RED ALERT

The following was received from a lifetime resident neighbor in the 3000 Block of 22nd Street.  Be aware and be safe!

Wanted to let you know in case you have not heard our house was burglarized on Friday the 18th. Young man knocked on front door (neighbor saw young Hispanic male) and turned to speak to someone driving a white Escalade or similar vehicle when no one answered. They then proceeded to try to kick in my kitchen and rear entry doors. There were shoe prints on the doors. When they couldn't get in they broke out my bedroom window. 

Thought you might be able to let the UNIT people know. The officer said the same description of the vehicle was given in 2 other attempted home invasions over a 2 day period. I would love for these guys to be caught, but I also don't want anyone else to have to go through what I have had to go through!

The students next door said they saw an Escalade parked in front of their house all morning. They remember because they couldn't park where they usually do. The neighbor across the street said it looked like an Escalade when she spoke to the officer. At that time it was parked in front of my house. Another neighbor said it was around 1:00 pm when she looked out and saw the vehicle and a nicely dressed young Hispanic male knocking on the front door.

Also, the shoe print has the letters AGROL, I think, down the middle of the sole. I am not up on men's shoe brands...does that mean anything to you?

A Message From The Social Committee Chair

Laura Anderson, Chair of the Social Committee sends the following.  Please email her if you have any questions or interest. lauradennyanderson@gmail.com

Spring Open House Tour -possible timeframe: April???

• last year, we did a Sunday- most people said a Saturday would be better for this year
• areas needing attention:
• advertising/ graphics- (name)
• generating graphics for newspaper ad
• generating graphics for flyers to be posted throughout community
• generating graphics for door tags to be posted on for sale by owner houses
• working with AJ & any other print media to meet deadlines & approving proofs
• generating graphics for day of flyers
• getting updated listing of homes from realtor coordinator for use on day of flyer
• printing
• coordinating payment with Kirk
• realtor coordination- (name)
• generating list of listings in neighborhood (must be updated weekly)
• making sure all (or most) realtors with listings will open home & have a representative on day of event)
• letting realtor know about ad sponsorship opportunity
• try to visit all listings on day of event &  thank realtor
• for sale by owner coordinator- (name)
• walking neighborhood on regular basis & distributing door tag for F.S.B.O.
• calling numbers on signs to gain participation
• visiting listings on day or event to thank participant
• press release coordination- (name)
• generating press releases for distribution to all local media outlets
• following up on these &  insuring that the word gets out
• Mary V. please add your wisdom here!!!
• sponsorship coordination- (name)
• securing key sponsors ($250 each last year)
• securing realtor sponsors ($100 each last year)
• insuring that all sponsors pay!!!
• day-of-setup- (name)
• determine start location (last year we started at roscoe)
• depending on location, erecting tent, table, banner, chairs (note: we as an association do not own these things. You will be responsible for borrowing them)
• distributing balloons or whatever demarcation will be used for houses on tour
• if balloons, clearing use with city
• “dream house” tours- (name)
• would be new this year
• intent would be to showcase houses that have been purchased for little money, remodeled & turned into something families with somewhat limited resources would be excited to see
• greater intent is to attract young families to neighborhood with kids attending roscoe & hutch
• lemonade stand- (name)
• supplying some sort of stand
• securing all supplies needed (we already have country time & cups)
• securing & coordinating neighborhood children to distribute lemonade)
• I am sure I am forgetting things, but this gives a pretty good idea of the tasks.

Fall Movies in the Park

• based on feedback, it seems that early fall might be a better time to do movies for several reasons:
1. movie can start later due to earlier sunset
2. less mosquitos
3. more people in town due to school being in session
• WE NEED SOMEONE TO OVERSEE THESE MOVIES
• this is a basic list of what it takes to get movies done:
• determine dates with committee
• clear dates with parks & rec dept., pay for & secure electricity use
• clear dates with city secretary, pay for park permits & submit noise permit
• reserve equipment from Spoil Me Rotten, pay deposit (remainder paid day-of)
• determine movies & either buy or rent
• publish with lubbock fun club, roscoe wilson, hutch, neighborhood newsletter, anywhere else you & committee decide
• repaint sign for park
• generate graphics to be posted on sign
• place sign in park prior to movie & collect & store
• coordinate games or activities prior to movie start & welcome people to the neighborhood
• meet S.M.R. For set-up, stay for movie, & meet S.M.R. For break down
• return movie, if rented

The Great Backyard Bird Count- This Weekend

http://www.birdsource.org/gbbc/

The Great Backyard Bird Count is an annual four-day event that engages bird watchers of all ages in counting birds to create a real-time snapshot of where the birds are across the continent. Anyone can participate, from beginning bird watchers to experts. It takes as little as 15 minutes on one day, or you can count for as long as you like each day of the event. It’s free, fun, and easy—and it helps the birds. We'll be adding updated GBBC materials for the next count as they become available


Count birds at any location for at LEAST 15 minutes—or more if you wish. Later you’ll be asked to record the amount of time you spent watching.

Write down only the highest number of each species you see together at any one time to avoid counting the same birds more than once. For example, if you see 8 cardinals as you start your count period, then later you see 12, and later still you see 3, you’ll only report 12--the highest number you saw together at once. Please do not add the numbers together.
 You’ll submit your data on a new checklist for each day you participate in the count. It’s OK if you count at the same location each day—submit a new list for each day.

You’ll submit a new checklist for each new location. You can submit more than one checklist on a given day if you count at more than one site.

ENTER YOUR CHECKLIST(S):

When you’re ready to enter your checklist(s), go to the GBBC website at www.BirdCount.org and click on the big “Submit your checklists” button at the top. You won’t see this button until 7:00 AM the Friday the GBBC begins. Everything you need to know will be clear on the web page as you enter your information. If you’d like a preview of what you’ll see, keep reading.

Neighborhood Parks Update

The much welcome warmer weather brought folks to our parks the past few days.

 A burst water main on Gary between 22nd Street and 23rd Street creates water fun for dogs at Tech Terrace Park.

Arbor Day is April 29th

The Texas Arbor Day Poster Contest is designed to build awareness and appreciation for trees and Arbor Day in fourth and fifth grade students across the state. Studies show that young children benefit educationally, behaviorally, and developmentally from connecting with trees and nature.

 

The contest is proudly sponsored by Texas Forest Service. The deadline to submit your entry is March 25, 2011.

 

http://txforestservice.tamu.edu/main/article.aspx?id=1292

How will you celebrate Arbor Day on April 29, 2011?

 

There are many different ways educators can help students learn about and celebrate Arbor Day. Here are a few suggestions:

• Take your class on a tree identification hike around campus or in your community.
• Plant trees on the school campus. (Be sure to have a plan to water them through the summer months.)
• Do a web search on the benefits of trees and prepare a list with pictures.
• Have a contest for students to find the oldest trees in the community, and research the history of them.
• Have an essay contest where students describe the importance of trees to their community.
• Dedicate library time for students to read books about trees and forests.

 

 

 

Happy Valentines Day from your Friends at UNIT News

Neighborhood Association vs. Home Owners Association

Jeff Hampton penned the following column that ran in the Dallas Morning News last week. 

http://www.dallasnews.com/opinion/local-voices/headlines/20110203-jeff-hampton-in-our-neighborhood-association-the-bottom-line-is-community.ece

Lost dogs. Suspicious white van. Plumber needed. Bookshelves for the taking. Coyotes on the prowl. Picnics and movies on the circle. Those are just a few of the e-mail topics that bounce through my Lake Park Estates Neighborhood Association on a daily basis. We’re using 21st century technology to nurture our mid-20th century neighborly lifestyle.


Often, there’s useful information to share. When the city of Dallas moved our trash collection from Friday to Wednesday during the holidays, I learned about it first through the neighborhood e-mails. Good thing, since the city’s automated phone call with the same information came several hours after the trucks had rolled by.


Sometimes there is serious business. A couple of years ago, when a contractor was killed in a flash fire while remodeling one of our homes, the neighborhood rallied with donations to help the man’s family.


And there’s plenty of light-hearted banter. When a neighbor recently asked if anyone else had received a $600 water bill, another answered, “and I thought I flushed the toilet a lot!” Ultimately, real advice flowed, the neighbor discovered that her meter had been misread, and we all learned something in the process.


We’re a far cry from the homeowners associations of the type in Frisco that foreclosed on a family that had fallen behind on their dues. There’s a legal reason for that: We’re a “neighborhood” association and not a “homeowners” association. We don’t have the power to dictate and enforce how members landscape their homes, what kind of vehicles they can park in their driveways, or when and how late they can have parties. Our membership is voluntary, and annual dues are small.


But there’s also a philosophical difference that’s right there in the title. When we look out our windows, we see each other as “neighbors” in a community and not “homeowners” in a real estate development. It’s a huge difference.


That doesn’t mean we don’t care about our property values, crime and safety, and the look of our streets. We have a “yard of the month” contest, volunteer patrols and other activities that motivate us to look sharp and look out for each other. Deed restrictions drafted in 1947 handle building setbacks, materials and things of that nature, but more often than not, we know about our neighbors’ renovations in advance because we often ask each other for referrals.


As with any voluntary organization, some people are more plugged in and engaged than others. I’ve been light on social activities and haven’t been to meetings, the latter because I trust my neighbors who have time for that. But I’ve contributed to the e-mail discussions, provided copy for the newsletter and sponsored the blue and white “Lake Park Estates” sign-topper at my corner.


I understand the desire to protect property values and the need for HOAs to collect fees to maintain common areas. I lived in a condo community near downtown for a number of years, and our monthly HOA dues kept the grass mowed and the common areas maintained. I understand that. But foreclose on someone because they’re late on their dues? And contact them by registered mail instead of a knock on the door? There’s nothing neighborly about that.

With the Texas Legislature in session, lawmakers have the opportunity to consider several bills limiting or ending the foreclosure powers of HOAs. While they’re at it, perhaps they should legislate that all such associations have the word “neighborhood” in the title, just to help establish the proper tone.

Jeff Hampton is a writer/editor who lives in the Casa Linda area of Dallas. He is also a Community Voices volunteer columnist. His e-mail address is Jefton@aol.com, and his website is www.jeffhampton writer.com

Attention Gardeners

Heather Norville submitted the following to UNIT News

Fellow Gardeners,

Marjorie Manning sends the following information to those of you who are interested in gardening. Here is a schedule of Springtime events. Gardeners may be interested in one or more of these events at Lubbock Memorial Arboretum. The email address for more information is: lubarbor@Lubbockarboretum.org, Jennifer Simek is the director there. Call the Arboretum for workshops, etc. starting times. 806-797-4920.

• Feb. 12th Soil Testing Workshop
• Feb 26th Rain Barrel Workshop
• March ? Daffodil Days
• April 30th Plant Sale and Swap
• June 18th Garden Tour

 To receive the newsletter and second Saturday programs, become a member of the Lubbock Arboretum for $15.00/year. Marjorie encourages all who can/desire to become a member. The Arboretum needs our support. It's a really pleasant place to stroll and see what's blooming in the gardens in the various seasons.

Here is a little more information:

Lubbock Memorial Arboretum
4111 University Avenue,
Lubbock, TX

Phone: 806.797.4520
Website: www.lubbockarboretum.org

 The Lubbock Memorial Arboretum is located in Clapp Park and is an exhibit of the best trees, shrubs, vines and other ornamental plants which can be grown in this area. The Arboretum also offers a laboratory for studying existing plants and testing, evaluation and experimenting with new plants, and a tranquil area with walkways, paths, vistas, and rest sites for the pleasure and education of local citizens and other visitors.

Open to adults with special programs for children.

Arboretum Hours: Open everyday – dawn to dusk
Arboretum Interpretive Center Hours:
Saturday – 10am to 1pm
Sundays – 1pm to 4pm

Education Programs: Every second Saturday of each month, learn more about gardening in West Texas. Program begins at 10am.

Sincerely,

Heather Norville

Girls Night Out this Friday at The Purple Gahdalia

Pat from The Purple Gahdalia submitted the following to UNIT News:

Chocolate & Wine Valentines at The Purple Gahdalia
Friday February 11, 7pm to 10pm

Girls Night Out!! This is a first for The Purple Gahdalia, come check out these goodies , we will have Sentsy, Unusual Jewelry, Sexy Lingere, and so much more!!! We will have lots of things you may need for your romantic Valentines day with your Hunny Bunny!!!! Refreshments will be provided....See you there and bring friends.....

http://thepurplegahdalia.com/default.aspx

Please Clean Up After Your Dog at Roscoe Wilson, or anywhere else.

The greenspaces around Roscoe Wilson are popular with dog owners. Unfortunately,  some dogs are leaving evidence to be found by elementary feet.  Please refer to the attached letter that the City sent to residents in the vicinity of Roscoe Wilson.

Curb Your Dog

Winter In Tech Terrace

The coldest weather of the season is upon us. Wind chills are below 0 degrees F.   Here are some tips on dealing with these frigid conditions:

• Salt and sweep your front stoop and sidewalk.
• Check pets' water and bring them inside if possible (especially cats).
• Check on any shut-ins or elderly neighbors.
• Be careful at intersections- they are slick!