Communicape - Cape Royale
Transcription
Communicape - Cape Royale
The Communicape Winter 2011 “Wintertime is so quiet and relaxing at the Cape. All the guests have gone and it’s time to relax by the fire with a good book or take a walk in the clean country air. Count your blessings for the new year and cherish the people around you. “. . . . . . . . . DeniseHall FEMA Changes in 100 Year Flood Plain Cause Problems History The repairs to the damage of the earthen dam on the south end of Lake Livingston caused by Ike /Rita resulted in the level of the earthen dam to be raised to 145 feet above mean sea level (msl). The locks remained at140 feet above msl. Also, in talking with Mark Waters (TRA Administrator), at 140 above msl the water would go over it banks in the Blanchard area. Winter 2011…. - Communicape Page- 1 - of 21 In Maryland, a bureaucrat decided that because the Trinity River Authority (TRA) raised the level of the earthen dam on the south end of Lake Livingston to 145 feet above msl, that the lake could rise to this level changing the 100-year flood plain. This bureaucrat did not investigate the validity of his assumption. He/she did not discuss this change and the possibility of it occurring with the entity that controlled the levels of the lake (TRA). Our local County Commissioners on November 9th 2010 did exactly the same (except for Wells, thanks), without validating this possibility with the TRA, they approved the new Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance that redefined the 100 year flow plain to a level that can not be achieved. What is the impact of this change? All property owners that have a mortgage on their property may be required by their lender to purchase flood insurance at a cost of $400 -$1000 a year for an event that will not occur. This includes all lands on Lake Livingston, including San Jacinto, Polk and Trinity counties. What can we do? Contact you County Commissioners and County Judge asking them to resend their vote on this flood map until it is further investigated to validate the new flood zone. Contract Kevin Brady, John Cornyn, Kay Bailey Hutchison. This is a federal bureaucratic decision that needs to be redefined at the Federal level. A "Community Forum" to discuss this issue has been scheduled by San Jacinto County Officials. This is an opportunity for citizens to discuss the changes to the San Jacinto County Flood Maps. PLEASE ATTEND AND ASK QUESTIONS. Let’s fill the courtroom! Date.............February 3rd, 2011 Time.............2-4 P.M. Location.......Commissioners Court/ San Jacinto County Courthouse Winter 2011…. - Communicape Page- 2 - of 21 Cape Resident Linda Walker has been dealing with this issue for some time and wanted to “ If you get caught up in the Flood Plain mess and wish to fight the only thing accepted is an Elevation Certificate by a licensed surveyor or engineer showing all of your property above the 135" elevation. This should be around $200. If your structures are above the BFE you can file a LOMA (Life Office Management Association), after you have a elevation certificate, with FEMA to have your structures removed from the Flood Plain and then you can purchase lower cost flood insurance to satisfy your mortgage company's flood insurance requirements share the only remedy she has been able to discover: It’s that time of year again when we are looking for interested candidates to run for the Board. Three positions are open. Hard Job? You bet. But it’s important, and without interested residents this place won’t run! Think about it. Pick up info in Cape Office. Happy New Year to all in the Cape. Let me introduce myself to you as your new Community Manager, Sandra McQuiggin. My husband and I are homeowners in the Cape for 8 years and full time residents since October 2009. We have 1 amazing married daughter that lives in Houston and will make us proud grandparents (for the 1st time) this year! We have 2 fabulous puppies that keep us busy at home. Many of you have met Isaac (our hairless chinese crested) and Luke (our barking 4 lb Yorkie). They love walking around the marina visiting all the people but do not understand why they cannot play with the deer. Winter 2011…. - Communicape Page- 3 - of 21 My professional experience includes the last 20 years with a Houston based management company. I have managed large multifamily communities, commercial office buildings, single family homes and condominiums. I have many skills from interacting with people to administration and hands on management that I am putting into practice in my new position as your Community Manager. I have a great passion for this industry and am so excited to have this opportunity in Cape Royale. I am learning something new every day as I get my 'feet' wet meeting with all the different committees of our great little 'city'. I am fascinated with how many people are involved everyday and are sincerely passionate with the growth, integrity and success of Cape Royale. My goal is to be involved with each committee, to work with them to achieve their goals of 2011. My management style comes with an open door policy, please come by to say hello and share with me your ideas or concerns that I may be able to assist you with. I look forward to a great year ahead of us. To all residents and property owners of Cape Royale, Please, at your convenience, stop by the front office and pick up a copy of the Architectural Control Committee's (ACC) latest 'Construction Information Manual' (CIM). It will be available within three weeks. It will also be placed on-line at www.caperoyale.org (password capepoa) The manual is for the benefit of ALL residents and property owners. It lists the 'do's' and 'don'ts' for the building of new homes, repairs to a home, landscaping and other projects. These guidelines are used strictly for the exterior of the property and a permit is required for these projects. Any interior projects do not require a permit. Everything is covered in the CIM. The ACC is sure that all of us who own property here care about the beauty and harmony of our community. Thank you and have a wonderful 2011! The ACC Winter 2011…. - Communicape Page- 4 - of 21 Dale Toronjo, Committee Chair, reports that he has completed an inspection of the facilities. Budget cuts left the Committee a little short of painting funds, but buildings will be spray washed and worst areas painted. New exterior doors are planned for the kitchen and other areas of the Club and Civic buildings. Betty Carroll, Gate Supervisor, has been watching over the Cape for over 15 years. Most of you know her friendly wave and smile as she welcomes you home. Married for 55 years, Betty reared 5 children – three boys and two girls. She has eight grandchildren and one great-grandson. Betty says she enjoys the people here and that she appreciates the support she gets from the new Community Manager and the Gate Chair. In the past there have been some problems with unruly teens, but she says that they’ve learned that rude, disrespectful behavior DOES NOT get them in the gate! Betty believes that good treatment = good treatment. When she’s not guarding the gate, Betty cleans houses. In whatever “free” time she has, she enjoys crocheting, jig-saw puzzles, and sewing. Winter 2011…. - Communicape Page- 5 - of 21 Linda Walker, Chair The Fall leaves were beautiful this year! What a treat......... now Winter is here with a bang! All the leaves are down and now comes the chore of cleaning up. TruGreen will be here only twice a month until March. I hope everyone noticed the Christmas decorations on the Memorial Trees.............. My committee of Darnell, Franzi and Pat had lots of fun making and installing the decorations. Hope to make this a tradition! We have lost several friends in the Cape over the last year. Think about purchasing a memorial tree in their memory and make the Cape beautiful. Contact Pat Gandy at 936-494-5955 for details. We are planning the 3rd annual Program on Gardening and of course our favorite garden expert Darnell Schreiber will do the presentation. This year’s program will be on a Saturday in March. If you have a garden subject you would like addressed please let me know at [email protected] or my cell phone 713-818-1645. Dumpster Kitties A letter from Smokie I guess some of you may be wondering what happened to me. You were so nice to me when I lived at the Cape. Many of you brought me food or treats, talked to me, or picked me up and petted me. I really appreciated all that. One day a lady came by to see me. She picked me up, talked to me, and petted me. That had happened a lot of times before, but I knew this was different! I was a little scared when she put me in the cage and Winter 2011…. - Communicape Page- 6 - of 21 loaded me into her car. I wasn’t sure what was happening, but I’ve always had faith that if I was nice to people, good things would happen to me. We rode for a long time. When we got to her house, SHE TOOK ME INSIDE! She had soft carpet and nice furniture that she let me sit on. I had an indoor toilet - sure beat those cold, wet leaves at the Cape! She gave me so much food - and it was so good! I was so used to having raccoons, foxes or opossums take my food that I tried to eat it all at once. BIG MISTAKE! I got sick. I was so embarrassed, but JoMama didn’t fuss or scold me or throw me out – she just cleaned it up and petted me and said it was okay. The hardest thing was getting a bratty little sister. It was hard on her, too, at first, but we have worked it out. Would you believe that I have learned to play with her? We can chase, tumble, wrestle on the floor, and have fun. I don’t remember if I ever had fun before. I was too busy worrying about having food rather than being food for something else, and having a dry place to sleep. Now I have it all – wonderful home, warm bed, good food, even a little sister, but most important a great lady who loves me. My biggest problem now is which couch or comforter to lie on! I wish all the other Dumpster Kitties could find the kind of home I have. There probably aren’t enough JoMamas out there for all of them, but if any of you could help any of them find homes it would be so wonderful! Once again, thank you all for being so nice to me – especially Miss Linda and Miss Pat Gandy. Your friend, Smokie was one of the original Dumpster Kitties and was in the first group of the spay/neuter project. When the dumpster area became crowded, she moved over to the Cape Office where she greeted visitors. She now lives in the Dallas area. Smokie Winter 2011…. - Communicape Page- 7 - of 21 Fall Fishing has given way to winter doldrums – mostly We’ve had many interesting stories from the Marina this past year. We’ve had a “baptizing”, RV squatters, and a few customers who over-indulged their adult beverages. The latest is a recent story in the day of the marina as told by Lannie Locke: so just another boring day at the marina????????????? a man is gassing up - comes and pays. Out to boat. Back in. “Valentino is AWOL!” We look. "He is probably got off the boat and ran home.” We look. He takes off on foot to his house at the marina. I think - that’s a long way for a Maltese puppy to run. Suddenly I hear slight splashing. Valentino has fallen between a boat and its lift. Only his nose is out of the water. I call, he won’t/can’t come. I run around to the other side. I leap on lift under the boat, landing on my hands and knees, grab the dog, and hold him while yelling for the owner. I can’t get out from under the boat! The owner comes running; I hand him the dog and then helps me out from under the boat. I FEEL GREAT just another day! Valentino belongs to marina patron Dudley Gray. In appreciation of his rescue, Mr. Gray sent the following note to Lannie Locke: “I will be ever in your debt for having been so kind and persistent in the rescue of my little Maltese buddy-dog Valentino. Were it not for your searching and hearing the sound of his splashing in the Winter 2011…. - Communicape Page- 8 - of 21 attempt to climb up on the boat floater air tank he surely would have perished. I was far away on land, frantically calling for him and inquiring with everyone I saw, hoping they had seen him following his nose or chasing a cat somewhere, to no avail -- when I heard you calling. God blessed us all and I am so thankful. From now on when Valentino is in the boat he will have his lifejacket on and be tethered by his leash which will be secured so we won't lose track of him.” REMINDER TO BOAT OWNERS WITH BOATS IN SLIPS: Check your boat from time to time. Lifts magically lower, ties break, covers come off. Tie up your boat, even when it’s on the lift. Don’t forget to winterize. Thanks Rick and Debbie Stuart Co-Chairs Sunrise and Sunset in the Parks of the Cape When the weather gets bleak in January and February and the leaves have fallen from the trees in the Cape, you really notice things like sunrises and sunsets all the more. Okay, maybe you would rather not notice the sunrises, but it might be interesting to know where the best places to see them might be. When you think sunrise, you might think that East is the direction of choice, but so many things happen at sunrise in the right place, there is so much more to it than what's in the sky. The park on Kings point offers a great observation lookout with fishing piers and picnic tables for relaxing to watch and hear the migratory birds wake up in the branches of the trees across the cove while the morning begins to illuminate the mists sitting low over the water. Be sure to bundle up and be in the park just off of Lake Grove Drive by 7:00AM. A nice thermos of coffee or hot coco might not hurt either. At the opposite end of Cape Royale, the sunsets are best observed from the park in Royale Greens. This is the largest park in the Cape with plenty of picnic tables, and room for young ones to run off the last of the days energy. From the lakeside of Royale Greens park, you can see the day end in a blaze of glory and watch the house lights begin to twinkle on across the lake on the north shore. Sunsets happen around 5:30 in early January and get later as we move away from the Winter Solstice. Try to arrive at the park a little early so you can explore the area while it is still light. You may be surprised at what you'll see there and note some reasons to return when it is Winter 2011…. - Communicape Page- 9 - of 21 warmer and you have visiting guests interested in a nice picnic. The park boasts the only publicly accessible beach in Cape Royale as well as a sand volley-ball court. Be sure to check out all of the Parks in Cape Royale. They offer something for everyone, but you really have to visit them to find out what that something might be for you. For official sunrise and sunset times and weather forcasts, check out http://www.wunderground.com. See you in the parks! The wildlife committee conducted a census of the deer herd in November, and the numbers counted were slightly less than last year’s count. That suggests the management program is keeping pace with the birthrate to date. The count and general observation throughout the Cape is the herd seems to have increased the number of younger animals. The management contractor the Cape has used in past years, informed the committee in August that he was getting out of that business, so the committee is currently seeking another contractor for the management program. The time period the state allows for management programs to be conducted will be over before another contractor can be retained, thus there will not be a program for removal for 2010. There have been reports to the POA manager concerning landscape damage from beavers. The wildlife committee furnished names and contact numbers for state licensed trappers to the POA manager for those property owners who are having such issues. Winter 2011…. - Communicape Page- 10 - of 21 Check the on-line Calendar for activity updates BINGO Join other Cape residents for Bingo on the Third Saturday of the month. 7:00 p.m. Civic Room All Welcome Wednesdays 1 – 4 p.m. Civic Room To get on sub list call Mary Masterson 653-8550 Tuesdays 2:30 – 4:30 For more information call Mary Masterson 653-8550. Winter 2011…. - Communicape Page- 11 - of 21 THE EXERCISE ROOM IS BEING USED IN FULL SWING AFTER THE INDULGENCE OF THE HOLIDAYS. . PILATES IS ON TUES @ 9:30 AM AND YOGA FOR WEIGHT-LOSS IS THURS @ 930AM. The key to the exercise room is available at the Gate 24/7 for age 18 and over. WALKERS START FROM THE CLUBHOUSE MONDAY – SATURDAY at 8 AM. (Not only do they exercise but they help keep the Cape clean by picking up trash. ) The Cape Royale Scrapbookers meet in the Civic Club Room the first Tuesday of each month @ 10:30 A.M. until 1:00 P.M. There’s plenty of room to spread out on the tables and everyone shares special papers and ideas. Organize your photos and we will help you get started making beautiful memories for your family. Winter 2011…. - Communicape Page- 12 - of 21 Saturday Tennis Workers, Weekenders, Guests, SATURDAYS 9:00 A.M. All Welcome JOIN THE WEEKDAY TENNIS GROUP MONDAY/WEDNESDAY/FRIDAY 9:00 A.M. AT THE COURTS PLAYERS WELCOME- JUST SHOW UP WITH YOUR RACKET. YES WE DO PLAY IN THE WINTER! The Civic Association will have an Art Show Saturday, January 22nd in the Cape Club House. If you would like to display your art or craft contact Audrey Russell - [email protected] by January 17th. We'll have wine tasting, punch, tea, cheese and fruit to enjoy while looking at the work of our many local talents. Friday, February 11th - CRCA Ladies Potluck luncheon Saturday, February 19th - Bingo SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 26TH - Gumbo Cook-Off Cape Royale Civic Association is sponcering a Madi Gras Theme "GUMBO COOKOFF" on Saturday, February 26 at 6:00 at the Clubhouse. Tickets .. . $7.00 Winter 2011…. - Communicape Page- 13 - of 21 CRCA is working on a new Cape Directory. We want to have it ready by the annual POA meeting in April. We need everyone's HELP! If you are a new resident, have not been in the directory before or have any changes or additions to your address, telephone number or email address please send the info to Ann Probst [email protected] We really do need everyone's cooperation! The Golf Cart Parade was held December 12th. A big "Thanks" to Randy Hall and Leo Burditt. Officers for 2011 were elected in the Annual Meeting of the membership on Nov. 13th: Commodore – Paul Hoffman Vice Commodore – Dick Hoffman Rear Commodore Sailing – Dan Rose Rear Commodore Power Boating – Dennis Raymond Secretary – Mary Trimmer Treasurer – David Green Governor (11-12) – Del Williams Governor (10 – 11) – Richard Masterson Governor (10 – 11) – David Garcia Past Commodore – Jim Kincaid Winter 2011…. - Communicape Page- 14 - of 21 Annual Revognah (‘Hangover’ spelled backward) took place on New Years day with about two dozen intrepid sailors out in the cool and breezy conditions. About an hour of sailing ensued with 3 boats chasing down and recovering floating balloons with numbers inside that were the key to a drawing for prizes back on shore. All enjoyed the brisk sailing as well as the fun and camaraderie onshore where prizes were awarded and drinks and snacks were shared. When the winter weather cooperates, as it did this year, this is a spectacular way to kick off the year! The 16th Annual Commodore’s Banquet, the highlight of our annual social events, will take place on Saturday, January 29th, at the Cape Banquet Room . All members were mailed an invitation, and reservations must be in by Saturday, January 22. Tickets will NOT be available at the door. Cost for members is $20/person; non-members $25. Reservations and payment can be mailed to Treasurer David Green at 7014 Newcastle , Bellaire , TX 77401 . For more information, contact David at 713-668-9894. For more information about upcoming events and CRBA history and activities, see our website at www.crba-livingston.com. From one Cape owner to another, my thanks for the hard work you put in to make the Cape a more enjoyable place!! All the best for 2011, Paul Tim Tucker, Manager ? ? when you got your recent bill from the Utility District for stand-by fees? What you Winter 2011…. - Communicape Page- 15 - of 21 may or may not have realized was that the bill was for TWO YEARS. This was nothing the Utility District ever wanted to happen. Stand-by fees are allowed by the State to utility districts that are less than 100% developed. (We are approximately 40% developed.) This allows for the maintenance of lines that were laid when the subdivision was developed and helps make up the difference between what fees for water and sewage bring in and what it costs to maintain the facilities. It assures that when the lots are developed, water and sewer service will be available. In order to collect these fees, the Utility District has to apply to the State every three years. At that time any property owner can protest. The State will evaluate the protest, schedule hearings, etc. and give a ruling. Back in 2009, when the District applied, one out-of-State lot owner protested, necessitating due process, much paper work and hearings in Austin. The State does not move quickly! 2009 passed without a ruling, then most of 2010. The Utility District really missed the $60,000 income, but struggled by. Finally, after a cost to the District of approximately $12,000, the State authorized the stand-by fees for 2009 – 2011. The bill that you received was for 2009 and 2010 – double what you would have normally been billed. The Utility District apologizes for this and wants you to know why it happened. Thank you for your understanding, cooperation, patience (and hopefully prompt payment of those stand-by fees!) Winter 2011…. - Communicape President -- Martha Burditt Vice President -- Tookie Crabtree Secretary -- Singa Shield Treasurer -- Pat Stephenson Eighteen Hole Chair -- Annie Kellen Niners Chair -- Nancy Ellis Page- 16 - of 21 We play on Mondays at 10am, be there by 9:30. The niner group plays on Tues at 9:30 If you have not joined this group please call anyone on the list and we would love to have you join us . 2011 Officers are (from left) Rick Harvey, Communications; Bill Truax, Vice-President; Paul Miller, Rules Chairman; Ken Clark, Tournament Chairman; Don Thiele, President; and Joel McDowell, Treasurer (Not shown, Rick Hatfield, Social Chairman Are you a golfer? Join the FUN(NI)EST GROUP OF GUYS IN THE CAPE. Current membership is over 80 members with a hope to expand to over 100 members. Dues are $25 per year and tournaments are every Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. Emphasis is not only on golfing, but more importantly on having a good time, social camaraderie, and exercise! To become a member or for more info, call Joel McDowell (653-4487), Paul Miller (653-5607), Rick Harvey (653-8839), or Ken Clark CAPE AREA VFD IS PLANNING THEIR ANNUAL BARBEQUE FUNDRAISING EVENT IN APRIL. TICKETS WILL BE SOLD IN ADVANCE OR DONATIONS CAN BE SENT BY MAIL TO: P.O. BOX 1608 COLDSPRING, TX 77331. WE ALSO HAVE A WEBSITE FOR DONATIONS CAPEAREAVFD.ORG CHIEF RANDY HALL WILL BE COOKING HIS FAMOUS BRISKET AND SAUSAGE WITH ALL THE FIXINS TO SATISFY ALL YOUR TASTE BUDS. Winter 2011…. - Communicape Page- 17 - of 21 CAPE AREA VFD IS A 501 C 4 NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION SO ALL DONATIONS ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE. FUNDS RAISED THIS YEAR WILL HELP US MEET OUR COMMITMENT TO PROVIDE 10% OF OUR WORKING FUNDS FOR THIS BUDGET YEAR. THE EMERGENCY SERVICES DISTRICT PROVIDES TAX DOLLARS TO THE 9 VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENTS IN THE COUNTY, ALSO THE 1ST RESPONDERS AND LEGACY AMBULANCE SERVICE. OUR RESPONSE AREA INCLUDES ALL OF HIGHWAY 224 AND MUTUAL AID IS GIVING TO ALL OTHER DEPARTMENTS AS NEEDED. OUR NEW TANKER SHOULD BE HERE AT THE END OF JANUARY AND A GRANT REQUEST HAS BEEN SENT TO THE TEXAS FOREST SERVICE FOR A NEW BRUSH TRUCK TO REPLACE OUR 1997 BOOSTER. WE WELCOME 2 NEW FIREFIGHTERS TO THE ROSTER, WES VAN OSTRAND AND WES HOLDER. CAPE AREA VFD BOARD OF DIRECTORS THANKS DAVE BELL FOR HIS SERVICE AND WISH HIM LUCK ON HIS MOVE TO THE AUSTIN AREA. ROGER LOBAN WILL REPLACE DAVE IN THE OUTSIDE DIRECTOR POSITION #2. ANYONE WISHING TO VISIT OR JOIN OUR TRAINING NIGHTS ARE 6PM TO 8PM THE FIRST 2 WEDNESDAYS OF EVERY MONTH. Winter 2011…. - Communicape Page- 18 - of 21 CAPE ROYALE PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION 2010-2011 KENNETH L. (KEN) CLARK - President [email protected] JOEL D. MCDOWELL, Vice President [email protected] MELANIE MCLENDON - Secretary [email protected] SUSAN VAUGHAN - Treasurer [email protected] BARBARA MOORE - Parliamentarian [email protected] CHARLES J. BUCK - Director [email protected] THOMAS C. NEWHOUSE- Director [email protected] POA OFFICE (Sandra McQuiggin 653-3233 [email protected] COMMUNITY CONTACTS Cape Royale Boating Association Paul Hoffman – [email protected] Civic Association Mary Miller – [email protected] Ladies’ Golf Association Martha Burditt - [email protected] Men’s Golf Association Don Thiele - [email protected] Winter 2011…. - Communicape Cape Royale Utility District Tim Tucker - General Manager Phone: (936) 365-CRUD URL: www.cr-ud.org email: [email protected] Fire Department Elgean Shield - [email protected] Denise Hall – [email protected] Page- 19 - of 21 Next issue after the April Board meeting. Articles and/or pictures welcome. Submit to [email protected] Don’t forget to let us know if you change your e-mail address. [email protected] Thank you for your Interest Pat Hitt, Editor Check out the Community calendar and Board Minutes monthly on the website www.caperoyale.org password Winter 2011…. - Communicape capepoa Page- 20 - of 21 Winter 2011…. - Communicape Page- 21 - of 21