Articles

 

 

This year, Coles Crossing is undergoing a festive transformation with updates to our holiday decorations and a refreshed paint job for the community center, creating a truly magical atmosphere for the season while enhancing a pivotal asset within our neighborhood. This marks the first year of our ongoing holiday decoration effort, and we plan to improve and expand on these efforts in the years to come. After months of planning and collaboration on both projects, we’re thrilled to finally unveil these exciting enhancements!

 

Our goal for the holiday season is simple: to brighten up our entranceways, bring our residents together, and create a warm, welcoming atmosphere that celebrates the season and the wonderful community we've built here. You’ll notice decorations including sparkling red glitter bows, twinkling lights, and beautifully adorned garlands, placed strategically throughout Coles Crossing.

 

These festive touches can be found in key locations, such as:

• The Community Center Clubhouse
• Neighborhood Monuments
• Select Lampposts

These additions are all part of our effort to spread holiday cheer and inspire a sense of togetherness and joy throughout the community.

 

We’re especially excited about this project because it celebrates both the beauty of the season and the amazing residents who make Coles Crossing such a special place to live. We invite everyone to take a stroll around the neighborhood to enjoy the new decorations and share in the holiday spirit with friends and neighbors.

 

We hope you love the new festive displays and the freshly painted community center (a true pillar of our neighborhood) as much as we’ve loved bringing them to life. Wishing you all a joyous and peaceful holiday season!

 

Happy Holidays from Coles Crossing

 

The non-emergency police number for Harris County, TX is (713) 221-6000. This number can be used to report non-life-threatening incidents or situations that require the attention of law enforcement or other emergency services.

911 is for emergency situations that require an immediate response from law enforcement, fire, or medical personnel. The non-emergency police number is for situations that are not life-threatening or require an immediate response.

 

Yes, you can use the non-emergency police number to report a crime that is not currently in progress and does not require an immediate response from law enforcement.

 

The non-emergency police number in Houston, Texas offers services such as reporting non-life-threatening incidents or situations, requesting information about community resources, and filing a police report.

 

 

As many of you know, Coles Crossing is more than just a neighborhood—it’s a premier community in Cypress, Texas, offering exceptional amenities, top-rated schools, and a lifestyle that blends nature with modern convenience. Our community, home to approximately 2,600 families, thrives on shared traditions and a commitment to preserving the beauty and value of our surroundings. This is why the Architectural Review Committee (ARC) plays such a vital role.

 

Whether you call it an Architectural Control Committee (ACC), Landscape Review Committee, or HOA Architectural Review Board, most Texas homeowners associations (HOAs) have some form of an Architectural Committee. In Coles Crossing, our ARC ensures that changes to properties adhere to the Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs) that safeguard the visual appeal and property values in our community. The ARC reviews and approves all exterior modifications, from fences to mailboxes, to ensure they meet the established standards.

 

In a large community like ours, maintaining a uniform appearance not only preserves visual appeal but also protects property values. The ARC process helps to safeguard that by reviewing modifications to ensure compliance with the community’s architectural standards.

 

 

Some of the most common modifications we see involve:

Fences: We’ve seen many applications to build or modify fences. These changes, while seemingly small, have a significant impact on the look and feel of our homes.

Generators: As power reliability becomes a concern, especially with hurricane season, more homeowners are adding backup generators to their properties.

Mailboxes: Even something as small as a mailbox can affect the overall aesthetic, and we encourage residents to submit requests for any changes.

Submitting your Exterior Modification Request (EMR) is easy. Simply log in to your homeowner dashboard and complete the form. The ARC reviews each submission to ensure it aligns with the rules and regulations set forth to protect the community’s visual consistency and property values.

 

The process is designed to be efficient, with most requests being processed within 30 days. Please remember, modifications must be approved before work begins to avoid potential issues later.

 

The Texas state law mandated that the ARC must operate independently of the HOA Board, ensuring impartial decisions. Homeowners who disagree with a denial can appeal to the HOA Board, which provides an additional layer of fairness and review. However, the Board cannot overturn approvals made by the ARC, maintaining the integrity of the committee’s role in safeguarding the community’s architectural standards.

 

This separation not only creates a balance of power but also emphasizes the importance of thorough and careful decision-making by the ARC. Volunteers who serve on this committee must have a strong understanding of the community’s guidelines and a commitment to uphold the standards that make Coles Crossing such a desirable place to live.

 

Our commitment to this process is part of what makes Coles Crossing special. Whether you’ve been here since the neighborhood’s founding in 1998 or you’re a newer resident, the beauty and harmony of our community rely on each of us doing our part. By working together and adhering to these guidelines, we ensure that Coles Crossing continues to be the vibrant, welcoming place we all love.

 

If you’re considering a modification to your home, be sure to submit your request and let the ARC help you maintain the “Classic Way of Life” that makes Coles Crossing such a desirable place to live.

 

Best regards,

Derek, Brandylee, Sarah, Jake, and Pete

 

As part of Harris County Municipal Utility District No. 365’s (HCMUD 365) ongoing efforts to improve services to its customers, the District’s smart meter installation contractor is in the process of replacing the aging mechanical residential water meters with an electronic residential water meter. Once activated and integrated into the District’s billing system, you will have access to your water usage data using EyeOnWater. 

 

The EyeOnWater suite includes a secure online website and smartphone app that allow you to review and analyze your usage patterns, set alerts, and more.

 

The District will follow up in the coming weeks with instructions for setting up your account. Please note that accounts cannot be accessed until the meter is tied to your account and the following billing cycle is complete. This will take several weeks following meter installation.

 

We will post an update regarding EyeOnWater in the coming weeks to the District website.

 

REMINDER: Flushing Discolored Water from Your Water Lines
As stated in the previous update, it is common for customers to experience discolored water when lines are depressurized and then repressurized, which is required to change the meter.

 

Run all faucets in your home until the water runs clear, and flush every toilet. We recommend running empty cycles on your clothes washer and dishwasher to clear any discoloration or sediment.

 

If water remains discolored after these steps are taken, please reach out to the District via the Contact form on the website, or contact the District’s operator at https://www.sienviro.com/.

 

It is estimated that 1 in 10 Americans has Diabetes and many people have not been diagnosed yet.  More than 1 in 3 adults have prediabetes symptoms-elevated blood sugar levels, but haven’t crossed the line to becoming diabetic.  The high blood sugar levels are a red flag to make changes in your life.

 

Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when the pancreas does not product enough insulin or when you body cannot affectively use the insulin it produces.  When sugar levels are too high for extended periods of time, it can lead to serious health problems-heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease.

 

There are two main types of diabetes- type 1 and type 2.

Type 1 occurs when the body doesn’t produce any insulin.  This type is typically diagnosed in childhood or adolescence.  

Type 2 is when the body does not produce enough insulin or when your body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces.  Type 2 is usually diagnosed in adulthood.

Symptoms of diabetes-

·       Frequent urination

·       Excessive thirst

·       Fatigue

·       Weight loss

·       Abdominal pain

·       Blurred vision

 

Seek medical care if you experience some of these symptoms.

 

Causes of Diabetes- is unknown, but is attributed to a combination of genetics, diet, exercise or lack of are all factors in becoming diabetic.

 

Complications of diabetes can lead to-

·       Heart disease

·       Nerve and eye damage

·       Stroke

·       Kidney disease

Diabetes can also increase the chances of infections in your body and make it more difficult for wounds to heal.  

 

Management of living with diabetes-

·       Lifestyle changes in diet and exercise can help control blood sugar levels

·       Monitoring your levels is also a key component in taking care of yourself.

·       Medications may be required to help you control your blood sugar levels

 

Be aware of these common symptoms-

·       Thirsty

·       Weight fluctuation

·       Urinating more than normal

·       Abdominal pain

·       Blurry vision

·       Dry mouth

·       Tingling or numbness in hands or feet

 

Finally, no one knows your body like you.  Please don’t fool yourself, even at a young age, listen to your body.

Many people function well and live normal lives with type 1 or 2 diabetes.  

Mary Tyler Moore lived into her 80’s as a type 1 diabetic, Nick Jonas is a type one diabetic and a successful quarterback in the NFL(Jay Cutler) was diagnosed at 24 years old, while already in the NFL with type 1 diabetes and had a long successful career.  Jay said, “ this disease is something you go to bed with every night and get up with every morning.  You don’t get to take a day off of taking care of yourself”.

Other type 2 diabetics you may have heard of- Tom Hanks, Brett Michaels, Larry King and Paula Dean among many others.

 

 

Fall Home Maintenance

As the cool, and hopefully soon, cold fronts move in on the Houston area, take advantage of the weather and the last couple of weeks before Daylight Savings ends to perform some basic fall home maintenance. 

 

Inspect the weather stripping on all exterior doors to ensure it will properly keep the warm air in and the cool air out. One method to test the weather stripping on the bottom of the door is to lay a dollar bill between the door jamb and the bottom of the door and close the door. If you can easily slide the bill back and forth, you may need a new weather stripping. Another method that works for both the bottom and sides of the door is to inspect for visible lighting through the door jamb. To do this at night, leave interior lights on, turn exterior lights off, and go outside. If you can see light around the door jamb at the bottom, the weather stripping should be replaced or adjusted. If light is visible on the sides, you may be able to adjust the door within the jamb or add, adjust, or replace weather stripping.
 
Inspect attic insulation to confirm adequate coverage with no voids. Fill any voids to ensure even blanket coverage, refresh or fluff any insulation that is squashed or compacted. Make sure insulation is not covering soffit vents which are designed for unobstructed air flow.
 
Clean return air vents to remove dust build up. First, shut off power to the heating and a/c system. Next, unscrew and remove the return air vent cover from the wall. Using a brush or damp cloth and cleaner, clean the vent cover. Using a hose connection, vacuum the opening and what you can reach inside the duct.
 
Replace the furnace filter and test your heater now rather than waiting until you need it. This will give you time to schedule any repairs or maintenance that may be needed rather than having to call it in for emergency repairs when the temps really drop. The first time you turn the heater on after a long summer season of cooling, you may smell a burning odor, or possible light smoke. This is common but should dissipate within 5 to 10 minutes. If odor or smoke persist, have the heating system serviced by a licensed, experienced HVAC contractor.
 
Clean gutters and downspouts to make sure no blockage is present. After removing leaves and debris, flush out the gutters with a hose to be certain water flows freely. Water should be discharged from the downspout a minimum of 4 feet from the house. This is a great time to install downspout extenders, if needed. Inspect the brackets securing the gutters and downspouts to ensure they are properly tightened and providing adequate support.

Juicy Thanksgiving Turkey

 

Ingredients

2 tablespoons dried parsley
2 tablespoons ground dried rosemary
2 tablespoons rubbed dried sage
2 tablespoons dried thyme leaves
1 tablespoon lemon-pepper seasoning
1 tablespoon salt
1 (15 pound) whole turkey, neck and giblets removed
1 medium orange, cut into 8 wedges
1 medium onion, chopped into large pieces
1 medium carrot, cut into 1/2-inch slices 
2 stalks celery, cut into 1/2-inch slices
1 (750 milliliter) bottle champagne
1 (14.5 ounce) can chicken broth

 

Directions
Gather all ingredients. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a roaster with sheets of aluminum foil long enough to wrap around turkey.

Stir parsley, rosemary, sage, thyme, lemon-pepper seasoning, and salt together in a small bowl.

Rub herb mixture into turkey cavity, then stuff with orange wedges, onion, carrot, and celery. Tie turkey legs together with kitchen string, then tuck the wings under the body.

Place turkey on the foil in the roasting pan. Pour champagne and chicken broth over turkey, making sure to get some liquid in the cavity.

Bring aluminum foil up and over the top of turkey and seal; try to keep the foil from touching the turkey.

Roast turkey in the preheated oven until juices run clear, 2 ½ to 3 hours. Uncover turkey and continue baking until the skin turns golden brown, 30 to 60 more minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of thigh, near the bone, should read 180 degrees F (82 degrees C).

Remove turkey from the oven, cover with two sheets of aluminum foil, and allow to rest in a warm area before slicing, 10 to 15 minutes.

October - Breast Cancer Awareness Month

 

Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer for American women outside of skin cancer.

Regular mammograms are the best way to detect breast cancer early and allow treatments to be more effective. 

Screening is recommended, beginning at age 40.

FACTs about breast cancer;

●      264,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year

●      Most incidents of breast cancer are found in women over 50 years of age, although younger women can be diagnosed with this disease.

●      Men have a slight chance as well of getting breast cancer, but the odds are low.

How can you lower your risk of getting breast cancer?  You can know and be aware of your heredity traits and family history, but it  hard to is affect your family history.

There are some things you can do to reduce your chances of getting breast cancer.

●      Watch your weight and exercise regularly

●      Choose not to drink alcohol or drink in moderation

●      Breastfeeding if possible is a deterrent 

●      Avoid smoking or quit smoking

●      Manage your stress

Symptoms of breast cancer;

●      Many times, there are no symptoms in the early stages of breast cancer(why screenings are so important)

●      Change in the size or shape of your breast

●      A lump in your breast or under your arm

In closing, things to do for yourself and your family;

●      Get your screenings regularly

●      Do self exams, no one knows your body like you do

●      Exercise regularly and eat well

 

EARLY DETECTION OF BREAST CANCER IS THE KEY TO YOUR WELL BEING

HCMUD 365 - Installation of Smart Meters

 

 

The Harris County Municipal Utility District No. 365 (HCMUD 365) Board of Directors is pleased to announce the upcoming rollout of the installation of smart meters in the District! Installations began September 9, 2024, and will continue through the end of the year.

 

The smart meters will replace your current water meter. The entire process will take place in phases and will be completed in approximately four to five months, as there are over 1,200 connections in the District, between residential and commercial meters.

 

Prior to a street being changed out, door hangers will be distributed to let residents know they are next on the rollout. Crews will place signs in the areas they are working to let residents know what is going on.

 

Before a residential meter is changed out a crew member will knock on the door and let someone present know water will be off for about 15-20 minutes, before the installers proceed. If there is no answer:

1.         If the meter is running, the crew will hold off and return later

2.         If the meter is not running, the crew will change it out

3.         If, after changeout, the meter is running and the resident is not home, the crew will shut off the curb stop and leave a tag for the homeowner to check for leaks  (This is atypical and an uncommon result)

 

Please note: Due to the manner in which the meters are installed, there is a possibility of discolored water afterwards.  When water lines are closed off to replace the meters, residents may experience momentary discolored water at their taps, and the plumbing lines may need to be run for a few minutes to clear that discolored water.

 

As meters are changed out, they will be activated and will start collecting data. They will store up to 42 days of data. Each week, Accurate Meter will give a list of meters that were changed out to Si Environmental, who will tie them to customer accounts and add them to the billing software. This should run 1-2 weeks behind meter install.

 

After Si Environmental adds them to the billing software, the meters will be available on “EyeOnWater” (Customer Portal) website and mobile app for iOS and Android.

 

Once installation is complete in your section and the account is tied to the EyeOnWater software, you will receive a notification from the Si Environmental that includes information regarding how to set up your online EyeOnWater account. This notification will be mailed to your residence unless you have an email address on file associated with your water account. The enrollment process is less than five minutes and will allow you to monitor your usage and set up leak alerts to notify you via text or email if the meter detects high usage.

 

If you have any questions regarding the changeover, please reach out to the District via the Contact form on the website, or contact the District's operator at https://www.sienviro.com/.