CORNERSTONE PLACE
NEWSLETTER
Volume 16, Issue 5
Cornerstone Place HOA
May Edition 2015
UPCOMING EVENT—4TH OF JULY PARADE!!
Our Theme for the 4th of July Parade is going to be “239 Years of Freedom.” Please, Cristina Arnold needs volunteers.
Resident Candy Schaefer has already donated a few prizes. Your donation is greatly appreciated. We will have a table
where children and adults will be able to learn the proper way to fold the flag. We also need judges. We have lots of
young children in the subdivision who will be able to participate in the activities. We need their
parents to step up and help us out. Please volunteer. Call Cristina Arnold at 505-353-6669. We
are trying to make this a great event, but we do need resident help. Please don’t be afraid to
volunteer. We also need food for the picnic. Come on folks, if you will be around for this event,
give us a couple of hours that day. The event doesn’t last all day. We need your support if this is
to be a successful event for us. This is another great way to meet your neighbors.
RESULTS OF GARAGE SALE!
Well, the weather cooperated with our Community Garage Sale. It was a beautiful day. We hope the day
we pick for the fall garage sale will be a good one too. Cristina Arnold looked up the weather in the Farmers Almanac. It was correct.
It looked like we only had about 20 or so families participating in the sale. We hope that everyone did
well in getting rid of their stuff. Thanks to Cristina Arnold for arranging this day and thanks to Patti Lacy
for having Katy Christian Ministries pick up whatever stuff you had left over. We are planning to do this
again in the fall. Any comments from residents about this? Does anyone have any suggestions of how we
can advertise more about our garage sale? Let us know what you think!!
IN THE FUTURE IF ANYONE HAS ANYTHING TO DONATE, PLEASE CALL KCM AT
281-391-5261 FOR BIG PICKUPS, OR DROP ITEMS OFF AT THE
RESALE STORE/ADMINISTRATION OFFICE AT 5510 1st STREET, KATY, TX 77493.
CELEBRITIES IN OUR SUBDIVISION!!!!
Did anyone notice that the April/May 2015 Katy Magazine included pictures of Brenda and
Annie Haegner of Kent Falls Drive? They both volunteer their time to the Dream Dachshund Rescue. Nice to know that they ar e doing something to help animals. So if you want
to adopt a dachshund, give Brenda and Annie a call—they can help you out. Thanks to Brenda
and Annie for devoting your spare time to such a good cause.
Page 1
CORNERSTONE PLACE NEWS
MYSTERY DINER STRIKES AGAIN!!
Many residents want something that is close to home. Well, this is as close
as you can get to our subdivision. You can even walk to it if you would
like. Great place for lunch.
VERTSKEBAP
1453 Mason Rd.
Katy, TX 77450
Vertskebap.com (They have 294,912 combinations, most under 550 calories.)
You can get Kebap on bread, Wrap in a tortilla, or Salad on lettuce, also beef and lamb, chicken, veggie patties, or
falafel. Fresh veggies are spring mix, iceberg lettuce, red cabbage, tomato, cucumber, bell pepper, corn, onion,
and jalapeno. Sauces are House, garlic, vinaigrette, spicy red, and hot. Extras are grilled veggies and feta cheese.
They also have some local draft beers. Sides are fries made to order, falafel, fruit cups, chips, and brownies. Make
your own sandwich. The mystery diner had a kebap with beef and lamb with red cabbage, tomato, cucumber,
onion, garlic, and the house sauce. It was delicious and very filling.
RECOMMENDED TRADESPEOPLE
Marlene and Tony Adams of Kent Falls Drive, would like to recommend Garage Door Doctor. He was honest and did quality
work at a fair price. He can be reached at 281-855-9300 or 281-578-7659. We called him late on a Friday evening, and he
came out by 10:00 a.m. on Saturday. We thought we would have to buy a new garage door opener. He said, “No, it should last
another two through five years. Just fix it.” He installed new rollers and a new coupler. His price was very reasonable.
If you use someone to do some work around your house and you like them, please send me the information so that we can
keep this column going. Please don’t forget to look on our Web site. This list is there also.
Patti Lacy of Kent Falls Court would like to recommend her son, Jon Letter. He does power washing of sidewalks and driveways and is very reasonable. Call Jon at 713-471-2828.
NEXTDOOR.COM
Eighty-seven Cornerstone Place residents have joined. We have already lost two members. Wish we
could get more to join. We are trying to get our membership to 100. Remember, it is FREE. This is a
good way for us to post information for our subdivision. We posted information about the Easter Egg
Hunt and the Garage Sale, and we will be posting about the 4th of July Parade. Please, please, consider
joining. It is a good way to stay in touch with what is going on around your neighborhood. Let’s try to
get our membership to 100. Not many things these days are free to join. This is a good way to know
what is going on in our area and the surrounding area. THINK ABOUT JOINING!
Page 2
CORNERSTONE SECURITY REPORT!
YARD OF THE MONTH FOR MAY
Sgt. Higginbotham attended the HOA Meeting on
May 14, 2015. He said that everything was good in Cornerstone Place. He commented that things have also
been better in the surrounding areas too. So that was a
good report.
Yard of the Month for May went to Harris & Carolyn Arthur
of 22519 Wildwood Grove. Great Job! Looks nice.
NOTE FROM THE EDITOR!
I just want all of you to know that I appreciate any
information you submit to me. I need your help
and support. Please send me some recipes, recommended tradespeople, and articles on what interests YOU. I would also like information from residents about things they have done, heard, and seen.
This would help me out a lot—I’m trying to keep
this newsletter interesting for you. Please give me
your support.
Thanks! Marlene Adams
The Constables are doing the Home Security Inspections again. Contact Deputy John Jerome Kovar at
281-642-8814 or 979-733-7734, or email him at
[email protected]. Visit the Web site at
www.Constable PCT5.com
This inspection is beneficial; you can save 5-10% on
your homeowner’s insurance, depending on your carrier. How does it work? You schedule a time for our officers to come by and make simple suggestions on how to
better secure your home. Take advantage of this, because it is a free service.
Operation Safe Child—Attend a coordinated event or
schedule a deputy to come your house. The Officer will
inspect your car seat, check for recalls, and teach you
the proper way to install it in the car based on your
child’s height and weight.
Contact: Deputy J.J. Kovar, 281-642-8814
OPERATION ID - Harris County Constable’s Office, Precinct 5 is offering free use of engravers to mark your valuables. Engraving
items with your driver’s license number, initials, a logo or a keyword will make returning stolen items easier after recovery.
A deputy will bring an engraver to your home, you engrave your items and create an inventory identifying the items you engraved,
what you engraved on them, and the item's serial number. Be sure to keep two copies of this list in separate places.
TO REQUEST AN ENGRAVER, SEND AN EMAIL TO: [email protected]
FLAG RETIREMENT
The Jonathan D. Rozier Post 164 of the American
Legion performs a Flag Retirement Ceremony on Flag
Day (June 14th). Annually, the Post retires about 300
flags. If you have a flag that is damaged, faded, torn
please call David and Barbara Rozier, 281-395-0680.
Page 3
RESIDENT RECIPE
PARTY MEATBALLS
1 1/2 cup brown sugar
1 lb. ground pork
3/4 cup cider vinegar
l lb. ground beef
1 lb. ground veal
3 cups of water
2 cups bread crumbs
1 tablespoon dry mustard
1 cup milk
2 eggs and 1 teaspoon salt
Make sauce for meatballs by mixing brown sugar, vinegar, water, and dry mustard. Set aside. Combine veal, pork,
beef, bread crumbs, milk, eggs, and salt. Mix thoroughly. Moisten hands and roll meat mixture into balls. Pour sauce
over meatballs. Bake 1 hour uncovered in preheated oven at 350.
Make meatballs size of walnuts for appetizers, or a larger size for main course meat.
Now is the time to start working on your landscaping—planting flowers, mulching, and cleaning up the
shrubs. If your vines and shrubbery are hanging into
your neighbors’ yard, try to clean them up. Cut them
back. We are looking for curb appeal on the sides and
back of the houses too, not only in the front.
It is a good time to start power washing,. Some of us
have mold on our homes—sometimes on the siding or
the break, where the sun doesn’t get to it. Remember
that we have had a lot of
rain lately, so that has
encouraged the mold.
Take a day or two and
clean up your property.
It is your responsibility
as a homeowner to do
this.
CORNERSTONE PLACE NEWSLETTER
CORNERSTONE PLACE HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION
Editor: Marlene Adams
JOHN IRWIN
Proofreader: Phyllis George
C/O IRWIN COMMUNITY MANAGEMENT
Phone: 281-693-0207
P.O. BOX 6544
E-mail: [email protected]
KATY, TX 77491
Web Site: www.cornerstoneplace.org
PHONE: 281-802-4365
THE CORNERSTONE NEWSLETTER IS PUBLISHED BY THE CORNERSTONE PLACE
HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION 9A 501(c)3 ORGANIZATION. IT IS THE POLICY OF THE
NEWSLETTER TO ACCEPT ARTICLES OF INTEREST TO THE COMMUNITY FROM
OUTSIDE SOURCES AS WELL AS FROM NEWSLETTER STAFF. VIEWS EXPRESSED
IN PUBLISHED ARTICLES ARE THOSE OF THE WRITER AND DO NOT CONSTITUTE
AN OPINION OR ENDORSEMENT BY THE NEWSLETTER OR BY THE CORNERSTONE
PLACE HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION.
FAX: 281-392-1488
EMAIL: [email protected]
PROPERTY MANAGER: JOHN IRWIN
Page 4
Timely Tips for May Gardeners from Calloway’s and Cornelius
May is the month that makes us think of beautiful flowers. Visits to Calloway’s / Cornelius
Nursery, the Dallas Arboretum, and the Fort Worth Botanic Gardens will stimulate lots of new
ideas and possibilities for your landscape.
Don’t forget Mom this month! Mother’s Day is May 10th. In a recent survey more than 30% of
Moms of all ages want something garden related for her Mother’ Day gift. Instead of the usual
vase of cut flowers, plan ahead and give that special person a naturally-inspired bouquet that
changes with seasons, a beautiful container garden.
Although pansies may still be looking great early in May, it’s about time to pull them and
plant summer flowering plants. Once it gets hot, pansies go down fast. Annuals and
perennials give you lots of color bang for your buck. Pinch back growth of newly planted
annual and perennial plants. This results in shorter, compact plants with more flowers.
Allow the foliage of daffodils and other spring flowering bulbs to mature and yellow before
removing.
Spread a second application of pre-emergent for crabgrass and grass. Fertilize lawns with the
final feeding before Summer. Fertilize roses every four to six weeks and control black spot
with a systemic fungicide. Feed trees and shrubs with Calloway’s 16-8-8 Tree and Shrub Food.
In-Store Garden Series
Saturday, May 2nd at 10:15 am – Perennials – Best Picks for Texas
Saturday, May 9th at 10:15 am – Beautiful & Practical Groundcovers in the
Landscape
Saturday, May 16th at 10:15 am – The Art of Landscape Design
Saturday, May 23rd at 10:15 am – Just in Time, Drip Irrigation
Saturday, May 30th at 10:15 am – Design Stylish Container Gardens for Poolside &
Patio
Information courtesy of Calloway's Nursery ©2015, www.calloways.com. Attribution to Calloway's
required for all use and reproduction.
Page 5
H
PRESIDENT’S LETTER
i Neighbors,
We sure have had a wet spring. It is making our lawns look beautiful, but it could bring
other problems too. Just a reminder—keep the storm sewers clean of trash and debris.
Please do not put grass clippings or other yard waste into the storm sewers; you will
regret it if we have a real downpour and things start to back up.
As you know by now, the pool is open on weekends during the month of May, and it will be open full time
once school is out in June. A pool schedule is in the newsletter. It is also available on our Web site.
Our next big event is the 4th of July Parade, picnic, and splash day. Cristina Arnold is working hard to
make this a great event for all of you who are going to stay home that day. I just want to put in another
call for volunteers. If your children will be in the parade, or if you enjoy the festivities, how about giving
us a hand to make it a really fun event. With enough volunteers, no one will have to work very hard to
make this happen. Just a couple minutes of your time are needed to help us do things like set up, parade
judging, food preparation, and clean up. Call Cristina and talk to her about helping. Cristina can be
reached at 505-353-6669.
We will also be looking for some help in our other events this year. We need folks to help with the food distribution for Halloween, and we need some young, agile people to help us with our Christmas Decorations at the entrance to Cornerstone Place. We could have this done commercially, but the prices we have seen so far are prohibitive (thousands of dollars). We have had Christmas Decorations every year in the past, and it’s always the same
people who have done it. They could use some help. A few fresh faces would be nice. It has been proposed that
some garland around the monument and gazebo would be a welcome addition. Garland is very expensive to purchase. If you have made garland yourself or know someone who does, and you would like to help with the effort,
we would be very, very interested in talking to you. Please contact Tony Adams at 281-693-0207 or John Irwin at
the Management Company at 281-392-2484.
We still have some residents who have not paid their assessment. We hope you are aware that late payments, just like taxes, are assessed interest and penalty fees. We are reaching the point on the calendar
where we turn nonpayment accounts over to the attorney. You then are responsible for attorney fees in
addition to the late fees and interest charges. Do yourself a favor—call Irwin Management and set up an
arrangement to save yourself some of these additional costs. You know this money benefits you. It is
what keeps the park, the gazebo, and all of the other amenities in the subdivision in good repair. It keeps
the value of your house from going down.
Hurricane season is fast approaching. NOW is the time to start thinking about bringing some extra water,
food, and other supplies into your house just in case we have a storm. Soon we will be seeing hurricane
preparedness pamphlets in our supermarkets. With all of the bad weather we have had this spring, it
would be a good idea to start now. I am thinking we are due for an active hurricane season this year. On
that last note, you really need to look at two things on your property. The first is standing water. If you
have anything that collects water, it is a mosquito breeder. Make sure that after the rains, you do a little
walk-around and empty and turn over anything that will collect water. Second, if you have any dead
limbs or other items that can be blown around, you need to pick them up so that they don’t get caught in
a high wind and do damage to your (or your neighbor’s) house or fence.
I hope all of this helps you have a great summer here in Cornerstone. Please drive carefully, and we will
talk again next month.
Tony Adams, Cornerstone HOA President
Page 6
CORNERSTONE RESIDENTS SEEKING YOUR BUSINESS
If you are a resident, we can put your business card in the newsletter,
giving you free advertising.
Please don’t forget to give me your new business cards when you get
them. I am trying really hard to keep this page as up-to-date as I can.
I can do this only if I am given the newest information. Thanks!
Page 7
RESIDENT PARTICIPATES IN 31ST BP MS 150
We may have had more than one resident who participated in this huge event, but we only know of Al Lots of Kent Falls Drive who did. I would like to thank his wife Linda for
sending us the information for the newsletter. The 31st BP MS 150 Ride was a one-day
ride this year, due to weather. The ride started in La Grange on Sunday morning, April
19, 2015. Al trained hard for his eighth ride. He enjoyed the challenge and is dedicated to
raising money for the MS Society—he raised $36,000 from friends
and family. He appreciated the donations he received this year. The
MS Society made over 421 million in donations, an all-time record.
Al will ride again next year, so let him know if you would like to donate in his name.
He will direct you to the MS Web site. We are very proud of his dedication and love of
helping others in need.
Submitted by: Linda Lots
Katy Christian Ministries was appreciative of the
items they collected after our garage sale. KCM
needs our help in supporting their local food
bank. To the left is a list of items that they need
most. Food will be distributed to needy families
in the Katy area. You can drop off your donations at their location: 5510 1st Street, Katy.
Page 8
Cornerstone Place 2015
Swimming Pool
Days & Hours of Operation
Pool Phone # 281-392-8683
May



Saturday’s (9, 16, 23,30)
Sunday’s (10,17,24,31)
Monday- Memorial Day (25)
10:30 AM- 8:30 PM
12:00 AM- 8:30 PM
10:30 AM- 8:30 PM
June (Pool opens June 6th and is open every day except Mondays)
 June (1-5)
Pool Closed
 Mondays
Closed for cleaning
 Tuesday’s-Saturday’s
10:30 AM- 8:30 PM
 Sunday’s
12:00 AM- 8:30 PM
July (Pool open every day of the week, except for Mondays)*
 Mondays
Closed for cleaning
 Tuesdays-Saturday’s
10:30 AM- 8:30 PM
 Sunday’s
12:00 AM- 8:30 PM
* Splash Day is tentatively on July 4th
August (Before Public School Starts)
 Mondays
Closed for cleaning
 Tuesdays-Saturday’s
10:30 AM- 8:30 PM
 Sunday’s
12:00 AM- 8:30 PM
August (After school starts – estimated to be August 24)
 Monday-Friday
Pool Closed
 Saturday Aug 27
10:30 AM- 8:30 PM
 Sunday Aug 28
12:00 AM- 8:30 PM
September (Pool open Labor Day weekend only)
 Saturday September 5th
10:30 AM- 8:30 PM
th
 Sunday September 6
12:00 AM- 8:30 PM
th
 Monday September 7
10:30 AM- 8:30 PM
Cornerstone Pool use is restricted to Cornerstone Place Residents and their
accompanying guests. Identification may be required.
Page 9
May Fun Facts
The origin of the name May for this month is said to come from the name of the Roman Goddess
“Maiesta”, also called the fertility Goddess Bona Dea, who was honored with a festival in May. She was
the Goddess of honor and reverence. Some believe it could have come from the Greek Goddess Maia,
who was closely associated with the Roman fertility goddess.
The flower associated with May is the Lily of The Valley and the birth gem stone is an Emerald. If you
were born at the beginning of the month your star sign is Taurus, but born toward the end of the month
and you are a Gemini.
Mother’s Day is celebrated in many countries on the second Sunday in May: USA, Canada,
Brazil and Australia for example.
Amelia Earhart is credited as being the first woman to fly a plane solo and nonstop across the
Atlantic, on May 21, 1932. Her flight path was from Newfoundland to Ireland.
Charles Lindberg made the first historic solo Trans Atlantic airplane flight in May of 1927, in his
plane “The Spirit of Saint Louis”.
In Ireland May 1st is Beltane Day, the first day of Summer.
The famous American Poet Walt Whitman was born on May 31, 1819
In the glorious state of Hawaii, every May 1st they celebrate Lei Day.
On May 10, 1872 the first woman was nominated for President of the U.S.A. even though
women could not vote. Her name was Virginia Woodhull.
Something we take for granted in our everyday life was patented on May 1st. Nikola Testa for
developing the “electrical transmission of power” was issued Patent # 382,280 in 1888.
On May 5, 1851 ~ believe it or not! ~ a patent was issued for an ice making machine.
National Salad Month ~~ National Egg Month ~~ National Barbecue Month ~~
National Hamburger Month ~~ Better Sleep Month and National Photo Month
MAY 12TH is Nurses Day.
“No Pants Day” is celebrated on the 1st Friday of May.
Page 10
The Home Advantage
by David and Barbara Rozier
Home Burglary
Prevention Tips
We don’t seem to have a problem
with burglary in Cornerstone, but
to make sure we don’t let our
guard down here are a few
common sense tips to remember.
Install strong doors and strong
locks on doors and windows - and
lock up when you leave.
In
approximately one-quarter of all
burglaries there was no sign of
forced entry - burglars just walked
in! Burglars look for the easiest
target - they want to get in and out
quickly. Defeating a lock takes time,
so locks deter burglars.
Install
deadbolt locks with at least a one
inch throw on all external doors.
External doors should be metal or
solid wood. Entry doors should be
well lighted with wide angle door
viewer. Lock your doors when you
are gone just a few minutes.
When you're not at home, make it
look like you are. Burglars seek out
empty houses because there's less
chance they'll get caught. Here's how
to fool them: Leave a radio tuned to
a talk radio station. If you're out for
the evening, leave some lights on
and close the blinds. Better yet, get a
timer. If you're going on vacation
cancel your newspaper, have a
trusted neighbor take your trash can
out and in (even if it's empty!),
forward your home phone number to
your mobile if possible and use a
house-sitter if you're away for an
extended period of time.
Never let people know when your
home will be empty. Avoid giving
away information in person, in
writing or through your answering
machine message. Avoid leaving
invitations or notes about vacations
in plain view (on the fridge, next to
the phone, up on a whiteboard). This
advertises when your house will be
empty. While most trades people are
above board, a shady few might pass
this information on to professional
burglars. On your answering machine
say "We can't come to the phone right
now" rather than "I'm out of town and
will be back on". If you live alone,
say "We can't come to the phone right
now" rather than "I can't come to the
phone right now".
Don't let burglars use your spare
key. No matter how good a hiding
place it seems, burglars will always
look for hidden keys - so leave keys
with a trusted neighbor or friend
instead. Another idea is to purchase a
combination lock box like the ones
used by REALTORS®. Give the
combination to only family members
and trusted neighbors. The lock box
can be hidden but will provide more
security than hiding a key alone.
Mark your personal property.
Marked property is much harder for
burglars to re-sell - and even if a
burglar steals a marked item, it's much
easier for you to identify what's yours.
Use your driver’s license number
rather than your Social Security
Number (which could invite identity
theft). Mark your property using an
engraving pen (available from some
hardware stores) or ultra-violet
markers.
Make a list of your property. Keep
a list of your CDs, DVDs, videos and
any other collectible items in a safe
place (a list on your computer is no
good if the burglars steal that too!).
Take photos or videos of expensive
items, such as jewelry and electronics.
Keep inventory to help police return
your property to you. Make sure you
have current and adequate insurance
cover.
Lock up your tools and your
storage shed. Unlocked garages and
storage sheds are easy targets. Don't
let a burglar steal your tools or use
them to break into your own house!
Always put away your tools and lock
your garage.
Page 11
Consider installing a security
system. The systems that are most
likely to deter a burglar are those
which emit a loud noise when
activated and are monitored by
transmitting an immediate signal to a
security service.
Use "natural surveillance" to
protect your home - don't give
burglars somewhere to hide. Keep
trees and shrubs trimmed low.
Motion-activated lighting puts a
spotlight on burglars.
Burglars do more than steal.
Burglars
can
commit
rapes,
robberies and assaults if they are
surprised by someone coming home
or pick a home that is occupied. If
something looks questionable – a slit
screen or a broken window – don’t
go in. Call police from a safe
location. At night if you think you
hear someone breaking in and you
can leave safely, do so. If you can’t
leave safely, lock yourself in a room
with a phone and call police. If an
intruder is in your room, pretend you
are asleep. Guns are responsible for
many accidental deaths in the home
each year. Think carefully before
buying a gun. If you do own one
learn how to store and use it safely.
Finally be vigilant and watch each
others property.
Report all
suspicious activity around your
home to the police.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS: Material for
this article was provided by the Victorian
Burglary Reduction Council and Victoria,
Australia Police and the U.S. National
Crime Prevention Council. For more
information you can go to the National
Crime Prevention Council website at
http://www.ncpc.org.
®
David and Barbara are Realtors with
Keller Williams Realty in Katy and live
on Kent Falls Dr. in Cornerstone Place.