Today – Page 2 – Traditions

April 2020 – History in the making

Hello Traditions,

I hope everyone is doing well during these “unprecedented” times. It seems the world has gone a bit over the edge to many of us. But this has happened before, in fact, history is full of events just like this….most of us have forgotten or never experienced anything of this magnitude. Since 1900 the US has experienced several pandemics/epidemics such as Polio (1916-1955 nearly eradicated by vaccines), Influenza (1918, 1957, 2006-H1N1), and AIDS (1981-present). So what makes this one different? In my opinion, global media and the instant notification. Even as recently as 2006 and the H1N1 pandemic, we were just on the cusp of information “in your hand”…literally. Today the information reached billions instantly and people began to panic while others played it off as “plots of the Democrats” or “China’s problem”. The question left to historians will be if we acted appropriately with Social Distancing edicts, quickly enough to “flatten the curve”, and/or responsible enough to save lives. Those will be tough questions to which I am not sure what the answers will be.

So, let’s stick to what we know in the moment, and leave the rest to history.

Social distancing is hard, but it saves lives and reduces the strain on our medical assets. Stay home.
Wash your hands
Don’t touch your face
If you need to go out in public, wearing a mask or face guard will not only help to protect you, but it will protect others in case you are not showing symptoms.

There is a plethora of information about what to do and how to protect you and your family on the CDC website. Please visit their site for up-to-date information.

There will be hard times ahead, there will be lives lost, and the world will never be the same but let’s all take a breath and remember…this too shall pass. The proof is history.

-Scott

January 2020 – Happy New Year

Happy New Year Traditions!

In 2019 your Traditions HOA Board of Directors (Scott Knight, Paul Fleming, Debbie Huston, Greg Shahan, and Kellie Ranum) worked to update and revise our extremely outdated (1983) Reservations, Restrictions, and Covenants.

The proposed Amended and Restated Reservations, Restrictions, and Covenants are posted on our website: TRADITIONS-HOA.COM -click on the TODAY (tab) and read the October &/or December posts.

The proposed Amendments include:

Removed the 1983 references to the Developer
Updated language for leasing Single-Family homes
Annual Maintenance Fees may not be increased more than 10%
Implementing a fine schedule for continued violations

In order for the proposed changes to be official, we must receive approval from 67% of the total votes (111) allocated to Traditions property owners. As you can imagine, this is no small task, and we need your help!

Would you please review the proposed amendments on our TRADITIONS-HOA.COM website TODAY tab October & December posts? Print the Ballot, sign, and give to a Board Member (listed above) as we’ll be visiting door to door over the next few weeks or, send your Ballot by mail, hand deliver, or email our Property Manager:

Felicia Leflar
email: felicialeflar@imcmanagement.net
Phone: 281-419-1653

Traditions HOA
C/O IMC 2002
Timberloch Place #150A
The Woodlands, TX. 77380

Finally, our Traditions HOA Annual Meeting will be held at Grace Community Bible Church 24422 Kuykendahl Road. 7PM on 1/31/20 at 7PM we hope you’ll come out to learn more about our community, review our financials, vote on the proposed 2020 budget, visit with our Constables, meet your Board Members and fellow neighbors.

Thank you very much in advance for your help, we greatly appreciate it, and we look forward to seeing everyone in a few weeks.

Sincerely,

Traditions HOA Board of Directors

December 2019

Dear Traditions Homeowners,

Happy Holidays!

It’s that time of the year when Traditions looks super festive with beautiful holiday decorations on the north and south entrances, mailbox house, and our neighbors’ homes. Did you notice our stop and street signs? Our kind homeowner’s daughter and her very best friends voluntarily gathered their favorite decorations and colorfully wrapped all 11 poles.

The Board continually strives to maintain the beauty and values of the place we love and call home. In order to do that more effectively, earlier this year, we unanimously decided that updating our outdated Reservations, Restrictions and Covenants from 1983 should be of the upmost importance.

For those who were unable to attend the HOA Meet and Greet on November 2^nd we discussed those recently Amended and Restated Traditions Section I Reservations, Restrictions, and Covenants which are available by clicking here.

We need your help in order to make it happen!

We must receive approval on or before January 31, 2020 from at least 67% of the total votes allocated to property owners in our Association. As you can imagine, this monumental task will require everyone working together. Please visit with your neighbors and encourage them to vote in favor of updating our antiquated Restrictions and Covenants.

The proposed amendments include:

Updated with the most recent HOA Statutes
Removed references to the Developer
Annual Maintenance Fees may not be increased more than 10%
Implementing a Fine Schedule for continued violations
Updated language for leasing Single-Family homes

Call to action: Would you please review the proposed amendments then print, sign the Ballot (click here) mail, hand deliver, or email (JPEG or PDF) to our Property Manager:

Felicia Leflar
felicialeflar@imcmanagement.net
281-419-1653

Traditions HOA
C/O IMC
2002 Timberloch Place Suite 150A
The Woodlands, TX. 77380

Finally, please mark your calendars on January 31, 2020 for our Annual Homeowners Meeting, more information to come.

Thank you so much in advance for your help and participation, we wish you and your family the most joyous holiday season, and a healthy and happy new year filled with peace and prosperity.

Sincerely,

Traditions HOA Board of Directors

October 1st, 2019 – Neighborhood Event

Dear Traditions Home Owners,

On Saturday, Nov 2nd, 2019 we are having a neighborhood event at:

Grace Community Bible Church
24422 Kuykendahl Road
anytime between 9AM-11AM

Please come out and meet the current board members as well as see other Traditions residents. It will be a great time to get to know everyone as well as review some of the events of the neighborhood.

The Board has been working hard in 2019 to update and revise our current deed restrictions. Some of the highlights are listed below.

Updated to include all recent HOA Statutes
Removed Developer references (which is no longer involved)
Annual Maintenance Fees may not be increased more than 10%
Added updated language regarding leasing Single Family Homes
Implementing a Fine Schedule for continued violations
Raised the Fence height restriction to 7’ tall including rot board

You can review all the changes using the links below:

We need everyone to come out and vote on the proposed restrictions.

Hope to see you there.

Thank you.

The Traditions Board of Directors

August 2019 – Message from the Board

Dear Traditions Home Owners,

Last month, Princeton Place HOA requested our participation to absorb the cost of 2 Flock Video Cameras (rental charge of $2,000 per camera) that capture license plates, at our North and South entrance. We carefully considered the absorbent cost, alleged benefits, and who would have access to monitor activity, and unanimously declined their request to participate. Princeton place moved forward and installed 5 cameras in their neighborhood.

We are obtaining bids for the light poles to be painted along the esplanade, and the mailbox house as it’s currently very faded. We hired a new landscaper to address the ditch along Kuykendahl, we updated the entrance with fresh flowers and mulch at north entrance, and we replaced our faded USA & Texas flags on June 29, 2019.

The south entrance light has a photocell issue causing it to remain illuminated all day. We have contacted our electrician to replace the photocell which is located on top of the light, and we are in process of determining the best solution. (Updated). New LED lights have been installed at the south entrance, replacing the older, expensive, and malfunctioning lights. Replacing with more modern and efficient LEDs will save us considerable maintenance and electrical cost going forward.

Last month our fence was freshly stained and sealed and last week we believe a car sprayed mud on our freshly stained fence! The mud was hand-cleaned with a brush and hose early Sunday, June 23, 2019 in effort not to ruin the new stain.

Finally, we’re in the process of updating our extremely outdated 1983 deed restrictions. Updates will include a standard fine schedule for continued violations, fence restrictions were increased from 6’ tall to 7’ tall, and to protect our owners in the future we’re limiting the percentage our annual amount home owner dues can be increased.

The proposed deed restrictions will require 67% of Traditions home owners approval. Once the proposed changes are ready, we will walk door to door, send emails, post on our website, and schedule a special meeting for a final vote.

If you haven’t registered your email address with Felicia, our HOA property manager, please email her felicialeflar@imcmanagement.net or submit your information on our website www.traditions-hoa.com. “contact us” form.

We hope you have a wonderful Summer!

Traditions HOA Board of Directors

July 2019

July’s update will be brief.

This month has been crazy with work, vacations, and spending time with the family. I hope everyone had a safe Independence Day and continues to be safe and enjoy the “quiet” summer break. The days are already feeling shorter and school will be starting in the next few weeks. Last week saw a brief break from the heat with absolutely perfect weather with a rare summertime cold front. 27 years in Houston and I can not recall anything like that during July. I think I heard on one of the TV channels that we have had more snow days than July days with below normal high temperatures since 2001….wow!

Speaking of weather, Hurricane season is still going and we are approaching the peak time for them. Barry was just a reminder to stay prepared and make a plan.

That’s it. Everyone stay cool now that the heat is back.

Texas summers

It’s the same story every year when the heat arrives, I wish it was cooler. I personally love the heat, sun, and the long days that summer bring. I am not overly fond of all the mowing. It’s important to stay safe during the summertime. The news is often dominated with stories of kids or pets left in the car, as well as drownings, and heat exhaustion. Here is some information on how to stay safe.

Stay hydrated throughout the day by drinking water steadily; don’t wait until you’re thirsty.
Avoid caffeine and alcohol which cause us to lose water more rapidly.
Take frequent breaks in the shade or indoors in an air conditioned space.
Wear loose fitting, lightly colored and lightweight clothes.
Check on friends and neighbors.
Minimize use of heat-generating appliances like stoves or ovens.
Do not exercise outdoors. If you must exercise outdoors, only exercise in the early morning hours, before 8 a.m.
Take cool showers or baths to cool down.
Check the local news and other outlets for important safety information.

When overheating does occur, it’s important to recognize the signs and symptoms of heat-related illness. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) identifies four stages of heat-related illness: heat rash, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Heat Rash

Heat Rash is an irritation to the skin caused by sweat buildup. While common, heat rash is usually treatable by getting individuals into a cool environment with good ventilation.

Heat Cramps

Sweating causes a loss of body salts and fluids, which can lead to heat cramps. An individual suffering from muscle spasms or pain due to the heat should move to a cool area, rest and hydrate.

Heat Exhaustion

If the body loses too much water and salt, heat exhaustion may result. Signs of heat exhaustion include cool, moist skin, nausea, headache, dizziness, weakness and rapid pulse. Workers should immediately lie down in a cool area, drink lots of water and apply cold compresses or ice packs if available. If signs of heat exhaustion do not abate or worsen, the individual should go to the emergency room.

Heat Stroke

Heat Stroke is a medical emergency. If an individual suddenly stops sweating and feels hot to the touch, becomes confused, faints or has seizures, call 911 immediately. Place the worker in a cool, shady area, loosen and moisten clothing, apply ice or cold compress; get the individual to drink water if conscious.

Stay safe this summer and take the time to have fun with your family. Cooler weather is just around the corner.

Today May 2019

Good day Traditions,

Here we are closing in on the end of May. Time certainly does fly. Kids are out of school in a bit more than a week as well as Memorial Day weekend which is rapidly approaching. Travel safe if you are heading out to enjoy the long weekend.

First off, a big heartfelt thank you to all of our Veterans, active military, first responders, and all of those who have given their lives to ensure the American liberties we all enjoy today are protected and defended. Americans don’t often agree on much these days, but because of your’s and your family’s sacrifices, we have the freedom that allows all Americans to have a voice and a vote. There would not be a United States of America without you. Thank you!!!!

I stepped outside this morning and was hit by the first really hot day of the impending Texas summer. No doubt it’s just around the corner. So, here are some things to be aware of in the coming months.

Schools is out – so everyone needs to be a bit more attentive on the streets of our neighborhood. Kids don’t always think or look before darting out into the road. Slow down and lets all have a safe and enjoyable summer break.

HURRICANE SEASON BEGINS JUNE 1ST!!!! Just a fact of life on the Gulf Coast.

Some of you may have noticed by now that I am a total weather geek. If you ever need a subtle reminder of how little we understand our amazing planet, watch the weather for a few days and see how often the weather forecasters get it right. We should all be aware that once a hurricane or tropical storm enters the Gulf of Mexico, it can hit (or not) land anywhere from Key West to Brownsville. We generally have a few days notice as forecasters can narrow the impact areas down as it gets closer to land, but those are not the days you need to plan what to do. That should already have been done. People go crazy in the last 48 hours prior to a storm making landfall grabbing anything and everything off the shelves of our local stores. Waiting until the last moment will almost guarantee that you will not be able to get what you need to get through the storm days. Don’t wait, make a plan and a list, get prepared. There are plenty of resources available to assist you.

KHOU Hurricane Center

NOAA Hurricane Center

I will cover some of the basics in later posts. I am also willing to discuss your readiness plan with you. If you would like to do that, use the contact us page and we can plan a readiness session for you. In the event that you evacuate during a storm, you should notify your neighbors and HOA board. Yes, so we can watch your property, but also so in the event of a real emergency someone knows if you and your family are home and possibly in need of assistance.

Be safe everyone. Enjoy your summer.

-Scott

The opinion(s) expressed in this article are my own and does not reflect the position or opinion of anyone else in the Traditions neighborhood or it’s HOA board of directors.

Today April 2019

April is here, time to get the yard done, the landscaping in and the house power washed. Its also the time for the weather to turn a bit more severe. We all keep a little closer watch on the weather forecast this time of year. Sudden storms can roll in quickly with hail, winds and flooding. Recent years have been rough in the Houston area with flooding events, so I thought this months topic would be a bit more personal. It’s not something most of us think about until it’s to late, Flood Insurance.

Thankfully, our neighborhood is not in a flood plane. That means we will never flood, right? Well, I can personally answer that with a resounding no. Tax Day 2016, my home flooded. It was not the feet of water that struck some and dominated the news for days. By that standard, the flooding my family and home endured seems so insignificant. We had about 1/4 of and inch of water in our home. Enough to ruin all of the flooring as well as needing to remove 1 foot of sheetrock from all the walls downstairs. Overall, the damage total cost was about $12k. Without flood insurance, we had no choice but to pay the full cost out of pocket and to save where we could. Thankfully FEMA did declare that event a disaster and helped pay for the clean up to the tune of $4k, but that was no guarantee. FEMA has some complicated government formula to determine if an “event” is a disaster. What caused our issue was later discovered to be a partially crushed and inadequate drain pipe, probably installed in the 90s, leading from the south end of Traditions and Princeton Place into the bayou. This caused the street to not be able to drain quickly enough and 24 inches of rain fell in just over an hour. The county as now replaced and enlarged this drain pipe, but will it be enough in a similar event, I truly hope to never find out.

I now have flood insurance. Flood insurance for my home, albeit one of the smallest in the neighborhood, is about $400/year. It’s a small price to pay to ensure my home will be repaired should it ever happen again. With construction, the continued urbanization of our area, issues with the drainage along Kuykendaul (that’s another story), yearly hurricane season just around the bend, and the relatively low cost of having it, I believe we all should get it. Chances are, I will never need it, but as the case with all insurance, it’s good to have when you do.

Call and ask about it today. It takes a 30 day grace period to become effective, so don’t wait too long.

-Scott

The opinion expressed in this article is my own and do not reflect the position or opinion of anyone else in the Traditions neighborhood or it’s HOA board of directors.

Its a beautiful day in the neighborhood….

It may be a bit later than protocol allows, but happy 2019 to everyone. This is the Boards first attempt at what will hopefully become at least a monthly “happenings” post to the neighborhood website. In an attempt to be more communicative with our friends and neighbors in Traditions, the HOA Board has decided to create this “blog”, for lack of a better term, to do just that.

What will this blog be about? Good question. Some information will come from the Board in the form of announcements and notices. We are hopeful that future articles will also be informative of area happenings, tips about anything that would benefit our neighborhood and residents, and maybe even guest authors sharing their thought about whatever is important to them.

Now that all of that is out of the way, here is the real topic….If I am making changes to my home, what needs to be approved by the Board/Architectural Committee? In short, we suggest that any changes to the exterior of your home or property be submitted for review. Why? There are many rules in place to keep our neighborhood desirable and a good place to call home. But that is not the real reason. Chances are, that your changes will be approved short of any clear violations of the previous mentioned rules. Sorry, we will not approve painting your house purple with yellow spots. The real reason is documentation. There have been many changes made in the past that were not approved by the Committee. These changes were left unchecked and now we have serious issues regarding why somethings have been allowed and others not. The only way to combat this growing issue is with documentation. This also provides evidence to future boards as to why something was allowed if there is ever a call to change the rules. But, it’s my home and I can do what I like! True, but it’s our neighborhood too and it’s the board/committee’s job to make it good for all. We understand that you really love purple with yellow spots, but we would feel that is not a good direction for the neighborhood and have been elected by your neighbor’s and friends to provide that feedback to you. I will just do it anyway! I think you are missing the point. Nothing will ever be successful if we all just go our own way. You live here because you love our neighborhood and area, so do we. Let’s find a way that works for all. Fine, but the rules need to change. Now you are on the right path. Get involved. Speak with your Board members and neighbors about changes. Run for the board yourself and get the inside track to how it all works. How do I submit my request to the board? Use the contact us form to submit a notice to our management company. They will provide information as to the next steps, forms you need, information required, paint samples, etc. Once all collected, they will forward to the Board/Committee for review. The more information you provide the quicker responses happen.

.today is a possible name for this blog. What do you think? You can use the contact us form to submit topics or questions as well as feedback. We hope this is the beginning of a new and highly utilized method of sharing information.

Thank you!

Traditions HOA Board