FOR THE FOLKS IN THE BACK...

Welcome (again) to the NEW Westchester Newsletter

In an effort to streamline and modernize our communications, we will begin sharing our monthly newsletters via our dynamic website. You'll find all the same information as before, with the added bonus of having access to "everything Westchester" all in one location. We hope you find this format helpful. Please do share with us your thoughts!

CONTACT THE BOARD LAST MONTH BOARD MTG MINUTES

Despite the ongoing tug-of-war between spring and summer, we all know who's going to win in the end. Alas, we are blessed to have a refreshing oasis to which we can retreat when it's sweltering outside - the Westchester Pool and Tennis Club. As has been discussed for the past few years, we are continuing to drive progress for the pool renovations through the Pool Improvement Committee. Be sure to bookmark this link to stay apprised of the latest news related to the project. We are expecting updated renderings of the bathroom remodel any day now and will post those along with detailed information for next steps just as soon as we can. I promise that this board is singularly focused on making the best investment to improve our community and intends to reach out to and inform every resident before attempting any community vote on the matter.

Speaking of summer - mark your calendars for May 27th, when the 2nd Annual Westchester Memorial Day Cookout and Pool Party Fundraiser returns! We're looking for volunteers to show off their BBQ skills by cooking up some meat for sandwiches and plates to help raise funds for the pool and tennis courts. Spread the word and let me know if you’re interested in grilling. The event is open to the entire neighborhood, regardless of Pool & Tennis Club membership; we just ask that you BYOB and maybe a side or dessert to share.

That's not the only fun activity going on around here; we have a number of fantastic events coming up from the Mom's Club, NHE, and the Energy Corridor District. Be sure to read through the entire newsletter to get the complete details.

Finally, I want to thank everyone for the positive feedback we've received about the updated website and newsletter format. We will continue to make this a more robust and helpful source of information, but we need your support to make it work. Please reach out to the advertisements committee to learn how you can get your company featured in the newsletter or on the website.

I look forward to seeing you all at an upcoming HOA meeting, community event, or on regular walks around our great neighborhood! Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any feedback or questions.

Here to serve,

Sy Zaidi

Westchester is a part of the Memorial Super Neighborhood in Houston. Our next Super Neighborhood meeting is Monday, April 22 at the Nottingham Forest Club.

Full-page Newsletter Banner with Rotation; $500. Add $250 for permanent/static placement.

Full-page Newsletter Banner with Rotation; $500. Add $250 for permanent/static placement.

WATER COSTS WHAT?!?

Have you received a notice about increasing water rates? Us, too. Our District G Council Member, Mary Nan Huffman, is actively working with city officials to combat this rapidly rising increase put in place to fund the city's $2 billion consent decree with the federal government to improve our wastewater infrastructure. Stay tuned to what's happening by visiting the District G website.

WHO ROCKS THE HOUSE?

Registration is now open for the Westchester Dolphins swim team! Swimmers should be able to swim the 25 meter length of the pool unassisted. All 6 & Under need to attend evaluation on April 21st or 23rd to determine eligibility.

Important dates to remember:

· May 5th Swimsuit Fitting
· May 7th Practices begin
· May 18 Time Trials
· June 1 Meet #1

GET IT BEFORE ITS GONE!

NHE Spirit Wear is back! Show your school spirit while also supporting the PTA and its many charitable endeavors, like funding some of our specialty staff salaries, programs like Special Buddies, field trips, technology, athletics equipment, and art materials. Act quickly, because these fresh threads are sure to sell out!

SPRING MELODIES

Enjoy food trucks, artisan vendors, and kids activities while listening to the beautiful music from ECHOrchestra in Ray Miller Park on Eldridge just south of Briar Forest on Saturday, April 13, 2024.

POOL & TENNIS REGISTRATION

Annual registration is underway! Applications and payment will be handled fully online this year. Early bird rates ($325 residents/$400 non-residents) are available through May 31. Hope to see you this summer!

IMMERSE YOURSELF

The SFMS Multicultural Festival has been updated this year to allow students to use their phones to document their visits to a variety of locales, alongside the traditional paper passport version. Students will still receive a free dress pass, but will also have a chance to win many prizes, gift cards and other fun experiences.

IF CARDS & DICE HAD A BABY...

Learn how to play one of the most popular community-building games of all time, Mah-Jong! Jaqueline & Jennifer will walk 5 tables of 4 through the addictive game, no experience needed! Reserve your spot by emailing Kelly Nolan.

CONSTRUCTION UPDATE

The roadways in neighboring communities are finally getting some love. Construction is scheduled from March 18 to September 9 of this year. Remember to stay flexible and patient when visiting or picking up friends in these areas north of Memorial.

WHERE ART MEETS EARTH

Celebrate our planet while enjoying numerous festivities with your Energy Corridor neighbors. Catch the Recycled Fashion Show featuring outfits made from recycled materials by local students, drop-off junk electronics at the Digital Recycling Station, and more!

SIP & SAVE

Join Mom's Club for a fun evening of shopping, sipping, and socializing at Get Personal on April 24th in the shopping center at Memorial & Kirkwood. Save 20% on all purchases made between 6-8 PM.

IT'S PROP TAX TIME!

Harris County Outreach Department is now offering Virtual Property Tax Workshops for aspiring and current homeowners who may qualify for additional exemptions.

Topics covered include:

· Calculating property taxes
· Money-saving exemptions
· How to pay property taxes
· Payment Plan options

GOING GREEN TO EARN GREEN

Spring cleaning? Sign up for a spot at this fun Trunk Sale at NHE to support the circular economy! Contact Jill Kleijne for information on how your tots can sell their pre-loved toys and children's items at the NHE parking lot.

Bloom Where You are Planted

Warm-season annuals can be planted as they become available. For sunny areas: moss rose, vinca, pentas, hybrid purslane, fan flower, angelonia, Dahlberg daisies, cleome, and marigolds, etc. for flowers, and sun-tolerant coleus, sun-tolerant caladiums, copper plant, ornamental sweet potato, and alternantheras for foliage. For shady areas: impatiens, wax begonias, and nicotianas, etc. for flowers and caladiums and coleus for foliage.

If desired prune spring blooming shrubs and trees such as quince, bridal wreath, weigela, deutzia and others after they bloom. Azaleas can be pruned up through June without sacrificing blooms for next year, but after June they begin to set their buds for next spring.

When pruning trees to remove low-hanging, dead, and damaged branches, avoid trimming oaks from spring through mid-July to minimize the likelihood of oak wilt fungus. Consider applying a layer of mulch to your beds which will help preserve moisture in the soil, slow the development of weeds, enrich the soil as it breaks down, and enhance the appearance of your yard.

Check that the different stations on your irrigation system are working correctly before it gets hot. Apply liquid or granular, all-nitrogen or high-nitrogen, fertilizer as desired to blooming flowers, etc. following label instructions.

These tips are drawn from Lone Star Gardening by Neil Sperry and The River Oaks Garden Club’s A Garden Book for Houston and the Texas Gulf Coast, 5th edition. The latter book advocates organic gardening practices but has a wealth of information specific to our area that is useful to all.

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FIT & FUN-DRAISER

Come cheer your favorite athletes on at the 3rd Annual NHE Sprint Triathalon on May 19, 2024 at the WOC Pool & Tennis Club. Contact our very own HOA Board member, John Henderson for more info on this NHE Fundraiser. Shotgun start at 7 AM!

CONGRATS TO THE GRADS!

Congratulations to all of the graduates of 2024, be it from Kindergarten, 5th Grade, 8th Grade, or High School! Official ceremonies for Stratford High School graduation will be held Saturday, May 25th at 10 AM at the Don Coleman Coliseum. Please remember, no flowers, gifts, food/drink, signs, balloons, or noisemakers allowed.

PITMASTER CHALLENGE #2

The Memorial Day Cookoff and Pool Party fundraiser makes its return this year! Save the date for a great afternoon with neighbors and tasty barbecue. Contact Sy to sign up as a competitor and show the 'hood your pit-master skills.

We appreciate your attention

Reach out to us with pertinent neighborhood and surrounding community news and updates, recommendations for families to feature in upcoming issue, and any advertising needs you may have. We reach just under 500 readers a month!

Your 2024 Westchester Owner's Committee Board Trustees:

Letter from the Board	Neighborhood News	Yard of the Month
Bloom Where You Are Planted	SBISD Calendar	Board Contacts

Welcome (again) to the NEW Westchester Newsletter

Next HOA Meeting: Tues April 16, 2024 from 6-7 PM in St. John Vianney Room E-9

In this issue

Bloom Where You are Planted

Yard of the Month

Sponsored by: Keller Williams Realty - Memorial

We appreciate your attention