1 Have you paid your Annual membership dues? Pay online at: www.braeswoodplace.org Next Board Meeting: Thursday, November 12 7 pm, St. Vincent de Paul, 6800 Buffalo Speedway Of Special Interest: Wildlife Center Event – pg 2 Traffic Update – pg 4 Pet Rescue Update – pg 4 Board Election & Bios – pg 5-6 Index: President’s Message1 Calendar/Reminders2 Wildlife Cntr Event 2 Security 3 Traffic Cmte 4 Pet Rescue Group 4 Board Election 5 Board Bios 5-6 Membership 6 McGovern Library 6 BPMOYC 7 Longfellow Elem 7 Pershing MS 8 Garden of Month 8 Twain Elem 9 Garden Club 9 Advertisers 10-19 Contact Info 20 Braeswood Place Neighbors, Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! The much anticipated holiday season is fast approaching! To ensure that it is a safe and happy time for all of us, please be reminded to keep your cars and homes locked and secure from the undesirable element that often is on the prowl during the season. Do not leave valuables, such as purses, brief cases and laptops in your car, as these items are easy prey for those looking for a quick cash infusion. This is why the BPHA Constable Patrol is such a tremendous value. Burglaries, break-ins and thefts occur all around our neighboring communities, but due to the diligence of our deputies, these crimes are kept relatively outside the Braeswood Place boundaries. We are grateful to our Constable Patrol and especially to all of the neighbors who support this tremendous effort. All BPHA dues paying members will receive a ballot to vote for 2016 BPHA Board Members. Many thanks to the Nomination Chair, Jerry McClain, and the Nominating Committee: Janet Maxian, Todd Nunnally and Michael Kent. We have a great slate for you to approve which includes several members who will serve on the board for the first time. Volunteering for the BPHA Board is something that community leaders do to maintain and improve our neighborhood and it is invigorating to continually have fresh perspectives on the board. Please read their bios on pages 5-6. A new initiative has begun for Huckleberry Park, located on the campus of Mark Twain Elementary, to be transformed into a neighborhood SPARK Park and green space that will be available to our community outside of school hours. The goal for improving the park is to provide a neighborhood park that offers the benefits of the outdoors, the ability for all age groups to engage in health and fitness, and foster a stronger sense of community within a secure environment. If you care to get involved in this initiative and are willing to offer your expertise in the areas of fundraising, website design, marketing, civil engineering, or grant writing, please contact co-chairs Elaina McNulty and Linda Barcot at [email protected]. Questions have arisen from neighbors concerning the City of Houston Traffic study. All neighbors have had several chances for input and there are more opportunities to express your opinion. Please read Nicole Shah’s update on page 4. Thanks to Austin Landscaping (www.austinlandscaping.net) for their work in keeping our esplanades well maintained and their donation of colorful annuals. Finally, let’s continue to ensure this a safe year in our neighborhood. Please be vigilant about securing your houses, cars and valuables. Have the constable’s number programmed in your phone if you are dues paying member and be sure to report any suspicious activity. Sentinel November 2015 President’s Message by James P. Baker Braeswood Place Homeowners Association A Deed-Restricted Community 4010 Blue Bonnet Suite 112 Houston, TX 77025 713-666-7248 [email protected]
Transcript
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Have you paid your Annual membership
dues? Pay online at:
www.braeswoodplace.org Next Board Meeting: Thursday, November 12 7 pm, St. Vincent de Paul, 6800 Buffalo Speedway Of Special Interest: Wildlife Center Event – pg 2 Traffic Update – pg 4 Pet Rescue Update – pg 4 Board Election & Bios – pg 5-6
Index: President’s Message1 Calendar/Reminders2 Wildlife Cntr Event 2 Security 3 Traffic Cmte 4 Pet Rescue Group 4 Board Election 5 Board Bios 5-6 Membership 6 McGovern Library 6 BPMOYC 7 Longfellow Elem 7 Pershing MS 8 Garden of Month 8 Twain Elem 9 Garden Club 9 Advertisers 10-19 Contact Info 20
Braeswood Place Neighbors, Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! The much anticipated holiday season is fast approaching! To ensure that it is a safe and happy time for all of us, please be reminded to keep your cars and homes locked and secure from the undesirable element that often is on the prowl during the season. Do not leave valuables, such as purses, brief cases and laptops in your car, as these items are easy prey for those looking for a quick cash infusion. This is why the BPHA Constable Patrol is such a tremendous value. Burglaries, break-ins and thefts occur all around our neighboring communities, but due to the diligence of our deputies, these crimes are kept relatively outside the Braeswood Place boundaries. We are grateful to our Constable Patrol and especially to all of the neighbors who support this tremendous effort. All BPHA dues paying members will receive a ballot to vote for 2016 BPHA Board Members. Many thanks to the Nomination Chair, Jerry McClain, and the Nominating Committee: Janet Maxian, Todd Nunnally and Michael Kent. We have a great slate for you to approve which includes several members who will serve on the board for the first time. Volunteering for the BPHA Board is something that community leaders do to maintain and improve our neighborhood and it is invigorating to continually have fresh perspectives on the board. Please read their bios on pages 5-6. A new initiative has begun for Huckleberry Park, located on the campus of Mark Twain Elementary, to be transformed into a neighborhood SPARK Park and green space that will be available to our community outside of school hours. The goal for improving the park is to provide a neighborhood park that offers the benefits of the outdoors, the ability for all age groups to engage in health and fitness, and foster a stronger sense of community within a secure environment. If you care to get involved in this initiative and are willing to offer your expertise in the areas of fundraising, website design, marketing, civil engineering, or grant writing, please contact co-chairs Elaina McNulty and Linda Barcot at [email protected]. Questions have arisen from neighbors concerning the City of Houston Traffic study. All neighbors have had several chances for input and there are more opportunities to express your opinion. Please read Nicole Shah’s update on page 4. Thanks to Austin Landscaping (www.austinlandscaping.net) for their work in keeping our esplanades well maintained and their donation of colorful annuals. Finally, let’s continue to ensure this a safe year in our neighborhood. Please be vigilant about securing your houses, cars and valuables. Have the constable’s number programmed in your phone if you are dues paying member and be sure to report any suspicious activity.
Sentinel
November 2015
President’s Message by James P. Baker
Braeswood Place Homeowners Association A Deed-Restricted Community 4010 Blue Bonnet Suite 112 Houston, TX 77025 713-666-7248 [email protected]
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BPHA BOARD MEETING Thursday, November 12, 2015 - 7 pm
St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 6800 Buffalo Speedway, Jamail Family Center
Residents are welcome to attend and observe Board meetings. We designate the first 15 minutes of BPHA Board meetings for “Open Feedback” by BPHA members who register in advance to speak. To register, members must call the BPHA Office, 713-666-7248, by 2 pm, Wednesday, November 11. The 15 minutes will be divided equally among the registered speakers with 5-minute maximum time for each.
BPHA CALENDAR OF EVENTS November and December
Tues Nov 3 ELECTION DAY! Tues Nov 3 Recycle North of BB Thurs Nov 12 Recycle South of BB Thurs Nov 12 BPHA Board Meeting, 7 pm, SVDP Mon Nov 16 Sentinel Deadline for December Mon Nov 16 TREE Heavy Trash South of BB Mon Nov 16 BBA Mtg, 7:30 pm, 5310 S. Willow Tues Nov 17 TREE Heavy Trash North of BB Thurs Nov 26 NO RECYCLE South of BB Fri Nov 27 Recycle South of BB ************************************************** Tues. Dec. 1 Recycle North of BB Thurs. Dec. 10 Recycle South of BB Thurs. Dec. 10 BPHA Board Meeting, 7 pm, SVDP Mon. Dec. 14 Sentinel Deadline for January Tues. Dec. 15 JUNK Heavy Trash North of BB Tues. Dec. 15 Recycle North of BB Thurs. Dec. 17 BSN Mtg, Mon. Dec 21 JUNK Heavy Trash South of BB Tues. Dec 29 Recycle North of BB BB-Brays Bayou; BW-Braeswood; BBA-Braes Bayou Assoc; BSN-Braeswood Super Neighborhood; KYP-Karl Young Park; SL-Stella Link; SVDP-St. Vincent de Paul
BUILDER’S PLEDGE OF MAINTENANCE Each month, Builders agree to participate in BPHA’s Construction Guidelines and Pledge of Maintenance while constructing and remodeling homes in our area. By signing the pledge, these companies agree to follow a number of guidelines that make their construction site more “neighbor friendly”. We appreciate the builders’ commitment to our neighborhood!
“Finding homes for homeless animals and pets for petless homes”
WHAT TO DO WITH AN INJURED BIRD OR SQUIRREL
by Sharon Plummer Do you know about the Wildlife Center of Texas here in HOUSTON? It is a great place to take injured or orphaned wildlife found in our neighborhood. It is located just a few miles from Braeswood Place – 7007 Katy Road, less than one-half mile inside the West Loop. I have taken several injured birds there and you can even get an intake number if you want to check on the status of the rescued animal. There is no charge for this service but they welcome contributions. It is also a wonderful place for children to learn more about the care of wildlife. There is an Open House scheduled for December 5, 2015. Food trucks will be on site and great snacks and wine will be provided. Come out to participate in the raffle and silent auction. For more information, check out their website: www.Wildlifecenteroftexas.org
Constable Patrol Statistics September 2015
Auto Accidents 3 Alarm Responses 24 Animal Assistance 1 Burglary of a Residence 2 Burglary of a Vehicle 0 Checks of Businesses 62 Checks of Park 14 Checks of Residences 777 Checks of Schools 32 Checks on Welfare of Person 1 Criminal Mischief/Disturbance 6 Drug Investigation/Arrests 0 Fraudulent Use of ID 0 Illegal Dumping 0 Medical Emergency 0 Meet with Residents 362 Open Door/Window Checks 7 Solicitor Complaints 18 Stranded Motorists 1 Suspicious Persons 29 Suspicious Vehicles 27 Thefts 1 Traffic (arrests, citations, stops, warnings) 116 Vacation Watches 451 Warrants/Writs Served 4
Miles Patrolled 7,220
SECURITY UPDATE by Steve Anton
Where to hide valuables in your home Let’s hope that burglars won’t read the Sentinel this month. From a va-riety of sources, including police, handymen, security companies and really clever people, here are some unusual hiding places. The choices you make will depend on how often you need to access it.
Two things to remember: 1) Tell someone you trust about your hiding spots; and 2) If you don’t have an alarm system, get one! Without it, a smart burglar will take his time and find some of your secret places.
First, there is nothing better than a large, heavy home safe, bolted down, with plenty of room for family photos, keepsakes, jewelry and other valuables. Tall gun safes provide lots of fire-resistant space.
Anywhere in the attic, covered with a layer of insula-tion, is ideal. You can stash items in Ziploc bags, a metal box or even an empty electrical junction box. Another trick is to “install” PVC pipes that appear to be part of the plumbing system.
The top edge of a door — a thick, solid one is best. Just drill a wide hole straight down. Use a metal cigar tube or a plastic film canister & drop it in.
The toe-kick under a cabinet. Usually, it is a thin veneer that pops off and can be reattached with Velcro or brads. Also, it’s easy to make a false bottom in a drawer by cutting an insert the exact size of the interior and placing it inside on top of your valuables.
Remove all the innards from a smoke alarm or carbon monoxide detector and mount it up high and out of reach.
No burglar wants an old vacuum cleaner. Buy a cheap one at the thrift store and remove the disposable bag. Similarly, the hollow legs of an ironing board can hold money and jewelry. Cash and documents can be hidden under its cover.
Garage door openers have extra space inside and room on top. The garage offers lots of great places to hide things big and small — like inside dried-out paint cans.
In the frame of a sofa or under heavy furniture. Never under a mattress. In the pockets of old clothes in a cluttered closet. Not in a shoe box. In the HVAC return air chase — behind and above the a/c filter. In a water-tight bottle buried in a house plant. Or in the mayonnaise. Wrapped in plastic and foil and stuck in the back of a working freezer. In a small, diver’s dry box buried in the fish tank or kitty litter box. In a messy kid’s room. Inside a tennis ball. Under a corner of carpet.
Check out these for more ideas
covertfurniture.com tacticalwalls.com
topsecretfurniture.com patriotwoodworks.com
stashvault.com bedgunsafe.com qlinedesign.com
secretcompartment furniture.com
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TRAFFIC COMMITTEE UPDATE by Nicole Shah
Have you heard about the possibility of speed cushions being installed on certain high-traffic streets within our neighborhood? . Our neighborhood is working with the City’s Neighborhood Traffic Management Program (NTMP) to address neighborhood traffic problems identified after a traffic study. The NTMP is an open, comprehensive process requiring active participation from residents. The goal is to identify neighborhood traffic problems and develop a traffic mitigation plan. Where is our neighborhood in the NTMP Process?
After holding a First Open Meeting in September 2014, the City performed a neighborhood traffic study in No-vember 2014. The study measured traffic volume and speed in our neighborhood. The results of the study were compiled and provided to our neighborhood in summer 2015.
We formed a Neighborhood Traffic Committee (NTC) and divided it into two subcommittees- one for Ayrshire and one for Braes Heights. The NTC is comprised of any resident who has expressed an interest in this issue. We have residents both for and against speed cushions.
The two NTC subcommittees have been working this fall to develop a concept traffic mitigation plan. The goal of the NTC is to work with the City in examining the results of the traffic study and develop a concept traffic mit-igation plan. Currently, the City will install and pay for speed cushions; however, the City will not pay for other traffic calming devices like chicanes or traffic circles. Also the NTMP is not authorized to install additional stop signs.
Once finalized, the City will send the concept traffic mitigation plan to all residents along with a notice of a Sec-ond Open Meeting.
Our goal is to have this Second Open Meeting in the next month or two. The concept mitigation plan is a working plan. Residents will have the opportunity to comment on the plan at the Second Open Meeting. Once the prelim-inary traffic calming measures are installed, there will be a temporary test done to determine the success or failure of the temporary devices. At this point, the concept plan can be revised.
There is also a third public open meeting along with City Council approval is part of the NTMP process. If you are interested in being more involved in this process, please email Nicole Shah at [email protected].
BRAESWOOD PLACE PET RESCUE by Tim Hebert
Do you know that Braeswood Place has a Pet Rescue group? There are many great reasons for living in this neighborhood and the all-volunteer pet rescue effort is one of them. Several years ago a few neighbors got together and decided to start a neighborhood pet rescue endeavor. You may have noticed that a large number of homes in our neighborhood have pets. Many have multiple pets. Even under the best of care some pets do get out and about. That’s when we spring to action. When someone loses a pet or finds a pet, the best thing to do is notify us immediately. We blast out emails to approximately 400 neighbors who have agreed to be on our email list. With that many folks watching out for LOST or FOUND pets we have an excellent chance of getting that pet back home in short order. Since we got under way in 2008 we have rescued/recovered/rehomed over 675 dogs and cats in the neighborhood. Plus twelve birds, three turtles, two opossums, three rabbits and one goat! We are always looking for more folks to add to our email alert list. There is no cost or obligation. All we ask is that you allow us to add your email address to our list. Take a moment to review our website at www.braeswoodpets.com. Don’t worry - it is 100% commercial free. Even if you don’t have pets you are welcome to join our efforts to help LOST or FOUND pets in the neighborhood. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me at [email protected] or 713-446-0574.
Finding homes for homeless pets and pets for petless homes
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BPHA 2016 BOARD ELECTIONS by Jerry McClain
I want to thank the nominating committee – Janet Maxian, Todd Nunnally and Michael Kent - for their work and knowledge in bringing us this fine slate of nominees. Our upcoming board will no doubt continue the tradition of unpaid but professional-like service to our Braeswood neighborhood. Ballots will be mailed on Wednesday, November 11, 2015 to all BPHA members who have paid their HOA dues as of October 23, 2015. (One ballot per household.) Ballots must be returned or postmarked by November 27, 2015 to be counted. Replacement ballots will not be provided. Ballots will be counted the first week in December and results will be posted at the BPHA office and announced at the December Board meeting and in the January Sentinel. Board vacancies vary by area and your ballot will only contain the candidates for which you are eligible to vote. Candidates were asked to submit short biographical sketches. Please read about the candidates. Their phone numbers are listed if you have any questions. Please circle the candidates on your ballot that you want to elect and return them right away for counting.
PRESIDENT – JAMES BAKER James Baker has been a resident of Braeswood Place since 1998. He grew up in Dallas, studied undergraduate at The Colorado College and did graduate study at the University of Texas. James is a Managing Director at Houston based investment bank Simmons & Company International. James' wife, Sarah Callahan Baker is actively involved at Mark Twain Elementary and the Chinquapin College Preparatory School. Their two children are often seen walking a high anxiety rescue cocker ‘Beatrix’ around the neighborhood, over and over again. Contact: 832-309-5830 or [email protected]
VICE PRESIDENT EAST – STEVE ANTON My wife, Donna, and I have lived in Braeswood Place for 27 years. We have 3 children, Max, Eli and Abby, who are all in college now. I have served on the BPHA board in several positions, including President, Vice President, Area Director, Deed Restriction chairman, Strategic Planning chairman and currently as Security chairman. We were among the original 20 families that funded the Stella Link Redevelopment Project which transformed the area between Mark Twain and Pershing. I am a real estate broker with Hallmark Properties and I spend much of my day in and around Braeswood Place. I am eager to serve on the board again with a focus on crime and security, deed restriction enforcement and maintaining the neighborhood’s value and appeal. Contact: [email protected] or 713-392-3400 VICE PRESIDENT CENTRAL – LINDA BARCOT My name is Linda Barcot and I have lived in Braeswood Place since 2004. This is a great neighborhood and I actively enjoy just about all that it has to offer. I walk/bike/drive to Mark Twain Elementary, see shows at Pershing Middle School, go to the YMCA, visit the library and got my passport renewed there, took our family photo at Helen’s Park, call in suspicious people to the Constable and the list goes on. I have had the privilege of supporting our community alongside many other volunteers on the board since 2006 and look forward to serving as VP Central in 2016. Contact: [email protected] VICE PRESIDENT WEST – TODD NUNNALLY Todd and his wife, Jean, have lived in Ayrshire since 1992 with the exception of two years overseas. They have two children, Carson a senior at Vanderbilt and Christian a
sophomore at Rose-Hulman. Todd is originally from Kentucky, received an undergraduate degree from Vanderbilt University and an MBA from Rice University’s Jones School. He joined Royal Dutch Shell in 1987. In 1992, he transferred with Shell to Houston and became a Braeswood Place Resident. In 2007, after two years overseas, the family returned to Houston and Ayrshire. “We cherish our neighborhood and had no second thought on where to live on return to the USA and it has been an honor to serve as Area 2 Representative for the past six years.” Todd enjoys motorcycling, bicycling and traveling with the family. He serves on the United Way of Greater Houston Finance Committee and a Leadership Houston Graduate. Contact: [email protected] TREASURER – MARY BESHEARS My name is Mary Beshears and I have been a Braeswood Place resident for 17 years. My husband, Mark, and I have two sons, one of whom (Matt) is still on the payroll as a senior studying chemical engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Our older son, Will, is working in private equity in Silicon Valley. I am a recently retired CPA who enjoys needlepoint, gardening and running. I appreciate the opportunity to serve as Treasurer and look forward to continuing my service next year. Contact: 832-287-5216 SECRETARY – JASON BARSACK My wife, Kris, and I have lived in Braeswood Place for over 4 years. I am an Assistant Professor at the University of Houston, College of Optometry and Kris is a Physician Assistant at Ben Taub General Hospital. We have 2 children, Jonathon (JD, 1st grade) and Andrew (AJ, pre-K). We feel fortunate to live in Braeswood Place, and I am eager to continue to serve as BPHA Secretary. Contact: [email protected] or 713-927-2290 AREA 2 DIRECTOR – DARIN SCHLEGEL Darrin Schlegel has been a resident of Braeswood Place since 2009. He graduated from the University of Houston and is the Director of Communications for Vinson & Elkins, an international law firm. Darrin’s wife, Julie, is an area pediatrician, and they have a daughter who attends Pershing Middle School and two sons who attend Mark Twain Elementary. They could not be happier to live in one of the most vibrant and friendly communities in Houston. As Area 2 Director, Darrin looks forward to serving as an effective advocate for all in the neighborhood. Contact: 713-397-2371
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AREA 5 DIRECTOR – BOB EBY My wife and I moved to Braeswood Place in 1983. We have been thrilled to watch our neighborhood grow, contributing to change by totally rebuilding our home last year. We needed a new house but did not want to leave the neighborhood. I am a retired software developer for Hess Corporation. I have previously served as Area 5 director (1995-1997, 2000-2005) and Vice President Central (1998-2000). Contact: 713- 664-6706 or [email protected] AREA 7 DIRECTOR – KATHERINE HANSLIK I have lived in the area since moving to Houston from Dallas in 1998, and my first Houston address was at the Vanderbilt Place apartments. My husband Chris and I purchased our first home in Linkwood, then moved across the Bayou to Braes Heights in 2004, where we currently reside. I stay at home with our two daughters and have been active in the Mom's Club since joining in 2004, as well as serving as President, among other leadership roles. Our family is very active in the Houston community, our church, and our children's school. We love our neighborhood, especially our great neighbors on Tartan Lane. We have developed life-long friendships in the neighborhood, and I appreciate the opportunity to serve our wonderful community. Contact: 713-898-0992 AREA 11 DIRECTOR – EILEEN DEBO Eileen Debo and her husband, John, have been BPHA residents for 28 years. She was a block captain for several years in the late ‘90’s with her two children helping her
deliver the Sentinel. After completing her undergraduate degree at Montclair State University, she arrived in Houston to complete her Master’s degree at the University of Texas in the Texas Medical Center. Retired from public education with 34 years of service, she continues to work part-time in education at her parish school of St. Vincent de Paul Church. Volunteerism is an important part of her life in the other professional and social groups that she belongs to and she welcomes the opportunity to give back to our great neighborhood community as Area 11 Director. Contact: When emailing me, please list BPHA Area 11 in the subject line. [email protected] or 713-661-9837 AREA 12 DIRECTOR – STEVE ALLEY Steve moved to Braes Heights in 2003. He lived on Drummond for eight years and now lives on Durness Way (he’s pretty sure our neighborhood is like Hotel California - once you check in you never leave). Steve is a pediatrician and practices at the Memorial Hermann Medical Plaza in the Medical Center. Steve and his wife, Brené, met lifeguarding and coaching swimming in 1987. Both Steve and Brené are from San Antonio. They have two kids, Ellen (16) and Charlie (10), a bichon named Daisy, a gecko named Sticky, and two guinea pigs – Patches and Oreo. Steve enjoys fishing and kayaking in Galveston, scuba diving, and swimming. They are a family of very competitive four-square players evidenced by the marked court in the street by their house (which may or may not comply with the deed restrictions). Contact: 281-705-7449
BPHA MEMBERSHIP UPDATE 2015-2016 Sustaining and Supporting Levels
Sustainers (+200)
Joyce & Lex Frieden John & Suzy Lattin Jeff & Pilar McNear
Paul & Brittany Schaefer Ken & Amy Snell
Supporters (+100) Andrew & Cathy Civitello
Nora Klein Nan Morris
McGOVERN STELLA LINK NEIGHBORHOOD LIBRARY M & W 12-8PM; Tu & Th 10AM-6PM; F 1-5PM; Sat 10AM-5PM; Sun CLOSED
7405 Stella Link, 77025 ∙ 832-393-2630
Passport Service Hours: Mon, Wed 12-7 pm; Tues, Thurs 10 am-5 pm; Sat 10 am-4 pm Arabic Language Classes: Wednesdays at Noon Chinese Language Classes: Thursdays at 10 am E-book Open House: Wednesday, November 4, 12 pm & 6 pm (bring device and cables) Open Job Lab: Thursdays at 10 am Microsoft Office: Basic classes Tuesdays at 1:30 pm, Intermediate Thursdays at 1:30 pm After School Zone – Monday-Thursday 4-6 pm and Fridays 4-5 pm Call for more information on all other technology instruction programs offered. Just for Kids: Story Time (ages 3-5 years): Tuesdays at 11 am Toddler Time (ages 1-3 years): Thursdays at 11 am Baby Lapsit (ages 0-12 months): Thursdays at 11 am Tune Time (kids): Wednesdays at 12:30 pm Pajama Storytime: Wednesdays at 7 pm
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BRAESWOOD PLACE MOTHERS OF YOUNG CHILDREN by Kristin Hamilton
We are off to a great Fall! We learned tips for taking photos and how to easily take photos from Instagram to a Chatbook. Thanks to Judy Le for hosting and teaching us all her great tips! We had a great night preparing wonderful dinners for our families at Dream Dinners Bellaire! Thank you to Margaret Pinkston for organizing the event! Our families had a wonderful time at our annual Halloween party! The kids enjoyed face painting, a bounce house, pumpkin decorating and delicious Jet’s Pizza! A huge thank you to Jet’s Pizza for donating 20 pizzas to our event! Thank you to Jennifer Johnson with Here We Grow Again for helping to sponsor this event as well! Lastly, thank you to Amber Blossom, Lindsay Colvin, Roopa Gondipalli and Yan Dang for organizing this fun event! We have more fun events coming up! It’s not too late to join! If you are interested in joining please contact Jody Martin at [email protected]. SPONSORS: Sponsors are welcome to place promotional signs at the event and will be mentioned in the Sentinel. Please contact [email protected] if you would like to sponsor an event. UPCOMING EVENTS: Glow Mom’s Event, Annual Shopping Night Out, Couples Event at Top Golf, Mom’s Night Out at Magpies Gifts STORK REPORT: Megan and Josh Henry welcomed Caleb Alexander August 8. Big brother Logan is thrilled! Laura and Chris Curry welcomed Evelyn Elaine Curry on August 18! Big sister Cora is so excited! Jane and Joseph Holland welcomed a baby boy, Graham Benjamin Holland, on October 1! Congrats to the new parents!
LONGFELLOW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL by Jessica Evans
Longfellow Elementary had a busy October with Leadership Day on October 22 featuring special guest speaker Gary McGuey and tours of the school/classrooms with student leaders playing an integral part in the day. Longfellow students had the chance to dress up as their favorite book character for Book Character Day on Oc-tober 30. Interested in learning more about Longfellow? Magnet tours are in full swing so stop by Longfellow to see all the great things going on. Tours will be every Thursday at 9am from October 8, 2015 through Decem-ber 3, 2015 (except for Thanksgiving). You do not need to sign up, just show up. The third graders will soon began work on Leopard Tales, their book of student written short stories and poems. This is a great opportunity for students to hone their writing skills in a creative and stimulating way. Students from the upper grades will be putting their math and research skills to use as they began work on their annual Toy Survey which consists of surveying students about their holiday wish list and analyzing and compiling the results. We will publish the results before the holidays so stay tuned if you need some ideas for the children in your life. Neighborhood Storytime for babies, toddlers and preschoolers continues the first Wednesday of every month at 11:30am. (next one will be Wednesday November 4). Come bring your little one to the Longfellow library for stories, songs and a simple craft. Please bring photo ID.
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PERSHING MIDDLE SCHOOL NEWS by Priscilla Kennedy
Join us for a food, entertainment, and raffle trifecta on November 12 at Pershing’s annual Spaghetti Supper, which will be held from 6-8 p.m. Tickets for the catered dinner by Gugliani’s are available for $10 each and can be purchased online at pershingpto.org. No ticket is required to stroll the halls, enjoy original artwork created by Pershing students, and watch performances by Pershing’s gymnasts, dancers, cheerleaders, choir, orchestra, guitarists, jazz band, theater and music production students. While you are at the Spaghetti Supper, be sure to buy tickets ($5 each or $20 for 5) for the cash raffle to win a GoPro HERO4 with accessories, Self-Balancing Scooter, Amazon Echo Speaker, and other fun items. Winning tickets will be drawn at 8 pm but you do not have to be present to win. Besides, you will already feel like a winner knowing that all profits from this fundraiser will go back to Pershing – an easy way to help the school! IMPORTANT DATES FOR NOVEMBER: November 5, 12, & 19 HISD School Choice Tours (grades K-8: 9-10 am; grades 9-12: 1-2 pm) November 12 Spaghetti Supper Fundraiser from 6-8 pm November 13 at 8:30 am PTO Donor Breakfast with Principal Kim Heckman November 14 at 9 am HISD School Choice Open House Event at Yates High School November 18 Early Dismissal at 12:55 pm November 25-27 Thanksgiving Holiday
GARDEN OF THE MONTH
by Jackie Addington
Garden of the month is located at 3618 Grennoch, the home of Cate Ebbs. A long time Garden Club member with a fascinating back yard, Cate has something most unusual in her front yard. If you looked twice at the featured yard, you noticed it has many very small garden items. This is her fairy garden which she started for her grandchildren but it has be-come one of the favorite attrac-tions in the neighborhood for all children. They come to play, add their own contributions and in Cate's words, "to touch and use their imaginations as they arrange and rearrange the miniature hous-es, barns, bridges, fairies, frogs, flowers, and beds of magnolia leaves. It reminds us all of the wise maxim that play is child's work.
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BPHA GARDEN CLUB by Tuppen H. Bourianoff
The Garden club will meet on November 16 at 7 pm at the home of Marcia Raskin, 9139 Timberside Drive. The speaker will be Tuppen Bourianoff and she will speak on how to take care of our hands, especially thumbs, when we garden. Tuppen is a physical and occupational therapist and a certified hand therapist. Please contact Tuppen or Beatrize for questions or directions. Contact information can be found on back page.
MARK TWAIN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL by Lauren Bireley
Program Spotlight - Strings Program - Each student at Mark Twain has the opportunity to participate in the Strings Program for an additional fee. Students may choose between cello, guitar, and violin. Students receive a weekly private lesson during the school day and a weekly group lesson after school. Currently, there are 120 students participating in the program. Please contact Vicky Sanchez at [email protected] for more information. Meet our instructors: Elizabeth Cabral (Cello) - Background: Began playing cello at age 11 in the Pershing Orchestra, spent a year in Germany as an AFS student before going to Cornell College to study music and German, member of the Suzuki Association of the Americas. Continuing education: Takes Suzuki cello teacher trainings. Favorite representative piece for cello: “Bach Cello Suites, always.” Andrew Fortson (Guitar) - Background: Began playing piano at age 5 and moved on to creating original music and to playing Beethoven and the Beetles by ear, member of the prestigious Percussion One program under the direction of Lamar Burkhalter, attended and continues to teach at the University of Houston Moores School of Music. Other instruments played: percussion, piano, trumpet. Favorite guitarists: Django Reinhardt, Wes Montgomery, Chet Atkins, Peter Bernstein, John Scofield (“to name a few...”) Diehl Moran (Violin) - Background: Began playing violin at age 5, began playing Irish music at age 11, studied music and political science at the University of Houston, member of the Suzuki Association of the Americas, co-founder of the Houston School of Irish Music. Other instruments played: fiddle, guitar, prima balalaika, tenor banjo. Band Name: The Jig is Up! Important Upcoming Dates Friday, November 6, 5pm - Dad's Club Campout. All Twain dads welcome! Register online until the day before. Wednesday, November 11, 8:15 am - PTO Meeting. All parents welcome! Tuesday, November 12 - Boosterthon Twain student fun run fundraiser for Huckleberry Spark Park. Friday, November 13, 8 am - Parent Enrichment, Healthy Living Through the Holidays with Aimee Taylor. All neighborhood parents welcome! Parents only, please. Must enter Main Office to sign in. Week of November 16, Mon-Thurs 7:30 - 4 pm, Fri 7:30 to 12 pm - “Paws for Reading” Book Fair Wednesday, November 18, 8:15 am - Storybook Parade. All neighborhood families welcome along Aberdeen and Braes. Preschool Storytime immediately after parade in cafeteria. All siblings and neighborhood families invited! Thursday, November 19, 5-7 pm - Book Fair Family Night honoring the 25th Anniversary of LDC. Guest authors, teacher storytelling, face painting, games, and Firehouse Subs. Contact Jenny Tcharmtchi at [email protected] or Camora Kuo at [email protected] for more information.
LUXURY, CUSTOM HOMES FROM THE $500s TO $1-MILLION+
COME TO A CUSTOM HOME BUILDING WORKSHOP WITH YOUR IDEAS!Call us today at 713 667 3397
THE IDEA BANK FORCUSTOM HOMES.
The Build on Your Lot team at PARTNERS IN BUILDING is like
the Idea Bank for custom homes. As the largest custom home builder
in Texas, we’ve built luxury homes since 1986 on every kind of home
site. We’re always learning from our customers, too, as we work with
them to design their one-of-a-kind home from scratch. Our Build
on Your Lot team has learned there is more to building a custom
home than just a floor plan and a home site. It’s a process, and we are
experts in delivering the things you want most in your home, on time
and on budget. When we’re finished, there won’t be another home
like yours. That’s something you can take to the bank.
From the first meeting to the handing over of the keys, Partners in Building was there whenever we needed them and built a house that will last a lifetime. We have told many of our friends, “Why would you build a house with anyone else?” – Charlie and Carol
“ “
Third Quarter 2015 — Braeswood Place
At any time we will be glad to evaluate your property and tell you what it will bring on the current market. Call us before you start remodeling for a free cost/benefit opinion. We also prepare value opinions for executors of estates and divorce settlements. The category of New/Recent Construction gener-ally includes homes built since 1980. This report compiled primarily from listings reported to the Houston MLS. If your property is currently listed with a broker, this is not intended as a solicitation. We are the all-time sales leader in Braeswood Place. Call us today!
Sold in Third Quarter of 2015
Leased in Third Quarter of 2015
Currently Available for Sale
Currently Available for Lease
Original, Older Homes
Total number sold Average sold price Highest sold price Lowest sold price Average days on market New/Recent Construction
Total number sold Average sold price Highest sold price Lowest sold price Average days on market
Original, Older Homes
Available on October 1 Average asking price Highest asking price Lowest asking price Pending sales on October 1 New/Recent Construction
Available on October 1 Average asking price Highest asking price Lowest asking price Pending sales on October 1
Total number leased Average leased price Highest leased price Lowest leased price
Available on October 1 Average asking price Highest asking price Lowest asking price
25 $566,120 $945,000 $358,000 34
10$1,153,550 $1,600,000 $ 896,500 44
13 $ 637,811 $1,050,900 $ 359,000 6
20 $1,480,040 $1,885,000 $ 599,900 9
10 $2,745 $3,700 $2,000
8 $3,293 $6,497 $2,200
Want to know more about a specific sale or hear where the market is now?
Call me and let’s visit.
Steve Anton Hallmark Properties
713-666-3400
Neighborhood Report
EARLY DETECTION OF LUNG CANCER CAN LEAD TO A MORE EFFECTIVE TREATMENT.Lung cancer is the leading cause of death from cancer among men and women
in the United States. And the most effective way to treat lung cancer is to
detect it early. At Houston Methodist, our lung cancer screening centers are
accredited by the American College of Radiology, and offer patients the best
equipment and physicians to detect the disease. If you’re over the age of
55 and have smoked a pack a day for 30 years or two packs for 15 years,
schedule your expert screening today.
Visit houstonmethodist.org/lung-screening or call 713.441.LUNG (5864) to learn if you’re eligible.
Schedule your screening at any of these accredited Houston Methodist locations:
Central – Texas Medical Center
Northwest – Willowbrook
Southwest – Sugar Land
West – Katy, Tanglewood
Follow us!
ON TIME. ON BUDGET. Guaranteed!
Since 1979, Incredible Renovations – One of the most accredited builders in the industry
Average mow price in your area is only $30.00 for weekly and $35.00 for biweekly service!
WHY CHOOSE OUR SERVICES?
We offer online billing and accept all credit cards
We have balanced billing main-tenance plans for carefree auto-mated service
We customize each maintenance plan to match the clients budget and goals
Our landscape designs are hardy, lush, and professional and our pricing is competitive
Our managers are native, degreed & experienced with local landscapes
713.778.1476
2007 Recipient of Mayoral Honorable Mention Award, Keep Houston Beautiful
Something I hear frequently from potential clients is: “I’d like to be more generous with my money, but I have to worry about my own family first.” It’s a perfectly logicalsentiment. However, as clients stay with us over time, I notice it’s one that often changes. One of the goals we pursue is replacing your worry about finances with a feeling of being in control. That brings confidence, which can lead to generosity as well as more financial success. This leads to even more generosity, and it all becomes a virtuous circle.
I’ve seen enough of our clients make this transformation, that it’s become one of the ways I judge our impact on their lives.
For a couple of prominent examples of this kind of transformation, consider Bill Gates and Warren Buffett, two of the richest men of our time. In 2006, Gates stopped working full time to focus on philanthropy. Today he and his wife have given away $30 billion through their foundation. This doesn’t seem to have hurt Gates’ pocketbook much. He remains the richest man in the U.S.
And in 2010, Buffett, a billionaire investor, pledged to give away 99% of his fortune during his life or at his passing. He said that his family using more than 1% of their wealth on themselves would not enhance their happiness or well being.
Would you like to get to where, like Gates and Buffett, you are giving from financial gratitude, rather than living in financial fear? It’s a transformation worth making, and you don’t have to be a billionaire to do it.
Here’s wishing you a Thanksgiving and holiday season filled with gratitude.
Contact PARTNERSINWEALTH President (and Braeswood Place homeowner) Jim Waters, CFP®, at 713.964.4028 or [email protected].
Success Through Gratitude
From melted ice, to lukewarm soda and not-so-hot hot chocolate, no one likes a subpar pour. Ensure a delectable drink every time, with Yeti and S’well products from Magpies Gifts! These fabulous finds keep cold drinks cold — and hot drinks hot — for hours on end! Raise a glass to Magpies, where every time’ s a charm.
The Homeowners Association of Braeswood Place collects annual dues of $75. Constable Patrol membership is $295 per year for 24/7 coverage. New and established residents are encouraged to contact the BPHA Office for more information about becoming a member in the Homeowners Association and the Constable Patrol Program.
The Sentinel is published monthly by BPHA, P.O. Box 20486, Houston, TX 77225, for the residents of Ayrshire, Braes Heights, Braes Oaks, Braes Terrace, Braes Manor, Emerald Forest, and Southern Oaks subdivisions. Our Editor is Alison Bell. The deadline for articles and advertisements to be included in the DECEMBER issue of the Sentinel will be Monday, November 16. Submit articles, Good Neighbor stories, compliments, criticisms, questions or suggestions to: [email protected]. The Sentinel is typically delivered on the first weekend of the month. Contact your Area Director if you do not receive it.
HELPFUL NUMBERS City of Houston Poison Control Hotline 713-247-1000 1-800-764-7661 Council Rep, Dist C-Ellen Cohen State Rep-Sarah Davis (Residents North of Bayou) 713-521-4474 832-393-3004 State Sen-Joan Huffman Council Rep, Dist K-Larry Green 713-662-3821 (Residents South of Bayou) Texas Fish/Wildlife (for birds) 832-393-3016 713-876-1520 County Commiss-El Franco Lee Street Light/Stop Sign Repair 713-662-3821 713-207-2222 Electricity-CenterPoint Energy Stop Sign Repair 713-207-2222 713-837-0311 Gas-CenterPoint Energy Trash Collection 713-659-2111 713-837-0311 Graffiti Hotline U.S. Rep-John Culberson 713-247-1576 713-682-8828 Harris County Mosquito Control U.S. Rep-Ted Poe (e of BS, S of BB) 713-440-4800 713-681-8763 Houston Police-Beechnut Water & Sewer Repair 713-314-3900 713-837-0311
