The Villages at Maxwell Creek Home Owners Association (2nd Quarter 2004)

Neighborhood Newsletter

Board Member Elections

Robert Butler, Jana Boss, and Pamela Pela were elected to the HOA Board of Directors, as President, Vice-President, and Secretary respectively, replacing the three outgoing Board Members, Tres Moss, Stephanie Butler, and Mandy Diercks. We would like to thank the outgoing Board Members for all of their efforts and time they spent over the last two years volunteering for the HOA.

The elections took place during the block party on April 25th, because we were unable to reach a quorum at the April 12th meeting.

Bimonthly Open Forum Meetings

The next open forum meeting will be held on Monday, May 17th at the Allen Public Library (on McDermott), starting at 7pm. As with previous meetings, there is no specific agenda, the plan is to hold an informal question and answer session, and to help everyone meet their neighbors.

We had even better turnout last time on March 15th, and at every meeting the total turnout increases. During the last open forum meeting, as well as at the Annual Meeting, several important questions were raised, so we thought we should reprint them here:

Skating Complaints

We've received several complaints from homeowners about children blocking traffic and skating through homeowner's yards.

Please remind your children that they need to be respectful of other people's time and property.

Several homeowners asked about payment of dues, in particular how many people have paid, and what the enforcement options were for the homeowners who have not paid.

At the time of the meeting, there were approximately sixty homeowners who still had not paid; of those, seven have not paid their dues for previous years either. Currently, the total outstanding amount due the HOA is over $13,000, which is almost one-third of the entire annual HOA budget.

Because the HOA operates only on the money paid by homeowners, we may be forced to raise everyone's dues in order to cover the deficit resulting from the homeowners who do not pay.

There are really only two enforcement options available to the HOA to collect dues: property liens and foreclosure. We would prefer not to go down this route, not only because of the animosity it can generate, but also due to the additional time, cost, and effort involved. Given the amount due to the Association, however, we decided that the only way we're going to collect the remaining dues is to file liens on June 1st against those homeowners who still have not paid. We're hoping this will encourage those homeowners to pay. If not, in December, we will begin the foreclosure process on all of the remaining homeowners who are still delinquent.

While that sounds harsh, the homeowners who have not paid by that time have already received at least 8 (yes, eight) payment reminders and warnings about the consequences of not paying their dues.

On a more upbeat note, surprisingly, several homeowners present at the meetings said they would be willing to pay higher dues in order to see more Common Area improvements, increased enforcement, and more HOA-sponsored social events in neighborhood. We don't know whether this is a general feeling throughout the community, or if it's more representative of those homeowners who attend the meetings and get involved.

Discussed violation notices, and enforcement options.

A number of non-complying homes were brought up, the majority of which have already received notices. Two homeowners were very upset that they received violation notices. By the end of the meetings, one gentleman understood that it wasn't personally against him, simply that we're all trying to keep the neighborhood looking as good as possible. The other person still felt they should receive a one- to two-year grace period after moving in before receiving any violation notices.

Discussed adding landscaping / flowers / lighting to the neighborhood entrances, and what was involved.

This is on the to-do list for later this year. In order to add lighting, we will need pull electricity from the sprinkler system, which will cost approximately $1,000 per entrance.

In past years, the landscape company has planted flowers around the entrance signs. Unfortunately, most people never saw them because (especially at the entrance on Shelley) there is a 6" - 1-foot height difference between the top of the bed and the stone ledge. In order to resolve this, all of the plants and bushes in the beds will need to be dug up, the beds will need to be raised, and then replanted. Since adding electricity to the beds will require digging, we've decided to hold off on any planting in the south entrance until the electricity has been run and the bed has been raised. Flowers were recently planted around the Bethany entrance sign.

What is being done about all of the weeds in the common areas? The strip along Malone Road is horrible!

We have recently signed a new contract with Chemlawn for weeds, fertilizer, and insecticide in all of the common areas. Even though we had a company treat all of the common areas for weeds several times last year, obviously that treatment wasn't working very well, hence the change.

We're not sure what to do at this point, since there is very little grass growing along Malone. The area was hydro mulched twice, and there is no warranty on that work. We don't have the money in the budget to tear everything out and plant sod. We're open to suggestions, however we may simply have to let all of the weeds die, and allow the grass to gradually grow in over the next year or two.

Several homeowners mentioned that they would be willing to assist with any landscape work that needs to be done, including digging, planting, etc. We also encourage everyone to pick a weed or two while on your daily walk.

We have noticed several groups of people driving through the fields south of Shelley, causing a mess all over the road. What can be done?

Most of the activity is taking place on private property belonging to Dawnell Shelley, and the HOA has no jurisdiction. We recommend that residents call the Allen Police Non-Emergency number (972) 727-0222.

Several people asked about organizing and holding additional social events (such as poker night, movies night, block parties, etc.)

In the near future, much of the organization, scheduling, and notification for these events can be handled on the HOA web site. In general, most of the events mentioned do not require a cost to the Association. The hindering point behind many activities continues to be that that none of those events are possible if people aren't willing to get involved and volunteer.

Several people asked why the east side of Allen didn't get all the perks of the west side, in terms of restaurants, stores, parks, elaborate neighborhood entrances, and so on.

While more of a City and general economic issue than anything relating to the HOA, the simplest explanation is that the homeowners on the west side of Allen tend to be more involved in their community, both in the neighborhood as well as in city events.

For example, we had 25 people (from about 15 homes) attend the March 15th open forum meeting. At the meeting on April 12th, to which every homeowner in the neighborhood received a mailed invitation and proxy statement, as well as reminders posted in the signs at all of the neighborhood entrances, we had only 33 (out of 303) homeowners attend. In contrast, HOAs on the west side of Allen will typically have at least 150-200 people attend their meetings.

This spills over into community activities as well; residents on the west side are more active in lobbying the City for services, and in attracting businesses to their area. It's essentially a reversal of the "Field of Dreams" effect: if you participate, they will build it. And the effect tends to snowball; once there is one successful business in the area, another will build next door to capitalize on the other's traffic.

Spring Block Party

We held a brief meeting at the beginning of the block party in order to elect the new Board Members of the Association. Officer John Felty with the Allen Police Department provided information about starting a neighborhood crime watch program, and also answered several questions from homeowners. As we gather more information, we'll keep everyone informed about starting crime watch in our neighborhood.

We're not sure why, but the attendance at this year's Block Party was the lowest we ever had (about 50 people total). Last year, we had about 85 people, and in 2002 there were an amazing 140 people in attendance. If anyone has ideas on how to increase the attendance, please let us know! However, it worked in the favor of the people who did attend, as almost half of the people attending won one of the generous donations from the sponsors.

We would like to recognize the sponsors' generosity, and encourage everyone to patronize the below companies:

• Chicago Title
  • Brought several people to the block party that provided information on refinancing, home-equity loans, and other information.
  • A DVD player was raffled off.
  • They also handed out small boxes of chocolate for everyone at the block party.
• CommonCense Candles
• Frito-Lay
  • ~170 snack-size bags of Lays and Crunchy Cheetos.
• In Touch Day Spa
• Kroger
  • A $20 gift card.
• Matt Golub Designs
  • An extremely nice ½ carat diamond necklace.
• Merle Norman
  • An Hour of Beauty, with a facial, skin analysis, and more.
• Supercuts
  • Several large grab-bags with different brushes, hair products, and coupons.
• US Army / Navy
  • Keychains and bumperstickers

Web Site Updated!

Well, it's been a long time coming, but the web site for the Association has finally been updated. All of the new content that has been generated in the last year (newsletters, block party & Halloween pictures, HOA Board and Committee meeting minutes, FAQs, new homeowner information, and numerous forms) is available. In fact, the old site had a total of 25 or so pages, while the new site is already well over 200!

Additionally, we are very close to adding a number of new features such as message boards, voting, surveys, online complaint forms, the neighborhood directory, and a neighborhood event calendar.

If you're using Internet Explorer for your browser (and we know most people do from our log files), we're aware of a few pages that don't display correctly. We highly recommend that you try an alternate Internet browser application that properly supports industry standards, as well as offers additional features, such as Firefox, Mozilla, or Opera.

If you haven't been to the web site in a while because of the infrequent updates, please take a look again!

Sewer Line Construction & Bethany Expansion Projects

The city of Allen is planning two major construction projects in the next year that will affect the neighborhood.

The first project, installation of a 60-inch sewer trunk line, involves "paralleling" an existing sewer line that starts at the intersection of Malone Road and Summerside Drive (the sewer lift station). The sewer line will be constructed in existing easements and the North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD), as part of the project, will restore any damage to grass, fences, roadways, etc., that occurs during the construction.

The sewer line will run north along Malone Road, then turn and head east along the north side of Bethany Road. This construction will occur on the west side of Malone, and should not extend into our Common Areas. The construction is expected to begin in January of 2005, and is expected to take between two and three months. Malone Road will be closed while the construction is taking place.

Four Fool-Proof Steps to Crime Deflection

1. Reduce Opportunity. Place valuables in the trunk or out of sight and lock your vehicle. Keep your garage door closed. Place a wireless keypad outside of your garage so that you don't have to leave it open while around the yard.
2. Be Aware. What is that car doing there? Do I know that person? Smile and Wave! Your neighbors will love you and bad guys will find it unnerving.
3. Report Everything. Report anything and everything to both the police AND the HOA. The police can't patrol the neighborhood 24 hours a day, so they count on you to tell them when something looks funny. If you see anything you think is odd, the police WANT you to call their non-emergency number (972) 727-0222.
4. Light your homes. At night, most streets and alleys are so dark that someone could be 20 feet away and you'd never see them! Place a security light over your driveway and place spotlights on the front of your house.

One of the greatest gifts we can share with another person is a smile. Lets work together to help our neighbors protect their property, while at the same time give them the gift of a caring smile. We encourage everyone to call that neighbor or stop by and remind them their garage door is open. The only cost to you is a smile, which is a very small price to pay to deter a crime from happening. Who knows, one day you may be a recipient of a neighbors smile and a friendly reminder about your garage door being open.

During construction a 10- to 20-foot deep trench will be dug, and the City wants to make sure that everyone warns their children to stay away from both the construction equipment as well as the trench area. An orange construction fence will be placed around the affected area, however it is very easy to slip past. Both the City and the NTMWD have a 24-hour emergency hotline that can be called while construction is taking place if you notice any problems or safety issues. The City's number during construction will be 972-727-0170, and the NTMWD can be reached at 972-442-5405.

More information is available in the current issue of the Municipal Messenger or by calling Community Services at (972) 727-0160.

The second major project is the expansion of Bethany Drive, from Malone Road to FM 2551, to a 4-lane divided section. The City has mitigated right-of-way acquisition and plans to be under construction within the first quarter of 2005. Because of the other sewer line construction, the City is scheduling the roadway expansion afterwards, in order to minimize disruption to the area.

Committee Updates

Architecture Committee

We have sent out over fifty violation notices to homeowners over the last three months, and (unfortunately) it appears as though we will need to send out at least another 50 notices in the coming months. There are a number of homes that are not maintaining their yards in a timely manner, and others that have let weeds get out of control. The HOA has already, and will continue to send out landscape crews to mow yards, trim bushes, and clean out flowerbeds if violation notices are ignored, and the costs for all work performed will be passed on to the homeowner.

Please be aware that if you are planning on purchasing a storage shed (or already have purchased one), the City requires a permit on all storage buildings of any size. The City also has Land Use provisions requiring a minimum 3 foot setback from rear and side property lines and the house. Additionally, the HOA has restrictions on the appearance of sheds in terms of their coloring, construction, and roofing material.

The chairperson of the Architecture committee is Robert Butler.

Landscape Committee

As mentioned earlier in the newsletter, we're working on adding electricity and lighting to the neighborhood entrance signs, as well as raising the beds around the entrance signs.

Additionally, the trees in the north entrance on Bethany and Maxwell Creek haven't been looking very well, so we hired an arborist to trim and treat the trees for sun scald and insects. They'll also be doing some deep-root fertilization, and we'll be watering that area pretty heavily for a few weeks.

Also around the north entrance, we've hired a company to repair, clean, and restain the wooden fence. There are a number of loose or broken slats, and by cleaning and restaining the entire fence, hopefully it will be set for a few years. The last time the fence had any maintenance was in late 2001.

Incredible Carrot Cake

Ingredients

• 3 sticks, plus 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 3 cups grated carrots
• 1 cup chopped toasted pecans
• 8 ounces cream cheese (for icing recipe below)
• 1 stick unsalted butter (for icing recipe below)
• 1 box (1 lb.) confectioners' sugar (for icing recipe below)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (for icing recipe below)
• 1 cup chopped toasted pecans (for icing recipe below)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°. Butter three (9-inch) cake pans with 1 tablespoon of the butter and set aside.

In a medium bowl or on a piece of parchment, combine the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt, and mix well.

In a large bowl, cream the butter with an electric mixer. Add the sugar, and beat. Add the dry ingredients, alternating with the eggs, beating well after the addition of each. Add the vanilla extract and mix. Add the carrots and beat on medium speed until well incorporated, about 2 minutes. Fold in the nuts.

Evenly divide the batter between the three cake pans and bake until set and a cake tester inserted into the middle comes out clean, 25 to 30 minutes. Remove from the oven and rest in the cake pans for 10 minutes. Invert onto wire racks, remove from the pans, and let cool to room temperature.

For the frosting: In a large bowl, cream together the cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy. Add the sugar gradually, beating constantly. Add the vanilla and pecans.

When the cake is cool, place one cake layer on a cake plate or stand. Spread the top with cream cheese frosting and top with a second and third cake layer, spreading the icing between each layer. Spread the icing around the sides of the cake and let harden slightly before serving.

To serve, cut into wedges.

Several members of the committee have resigned in the last year, and we are in need of additional members. If you're interested in volunteering, please contact us!

The chairperson of the Landscape committee is Stephanie Butler.

Social Committee

Need to clean out your garage and closets? The social committee is sponsoring a Neighborhood Garage Sale on Saturday, May 15th. Anyone who is considering holding their own garage sale is asked to schedule it on this date if possible. The idea is simple: by having so many garage sales in one community on the same day, we hope to pull in more buyers giving us all a chance to part with those piles of stuff cluttering our garages.

If you are interested in participating, have your items in your yard by 8:00 a.m. Saturday morning. If you don't want to sit out alone, get together with your neighbors and congregate in one yard or cul-de-sac. (Please avoid using garages with alley entrances so that residents are not inconvenienced). The HOA will be placing advertisements in the Dallas Morning News and the Allen American, and will put signs out at all of the entrances directing people to the neighborhood.

Several members of the committee have resigned in the last year, and we are in need of additional members. If you're interested in volunteering, please contact us!

The chairperson of the Social committee is Mandy Diercks.

Parking on the Street

Many times we have been asked the question, what can the Association do about all the cars parked on the street?

The Safety Issue

While most of the City's street widths (approved during the platting and development process) meet City development codes and engineering requirements, they lack the width to accommodate heavy street parking loads. City engineers will tell you that a street that meets code is also acceptable to fire or emergency vehicles. Privately, however, many fire marshals will tell you that vehicles parked on both sides of a street, too close to corners, or in cul-de-sacs make it difficult for emergency personnel to get to the scene of an emergency. If it's hard for us in our vehicles, imagine how hard it must be for an emergency vehicle, such as a fire truck, to get through!

Another danger involved with parking on the street is that children who may be playing close by are put in danger. If a car is blocking the view of a child playing in a yard, oncoming drivers may not see that child run out to chase a rolling ball.

The Perception Issue

When many of us drive through a neighborhood, we may consider the neighborhood either desirable or undesirable based on curb appeal. In some neighborhoods, visitors driving through might see no curb appeal because there are so many cars that you can't even see the curbs! Other problems are created as well such as blocked mailboxes and storm sewers.

We all have excuses to park on the street: too many cars … too many kids … a boat in the garage … too much stuff in the garage … or in some cases, you don't have the time to shuttle cars in and out of the driveway each morning.

In any case, the result is a neighborhood that has streets lined with cars. Now, if you are a prospective homeowner looking for a home, would that persuade you to look elsewhere? Do you want to dodge all those cars each night when you get home from a long day at work?

Where does this leave us?

We are accountable for our own neighborhood. Realize that the third or fourth car you add or the garage you don't clean out can create more than just a parking problem; it is a visual nuisance. It can create a safety problem and be detrimental to your own property values.

Please be considerate of your neighbor and make every effort to park in your garage first, your driveway second, and only as a last resort the public street.

The Association requests that everyone take this advice to heart, as the safety of our families and the value of our property depends upon it!

Texas Master Gardener Program

It's springtime in Allen again, and how often have you come back from the home improvement store with a beautiful new plant only to have it die within a matter of weeks? Too often we are faced with such a choice of trial and error purchases versus paying for a professional landscaper. What many may not know is that there is a third choice, and that is to become an educated consumer. The Master Gardener program is the voluntary department of the Agricultural Extension Services for the state of Texas.

Residents may apply within their residential county to be accepted into the program. Times and dates vary by county. In Collin County, you may contact the office to request information from the Agriculture office in McKinney at (972) 548-4219. After leaving a message for one of the "Masters", they'll call you with the program details. You can also visit their website, http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/collincounty/

The program is usually between 50-80 hours and is free with the stipulation that the student will provide a minimum of 50 hours (within a year of training) of volunteer service within the County Extension Service. This may include a variety of assignments from assisting with landscape design and planting of community thoroughfares to teaching classes in continuing education venues. Several programs were recently offered by our own Allen Independent School District Community Education department. These were "Wait! Don't Plant that Begonia!" and "What a Difference a Plant Makes!" The courses are reasonably priced at $19.00.

If you are interested in pursuing the coveted title of "Texas Master Gardener", make sure to give them a call. And if this article manages to find anyone who has completed the program within our own homeowner's association, please contact the Board, we would love to recognize (and utilize!) your expertise!

Planting and Growing Flower and Vegetable Seeds

Why Grow From Seeds?

• It's a great family activity to realize the fruits of your efforts.
• It's easy.
• It's the way to get a head start on spring.
• It's less expensive than 6 pack plants or plants in 4" pots.

What You'll Need

• Seeds, potting soil, peat pots, water, plastic wrap, and a spray bottle.

When to Sow

• Purchase seeds locally and follow the packet instructions. Note that perennial flower seeds should be sown in late summer / early fall.

How to Sow

• Pre moisten peat pots and potting mix.
• Fill pots ³/₄ full and space 3-4 seeds per pot. Seeds need to be in firm contact with the potting mix. Use the spray bottle to moisten the seeds and potting mix.
• Group the pots together and cover all with a sheet of plastic wrap. The plastic crates a greenhouse that increases heat and retains moisture.
• Place the tray of pots near a bright window with no direct sunlight. Do not let the soil / seed mix dry while at the same time do not have any standing water around the pots.
• After germination, remove plastic but keep out of intense sun. Germination is that point when you observe growth from the seeds. At least 90% of the seeds will grow.
• When the second set of leaves appear (true leaves) place wet potting mix in a larger pot; and using a table fork, lift the seedlings and place individually into the mix. Cover the root system with mix and water.
• Move the plants outdoors a week before planting to harden off. If temperature goes below 45 degrees bring the plants inside.
• Plant after danger of frost (usually March 15) has passed. Incorporate lots of soil amendments with our black clay.
• Enjoy!

In Texas, we are blessed with two growing seasons. The spring season is planted in mid February and protected from cold and frost. These plants will set fruit until daytime temps reach 95° and night temps reach 75°. The fall season is planted July 4th weekend and will set fruit in September till frost. Regardless of the season, however, large tomatoes such as Big Boy and Beefsteak do not grow well here.

Kid's Corner

Babysitter Safety Tips

Baby-sitting is a great way to earn money, help neighbors, and gain some job experience. But it's also a big responsibility to be in charge of someone else's children in an unfamiliar home, and it can be a bit scary. Here are some guidelines to help you be a first-rate baby-sitter.

Getting the Job Done

• Baby-sit only for people you know or who have been referred by a friend. Answering newspaper ads is not as safe as agreeing to sit for a friend of the family.
• When someone asks you to baby-sit, find out what time the parents expect to be back and tell them how much you charge and whether you have a curfew. Discuss how you'll get there and back safely.
• Leave the name, address, and phone number of where you'll be sitting with your parents or a trusted friend. Tell them what time your employer expects to be home.

Fun Facts!

Texas is called the Lone Star State because of the state flag's design: a broad vertical blue stripe at left, centered by a single white star, with horizontal bars of white and red on the right. Red means courage, White means liberty and Blue stands for loyalty. The star has five points, one for each letter of the state's name. The word "Texas" comes from a Hasinai Indian word, "Tejas," which means friends or allies.

Texas has 624 miles of coastline running along the Gulf of Mexico. There are 254 counties in Texas. It was the 28th state to enter the union, joining the United States on Dec. 29, 1845.

Can you find your way through the maze?

On the Job

• Before the parents leave, have them write down the name, address, and phone number of where they will be. You should also have phone numbers for the local police, fire, and ambulance services, the poison control center, a neighbor or relative, and the family doctor. Have the address of where you are sitting next to the phone.
• Be sure you know the locations of all phones in the home in case you need one quickly. If there is an emergency alarm system, learn how to use it.
• Know how to work the window and door locks in the house. Use them! Make sure the outside light is on.
• Ask about smoke alarms and fire extinguishers. If you are in an apartment, find out where the emergency exits are.
• Ask about the children's bedtimes, favorite toys and stories, and what they eat. Check on food allergies or medication. Find out what you are allowed to eat and drink.
• Be sure to clean up after the children and yourself. Wash all dishes, cups, and utensils that you use, and put all toys back in the proper receptacles.
• Get permission and instructions on using the VCR, stereo, and other appliances.
• Don't tie up the phone talking to your friends. Your employers may want to check in or call about a change in plans.
• A friend should not come over to keep you company unless your employer agrees in advance that it's okay.

In an Emergency

• If you suspect a fire, get the children and yourself out. Go to a neighbor's or public phone and call the fire department. Then call your employer.
• Stay calm. Children probably won't panic if you don't.

Special Tips for Daytime Baby-Sitters

• If you have children out in the back yard, make sure the front door is locked … and vice versa.
• If you take the children for a walk or to the park, lock all doors and windows before you leave. Be sure to take the keys and some change with you.
• Never take the children to a deserted park or out alone after dark. Be wary of friendly strangers. If you feel uncomfortable in a situation, trust your instincts — take the children and leave.
• If anything seems unusual when you return to the home — like a broken window, a screen ripped, a door ajar — don't go in. Go to a neighbor's home or public phone and call the police. You don't need a coin to dial 911 or the operator.

When the Job Is Done

• Tell your employer if anything unusual happened — a strange phone call, noises, a stranger at the door.
• Call your parents to let them know if your employer is going to be late coming home.
• Be sure you are escorted home. If your employer cannot walk or drive you home, or if he or she seems intoxicated, ask someone from your family to come for you. Never go home alone at night from a baby-sitting job.
• If your employers are unreliable — always late, often intoxicated, etc. — don't sit for them anymore.

Word Search Clues:

Across
2	The nearest grocery store to our neighborhood.
4	We live in ______ county.
8	Who was the very first mayor of our City?
10	What street runs north - south along the west side of our neighborhood?
11	The name of our neighborhood is Maxwell _____.
13	Our city is named for ________ Allen.
16	The name of the city we live in.

Down
1	Before Texas was a state, it was called the ________ of Texas.
3	Our City is how many years old?
5	The name of our Mayor.
6	Many of the homes in our neighborhood were built by D.R. ______.
7	This street in our neighborhood only has three houses.
9	This American Indian tribe used to live in the area.
12	What street runs east - west along the north side of our neighborhood?
14	The mascot for the high school.
15	This is the month of ___.

Checklist for Sitters

1. Find out when the parents will return.
2. Make sure you know where they are and the phone number.
3. Write down the street address and phone number of where you are sitting.
4. Have emergency phone numbers for police and fire near every phone.
5. Include the number of a neighbor on your phone list.
6. Ask parents about television, videos, video games, bedtime, play, and food rules for the children.

Letters From Homeowners

We've decided to start a new section in the newsletter, and include selected letters that the HOA has received, both good and bad. We invite everyone to write in with any questions, comments, or concerns you may have, and we'll do our best to respond as soon as possible.

To that end, letters will not be published unless specifically approved by the writer. We welcome letters from any point of view. Letters must be less than 500 words, and we reserve the right to withhold letters which are abusive, malicious or potentially libelous. While we will not publish letters from groups endorsing political candidates, we will carry letters discussing candidates and campaign issues. All material is subject to editing for length and clarity before publication.

Current officers and soon-to-be officers:

I appreciate the work that you do for the association and homeowners. It is a thankless job — which I am reminded of every time I attend a meeting. I don't know why you do it — but I'm glad you do.

Sue Gooding

Thanks so much! We really appreciated your input at the last open-forum meeting!

Dear Officers,

Thank you for the informative HOA meeting which was held on April 12, 2004. This was the first time I have attended this meeting since I was away in Europe for business related travel for the last 2 years.

I was happy to attend and listen to what is going on with our community. I must say, it is very important for me to have a HIGH STANDARD of living within our community. This implies enforcing strict rules on everyone so we can have good feeling about living in our community. Landscaping and maintaining the outside of your house should be mandatory for everyone without any questions.

The HOA fee should be paid by each house and those who do not pay should be handled with more strict rules as we only need responsible residents in our community. More stringent notices should be sent to those who do not pay on regular basis without waiting 6 months at a time. More notices should be sent with proper actions taken on regular basis.

I moved to this community with the hope that one day the value of my house will go up and this is why most of us live in the Villages@MaxwellCreek. I feel the landscaping of several houses on the street where I live is not well maintained. I don't feel there is enough effort going on to take care of the landscaping. At this time, I don't feel content where I live and this is not what I had in mind.

By enforcing strict rules and making our community nice will reward everyone. Therefore, you need to make sure the residents who are not obeying the rules are dealt in the right manner otherwise you will be driving the good residents out of the community. The opposite should be true.

Are we rewarding the good residents? For example, those who have a beautiful lawn should be rewarded on monthly basis by giving them a gift certificate or something that promotes pride in the community. Such an advertisement should be highlighted in our news letter with a picture of their lawn and home.

Let me know what I can do to make a difference as it is everyone's responsibility to make our community a better place to live. We need to drive this place to perfection by raising our standard of living. I am all for raising the HOA fee if this will make my community an attractive place to live.

Thanks for your time and effort. Please keep on pushing harder…
Cheers,
Michel

Michel, thank's for your letter. We are looking at starting a "Yard of the Month" award later this year. We hope we've addressed your other concerns elsewhere in this newsletter, and please feel free to contact us again.

HOA Contact Information

The Home Owners Association and its agents may be contacted in several ways:

• Through the HOA web site, at http://www.maxwellcreek.org/,
• By emailing the officers of the HOA, at officers@maxwellcreek.org,
• By calling or faxing the HOA at (972) 739-5221.
• Through U.S. postal mail at:
  Villages at Maxwell Creek HOA
  P.O. Box 2265
  Allen, TX 75013

We welcome any questions, comments, or concerns you may have. Please include your name and street address on all correspondence in order to expedite a response. Please allow two business days for your call or message to be returned.

Is there anything that you've wished to know more about or is there something you would like to share with other association members? If you want to suggest a topic, write an article, make a suggestion or even correct a mistake, please contact us at newsletter@maxwellcreek.org! The deadline for all submissions is the end of the first month for each quarter-year.