Bradford Colony HOA

February

Jan 13, 2005

Every February, across the country, candy, flowers, and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine. But who is this mysterious saint and why do we celebrate this holiday?



The history of Valentine's Day -- and its patron saint -- is shrouded in mystery. There are varying opinions as to the origin of Valentine's Day.



Some experts state that it originated from St. Valentine, a Roman who was martyred for refusing to give up Christianity. He died on February 14, 269 A.D., the same day that had been devoted to love lotteries. Legend also says that St. Valentine left a farewell note for the jailer's daughter, who had become his friend, and signed it "From Your Valentine". Other aspects of the story say that Saint Valentine served as a priest at the temple during the reign of Emperor

Claudius. Claudius then had Valentine jailed for defying him. In 496 A.D. Pope elasius set aside February 14 to honor St. Valentine.



Gradually, February 14 became the date for exchanging love messages and St. Valentine became the patron saint of lovers. The date was marked by sending poems and simple gifts such as flowers. There was often a social gathering or a ball.



In the United States, Miss Esther Howland is given credit for sending the first valentine cards. Commercial valentines were introduced in the1800's and now the date is very commercialized. The town of Loveland, Colorado, does a large post office business around February 14. The spirit of good continues as valentines are sent out with sentimental verses and children exchange valentine cards at school.



February is the shortest month of the year, but it is packed with events.



Here are just a few:



February is designated Black Heritage Month, Black History Month, or African-American History Month.



Chinese New Year starts on February 1.



February is also National Cherry Month and Valentine's Day comes along on the 14th. You might want to make, bake and eat cherry pies!



February 2nd is Groundhog Day.



The third Monday in February is President's Day. Both Washington and Lincoln's birthdays were in February. It is considered a Federal holiday for celebration of Washington's birthday, but most states also honor all president's on this day.



The Battle of the Alamo began on February 26, 1836 and Texas seceded from the Union in 1861 two importants events in Texas history.



(February info is courtesy of http://www.umkc.edu/imc/february.htm)





BRADFORD COLONY HOA COMMITTEES AND CHAIRPERSONS-

The following committees were established by the Bradford Colony HOA Board:



Architectural/Deed Restriction Committee

Chair: Penny Grimm

Members: Frank Adams & Bill Myers



This committee identifies areas of landscaping that needs improvement and helps to identify and improve non-compliance issues around the community to improve the attractiveness of Bradford Colony.



This committee may contact homeowners in violation of the neighborhood restrictions in order to provide them the opportunity to correct the violation voluntarily; and if necessary, follow up with the formal course of action as specified in the covenants.



Items assigned to this committee: Architectural Control Requests; Deed Restriction Violation Reports - Mow List; Creation and distribution of DR Letters from the Board; Report status of deed restriction violations to SCS/Attorney; Yard of the Month; Park Improvement (tree planting, playground equip, lighting, etc.); New Signage Project (Crime Watch, street signs, entrance signs); and Help Team.



Hospitality/Social Committee

Chair: Kim Sporrer

Members: Penny Grimm and Frank Adams



The Hospitality/Social Committee is responsible for establishing a calendar of social events for our residents, and coordinating garage sales, spring cleanings, and youth activities. Their activities also include (but not limited to) welcoming new neighbors, Volunteer Appreciation events, ice cream socials, barbeques, Christmas Caroling, Halloween costume parades, Watermelon feeds, and Decorated bike parades for our neighborhood children.



Items assigned to this committee:

Welcome Packets; Homeowners Quick Reference Guides; Youth Activities/Holiday Celebrations (Easter, Santa); Block Parties, Picnics (4th of July Cookout); Concerts; Scholarship Programs - School Supply Drive; and Block Captains.



Crime Watch Committee

Chair: Bill Myers Members: Kim Sporrer and Block Captains



The Bradford Colony Crime Watch Committee is responsible for establishing an active watch program in our subdivision where neighbors can get to know and watch out for each other by working together in a program of mutual assistance, where our homeowners are trained to recognize and report suspicious activities in our neighborhood, and where crime prevention techniques, such as home security, property identification, etc. are implemented.



Items assigned to this committee: Signs and literature; National Night Out Event; Monthly meetings; Directories and Telephone Trees; and Special Events (security lighting, security system demos, etc.).



Communication Committee

Chair: Deborah Mitchell

Members: Frank & Judith Adams, Bonnie Moore, Tonya Boatwright, KimSporrer, Bill & Leanna Myers, Penny Grimm, and Lori Miller.



The Communication Committee is responsible for keeping all the residents of Bradford Colony informed and involved in the events and activities of the Homeowners Association.



Items assigned to this committee: Monthly article in The Colonies Review newsletter; Design & distribute news from the HOA (flyers, posters, and signs); Park Bulletin Board; Email Account; HOA Website and the Neighborhood Survey Project.



We need more members to help make these committees successful. If you are interested in joining, please contact the committee chairs.



HOA ASSESSMENTS DUE -

2005 Assessments are due by January 1, 2005. They are late on February 1 and will be assessed a 10% penalty. If you cannot pay the full amount by February 1, please contact SCS Management, Nancy Callaway, at 281-463-1777for payment options.



HOMEOWNER QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE (HOQRG)/ BRADFORD COLONY WELCOME PACKET ?­

The HOQRG was passed out to each resident of Bradford Colony. They were delivered to your door by your Block Captain. The HOQRG is a summation of the Deed Restrictions that are most cited and other helpful information for the Bradford Colony Homeowner. Homeowners who are renting their properties, received a copy at their mailing addresses. If you did not receive yours, please contact a Block Captain or Board member for a copy.



New Bradford Colony homeowners will receive a New Resident Welcome Packet in the future. This packet gives information that all new residents need to know and a quick reference to deed restrictions.



VANDALISM/GRAFFITI ?­

We are seeing an increase in graffiti throughout the neighborhood, especially

in the Park. If you see graffiti on common area equipment, please notify the Board so that we can attempt to get it cleaned. If you are aware of the persons who are marking the park equipment or fences please let us know their name or location.



We experienced some vandalism of Christmas decorations during the month of December. Two of the perpetrators were apprehended in Bradford Colony Three but let go. If you see someone committing vandalism or marking graffiti please call the police and if at all possible have a description of the persons ready and the direction they left in. If you can find our where they go to let the police know that as well.



CRIME WATCH-

The ball is rolling. The Crime Watch Committee has formed and is starting to take action. If you are interested in being a member of this committee please contact, Bill Myers, Committee Chair.



We are aiming for 60% participation in the Bradford Colony Crime Watch Program and are asking for volunteers to be Crime watchers. These volunteer positions would not require a lot of time just attention to things happening on your block.



If we all contributed, then Bradford Colony crime rate would be reduced. If you do not want to call about an incident that is occurring on your block please contact your Block Captain or the Board at Bradfordcolony12@aol.com.



TIDBITS FROM THE ARCHITECTURAL / DEED RESTRICTION COMMITTEE -

Are you currently saving for home improvements projects this Spring? Please don't forget to submit an ACC application. You can pick up an application at the SCS Management office located at 7170 Cherry Park Dr. or call (281)463-1777. You can also print the form yourself at: www.scsmgmt.com Even though the Yard of the Month contest is postponed until April due to Winter months, you will still be cited during monthly inspections if the lawn is not kept mowed and edged. Thanks again to all the 2004 Yard of the Month Winners for keeping our neighborhood looking great! With the windy months upon us, please do not put trash out earlier than 6 PM on Sunday and Wednesday. Put all small trash items in bags that are tied closed or in cans with lids. For bigger items, like boxes, hold them down so they are not blown in the street and become traffic hazards.



Please be courteous and pick up blown trash that has made its way down streets and in neighboring yards.



BRADFORD COLONY HELP TEAM

The HELP TEAM mentioned in December was created and headed up by Frank Adams, Board 2nd Vice President. If you know someone who is not physically able to complete home repairs or lawn maintenance or if you would like to be a member of the Help Team, please contact Frank or the Board at Bradfordcolony12@aol.com.



BRADFORD COLONY WEBSITE

If you are looking for the latest news, current and upcoming neighborhood events, Board reports, pictures from events, Neighborhood chat groups or discussions threads, and ACC forms you have come to the right place, check us out at The Bradford Colony Website.



http://www.neighborhoodlink.com/houston/bradfordcolony/



BLOCK CAPTAINS

If you have any ideas for activities or upcoming events that will unite Bradford Colony, please email the Board at Bradfordcolony12@aol.com or contact your Block Captain. The Block Captains are: Bonny Moore ?­ Bradford Colony Drive; Deborah Mitchell - Whitbourne Drive; Judith Adams ?­ Hamstead Park; Lori Miller- Taymouth Drive; Bill and Leanna Myers - Horsepen Bayou Drive; Penny Grimm ?­ Liscomb; Tonya Boatwright - Briton Cove Drive and Kim Sporrer - Harcourt Bridge Drive.



HELPFUL HINTS



Jogging in a Jug

Mix 1 part apple cider vinegar to 4 parts purple grape juice and 4 parts apple juice. Mix together well. Keep in the refrigerator. Take 2 oz. every

morning after breakfast to help lower your cholesterol level.



ALTERNATIVES FOR HOUSEHOLD CLEANING SOLUTIONS



The improper disposal of household chemicals can be hazardous to people and their environment. While one home's pollution may be small, the effect of many can be significant. Each month an average community of 158,000 people discards 6 tons of toilet bowl cleaner, 22 tons of liquid household cleaner and 5.5 tons of motor oil. Landfills, storm drains and sewage treatment plants are not designed to treat chemical wastes. Without special treatment, the chemicals stay in the environment and move into recreational

and drinking water supplies. Everyone must help to solve this problem. Here's some safer and less hazardous alternatives to chemicals.



HOUSEHOLD CHEMICALS

Furniture:

Polish:

Equal parts mineral oil and lemon oil or:

Equal parts mineral oil and Murphy's Oil Soap.

Wood:

2 T. olive oil, 1 T. white vinegar in 1 qt. warm water. Spray, then drywith soft cloth.

Upholstered:

6 T. soap flakes, 1 pt. boiling water, 2 T. borax.

Leather:

Murphy's Oil Soap.

Floors:

Cleaner:

1/4 c. white vinegar, 1/4 c. washing soda (sodium carbonate) in 1 gal. warm water.

Painted Wood:

1 T. washing soda in 1 gal. warm water.

Vinyl, Natural Wood:

Murphy's Oil Soap.

Wax Remover:

3 T. washing soda in 1 qt. warm water.

All Purpose Cleaner:

Baking soda and water for ovens, cutting boards, coffee stains, toilets,basin, tub and tile.

Water mixed with salt or borax for Formica.

Baking soda and vinegar for crusted food in pans.

Oven Cleaner:Put salt on spills while warm.

Loosen soil with 1/4 c. ammonia left overnight.

Deodorizer:

Baking soda or vinegar in open dish.

Air out room.

Fresh flowers or herbs.

Mix 2 c. of corn meal and 1 box of borax and sprinkle on carpet, leave 15 minutes, then vacuum.

Disinfectant:

Borax and water solution, then keep area aired out and dry.

1 T. bleach in 1 gal. of warm water (wipe on a clean surface and let air dry).

Stain Removal:

For rust or hard water deposits: vinegar or lemon juice.

For copper pots: lemon halves dipped in salt (or rub with vinegar).

For coffee cups: baking soda.

For general use: corn meal and water mixed into paste.

Personal Care Products:

Avoid aerosols, use pump sprays.



AROUND THE BLOCK

Welcome to John Flowers, II and Family of14515 Bradford Colony Drive and Michelle Spanier and Family of 14514 Liscomb Drive. These are new Bradford Colony Homeowners. If you get a chance stop by and introduce yourself.



If you have a new baby, new neighbors, a new job, or other good news, pass it on to: Bradfordcolony12@aol.com.



Please feel free to submit articles or information of neighborhood interest for publication in the Colonies Newsletter or on the Bradford Colony

Website.