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News ArchivePosted April 9, 2009
"WHAT IS APRIL ALLEY CLEAN-UP?" Now in its third year, NHHA's "April Alley Clean-Up" is the spring event during which Northwood Hills residents spiff up their back alleys. Rain is expected and it's Easter/Passover weekend, so alley clean-up projects are starting Thursday, April 9. As of Thursday morning, it's OK to begin stacking bulk trash on the front curb for collection next week.
"WHY DO WE HAVE APRIL ALLEY CLEAN-UP?" Front yards typically get all the attention, but each homeowner is responsible for maintaining the area from the back property line to the center of the alley. Bushes must be trimmed back so the right-of-way is clear and any trees that overhang the alley must be trimmed up 15 feet.
Messy alleys send the message that homeowners don't care and aren't paying attention... and that's exactly what criminals want. Trash, debris and stacked bags also harbor non-human pests -- rodents, roaches and mosquitoes. However, clean alleys improve property values, deter criminal activity and enhance safety.
"HOW CAN I PARTICIPATE?" Clean-up and security ideas are listed below. The most common alley complaint is bushes and limbs that have grown out into the right of way and scratch cars... so check for those. If you have bags of leaves or debris that have been sitting out back, haul them around to the front curb for pick-up on Monday.
If you have an Alley Clean-Up project, we'll come take a picture for the NHHA newsletter... email it to OR send your Alley Clean-Up Before and After pictures to our .
Clean-Up Ideas:
- Grab a rake, broom and bag... spiff up your back fenceline and haul bags to front curb for collection.
- Trim bushes, limbs and vines that can scratch cars OR provide hiding places for criminals.
- Do you know a neighbor or senior who could use some help? Be a good neighbor and ask them.
- Plant some flowers along your fence or alley... you'll enjoy them every time you come and go.
- Install alley security lights. Check alley or driveway security lights. Motion sensors working? Batteries fresh/charging properly? Bulbs intact and secure?
- Add your address to your back fence or gate to assist police and our security patrol.
- Do you know the family behind you? Your alley neighbor is your ally in helping reduce alley crime.
- Consider keeping your garbage and recycle bins inside your yard/garage or up near the house. They have been used to gain access over back fences.
February 2009
NHHA Recaps 2008 and Shares Plans for '09 at "We Love Northwood Hills" Annual MeetingPosted February 11, 2009
Nearly 100 Northwood Hills residents braved the threat of storms and gathered Tuesday evening for the NHHA Annual Meeting. Attendees heard from City Council representative Linda Koop, and NHHA Board members provided updates on crime and security, membership and communications and the second phase of the median renovation project. Treasurer Bob Nance gave a recap of the financials from a very successful 2008 and the membership approved the proposed 2009 budget. Guymon Phillips was recognized for four years of Board service.
Thanks everyone for your questions, comments and suggestions... we're on track for a great year in Northwood Hills.
Membership Has Its Benefits... Join or Renew Today
Have you joined the hundreds of Northwood Hills residents who are NHHA members? If you're a previous member, have you paid your 2009 dues? Better hurry... now is the time to join our voluntary homeowners association and receive a full year of benefits. If you're a current member, you must pay your dues by March in order to continue to receive access to the security patrol and MemberMail.
How much is membership? Less than a dollar a day. Our annual membership dues are $300.
Pay by check or try our new online payment service... more than a hundred people have used it so far and it takes less than two minutes!
WHETHER YOU'RE A BRAND NEW MEMBER OR AN OLD FRIEND RENEWING YOUR MEMBERSHIP... WE NEED YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION! REMEMBER TO ALSO FILL OUT THE AUTOMATED MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION FORM... CLICK HERE.
If you have questions about membership and/or benefits, email or .
NHHA Annual Meeting... February 10
Updated February 10, 2009
In case of severe weather we will update the recorded message on the NHHA NeighborLine at 5 p.m. and again at 6 p.m. - 972-480-5249.
All Northwood Hills residents are welcome to attend NHHA's Annual Meeting on Tuesday, February 10, 2009 at Northwood Hills Elementary School.
Meet & Greet – 6:30 p.m.
Business Meeting – 7 p.m.
So that we can have plenty of chairs, refreshments and handouts, please your name and number of people attending.
Parking is on adjacent streets, and please use the front entrance to the school. It's supposed to be raining, so allow plenty of time to park, have some refreshments and get a seat. We will start the business meeting at 7 sharp!
If you plan to pay your dues at the meeting, come EARLY... there's always a line.
Have a question you want answered at the meeting? Email it to . We'll do the research and have an answer for you.
November 2008
In MemoriamGene Saunders, NHHA Past President
Updated November 1, 2008
Many of you expressed a desire to honor Gene Saunders' service as NHHA president after his sudden death in September. The NHHA Board evaluated several ideas, looking beyond a one-time project for a tribute that would be cost-effectively sustainable for many years, and reflect his interests and devotion to Northwood Hills.Gene was an advocate for the natural beauty of our neighborhood, taking and sharing pictures of birds and other wildlife, encouraging preservation and eco-friendly practices, and promoting sound stewardship of our public areas.
So in his honor, the Board voted to enhance our median beautification efforts with special plants to nourish and attract wildlife. Gene would love this idea, and we welcome your memorial contribution in his name. Should you choose to participate, please note "Gene Saunders" on the memo line of your check and mail to PO Box 800874, Dallas, TX 75380-0874. Every donation we receive will be matched by Northwood Hills Homeowners Association. When our medians are finished, we will apply for our public areas to be Certified Wildlife Habitats designated by the National Wildlife Federation... in Gene's honor.
Not only will this effort expedite the renovation plans that were begun during his tenure as president, but improve those plans by adding eco-friendly plants that make air, water and soil quality better and reduce our long-term maintenance costs (he'd like that as well). We'll continue to provide ongoing updates about the median renovation – and our new plantings -- though the Breeze newsletter, MemberMails and the website.
Thank you for the kind words you sent in response to our notice of his passing. Please feel free to join us in paying tribute to Gene Saunders' service to NHHA as well as his passion for the natural beauty of Northwood Hills and his concern for the environment. Please contact me if you have any questions.
October 2008
New security patrol number
Updated October 9, 2008
NHHA to Launch New Security Patrol Phone Number... Will You Be Able to Call the Patrol for Help?
Depends on your membership status.Members who have paid their 2008 dues (in full or through third quarter) and for whom we have current contact information will receive the new Patrol Information Card and contact number. You can verify your contact information by re-submitting your membership information. If you aren't sure if your 2008 dues are paid, us.
If you'd like to join, you can also use the membership page... simply fill out the form and send it with your payment to:
- PO Box 800874
- Dallas, TX 75380-0874
If you have questions about membership benefits, email Board members or .
July 2008
Parade a success!
Posted July 7, 2008
Hundreds of Northwood Hills residents turned out to celebrate Independence Day at the 15th Annual Northwood Hills Homeowners Association Parade. Vintage and exotic cars rode alongside trikes and bikes, strollers and skateboards... all decked out in red, white and blue. Contests, games and prizes followed on the schoolyard of Northwood Hills Elementary. The first-ever NHHA Watermelon Sale, benefiting the Median Beautification projects, sold out with a profit of $500.
Click here for more pictures!!
Special thanks to Parade Director Amy Zepeda and Parade volunteers for putting on a great event; and to these sponsors:
- Sponsors of the Photo Booth
- Amy Zepeda / A to Z Associates, RE/MAX Premier Properties I
- Ted Seidel / Meridian Lending Partners
- Sponsors of the Watermelon Sale
- Northwood Hills realtor Judy Switzer / The Switzer Team
- Northwood Hills realtor Carol Blair / The Blair Group
- Yellow Rose Landscape Services
April 2008
Battle the Bugs Weekend, May 10-11
April 10, 2008
May 10 and 11 is our Battle the Bugs Weekend to raise awareness of mosquitos and fire ants in Northwood Hills.
Studies show that when adjoining neighbors treat for fire ants on the same day or weekend, control is greatly improved. For more information, see the Fire Ants page in the A-Z section of this site.
Mosquitos require constant, vigilant awareness and control. Sadly, a Northwood Hills resident died from West Nile Virus, and several others were very sick. Remember to eliminate standing water in and around your yard, wear protective clothing and use bug spray. Mosquitos are most active in the early morning and evening.
Know of an improperly maintained pool that could be a breeding ground for mosquitos? CALL 311 TODAY AND MAKE A REPORT.
Alley Clean-Up Effort A Success
April 10, 2008
Thanks to the many Northwood Hills residents who tackled their back driveways and alleys during the first-ever NHHA April Alley Clean-Up.
