Articles

 

The Coles Crossing HOA Board would like to inform residents about an upcoming project by the North Harris County Regional Water Authority (NHCRWA) that will impact our community starting in the summer of 2025. This is the first of several updates the Board will provide as more details become available.

 

Project Overview: The NHCRWA is launching a significant water pipeline project to support the region’s transition from groundwater to surface water. This initiative aligns with the Harris-Galveston Subsidence District’s (HGSD) regulatory plan, which mandates a 60% reduction in groundwater usage by 2025. The NHCRWA has been tasked with building the necessary infrastructure to meet these goals, and parts of this project will run directly through Coles Crossing.

 

Impacted Streets and Visuals: The project’s pipeline route will impact several key streets in and around Coles Crossing, including Barker Cypress Road, Telge Road, Jarvis Road, and Huffmeister Road. A map of the pipeline’s proposed path is included below, showing how it runs through and along the edges of our community. Additionally, we’ve included photos of similar pipeline projects to provide a preview of what the construction may look like.

 

 

Tips for keeping your New Year’s Fitness  Resolutions

 

When you are trying to make changes in your life, setting smart goals can give you a sense of ownership and personal importance, which can help you stay motivated to make your changes stick.

 

“SMART” means that a goal is specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and time-bound.

 

Start with small goals-while you may feel excited and motivated, don’t let that ambition lead to unattainable levels and the frustration of not attaining them.

 

Make your goal measurable.  Set time limits for your exercise program- 30 minutes a day, 4 times a week.  If weight loss is a goal, weigh yourself.  Use the results to push yourself.  If you lost a pound, try to continue the same habits.  If you gained a pound, remember what you did(went to a company dinner last night) and keep on your program.  You are entitled to enjoy your life.  Just don’t quit.

 

Have specific goals and time lines for weight loss.  1lb a week equals 52 lbs a year.  Use small victories to assist your mind set.  One belt notch, an older pair of pants that now fit, a jacket you can now button.  

 

Keep a food log and activity tracker-know what you have done and can you add to your exercise, reduce a portion of a meal.  

 

Be realistic.  Set goals according to your lifestyle.  If you travel 70% of the time, running (in other cities where you don’t know the area) may not be for you.  Then, you get down when you have missed 4 straight days of exercise.  Compromise what you are willing to do.  If you are in a hotel, hit the small weight room and jump on the treadmill and do some push ups.

 

Stay positive-believe in your goals, don’t fret when you take a step back.  Remember why you set them (be healthier, look good for your daughter’s wedding, going on a vacation, etc.)

 

Focus on the positives and understand improving your health takes time.

 

Happy New Year

COLES CROSSING 55 AND OVER GROUP had their Christmas/Holiday social on December 11 at the community center. The community center was decked out with Christmas décor and special member touches, which added to the seasonal joy.

 

A slide show set to Christmas music played in the background during both dinner and our Christmas game of challenge, which consisted of the timed unwrapping of gifts with oven mitts on. The slide show pictures reminded us just how active a group we were during 2024 – from day trips, to wine/cheese socials, dining opportunities and games. Friendship, food and lots of laughs dominated the evening.

 

A big thanks to local vendors who supplied our door prizes.

El Jimador Restaurant - $50 gift card

Starbucks – 4 ice coffee mugs

Villa Sports and Spa – complimentary 60-minute session, massage or facial, product samples and day passes

Photography by Yana – photo session including (1) 8x10 print or (2) 5x 7 prints and electronic copies of the photos

 

Also, recognition to all members who make everything we do possible. This group is truly a reflection of collective efforts.

 

If you are interested in joining the group, please email over55colescrossing@gmail.com.  Be sure to include your name, address, spouse’s name if applicable, email address and phone number. The group is restricted to verifiable residents of Coles Crossing. The annual dues are $20 per person/$40 per couple.

  

A special meeting is scheduled for January 14 at 4pm at the Community Center to help group members decipher their auto insurance policies. Do you understand your policy and what it covers vs excludes?  If you are interested in learning more, please attend and bring your auto insurance declaration sheet, which shows your current coverage and limits.    

Dues for 2025 can also be paid at this special meeting. If you are not able to  attend,  please reach out to Don Vogler at email donvogler1@gmail.com or Lisa Foley at email over55colescrossing@gmail.com for dues payment options. Dues which remain unpaid by March 12, our next quarterly meeting, will be unenrolled from the group. Thanks for your cooperation

We look forward to another year of friendship and fun.  

Also, recognition to all members who make everything we do possible. This group is truly a reflection of collective efforts. If you are interested in joining the group, please email over55colescrossing@gmail.com. Be sure to include your name, address, spouse’s name if applicable, email address and phone number. The group is restricted to verifiable residents of Coles Crossing. The annual dues are $20 per person/$40 per couple.

Lap Pool (across from Sampson Elementary): Enhancements for Comfort and Style

 
Incident Overview:
On 30 November 2024, at approximately 9:09 PM, two individuals gained unauthorized access to the gym facility by waiting for a resident to exit and entering through the door. This marks the second incident involving these individuals—who were also responsible for damaging a medicine ball just one week prior.
The individuals were observed causing significant damage to the gym wall at around 9:21 PM.

 

Investigation and Next Steps:
Following an investigation, we have gathered enough information to describe the suspects, though their identities remain unknown. However, if they are seen on the premises again, they will be charged accordingly.

 

Reminder for Residents:
We would like to remind Coles residents that this incident occurred after a resident unknowingly allowed access to strangers, possibly non-residents, by holding the door open. While this gesture is often well-intentioned, it presents a serious security risk to our community. To ensure the safety of ALL residents, we kindly ask that doors be kept secure and that only individuals with a valid key fob be granted access to the facility. Please respect your fellow residents who are working out within the facility.

 

The Cost of Vandalism:
Vandalism like this is costing us all. It not only damages our shared spaces, but also increases the costs for everyone in the community. If you witness any destruction of Coles Crossing property, please report it to law enforcement, a board member, or the committee chair. We must work together to hold those responsible for their actions and prevent future incidents. This is a community effort, and we all have a role in maintaining the safety and integrity of our shared spaces.

 

Thank you for your continued cooperation.

Our community now boasts an all-inclusive playground at Sampson Elementary!  

 

Last year Sampson Elementary celebrated its 20th Anniversary and underwent a building renovation, but playgrounds are not included in CFISD improvement projects. As many in the Coles Crossing Community are aware, we enjoy an expansive playground at Sampson, which is complete with trees, a basketball blacktop, a track, swings and soccer goal. However, the main play structure feature was in major disrepair. Heather Motzny, the Principal at Sampson, began working with the PTO to expand fundraising efforts in pursuit of an upgraded structure with a focus in mind of “inclusion”. These structures allow participants of varying mobility accessibility and participation in play, but perhaps even more importantly, they encourage group play. This would be the second of its kind on a CFISD campus. The campaign was met with huge support from Sampson families and our community at-large:

 

“Sampson Elementary School is literally and figuratively at the heart of Coles Crossing - and the reason my wife Melissa told me we were moving to the neighborhood. Supporting the playground project was a no-brainer for the Dads Club as maintaining Coles Crossing as a “first choice” neighborhood is a priority for the organization. Investing in Sampson is investing in Coles.” -Rich Henderson, Founding President CCDC “MUD 364 was excited to partner with the Sampson PTO on this project. The playground is more than just a play structure. It’s a place where generations of Coles Crossing kids build memories.”

 

As of November 2024, Phase One to the playground project is complete! Special thanks are in order to some of the major players who made Phase One happen: Sampson Elementary School PTO, funding over $86,000, MUD 364 reinvesting $50,000; and MUD 365 who injected over $78,000 in community reinvestment funds.

 

Rolled into the PTO donation were smaller, but incredibly meaningful contributions from local Girl Scout troops #109093 & #109126 and Willie’s restaurant. 

 

Phase Two fundraising ($115,000) has begun with the recent donation of $7,500 from the Coles Crossing Dad’s Club, who raised the funds at their BBQ Cookoff on Oct 19. A gracious family residing in Coles Crossing has also pledged a private donation for 2025.  The timeline for Phase Two will be dictated by the tempo of funds to be raised. The vision is to expand Phase One to include fully inclusive and accessible swings. For Phase Two donations, please contact Amber Fasheh at acfasheh@gmail.com. 

Each year, the residents of Prospect Point and Sherburn Manor come together to celebrate Halloween in style, drawing neighbors from across Coles Crossing for a spooktacular community event. This year’s annual block party was another unforgettable gathering, with over 150 attendees enjoying costumes, food, and fun.

The festivities kicked off with a parade of costumed revelers—kids dressed as everything from witches to superheroes, while adults let their playful sides shine with creative and quirky outfits. The costume contest was a highlight, with Luke Sanders taking home the prize for Best Boy Kids' Costume (Aggie football player), Gracie Griffin winning Best Girl Kids' Costume (Wednesday Addams), and Jasmin Handson taking the title of Best Adult Costume for her impressive cop uniform.

The BBQ was a crowd favorite, serving up hot dogs and burgers that were truly *to die for*, along with a slushy machine and drinks for the adults. Music, face painting, and two bounce houses kept the energy high, while kids enjoyed the annual "Trick-or-Treat" parade around the block, filling their bags with a ton of candy.

A big thanks to the Fowler, Griffin, and Handson families for organizing the event, with additional appreciation to the Sanders and Foley families for their communication efforts. And of course, a special shoutout to all the Sherburn Manor and Prospect Point residents who contributed desserts and sweet treats, adding even more sweetness to the celebration.

As the night wrapped up, everyone was already looking forward to next year’s celebration. This beloved tradition continues to grow stronger each year.

Until next time—Happy Halloween, Prospect Point, Sherburn Manor, and Coles Crossing!

 

9 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
¾ cup white sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 eggs
1 ½ cups sifted self-rising flour
½ cup milk

 

Frosting
1 cup confectioners’ sugar
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, room temperature
1 tablespoon milk
1 drop brown food coloring

 

Decoration
6 vanilla wafer cookies (such as Nilla®)
12 red jelly beans
24 candy eyeballs
24 chewy chocolate-flavored candy (such as Tootsie Roll®)
24 pretzels

 

    Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line cups with paper liners.

    Combine 9 tablespoons butter, white sugar, and vanilla extract in a large bowl; beat with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Add eggs one at a time and beat until well combined. Fold in half the flour and 1/4 cup milk and stir to combine. Repeat with remaining flour and milk. Spoon batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each 3/4 full.

    Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 18 minutes.

    Remove the tin from the oven and cool on a wire rack for 5 minutes. Remove cupcakes from the tin and cool completely on a wire rack before decorating, about 1 hour.

    Combine confections’ sugar, 1 tablespoon butter, and 1 tablespoon milk in a large bowl; beat with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Thin frosting with a little milk or water, if necessary. Add food coloring and stir until frosting is uniformly brown. Add more food coloring, 1 drop at a time, until frosting is the color you like.

    Spread a thin layer of frosting on top of each cupcake. Break vanilla cookies in half. Place half a cookie on each cupcake as a mouth. Use a bit of frosting to glue a jelly bean onto the cookie for Rudolph’s red nose. Stick 2 candy eyeballs into each cupcake. Break off a piece from each pretzel so they look like antlers and stick 2 onto the top of each cupcake. Shape chewy candies into ears and stick 2 onto the sides of each cupcake.