LAUREL CREEK December 2016
Official Newsletter of the Residents of Laurel Creek
LAUREL CREEK
Volume 3, Issue 12
Halloween Party at Laurel Creek The Laurel Creek residents celebrated Halloween on Sunday, October 23, 2016. HEB (on Jones and West Road) and the Kroger (on West at Sam Houston Tollway) graciously provided free food and beverages.
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Laurel Creek Residents: What would you like to see in future newsletters? Send your ideas to:
[email protected] Thank you, Gail Killough
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LAUREL CREEK COMMUNITY CONTACTS BOARD OF DIRECTORS Ann Murphree......................................................... President Nathan Overstreet............................................ Vice President Heather Flynn Mace................................................. Secretary Greg Magness........................................................... Treasurer Valerie Phelps............................................................ Director
NEWSLETTER INFO NEWSLETTER PUBLISHER Peel, Inc............................888.687.6444, www.PEELinc.com Advertising....................................
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IMPORTANT NUMBERS Crest Management.................... www.crest-management.com .........................................................................281.579.0761 Association Manager Jennifer
[email protected] Assistant Manager Victoria
[email protected] .........................................................................281.945.4623 Call Before You Dig ...................................................................1.800.344.8377 Street Light Outage www.centerpointenergy.com (Have light number) ......................................................................713.207.2222 Texas Department of Public Safety Crime Service ............................................. http://records.txdps.state.tx.us Police Information
Winter
Hoiday Celebration at Laurel Creek
We invite all residents to join us at the Gazebo on December 11, 2016, between 4:00-6:30 p.m. for our winter holiday celebration. This year we will have hayrides, a cookie decorating station, and a Christmas parade. Neighbors are encouraged to decorate their bikes, wagons and golf carts or anything on wheels for a parade. Prizes will be awarded for the best decorations. Santa is expected to arrive at 4:00 p.m. and stay for an hour. Come early to give him your Christmas list.
If you witness a crime or suspicious activity call Pct. 4 Constable
......................................................... 281.376.3472 or 911 Police Emergency..............................................................911 Constable's Office Precinct 4.............................281.376.3472 ......................... Laurel Creek has a contract for faster response Cy Fair Volunteer Dept. (Ambulance) ........................................ (Non-emergency) 713.466.6151 Harris County Alarm (Permit) ..................................................................... 713-755-4660 TOPS (Water Issues) ......................................................................281.807.9500 Poison Center ...................................................................1.800.222.1222
Please remember: We do not live in the City of Houston but in Harris County. Inform the emergency operator of this to assure a more prompt response.
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Down the Drain
Washing your car may seem like a great way to beat the heat this summer while accomplishing something constructive on your to-do list. But you might want to think twice about the environmental impact before you park your car in the driveway and pull out your bucket, hose and old towels. Even if you use a biodegradable cleaner, the soapy water that runs off your car when you hose it down not only contains detergent, but residue from automobile fluids like oil, gasoline and antifreeze. Each time you rinse your car, the contaminated water flows untreated directly into the stormwater system and eventually makes its way into streams and rivers. And, as the water runs out of your driveway and down the street toward the storm sewer, it also picks up other toxic
LAUREL CREEK
substances, like fertilizers, petroleum deposits and surface paint from the pavement. Parking your car on a grassy area while you wash it may help some, but the toxins will end up in the groundwater eventually. As an alternative, consider using a commercial carwash facility. Whether a conveyor type, self-service, in-bay automatic or custom hand-wash business, these establishments are required by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to capture and route their wastewater to a treatment facility before the water can be discharged into the sanitary sewer. Toxic residues aren’t the only reason to take your car to a commercial car wash. Rinsing your car at home with a garden hose can use as much as 10 to 15 gallons of water per minute, while professional car wash facilities can limit the water flow to as little as three to five gallons per minute. If you spend an hour in your driveway washing your car, you may have sent as much as 150 gallons of contaminated water directly down the drain. This is especially important in long summer dry spells. So help the environment and save time this summer: leave car washing to the professionals.
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LAUREL CREEK
IPM is short for Integrated Pest Management and is the blending of effective, economical and environmentally sound pest control methods into a single flexible approach to manage pests. When utilizing IPM, we hope that you can avoid or reduce pest problems. Here are some things to reduce the number of pests in your home: • Reduce food or water resources for insects: • Encourage family to eat in one location. This makes it easier to clean since spills and crumbs are not spread around the house. • Clean up any spilled food or drink as soon as possible. • Sweep & vacuum regularly. This helps to remove food crumbs, pet hair and other things that insects may feed upon. • Do not leave dirty dishes in the sink overnight. Even small bits of food can be a meal for insects. • Do not leave pet food out overnight. Again, can be a free meal for insects. • Remove old newspapers, magazines and books that are unused Silverfish love to feed on these types of items. • Repair plumbing leaks to get rid of water sources required byinsects. • Use a plastic bag to line garbage cans to make garbage easier to remove. • Remove garbage on a weekly basis, possibly more during warmer times of the year. • Reduce areas where insects may live: • Clean drains with a stiff brush & then flush with boiling water. There are small flies that can grow in the slime layer of drain pipes. The stiff brush will loosen the slime and the boiling water will flush it away. • Remove tree stumps and any dead branches in the yard to avoid carpenter or acrobat ant populations living in these areas. • Remove debris (firewood, bricks, stones, etc.) away from the home. These areas can be inhabited by a variety of arthropods including spiders, scorpions and cockroaches. • Clean closets on a quarterly basis to reduce the chance of spiders moving in. • Reduce moving insects into the house: • Inspect all items for pests before bringing them into the house. Insect pests can be brought into the home with such items as potted plants, boxes full of things inherited from a family member, on used clothing of furniture, among other things. • Prune tree limbs that touch or overhang the home & prune back and shrubs that touch the home. When shrubs or trees touch or overhang the home, they can be used as bridges for insects to get onto the home and then move inside. 4
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• Seal entry points on the outside of the home with sealant, expanding foam or copper mesh screening. Pipe penetrations, weep hole or cracks can allow insects, spider or other animals move into the home. • Store food in sealed plastic or glass containers to keep pantry pests out. • Keep screens, weather stripping and door thresh holds in good repair. Many insect pests are very small, so even a small tear in a screen or crack under a door can allow them to come inside. • Use yellow bulbs in outside lights to reduce the number of insects coming near doorways. For more information or help with identification, contact Wizzie Brown, Texas AgriLife Extension Service Program Specialist at 512.854.9600. Check out my blog at www.urban-ipm.blogspot.com The information given herein is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names is made with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service or the Texas A&M AgriLife Research is implied. The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service provides equal access in its programs, activities, education and employment, without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation or gender identity.
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LAUREL CREEK CROSSWORD PUZZLE Crossword Puzzle
ACROSS ACROSS 1. Charge 1. Dawdle 5.4.Syrian bishop Permanant 9.10. Against Brew 10. 11.Landing Brand of adhesive strip 11. 12.Leaves Charged particle 12. boxcar 13.Boom A Nissan 13. 14.Allure Parallelograms 15. 16.African Male catantelope 17.Polite France & Germany river 16. 18.Leafy Fathergreen 18. 20.Marry Strontium (abbr.) 21. 22. Animal oil 22. Esophagus 26. Part of a 26. Woken min. 29. Saudi __ 28. Goad 31. Singer Bing 29. Type of tooth 33. No. eggs in a package 30. Refer 34. One-celled water animal 31. stress 35.Posttraumatic Southwestern Indian disorder 36. Raving 32. 37.Sieve Hallucinogen
ACROSS 1. Dawdle 4. Permanant 10. Brew 11. Brand of adhesive strip 12. Charged particle 13. A Nissan car 14. Parallelograms 16. Male cat 17. France & Germany river 18. Father 20. Strontium (abbr.) 22. Animal oil 26. Part of a min. 29. Saudi __ 31. Singer Bing 33. No. eggs in a package 34. One-celled water animal 35. Southwestern Indian 36. Raving 37. Hallucinogen
DOWN 1. Dens 2. Hawaiian 'hello' 3. City 4. Replace a striker 5. Spring flower 6. Music 7. Lure 8. Type of car 9. Cheese 15. Married woman 19. Wing 21. Jewish religious leader 23. BB player Kareem __ Jabar 24. Public disorder 25. Groggy 26. Blemish 27. Writer Bombeck 28. Racoon's nickname 30. Baseball's Nolan 32. Scene
DOWN DOWN 1. Nativity scene piece 1. Dens 2.2.Competition at the Greek Hawaiian 'hello' games 3. City 3.4.Capital the Ukraine Replaceofa striker 4.5.Symbol Spring flower 5.6.Expression of surprise Music 6.7.Emblem Lure Type ofjuice car 7.8.Pickle 8.9.ACheese ball out of bounds (2 wds.) 15.Twist Married woman 10. violently 19.Ripper Wing 14. 21.Strums Jewish religious leader 17. 23. BB player Kareem __ Jabar 18. Slough 24. Public disorder 19. Ross ___, philanthropist 25. Groggy 20. Gods 26. Blemish 23. Brand of sandwich cookie 27. Writer Bombeck 24. 28.Seaweed Racoon's substance nickname 25. Cabana 30. Baseball's Nolan 27. 32.Blue Scene
View answers online at www.peelinc.com
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© 2007. Feature Exchange
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Laurel Creek - December 2016
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LAUREL CREEK
TENNIS TIPS By USPTA/PTR Master Professional Polo Tennis and Fitness Club
How to execute The One-Handed High Backhand Volley Approach Shot
In previous newsletters, I offered tips on how to hit a forehand groundstroke, a two-handed backhand, one-handed backhand, forehand volley, the two-handed backhand volley, the serve, the forehand half-volley, the one-handed backhand volley, the overhead “smash”, the forehand service return, the backhand service return, the forehand high volley approach shot, and the two-handed high volley approach shot. In this issue, I will offer you instructions on how to execute the one-handed backhand high approach shot. This shot is used when a player is caught in "no-person's land" (around the service line area) and receives a high ball to volley. The important part of this shot is to be able to hit a deep volley at the feet of the opponents and/or to hit a deep volley close to the baseline, so the opponent is put into a defensive mode. This will cause the player to hit a softer ball so the player can now move closer to the net for the "killer or placement volley". In the illustrations, Sondra Thornton, a player at the Polo Tennis and Fitness Club, shows the proper technique to execute this stroke.
take the racket slightly back. Notice that the left hand is still on the throat of the racket. She has loaded her weight onto her left foot and will be ready to step forward to meet the ball. She will make a slight change toward the continental grip on the right hand.
Step 1: The Ready Position and Split Step: When Sondra realizes that she is caught in "no-person's land", she takes the split step by bending of the knees and staying on her toes. Her racket is in the volley position and her feet are angled toward the path of the incoming ball. Notice that the left hand is on the throat of the racket.
Step 5: The Move for the Kill Volley: As the ball is headed toward the opponent and Sondra realizes that her shot is deep, she now moves closer to the net for the put away volley. If her shot was not deep, Sondra will decide to stay close to the service line to protect the lob over her head. By the look in her eyes and her smile, she just did a "kill volley".
Step 2: The Back Swing: Once Sondra realizes that the ball has been directed to her backhand, she will turn her upper body and will 6
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Step 3: The Point of Contact: Sondra is now ready to step into the ball. She has kept her eye on the ball and her center of gravity now is shifted toward the point of contact. Notice the right toe pointing to the ball meeting the racket. The face of the racket is open to allow her to hit behind the ball and allow maximum net height and allow her to hit the ball deep. The control of the ball will be made with the right hand, which is holding the racket tighter. The right hand will keep the face of the racket at a 45-degree angle at the point of contact. Step 4: The Follow Through: Once Sondra has contacted the ball, she finishes the follow through with her right wrist laid back and leading the stroke with her right knuckles. Her left arm is pulling back for better body balance and her eyes are still watching the racket where she contacted the ball.
Look in the next Newsletter for: How to execute “The Lob” Copyright © 2016 Peel, Inc.
LAUREL CREEK Hitting the slopes this ski season? Keep in mind these tips to preventing injuries on the slopes. As a former US Olympic Men’s Ski Team physician and orthopedist, every year during the winter months I treat many ski & snowboard injuries in Austin recreational athletes of all ages and abilities. For 15 years, as a traveling doctor for the team, I accompanied the athletes throughout the US, Canada and Europe on the World Cup tour and was responsible for the triage, stabilization, and treatment of injuries in these world-class skiers. One of the most frequent questions I get this time of year from my patients who ski is “How can I avoid hurting myself on the ski slopes?” So what do I tell recreational skiers about staying healthy on the hill? First and foremost, adjust to the altitude in your first few days. While there are medications that will improve your blood oxygen, they require a prescription and can have side effects. Perhaps the easiest to take along are low-dose aspirin or ginko biloba, as both are safe (unless allergic) and easy to take. Low-level exercise and lots of water (especially during the first night) are also key, as is abstinence from alcohol during the first 24 hours at altitude. Early trip moderation equals a better mountain experience! Modern skis, boots, and bindings are universally safe now, unlike in decades past. Multi-release bindings help you come out of your skis safely in a fall and with less stress on your knees, the most commonly injured joint in a skier. Make sure they are set correctly. Speaking of knees, in most solid, intermediate skiers, unlike beginners (learning to stop) and racers (ACL injury from shear forces), serious knee injuries are actually quite rare. The best way to protect yourself from ski injury is: • Get in good “ski-shape” 6 weeks of strength and some aerobic training will suffice • Ski within your limits • Stay relaxed, focused & well hydrated • Watch out for that last, fatigued run of the afternoon • If you fall, fall forward and throw your hands in front of you it’s proven that less knee and shoulder injuries occur in the forward lean of a fall. • And always, always, wear a helmet! Before you ski, take time to take stock of your physical condition, especially your knee, shoulder and hip joints. Pre-trip aches and pains will not make for an enjoyable ski trip! Written by Kelly Cunningham, MD Orthopedic Specialist and Founder, Austin OrthoBiologics Sports Medicine Clinic Austin resident Kelly Cunningham, MD is board certified by the American College of Orthopedic Surgeons, and an active member of the Arthroscopy Association of North America and the International Cartilage Repair Society. Copyright © 2016 Peel, Inc.
At no time will any source be allowed to use Laurel Creek's contents, or loan said contents, to others in anyway, shape or form, nor in any media, website, print, film, e-mail, electrostatic copy, fax, or etc. for the purpose of solicitation, commercial use, or any use for profit, political campaigns, or other self amplification, under penalty of law without written or expressed permission from Peel, Inc. The information in Laurel Creek is exclusively for the private use of the Laurel Creek HOA and Peel, Inc. DISCLAIMER: Articles and ads in this newsletter express the opinions of their authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Peel, Inc. or its employees. Peel, Inc. is not responsible for the accuracy of any facts stated in articles submitted by others. The publisher also assumes no responsibility for the advertising content with this publication. All warranties and representations made in the advertising content are solely that of the advertiser and any such claims regarding its content should be taken up with the advertiser. * The publisher assumes no liability with regard to its advertisers for misprints or failure to place advertising in this publication except for the actual cost of such advertising. * Although every effort is taken to avoid mistakes and/or misprints, the publisher assumes no responsibility for any errors of information or typographical mistakes, except as limited to the cost of advertising as stated above or in the case of misinformation, a printed retraction/correction. * Under no circumstances shall the publisher be held liable for incidental or consequential damages, inconvenience, loss of business or services, or any other liabilities from failure to publish, or from failure to publish in a timely manner, except as limited to liabilities stated above.
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