Larry Girven, Treasurer larrygirven@mysweetgrass.net
Jim Troublefield, Director jimtroublefield@mysweetgrass.net
Professional Care with a Personal Touch
Feature Story
The Importance of Reserve Studies
by KELLY SALYERS, Community Manager
As members of the DW Sweetgrass HOA, it's important to understand the role that a reserve study plays in ensuring the long-term financial health and well-being of the community. A reserve study is an essential financial planning tool used by homeowner associations to assess the long-term maintenance and replacement needs of common area assets (like paint, carpets, pools, HVAC systems, pumps, etc.). The study identifies major components that will eventually wear out, estimates their remaining useful life, and determines the cost of their future replacement or repair. It also provides recommendations for how much the association should set aside in reserve funds each year to ensure it has enough money to cover these expenses when they arise.
Why is a Reserve Study Necessary?
Over time, all physical assets deteriorate, and repairs or replacements become inevitable. A reserve study helps the HOA determine the lifespan of these assets and estimate the funds that will be needed to maintain them. Without proper planning or funding, the community could face unexpected costs, leading to special assessments.
Financial Stability
One of the key benefits of a reserve study is that it provides a roadmap for financial stability. By planning ahead and making contributions to the reserve fund each year, the HOA can help ensure that necessary repairs and replacements can be made without placing unexpected financial burden on homeowners.
Property Value Preservation
A well-funded reserve also preserves property values. Buyers
look for communities that are financially sound. A poorly managed reserve fund can signal potential financial problems, which may deter prospective buyers and decrease the value of homes in the community.
Is a reserve fund a guarantee?
No, reserves are not a guarantee. A reserve fund is an important financial safety net for any community, but it’s essential to understand that it is not a foolproof solution. Reserves are part of a proactive plan to manage the long-term maintenance and repair of common area assets. Reserve studies do a good job of estimating the lifespan of these assets. But unforeseen events—such as natural disasters, accidents, or faster-than-expected wear and tear—can result in higher repair or replacement costs. Additionally, unpredictable increases in the cost of labor, materials, and services can cause reserve funds to fall short of actual needs. This is why regularly updating the reserve study and maintaining a healthy reserve balance is so important. It gives the HOA the ability to plan ahead and handle unexpected events more effectively.
The most recent reserve study for Sweetgrass was conducted in 2022, and an updated study is scheduled for 2025. For those who are interested, you can view the reserve study on Mysweetgrass.net under the Resources drop-down menu in the Financial folder. And while reserve funds are not a guarantee, they are a critical part of responsibly managing the community's long-term needs. Regularly updating the reserve study and maintaining a healthy reserve balance ensures that we are well-prepared for both expected repairs and unforeseen events. By staying proactive, we protect the financial health of the HOA and preserve the quality and value of our shared assets for years to come.
TO THE TEAM, Carlos Jimenez (Communications Coordinator)
by CARLOS JIMENEZ, Communications Coordinator
Hello everyone!
My name is Carlos Jimenez, and I’m thrilled to be joining the wonderful community of Sweetgrass! I’m 46 and married to the most amazing woman that God could have ever had in store for me. I graduated from the Art Institute of Houston in 1998 with a degree in computer animation and graphic design. I’m passionate about creativity and technology, and I love exploring new artistic projects. But to be honest, my real passion is meeting new people. I guess you could say I’m a bit of a people person, so I can’t wait to have the privilege of introducing myself to you at our Lakehouse events in the near future.
I’m also a proud father of three amazing kids who keep my life full of joy and adventure. With my oldest being 21, my middle child 14, and my youngest 9, I’m enjoying each stage of their
lives. Nothing brings me more joy than experiencing all the different eras of childhood at the same time. Family means everything to me, and I’m excited to connect with fellow Sweetgrass residents to share my experiences and discuss the joys, trials, and tribulations of parenting and life.
In my free time, I enjoy working on personal design projects, exploring nature, and discovering new hobbies. I’m also a huge foodie, so any and all dining recommendations are welcome! I look forward to participating in community activities and getting to know all of you better.
Thank you for welcoming me into your community!
Best regards,
Carlos Jimenez Communications Coordinator, Sweetgrass
NOVEMBER CROSSWORD
Community Community Spotlight! Spotlight!
MPotluck Party at Sweetgrass!
Submitted by SOCIAL COMMITTEE
ark your calendars for a delightful evening of friendship, food, and giving back at our FRIENDSGIVING Potluck Party! Hosted by the Social Committee, this special gathering will take place on Friday, November 22, from 6-8pm in the Lakehouse Ballroom.
This is the perfect opportunity to come together as a community and celebrate the season of gratitude. Residents are encouraged to bring their favorite entrees or appetizers in disposable dishes to help make clean-up a breeze. It’s all about sharing great food and creating lasting memories with friends and neighbors!
Additionally, we’re excited to launch our Friends Giving Donation Drive for Helping Hands. Throughout the month of November, we will be collecting essential items to support those in need. Please consider bringing donations of the following items:
• Toilet paper
• Toothpaste & toothbrushes
• Bars of soap
• Canned fruit & tomatoes
• 1lb bags of rice or dried beans
• Microwavable mac & cheese
• Easy pop-top soup, meat, and veggies
• Dry pasta
• Cereal (hot or cold) & granola bars
Stay tuned for more details, and don’t forget to save the date! Let’s make this Friendsgiving a celebration to remember while making a meaningful impact in our community.
We can’t wait to see you there!
• Customized Christmas Decorations
• Installation & Removal of All
The Benefits of Mobile Audiology: Personalized Hearing Care at Your Doorstep
For the past year, I have had the pleasure of visiting Del Web Sweetgrass, providing hearing care services directly to residents. As a mobile audiologist, my goal is to make hearing healthcare more accessible and convenient while offering the same quality of care you would expect at a traditional clinic—right at your doorstep. The benefits of mobile audiology go beyond convenience; they ensure that our patients receive personalized care in an environment where they feel comfortable.
Why Choose Mobile Audiology?
Hearing loss can significantly impact one’s quality of life, affecting communication, relationships, and even overall well-being. Despite the importance of hearing care, traditional clinic visits can be challenging, especially for those with limited mobility or transportation options. Mobile audiology offers a solution by bringing the clinic to you.
Here’s how this approach makes a difference:
1. Convenience and Comfort: You don’t have to leave your home or arrange transportation. I come directly to you, ensuring that you receive care in a familiar, stress-free environment.
2. Personalized Attention: Every patient is unique. With mobile audiology, I spend more one-on-one time with each resident, tailoring assessments and treatment plans to their specific needs.
3. Consistent Follow-Up Care: Regular visits allow me to monitor changes in hearing and make any necessary adjustments to devices or treatment plans, ensuring optimal results.
4. In-Home Environment Testing: Unlike traditional clinics, I have the advantage of assessing how devices
function in your everyday listening environment. This means more accurate fittings and adjustments that cater specifically to your needs.
What Makes Our Service Unique?
While there are many hearing care providers, my approach as a mobile audiologist sets me apart. I am not just a healthcare professional visiting your community—I’m a part of it. My commitment is to build long-lasting relationships with each resident and provide compassionate care tailored to their individual circumstances.
Comprehensive Services in the Comfort of Your Community
Whether you need a hearing evaluation, new hearing aids, or simply want a check-up, my mobile service offers a comprehensive range of audiology care:
• Hearing assessments and screenings
• Hearing aid fittings and repairs
• Hearing aid programming and adjustments
• In-home follow-up care and maintenance
• Assistive listening devices
• Ear Cleaning
The Future of Hearing Healthcare
As we move forward, I am excited to continue serving Del Webb and helping more residents experience the benefits of better hearing. My mission is to ensure that hearing care is not only accessible but also tailored to each individual’s lifestyle and needs.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, feel free to reach out to me during my next visit to the community, or contact me at (832) 802-1763. Better hearing starts with taking the first step, and I am here to support you every step of the way.
Safety Short!
Safety Short: 3-Points of Contact When on a Ladder
by SAFETY COMMITTEE
When it comes to ladder safety, maintaining 3 points of contact is the golden rule to prevent slips, falls, and injuries. But what exactly does this mean? Simply put, you should always have two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand securely in contact with the ladder at all times. This ensures maximum stability and control as you climb up or down.
Here’s a quick guide on using the 3-Point rule safely:
1. Start Strong with Proper Positioning
• Place the ladder on a firm, level surface. Make sure the ladder is fully open, locked, and stable before stepping on.
• Face the ladder and keep your body centered between the side rails. Never lean too far to the side; instead, reposition the ladder to reach different areas.
2. Maintain Contact as You Move
• As you climb, use both hands to grasp the rungs or side rails firmly and only move one hand or one foot at
a time.
• Avoid holding objects while climbing. Instead, use a tool belt or ask for assistance to carry items up to you.
3. Stay Steady at the Top
• If you need to perform tasks, keep at least one hand and two feet on the ladder at all times.
• Never stand on the top rung or step unless it’s de signed for standing. Remember, the 3-point contact rule is crucial even when you’ve reached your working height.
By keeping these safety tips in mind and always practicing the 3-Point Contact rule, you’ll significantly reduce the risk of accidents. Remember, a secure grip and steady footing are key to staying safe when using ladders.
Stay safe, and always climb with confidence!
(As confirmed by OSHA)
LAKEHOUSE LAKEHOUSE
ARC COMMITTEE REMINDERS & UPDATES
Streamlined Security Cameras: Simplified Application Process Now Available
by RICK BREITIGAM, Community Standards Director
Great news, Sweetgrass! In an effort to make things more convenient for our residents, the Architectural Review Committee (ARC) and Board of Directors have approved adding security cameras to the Streamlined Application process. This means if you are looking to add security cameras (without lights) to your home and they meet the Streamlined requirements, you will not need to pay an application fee for review and approval. The goal is to ensure that all security cameras installed in our community are compliant and in harmony with neighborhood standards, while offering a faster and more accessible approval process.
What Does Streamlining Mean for You?
For residents wanting to enhance their home security, the streamlined approach simplifies the application process, helping you save time and money. Below are the basic guidelines your security cameras must meet to qualify for this application type:
• Residential Security Cameras Only: The cameras should be intended for home use and not commercial-grade.
• Placement Under Eaves: Cameras must be installed discreetly under the eaves to minimize visual impact.
• Concealed Wiring: All wiring should be hidden as much as possible to maintain a tidy appearance.
• Respect Privacy: Cameras should be positioned to ensure they do not capture footage of neighboring properties.
• Appropriate Color Choices: Cameras must be black, white, silver, grey, or match the color of your home’s siding or trim.
• Include Plat Survey: When submitting your application, mark the camera locations on a copy of your plat survey.
Important Note:
Security cameras with lights or any security lights will not qualify for the Streamlined process and must be submitted under a separate application, following the regular review procedure.
If you have previously installed cameras without ARC approval, now is the perfect time to get into compliance. Simply submit a Streamlined application to document and gain approval for your existing setup. We hope this adjustment will encourage more residents to keep their homes and the community safe while reducing the hassle of the traditional application process. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to the ARC team or your Community Association Manager.
Stay safe and secure, Sweetgrass!
December 11, 2024 3-5pm December 11, 2024
ONational Night Out 2024 Community Community Spotlight! Spotlight!
ctober's National Night Out: A Fun-Filled Evening of Community and Connection!
This past October’s National Night Out was nothing short of a fantastic success! Our Sweetgrass neighborhoods came together for an evening of laughter, great conversations, and new connections. Residents gathered for a night of fun, food, and friendship, making it a memorable occasion for everyone involved.
From backyard cookouts to porch-side mingling, it was heartwarming to see neighbors come together to strengthen the bonds that make our community so special. The energy was contagious as residents shared stories, enjoyed delicious food, and celebrated the spirit of togetherness.
Fun-filled photos captured throughout the night show the smiles, laughter, and sense of belonging that radiated across the community. Whether it was enjoying a meal together, meeting new friends, or catching up with familiar faces, the evening was a wonderful reminder of the importance of fostering relationships with those around us.
National Night Out truly showcased the strong sense of unity we have here at Sweetgrass. Thank you to everyone who participated and made this event such a success! Let’s continue building these meaningful connections and creating a safe, supportive environment for all.
We can’t wait for next year’s event, but until then, let’s keep the community spirit alive!
Rockport Hummingbird Festival September 19-22, 2026
Submitted by GREG GIBSON, Resident
We went to the Hummingbird Festival in Rockport, Texas with Jim and Carolyn Skarzynski for a SG Photo Club field trip. This was our second time to attend this annual event in Rockport, and we will probably go again in the future.
Rockport is a nice destination in itself with a number of attractions including the Fulton Mansion, Texas Maritime Museum, Rockport Beach, and Goose Island State Park. An evening cruise on the bay is also a nice excursion. Birdwatching, fishing, and historical sites are just some of the things to do. Nearby are the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, Port Aransas and Corpus Christi. The endangered Whooping Crane winters in the area from November through March.
Banding hummingbirds
Fulton Mansion Rockport Mural
Skarzynski
Saturdays from October 12th –November 16th 9am to 5pm
Included with Park Admission
$16 for Adults, $11 for Children Children under 4 Free
Saturday, November 16
Tickets: $20 for Adults
Hitch up your wagon and ride to The George Ranch for a very Cowboy Christmas! Have your photo taken with Cowboy Santa Claus as he travels through Texas on his trusty steed, Rudolph the Red Horse.
Then sit with the cowhands by the campfire and toast yourself a sweet and gooey s’more while singing Christmas and country songs. Lastly, be sure to stop by the craft table to make a holiday ornament to remember your trip to the Ranch! *General admission tickets required.
Men’s Club Annual THANKSGIVING MEAL DRIVE
The Men’s Club is gearing up for its annual Thanksgiving Meal Drive – You Can Help!
For the past five years, the Men’s Club, with the generous support of Sweetgrass residents, has funded and distributed complete pre-cooked holiday meals to needy families in the Richmond/Rosenberg area. These meal packages, which serve a family of six to eight, are delivered on the Wednesday afternoon before Thanksgiving. Unfortunately, the cost of these meal packages continues to rise, reaching about $85 last year.
To continue this worthy cause, we invite all Sweetgrass residents to assist the Men’s Club by contributing funds to help purchase more meal packages this year. If you would like to contribute to this tradition, please contact Joe Grace at jgrace2426@ aol.com (please include "Men’s Club Thanksgiving Meals" in the subject line). Donations of any size are appreciated and helpful. We will combine whatever funds we collect with the Men’s Club funds to purchase as many meal packages as possible.
Thank you for your support.
Maintenance MEMO
Thank You
Thank You for Your Support
On behalf of the Sweetgrass association team, we would like to express our heartfelt gratitude for the overwhelming support and kind words shared during this difficult time. The loss of our beloved Maintenance Director, Stephen Messinger, has deeply affected us all. Your outpouring of love and sympathy means the world to us and serves as a testament to the impact he had on so many lives.
Your Home for Dentistry
Dr. McCrea has been creating healthy, beautiful smiles in Richmond/Rosenberg since 1994. Dr. McCrea and Dr. Vo are both graduates of and current Professors at the Herman Hospital based General Practice Residency Program for UTDS Houston. Their goal is to work with each patient to produce the best possible outcome based on that patient’s individual needs and desires.
Thank you for being there for us, as we remember and honor Stephen’s legacy.
Kyle D. McCrea & Dr. Mary George
Dr. McCrea has been creating healthy, beautiful smiles in Richmond/Rosenberg since 1994. Dr. McCrea and Dr. George are both graduates of and current Professors at the Herman Hospital based General Practice Residency Program for UTDS Houston. Their goal is to work with each patient to produce the best possible outcome based on that patient’s individual needs and desires.
Dr. Kyle D. McCrea and Dr. Victoria Vo
CROSSWORD ANSWERS
From Crossword on Page 12
By Arnold Knoche and Ray Briere
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
David Connan david.connan1948@gmail.com
Canasta
Debra Thompson debrakthompson@gmail.com
Card Crafters
Joyce Teel dwsweetgrasscardcrafters@ gmail.com
Day Trippers
Emerson Chester jech1957@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
Marilyn Henlery marilyn@ahenley.com
Hear More
Teri Wathen teriwathen@sbcglobal.net
Mah Jongg
Betty Moore bemore6322@yahoo.com
Men's Club
Greg Cordova gregcordova@yahoo.com
Needlecrafters
Cindy Acquard lracquard@hotmail.com
Photography Club
Chad De Cuir cm20decuir@gmail.com
Pickleball Club
Pat McNamara dwspickleball@gmail.com
Poker Club
Mike Covault covaultmichael@gmail.com
Power Walking
Margie Poole margiepoole@att.net
Qi Gong
Almon Shiu ashiu47@gmail.com
Quilters
Paulette Niemann rniemann@sbcglobal.net
Stamp Club
Max Zollner maxzollner2014@comcast.net
The Bayou Buzz is submitted several weeks before publication. Recent updates to CCGA’s & neighborhood reps may not be reflected,
SG Golf Association
Buzz Roye buzzroye@gmail.com
Singers
Dean Jones deanjsingers@gmail.com
Singles
Connie Fletcher Powell cfletcherpowell@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
Linda Levey c4888d@gmail.com
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.
