of White Lake, a complete composite granite and boardwalk trail all the way around the lake, and a perma-nent restroom facility. The Conservancy is actively fund-raising for the remaining Phase I projects: children’s na-ture exploration area, overlook on the west side of White Lake and more trail expansion. For more information visit www.cullinanparkconservancy.org, or come visit this day-time park. The entrance is off SH 6 just north of Sugar Land Regional Airport.

(Continued on page 4)

VOL 4

Hibernation is over and it is time to enjoy the outdoors again. Spring is a time of renewal for your yard and the exterior of your home. It is easier to start establishing a lush lawn and beautiful landscaping now while the weather is mild.

Useful tips:

• Landscaping tools and mower maintenance. The right tool for the job, one that is clean and sharp, will make your work easier and a sharp cut helps the plant heal fast-er. It is a good idea to tune-up your mower and sharpen the blades once a year. • Mowing. Regular mowing prevents weeds from flow-ering and re-seeding. If you have bare patches of dirt, try to determine the cause. You may need to adjust your wa-tering schedule or it may be insects causing the problem. After you have addressed the cause, reseed or replace sod as needed. • Edging. Edging can give your lawn a crisp, clean look. It creates a defined border and helps keep grass from growing into unwanted areas. After you edge clean up the grass clippings from sidewalk, driveway and curb areas to keep them tidy. • Fertilizer. All lawns need to be fertilized periodically to keep them looking healthy and green during the growing season. Do some research to find out what type your lawn needs. • Inspect your lawn. If you notice that watering is not helping your lawn thrive and you have bare patches, check for insects. Chinch bugs are prevalent in our area and need to be exterminated or they can wreak havoc not only on your lawn but your neighbor’s also. Ants can also dam-age plants so they need to be exterminated at first sight. • Remove debris. You may notice some plants or shrubs that did not survive the winter. Remove dead or diseased plants as soon as possible to avoid unsightly planting beds and possible contamination of healthy plants. • Pruning. Please don’t murder your crepe myrtles by cutting them off at the knuckles. Selective pruning of over-lapping branches is much easier and makes for a fuller looking tree. If you are not sure when or how to prune your trees or bushes, look online or ask a local garden retailer. • Planting/Feeding. Now is the time to plant annuals, perennials, shrubs, and trees. This will get them estab-lished before the heat sets in. Water trees regularly during the first few years of growth. Feed existing plants and trees to ensure plenty of new growth and blooms.

• Mulch. Spread a fresh layer of mulch around trees, shrubs, and beds to protect roots, retain moisture, and help prevent weeds.

• Hummingbird feeders. To keep birds at your feeder maintain a fresh nectar supply. Wash it each time you refill and you may see them return year after year. To access more information please visit the website at VOLHOA.com.

VOL Around the House

***** There’s an encouraging word for cancer patients undergo-ing chemotherapy. They may be able to keep their hair. There’s an FDA approved scalp cooling system that helps reduce or eliminate hair loss during treatment of patients undergoing ovarian, breast, colorectal, bowel and prostate cancer. For details contact the oncology nurse at Hou-ston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital at 281-276-8989 or visit houstonmethodist.org/sugarland.

***** Remember when a major league baseball million-dollar man was a rarity? Dr. John McMullen, as Astros owner, made baseball history when he awarded the first million-dollar baseball contract to Nolan Ryan. If any baseball player deserved a million dollars, I would have to agree that it should have been the humble man from Alvin, Tex-as.

***** Have a safe and Happy St. Patrick’s Day! -wayne chandler

(Continued from page 3)

...more from Around the Lake...

VOL 5

OCE February Calendar March 1st: “Read My Shirt” Day

March 4th - 8th: Book Fair & WATCH Week

March 7: Spring Open House, Diversity Night,

GT Display Night & Book Fair- 5:30-7:00

March 8th: SAILS Class Field Trip

March 11 – 15: Spring Break- No School, Enjoy!

March 20th: 1st Grade Field Trip

March 22nd: Bring Dad to Lunch Day

March 26th: Career Day & GT Expo Day

March 27th: OCE 20th Anniversary Celebration, 6 pm

Cheers to Twenty Healthy Years!

In August of 1999, Oyster Creek Elementary was the 33rd

elementary school to open in Fort Bend Independent School District. Principal Susan Wey and staff opened the doors to 660 students, and proudly called themselves the Blue Jays. On March 27

th, our current and former stu-

dents, staff, and principals, along with district administra-tors, and our entire community will come together to cele-brate the 20

th anniversary of Oyster Creek Elementary.

The past 20 years have seen tremendous growth and change in our area, including here at Oyster Creek. Just last spring, we expanded our current building with a new wing to include 10 state-of-the-art classrooms, all of which are full this school year. The enduring constant over the last twenty years has always been our outstanding faculty. We wanted to share a few thoughts and favorite moments from two of these devoted individuals that have been here at Oyster Creek since day one.

Long time Kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Michelle Taylor, says, “I feel very grateful to have taught at OCE for 20 years. It is special to stay connected to families and stu-

dents I have taught and see how they have grown in their learning. It makes me feel proud that it all started at OCE.” Beloved 5

th grade teacher, Ms. Nancy Brock, shares that

one of her favorite days each year is the “Senior Clap Out.” Seniors from nearby Austin High School come dressed in their graduation robes for one last parade around the halls of Oyster Creek. It’s an inspiring tradition for students and celebrates the wonderful connections of teachers with former students and families.

We hope you can join us Wednesday, March 27th for a

wonderful evening of celebration, memories and communi-ty pride as OCE remembers the last 20 years and looks forward to the next 20!

VOL 6

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VOL 7

MUD PUDDLE By Wayne Chandler

Dr. John Zerwas painted an optimistic picture for the 2019 Texas State Legislature in his featured speech before state water board members last January 26 in Austin. Dr. Zerwas, our state repre-sentative in District 28 repre-senting residents of Village of Oak Lake and Wood-bridge and a total of 221 Municipal Utility Districts including our Fort Bend County MUD 41 in Village of Oak Lake and MUD 119 in Woodbridge, now is the chairman of the Texas House of Representatives’ all-powerful appropriations committee. Zerwas said he believed there is plenty of state mon-ey to go around this Spring to improve funding for the state’s schools, and for mak-ing the necessary repairs needed due to Hurricane Harvey (until the federal government can pay Texas), and to re-form a much-needed tax program. “This year the governor, lieutenant governor and speaker of the House all are in the same book,” Zerwas said, “maybe not on the same page but close enough to get things done.” He noted that while the Democrats made modest gains in both the House and Senate in last No-vember’s mid-term elections, that a Republican majority is intact. Zerwas spoke enthusiastically about chances of a large portion of the state’s $15 billion “rain day” fund being budgeted and spent. “Why shouldn’t we put it to good use,” he said, receiving a good round of applause from Association of Water Board Directors in the JW Marriott ballroom. Dr. Zerwas spoke after the AWBD attorneys Trey Lary and Howard Cohen stressed that the property tax bill is ex-pected to be a hot topic, as well as the public school/education reform bill, already the subject of a report that recommends at least $1 billion in additional spending.

***** One popular seminar was The Life Cycle of a District, which related to the history of Village of Oak Lake’s Fort Bend County MUD 41., which now has to be labeled as aging. Erich Peterson of Jones & Carter, Inc., engineers for MUD 41, cited a district’s cycle as creation, develop-ment, buildout, maturity and aging. MUD 41, formed in the early 1980s, must now be in five-year capital improvement plans, including repair or replacement of facilities, mainte-nance, annual reviews and emergency expenditures. In MUD 41’s case, with the developer long gone, and little

chance of this district being annexed, the district must con-tinue to monitor the services provided by its financial advi-sor, attorney, operator, auditor, tax assessor, bookkeeper, and of course, the engineer.

***** In a seminar, No Operator, No Water,” regarding the role of the operator in a water district, two veteran operators cited the growing need for more certified personnel as more and more MUDs are created in Texas. The operator is charged with creating and maintaining wa-ter treatment, storm sewer and wastewater handling, drainage and roads in a district. “It’s a blue-collar occupation” said one of the speakers, Johnny Bellamy, “and the millennials don’t want to be blue collar workers.” He gave a history of state advances in developing legislation for communities to live by through MUDs. Richard Steadman, president of a utilities organization dedicated to training and education for operators, stated there is a “crying need” for more educational institutions such as high schools and vocational schools to offer such training. Bill Caligari, who created and managed operating firms for decades and served in the Texas Legislature, applauded their comments.

Dr. John Zerwas

VOL 8

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VOL 9

Our day was made this past month when another couple who has enjoyed a week at Palace Resorts, requested reservations again for this April, and they are being joined by their daughter, son-in-law and toddler. They’re excited, and we’re excited for them. This couple knows how satis-fying a vacation can be at this all-inclusive, all-everything private resort… a hundred -yard long swimming pool, sev-en top-notch restaurants including Brazilian, Asian, Italian, and a new 24/7 deli with big sandwiches, various ice creams, cookies, tea and coffee, plus a wide variety of bars, lounges, discos, golf, tennis, bikes and hikes, etc., etc. They, of course, are taking advantage of our 20-year membership at Palace, enjoying the discount we get. To us, if you haven’t been there, you can’t imagine the quality for the special price. I hope others seeking a mem-orable vacation will contact me. Planning early helps make certain of reservations.

***** We’ve noted in recent articles that riverboat vacations are the new rave. This year in Europe there are 450 river ships sailing between Amsterdam and Budapest, and the rest of the European rivers, and more ships keep coming each year. While most people associate river cruises with Europe, the

industry is quickly expanding in the United States. Where there’s a major river in America, there’s probably a couple of new paddle-wheelers, visiting places you’ve never been. One new feature with many riverboats now is the all-inclusive aspect, always quality food and drink, and now offering more onboard options -- fitness and wellness facil-ities with exercise, dance and yoga classes. Many now offer short hike and bike escorted trips.

***** Busiest airport in the U.S. last year? Chicago’s O’Hare, surpassing Atlanta’s Hartsfield Jackson Airport for the first time in four years. Chicago had 903,000 arrivals and de-partures while Atlanta was second with 895,000. Los An-geles Airport, Dallas-Fort Worth Airport and Denver Airport rounded out the top five in 2018.

***** Israel’s tourist board reported a record number of incoming tourists -- 4.1 -- million for 2018. Most tourists were from the U.S …897,000. There were 346,000 from France; 316,000 from Germany; 217,900 from UK and 150,600 from Italy.

***** Are there still faraway places with strange-sounding names that you’d like to visit: Kuala Lumpur, Ketchikan, Kaanapali, Kalamazoo, Kokomo, Kankakee..? I’d be hap-py to help you get there. For any of your travel needs I’m at 281-277-5267 or vitravel@gmail.com. Remember, it doesn’t cost a peso more to let a travel advisor help you, except for air travel which is $30. A plea: when you are asking about any travel, please give me both your phone number and email address. Thanks!

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