published by the greens of firewheel and greens estates … · 2010. 12. 13. · the new century...

[email protected]

Winter 2010 Volume 2010, Issue 2 The Greenskeeper

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Greetings to the HOA,I am pleased to get the opportunity with this

space I’ve been afforded in our neighborhood newsletter, to bring everybody up-to-date with the changes that we have made in order to make the most of our hard earned dollars paid to HOA dues. The first thing, after taking over the landscape duties that took awhile to figure out, was to find out exactly what we were paying for with our existing contract.

The contract for mowing, edging, keeping the beds clear of weeds, fertilization, and sprinkler system inspection was costing us approximately $1050 a month. This did not include the cost of sprinkler system repair. This sounds like a lot of work for that fee, but I found it impossible

to monitor an open contract of this type, and hold the landscape company to their word that all work was being done. After researching several different companies, I decided to give a test contract to what is now our new landscape service. This contract involved having all the landscape surrounding our HOA property trimmed, and all the vines removed that had began to look bad to say the least. After completing this task to my satisfaction, and finding the company very easy to work with, I accepted a contract from them to do our mowing, edging, keeping the beds clear of weeds, and annual trimming for a very reasonable $563 per month. This approximate $487 monthly savings I hope to use to better manage the fertilization,

Inside This IssueCity Council Report .............................2

Campbell Road Connections ...............3

Sushi Bar at Kroger in Sachse .............3

GEHOA President’s Message ..............5

Bank Account for Brand Road Wall Account Closed ..........................5

My Poor, Poor Sweetgum Tree ..............6

Central Oregon Makes a Wonderful Summer Getaway ................6

Spotlight: Nancy Kirkland ..................7

Garland ISD Looks to Continue Past Successes in New School Year ............9

GFHOA Landscaping Project Update ...............................................10

Greens Resident Completes Back-to-Back NJCAA Outdoor Track National Championships ..................................11

So Long, Farewell ..............................11

Published by The Greens of Firewheel and Greens Estates Homeowners Associations Volume 2010, Issue 2 Winter 2010

ON THE GREENS

Update on GEHOA LandscapingBy Pat Welsh, GEHOA Vice President/Landscaping • 972-496-6244 • [email protected]

see Update on GEHOA on page 4

Dr. Curtis Culwell and his wife Gayle have lived in the Greens Estates since

1999. They moved here from Lubbock, Texas where he was Superintendent of the Lubbock ISD. At that time he was selected to become the Superintendent of the Garland Independent School District.

Dr. Culwell’s first job after receiving his Bachelor of Arts degree in history from Sam Houston State University was teaching English at the newly opened Lakeview Centennial High School in Garland. The year was 1976 and it just so happened that a very attractive young lady named Gayle was also teaching English at Lakeview that year. They met, married, and the rest is history.

As the years progressed, Culwell

attained both a Masters and a Doctorate of Education degree from Texas A&M. He has worked his way through the education system

to become a highly respected educator. Gayle holds the position of Librarian at Garland High School.

When the Culwell’s decided to return to Garland, they already knew where they wanted to live; it was the area called The Greens, now the Greens Estates of Firewheel. “This area has it all,” said Culwell. “I have Breckinridge Park for exercise and pleasure, Firewheel golf course next door, Firewheel Mall for shopping, and the highway system so close by.”

They enjoy the friendliness of this neighborhood and always look forward to reading The Greenskeeper.

Curtis and Gayle have three children

ON THE CAMPUS

The Culwells: A Family of EducatorsBy Wanda McGill • Greenskeeper Staff • 972-496-5781

see The Culwells on page 4

The Greenskeeper Volume 2010, Issue 2 Winter 2010

[email protected] 2

The Greens of Firewheel, Greens Estates &

FairwaysHomeowners Associations

Gregg L. Simmons President, GFHOA

Ken KirklandPresident, GEHOA

The Greens HOAP.O. Box 451053

Garland, TX [email protected]

www.greensestates.org

The Greenskeeper is a publication ofThe Greens of Firewheel Homeowners

Association and the Greens Estates Homeowners Association.

Staff:Marilyn C. Pospisil,

Managing Editor, Contributor

Frank Wilkins,Graphic Design, Contributor

Wanda McGill,Contributor

Thanks to all of our regular contributors including Susan Bloch, Douglas Athas,

and Scott Luna!

The Greenskeeper is publishedquarterly (Spring, Summer, Fall, and

Winter). The Greenskeeper is generally distributed to all association members

and distributed electronically to contributors, advertisers, government

officials, and other associations.

Electronic copies (PDF) of past issues are available on the Greens Estates Web Site at www.greensestates.org. Limited

space is available for advertising. Rates are available upon request and are

discounted for annual placements and/or association members.

Articles, questions, suggestions and advertising should be submitted to [email protected]

Unlike many cities

and other governmental agencies, Garland passed its budget this year without a tax increase. Although citywide

property values fell again this year, the city council and city staff were able to adjust to the revenue decline by refinancing debt because interest rates are unusually low, drawing from reserves, and moving some expenses to user fees rather than everyone paying for them. City employees that had taken a pay cut last year were restored to the level they were making two years ago.

Most environmental waste (trash) customers will receive a rate cut. Those that have two containers will see an increased cost to collect for the second container. Previously, customers could buy a second container and discard twice as much trash as most families for the same price. The new rate structure is fairer to more families and avoids a citywide increase to cover rising expenses. Residents will also see a fee added to their water bill that collects for ambulance services.

The city maintains an excellent ambulance service with ambulances at all eleven fire stations. For The Greens, an ambulance is stationed literally blocks away on Brand Rd. The ambulance service makes many runs that cannot be billed to insurance — such as helping an asthmatic resident or helping an elderly person that has fallen — because no one is transported to the hospital. The city attempted to charge for these types of calls, but the collection rate was extremely low. I know that residents strongly appreciate our ambulance service so I would term this more as “ambulance insurance” than a fee. The fee allows the city to maintain its top-rated,

life-saving service without raising taxes to just property owners, instead the fee spreads the cost to all water users, which is virtually everyone in the city.

I am now serving my last two-year term on the Council, having been re-elected in May to my third term, which is the limit under our city charter. In May, 2012, we will elect a new representative. You probably didn’t hear much about the election. I did not have an opponent by the filing deadline so the election was cancelled.

New development across the district, the city, North Texas, and the country is down as everyone that watches the news knows. However, there is still a pace forward. The Holiday Inn on SH-190 is open. The developers are to be complimented because they sought no zoning changes or variances or development incentives. The hotel is a full-service facility with restaurant and many other amenities. The hotel tax that is collected for the city will help fund tourist promotion, the arts, and other events that attract visitors to Garland.

New businesses are opening in Firewheel Town Center. Eddie’s Napoli’s Italian Bistro has opened near the Starbucks and Pot Belly stores. Matt’s Mexican Food has opened next to Buffalo Wild Wings (where Two Rows was located).

The New Century Montessori School near Campbell and SH-190 is open. Further north along Campbell, the building with a dome under construction is an Islamic center.

The city has assumed some operations at Firewheel Golf Park. The change allows Greens resident Don Kennedy, longtime course pro, to focus more attention on the course play and marketing. The city will be investing more money into the courses and equipment to improve play conditions and appeal.

Work at two bridges in the area that

DID YOU KNOW

MARILYN’S SOAPBOXMARILYN’S SOAPBOX

DID YOU KNOW

MARILYN’S SOAPBOX

REAL ESTATE WATCHREAL ESTATE WATCHREAL ESTATE WATCH

City Council ReportBy Councilman Douglas Athas • District 1 • [email protected]

see City Council Report on page 8

[email protected]


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If you have been wondering about what is in store for the Campbell road connection between North Garland Ave. and Brand Road,

here’s the scoop.The bridge across from the north section of Firewheel Golf

Course has undergone some rehabilitation. Each bridge in Texas is inspected once a year and this bridge has shown some issues with erosion making it unsafe to support extra heavy loads.

According to Michael Polocek of the Garland Street Engineering Department, the erosion problem is being addressed and the bridge itself strengthened to facilitate a regular load limit and make it safe

for the future. When the project is completed, the load limit signs will be removed.

Originally Campbell road was scheduled to be widened through to Murphy Road, but because of budget cuts, that plan was put on hold and the widening ended at the bridge in question.

Conversations with the people at the Street Department in Garland indicate that the proposed Traffic Circle at Campbell and Brand Roads is projected to be a “ways out” because further design work was needed.

In the mood for sushi, but don’t want to go to a restaurant? Kroger in Sachse on Hwy 78 has the solution for you. Their sushi bar,

located just inside the West entrance, has the best sushi rolls around. The rolls are handmade daily. You can get either fully cooked or raw seafood rolls.

They even have a special roll called “The Sachse Roll.” I am completely hooked on this place. If you haven’t tried sushi or love sushi, but haven’t tasted this kiosk, you owe it to yourself to stop by for a sample. The staff is friendly and helpful. They will help you choose the roll that is right for you.

ON THE TOWN

Campbell Road ConnectionsBy Wanda McGill

ON THE TOWN

Sushi Bar at Kroger in SachseBy Susan Bloch • Greenskeeper Contributor


[email protected] 4

weed control, and sprinkler system maintenance.

Over the past year, we have received e-mails from our neighbors concerning the upkeep of the property, and I just want to let everybody know that this feedback is much appreciated; it shows that you actually care, and I will respond to every concern as soon as possible. This neighborhood HOA has been put in place to protect your property values, and after going through these past two years, we all know how important this has become. So even though you may not be able to take the time to serve on our all volunteer board, it is very important to all that you take pride in our neighborhood, and do your part to keep your personal property up to the standard set by the founders of our HOA, and agreed to by every property owner.

The next plan we, the HOA board, hope to get started with some of these saved dollars, is to begin making our entrances more appealing. I have been taking bids on

stone work, and the adding of some drive by appeal. Should anybody know of someone that can help with the task of locating a contractor, please let us know. I also have the task of figuring out how to best maintain our sprinkler system. This is no small task; our cost the year prior to myself taking over was somewhere in the $3k range. This year we have spent $750 dollars to date and have a few repairs yet to be made. I myself have taken on the task until we find a reliable, cost-effective alternative. As of October 1, we are without a plan. Should you want to submit a plan, please use our web sight contacts. Just an added note, our September water bill was $2000.

I hope this helps you understand where most of your HOA dues are going, and look forward to hearing from anybody that can help stretch our dollars, and at the same time, make our neighborhood a more pleasant place to come home to.

Continued from page 1

Update on GEHOA Landscaping


The Culwells: A Family of Educators

and two granddaughters. The girls are twins. Lauren, whose daughter Kennedy is in the picture with her grandparents; she is Assistant Principal at Purefoy Elementary School in Frisco. Her sister, Madelyn, is a teacher in Frisco; she has a daughter named Hadley. Kevin, their son, is also in the teaching profession. He coaches and teaches at Lakeview.

The Culwell’s enjoy traveling and have visited several countries in Europe and also China. He particularly enjoys Italy because of the History, the Art, and the people. Gayle also enjoys travel; her favorite is England and the historical aspects of the country. They are planning a trip to Northern England this summer.

Fun with the grandchildren and their Shiatsu dog called Jack take up a lot of the family’s spare time. It is our good fortune to have them as part of the “Greens” neighborhood.

1.DeceptionbyJonathanKellerman

2.The QuickiebyJamesPatterson

3.Just Take My HeartbyMaryHigginsClark

4.Murder GamebyChristineFeehan

5.The KillsbyLindaFairstein

6.The Long Quiche GoodbyebyAveryAames

7.Smash CutbySandraBrown

8.CathedralbyNelsonDeMille

9.BeguiledbyShannonDrake

10.Blindman’s Bluff byFayeKellerman

[email protected]


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It is an honor and privilege to be your

new Green’s Estates HOA president. My hope is that I, along with the newly elected board, continue to serve and inform the community in

the best ways possible. All board members can be reached by going to the contact page at the back of this newsletter. Any questions concerning dues, GEHOA guidelines, etc. can be directed towards John Plata.

When I built here in 1997, I considered myself quite lucky to find such a jewel of a neighborhood in Garland. Now, 13 years

later, has it ever changed. The George Bush Turnpike and all the development that goes with it. The expansion of the Firewheel golf course with its new clubhouse on Brand. The Garland Event Center. And of course, Firewheel Town Center. These are just a few examples of the development that has gone on around us. I know we all very busy and today’s economy can add undue stress, but I hope everyone can be proud of where they live and know that we live in a safe and peaceful community.

One of the things we’d like to do is to develop a sense of “Community Closeness” by having various events to bring all of us together. We are seeking a Chair for the

Social Committee and need some members to help. Please contact me at 972-496-1279 if you are interested.

Once again, we will have the Christmas Lighting Contest that will be judged in early December. Probably need to start untangling those lights now.

Sometime in the near future you will begin to see some changes in our landscaping. For more information on this, go to Pat Welsh’s article on page 1.

Thanks again for the opportunity to serve, and anyone who has ideas to improve our neighborhood or wants to get involved; don’t hesitate to contact any of the board members.

Everyone in the neighborhood remembers working together to raise the money

to help pay for the reconstruction of the screening wall that runs more than 3,000 feet along Brand Rd. In combination with a grant from the city, we were able to reconstruct all the panels in the wall. Most had been failing to some degree for years and the deterioration had gotten bad enough that it was affecting the perception of the neighborhood and home sales.

All funds for the wall were placed in a separate escrow account and used just for the wall, either the cost of replacement or for damages, such as to the sprinklers and landscaping.

When the wall was completed, a Wall Committee was created at the next annual meeting to oversee the ongoing incidentals. Serving on the committee were three past

presidents, Charles Pipes, Archie Malcom, and myself. Any checks written on the escrow account required two signatures.

We left the account in place for several years as incidentals and small repairs were required. However, we knew it was time to close the account and leave the wall to the neighborhood and the individual property owners. Our intention was to distribute the remaining funds proportionately to those that had contributed. That’s what we announced in the last newsletter.

However, that’s not exactly what happened. We thought all bills had been paid. We had missed one: from The Greens Homeowners Association. In the early days of the project, the association spent more than $4,000 in deposits and other expenses to launch the project. In the transition from one slate of officers to the next, no bill

for those expenses was ever presented to the Wall Committee. Finally, our previous treasurer asked the right question at the last annual meeting and a bill was presented. There was not quite enough money in the fund to cover the bill, but it was close. The account was closed by transferring the remainder directly to the GHOA.

So, while there wasn’t money for individual refunds (most would have been $10-30 or so), the money did go to a good cause. The account is closed and the Wall Committee is out of business. Finally. We were each happy to have a part in the reconstruction and wish to thank — probably for the last time — all those that gave money and their efforts to this community-wide project. Obviously, it was all worth it!

GEHOA President’s MessageBy Ken Kirkland • President, GEHOA • 972-496-1279 • [email protected]

ON THE GREENS

Bank Account for Brand Road Wall Account ClosedBy Douglas Athas • Greenskeeper Contributor

DID YOU KNOW


DID YOU KNOW

MARILYN’S SOAPBOX


Remember

Alley speed limit is

10 m.p.h.


[email protected] 6

Hello to Fellow Greens Estates Residents:

I hope you all had a wonderful summer and were able to get away for some much needed rest and relaxation! Fortunately, my family and I were able to escape the heat for a while when we went to Central Oregon the first week of August. We had a wonderful time and would love to go back. Little did we know that when

we came back we were going to have at least two more weeks of sizzling temperatures! So if you, like myself, get frustrated with the heat wave in the future and want to imagine yourself in a cooler location, take a visit to one of our favorite vacation spots: Benham Falls, near Bend Oregon. Enjoy and I hope you all have a fantastic fall!!

ON THE GREENS

Central Oregon Makes a Wonderful Summer GetawayBy Nancy Kirkland • Secretary, GEHOA

Looking around the neighborhood, those familiar with Sweetgum trees cannot help

but notice that many are distressed and dying. The outer limbs start dying and those areas closer to the trunk actually add more leaves.

When our builder planted two Sweetgums in the front yard, something exotic was added to my life. I knew nothing about the trees. As they seldom grow further west, I had never noticed them. Garland is as far east as I have ever lived, so we were just barely crossing paths. Now on camping trips and just being more aware, I’ve seen plenty in East Texas, the Southeast, Oklahoma, and all around the Downtown Square.

But why are all those beautiful trees in those other locales faring so much better than many in our neighborhood? I presumed disease at first. For help, I called Laura McLarry, who serves on the Garland Parks Board and works with Arborilogical tree services.

So what’s killing our Sweetgums? Not disease, but something much simpler: not enough iron. It makes

sense; even from the beginning the leaves were always a little too yellow, showing signs of iron deficiency. I spread iron by the bag with little improvement. Then

at about 15 years, when it had been doing otherwise well, our larger Sweetgum took a crash dive.

Laura wasn’t too optimistic. She explained that Sweetgums don’t do well in our clay soils. They

just can’t extract the iron they need even when it is there in abundance. With her help, we

gave both trees emergency treatments of iron, vitamins, and nutrients. One has snapped back well, but I’m convinced the larger tree isn’t going to make it. We’ve been treating for about a year and a half. The large one seemed a bit perky in the early spring, but as soon as the weather started getting warmer you could see that it was failing.

Growing up in West Texas, I have a deep love for trees because they were all exotic in my life. It hurts, but we will have to cut down the Sweetgum that is doing so badly. I know others in the neighborhood need to consider what they would like to do. Treatments might work, but there is no guarantee. If cutting them down where necessary and starting over is the best course, maybe it’s better to give another species an earlier start than watching an old friend fade. I’m just not quite there yet, but I know it’s coming.

ON THE GREENS

My Poor, Poor Sweetgum TreeBy Douglas Athas • Greenskeeper Contributor

[email protected]


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FullName: Nancy Kirkland.

Greensinvolvement: Secretary of the

GEHOA.

Family: Spouse, Ken Kirkland, 1 son

named Brent, age 12.

Realjob: Nurse Practitioner

Pets(speciesandnames): 2 dogs - a one-

year old lab terrier mix named Wally

(he was found in a Wal-mart Parking

lot. Trust me, the name fits) and an

almost two-year old Australian Shepherd named Abby.

Hobbies: What is that?? Ha!! Ha!! Right now my free time is consumed

with keeping up with my son’s activities and the dogs. I do try to keep

somewhat physically fit - occasional trips to the gym. Love biking and

hiking. I love to read a good book when I get the chance.

Myfavoriterestaurant: Three Forks

ThelastbookIread: Mystery called “Orchid Beach”

Myfavoritemovie(s): I know this sounds corny, but every year at

Christmas, I love to watch National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. I

never get tired of it. My 2nd favorite is Sleepless in Seattle.

TheLIVINGpersonI’dmostliketomeet: Sarah Palin. I really admire

her accomplishments – going from being a PTA mom to governor of

the largest state in the Union. WOW!! She is one gutsy lady who is

committed to her values and family. I truly feel like she is “One of

Us.”

Withachancetodoitalloveragain,I’d: That is a hard one. I am not sure

what I would do differently. I am pretty happy with my life right now.

TheoneCDI’dneverpartwithis: Any CD produced by U-2. LOVE

THEM!!

IfIcouldchangeonethingaboutTheGreensitwouldbe: More sense of

community and involvement.

IfIwon$100,000inthelotteryI’d: Take a really nice vacation!!

IflifewereagameofSurvivor,thefirstperson/thingI’dvoteoffwouldbe: Most

of the politicians in Washington, who are strictly motivated by self

interests and a “What’s in it for me” attitude. Most of these people in

my opinion are very out of touch with us hard working, middle-class

Americans.

Ifpresentedwithanenvelopecontainingtheexactdateofyoureventualdeath,wouldorwouldn’tyouopenitandwhy: The answer is No! Because of

my Christian faith, I know my time here is temporary and very short.

During my time here, I just want to be the best wife, mother, neighbor

and friend as I can possibly be towards others. My career has always

been about helping others and I do hope that I have been able to

make a positive difference in other people’s lives.

Mostpeopledon’tknow: I tend to be on the shy side sometimes.

Spotlight: Nancy Kirkland

SignupfortheGreensHOAe-maillisttostaycaught

upwithwhat’sgoingoninyourneighborhood.

Visitthewebsiteatwww.greensestates.org,

thenclickon“Newsletters.”


[email protected] 8

parallel Brand Rd, Rowlett Creek on Campbell and Spring Creek on Naaman School, have caught the attention of most area residents. Both of the projects are for erosion control and, unfortunately, don’t signal pending bridge upgrades.

Brand Road improvements are being discussed; both for better traffic control and roadway improvements. The intersection with Campbell Road is a challenge to many drivers, especially those traveling west in the morning and traveling east in the evening. Designs are underway for a true European-style roundabout to replace the four-way stop currently controlling traffic. The roundabout would not be like the traffic circle further south on Brand, which really serves to just slow traffic. (Prior to construction, that stretch saw an accident per month; since, there have been none.) The new roundabout will better handle the traffic through the intersection. Currently, only one car, sometimes two, can be in the intersection. The roundabout will safely allow two, three, or four cars to simultaneously transition through. The long delays currently endured will disappear.

When the Brand Road Bridge across

Rowlett Creek, near the golf course and Branding Iron Restaurant, was replaced about ten years ago, it was anticipated that Brand would eventually be widened to four lanes and another parallel bridge constructed. In 2004, voters approved bond funds for widening Brand from SH-190 to Muirfield. The transportation department is rethinking those ideas. Brand carries nearly all the traffic now that it is ever going to carry. From one end to the other, there is very little land to be developed so there won’t be new sources of traffic generated. Following that premise, it makes more sense to improve Brand not as a four-lane road, but keep two-lanes and rebuild it with right- and left-turn lanes, bike paths, and wider sidewalks. The bike path would connect north Garland literally to Mesquite if other bike path plans are realized.

A portion of The Greens is served by Garland Power and Light. GP&L has persevered to win a contract to build part of the state-mandated electric transmission lines from West Texas that will bring wind power to the rest of the state. Every electric customer in the state will be charged for use of these lines. By GP&L owning a

portion of the lines and receiving revenue for them, GP&L customers will be among the few utility customers in the state to have revenues to offset the new fees. Since deregulation that split most utilities between retail, the “wires” side, and generation, only municipally-owned and co-operative utilities still retain a full range of services.

For current updates on the city and District 1, far more information and opinions are posted at my blog: www.douglasathas.net/blogs/. Get the latest crime reports for the district, news releases, the inside information on city government, and other information there. Regular posts give much more information than I can put in a newsletter or e-mails.

Feel free to send your questions, concerns, suggestions, or compliments, directly to my e-mail address on page 2.

These are hard times for most of the country. We in Texas and North Texas are doing better than most. As conditions change for the better, Garland will be well placed to benefit and grow. We’ve shed much of our baggage and are a much leaner operation than so many other cities.


City Council Report

[email protected]


9

DID YOU KNOW


DID YOU KNOW

MARILYN’S SOAPBOX


With the new school year in

full swing, Garland ISD has gotten back to what it does best – educating its children. Following consecutive years of attaining a “Recognized” rating from the Texas

Education Agency, the district ranks among the state’s largest to manage such a lofty status.

And while a quality atmosphere is maintained at each of the 72 campuses, those standards reach beyond the walls of the classroom and are embraced throughout GISD.District Named Recognized Rating for Second Consecutive Year

For the fifth time in 11 years, and the second year in a row, GISD was named a Recognized district by the Texas Education Agency.

GISD students scored higher than their peers throughout Texas in almost every TAKS category tested. Of the 27 grade-level assessments in Math, Reading/ELA, Science, Social Studies, and Writing, students exceeded the state average in 23 grades and achieved equal marks in three more. The lone grade not meeting the state average – sixth grade math – missed the mark by only one percentage point. Those scores still met acceptable requirements.

Twenty-eight GISD campuses earned Exemplary status, 33 were named Recognized – up from 20 in 2009 – and five were Academically Acceptable.

Transportation Dept. Awarded $43,500 to Retrofit School Buses

Last spring, the Texas Parent Teacher Association’s (PTA) Clean School Bus Program awarded GISD a grant for $43,500 as part of a comprehensive program designed to improve the health of students and bus drivers by reducing diesel exhaust emissions from school buses.

GISD was the first district in Texas to receive the grant, due in large part to its proactive efforts in retrofitting school buses.

Texas PTA began the program through a partnership with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. The goal of both groups is to improve air quality inside the cabins of school buses and educate districts about options designed to improve their fleet.Dept. of Defense Honors GISD for Supporting Military Employees

The Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), an agency of the Department of Defense, recognized GISD with two of its highest honors last spring.

Brian Abbett, GISD director of transportation, was honored with the ESGR’s Patriot Award in recognition for his outstanding support of Jamal Taha, a 13-year veteran bus driver. Taha has served in the U.S. Navy Reserve’s Fleet Industrial Supply Center Unit for 19 years. During that

time he has twice been stationed overseas, serving at Naval Air Stations in Sicily and Bahrain.

For its part, the district received an Above and Beyond Award which honors companies that go above and beyond federal requirements in their support of employees called into active military duty by the National Guard or Reserve.HERO Day Debuted on November 3

Bullying has become a nationwide topic facing school administrators and the Garland ISD is no different. Teachers and administrators across the district have been diligent throughout the years to establish a friendly, secure environment that fosters a receptive educational environment.

To celebrate this, the district debuted HERO Day on November 3. Each campus produced activities specific to their student body while GRS-TV aired a video created for the occasion.

HERO Day is designed to increase student awareness of respecting fellow students and exemplifying good citizenship.

From the classroom to the bus barn and everywhere in between, Garland ISD and its employees know that success is expected. And, as evidenced by the accomplishments that have become regular occurrences within Garland schools, that is an expectation embraced by all.

Garland ISD Looks to Continue Past Successes in New School YearBy Scott Luna • G.I.S.D. School Board Trustee, Place 5 • [email protected]

Support Garland Businesses!We try to use local Garland resources when possible to produce this newsletter. We ask that you consider doing the same when deciding where to eat, shop, or

spend your hard earned dollars.


[email protected] 10

Murphy Road Animal Hospital6114 Murphy Road

Sachse, Texas 75048(972)496-4126

Full Service Veterinary Care& Boarding Facility

M-F 8 to 6 pm & Sat 8 to NoonJames R. Moebius, DVM

At our last Greens of Firewheel HOA meeting, we discussed the cost of

improving the landscaping and bringing power and lighting to the four corner entrances along Brand Road. I personally wanted to discuss paying the HOA President $750,000 a year (like the Mayor at a small town in California) but for some reason that was not on the agenda. ☺

We determined the cost of bringing power to the four corners was a long-term goal that will require cash reserves of about $20,000. With paying for the new landscaping, our account is down to about $3,000. Without the financial support of 100 percent of households in The Greens of Firewheel, it will take more than ten (10) years to muster that amount into the accounts. Our annual membership dues income barely pays for our ongoing current commitments. With that in mind, we called the City of Garland for another grant. Since the City had recently and graciously granted $100,000 for the “Great Wall of the Greens,” we cannot ask, beg, or plead for another grant for a

couple more years. There is a required five-year gap between requesting grants. As a result, the landscaping will be improved first, and we shall continue to hope, pray, and ask for more homeowners to make the annual payment of $50 and increase the membership to 100 percent. We hope!

The landscaping project is almost complete. Parker Landscaping presented the plans and layout and we adjusted the plan by adding one more boulder to each side of each entrance. They have completed phase one. Phase two will be acted upon in the spring with the addition of a third Crepe Myrtle to the north side of the Flannigan entrance to balance it out and some other plants that weren’t available for this planting. Roland Parker did a really good job at an extremely fair price and works hard to keep his customers satisfied. You may contact him at 214-202-2867 with comments, or if you would like for him to bid on your landscaping.

If you appreciate the effort put into improving the landscaping, and if you

haven’t already paid your 2010 dues, please help pay for it by paying your $50 dues. It just isn’t right that 38 percent of the homeowners pay for 100 percent of the improvements. Make your check payable to The Greens of Firewheel and mail it to: Gale Ransom, GFHOA Secretary, 710 Lochness, Garland, TX 75044

Your payment will move us closer to installing power and lighting to the four corners, further enhance your home value and improve the appearance of this great neighborhood.

I would like to recognize the valuable input and hard work by the HOA officers – Ed Minjares, Gale Ransom, James Dulac and the guiding and ongoing support from Ken Davey to make this a better neighborhood. I also want to acknowledge and thank the neighbors who paid their dues over the many years that allowed the financial commitment to these improvements.

ON THE GREENS

GFHOA Landscaping Project UpdateBy Gregg Simmons • President, GFHOA • 972-495-6212 • [email protected]

[email protected]


11

Lorianne PatteeClass: SOPosition: DistanceHometown: Garland, TexasHigh School: Naaman Forest High School class of 2008

ATHLETIC ACCOMPLISHMENTS AT NAAMAN FOREST: Four-time district champion in 800 meter run; Two-time district champion in 400 meter dash; Three-time district champion in 1,600 meter relay; Qualified for State in 1,600 meter relay; Two-time team district champions and regional qualifier in cross country; Won Horizon Award, 4x400 Meter Relay MVP Award, AAA Award, Cross Country MVP Award, Track MVP Award, and Most Competitive Athlete Award; Nominated for Most Athletic Senior.

SOUTH PLAINS COLLEGE ATHLETIC ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Lorianne was a SPC LADY TEXAN team member that won 2010 NJCAA Outdoor Track National Championship for the second year to become back to back NJCAA National Champions! Lorianne was

First Team National Champion in the 4x800m relay for a new South Plains College school record time of (9:01.66). She received first team ALL-AMERICAN honors! Lorianne was a member of the 2009 Lady Texan teams that won both the indoor and outdoor track national championships. At the outdoor championships she placed seventh in the final with a time of 2:19.32. She also ran the second leg on the 4x800 meter relay team that finished in eighth place (9:41.39). Indoors she placed seventh at the NJCAA meet in the 1,000 meter run (3:11.03). In addition, she anchored the distance medley relay team that finished seventh and broke the school record (13:03.41). She also broke the school record in the indoor 1,000 meter run at the Texas Tech Open when she crossed the line in 3:06.52. During the fall 2008 cross country season, Lorianne competed in several events with the highlight being her 18th place finish at the NJCAA Half-Marathon Championships where she received ALL-AMERICAN honors. In 2008/2009, she also received Academic ALL-AMERICAN honors. For her two years

at SPC, Lorianne was on three national championship track teams and achieved ALL-AMERICAN status three times. College Major: Education Hobbies: Running Personal: Born August 28, 1989 in Dallas, Texas, Lorianne is the daughter of Frank and Patty Pattee and they reside at 7029 Tartan Trail

ON THE CAMPUS

Greens Resident and Former Naaman Student Completes Back-to-Back NJCAA Outdoor Track National Championships

IknowI’vesaiditbefore,butthistimeIreallymeanit.(ThefirsttimewasintheWinter2007issue.)Iam‘officially’steppingdownastheManagingEditorofThe Greenskeepernewsletternowthatthisissueiscomplete.

Ourlovelydaughterheadstocollegein1.5years,sotimeisoftheessence.It’simportantthatIfocusmytimeandattentiononher(andmyhubby)beforesheheadsofftopursuehergoals,andhelptomakehertransitionassmoothaspossible.

I’vebeenextremelyfortunatetoworkwithsomanywonderful,dedicatedresidentsonthenewslettersince2003,whenIfirstbecameinvolvedwithit.Mygoalatthetimewastowriteafewarticlesandgetbetteracquaintedwithmyneighbors.I’vebeenblessedtohavesomeofthesefolksbecomegoodfriendsoverthepastfewyears!Thewritingparthasn’treallycometofruitionasmuchasIhadhoped,soperhapsinhandingthereinstoanotherinterestedpersonintheGreensEstate,Iwillhavetimetopursuemypassionforwriting.

IamforeverindebtedtoFrankWilkins,withwhomsuchaprofessionallydesignednewsletterwouldnothavebeenpossible.Hewearssuchavarietyofhats:creating

thenewsletter,creatingandmaintainingtheGreenswebsitefortwoneighborhoodassociations,providingthemoviereviewsandphotos,workingwithourlocalrealtorandvettogetregulararticles,designingthenewsletter,andworkingwiththeprintertoensureaqualityproduct,pluspersonallyhanddeliveringthenewslettertoresidentscomerainorshine.AspecialthankstoFrankforhisendlessdedicationandvolunteerism!

It’simportantthatIalsomentionourdedicatednewsletterstaff,withwhomthemanyinformativearticleswouldnothavebeenpossibleovertheyears:•WandaMcGill,forherterrific‘character’profilesand

commitmenttokeepingusapprisedofroadandothercityimprovements

•SusanBlochandher‘TopTenBooks,’restaurantreviews,andrecipes(I’mforeverimpressedwithherpassionforreading)

•ArchieMalcom,forhisrealtyarticles,andfunwordsearchesandpuzzles

•ScottLuna,whohasbeenmostgenerousindevelopingthe‘OntheCampus’articlesforusovertheyears

Andlast,butcertainly,notleast…•DougAthas,whohandedthereinsovertomeafew

yearsago,andhasbeenagreathelpinprovidinginformationandarticles,includingtheCouncilreport–andhelpedtoensurethatweprovidedtherighttypesofarticlesandthatinformationwastimelyandaccuratelypresentedtoresidents.HealsowasatremendoushelpasinterimManagingEditorwhenIhadmycarroll-overandwasrecoveringin2004.ThanksDoug,forallthatyoudo!IfyouareinterestedinbeingthenewManaging

Editor,pleasecontactme(972-495-7817)orFrankWilkins(972-530-6816).We’rehappytodiscussthepositioninmoredetailwithyou.

Youcanberestassuredthatyouwillhaveagreatgroupofsupportivepeopletoworkwithonthisinformativeandmuch-appreciatednewsletter!Thanksforallowingmetoserveyouforsomanyyears!

KindRegards,MarilynC.Pospisil

So Long, Farewell ... ByMarilynC.Pospisil•ManagingEditor


[email protected]

GFHOA Officers and Committee ChairpersonsPresident GreggSimmons 972-495-6212 [email protected]

VicePresident JamesDulac 972-530-7812

Treasurer EdwardMinjares 972-530-7715 [email protected]

Secretary GailRansom 972-495-9856

Landscaping Open

CrimeWatch ScottEchols 972-414-9696 [email protected]

Social OPEN

Welcoming LindaBailey 972-495-4440 [email protected] CyndeQuinn 972-495-2501 [email protected]

Directory DougAthasand ArchieMalcom 972-530-4321

GEHOA Officers and Committee ChairpersonsPresident KenKirkland 972-496-1279 [email protected]

VicePresident/Landscaping PatWelsh 972-496-6244 [email protected]

Secretary NancyKirkland 972-496-1279 [email protected]

Treasurer JohnPlata 972-495-3108 [email protected]

Property/Title

TransferSupport

Newsletter MarilynPospisil 972-495-7817 [email protected]

FrankWilkins 972-530-6816 [email protected]

GreensWebSite FrankWilkins 972-530-6816 [email protected]

Welcoming MarciaLucido 972-414-8168 [email protected]

YardoftheMonth PatWelsh 972-496-6244 [email protected]

DID YOU KNOW?

Fact: Humans Can Make Pets SickIt’snotcommon,butithappens.H1N1“swine”fluhashitcats,dogs,andferrets—contractedfromtheirsickowners.Mostoftenit’smild,butafewpetshavedied,sovetsadvisefrequenthand-washingandseparatebedswhentheownerissick.DogsandpeoplecanalsosharethesamestrainsofE.colibacteria.AndMRSA,the“superbug”ismakingitswayfromhumanstodogs.

Myth: Cats Can Steal a Baby’s BreathThissuperstitiongoesbacktothe1700s.Whenbabiesdiedofsuddeninfantdeathsyndrome(SIDS),peoplewerequicktoblameacatseenlyinginthecrib.Today,softtoys,illnesses,astomach-lyingpositionhaveallbeenlinkedtoSIDS—butnotcats.Catsaredrawntocribsbecausethey’rewarm,cozy,elevatedplaces–perfectforacatnap.

published by the greens of firewheel and greens estates … · 2010. 12. 13. · the new century...

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