What's Going On
Amenities Card Key Update
Posted on February 23, 2021 5:25 PM by Admin
Greetings,
 
We hope you are all recovering from the winter storm. Due to winter storm Uri, power was lost to the card key data base. This has caused some issues with residents being unable to enter Association amenities. We are asking residents that encounter access issues to email the HOA Assistant with your name, address, card key number, and phone number.
 
Respectfully,
C.I.A. Services Inc.
Winter Weather Update - Ashfield Gardens & Tennis Court Restrooms
Posted on February 23, 2021 9:26 AM by Admin
2/21/2021 Due to damaged sustained from Winter Storm Uri, the Ashfield Gardens clubhouse and fitness center will be closed until further notice.
 
2/23/2021 Restrooms at the tennis courts and Pine Hills Park will be closed until further notice.
Winter Weather Alert
Posted on February 12, 2021 6:36 PM by Admin
Winter Weather Alert
 
With the Arctic Blast affecting the Cinco Ranch II community over the next few days, we wanted to let you know the weatherization plans for the area. The following facilities and features will either be closed, turned on or turned off depending on their severe weather plan.  
  • Pool water slides and features will be on
  • The water feature at lake on Hannah Meadows will be off
  • Other lake fountains will be on
  • Pine Hills Park restroom will be closed with no amenity card access
  • Ashfield Gardens facility gym will be closed with no amenity card access 
  • Restrooms at tennis courts will be closed with no amenity card access 
 Once the severe weather has passed and it has been determined safe, all facilities and features will resume normal operations.
 
Respectfully,
C.I.A. Services, Inc
Communication Tips: Keep your cool
Posted on January 29, 2021 9:00 AM by Admin
Categories: General
When faced with a high-stress situation, one that even feels threatening, it can feel like we don’t have control over our response. Research has shown that our bodies can instinctively go into a “fight-or-flight” reaction. As a leader, the more effectively you can self-regulate these reactions the better you can lead and help others. Recent research in the field of neuroscience offers insights into this process of self-regulation and how you can move from the fight-or-flight response to a higher state of openness that invites collaboration, creativity, and thriving.
 
Step 1– Understanding: The first step is knowing the biology behind these reactions and accepting that being at level one, two, or three is normal. Knowing where you are on the hierarchy gives you choice and the power to shift.
Step 2– Awareness: When you feel challenged, notice the physical and emotional cues that signal you’re experiencing anxiety. Do you feel a knot in your stomach? Or your heart racing? See these as signs of where you are in your reaction: likely level two.
Step 3 – Recall: Bring to mind previous experiences where you’ve successfully moved through uncertainty in the past. You might even write down what you did to navigate a difficult situation and use your own success to give yourself hope that you can get through this one too.
Step 4 – Intention: With hope in mind, let go of the need to serve your ego by clarifying your highest purpose. Focusing on your intention will release oxytocin and help you shift to level three.
Step 5 – Trust the process: When you’re at level three, it’s much easier to explore and develop ideas with the other person. The interaction is an emergent learning process — it will be challenging, but as long as you stay connected and don’t move back to level one or two, you can get through it together. In fact, you can become skilled at making others safe and keep inviting them back into mutually beneficial conversations.
 
To read the entire article from Harvard Business Review please click here.
Communicating Openly with Your Neighbors
Posted on January 22, 2021 9:00 AM by Admin
Categories: General
Getting along well with your neighbors makes your community a happier and safer place to live. The key to being a good neighbor is clear and consistent communication. Introduce yourself to your neighbors and then stay in contact over time. Be courteous on noise levels and keep your yard well-maintained. If you want to go above and beyond, you could even participate in a neighborhood association or watch.
 
Introduce yourself. If you’ve recently moved in, go over to your neighbors and say “hello.” If you’ve lived in an area for a while, then take the initiative and reach out to new arrivals yourself. As part of welcoming someone to the area, feel free to offer them a small moving in gift. A welcoming gift can be anything from a friendly card to a basket filled with local foods or produce.
 
For a more informal approach, say hi to your neighbors when they (or you) are outside walking their dog or working on their lawn.
When you first meet your neighbor you might say, “Hi! I’m Fred Thompson. I live 2 doors down from you and just wanted to come over and welcome you to the neighborhood.”
 
You can also give you neighbor any friendly local tips, such as what time the garbage or mailman stops by.
 
What can I do when there is a problem?
 
Stay calm when talking with your neighbor. If your neighbor comes to you with a concern or problem, it’s important to respond calmly and rationally. If you start to get frustrated, take a few deep breaths before answering. You can also ask to postpone the conversation until you have a bit of time to think.
 
For example, to give yourself a few days to think everything over, you might say, “I understand where you are coming from, but I need to consider how to fix it on my end. Can we talk about this over the weekend again?”
 
Deal with any problems face to face. If you have any issue that involves your neighbor, it’s important to act fast. Go to them directly and tell them what is going on. Ask for their help in finding a solution that will work for both of you. Giving your neighbor a chance to come up with a solution is better than immediately reaching out to local authorities.
 
This doesn’t necessarily apply if you feel as if the safety of you, your family, or the neighborhood is at stake. In those situations, you might want to reach out to local officials for assistance.
 
Avoid gossiping about any issues with your neighbor to other neighbors or people in the community. This only creates additional problems.
 
Feed The Hunger - Katy has provided 1 million meals to families in need in 2020
Posted on January 15, 2021 9:00 AM by Admin
Categories: General
On Thursday December 10, 2020 Feed The Hunger Katy reached a milestone by packing 1 Million Meals in 2020.   
 
Feed the Hunger is a Christian mission organization that helps people in spiritual and physical need.  Headquartered in North Carolina, Feed the Hunger equips their members to feed spiritual hunger with tools like Bibles, bicycles, and micro-enterprise projects. Physical hunger is met through the provision of nutritious food, clean water, and emergency aid and relief. We seek to meet these needs in three target audiences:
 
(1) at-risk children in America and overseas,
(2) those in crisis situations, such as refugees and victims of natural disasters, and
(3) ethnic groups that are just beginning to be reached with the message of Jesus.
 
Regina Alexander- Packathon Coordinator, along with a team of dedicated volunteers and committee members here in Katy, TX that made it their goal to pack 1 Million Meals in 2020.  The meals they have packed have not only been shipped all over the globe, but have made a huge impact right here locally in the Katy community.  By providing meals to other nonprofits in the area including Katy Christian Ministries, Hope Impacts, Compassion Katy, Attack Poverty, Eyes on Me, and Children Like Loni, they have been able to bless thousands of needy families with healthy meals and spiritual needs.
They are not stopping there. 
 
They have another Social Distance packathon coming up Feb 25 – 28, 2021 where they hope to pack upwards of 600,000 more meals. Feed the Hunger is allowing families to come together to participate in a “Mission Trip” in your own backyard.
 
“Hunger has no ears,” so people have a difficult time hearing the Gospel when they are hungry. A Packathon is a two-hour, hands-on service opportunity for anyone ages 5 to 105. It is a truly rewarding event and will bring people together in a way your community may have never seen before.
If you’d like to be a part of what God is doing right here in your backyard of Katy, TX please visit https://www.feedthehunger.org/katy/.  
Sidewalk Safety
Posted on January 14, 2021 7:00 PM by Admin
Categories: General
Everyone has different preferences when it comes to transportation, but at one time or another everyone is a pedestrian. Whether you’re a concerned resident, a parent or a caregiver, you want to do everything you can to make sure you, your loved ones and your neighbors can enjoy walking safely in your community.
 
Here are some sidewalk safety tips you can implement:
 
As a homeowner:
  • Trash or trash cans should not be placed on the sidewalk as that would create a potential hazard for pedestrians, bicyclists, or runners.
  • Keep pets on a leash while outdoors or in a secure fenced area.
As a pedestrian:
  • Be visible at all times. Wear bright clothing during the day, and wear reflective materials or use a flashlight at night.
  • Watch for cars entering or exiting driveways, or backing up in parking lots.
  • Be alert. Walkers wearing headphones or using a cell phone might not hear a car horn.
  • Be aware of others who may be distracted and speak up when you see someone who is in danger.
7 steps to tidying up your digital life
Posted on January 8, 2021 9:00 AM by Admin
Categories: General
Think of it like data minimalism, a Marie Kondo–style approach to data and security
  1. Delete all the accounts you don't use
  2. Delete Apps you don't use off your phone
  3. Audit 3rd Party Access
  4. Delete software you don't use on your computer
  5. Remove browser extensions you do not use
  6. Remove yourself from public records sites
  7. Reset and recycle devices you don't use
 
The full article, which has details on how to do each step, can be located at NY Times.
Fireworks reminder
Posted on January 1, 2021 12:00 AM by Admin
FIREWORKS
Remember when we would pack up as a family and go watch fireworks displays all over the city? We could pick from several venues. The reason we packed up to go watch fireworks is simple – it was something for the professionals and the trained. Now, you can find the same fireworks they were shooting off at local roadside tents. We were only allowed the sparklers. We have all heard stories of someone shooting off a bottle rocket and hitting a neighbor’s roof. The entire house could burn to the ground and the person (or parents of that person) is held responsible.
If we stop and think about it, there’s some real logic in letting the professionals handle fireworks. They do contain dynamite. They do not always go in the direction that you would like them to go. Even the experts always have fire trucks waiting on the sidelines. The other thing you may have noticed over the years is they never hold the fireworks. There’s always some kind of stand with a long fuse attached. The person lighting the fuse is always several yards away from the stands holding the fireworks.
It’s not as if those of us living in Cinco Ranch would discharge fireworks, we all know better. Maybe the experts have it right. We go to them, they give us a great show, we don’t get in any trouble, we don’t hurt anyone or ourselves, and we have a wonderful time. What a great way to spend a holiday! The whole point in holidays is supposed to be time with the family and celebration.
If you suspect someone of being unsafe with their fireworks please call the non-emergency sheriff's number at 281-341-4665.
 
Is it illegal to shoot off fireworks in Fort Bend County?
According to Texas law, fireworks are approved for use in unincorporated Fort Bend County except: within 600 feet of any church, hospital, asylum, licensed child-care center, or public or private school or college; within 100 feet of a place where flammable liquids or flammable compressed gasses are stored and dispensed; within 100 feet of a place where fireworks are stored or sold; in, at or from a motor vehicle; and inside any building.
Bicycle Safety - What every parent and child should know
Posted on December 26, 2020 9:30 AM by Admin
Categories: General
Bicycle safety includes choosing the right bicycle and teaching your child safety rules to prevent injury. Bicycling is a common means of transportation as well as an increasingly popular source of recreation, exercise, and sport. With more than 100 million bicycle owners, the popularity of bicycling has reached an all-time high.
Along with increased use of bicycles comes the risk of significant injuries. According to national statistics, more than 1.8 billion bicycle outings occur each year, resulting in nearly a half-million visits to emergency departments. Injuries related to bicycling range from common abrasions, cuts, bruises, broken bones, internal injuries, head trauma, and even death.
More than 900 bicyclists die annually, and 20,000 are admitted to hospitals. From a statistical standpoint, bicycle riding has a higher death rate per trip or per mile of travel than being a passenger in an automobile. The majority of bicycle deaths are caused by head injuries.
 
Here are a few tips for parents to impart on their children:
 
  • Wear a properly fitted helmet.
  • Check brakes and tires.
  • Wear light colors to make it easier for drivers to see you.
  • Stay alert.
  • Put away electronic devices.
  • Pay attention to lane markers.
  • Don't ride between vehicles.
  • Cross at intersections.
  • Make eye contact with drivers before crossing.
  • Never attempt to cross a multi-lane highway.
  • You have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers.
  • Stop at red lights and stop signs.
  • Ride in a bicycle lane if present, traveling in the same direction as traffic.
  • If a bicycle lane is not present, ride as close to the right side of the road as possible.
  • Use a light on the front and a red reflector or light on the back of your bike at night.
  • For a left turn, stretch your left arm to the left.
  • For a right turn, stretch your right arm to the right.
  • For a stop, hold your left elbow out, arm downward, with palm facing behind you.
 
Bicycle Safety - What every parent should know PDF click here.
« previous 1 2 ... 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 ... 16 17 next »
Archives