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Champion Forest

Proudly Sponsored By The Champion Forest Women’s Club

May 2008

What’s Inside…Vote May 10 in the Cypress Forest PUD Board Elections at the PUD building on Champion Forest Drive. It matters! Early voting, too .............................page 17

Neighbors still sound off in favor of the Klein ISd Bond Election ................page 19

Vote May 10 in the Klein ISD Bond Election at Brill. It matters! Early voting, too .............................page 29

Champion Forest Women’s Club april event

Champion Forest Women’s Club Does LunchIs this news? Sure it is, when the lunch includes great fun, great food from

Raveneaux Country Club, a great spring style show by Dillard’s and the raising of a big chunk of money for the Champion Forest Women’s Club Scholarship Fund.

No Excuses – Support Your Neighborhood

Two Votes, Two PlacesMay 10

Champion Forest Newsletter Bumps Up in Size

A new look for us – 40 pages – up from the traditional 36. Why? More advertisers – More issues and topics – More folks want to yak the yak that neighbors want to hear. Celebrate this strong Champion Forest Women’s Club effort…read on!

Susan and Lisa attended the event and obviously had a great time.

HappY

Mother’s DaySo much of what we know of love – we learn at home. Thanks, Mom.

– Mary Engelbreit

(continued on page 2)

2 May 2008 Champion Forest Community Newsletter

the 2008 CFWC board

Champion Forest Newsletter available on the Web at championforestonline.com

President angela Greenberg, 281-379-1559Vice President Lisa Hardin, 281-655-0845Secretary Stephanie Schonherz, 281-370-9230Treasurer Barb Smith, 281-251-3093Hospitality Susie Thorpe, 281-257-8785Membership Kim Shahjahan, 281-826-0077Newsletter Editor Marilou Schopper, 713-302-8851 Assistant Editor Barb Smith, 281-251-3093

Sunshine/Welcoming Laura Smith, 281-374-0909 Jackie peden, 281-376-0281Special Interest Christy Geary, 281-320-2746Ways & Means Susan Barris, 281-257-5404Scholarship Karla Canchola, 832-717-3854Communications Elizabeth Stewart, 281-251-5132Historian Julia Harmon, 281-320-2123 Mandy Dewbre, 281-376-2132

Remember...CFWC Board MeetingMonday, May 57 p.m.

Cypress Forest PUD MeetingTuesday, May 6PUD Building 16215 Champion Forest Drive5:30 p.m.

CF Garden ClubThursday, May 8 9 a.m. Social • 9:30 a.m. Meeting

CF Civic Club Tuesday, May 13PUD Building 16215 Champion Forest Drive7:30 p.m.

CF Fund/HOA Meeting May 14PUD Building 16215 Champion Forest Drive6:30 p.m.

CFWC Fiesta NightKim Leonard's home8807 Chelmsford LaneThursday, May 15 7 p.m.

CF Neighborhood Watch Thursday, May 22PUD Building 16215 Champion Forest Drive7:30 p.m.

CF Women’s Club mission statementThe Champion Forest Women’s Club is a neighborhood social and service organization. The mission of CFWC is to bring Champion Forest women closer together

through community activities. The CFWC fulfills this goal by hosting programs and socials, sponsoring special interest groups, undertaking fund-raising for scholarships, hosting an annual luncheon and charity auction, and producing the monthly Champion Forest newsletter. Meetings are held on a regular basis in homes and local venues. To be part of Champion Forest Women’s Club, contact our membership chairman or any Board member.

CFWC membership dues reminder

2008 dues are due! Please contact Christy Geary at 281-320-2746.

Friends in the ForestDear Neighbors,

“Sweet April showers do spring May flowers.”– Thomas Tusser, A Hundred Good Points of Husbandry, 1557

In my mind, May, the last full month of spring, brings new possibilities and opportunities each year. One spring day years ago after reading the Champion Forest newsletter (cover-to-cover as I always do) and seeing the photos of the smiling faces from the Women’s Club meetings, I wondered what it would be like to attend one of the gatherings. Would I fit in? Would I even know anyone? Instead of trying to muster enough courage to drop by a CFWC event by myself, I decided to look at it from a different perspective.

I made up my mind I would go to the meeting with the outlook that new possibilities of friendships lie ahead. The next meeting event was a free, casual gathering at a neighbor’s home. It was filled with welcoming women of all ages, nationalities, backgrounds, native states, and careers. I was immediately put at ease when my friend, Jenny Herd, caught my attention and offered a hug. The rest, they say, is history. My family and I plan to stay in Champion Forest for a long while, and I know many of the friendships I’ve made through Champion Forest Women’s Club and its Special Interest Groups will be lifelong ones. Now, I don’t have to wonder who those sweet smiling faces are and what the Women’s Club is all about!

You, too, have a great opportunity to join us this month for a casual gathering at our Margarita Night on May 15 at 7 p.m. at Kim Leonard’s lovely home and beautiful backyard at 8807 Chelmsford Lane. This fun fiesta is free to both members and nonmembers alike. Who knows, May just might bring you new friendships and a membership to the group to boot.

Many of you may know that the CFWC is also a service organization which raises funds for scholarships and worthy charities. Last month, we held our annual Scholarship Luncheon at Raveneaux Country Club. What a success it was! This year’s theme of “Going Green” celebrated our environment, and Barb Smith offered tips on how to help preserve our green earth. Dr. Jim Cain graciously stopped by to give a brief overview of the May 10 school bond issue election. Dr. Cain’s talk was very informative, and he urged us to visit www.Kleinisd.net for more about the bond proposal. The style show by Dillard’s was a treat as always. Proceeds from the luncheon will go to the club’s scholarship fund to benefit a Klein High School senior in her college career. Many thanks to Lisa Hardin, Laura Smith, Barb Smith, all the Board members below, Dr. Cain and Raveneaux for making the lunch such a success!

Your neighbor, Angela Greenberg

Champion Forest Community Newsletter May 2008 3


april sCholarship lunCheon


sCholarship lunCheon - continued




sCholarship lunCheon - continued



Membership Form

Date: ____________

Name: _________________________________________

Address: _______________________________________

Phone #: _______________________________________

Email Address: __________________________________

Champion Forest Women’s Club is here for you.Please join us for a year filled with sunshine,

opportunity and friendship.

Make checks payable to “Champion Forest Women’s Club.” Mail checks to Kim Shahjahan at 15926 Cumbria.

Newsletter EditorMarilou Schopper

9103 Herts Road713-302-8851

[email protected]

Please deliver all articles and photos to the front porch newsletter box or email your news to: [email protected].

The newsletter is published without charge to Champion Forest residents through advertising

purchased from Champions Printing & Publishing. For advertising information call 281-583-7661.

Deadline for the June 2008 newsletter is May 10.


CFWC speCial interest Groups

What a great way to have fun and meet your neighbors! We have many Special Interest Groups with a full variety of interests. Call the Special Interest Chairman of the group that interests you and give it a try. And if there's not a group for your “special interest,” contact Laura Smith at 281-374-0909, and she'll see if there's sufficient interest out there to start a new group! Be sure to check out the potential new groups at the end of this section! The only requirement for participation in CFWC Special Interest Groups is to be a member in “good standing.” (Article VIII, Section One.) Membership includes annual dues paid to the CFWC.

CF Mothers of Young ChildrenElizabeth Stewart, 281-251-5132 Christy Geary, 281-320-2746Mothers of young children meet weekly for playgroup and monthly for Mom’s Night Out. Please contact Christy or Elizabeth for more information!

Book ClubConnie Nolan, 281-379-5302 Ruth-Ellen Mack, 281-376-2107Thank you, Linn, for hosting our April meeting. On Tuesday, May 13 at noon Connie N will host our discussion of Katherine by Anya Seton. Please contact Connie if you are unable to attend.

Mom's Night OutRuth-Ellen Mack, 281-376-2107On Tuesday, May 20 at 7:30 p.m. we will dine at Koi. Please call if you are planning to attend.

Couples GourmetSecond Saturday Evening Linda Anderson, 832-717-3661 If you are interested in joining the Couple’s Gourmet Group, please contact Linda.

Wine Tasting GroupThird Saturday EveningGloria Myer, 281-379-6783Meets every other third Saturday evening. If you’re interested in this group, please contact Gloria Myer at 281-379-6783.

Investment Group “Smart Women Finish Rich” Third Wednesday 9:15 a.m.Diane Weidenheft, President, 281-370-1653 Connie Nolan, Vice President, 281-379-5302Please contact Diane or Connie for information about this interesting group.

Potential New GroupEn Francais – Est-ce que vous voulez parler en Français? Telephonez nous á 281-257-3260 pour discuter l’organisation d’un group de conversation Française.


Celebrate the SeasonsHere’s the funny thing about our near-Gulf Coast

gardening situation. We get our fall foliage at Christmas, we enjoy Bird of Paradise blooms at Thanksgiving, and my Easter lilies bloom for Mother’s Day. Go figure! I’ve become accustomed to our sometimes tropical, sometimes northern climate surprises and have learned not to pay too much attention to all the seasonal gardening tips that come from the large national publications. As I get more in tune to what my own plants want from me year after year, I learn that our unique weather patterns can defy the best published plans, but we are also rewarded with surprising year-round successes (my two-year-old impatiens still look great). I am a huge fan of impulse buying (especially after our programs), and often visit our local nurseries just to see what they are into at any given season. I hope everyone can feel liberated to take risks and follow your heart, your pocketbook and your personal desires for a more pleasing surrounding, instead of following a set pattern of “gardening by the book.”

Champion Forest

Garden ClubexeCutive board

President ................................................................................Chris AganFirst Vice President – Yearbook ............................................Chris AganSecond Vice President – Programs ....................................Anita Martin Third Vice President – Membership.................................Kathy StewartSecretary ...................................................................... Donna McDanielTreasurer ...............................................................................Linda PetersClub Delegate ................................................................. Wendy FryfogleParliamentarian ...............................................................Faye WeatherlyHistorian ........................................................................... Barbara Smith

mission statement

The Champion Forest Garden Club (CFGC) is a neighborhood special interest organization chartered in 1978. The mission of the CFGC is to stimulate knowledge and love of gardening and floral design, to encourage civic beautification, to promote conservation of our surrounding natural resources and to foster a close community spirit. The CFGC fulfills this mission by hosting monthly meetings and periodic field trips throughout the year, along with various community projects such as our Arbor Day celebration. Meetings are held monthly at a member’s home. Board members are elected annually. To get involved, please contact the membership chairperson.

Garden Club neWs

Yard of the MonthDavid & Kathy Black16103 Stewarts Grove

Congratulations!NOTE: Due to the camera limitations we were able to show only a portion of this beautiful yard. We encourage you to take the time to drive by this home and enjoy the entire yard. - the Publisher


Our April program at anita Martin’s lovely home was just fantastic, especially with hostess help from Gloria Myer, Joan peck, Nancy Blaker and Linda peters. We were treated to an inspiring presentation from Lisa Whittlesey from Texas A&M on imaginative flower arranging. It was so much fun to see her creations come to life out of ordinary plants found in many of our yards and at our grocery store. Her container selection included the traditional and the unexpected, such as a red bell pepper. We broke many of the conventional rules for flower arranging, and had so much fun in the process! In addition, Roy Riley, President of the Champion Forest Fund, Inc., gave us a brief update on the Neighborhood Watch program. We are

so appreciative of this important initiative designed to make our community a safer place to live.

I also want to welcome our newest Garden Club member, Carol Mason, who has joined us. Many thanks also go Kathy Stewart who manages our membership roster with ease and keeps track of us all. Thanks to all the members who make Garden Club such an inviting group!

Reminder: Yard of the Month judging for May is May 30, so get your warm weather yards ready for Edna Gilbert and her squad of judges!

pConnie Nolan took home one of Lisa’s fabulous arrangements. pAnita Martin greets Garden Club speaker Lisa Whittlesey, director of the Jr. Master Gardener program at Texas A&M.



pLisa works to create one of three beautiful floral designs.

tRoy Riley spoke briefly to Garden Club about Neighborhood Watch.

Garden Club - continued


Would you like to swap them for something that could add that perfect touch? Please email your suggested plant swap to [email protected]. Interested plant swappers should contact you directly.

Ruellia – medium sized border plant – grows up to 12” – full sun and has violet petite flowers

Mondo Grass – nice ground cover – full to part sun – grows to 6” in height

Marilou Schopper 713-302-8851 • [email protected]

Plant SwaPDo you have plants that have

outgrown your yard?


MayEvergreen trees such as hollies and magnolias will drop many leaves, some yellow. They are simply shedding old foliage which is natural and no cause for alarm.

Feed all plants except azaleas, which should only be fed after flowering (early April).

Put tomato plants in the ground early in the month.

Pinch tips of nonblooming perennials to encourage bushy growth.

White flowers make a shady area look lighter and brighter.

Feed crape myrtles and other summer-blooming shrubs. Also feed agapanthus (lily of the Nile).

Give hibiscus a slight haircut, then feed with hibiscus food to encourage lush growth.

Consider plants in your yard that will attract butterflies and hummingbirds. Butterfly bush, butterfly weed, daylilies,

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hamelia (hummingbird bush), hibiscus, lantana, pentas, salvias, dwarf ruellia and passion flower vine are all good choices for our neighborhood.

Spring season is quickly turning into summer, and we will enjoy our last meeting of the year at Sally Blackhall’s home with hostess help from Bonnie Ellis, Jeannette Loverdi, Lupe Lopez and Joanne Watford. This is one of our signature meetings, where we will celebrate our year together with a delicious lunch, announce our awards earned from district and install our new officers for the upcoming year. I’m looking forward to this pleasant gathering with much affection.

Happy Mother’s Day and have a wonderful Memorial Day!

Chris Agan Champion Forest Garden Club

Garden T ps


Welcome Packets – Don’t ForgetThe Civic Club wants to make sure that every new

resident gets a warm “hello” and helping hand. A neighborhood Welcome Packet delivered by a smiling face accomplishes both. If you know of a new resident on your street, please contact Heidi Baty at 281-235-6621. The packets include a CF directory, a CFWC newsletter and other helpful information about the community that can aid new residents.

Welcome to Champion ForestneW residents

please fill out this form and return to Heidi Baty at 16125 parish Hall (281-235-6621) before the 10th of the month. (Check box(es) that apply):

___ We would like to be included in the newsletter

___ We would like to be included in the neighborhood telephone directory

___ We would like to make changes to our information in the telephone directory

___ I would like someone to contact me regarding neighborhood activities

Name: _____________________________________________Children's Names and ages: _____________________________________________________________________________Moved from: ________________________________________address: ___________________________________________Home phone: _______________________________________Email address: _____________________________________Husband is employed by: _____________________________ Work phone: _______________________________________Wife is employed by: ________________________________Work phone: _______________________________________

CFWC Sunshine and WelcomeChampion Forest Women’s Club would love to share

the sunshine in your life. If you are new to the neighborhood, we would like to come by and give you a welcome gift. If you are a new parent or grandparent, please send us a picture and information to brighten up the newsletter. We would like to share anything that brings sunshine into your life. Call CFWC Laura Smith at 281-374-0909 or email Marilou Schopper at [email protected].

Calling All Graduates!If you are graduating in the spring, we would like to

spotlight you in the newsletter. Please send a picture and significant information (accomplishments and future plans) to [email protected]. We look forward to hearing from you.


Over the years I have seen many lost pet signs in our neighborhood. I have wondered how many were reunited with their families. How did they get lost? Where are they now? It is heart wrenching to lose a pet. Things are never quite the same until they are found. However, there is a great deal of information written on how to find your lost pet and how to best safeguard them from getting lost.

I located several websites that were especially helpful.

www.petrescue.com – This is an outstanding site. You will learn the ways to locate your pet and ways to safeguard them. The information goes for 7 pages. It is a must read for any pet owner. I could not believe the places you should look!

www.mypetretriever.com – This site lists other sites to search for your pet and places to post a report for a lost pet.

www.lostandfoundpets-spring.com – This site is for the north Houston area. They cover The Woodlands, Spring, Kingwood and Humble areas.

www.cap4pets.org/SheltersList.html – This site lists animal shelters and organizations in Houston/Harris County and surrounding areas.

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www.cap4pets.org/LostPetTips.html – This site has tips on finding your pet and has websites to find your pet and post a report.

Hope these sites will be of some assistance. Keep up the search!

Karolyn Tusa

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Options Abound When Pets Go Missing…


Important Board Election

Director Position 3 – Greg DiCioccio, Debbie Jackson, Wallace D. perry

Director Position 4 – Tom petrick, arthur “Roy” Riley

Director Position 5 – pat Finley, Fred Jones

Voting will be held at 16215 Champion Forest Drive on Monday, april 28-May 2; Monday, May 5 and Tuesday, May 6 from 7 a.m.-3 p.m.; and then Saturday, May 10 from 7 a.m.-7 p.m.

Results of the election will be available on our website at cyforestpud.com and on the board outside 16215 Champion Forest Drive.

Cypress Forest

Public Utility Districtboard oF direCtors

Jim Lynch ...................................................................................PresidentTom Petrick ...................................................................... Vice PresidentFred Jones .................................................................................. TreasurerDebbie Jackson ..........................................................................SecretaryLinn Smyth ................................................................Assistant Secretary

mission statement

The Texas State Legislature created the Cypress Forest Public Utility District (CFPUD) in 1971. The mission of the CFPUD is to finance, construct, own and operate waterworks, wastewater, and drainage facilities and to provide such facilities and services to its customers. The CFPUD is governed by a five-member board of directors that is elected by the public and has staggered four-year terms. Meetings are held the first Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at the PUD Building on Champion Forest Drive. The CFPUD Board also hosts a regular Brown Bag Lunch for all interested residents. To get involved, please contact a Board member.

Cypress Forest pud neWs

r e m e m b e r …An Architectural Review Application must be

submitted BEFORE you begin any home improvements.

Contact Consolidated Management Services at 281-296-9775 (phone), 281-296-9788 (fax) or by email at [email protected] whenever you need assistance.


Have you ever looked out at one of our legendary rain storms and wished that you could capture that wonderful water to use when you need it for your garden and plants? We’ve had the same thoughts…especially now that the cost of water is increasing and will continue to do so in the months and years ahead.

Cypress Forest PUD has initiated a rainwater harvesting program, and we’ve made arrangements to acquire top quality, dark forest green, 75-gallon rain barrels at a very competitive price for our residents and neighbors. We’ll order them directly from the manufacturer to obtain a good discount and pass along the savings to you. These sturdy plastic containers have a screen top to filter debris, an overflow feature, and a hose connection at the bottom to fill a watering can or to drain directly into a flowerbed.

For maximum water capture, it is easy to position the barrel near a garage or outbuilding and hook it directly to a downspout. We have also made arrangements for custom built, weather-treated wood stands to keep the barrel off the ground for ease in

Cypress Forest Public Utility District Launches

Save the Raindrops Project operation. Lattice can be added (for an extra charge) to screen the barrel on three sides. (The stands start at $45 each.)

Order your rain barrel today. For more information, please go online at www.cyforestpud.com.

p75-gallon rain barrel $136.50 each, including shipping and handling


in the mailThis space is reserved for residents with opinions to express, thoughts

to share and any question another reader may be able to answer. Jot it down and drop it in the mail to Marilou Schopper at 9103 Herts Road, Spring, Texas 77379, put it into the birdhouse mailbox on Marilou’s front porch, or contact her by email at [email protected].

Remember: This newsletter will not publish anonymous comments or questions. Please include your name and address.

Thank you, Marilou

Klein ISD Bond Election

Dear Editor and Residents of Champion Forest:

As a Champion Forest resident since 1991 and resident of Klein ISD since 1985, I have been active in this community and most active in our schools. Having worked inside, up-close and personal in all levels of the schools within our neighborhood, I have had opportunity to watch the outstanding things that happen there while watching our buildings deteriorate. We simply cannot stand by and let this happen any longer. Our children and our community deserve to have equitable facilities with the other schools in the district. Our children and our community most assuredly deserve to have campuses that provide safety and security rather than 15 separate buildings which provide access from at least 30 locations. Klein High School is a security nightmare!!! Those of you who know me are aware that I spend a lot of time driving across Texas. I pay a lot of attention to the schools across the

state, and every facility that I see is an enclosed campus under one roof! Like it or not, this is a sign of the times! We must pass this bond now so that we can eliminate this problem!

Technology is another huge issue in the bond proposal. Which of us does not want children to be prepared for the future? School curriculum is rapidly becoming a technology-based format. We must prepare our students for the future that they will enter. We must give them the tools that they need to do so now!

I heard it said once that “students need adults to make a difference for them!” Let’s be those adults, and vote yes for the Klein ISD bond on May 10!!

Brenda Golvach

Because it is for the benefit of our kids, I plan to vote yes for the Klein ISD Bond Plan on Saturday, May 10. In order of KISD handling the growth in our district, renovating schools, especially Klein High School, providing technology to give our schools a safe and secure environment for learning, it is imperative and necessary that this bond pass. Vote yes for Klein ISD.

Francis Timpone

The KISD Board and 2008 Bond Steering Committee have dedicated a lot of time and effort in developing the most cost-effective means to deal with the problems facing our district. Please vote “yes” for the 2008 Klein ISD Bond in the election on May 10. This Bond will authorize new construction which is needed to address current and projected



overcrowding in our district. It will also allow for the much-needed renovation of Klein High School. Some in the northern part of the district are opposed to the provision that will allow Klein High students to attend the new high school while Klein is being renovated, so every vote counts. If this Bond doesn’t pass, the improvements in the district will be delayed and more costly. For more information on the 2008 Klein ISD Bond, go to www.VoteYesKleinISD.com.

Eddie and Nanette McDonald CF residents and future Klein High parents

Dear Editor,

Thank you for printing the letters from Cammie DeShazer, Tracie Anderson and Margaret Chiavone in the April newsletter regarding the upcoming KISD Bond election. They did a brilliant job of highlighting the need for all of us to endorse the Bond issue.

Everyone, please vote “yes” on Saturday, May 10 at Brill Elementary. The proposed renovations to Klein High School are long overdue. It’s time for our high school to finally come off the “back burner” and receive the attention it so desperately needs. Rats, mold, sandbags on rainy days…I could go on and on about the problems that need to be addressed at Klein H.S. Great schools are tied directly to our property values, so this is important to everyone, not just those with children in Klein ISD.

Thank you, Ruth-Ellen Mack

Raveneaux Issue

As Cypress Forest PUD Board members, we have received input, both for and against, from many of you concerning the proposed JP Partners’ Raveneaux plans. Recently, several of you have asked “How could the Board unanimously vote against JP Partners’ request to work with the Kleinwood Municipal District (KMUD) to provide water and sewer service to the proposed JP project?” The intent of this letter is to clarify our position.

JP Partners expects that Cypress Forest Public Utility District (CF PUD):

Share Cypress Forest’s well-water capacity with KMUD without compensation.Share Cypress Forest’s sewer plant capacity with KMUD without compensation.Provide KMUD access to Cypress Forest’s sewer lines at below market prices.Reimburse JP Partners for their infrastructure costs in excess of $600,000.Allow modification to Cypress Forest’s drainage easement by JP Partners without a clear explanation of what they want to change and without compensation.Provide water and sewer service for 500 housing units, not just within the proposed plans but wherever JP can receive governmental approval.Grant permission to JP to build a road across CF PUD land without compensation.

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in the mail - continued


Cypress Forest Public Utility District is being asked to agree to all of these concessions while Kleinwood MUD is receiving 85% of all the new tax revenue after they annex the additional service area into their district. Cypress Forest Public Utility District requests three concessions before we would be willing to consider sharing these assets and capacity with KMUD.

A 30-foot buffer along Cypresswood Drive from the Raveneaux parking lot to the Temple’s land.A defined restricted area for the 500 housing units with clarified drainage details for the development.All remaining land not used in the development to be placed in an irrevocable trust that ensures the land can be only used for golf or open space in the future.

It must be pointed out that JP Partners could have commenced this project with KMUD at any time since October 6, 2006 (nearly a year and half ago), upon county and city approval. The choice to build or delay is JP’s and only JP’s. The delay has been JP’s decision as they have tried to negotiate a better deal with the Cypress Forest PUD.

As a taxing district, CF PUD recognizes that the golf course and the country club certainly add value to our community. We, as two members of the CF PUD, support the responsible development of available land within the country club boundary if it complements the club and its amenities and also addresses the concerns raised by the community.

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The Kera development, as currently communicated by JP Partners, does not meet these criteria. The currently proposed plan is completely one-sided in JP’s favor. Without agreed-to contractual constraints, after water and utility agreements are granted, JP can then modify or completely change the specifics of the development. They can build where and what they want to build within the constraints of the approved utility capacity.

Although we are members of the CF PUD, we are writing this as individuals and members of the community. We are not authorized nor are we attempting to speak for the Cypress Forest Board. We are open to a balanced proposal from JP Partners but cannot support the one-sided, open-ended, loosely defined deal that has been offered by JP Partners.

Sincerely, Fred Jones and Tom Petrick

Trash Concerns

I certainly agree with Mr. Schopper’s letter concerning the additional garbage fees and backdoor pickup that was published in the Champion Forest bulletin of April 2008. As he stated, the accumulation of opinions and surveys over a period of time was designed to get the answer that someone desired, and after a long period that was accomplished, I guess. Seems like I saw in a previous newsletter that 700 “votes” were cast. Over what period of time?? And with how much knowledge? 700 out of over 1,550 residences?



The $16 dollar a month fee was never disclosed. If there are 1,550 residences in Champion Forest, and I believe there are a few more, that amounts to an additional $24,800 a month and $297,600 a year just to appease someone that doesn’t like to see a few trash cans by the curb for a short period of time. For the most part, trash cans were put away in a timely manner.

My trash can was always put away promptly as were most of the ones in the subdivision. For the $16 a month additional fee, I’d surely prefer curbside pickup that we had. As you drive around on “trash pickup” days, there’s not a lot of difference in the appearance of the subdivision from what it was before and it wasn’t bad then. People looking to locate in the subdivision understand that trash has to be picked up, and I don’t believe the curbside pickup detracted from the value of the subdivision. There are a lot of things out there, if you look, that detract a lot more than trash cans by the curb for a short period of time.

I’d like to see the curbside pickup return along with the lower fee. Another thing I don’t understand is the necessity of two (2) trash pickups every week. Seems like overkill to me. Why do we have it? I guess because “that’s the way it’s always been.” Do we need it, and do we need to pay for two pickups? Probably not. The Cypress Forest PUD Board needs to take another look at this and try to put in place a trash pickup that is reasonable. $297,600 additional annual fees is not!

Jim Shaw 9206 New Forest Road

I am writing in to voice my negative opinion on this new garbage service. I live in a patio home and with the old service, the garbage can was by the curb. With the new service, the garbage can is an astounding 15 feet up the driveway. What am I paying this premium for? I got the new bill and wow!!! It is past addition – we are on to multiplication!

I don’t see the huge difference in the neighborhood. The same neighbors who let their yard service put leaves in bags on their curb days before garbage service are still doing the same thing. The same neighbors who put cans and bags on their curb days before garbage service are still doing the same thing. I still see cans (and bins) left out on the curb (or near) on garbage day. Is it worth the increase? Not for me; and personally I like the Monday/Thursday combination; but who asked me? I don’t remember voting on this at all except I did vote twice against the change.

Sally L. Knightrider

After the garbage men came on Friday I had to call Royal Disposal yet again, fourth time since they started 60 days ago. So when I read the April newsletter I was relieved to know I am not the only one wanting to make a formal complaint about the quality of service. I have been told three out of the four times, other Champion Forest residents had called already on that particular day. My main complaint is the way they have



complete disrespect for us. I do not understand why they insist on dumping our cans into another can which is then dumped into their truck. I have numerous pictures of the garbage they have left on my driveway when doing this transfer. Piles of garbage they have no intention of cleaning, even when I was outside and saw them dump half the can on the driveway. This separate can of theirs I have also watched them on numerous occasions roll it through my front yard into the neighbor’s yard and driveway, not acceptable.

Yesterday’s incident involved a broken glass container which was in a Ziploc bag, within another bag, within another bag so it had three bags of protection between the glass and the outside. I do not know how they managed to do this, but the entire container now in a million tiny pieces was all over my driveway, in the flowerbed next to the driveway and the grass where the lawn mower goes and children play. There is no excuse for this, they were well aware of what they did, the glass was very evident, but instead they left it.

Besides these two occurrences, my question is if it is valet service, why do my cans end up half way down the driveway? I am disabled and had better service with the previous company, who was not paid extra for valet service, and who as a courtesy picked up my trash at my back gate. We are definitely not getting our money’s worth with Royal Disposal. I wonder who received the cutback and perks from this contract. Is there any way we can see who was in the running

for the contract and how Royal Disposal was chosen? Can we take a satisfaction vote sometime soon so when their contract expires we can find a new company?

To all of those complaining, keep it up – maybe they will see just how bad their employees are and work on changing matters.

Elizabeth D.

Sago Palm Issue

Good morning, Marilou! My husband and I have recently moved into this wonderful neighborhood and wanted to say what a great job you and the rest of the team do on the newsletter. We have lived in other neighborhoods with monthly newsletters but theirs can’t even compare. Good job!

I saw that according to the website we could email news and opinions to you for the next newsletter. I don’t know if this has already been done, or if maybe I was just the one unaware, but I recently had a very serious accident with my dog and a sago palm. Having just moved to Texas from Tennessee, we were unfamiliar with any type of palm or palm-like plant. However, the one in our backyard was over 30 years old and whoever lived here before did not prune it properly, so it was out of control. I noticed that just about every house in the neighborhood has one, so I figured since it was common, I could easily find information on how to



Champion Forest

Civic Clubboard members

President ....................................................... John Shipp, 281-376-0240Vice President .........................................Ellen Thomson, 281-379-1925Treasurer ................................................... Winn Andrus, 281-370-8723Secretary ...........................................................................................TBDCivic Events Coordinator ............................Heidi Beale, 281-370-0423Marquee Coordinator .......................... Maura Mulvehill, 281-379-5660Directory Chairman .......................................Heidi Baty, 281-257-2634

mission statement

The Champion Forest Civic Club (CFCC) is a neighborhood service organization chartered in 1995. The mission of the CFCC is to unite the community. The CFCC fulfills this mission by publishing a neighborhood directory, hosting a Halloween Happening, supporting National Neighbors’ Night Out, sponsoring the CF Annual Easter Egg Hunt, July 4th Parade, and other events throughout the year. The Civic Club also maintains the marquees at the entrances to Champion Forest.

CFCC collects $15 annual dues from all residents. Board members are elected every other year in October. Meetings are held the second Tuesday of the month at 7:30 p.m. at 16215 Champion Forest Drive. To get involved, please contact any Board member.

remove the plant and replant it. This is when I discovered that the sago palm is toxic, especially to pets and children. We have dogs so we immediately went to removing the tree completely. Unfortunately, we were not diligent enough, because my dog ate a small part of it that had fallen off and is now in Texas A&M where the prognosis is guarded. I just thought that it might be a good idea to put this in the newsletter just to let everyone know, or to remind those who already do, that this plant is extremely poisonous. Every part of the plant is toxic, even the sawdust from when it is cut down. I would just hate to see this happen to someone else’s pet, or worse, their child.

We have not filled out the new resident card. Well, actually it’s filled out sitting here on my desk, I just haven’t mailed it yet. So let me give you a quick introduction. My husband, Steve, is a geologist with ExxonMobil. Currently, I am finishing my second book so right now I am writing full time at home. Before we moved here, I worked for the National Forensic Academy training crime scene investigators. We do not have any children yet, and we live on New Forest Road.

Thanks so much! Amy Welch



Champion Forest Fund, inC.Homeowners' Association (HOA)

board members

President .........................................................Roy Riley, 281-376-0270Vice President .......................................... Rozann Janek, 281-655-0262Secretary ....................................................Cristy Hayes, 281-257-3260Treasurer .................................................... Todd Hardin, 281-655-0845Director and Security

Committee Chairman .........................Wally Bircher, 281-374-7422Community Outreach Committee ............. Heidi Beale, 281-370-0423

Champion Forest Website

www.championforestonline.comLog on for the latest neighborhood and community news.

mission statement

The Champion Forest Fund, Inc. is a nonprofit tax-exempt corporation chartered in the State of Texas. The association was formed for the purpose of providing for the maintenance, preservation and architectural control of the residential lots within Champion Forest subdivision and promoting the safety, health and welfare of its residents.

Consolidated manaGement serviCes (Cms)For all deed restriction or neighborhood maintenance questions,

contact CMS at 281-296-9775 (phone), 281-296-9788 (fax), or by email at [email protected].

CF Fund (hoa) neWs

The new Champion Forest Fund Board of Directors began work last month by appointing Board positions and includes:

Roy Riley, President Rozann Janek, Vice PresidentTodd Hardin, Treasurer Cristy Hayes, SecretaryWally Bircher, Architectural Control

CF Esplanade 36 (Champion Drive and Louetta Road)

The HOA would like to make you aware of our desire to continue improvements for the preservation, renovation and establishment of a conservative maintenance and irrigation care program for our community.

The Esplanade 36 Plan calls for an eco-friendly, drought tolerant transformation that will include underground drip throughout the bed area, and in the turf areas, 4” pop-up spray heads with low angle nozzles. These nozzles will lessen both evaporation and loss of water due to air movement, and a Leit Solar Controller will be utilized and relocated to this area. It is the HOA’s hope that perhaps this plan will serve as a model and inspiration for other external esplanade projects in the future.

Additionally, we encourage community business owners to become involved by assisting us with a donation of $200 or more towards this project. For a limited time, your generous donation will be recognized in a special newsletter article and



also be placed on the Champion Forest website. Text ads will also be included on the website under the Area Businesses page recognizing your business as a committed community partner.

To learn more, check out the CF In Bloom page at www.championforestonline.com.

CF WebsiteThe Champion Forest website developed by the CF

Fund for the benefit of CF residents, its organizations and community businesses will be undergoing a facelift and functional enhancement over the coming months. These upgrades are possible as a result of online banner ad/website advertising. If you know an area business that would be interested in advertising on the Champion Forest website with a direct link to the business website, log onto http://www.championforestonline.com/banners/index.html or click on the “Ad Space Available Graphic” under the current sponsors.

Backdoor Garbage PickupThe Board encourages residents to utilize the backdoor

garbage service that the Cypress Forest PUD has negotiated and the CF Fund (HOA) supported. The backdoor service greatly improves the aesthetic appeal of neighborhood streets and is an amenity that preserves privacy and reduces criminal mischief – a small investment yielding significant returns on many levels.

As realtors throughout the community will attest, this change significantly improves the appeal of homes in a nearly 30-year-old neighborhood with few amenities. Trash throughout the majority of the neighborhood is out of view. Cans picked up and returned at the backdoor discreetly conceal large purchase packaging and details of those living within the home. Determining if a resident is home or out of town is also more difficult with such a service, since cans remain in place through the week.

If cans left at the backdoor, garage door or back fence are not returned to the same place after they are emptied, residents should contact Royal Disposal at 713-526-1536. If residents prefer that cans be returned in the upright rather than upside down position, this should also be conveyed. It is important that expectations are communicated at the start of this new service.

While recycle bins and brush must be left at the curb for Friday pickup, loose trash blowing through the streets, yards and along curbs has been greatly reduced as a result of the backdoor service. Though the proximity of trash cans has impacted some residents to a lesser extent than others, the overall benefit for the neighborhood has been tremendous. To learn more about the garbage service plan, log onto http://www.cyforestpud.com/trash/index.html.

CF Fund (hoa) neWs - continued


neiGhborhood WatCh Committee

Name Home Phone Email

Roy Riley, CF HOA President, 281-376-0270 [email protected] ChairRozann Janek, CF Fund VP 281-655-0262 [email protected] Hayes, CF Fund Secretary 281-257-3260 [email protected] Jones 281-320-2966 [email protected] Kern 281-376-0771 [email protected] Preston 281-376-5844 [email protected]

The Neighborhood Watch Committee typically meets at 7 p.m. on the last Thursday of each month at the PUD Building. Everyone is welcome, but please contact a committee member to verify schedules before attending.

neiGhborhood WatCh Committee mission statement

The Champion Forest Neighborhood Watch Committee is a standing committee of the Champion Forest Fund, Inc./Homeowners’ Association (CFHOA). The committee’s mission is to mobilize Champion Forest residents and law enforcement professionals to reduce crime against residents’ person and property. Our strategy is to drive awareness, knowledge, involvement and community pride via education, multiple communication campaigns, and establishment of a communication relationship via CF Connection. The volunteer members serve at the pleasure of the CFFHOA. To get involved, please visit www.ChampionForestOnline.com and select the “Neighborhood Watch” tab at the top of the home page or contact your Section Leader or any of the committee members.

neiGhborhood WatCh

The new Board year kicked off with a new Neighborhood Watch program, which has been met with enthusiasm and a high level of participation. And Neighborhood Watch signs have been placed throughout the neighborhood. The Board would like to thank Bob Jackson for heading up the program, leading training sessions and establishing a detailed plan that changing directors, section leaders and participants can follow in the years to come.

Section Leader Jim Reed is in the process of developing a document to assist those who have completed training and are uncertain about the best way to reach out to residents in their area – improving communication and ensuring a strong ongoing neighborhood watch effort. This will be followed with regular updates from section leaders and participants, along with related articles, in a dedicated section of the CF Fund (HOA) news column of the newsletter and website.

For dates of upcoming training classes, log onto www.championforestonline.com. To sign up for an upcoming class, email [email protected]. Please contact Roy Riley at 281-376-0270 with any questions regarding the Neighborhood Watch program.


summary report

Under Investigation

Burglary of a Motor Vehicle 15725 block of Champion Forest Drive16000 block of Kempton Park Drive

Theft from a Habitation16200 block of Kempton Park Drive

Theft of a Motor Vehicle9400 block of Tranquil Park

Criminal Mischief 16200 block of Rutley Circle9500 block of Godstone Lane

Disturbance – Family16400 block of Gravenhill16100 block of Abberton Hill Drive8500 block of Herts Road9100 block of Godstone Lane

Other Calls 16400 block of Knightrider9700 block of Fenchurch9700 block of Windrush Drive9600 block of Oxted Lane8300 block of Mentmore9700 block of Chipstead Drive

Constable’s Dispatch 281-376-3472

Constable’s patrol aCtivity report

Type of activityBurglary of a Habitation .......................................................0Burglary of a Motor Vehicle .................................................2Theft from a Habitation .......................................................1Theft of a Motor Vehicle ......................................................1Theft - Other .........................................................................0Robbery .................................................................................0Assault ...................................................................................0Sexual Assault .......................................................................0Criminal Mischief .................................................................2Disturbance - Family .............................................................4Disturbance - Juvenile ..........................................................1Disturbance - Other ..............................................................8Alarms .................................................................................49Suspicious Vehicles .............................................................61Suspicious Persons ...............................................................23Runaways ...............................................................................0Telephone Harassment .........................................................0Other Calls ........................................................................172

There are registered sex offenders living in many neighborhoods. For more information, go to www.familywatchdog.us and follow the links.

Many residents in Champion Forest have not notified their alarm companies as to which law enforcement agency to notify should the need arise. Please contact your alarm company and instruct them to contact the Harris County Pct. 4 Constable’s Department at 281-376-3472 should your burglar alarm activate or you hit the panic button and need law enforcement for an emergency.

For the public information synopsis, email Lt. Finley at [email protected] with your name and home address. He will add you to his regular email list.

Disclaimer: The information contained in the Contract Summary Report is provided by the Harris County Precinct 4 Constable's Office. The Champion Forest Fund, Inc. (the "Fund") is not responsible for the content of the CF Patrol Contract Summary and Activity Reports, and the Fund disclaims and denies any and all liability therefor.


Bond Election This Month, Want Details? Here They Are…

Klein ISD Board Calls for Bond Referendum

The members of the Klein ISD Board of Trustees at its meeting on March 4 unanimously called for a bond referendum to be held on May 10.

Prior to its vote, an invited committee of 111 parents, community members, students, and district personnel participated in the 2008 Bond Steering Committee to analyze enrollment projections prepared by Population and Survey Analysts (PASA, full report at www.kleinisd.net), assessments of current facilities, and program capacity for each school. The recommendations of the 2008 Bond Steering Committee were submitted to the Klein ISD administration for consideration. After studying the bond recommendations of the 2008 Bond Steering Committee and receiving additional input from the community during the month of February, Superintendent Dr. Jim Cain presented the district’s recommendation to the KISD Board of Trustees. The district’s recommendation included a classroom wing to be added to Klein Collins High School. The purpose of the instructional addition of science labs, regular classrooms and department offices was to accommodate new growth.

The $646.9 million bond package addresses growth, renovations, technology, and safety and security. These four areas represent elements of a school district that the maintenance and operations budget cannot support. Therefore, a school district uses bond funds for these capital expenses.

The $345.9 million allocated for growth includes funds to build three elementary schools, one early childhood/pre-kindergarten center, two intermediate schools, and one high school; purchase sites for four new schools; build a 700-seat classroom addition for Klein Oak and a 500-seat addition for Klein Collins high schools; build a multi-purpose center to

Kisd neWs

be used for staff development and as an agricultural center; build an addition to the Klein Instructional Center; build transportable buildings; build a South Transportation Center; and purchase buses.

The $256.7 million designated for renovations will upgrade and remodel campus academic facilities; renovate portions of Klein High School keeping the Fine Arts, Choir, Pavilion, and Natatorium buildings, rebuild the Klein Annex, upgrade and remodel campus athletic facilities and renovate campuses with repairs and upgrades of HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning; plumbing), roofing, electrical systems, lighting and flooring.

The $38.2 million assigned to technology will provide technology equipment to accommodate increased enrollment, provide equipment to continue the Technology Baseline Standard Initiative, provide equipment to replace outdated technology equipment, and increase student access to technology equipment.



The $6.1 million allotted for safety and security will purchase equipment to increase access control districtwide, purchase equipment to add security cameras, replace outdated security equipment, and install fire alarms in remaining facilities.

The combined tax of the Klein ISD is $1.26. The tax impact of this bond is projected to gradually increase, peaking at $1.46 in the school year 2011-2012. For persons over 65 years of age who have filed the over-65 exemption, the bond will not increase taxes if no extensive improvements have been made since the exemption went into effect.

Bond Details Based on population analysis

To determine what should be included in the bond package, the Bond Steering Committee relied on data as the basis for decision-making. Based on the demographic report from Population and Survey Analysts’ (PASA) low-growth scenario, the data when compared to capacity indicated that the district should build three elementary schools, one Early Learning/Pre-K Center, two intermediate schools, and one high school during this four-year period. Additionally, to address growth in the northern portion of the district, a new wing of classroom space at both Klein Oak and Klein

Collins high schools is included. The Klein Oak addition will be designed for 700 additional students and will include a redesign of the food service area and a dining addition. The Klein Collins addition will be designed for 500 additional students and will include science laboratories.

The south transportation center is proposed in the bond to reduce the number of miles that buses must travel when they carry no students. The state provides no funding to school districts for trips that are not student bus routes. Buses will also be purchased to address the growth and to replace some of the aging fleet. The multi-purpose building will serve as a location for the district agriculture facility and will also house a large staff development room that can be used for training.

Bond Funds To Be Disbursed For Renovations after Much Background Work

How will bond funds be used for renovation? To determine the renovation projects for each campus, the district hired the architectural firm SHW Group to analyze each facility. Additionally, Klein ISD staff members surveyed the schools and other district facilities to investigate appropriate renovations. Reports from these engineers, architects, and KISD personnel were compiled for each district facility. Finally, reports were prioritized to determine the renovations that are included in this plan. Additionally, the plan includes renovating Klein High School while keeping Fine Arts, Choir, Pavilion and Natatorium. The Klein Annex will be rebuilt on another site.

To learn about the 2008 Bond, please click on the link to the left regarding bond information. This Bond site contains information in English, Spanish and Vietnamese regarding many details of the 2008 Bond Plan. You can also view a short video and a detailed PowerPoint on the bond planning process and the entire bond plan.

Kisd neWs - continued


Klein ISD Named in 50 Safest School Districts in U.S.

The Klein ISD has been named one of the top 50 school districts in the U.S. in the netTrekker d.i. Safe Search Awards Program. This award recognizes districts that keep students the safest when searching on the Internet. The netTrekker program has been purchased by the Klein ISD for all schools. Klein

students may use netTrekker at home at no cost. Registration information is available on each campus from a librarian.

When students use netTrekker at school or at home, they find a directory of Web sites that have been classified for elementary, intermediate, or high school students. Each source of material has been screened for meeting readability level standards and for being age appropriate. Over 11 million students in the U.S. use netTrekker to find reliable, relevant, educator-selected Web sites when they seek information.

In addition to netTrekker, Klein students have access at school and at home to EBSCO (a magazine database), Encyclopedia Britannica, Facts on File, and ABC-CLIO (a history database). Students must receive a password from a librarian to use these resources at no cost.

Klein High School Mathematics and Science Team Brings Home the Gold

After straight first place sweepstakes wins from 1997- 2004, a third place in 2005, a second place in 2006, and a first place in 2007, the Klein High School mathematics and science team earned first place sweepstakes honors at the state Texas Mathematics Coaches Association (TMSCA) contest. Ms. Josie Mallory is the team sponsor.


Election Day

May 107:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Registered voters will vote at the Elementary School in

their attendance zone.

April 28 – May 2 May 3 May 5 - 6

7 a.m. – 4 p.m. 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. 7 a.m. – 4 p.m.

May 1 May 2 May 5 May 6

Metzler Brill Lemm

Haude Klenk

Benfer

ädt

Eiland Frank

Election Day

May 107:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Registered voters will vote at the Elementary School in

their attendance zone.

April 28 – May 2 May 3 May 5 - 6

7 a.m. – 4 p.m. 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. 7 a.m. – 4 p.m.

May 1 May 2 May 5 May 6

Metzler Brill Lemm

Haude Klenk

Benfer

ädt

Eiland Frank

ELECTION DAy May 10

7 a.m. – 7 p.m. Registered voters will vote at the elementary

school in their attendance zone.


KLEB TracK SEaSon

Comes to Record-Breaking End!The 2008 track season ended at the beginning of April,

and the Kleb track team performed above expectations. The 7th grade girls finished the track season as District Champions and the 8th grade girls came in 2nd place. The 7th grade boys came in 4th place and the 8th grade boys came in 3rd place.

Many school and district records were broken this season.

School Records Broken Include:

7th Grade BoysZach Ezer – 100m hurdles (15.67)

8th Grade BoysCole MacDonald – shot put (42’11”)Travis Clements – pole vault (9’8”)

8th Grade GirlsAshley Alexander, Lauren Wardell, Kendyl Kennard

and Megan Waters – 4x100m relay (52.51)Julia Cole – 800m run (2:32.17)

District Records Broken Include:

7th Grade GirlsDiana Evans – 2400m run (8:49.86)Diana Evans – 1600m run (5:35.63)

8th Grade BoysDillon Worley – 2400m run (7:37.53)Dillon Worley – 1600m run (4:48.76)

Way to go, Bearcubs!

Over 100 high schools from throughout Texas participated in the meet. In the 5-A competition, Klein’s number sense and calculator teams placed first, and its mathematics team placed second. Members of the first place number sense team were Stephen Worlow, Akash Shah, Pulak Mittal, and William Li. The calculator team members were William Li, Diana Lee, Alex Ryan, and Stephen Worlow. The mathematics team was composed of Stephen Worlow, Akash Shah, Alex Ryan, and Diana Lee. Pulak Mittak was awarded Top Gun honors for having the highest cumulative score in all four events among tenth grade students. William Li was awarded a TMSCA Senior Scholarship for his third place Top Gun honors.

Academic contests are an important part of the KISD extracurricular opportunities for students. These competitions encourage academic growth, serve as a means of gaining recognition for the district, and support the character traits of commitment, responsibility, integrity, initiative, and respect.

Kisd neWs - continued


yeager Recycling NewsFriday, May 2 will be the last aluminum can drive of

the 2007-2008 school year. The recycling truck will be in the Yeager Elementary School parking lot from 8-9 a.m., so bring us your drink cans. We greatly appreciate all surrounding communities for your support throughout the year.

A special thank you goes to Diane Brewington at Chick-fil-A for donating food coupons.

Try to save your drink cans over the summer. We’ll gladly take them off your hands after school starts. Have a great summer!

Questions? Contact Donna Martin-Wheaton via phone at 281-537-8797 or email at [email protected].

KLEB LacrossE

The Klein Middle School Lacrosse team had the opportunity to participate in a Girls’ Lacrosse Clinic put on by the U.S. Women’s National team. Our young ladies had a blast learning new techniques and meeting four of the U.S. National Women’s players.

Picture from left to right: (front row) Hannah Kincaid, Mari Clair Harmon, Shania Hunt; (back row) Madison Carter, Stefi Perry, Autumn Hunt. (Players not listed are U.S. National Women’s team members)

cFIsD - May 29 • KIsD - JunE 5


Nature always fights on its own terms and periodically exacts a heavy toll in terms of property damage. In this context, storms with rainfall of dangerous intensity especially during hurricane season could strike anytime, anywhere in Harris County, and living outside the mapped floodplain doesn’t mean you won’t flood. There are several factors that can contribute to flooding that are not represented on Flood Insurance Rate Maps (or floodplain maps).

For example, our street drainage systems may not be able to move unusually intense rainfall out of our neighborhoods and to our nearby flood control channels quickly enough, possibly resulting in isolated flooding that is located outside of a mapped floodplain. This scenario, known as ponding and overland flow was explained in last month’s newsletter and can deliver as little as a few inches of water into your home. Soaked carpet, flooring and walls can cost thousands of dollars to replace or repair.

Even if you are not persuaded by the physical nuisance such a storm presents, consider this: Repaying of a $50,000 flood-related loan from the Small Business Administration costs about $300 a month over many years, while the average flood insurance policy runs as little as about $300 annually. The savings in money and misery are obvious.

How to Get Flood Insurance

anyone can get flood insurance. You don’t have to live in a floodplain to purchase a policy. Remember, flood insurance must be purchased separately. Homeowners’ insurance does not cover damages from flooding. To learn more, visit the National Flood Insurance website at www.fema.gov/nfip/ or contact your insurance agent.

Gregory DiCioccio, P.E.

everyone needs Flood insuranCe!

Any Time

Editor’s note: I learned a lesson last month – the difference between burglary and robbery. The news was burglaries in Champion Forest and surrounding neighborhoods, not robberies. OOPS. Chalk it up to blind ignorance of the legal system. You knew what I meant – didn’t you? Huh?


St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church News

14301 Stuebner Airline Road Houston, TX 77069

GrandFamilies Support Meeting

2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month 9:30 a.m. at the BEC Room 322

A fellowship where grandparents who raise, financially support, and or protect their grandchildren from unsafe situations will share and care for each other in a safe supportive environment. We are a growing group of grandparents who are coming together in fellowship and Christian support. We have had very inspiring and informative discussions of our feelings and situations. Everything is confidential. Childcare will be provided, but please call ahead if needed. For more information please contact Lois Crowley at 281-440-4173 or Pat Moore at 832-237-9558.


Playhouse 1960Showcases

Champion Forest artistsTravel back to the legendary, story-telling days of

ancient China with this action-packed stage adaptation of Disney’s Mulan. The Huns have invaded, and it is up to the misfit Mulan and her mischievous sidekick Mushu to save the Emperor! Mulan Junior is a heart-warming celebration of culture, honor and a fighting spirit. The score includes favorites like “Reflection,” “Honor to Us All,” and “I’ll Make a Man Out of You” as well as new songs that will get the audience up on its feet!

Champion Forest residents Haley Brucker (Mulan), Noah McClain (Mushu) and abbey McClain (Baby Mushu) highlight the all-youth cast of Spring-area residents. The show opened April 19 and runs Saturdays and Sundays at 3 p.m. through May 11. Tickets are $8 and available by reservation at playhouse1960.com or by calling 281-58-STaGE.

Pictured are Abbey McClain, Noah McClain and Haley Brucker

Directions to Rock Creek:Take Cypresswood Drive towards 249.Go right and take 249 towards Tomball.Exit Spring Cypress and go left under 249.After about 3 miles take a right on Grant Road.Rock Creek will be about H mile on the left.

ROCK CREEK

Boutique and Craft Show

Saturday, May 17 • 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Rock Creek Subdivision Clubhouse 14223 Winding Springs Drive

You don’t want to miss this fantastic show!!!

We have a great variety of vendors who will be selling their unique items. You will find home décor, jewelry, designer

children’s clothes, personalized items and much more.

For more information about our show and to see what our vendors are selling, visit www.geocities.com/rockcreekshow.


B – Baby-sitting C – Car Detailing E – Entertainment, Piano, Singing L – Lawncare O – Odd Jobs

P – Pet Care PS – Pool Service S – Party Serving and Clean-up SW – Swim Lessons W – Pressure Washing

* Klein Vol. Fire Dept. Certified

YOuth SErViCESFind your new Champion Forest Baby-sitter,

Lawn Care or Pet Care provider here!

ClassiFied ads

Editor’s Note: The Champion Forest newsletter’s classified ads are available at no charge for resident personal property wanted or for sale, or for resident services that directly help the children of Champion Forest. Submitted ads are run in the newsletter at the discretion of the editor. The Champion Forest Women’s Club board of directors will hear an appeal to the editor’s decision. Thank you.

Need a Recommendation? My housekeeper Maria has been with our family 10 years and is looking for additional work. Maria will clean and do your laundry and ironing as well. Maria is honest, hardworking and reliable. Please contact Jane Kimmel at 281-655-4409 or 281-455-7048 (cell).

Looking for Summer Childcare: Champion Forest residents looking for summer childcare in our home for three boys ages 10-13. We can work around summer vacations and other commitments. Driver’s license a plus. Call Pam at 713-851-8309.

Need Help for Finals? Daniel Jackson, a Champion Forest resident and parent of two KHS students, is available for tutoring in math and science. No subject too difficult. Helping kids since 2000! Please contact Daniel at 281-379-4060.

For Sale: Solid wood entertainment center, approximate dimensions 37”W x 77”H, cherry finish, $300. Call 281-655-8300.

piano Teacher: Experienced with all ages, National Guild Teacher certification, in your neighborhood. Call Diane Cameron at 281-376-3804.

Wanted: Music…Vinyl records, LPs. If you want to get rid of those old records you have never used for ages and never will, please call me and I’ll be glad to come and buy them from you! I am your neighbor and my hobby is collecting and listening to records. I am interested in LPs/33s vinyl records and collections of all kinds of music: jazz, rock, blues and mostly progressive music from all over the world (not interested in classical, country or pop/easy listening music). If you want to get rid of your turntable, I’ll help you with that too. Thanks. Call John at (cell) 832-368-4543, email [email protected] or Helen at (cell) 713-458-0907, email [email protected].

Pet LiaisonCall Ruth or Jim Lynch at 281-320-9570

to report a lost or found pet.

please Note: Law enforcement agencies advise that publishing children’s contact information on the Internet compromises their security. For this reason, the teenage job seekers list has been omitted from the online version of your newsletter.


animals Dead in Public Roadway –

Commissioner Eversole’s Office .......... 281-353-8424Loose – Animal & Rabies Control ........ 281-888-3191

Electricity Reliant Energy......................................... 713-207-7777

Garbage and Recycling Royal Disposal and Recycle ................... 713-526-1536

Gas CenterPoint Energy ................................ 713-659-2111

Mosquitos Harris County Mosquito Control ........... 713-440-4800

Neighborhood Eyesore Consolidated Management Services . .... 281-296-9775

phone Repair Southwestern Bell Telephone .............1-800-246-8464

Security (Nonemergency) Constable’s Dispatch .....281-376-3472

StreetCurb Repair, Street Repair, Signs, Sweeping

Commissioner Eversole's Office .............. 281-353-8424Traffic Signals

Houston Transtar ..................................... 713-881-3210

Street LampsReliant Energy ............................................ 713-945-3219

Water Cypress Forest P.U.D. .............................. 713-983-3604

Emergency? Call 9-1-1.

You GOTTa pROBLEM?

Published by CHaMpIONS pRINTING & pUBLISHING, INC.6608 FM 1960 W. Suite G, Houston, TX. 77069

281-583-7661 Fax 281-583-2669© 2008-ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

DISCLAIMER: All articles, information, website addresses and cartoons in this newsletter express the opinions of their authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Champions Printing & Publishing, Inc. or its employees. Champions Printing & Publishing, Inc. is not responsible for the accuracy of any facts stated in articles, information, website addresses and cartoons submitted by others.

The editor and/or governing entity of this publication has approved the use of all articles and information within this publication. Champions Printing & Publishing, Inc., is not responsible for any of the content within this publication and disclaims and denies any and all liability therefor.

The publisher assumes no responsibility for the advertising content within this publication. All warranties, representations, claims, or endorsements made in the advertising content are solely that of the advertiser and any such claims or demands regarding its content must be taken up with and are the sole responsibility of the advertiser. The publisher retains the exclusive rights to the acceptance or denial of all advertising copy.

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 in this publication, 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 the liabilities stated above.

The publisher is not liable for ANY DAMAGES for failure of the Post Office or subdivision representatives to deliver the newsletter in a timely manner, so long as the publisher has delivered the newsletters to said delivery point by the contracted date.

Advertising InformationThe Champion Forest Newsletter is published monthly

for the residents of Champion Forest. It is made possible by your neighborhood businesses and friends from ads purchased in the newsletter. Please support these businesses. If you would like to help sponsor this newsletter by purchasing ad space, please call Champions printing & publishing, Inc. at 281-583-7661 by the 10th of each month.

Got News?Email your news to [email protected] or drop it in the

front porch mailbox at 9103 Herts Road.

CF Lost and FoundIf you’ve found a lost item and would like to try to get it back

to its owner, please contact Kathy Lawrence at 281-370-6925.


May 2008

Women's ClubFiesta Night

7 p.m.

CF Fund/ HOA Meeting

6:30 p.m.

Backdoor Garbage Pickup




Backdoor Garbage Pickup & Recycling




Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 2 3

4 5 6 7 8 9 10

11 12 13 14 15 16 17

18 19 20 21 22 23 24

25 26 27 28 29 30 31


CFWC Board Meeting 7 p.m.

Cypress Forest PUD Mtg. • 5:30 p.m.

CF Civic Club Meeting

7:30 p.m.

CF Neighborhood Watch Meeting

7:30 p.m.

CyFair ISD Last Day of Classes

Garden Club Social 9 a.m.

Meeting 9:30 a.m.

Happy Mother's Day

Hi, Mom!

KISD Bond Election

PUD Board Election

C A L E N D A R O F E v E N T S

Memorial DayKlein ISD Holiday

Cy-Fair ISD Holiday

Documents

may_2008_0805.CF nlo