What's Going On
Parking Reminders in Cinco Ranch II
Posted on December 18, 2020 4:00 PM by Admin
Categories: General, HOA
The holiday season will be here soon, and many of us will have friends and family who will be coming to town to visit.  Extra vehicles can cause inconvenient parking situations.  We ask that you please refrain from parking your cars on the streets overnight.  Not only is this an eye-sore, it can become an extreme safety issue.  Emergency vehicles may not be able to pass between two cars parked on a street, or this may cause your neighbors the inability to back out of their driveways safely.  Most importantly, this could put children playing in danger with the risk of getting hit by passing cars as there will be a blind spot.
Please be conscience of parking in your driveway and not “sticking out” onto the street, or blocking the sidewalk. Refrain from parking in front of your neighbors home. If you have multiple vehicles at your residence, you may need to allow additional time to “shuffle” them to allow another household member to leave, or work out a parking plan so that everyone knows when and where to park.
 
Though the Deed Restrictions in Cinco Ranch II do not prohibit street parking unless you are in a gated community, there are many parking situations that can be deemed illegal under Fort Bend County and state laws.  When parking near the corner of a street, you must leave at least 20 feet away from the bumper of your car to the corner; if that corner has a stop sign, the law requires a minimum of 30 feet instead of 20.  When parking near a fire hydrant, you must leave at least 15 feet from the bumper of your car to the hydrant, on either side of the hydrant.  It is also illegal to park in a manner that blocks a driveway or intersection.  Additionally, when parking in a cul-de-sac, cars should be parked parallel to the curb as they normally would on a straight curb; parking with your front or rear bumper to the curb at a cul-de-sac, as if it were a “parking spot,” is also illegal. 
 
Texas Penal Code
Sec. 42.03
Obstructing Highway or Other Passageway
(a) A person commits an offense if, without legal privilege or authority, he intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly:
     (1) obstructs a highway, street, sidewalk, railway, waterway, elevator, aisle, hallway, entrance, or exit to which the public or a substantial group of the public has access, or any other place used for the passage of persons, vehicles, or conveyances, regardless of the means of creating the obstruction and whether the obstruction arises from his acts alone or from his acts and the acts of others; or
     (2) disobeys a reasonable request or order to move issued by a person the actor knows to be or is informed is a peace officer, a fireman, or a person with authority to control the use of the premises:
          (A) to prevent obstruction of a highway or any of those areas mentioned in Subdivision (1); or
          (B) to maintain public safety by dispersing those gathered in dangerous proximity to a fire, riot, or other hazard.
(b) For purposes of this section, “obstruct” means to render impassable or to render passage unreasonably inconvenient or hazardous.
(c) An offense under this section is a Class B misdemeanor.
 
When parking, you should ask yourself, have I created a hazard?  Would an emergency vehicle be able to get to someone’s home? Have I created a blind spot for motorist?  Do you want to be the reason something serious happened to your neighbor or yourself?  We are asking everyone in the neighborhood to think of these different things and protect each other before parking.
Holiday stress relief ideas
Posted on December 4, 2020 9:30 AM by Admin
Categories: Classes, General
Do the holidays make you feel anxious?  You are not alone.  Many people experience holiday stress.  Although this time of year brings family and friends together, it can also be a major source of stress and anxiety.  Your normal routine is thrown off track..  There are usually several parties or gatherings to attend.  You may eat and drink things you don’t normally consume. Perhaps you host events. Add this up and it equals feeling overwhelmed, getting less sleep and experiencing more stress.
 
There are some simple things you can try when you feel overwhelmed, tired, or stressed.  These are not time consuming.  Practice them regularly and you may find you better enjoy the holidays.
  1. Recognize signs of stress. It’s important to first recognize that you are actually feeling stressed.  Also, be sure to rule out anything serious going on. Some typical signs of stress are irritability, moodiness, anxiety, insomnia and headaches.
  2. Set an intention to relieve holiday stress. Once you determine you are stressed, set your intention to feel better.   This is important because it confirms your commitment to taking action. Once you are committed to making an improvement, you can then do something about it.
  3. Take action.
Below are four simple, effective techniques to help you manage holiday stress.  Make it a practice do at least one of these every day.
 
Deep Breathing
 
Breathing exercises are great for lowering stress levels.  Deep breaths send the message to your nervous system to calm down. Try this now. Take a nice deep breath in, followed by a long exhale. This alone may help you relax more.  Taking four or five breaths like this only takes a few moments, and can be done anytime and anywhere. Ideally do this with your eyes closed to block out the world around you.
 
Meditation
Meditation is the action of focusing the mind on one focal point.  The breath is a great point of focus because it is always available.  Breath counting meditation is a simple technique that anybody can do. 
How to do breath counting meditation:
Be in a comfortable place free of distractions.
Close your eyes.
Take a couple deep breaths to help you relax.
Next, allow your breath to flow naturally without controlling it.
Begin to notice the inhales and exhales as they happen naturally.
After a few moments, with the next exhale, mentally count ‘One’
With the next inhale, mentally count ‘Two’.
On the next exhale, mentally count ‘Three’.
With the next inhale, mentally count ‘Four.
On the next exhale, mentally count ‘Four’.
With the next inhale, mentally count ‘Three’.
On the next exhale, mentally count ‘Two’.
With the next inhale, mentally count ‘One’.
On the next exhale, mentally count ‘One’.
With the next inhale, mentally count ‘Two’.
Continue to count with your breath, one to four, and four back to one
Proceed for 2-3 minutes (or longer if you like).
This meditation method helps you gain mental distance from thinking.  Practice this regularly to feel more relaxed, refreshed, and less affected by external stressors.
 
Take a Break
Taking a break during the day is a great way to reset your mind.  These simple methods can go a long way in helping to manage holiday stress:
 
Go for a walk.
Walking, especially in nature, is a great way to relieve holiday stress.  One, it allows you to get away from the busyness of the season.  Two, it provides gentle exercise to help relieve physical stress.  Three, walking is a great way to allow your mind to daydream. This gives you a mental break from thinking about your to-do list. Four, you get an extra bonus if you walk in nature.
 
Enjoy a coffee or tea break.
Any form of getting away from the holiday hustle and bustle helps to relieve stress and anxiety.  Take time out for yourself with a nice warm cup of coffee or tea. If you are feeling social, invite a friend.  If you need solitude, enjoy your break alone.
 
Take a bath.
The warm water of a bath relaxes your body.  The timeout relaxes your mind. Indulge yourself occasionally and you will better enjoy the holiday season.
Meet your HOA Board
Posted on November 27, 2020 9:30 AM by Admin
Categories: General, HOA
At the November HOA Board meeting, Directors were elected to the following officer positions:
 
President and Director - Keith Lehtinen
 
Vice President and Director – Yu (Jessie) Xia
 
Secretary and Director - Whitney Smith
 
Treasurer and Director - Rhonda Runge
 
Assistant Treasurer and Director - Beige Chen
 
Director - Chester Pleasant
Director - Ron Stefani
Social Media, Shared Usage Agreement, Ivy Update
Posted on November 20, 2020 10:30 AM by CRRA2 Board of Directors
Categories: General, HOA
This communication is to call attention to the misinformation on social media. Sites such as “Cinco Ranch 2 Amenities Forum” are not official Cinco Ranch II Association accounts. The Association has no social media accounts. Sites such as these are resident created and may have misleading statements and misinformation on those sites.
 
Shared Usage Agreement - There is a three-year rolling agreement with Cinco 1 on shared amenities. Either party can vacate the agreement at any time; however, the agreement will still have two years lifespan before either Association can exit the agreement. Cinco 1 and 2 mutually agreed to managed the pools during the pandemic differently. There will be a meeting in 2021 before the opening of the pool season to discuss management of amenities. If you have a desire for the truth on Association activities, please refer to the Mycincoranch.com Contact Us feature. 
 
Ivy Removal Reminder - The Board again requests residents to remove all ivy from their side of the fence by the end of 2020.  Keep in mind, this request does not pertain to resident owned fencing. If the resident permits the ivy to grow onto the public side of the fencing, the ivy will be removed at the owners expense per the deed restrictions mentioned above.
 
Trash Cans -  Please remember to bring in your trash can after pick up and store out of public view.
 
2021 Assessments - Statements have been mailed. If you do not receive a copy of your 2021 Assessments by December 1st, please email CustomerCare or call 713-981-9000 to obtain a copy. Visit the financials page on Mycincoranch.com to see the approved budgets for 2019, 2020 and 2021. 
 
CRRA2 Board of Directors
Ivy Removal
Posted on November 16, 2020 12:30 AM by CRRA2 Board of Directors
Categories: General, HOA
The Cinco Ranch II Board of Directors implemented a fence maintenance program last year to prolong the lifespan of association owned fencing in the community. The objective of the program is to extend fence lifespan while protecting home values and community appearance. The program has several key components.
 
The removal of ivy on the public side of the fence
Pull back of mulch from the fence bottom
Creating a minimum space of two (2) feet between the fence and “green" life
Residents removal of ivy and “green” life from the fence on the resident side
Repair or replace damaged fencing
Routine fence power washing
 
The removal of ivy on the public side and the cutbacks to create space between the fence and “green” life have been completed. As a part of that process, the Board requested residents remove all ivy from their side of the fence and cutback “green” life.
 
Presently, Texas Landscape Group is reporting ivy that has not been removed on the resident’s side of the fence. The Board will provide a “one (1) time” clean-up of the ivy visible on the public side of the fence at no cost to the resident. After the “one (1) time” clean-up process is completed, any additional removal cost on the public side, will be charged back to the resident and addressed within the Association’s deed restriction enforcement process. This protocol will be implemented January 1, 2021.
 
The Deed Restrictions prohibit plants whose existence is unsightly or of a nature that may diminish the enjoyment of the community. Additionally, the documents state that required landscaping maintenance must occur often enough to ensure that the property is maintained to the Community Wide Standard. The Association shall have the power, as provided in the Declaration of Protective Covenants, to impose sanctions for any violation of the Governing Documents.
 The Board again requests residents to remove all ivy from their side of the fence by the end of 2020.  Keep in mind, this request does not pertain to resident owned fencing. If the resident permits the ivy to grow onto the public side of the fencing, the ivy will be removed at the owners expense per the deed restrictions mentioned above.
 
We look forward to your support in maintaining the integrity of the community.  If you would like to discuss this further, please contact one of our customer service representatives at customercare@ciaservices.com or 713-981- 9000.
 
CRRA2 Board of Directors
Good Neigbors - Parking in Cinco II
Posted on October 26, 2020 5:00 PM by Admin
Categories: General
The holiday season will be here soon, and many of us will have friends and family who will be coming to town to visit.  Extra vehicles can cause inconvenient parking situations.  We ask that you please refrain from parking your cars on the streets overnight.  Not only is this an eye-sore, it can become an extreme safety issue.  Emergency vehicles may not be able to pass between two cars parked on a street, or this may cause your neighbors the inability to back out of their driveways safely.  Most importantly, this could put children playing in danger with the risk of getting hit by passing cars as there will be a blind spot.
Please be conscience of parking in your driveway and not “sticking out” onto the street, or blocking the sidewalk. Refrain from parking in front of your neighbors home. If you have multiple vehicles at your residence, you may need to allow additional time to “shuffle” them to allow another household member to leave, or work out a parking plan so that everyone knows when and where to park.
 
Though the Deed Restrictions in Cinco Ranch II do not prohibit street parking unless you are in a gated community, there are many parking situations that can be deemed illegal under Fort Bend County and state laws.  When parking near the corner of a street, you must leave at least 20 feet away from the bumper of your car to the corner; if that corner has a stop sign, the law requires a minimum of 30 feet instead of 20.  When parking near a fire hydrant, you must leave at least 15 feet from the bumper of your car to the hydrant, on either side of the hydrant.  It is also illegal to park in a manner that blocks a driveway or intersection.  Additionally, when parking in a cul-de-sac, cars should be parked parallel to the curb as they normally would on a straight curb; parking with your front or rear bumper to the curb at a cul-de-sac, as if it were a “parking spot,” is also illegal. 
 
Texas Penal Code
Sec. 42.03
Obstructing Highway or Other Passageway
(a) A person commits an offense if, without legal privilege or authority, he intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly:
     (1) obstructs a highway, street, sidewalk, railway, waterway, elevator, aisle, hallway, entrance, or exit to which the public or a substantial group of the public has access, or any other place used for the passage of persons, vehicles, or conveyances, regardless of the means of creating the obstruction and whether the obstruction arises from his acts alone or from his acts and the acts of others; or
     (2) disobeys a reasonable request or order to move issued by a person the actor knows to be or is informed is a peace officer, a fireman, or a person with authority to control the use of the premises:
          (A) to prevent obstruction of a highway or any of those areas mentioned in Subdivision (1); or
          (B) to maintain public safety by dispersing those gathered in dangerous proximity to a fire, riot, or other hazard.
(b) For purposes of this section, “obstruct” means to render impassable or to render passage unreasonably inconvenient or hazardous.
(c) An offense under this section is a Class B misdemeanor.
 
When parking, you should ask yourself, have I created a hazard?  Would an emergency vehicle be able to get to someone’s home? Have I created a blind spot for motorist?  Do you want to be the reason something serious happened to your neighbor or yourself?  We are asking everyone in the neighborhood to think of these different things and protect each other before parking.
My Cinco Ranch Newsletter - Guest Writer
Posted on October 19, 2020 9:00 AM by Admin
Categories: General
Food Network's Halloween Wars features Cinco Ranch II resident
Posted on October 15, 2020 12:00 AM by Admin
Categories: General
Sweet Sensations  - Hemu Basumatary
One of Cinco Ranch II’s very own residents was on the Food Network recently competing in Season 10 of Halloween Wars. Part of the team Mummies Rejects, Hemu Basumatary, was the extremely skilled home baker who went on with her teammates to win! She is no stranger to placing in award shows having come in 2nd place on Season 2 of Wedding Cake Championship in 2019 and earning Uttarakhand Achievers Awards for Cake Artist of the Year in 2019.
Starting her cake journey in 2013 making cakes for friends and family has morphed to 2020 winner on Halloween Wars with no professional training in culinary arts.
Making cakes is her hobby and passion according to her Facebook page!
Her next project? Being a judge of course.
 
Congratulations Hemu!
 
For more on her story visit:
Katy Sip N Stroll benefiting The Ballard House
Posted on October 9, 2020 5:30 PM by Admin
Katy Sip N Stroll benefiting The Ballard House
A Popular Fundraising Signature Event returns in person to Katy Saturday, November 7, 2020 with safety measures in place and a broad selection of wines at a new venue.
 
HOUSTON (October 6, 2020) – Good news for serious wine lovers. Katy Sip & Stroll, the bi-annual and beloved signature event benefiting The Ballard House, is launching the fall event with enhanced and rigorous safety protocols in place.   The Ballard House depends on the funding raised at this popular community event. Fall 2020 marks the 20th edition of Sip N Stroll – a milestone marker. Due to COVID-19, attendance is capped at 35% so tickets are expected to go quickly and are on sale at www.sipandstroll.com.
After successfully producing events in a reservation-based, rotation system event with capped attendance, Food & Vine Time Productions is confident in providing a safe, clean environment for attendees, exhibitors and volunteers.  For more information about safety protocols, view video at this link https://www.sipandstroll.com/
 
For those who are dining out in area restaurants at distanced tables table with servers wearing face coverings and gloves and surroundings sanitized constantly, then they will feel right at home in the new format of Katy Sip N Stroll.
Here’s why they'll feel comfortable…Sip N Stroll has been modified to have people go through the entire experience in their own reservation group – distanced from others they don’t know. It’s the same as eating out at a restaurant. And it’s with the people you choose to surround yourself with in your own group.
Other modifications include:
·         Touch-free, drive through check-in
·         40 experience stations widely spaced with exhibitors wearing face coverings and distanced
·         Rotation system in reserved groups going through the experience stations so each guest will get to experience all the offerings in their safe group
·         Event Monitors to make sure everyone is following safety protocols – and are having fun!
·         Great food offered in single-serve portions
·         Over 100 wine and craft beer offerings
·         Live Music
 
Constance McDerby, Founder & Co-Producer states “Sip N Stroll was created to raise funds for The Ballard House and funding is needed especially now.  We had to find a safe way to move forward to help generate the funding they depend on from Sip N Stroll.” McDerby went on to explain that she and co-founder hubby, Clifton have worked long and hard to keep the 20-event tradition of wine appreciation and celebration through Sip N Stroll.  “We take safety very seriously as evidenced by our 15-page safety protocol manual implemented at all events. Like dining at a restaurant, we know that social distancing and socializing can safely occupy the same space and that attendees will continue to have new wine and culinary discoveries and experiences,” added McDerby.
 
The event has moved to a new venue, The Ark by Norris, next to Geico, behind Amerant Bank at 21402 Merchants Way, Katy, TX 77449.  Newly opened, The Ark, owned and operated by Norris Conference Centers, has the surrounding outdoor areas in addition to the beautifully remodeled event center, allowing ample space for widely separated exhibitor displays. 
The fall Sip N Stroll will feature an auction and wine pull benefiting The Ballard House.  Guests can make a donation to the wine pull and may be the lucky one to get a high-dollar wine for their enjoyment.  Other auction items are available for bidding just in time for holiday gifting.
 
To purchase tickets, sign up to volunteer and for more information, visit www.sipandstroll.com.
 
ABOUT SIP N STROLL AND FOOD & VINE TIME PRODUCTIONS
 
Sip N Stroll will celebrate the 20th edition event in fall 2020.  Food & Vine Time Productions is the region’s leader producer of culinary, wine and craft beer lifestyle and education events.  Starting with Wine & Food Week, produced by Food & Vine Time Productions, which is the first multi-day, multi-faceted, comprehensive destination culinary and wine event in Houston Metro and the first nationally to promote locally sourced and sustainable products.  Wine & Food Week has always been committed to elevating Houston’s culinary scene which it has supported since 2005, showcasing the incredible diversity and culinary talent in Houston. 
 
Owners Clifton and Constance McDerby are dedicated to enhancing the quality of life and health of Houstonians by educating the novice to the aficionado on wines and diverse dining encouraging locally-sourced and sustainable ingredients, an early pioneer in the Eat and Drink Local movement.  Food & Vine Time Productions created another first with the state’s first multi-day craft beer destination and educational event featuring over 300 craft beer selections.  Brewmasters Craft Beer Festival has been named #3 beer event in America by USA Today and #1 in Houston by Houstonia Magazine.  Food & Vine Time Productions also produces Wine Fair Cy-Fair, Zest in the West, BrewMasters Craft Beer Festival, Houston Chronicle Culinary Stars, Tomball’s Freight Train Food Truck Festival, the newly launched Six Foot Social and a myriad of private events for various clients.
 
Since its inception in 2002, Food & Vine Time Productions has assisted in raising well over $2 million dollars for local charities through live and silent auctions and cash donations.
 
ABOUT THE BALLARD HOUSE, THE BENEFICIARY:
A 501c3 organization, Cinco Charities® Inc. was founded in 2006 by a group of Keller Williams Premier Realty agents and has provided “a home away from home” for hundreds of patients and their caregivers since its inception. The organization has continuously extended their commitment to those in need by providing no-cost housing at The Ballard House, meeting the growing needs of patients coming to the Katy/West Houston Medical Center for treatment for life-threatening illnesses.  The patients and their families have traveled to Katy from 27 different states, and 45 Texas cities and rural communities. Although they come from as far away as Poland and Canada for their treatments, The Ballard House is truly “home” to those in need. Dr. Gregory Chronowski, Associate Professor of Radiology Oncology at MD Anderson’s Katy Cancer Center said that “if it were not for Ballard House, a number of my patients would not have been able financially to come for cancer treatment and probably would not have lived."
 
“The Ballard House is a symbol of the warm and welcoming spirit of Katy’s community,” said Kathy Alt, Ballard House Executive Director. “The need for housing assistance has exploded the last couple of years. Now is a critical time to support The Ballard House as we are daily answering the need from West Houston’s growing medical community by providing patients and their families free lodging and other services so they can concentrate on receiving their treatment."
 
The Katy Sip N Stroll, presented by Kroger, is one of Cinco Charities major fundraising events to support the operating costs of The Ballard House. Enthusiastic participation in the auction provides proceeds to directly benefit The Ballard House mission, and is greatly appreciated by attendees.
 
TICKETS: Get your tickets today at www.sipandstroll.com
INFO:  For more information about The Ballard House, visit http://www.theballardhouse.org/
 
2020 Walk to End Alzheimer's Katy Event
Posted on September 8, 2020 5:00 PM by Admin
The world may look a little different right now, but one thing hasn’t changed: our commitment to ending Alzheimer’s. This year, Walk to End Alzheimer’s® is everywhere — on every sidewalk, track and trail.
Your health and safety are top priorities. This year’s event won’t be a large in-person gathering — instead, we invite you to walk in small teams of friends and family while others in your community do the same. Because we are all still walking and fundraising for the same thing: a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia.
 
For more details on how you can participate virtually click here.
 
The Alzheimer’s Association is inviting KATY/WEST HOUSTON residents to join the fight to end Alzheimer’s by participating in the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s® on SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2020. 
 
The KATY/WEST HOUSTON Walk to End Alzheimer’s continues, but instead of hosting a large gathering, the Alzheimer’s Association is encouraging participants to walk as individuals or in small groups on sidewalks, tracks and trails across KATY/WEST HOUSTON.  
 
“This year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s will be everywhere,” said Wendy Vizek, vice president, constituent events at the Alzheimer’s Association. “The pandemic is changing how we walk, but it doesn’t change the need to walk. This year, more than ever, we need to come together to support all those affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementia. With the dollars raised, the Alzheimer’s Association can continue to provide care and support to families during these difficult times while also advancing critical research toward methods of treatment and prevention.”
 
Time-honored components of the Walk to End Alzheimer’s are being replicated. On Walk day, an Opening Ceremony will feature local speakers and a presentation of Promise Flowers to honor the personal reasons participants join together to fight Alzheimer’s and all other dementia, all delivered to participants' smartphones, tablets and computers. A small group of Alzheimer’s Association staff and volunteers will create the iconic Promise Garden in a “view only” format on Walk day at ST. PETER’S UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, 20775 KINGSLAND BLVD, KATY, TX 77450 to honor all those impacted by Alzheimer’s. 
 
To enhance the participant experience leading up to the event and on Walk day, new features are being added to the Walk to End Alzhemer’s mobile app to create an opportunity for the community to connect. Participants can use the app and new “Walk Mainstage'' to track their steps and distance, follow a virtual Walk path, manage their Facebook fundraisers, and access  information and resources from the Association and Walk sponsors to help individuals and families affected by the disease. A new audio track is available to encourage participants along the way and to congratulate them upon completion of their Walk. 
 
“Alzheimer’s is not taking a hiatus during COVID-19 and neither are we,” said Fredy Batres. “We must continue Walk to End Alzheimer’s, and we are working with all participants to ensure they have a powerful and moving experience that is felt when we are together. Many of our constituents are at higher risk when it comes to COVID-19 and we know that our volunteers and participants  appreciate our commitment to keeping all involved  healthy and safe.” 
 
More than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's disease – the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States. Additionally, more than 16 million family members and friends provide care to people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. In TEXAS alone, there are more than 400,000 people living with the disease and 1,449,000 caregivers. 
 
To register and receive the latest updates on this year’s Walk to End Alzheimers, visit: alz.org/walk. 
 
Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s®
The Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research.  Since 1989, the Alzheimer’s Association has mobilized millions of Americans in the Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk®; now the Alzheimer’s Association is continuing to lead the way with Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Together, we can end Alzheimer’s.  
 
Alzheimer's Association®
The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to  Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Its mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Visit alz.org or call 800.272.3900. 
 
 
 
Texas Alzheimer’s Statistics - Facts and Figures - click here
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