Spring Into Action: How Seasonal Maintenance Protects Our Community
by KELLY RILEY SALYERS
As the weather warms up, so does activity around Sweetgrass—and not just among residents. Spring is one of the busiest times of year for our maintenance vendors, who are hard at work preparing the community for the months ahead. From fresh mulch and flowerbed updates to irrigation tuneups and preventive inspections, spring maintenance is about more than just curb appeal—it’s an investment in the long-term care of our shared spaces.
Each spring, crews begin by clearing winter debris, trimming back overgrowth, and assessing plant health across our extensive common areas. Irrigation systems are tested zone by zone to ensure proper coverage and to catch leaks or inefficiencies early. This not only helps maintain healthy landscaping but also protects the HOA from higher water bills and unexpected repairs.
You also see seasonal color changes near the Lakehouse or entries—part of the effort to keep Sweetgrass looking fresh, welcoming, and well cared for. At the same time, vendors are checking on everything from drainage patterns to sidewalk trip hazards, helping us address small issues before they become costly problems.
Inside the Lakehouse, we’re reviewing HVAC systems, pool equipment, lighting, and more to make sure amenities are in top shape as resident use increases. These routine checks are scheduled strategically to minimize disruption while maximizing value.
We appreciate your patience when you see crews on-site during the day or hear early-morning equipment running. Every task—no matter how small—plays a role in keeping Sweetgrass safe, beautiful, and functioning smoothly for everyone who calls it home.
MAY CROSSWORD
Answers to Crossword on Page 34
Hurricane Season Is Coming
SWEETGRASS SAFETY COMMITTEE
Yes, hurricane season will begin again this year in the Atlantic on June 1 and will not end until November 30. It is not too early or too late to plan and prepare.
Be aware of local evacuation plans and plan your travel and errands accordingly. Fort Bend is a pass-through county for Coastal County Evacuations like Galveston and Brazoria County. A “ pass-through” county refers to a county where coastal residents from neighboring counties travel through during evacuation. Fort Bend County could still be an impacted county, so coastal evacuees are directed to use routes that pass through the county. The major evacuee routes near us are: Hwy 36, Hwy 99, Hwy 6, and US 59 between Hwy 6 and Hwy 99. US Hwy 90A is also considered an evacuation route. Local residents are urged to avoid these roadways during a period of evacuation. Many intersections may be blocked and lights set to allow traffic to move away from the coast. Also, the Texas Department of Transportation may “contra-flow” many highways to handle the increase in traffic moving inland.
The Fort Bend County Homeland Security Management Team emphasizes that residents should have a local evacuation plan in order to be ready if local authorities direct evacuation. Although we are not subject to the effects of storm surge and are not included in a coastal evacuation zone, a Cat-
egory 4 or 5 hurricane or a local flooding situation might cause county officials to direct residents to evacuate. There will be messaging on multiple forums, websites, social media, and AM radio for shelters and hazardous areas to avoid.
No matter whether we plan to stay or go, we need to assemble our disaster supplies. Consider items like medicine, food, water, batteries, charger, radio, cash and gas. Other supplies would include a first aid kit, manual can opener and more. On the website ready.gov/kit, there is a detailed list of supplies under Build A Kit.
Get an insurance checkup and document your possessions. Create a communication plan with a hand-written list of contacts. Assess structural weaknesses in your home that could prove hazardous during a hurricane.
Help protect both your neighbor’s house and your own by securing all your outdoor items that can be picked up by the wind and blown through someone’s window. The lowly category 1 hurricane can have sustained winds up to 95 miles per hour and gusts even greater.
Stay protected from wind and water during storms. Remain safely comfortable in your home. Have a way to get weather alerts and forecast updates. Keep in mind that impacts can be felt far from the coast. (A 1932 storm brought wind gusts of 192 mph to Richmond per FirstStreet.org.) Lis-
ten to local officials and avoid travel unless ordered to evacuate.
One of the most comprehensive websites on hurricanes, from preparation to cleanup and everything in between, is noaa. gov/hurricane-prep. Information can also be found on the fortbendcountytx.gov website under the Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. This is also where you sign up for Emergency Alerts.
So let’s sign up, stay tuned, and stay safe.
Spring is in full swing, and May brings all the vibrant, fresh ingredients we’ve been waiting for. Whether you’re hosting a weekend cookout, prepping a picnic, or just looking to spice up your weekly meal routine — these recipes are here to help you savor the season.
Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken Skewers
Zesty, herby, and grill-friendly — these skewers are ideal for al fresco dining or an easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
• 2 lbs chicken breast, cubed
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Juice & zest of 1 lemon
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp chopped rosemary or thyme
• Salt & pepper
• OPTIONAL: bell peppers, zucchini, red onion (for skewers)
Instructions:
1. Mix olive oil, lemon juice + zest, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper.
2. Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for max flavor).
3. Thread chicken (and veggies, if using) onto skewers.
4. Grill 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally until cooked through and slightly charred.
No grill? Roast in the oven at 400°F for 20–25 mins.
Easy Berry Shortcake Cups
A no-fuss dessert that looks fancy, tastes fresh, and comes together in minutes — perfect for spring gatherings or a sweet treat on a warm evening.
Ingredients:
• 1 pint fresh strawberries, sliced
• 1/2 pint fresh blueberries (or raspberries)
• 2–3 tbsp sugar (or honey)
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1 store-bought pound cake or angel food cake
• Whipped cream (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, toss berries with sugar and lemon juice. Let sit for 10–15 minutes to macerate.
2. Cut cake into cubes or rounds (for layering).
3. In small cups or jars, layer cake, berries, and whipped cream.
4. Repeat layers if desired. Top with extra berries.
Tip: Add a mint leaf on top for a fancy finish!
MARKET MARKET DA DAY!
MAY 16TH MAY 16TH
9AM - 12PM THE BLUEBELL 9AM - 12PM THE BLUEBELL
Become a Vendor: Register on ActiveNET : Free Entry for Shoppers. Registration for Vendors Only
A Fun-Filled Getaway with the Sweetgrass RV Group at Sunset Point RV Resort in Marble Falls
by MICHE BROUSSARD
Recently, 16 adventurous people and 9 rigs from the Sweetgrass RV Group set off on a memorable 5-night getaway to Sunset Point RV Resort, nestled on the picturesque Lake LBJ in Marble Falls, Texas. The trip was filled with laughter, exciting activities, and opportunities to make new friends. Whether you’re an RV enthusiast or just looking for some inspiration for your next adventure, here’s a glimpse into our unforgettable time in the Texas Hill Country.
As with every Sweetgrass RV Group trip, we kicked things off with an appetizer happy hour. Despite the crazy strong winds due to an approaching rainstorm, we still gathered together in good spirits. It was a perfect opportunity to meet new people, catch up with familiar faces, and discuss the exciting adventures we would embark on during our time in Marble Falls. The weather may have been unpredictable, but the camaraderie was unwavering!
After waiting for the rain to stop on our first full day, our group headed to Trailblazers Grille in Burnet for a delicious dinner. The food was outstanding, and we ate to our hearts’ content while bonding and sharing stories. It was the perfect way to end a rather uneventful day due to the weather, and it gave us the chance to get to know each other even better.
After the previous day's washout, we were eager to get out and enjoy the beautiful Texas Hill Country. We visited Perissos Winery in Burnet, where we were treated to a delightful wine tasting. The serene surroundings of the vineyard made for the perfect place to unwind, enjoy a glass of wine, and relax with friends. The calm atmosphere, paired with excellent company, created a wonderful moment of leisure that we’ll all cherish.
Our next adventure took us to the Exotic Zoo in Johnson City, where we had the chance to feed a variety of animals from the comfort of our open-air trailer. From goats and llamas to more exotic creatures, the zoo provided a hands-on experience with some fascinating animals. And for those of us daring enough, we got a little closer, including a memorable camel kiss! (And yes, let’s just say the camel could have used a good shave and some mouthwash!)
On our last full day in the area, some of our group members went off on their own adventures, others made the most of the area’s natural beauty. A couple of guys set out for a motorcycle ride, taking in the scenic views around the beautiful Hill Country. Another went fishing, hoping to reel in a big catch. Meanwhile, a few of the ladies enjoyed a delightful breakfast at the Bluebonnet Cafe, a local favorite known for its delicious meals. Afterward, they ventured over to Sweetberry Farm, where they picked fresh flowers and indulged in some of the best strawberry ice cream in the area.
With so much to see and do, it was no surprise that the days flew by. The Sweetgrass RV Group made the most of every moment, creating memories that will last a lifetime. Whether it was exploring new places, savoring delicious meals, or simply enjoying each other’s company, it was clear that fun was had by all who joined us on this trip.
Do you have an RV or are you thinking about purchasing one? If you’re eager to explore new destinations and make lasting memories, we’d love to have you join us on one of our upcoming trips! The Sweetgrass RV Group is all about camaraderie, fun, and adventure, and we welcome new faces to
come along for the ride.
Upcoming RV Group Trip: Jamaica Beach RV Resort Getaway – July 13-18
Let’s have some summer fun! We’ll enjoy a lazy river, swim-up bar, indoor adult pool & spa, min-
iature golf, pickleball, and more. Plus, it’s only a 5-minute walk to the beach. For more information or to reserve your spot, contact Miche Broussard at sweetgrassrvclub@gmail.com.
Talkin’ Turpie Walking in History
by JUDY TURPIE, Resident & Resident Concierge
Today, I was reminded of the story I told her about my trip to London last fall. I would like to share that story with you about the rest of our trip. It was a last-minute trip as overseas trips go. My son Dave sent me a message about September 10th that he would like to meet me in London for his fall week off, and I agreed quickly... AT LAST, a trip to a place on my bucket list! Monday before Dave & I were to meet in London, while talking to my Dallas brother, Mitch, and invited him to join us in London.
Thursday night, I left for London. I was the first to arrive at our Nottinghill Hotel as Dave, my son, wasn't due until Saturday morning & Mitch, my brother, wasn't arriving until Sunday morning. After I unpacked, I put on my big girl panties and headed out by myself (not my usual M.O.) to explore the area and try to find the market in the area, which was supposed to have jewelry and other fun goodies. I found a quaint (not old) hip-
py-ish cafe and stopped in for a late lunch or early dinner, another unusual stop for me. Turns out it was a mostly vegetarian restaurant with some fish dishes. I ordered a smoked salmon & cream cheese wrap, a small English trifle, and, of course, a cup of tea. A lovely, quiet meal with great scenery outside the window I was facing. Don't worry, almost all the rest of my meals were English, especially fish & chips with mushy peas.
On my walk were places and streets that were familiar from films like Notting Hill and many TV detective shows. The people were friendly and kind when I asked them for directions. After a couple of hours, I headed back to the hotel, window shopping and taking more pictures of the architecture and noting the Prince Albert Pub, which I put on my list of places to try.
Saturday after lunch, my son Dave and I headed out in a taxi to Kew Gardens, which features ginormous greenhouses each holding a different
type of ecosystem, from desert to rain forest and all in between. We walked to one and rode the train around the acres of gardens. Dave, who is only 37, took it upon himself to get me a wheelchair as he saw I was starting to limp. What fun! I got to see things from another point of view and saw more at his faster walking pace. Did you know that two of the sets for Bridgerton use real buildings that are part of Kew Gardens? Check it out online.
On Sunday, my youngest brother, Mitch, joined us, and the three of us taxied to Hampton Court Palace. Once in the home of Cardinal Wolsey, his lady, and their children, I was astonished at how big the Palace & military barracks were, Henry VIII took over Hampton Court from Cardinal Wolsey in 1525. We started in the kitchens and moved from amazing space to amazing space, looking and taking pictures, admiring everything. Then as we walked from the kitchen and greeting areas, we came upon a courtyard filled with grass and was bordered on all sides by covered walkways. I took my pictures from several different spots and an-
gles, then put my phone in my pocket. As I walked, I realized that I was walking on the same stones that Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn had walked on. I saw the area, but I also felt the area I was walking. It was surreal to realize where I was and who else had walked here.
Yes, I have been to many historic places, as you know, but with my camera in my pocket, looking with my eyes, I felt something new, and AHA moment if you will indulge me. The rest of our trip, whether to Stonehenge, Bath, Kensington Palace, the Tower of London, which is a Castle complex, Parliament, Westminster Abbey, or Windsor Castle, I put my camera away and experienced the flavor of each place, the history and the people who made the history. I, of course, took many pictures, but I also absorbed the history in a way that was new for me.
All you photographers out there, the perfect picture is not the most important thing on your trip; it is the people you are with and the things you are seeing. Please see them with your eyes and not just your camera. Til next time, Judy T.
located in the heart of Rosenberg, and only ten minutes from Del WebbSweetgrass, First Texas Realty has been committed to serving your
Lake Mustache is trimmed in the first week of the month and was completed for April.
We are getting ready to work on the monument beds around the community.
The roof replacement from Hurricane Beryl damage at the Lakehouse was completed in March!
The roof replacement from Hurricane Beryl damage at the Lakehouse was completed in March!
The fence replacement that took place throughout Copper Leak, Knotted Pines, & Echo Bay was also completed in March!
*Please note that this article is completed in advance, and that some of the above items may already be completed.*
Sweetgrass Clubs and Groups
Sweetgrass Singers
Save the dates. The Sweetgrass Singers will be doing two performances of their "When We Were Young" program: On Friday, June 6th, at 7:00 PM and Sunday, June 8th at 3:00 PM.
We will be performing many of your favorites from "Holly Holy" by Neil Diamond, "Evergreen" by Barbra Streisand, and "Joy to The World" by Hoyt Axton. Tickets ($10) are available at the Front Desk and on ActiveNet.
Technology Group Help Desk
they would air those quilts out to refresh them before putting them away until the next time needed. The airing of these quilts became an opportunity for others to admire the creativity and needlework of makers, a tradition we are honored to continue here at Sweet Grass. If you have any questions regarding our show, please send your emails to jamiouellette8@ gmail.com.
Dialogue and Learning Club
The Technology Group Help Desk will be open for business on the second and fourth Thursday of the month between 4:00 -5:00 PM. in the Lakehouse Learning Center. Some of your Sweetgrass neighbors volunteer their time in order to answer your questions regarding computers, tablets, cell phones, exercise trackers, and other portable devices. Come see us!
Quilter's Club
The Dialogue meeting for May will be on May 8 at 6:30 PM. The subject is: "Sleep is your Superpower”.
Sleep is your life-support system and Mother Nature's best effort yet at immortality, says sleep scientist Matt Walker. In this deep dive into the science of slumber, Walker shares the wonderfully good things that happen when you get sleep -- and the alarmingly bad things that happen when you don't, for both your brain and body.
Sweetgrass Veterans Club
Sweet Grass Quilter’s Club would like to invite you to our Airing of the Quilts show on May 3rd on the Event Lawn at the Lake House. We will have quilts on display from 10 AM to 1 PM, and if it rains, we will hold the show on May 10th.
Back when everyone had quilts on their beds for warmth during the colder months,
On Monday, May 26, at 11:00 AM, please join us at The Lakehouse for our Memorial Day Tribute, including meaningful music provided by our outstanding Sweetgrass Singers. Our Honor Guard will be students from the local BF Terry High School ROTC Program.
Also, please stop by our Missing Man table, and take a Toy Soldier from the basket there. These Soldiers remind us to pray for those who are still on active duty, with many in Harm's Way.
Sweetgrass Clubs and Groups
The Wall….here at Sweetgrass, we have our own Memory Wall, and it once again will be active for this Event. This is for any Veteran who has passed, who was a family member or friend of a Sweetgrass Resident. Forms will be in the kiosk starting April 21st and will need to be returned by May 5th. If you have a picture, please include a copy of it as it will not be returned. We look forward to seeing
you there!
Sweetgrass Bocce Ball Club
Sweetgrass now has a Bocce Ball Chartered Club. Club play dates are Tuesdays and Thursdays starting at 6 PM. Club dues are five dollars a person for the year. You’re welcome to come out and watch and/or play to see if this is an event you would enjoy.
CROSSWORD ANSWERS
From Crossword on Page 12
Sweetgrass Clubs and Groups
Chat & Craft
Looking for a fun and relaxed way to connect with others while exploring your creative side? Join Chat & Craft, a welcoming group of residents who love to chat, laugh, and work on a variety of craft projects! From diamond dot painting to card crafting and jewelry making, there’s always something new to discover. Whether you’re an experienced crafter or just curious to try, our members are eager to share their knowledge and help you explore new crafts. Since “chat” comes first in our name, you can count on plenty of conversation and laughter while we create together! We meet in the Activity Center on Thursday mornings from 10 AM to noon. For more information, email Jackie at twojacks@sbcglobal.net. Come for the crafts; stay for the company. I hope to see you there!
Sweetgrass Drama Club
The casts, crews, and entire membership of the Sweetgrass Drama Club thank all who attended our Spring shows on May 2 and 3. We have a lot of fun putting on these shows and appreciate your support.
CCGA's
Chartered Clubs
A chartered club is a group that shares a common interest and has received formal approval from the board for a charter under the HOA is recognized as an official part of the HOA.
Art at Sweetgrass
Paula Ryan paulaanneryan@gmail.com
Book Club
Dorothy Wrigley amble5601@yahoo.com
Social Bridge
Charlotte Smith cksmith956@gmail.com
Canasta
Debra Thompson debrakthompson@gmail.com
Card Crafters
Cindy Bryson cljeweltx@yahoo.com
Chat & Craft
Jackie Schmock twojacks@sbcglobal.net
Day Trippers
Gary Hirsch gary0519.hirsch@gmail.com
Dialogue & Learning
Jim Sheridan sherim@fastmail.com
Drama Club
Holly Vitemb hollyvtx@gmail.com
Garden Club
Tere Dowd teredowd@gmail.com
Genealogy Club
Paulette Niemann rniemann@sbcglobal.net
Hear More
Teri Wathen teriwathen@sbcglobal.net
Mahjongg
Penny Chancey pchancey881@att.net
Men's Club
Greg Cordova gregcordova@yahoo.com
Needlecrafters
Cindy Acquard lracquard@hotmail.com
Photography Club
Chad De Cuir cm20decuir@gmail.com
Pickleball Club
Bobbi Morrison dwspickleball@gmail.com
Poker Club
Mike Covault covaultmichael@gmail.com
Power Walking
Margie Poole margiepoole@att.net
Qi Gong
Shiang Chen shiangc@gmail.com
Quilters
Jami Ouellette artqueenjo@protonmail.com
Stamp Club
Max Zollner maxzollner2014@comcast.net
SG Golf Association
Don Pearce dgpearce@comcast.net
Singers
Mike Byerly m.s.byerly@outlook.com
Singles
Connie Fletcher Powell cfletcherpowell@gmail.com
Sweetgrass Line Dance Club
Myrleen Knott myrleenp.knott@gmail.com
Sweetgrass Financial Education Club
Randy Johnson sgfeclub@gmail.com
Table Tennis
Phil Kalz philip.kalz@gmail.com
Texas 42
Mary Ellen Smith crystalbeachbroker@att.net
That's Entertainment!
Cyrus Bharucha bharuchacy@gmail.com
Veterans Club Ray Wathen raywathen@yahoo.com
Women's Club
Maryann Metcalf d.metcalf@sbcglobal.net
Special Interest Groups
A Special Interest Group is a group that has not been approved for a charter or is ineligible for chartering and is not considered an official part of the HOA.
Bible Study Group
David Stayshich dstayshich@sbcglobal.net
Cycling Group Frank Gonynor Fdgonynor@gmail.com
Friends of the Library
Joyce Bunch busybeebunch@gmail.com
Front Porch Democrats
Debra Garner debragarner520@gmail.com
Havurah Denise Gordon mrsgordon101@icloud.com
Model Yacht Club Bill Foster wmfoster@mail.com
Sweetgrass Neighborhood Watch Program
Mary Jo Salvaggio maryjosalvaggio@gmail.com
Sweetgrass Republicans
Greg Barnes gregbarnes55@yahoo.com
Sweetgrass RV Group
Miche Broussard ladyntx@earthlink.net
Technology Help Desk John Hansen texashansens@yahoo.com
Tennis Group John Harrell johnharrell4@gmail.com
Travel Group Carolyn Johnston carolynjohnston1@aol.com
