Howdy all!   It is great to land on your screeens once again and I hope the approach of spring finds you all healthy and happy.   It’s been a busy few months in the area.  I’ll try to briefly summarize all the current events affecting our great community. 

The board for Cypress Forest CAI met on the evening of February 16, 2017 for the annual meeting.  I would like to thank those of you who personally attended the meeting and the residents who sent in proxies so as to allow us to have quorum.  It was a productive meeting and many important topics were addressed.  First and foremost was the condition of the landscaping within the Cypress Forest community.  The board does not feel you are being well served by our current vendor and so we will be working diligently to find a new subcontractor.  Arrangements will also be made with the current subcontractor in the interim to remediate our many common areas.   Kevin Warren, a board member who has been a great asset to Cypress Forest for many years, has graciously offered to lead the charge on this project while also dedicating a tremendous amount of time to remediating the irrigation system.  The board is intending to pressure wash all Cypress Forest community signs in the coming months.   We hope you will notice improvements in these areas by the time that summer rolls around.   Know that a complete remediation will take a bit longer but have confidence that this is a top priority and work will continue until we have areas back the high standard you deserve.  The board approved repairs to the lighting system at the marquee sign located at I-45 and Cypress Oaks Drive.  It may take a few weeks as the fixtures must be ordered.  Many of you have inquired about the lack of lighting at this location and that will be rectified soon enough.   In replacing the ground lighting with LED’s, we will also be working to replace the lights on the stanchions as the existing are getting a bit long in the tooth.   Finally, the meeting was concluded after the election was held and I am proud to announce that both Stephanie Horton and Rob Bailes were elected for another term.  These two board members have been invaluable resources and we have an incredible Cypress Forest board that has your best interest at heart. 

I am going to remind everyone in Cypress Forest that it imperative that you keep your yard light operational.   Beyond being a requirement of the community, it is more importantly a safety issue for all of us.  As Cypress Forest is without street lighting, we all rely on the yard lights to keep common areas lit and to help protect our assets.  It was noted in a recent audit that more than fifteen percent of our residents had allowed their yard lights to become inoperable.  This is a significant problem that must be fixed immediately.  We will continue to send letters out to those who have not corrected this problem and will be forced to send those who do not correct the problem to out attorney for further action.  Please do your best to keep your lights working and contact the board if there are extenuating circumstances as to why you cannot do so. 

“Annual assessments were mailed out in late October 2016 and due in January 2017.  The board notes that there are many accounts that are currently in delinquent status.”

Annual assessments were mailed out in late October 2016 and due in January 2017.  The board notes that there are many accounts that are currently in delinquent status.  If you have not paid your annual dues, please make arrangements to fund this assessment immediately.  If you need a receipt for payment or a copy of your assessment, please reach out to PMG at 281-367-8137.

A new contractor has been hired and work has once again begun on the commercial development located around the intersection of Cypress Oaks Drive and Interstate 45.  I am told that much of the debris will be soon be burned off (where appropriate) or hauled off.  It should be noted that there is to be further tree removal in the “reserves” area so don’t be surprised if you see machinery clearing further trees from this area in coming months. 

We have many new neighbors in Cypress Forest and adjoining communities.  Just a reminder for those new to the area and particularly neighbors who moved in before January 1^st, the Harris County exemption application is due on or before April 30^th.  Harris County offers exemptions for homestead, over-65, over-55 surviving spouse, and 100% disabled veteran and these exemptions can save bundles on your property taxes.  Forms can be found at HCAD.org (type “exemption” in search bar) and are fairly straightforward to complete and mail.  Welcome all new neighbors and hope to meet you one day soon. 

Yard of the month will start back up for Cypress Forest beginning in May and running through September.   Get the spades sharpened and the mulch bags stacked!  Not only do you get bragging rights, but also a small gift card for your efforts.  We are all appreciative that those in our community take pride in their lots and that so much effort goes into beautifying our neighborhood at this time of year. 

Have a great month and please feel free to reach out to me or any board member if we ever be of any assistance.  Wishing you the very best for March……

Scott Hubert

Neighbor and President

Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanzaa, Happy Hanukkah to all!  While each holiday has its own origin and beliefs and while we all celebrate this holiday season differently there is one thing they all have in common.

Each of these holidays is freely celebrated without prejudice in this great Country that we call home.  Each is a time to give thanks and blessings while enjoying our family and neighbors alike.  As Cypress Forest is such a diverse community, represented by many cultures, it would not be surprising to learn that each of these special beliefs, and many more, are represented and observed by at least one household within our community.  It is a special time of year for all and that is what truly matters!  The Board wishes you all a very happy holiday season and a prosperous year for you and your family in 2017.

Many of our communities are doing a holiday light competition this month.   In Cypress Forest, awards will be given out to the two best decorated homes in the community for December.  There will be top prize and a runner up awarded.  The judging will take place on December 17th from 7-9pm, so be sure to have your lights on.  This is a good time of the year to show your spirit and we encourage everyone to go all out with their decorations.  Not only do you get some gift cards to expand your light collection for next year, but you also get to keep your bragging rights for the entire year!  I have conscripted two trusty elves, which happen to be my 5-year-old son and 9-year-old daughter, to help me judge this year.  It should be noted that we can always use volunteers for judging this contest and for the yard of the month judging during spring and summer months.   Please reach out to me if you are interested in taking over this role or have questions regarding either of these volunteer opportunities. 

We remain one of the lowest rates in the Spring/Klein area and are proud that we have been successful in maintaining this rate for so long.  As a Board, we feel that this low rate slightly increases the desirability of our community and keeps home values high. 

I know many of you in Cypress Forest will be happy to know that even though the annual costs of maintaining our neighborhood has increased, the Board is able to maintain a fiscal budget that does not require an increase in the annual maintenance fee.  We remain one of the lowest rates in the Spring/Klein area and are proud that we have been successful in maintaining this rate for so long.  As a Board, we feel that this low rate slightly increases the desirability of our community and keeps home values high.  It takes many hours of hard work from the volunteers and the Board each year to keep these rates low.  As our maintenance fees are disbursed for services that directly affect each neighbor in our community, any volunteer time or service helps keep this rate low.  Feel free to contact any of your Board members about volunteer projects in our area.  You’ll be surprised that some only take a few hours a year.  All residents of Cypress Forest should have received your annual dues statement in the mail already.  If you have not received it, check with your mortgage company and make sure they did not receive it because of your escrow.  Feel free to reach out to me or our management co. if you are not getting the solutions you need as we can always send you the pertinent info so that you can remit.  The annual maintenance fee is a low $225 for Cypress Forest (proper).  In order to avoid penalty and interest charges, we ask that you please remit the funds before January 2, 2017.  If you have any questions about your statement, or have not received a statement, feel free to contact Principal Management Group and they can assist you. 

The Cypress Forest Associations’ annual meeting is planned to happen at the Water Board Building on Thursday, February 16, 2017 at 7:00 PM.  These meetings usually last an hour and are very informal, informative sessions.  We cannot hold a meeting without fifteen percent of the homeowners present by person or proxy.  We ask that you will not make the meeting, you please complete the proxy that will be mailed out to all residents.  In prior years, the Board meetings have been cancelled and much time wasted since the Association lacked the proper representation from all members.  Please do your part to keep the Association running smoothly and efficiently by taking part in these meetings or submitting this proxy.

The revised website for Cypress Forest is finally finished and functional.  Check it out when you get time.  It can be found at cypressforest.net.  Most of the documents and community information can be found on this web page but if you find something missing, feel free to contact a board member to let us know.  We’re always looking for feedback for improvements. 

The Board is currently working on its’ New Year resolutions and is excited about 2017!  Once again, we wish you and your family a very Happy Holiday and a prosperous New Year. . .

Scott Hubert

Neighbor and President

Fall is finally in the air!  It’s hard to mark our area’s fall season through any climate change, but with football starting back up, it most certainly is time for highs to drop under 100 degrees.  I hope that this edition of The Chatter finds you happy, healthy and enjoying life.   A reminder that this time of year brings a return to school for our children and dusk comes a little sooner in the evening.   Please make sure to slow down a notch and be cognizant of our younger generation on their walking routes and assigned bus stops.  Speaking of dusk, note that daylight savings ends on November 6 of this year and we will “fall back” one hour on that date.   Don’t let that make you late for the big event occurring the following Tuesday –  the presidential election is on Tuesday, November 8^th.  You may find your polling location by visiting http://www.votetexas.gov/voting/where/  or http://www.harrisvotes.com/   Hope everyone will get out and exercise their freedom to vote.  Of similar importance, is the next Cypress Forest CAI board meeting which will be held on October 20^th at 7pm in the meeting room next to the WCID #110 WWTP!!

October brings the Texas National Night Out event and many of you know from past years that our community throws a legendary celebration each year to mark the occasion.  This year’s event is on October 4^th and will be held at the WCID #110 community center at 19023 Joanleigh.  Credit must be given to the WCID #110 board, the Forest Oaks SRC staff, and Jody Dellinger as this group comprises an incredible team which organizes and funds a memorable evening each year.  This event, one which is recognized and observed across our country once each year, is a great opportunity for neighbors and citizens to join with local law enforcement for an informal meet and greet.   I can tell you from past experience that it’s a perfect chance to meet your neighbors and foster new friendships.   Many members of your respective HOA boards will be present and participating.  There will be plenty to keep the kids happy and an abundance of great food (no cost to citizens) and we invite you and your family to join us for an unforgettable evening.

Speaking of law enforcement and the criminals they protect us from, it seems both groups have been staying busy lately.   There has been a noticeable uptick in reported criminal activity within the neighborhoods receiving this publication (and NW Houston as a whole).  Our local Harris County Constables are working diligently to protect each of us, our families and our property and I hope you will take any opportunity afforded to thank them.  By layman count, we have over 600 homesteads spread throughout the distribution area of The Chatter.   The greater area around the distribution market comprises over 2,500 homes spread over many square miles and including significant commercial properties.  That’s a very large area and the commercial districts and freeway/byways only bring a higher level of complexity to the responsibilities of our officers.  Our valiant officers cannot be everywhere at every moment of the day.  They will be first to admit that their role is often a reactive one and we, as residents, must be proactive in the relationship to help prevent and deter crime.  We must all work assiduously and as a cohesive community to avoid making ourselves a target and an area where crooks wish to “work”.  A more detailed sidebar advising as to how we can all better protect against crime will be included in the next edition of The Chatter.  In the interim, there a few basic tips to help deter crime in our area.  First, if you see activity that is suspicious, regardless of how severe, report it immediately!  The Harris County Pct. 4 Constables can be dispatched by calling 281-376-3472.  To deter property crimes, lock your doors – both house and vehicle – at all times.  Remove valuables from vehicles and never leave them running if unattended; even for a moment.  Consider investing in a home alarm/surveillance system and also a dog.  Stay alert at all times and avoid becoming complacent to changes or situations occurring around you.   Situational awareness is one of the most critical elements in limiting and preventing crime.  Most importantly, know your neighbors and always stay involved in the activities of the community as preventing crime is a group effort and one that requires all of us to stay informed.   More to come in future editions of The Chatter…..

The associations and their board members have been fielding many calls and emails from residents concerned and troubled about the condition of the property at Cypress Oaks and Interstate 45.

The associations and their board members have been fielding many calls and emails from residents concerned and troubled about the condition of the property at Cypress Oaks and Interstate 45.  The area is often referred to as the “back entrance” to Cypress Forest and is the primary entrance/egress for residents of Cypress Forest Lakes.  The property in question, owned by Hendricks Interest, was cleared of trees several months ago yet the debris and tree trunks were left piled and seemingly abandoned.  This has created quite an eyesore for all of us who utilize this area and associate it with our respective communities.  The problem is on the radar of the local HOA’s and contact has been made with management at Hendricks.  Through this active dialogue, it was learned that there were several complications experienced by the developer in clearing the land; least of which was the major flooding in April 2016.  Hendricks has given us our assurance that they are working diligently to get the project back on track and have asked for our patience.  I trust that we will all see mobilization and progress within the next few months.  It would be a good gander that clearing would resume prior to the first quarter of 2017.  A concerted effort will be made to keep everyone posted in coming editions of The Chatter but you are welcome to contact me (or Hendricks directly) for updates in the interim.

For those of you who are not aware, there is an online social media application designed solely for community participation and networking.  The Nextdoor application (nextdoor.com) is a great facilitator for real-time updates and communication within our communities.  This national site, which is not sponsored or directly supported by any one local HOA/community, is a great way to stay informed of community events, buy/sell lightly used items, relay crime trends, post lost pets, find home care vendors (babysitters to handymen and beyond) and stay involved in an active dialogue on topics only related to our community.  For instance, the Cypress Forest Nextdoor page has 90+ active neighbors, but also gives access to over 1300 surrounding neighbors and many related nearby communities.   I find it of great personal value and invite you to join the online community.   If you are not signed up, you can go to nextdoor.com and enroll (no charge).  If you have any problems or have questions regarding the site, you are welcome to contact me for assistance.  Cypress Forest is actively working on renewing the local community website and our hope it to have it back active by the end of 2016.  An update will be provided when cypressforest.net is live once again along with a listing of other local community websites.  To use a line from above, More to come in future editions of The Chatter…..

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the editor/publisher of The Chatter for her incredible devotion to our community.   Diana Baskett has been publishing and mailing this newsletter, unabated for over a decade now and she often does so only with the funds provided through advertisers.   There have been times when she has dug into her own pocket to make sure the publication goes out timely.  The Chatter has been the one constant for our community through much change and transition and I hope you’ll join me in thanking Diana for her commitment and tireless effort.  If you know anyone who would like to advertise within, please contact Diana or myself as we’d be happy to share the very cost-effective rates and discuss the potential to advertise here.

Remember that the kids are back in school, so please watch your speed and driving habits.  Also remember that it’s against the law to use your cell phone while driving in school zones and I’m told by the Constables that they’ll be watching closely for this behavior in the first few months of classes.

As always, I invite you to call on myself, the management company, or any board member if we can be of any assistance.  Have a great month!

Scott Hubert

Neighbor and CFCAI President

Happy Holidays neighbors!  It’s so great to be entering into another period of thanksgiving and celebration and I’m looking forward to so many things in the next few months; mostly a stuffed belly and great family time!

Now that daylight savings has ended, it’s a great time to perform two quick checks around your home.  First, it’s a good time to check the batteries and function of your smoke alarms.  Don’t take for granted that they are functional or that the batteries are still charged.  A quick test only takes a few minutes and could save your life and that of your family.  For those of you with yard lamps, please be sure that they are fully functional.  With dusk coming earlier and “longer” nights, the extra light these lamps provide is crucial for not only ambience but more importantly safety.   As is always the case, if you are elderly or disabled and are unable to change your bulbs or need someone to look at your lamp, I or one of the board member would be happy to come over and assist as best we can.  Just give us a ring.   The Cypress Forest community will be making a cursory check of working yard lights in the next month and will follow up with courtesy reminder letters to those whose lights are malfunctioning.

Speaking of lights, Cypress Forest will be again hosting our annual Christmas light and décor competition where we award a few of our residents that display the best lights/décor with gift cards and bragging rights.  Further information can be found on our website (cypressforest.net) and will also be included in next month’s Chatter.  Start putting on your best Clark Griswold face (National Lampoon’s Christmas) and plan something legendary!

Start putting on your best Clark Griswold face (National Lampoon’s Christmas) and plan something legendary!

If you are getting frustrated with the accompanying bill for those lights as well as other necessities such as air conditioning, please remember we live in a state with deregulated electric utilities and there is much competition in our area from several reputable retail providers.  I am not here to promote one over the other as they all have their merits.  However, if you have never researched or bid retail electric rates before or if your contract expired, do consider the 15 minutes it might take.  The public utility commission makes is quite simple with their comprehensive website (www.powertochoose.com).  This website is free, is unbiased (run by the PUC; a public state organization) and is actually quite efficient in finding the cheapest rate based on your inputs.  The site also has ratings and complaint ratios for the different providers.   Do note that some, but not all, of the listings might require a contract with the listed retail broker.  You’ve heard the old “you could save 15% in 15 minutes or more commercials…”?  Well, that holds true on this website also!

Assessments for Cypress Forest and many of the surrounding communities should be coming out this month.  Cypress Forest is due January 1, 2017 (not at the end of January).  Be sure you keep an eye out and if you don’t get your assessment statement prior to December 10, 2016, feel free to give one of the board members a call.

As noted previously, Cypress Forest is working on revamping its website at www.cypressforest.net.  The site should be close to being published and active within the coming weeks and certainly before the next year.  Do keep an eye out and we will update you on this website along with a list for all community websites for our area in future editions.   You were also promised a section on crime prevention; specifically related to auto theft and home protection.   That’s being pushed back to next month as the timing is more appropriate during the heavy shopping month.  However, I do want to warn everyone of another type of serious crime – identity theft – and give a few pointers on how not to be a victim.   First, protect your social security number at all costs.  Don’t carry your social security card with you in your wallet.  If you have one of the old Medicare cards with the number still printed on the card, then make a copy and redact the SSN.  Carry the copy with you and leave the original at home.  Be wary of phone scams that are becoming more and more prevalent in the modern day.   The two that seem to be popular currently are the IRS scam and the Microsoft tech desk scam.  The IRS scam is where a person, purporting to be an “IRS Agent”, calls and threatens you that you owe money to the IRS.  The slant is that they want you to pay immediately – usually in gift cards because they can’t take credit cards and gift cards are liquid and can’t be tracked easily.   This is a SCAM!  The IRS will never call you and definitely will not threaten you over the phone.  The Microsoft Tech Support is similar in that a “representative” from Microsoft calls and declares there is a problem with your computer.  This tech and the center he is calling from are both phonies and they are hoping you’ll log into a remote site so that they can take remote control of your workstation.  Just hang up.  The old-school “phishing” scams are still common in email form and I’ll remind you to never download a file or click on a web link unless you are sure of the source and know it is legitimate.  This includes on phone text messages; an emerging playing field for crooks.  Always use secure and complex passwords for login devices and do not ever share those logins with anyone.   It’s important to put a passcode on your phone and to have tracking applications installed and active (Android, Apple, and Microsoft devices all have this ability) in the event of loss.  Finally, don’t overlook the advantages that a good shredder brings.   If you believe you’ve been the victim of identity theft – regardless in what severity – get law enforcement involved immediately and work with credit agencies to protect your credit history and assets.  A credit freeze might be a good option in this case, but each situation must be weighed on its own merit.

The Board wishes you and yours a happy holiday season and a memorable Thanksgiving filled with fellowship and stuffed turkeys (along with full bellies)!  Warm wishes to all………

Scott D. Hubert

Neighbor and President