Fairwood - December 2011

Copyright © 2011 Peel, Inc. Fairwood Homeowners Association Newsletter - December 2011 1

Fairwood

DECEMBER 2011 VOLUME 2, ISSUE 12

(Continued on Page 3)

FairwoodOFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE FAIRWOOD HOMEOWNER'S ASSOCIATION

GIRL SCOUTSubmitted by Melinda Riso

Junior Girl Scouts earn a Stress Less badge by completing requirements that teach them about ways to relax.

SOME OF THEACTIVITIES INCLUDE:

• Creating a personal stress kit that includes books, photographs, cartoons, music, a card or letter from a friend or relative, photo or picture from a magazine of a peaceful place.

• Find a peaceful place in your home to relax and de-stress.

• Learn how to identify your feelings and moods by writing your feelings down.

• Do for others - is the best way to lesson your stress and focus on someone else.

• Listen to music.• Read and Relax. Following a character’s

adventures can help you forget about your stress.

• Move that stress away – Physical motion can release the tension in your body.

• Practice elevator breathing – Deep, focused breathing can refresh your mind – inhale and exhale slowly.

TEN TIPS FOR HELPING CHILDREN DEAL WITH STRESSWith news and conversations full of

disaster, war and terrorism, children and teens may be feeling stressed and need you to help them cope. Children and teens may not have the combination of life experiences and critical thinking skills that can help adults deal with tragedy. But young people are generally resilient. These ten tips can help you recognize the signs of stress and prevent an overload of stress in young people.

1. Recognize that children handle stress in different ways. Some show a regression in behavior – acting younger, more fearful, clingier. Outbursts of anger and aggression are also signals at all ages. A child or teen who withdraws or who seems constantly sad or has trouble sleeping or shows significant changes in appetite may also be showing signs of stress.

2. Encourage conversation. Look for opportunities to ask about feelings and opinions. Some of the best conversations happen in a car with the radio, CD player and cell phone off.

3. Think about your own reactions – are you feeling very stressed and is that being communicated to children? Find ways to relax yourself so that you can stay calm for them.

4. Look for creative ways to deal with stress. For younger children, puppets may help them act out their feelings. Teens could be encouraged to write their thoughts in a journal or diary. Reading books together not only provides valuable family time, but also gives everyone a deeper understanding of world events. Realizing how a character (real or fictional) coped with a disaster, war or difficulty can give lessons that can be emulated.

5. Plan for some exercise or sports activities that can be done together to release tension. From walking to swimming, biking or skating, getting everyone to move more makes a big difference in mental outlook as well.

2 Fairwood Homeowners Association Newsletter - December 2011 Copyright © 2011 Peel, Inc.

Fairwood

ADVERTISING INFORMATIONPlease support the businesses that advertise in the Fairwood. Their advertising dollars make it possible for all Fairwood residents to receive the monthly newsletter at no charge. If you would like to support the newsletter by advertising, please contact our sales office at 512-263-9181 or [email protected]. The advertising deadline is the 8th of each month for the following month's newsletter.

NEWSLETTERPUBLISHER Peel, Inc. ...................... www.PEELinc.com, 512-263-9181 Advertising................................ [email protected]

BOARD MEMBERSJim Adams ............................................................... President281-251-0053 .......................... [email protected]

David Conway .................................................Vice President281-370-6991 ...........email: [email protected]

Carol Brockman .......................................................Secretary281-379-3795 .................. [email protected]

Virginia Williams .....................................................Treasurer281-374-6236 [email protected]

Jason Nolin ...............................................................Director281-724-8924 ......................... [email protected]

COMMITTEESNEWSLETTER INFO.David Conway [email protected]

WEBSITE INFO. David Conway [email protected] Nolin [email protected]

RECREATION & VOLUNTEERSStacy Battaglia ..................... [email protected] ..................................................................(281-455-6819)

ANNOUNCEMENT BOARDSJennifer Lorenz ................... [email protected] ..................................................................(281-251-0053)

CLUBHOUSE RESERVATIONSCeleste Lubenow .............. [email protected]

YARD OF THE MONTH Jason Nolin ............................ [email protected]

LOST & FOUND PETS Susan Moss ...................................................... 713-416-2998

IMPORTANT NUMBERSAmbulance .......................................................................911Fire ...................................................................................911Harris County Constable ................................ 281-376-3472Poison Control ................................................ 800-764-7661Harris County Animal Control ....................... 281-999-3191Health Department ......................................... 713-439-6000Domestic Violence Hotline ............................. 281-401-6250Reliant Energy - Electricity .............................. 713-207-7777NW Harris County Mud #5 Municipal District Services .......................... 281-983-3602Natural Gas Service Center Point Energy .................................... 713-659-2111Emergenct Gas Leaks Center Point Energy .................................... 888-876-5786Water Company Municipal District Services ......................... 281-290-6500

Streetlight outages may be reported at: www.centerpointenergy.com/services/electricity/residential/reportastreetlightoutage

SCHOOL NUMBERS District Website ............................................ www.cfisd.net Black Elementry School ............................... 281-320-7145 Hamilton Middle School ............................. 281-320-7000 Cy-Fair High ............................................... 281-897-4600 Bus Information .......................................... 281-897-4565

MANAGEMENT COMPANY Chaparral Management Company ............... 281-537-0957 Fax: 281-537-0312 .......... www.chaparralmanagement.com

BILLS AND ACCOUNTS Susie Jones .................... [email protected]

ARCHITECTURAL CONTROL COMMITTEE Betty Gillory [email protected]

DEED RESTRICTIONS Sandi Holms [email protected]

PROPERTY MANAGER Tally Jenkins .................. [email protected]

The website for Chaparral Management, www.chaparralmanagement.com, provides you with forms that can

easily be printed, completed and submitted.

WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE TO: Fairwood HOA c/o Chaparral Mgmt. Co. P.O. Box 681007 Houston, TX 77268-1007


FairwoodGirl Scout- (Continued from Cover Page)

Do You Have Reason to Celebrate?

We want to hear from you! Email [email protected] to let the community know!

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE STUDENTS!

(from a volunteer’s view)It was barely 8:00 in the morning on Friday, Oct.14th. They were

beginning to arrive. Upon checking in; name badges were handed out along with a bright red folder full of the day’s agenda and the conference material. There was even an eco-friendly tote bag full of coupons and goodies generously donated by local area businesses. The room was huge and full of tables decorated with bright paper blocks spelling out the main part of this year’s theme. “Teamwork”.

This was the annual VIPS Fall Conference held by the CFISD VIPS Executive Board at the Berry Center in Cypress. The schedule was full. It consisted of everything from learning how to turn a popsicle stick into a fun treat for a teacher or volunteer to tips on helping our students handle stress. The attendees could choose from a variety of 50 minute sessions that covered topics such as: Internet Safety, Reaching Out to Diverse Volunteers, Guidelines and Best Practices for Fundraising and even Taking Care of Your Personal Health While Maintaining a Busy Lifestyle.

Something was most impressive about this conference to one volunteer. This audience of 200 plus was comprised of men and women, volunteers and school staff - not limited to Cy-Fair ISD. There were 4 other area districts represented at this conference: Alief ISD, Fort Bend ISD, Houston ISD and Spring ISD. The current budget environment has left our school districts vying to be first in line for every resource of financial and physical support they can find. But for one day in October, the district boundary lines came down. There was no competition. There was no hidden agenda. Despite the traffic and everyday challenges, educators and volunteers from schools all over our county came together for a common purpose: improving their volunteer program thereby affecting the students in a positive way. This was simply an opportunity to attend an event that focused on several different areas of how to build on their volunteer resources in order to enhance the children’s education.

While that volunteer sat looking out over the diverse crowd; she couldn’t help but see a universal theme, “Yes, in this room, it’s truly all about the students”.

“Living, loving, and learning in Christ and the Church.”

6646 Addicks Satsuma Rd.Houston, TX 77084

281-463-1444www.seascs.org

ExcEllEnt curriculum • AthlEticsCompuTeR & SCienCe LAbS

befoRe & AfTeR SCHooL pRogRAmS

Open Housefeb. 1, 20129 am – 2 pm

6 – 8 pm“Meet your neighbors and keep everyone wel l informed”

6. Volunteer together or take a stand together. Look for opportunities in the community in which you can make a difference. Being able to contribute also helps your family or group to bond and understand what your family’s and/or group’s values are.

7. Try to acknowledge how a child may feel. Taking a child’s or teen’s concerns seriously, rather than minimizing them, builds a foundation for more open communication.

8. Answer questions honestly, and share what is age appropriate.9. Don’t make a promise that you can’t keep. You can’t tell your

child that a natural disaster or terrorist attack will never affect your family or group. You can say that the chances are very small and that you will do whatever you can to keep everyone safe.

10. Keep tabs on what children are viewing and hearing – at home and at school. Know when to pull the plug on TV, and radio. When the news is on, try to view it together so you can discuss what you have seen and heard.

Program Group. © Girl Scoutsof the USA, 2004, 2005

As the premier leadership organizations for girls, Girl Scouts motivates and teaches girls that if they can think it, they can do it. No challenge is too big! While membership dues are only $12 a year, the rewards girls, their families and their communities reap are invaluable. Girl Scouts are for all ages and are always in need of volunteers like you. Join Girl Scouts or volunteer TODAY and unleash your potential to help make a better TOMORROW!

Log in to www.gssjc.org and register!


FairwoodHEALTH BRIEFS - DECEMBER 2011ALLERGIES:

KNOW YOUR TREATMENT OPTIONSAllergies got you down? Dr. Madhu Narra, assistant professor of

medicine in the section of allergy, immunology and rheumatology at BaylornCollege of Medicine offers some tips to help manage. Fall is the blooming season for weeds such as ragweed while spring allergies are from blooming trees and grasses. Indoor allergens such as dust mites can cause symptoms all year round. it is important to be aware of what you are allergic to so that you know when to look out for these allergens, said Narra.

Symptoms include runny and itchy eyes and nose, sneezing, congestion, drainage and cough. Some people may

experience wheezing and trouble breathing.

• For mild allergies, consider over-the-counter medications like loratadine or cetirizine that usually do not cause drowsiness

• Keep your windows closed during peak pollen season. You can track pollen counts online.

• Clean pets before they enter the house so that they don’t carry pollen into the home

• Do not dry clothes outside where they can pick up pollen• Wear a mask or nasal filters when mowing the lawn to prevent allergens

from getting into the nose• If prescription medications and nasal sprays do not help much or

if long-term relief from severe allergies is desired, consider getting allergy shots, which can provide long lasting relief with four to five years of treatment

WINTER WEATHER & SKIN CARESummer may be over, but protecting your skin should remain a

priority. “Colder temperatures, wind and sunlight work together to cause irritation to your skin,” said Dr. John Wolf, professor and chair of dermatology at BCM. “It is difficult to distinguish between windburn and sunburn, so it is a good idea to focus on overall skin care.” Wolf suggests using extra moisturizer as well as moisturizing sun block with an SPF of 30 or higher, especially if planning a winter trip to a higher altitude where ultraviolet rays from the sun are more intense. Chapped lips and fever blisters also can be provoked by the cold, wind and sun. People who suffer from severe outbreaks of fever blisters may want to talk to their doctor to see if there are prescriptions to prevent such outbreaks Wolf says. Chapped lips are more prevalent during colder

months as well, but using a lip balm with an SPF factor of 30 or even a thick coat of zinc oxide may help keep them at bay. During colder weather many people will take hot showers, sit in a sauna or even enjoy a hot tub. Wolf said this can actually increase dry and itchy skin. He suggests using moisturizer while still damp, before completely drying off.

TEACH KIDS TO ENJOY TREATS IN MODERATIONFrom Halloween to the new year, kids are tempted by pies, cakes

and other treats. However, according to experts at Baylor College of Medicine, the holidays are no excuse for parents to let kids overeat and divert from their normal eating routine.

“You have to keep meals and snacks under some control no matter what day of the year it is,” said Dr. Karen Cullen, associate professor of pediatrics at the USDA/ARS Children’s Nutrition Research Center at BCM. Cullen says a good plan is to save holiday treats for snacks, and be sure that they are an appropriate portion size for that snack. Consider freezing treats to save for later use. Parents should be serve as positive role models by continuing to serve and eat regular balanced meals. In addition, they should encourage children to try fruits and veggies that are offered at holiday parties.

OLDER ADULTS CAN FIGHT FRAILTYTHROUGH RESISTANCE WEIGHT TRAINING

Imagine not being able to stand up because you can’t carry your own body weight. To prevent this, incorporate resistance weight training into your routine, said an expert at Baylor College of Medicine. “As we age, we slowly start to lose lean muscle mass, and resistance weight training is the only way to slow this down,” said Dr. Robert Roush, associate professor of medicine - geriatrics at BCM. “It’s never too late to start.” Resistance weight training can consist of weight lifting, using weight machines or any other exercise activity that creates some sort of resistance. This should go along with a regular cardiovascular exercise plan, said Roush, who is also with the Huffington Center on Aging at BCM.

Always check with a qualified health care provider before starting any exercise routine. Try to find a gym with senior benefits or share a personal trainer with friends to learn proper technique. If a gym is not an option, try using stretch bands and dumbbells at home. Activities such as swimming, climbing stairs and walking at an incline can also provide resistance. Regardless of whether one goes to a health club or exercises at home, the key is to follow recommended regimens and proper technique.

CYPRESS FELLOWSHIP

a real church, with real people, offering real hope.cypressfellowship.org

Celebrate Christmas Eve at Cypress FellowshipDecember 24 at 5:30 pm

15014 Spring Cypress Rd. 713.574.6301 CypressFellowship.org


Fairwood

Wishing everyone a

Happy Holiday

Season!

Thank You TO ALL OUR

2011ADVERTISERS!

PEEL, INC.www.peelinc.com

512-263-9181


Fairwood

FREE?DID YOU SAY

www.PEELinc.com

YES! YOUR NEWSLETTER IS PROVIDED100% FREE OF CHARGE TO YOUR HOAand is made possible by the advertisers within. Please frequenttheir businesses and let themknow where you saw their advertisement. While there, be sure to say “Thanks!”

PEEL, INC.community newsletters

WASH YOUR HANDSREDUCING SPREAD OF DISEASE WHILE AT HOME & WORK

By: Concentra Urgent Care

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) say that nearly 90,000 patients die in U.S. hospitals each year due to a preventable disease–many could be avoided if everyone properly washed their hands. From germs on office equipment to sick colleagues who decided to come into work anyway, people face the same dangers in the workplace. The same simple factholds true: Washing your hands regularly is an effective way to prevent yourself from catching or spreading a preventable disease or illness.

WHEN TO WASH YOUR HANDSThe CDC recommends washing

your hands every time you:• Prepare or eat food• Use the restroom

• Tend to someone who is sick; both before and after

• Blow your nose, cough, or sneeze• Handle garbage• Treat a cut or wound• Change diaper or clean up after children• Handle an animal or animal waste

HAND WASHING BASICSThe CDC has issued specific guidelines

about effective hand washing:• Wet hands with water• Use plain bar or liquid soap• Create a lather by vigorously rubbing

hands together for 15-20 seconds—about the amount of time it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” twice

• Be sure to wash palms, back of hands,

fingers, and nails (clean nails by gently scratching nails down your opposing soapy palm)

• Rinse off soap under a stream of waterWHAT ELSE CAN YOU DO?

• Focus on hand washing in the lunch and/or break room

• Be careful when using sponges and dish towels. These are ideal sites for bacterial growth. Always wash your hands after using these items.

• Maintain a clean work area; regularly clean any office equipment, especially shared items such as phones and keyboards.

• Remind your colleagues of the importance of hand washing, particularly when you witness someone neglecting to wash his or her hands. ®


FairwoodDON'T WANT TO WAIT ON THE MAIL?

The Fairwood Periodical can be viewed online at www.PEELinc.com

DISCLAIMER: Articles and ads in this newsletter express the opinions of their authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Peel, Inc. or its employees. Peel, Inc. is not responsible for the accuracy of any facts stated in articles submitted by others. The publisher also assumes no responsibility for the advertising content with this publication. All warranties and representations made in the advertising content are solely that of the advertiser and any such claims regarding its content should be taken up with the advertiser.* The publisher assumes no liability with regard to its advertisers for misprints or failure to place advertising in this publication except for the actual cost of such advertising.* Although every effort is taken to avoid mistakes and/or misprints, the publisher assumes no responsibility for any errors of information or typographical mistakes, except as limited to the cost of advertising as stated above or in the case of misinformation, a printed retraction/correction.* Under no circumstances shall the publisher be held liable for incidental or consequential damages, inconvenience, loss of business or services, or any other liabilities from failure to publish, or from failure to publish in a timely manner, except as limited to liabilities stated above.

At no time will any source be allowed to use the Fairwood H.O.A. Newsletter contents, or loan said contents, to others in anyway, shape or form, nor in any media, website, print, film, e-mail, electrostatic copy, fax, or etc. for the purpose of solicitation, commercial use, or any use for profit, political campaigns, or other self amplification, under penalty of law without written or expressed permission from the Wortham Village Homeowners Association and Peel, Inc. The information in the Wortham Village Newsletter is exclusively for the private use of Wortham Village residents only.

NOT AVAILABLE ONLINE

Advertise Your Business Here

888-687-6444


Fairwood PRSRT STDU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDPEEL, INC.

FAR

308 Meadowlark St.Lakeway, TX 78734-4717

Fairwood - December 2011

Documents

signs of stress

overload of stress

children deal

personal stress kit

younger children

fairwood residents

fairwoodofficial newsletter

monthly newsletter