Page 8 - HH_7_23

By Lou DugganHOAs---Tips & ResourcesPart 6 the last of a multi-part series on HOAs---The Good, Bad, and UglyH omeowners Associations are governed by law and their own regulations. If a resident has a dispute with their HOA, then knowledge of and use of the following tips and resourceswill prove helpful.TipsWithout emotion and being as objective as possible, clearly define the issue. Document all communication. Put your concerns in writing. Keep records of all letters, faxes, phone calls, and emails to/ from your Association. Research your issue and the HOA’s unique covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs). Focus on facts not hearsay. You will be a stronger advocate of your issue if well read and informed. Visitwith your neighbors and residents who may have similar concerns or issues. Social media and your community Facebook page can help get your message out. Go to all HOA meetings. Make your concerns known to the Board. Ask for copies of Board minutes and documents that affect your issue. Be patient, calm, and civil. Don’t threaten the Board. Give them time to research your issue and address it. Then, if the issue is not resolved, organize your HOA members, explore resources that can give your issue more leverage, and seek professional advice online. An attorney may be helpful for getting the issue resolved; however, actual litigation itself should be the last resort. For a view of how an HOA may respond to issues andinfractions of its CC&Rs, a review of an online article entitled “Getting a Handle on Proper Covenant Enforcement” is recommended. ResourcesThere are several online resources that can aid in understanding your process and options. For advice, search the following web sites: HOA—USA, Texas Residential Property Owners Protection Act, Texas HOA Law, The Ultimate HOA Guide, National Homeowners Advisory Group, and HOA Management. com. Search each site for your specific issue. Read and evaluate their articles and suggestions. This inexpensive insight will help evaluate your issue and may strengthen your position.Area Girl Scout Earns Gold Award Helping Campers With Special NeedsGSubmitted By San Antonio Area Girl Scouts irl Scouts of Southwest Texasrecently celebrated 12 SanAntonio-area Girl Scouts who earned the prestigious Girl Scout Gold Award for 2023.Mia Pacheco, of Helotes, earned her Gold Award for her project “Wheelchair Sensory Wall,” for which she created multiple sensory boards for campers with special needs at camp C.A.M.P. (Children’s Association for Maximum Potential) to experience. Mia’s mother was a special education teacher, and Mia said she has always been interested in helping kids like her mom did.The walls she built have different items attached; one has bamboo sticks, slices of logs, and rocks. Another wall containsdifferent plug outlets, locks, and switches sure to keep campers guessing and engaged.“I wanted to do something hands-on while also helping out children in one way or another,” she said. “My project helped to renew a part of the land at the camp that was unused and provides a space for additional activities for campers to enjoy in the fresh air.”Mia has been a Girl Scout for 13 years. Her favorite Girl Scout memories are of the times she went on camping trips. She recently graduated from Louis D, Brandeis High School and will attend the University of Texas at Austin to study biology.The Girl Scout Gold Award is the highestaward in Girl Scouting. Through pursuing the Gold Award, Girl Scouts change the world by tackling issues they are passionate about to drive lasting change in their communities and beyond while they learn essential skills that will prepare them for all aspects of life.At Girl Scouts, your girl will find the space to try new things, discover new talents, and most importantly, to be truly, totally herself. If she’s ready to make awesome memories with forever friends, it’s time to join our squad.Learn more about Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas at www.girlscouts-swtx. org.Pictured right, Mia PachecoFacts About The Declaration Of IndependenceT he Declaration of Independence is a document that indicates the founding principles of the United States of America. The declaration was issued by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, and announced the separation of the 13 British colonies in North Americafrom the United Kingdom.That significance means the public maywant to learn more about the Declaration of Independence. Here are some key facts.1. While Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence, it was carefully reviewed and modified by other members of the Continental Congress,BFourth Of July Party Tipsflames. Cut down on time at the grill by adding an extra cooking surface. That’s easily achieved by having more than one grill going simultaneously. Cook fast- cooking items like hamburgers and hot dog on one grill, and reserve the other for8the food too often. Every time you flip, press or move the meats, you compromise flavor and could make the food dry out.• Lure insects away. Bees are attracted to sweet smells, but wasps and hornets are drawn to meats. Put a saucer of very sweetnotably John Adams and Benjamin Franklin. 2. The Continental Congress actually voted for independence on July 2, 1776. The written Declaration was dated July 4, 1776, but it wasn’t actually signed until August 2nd of that year. John Adams thought July 2nd would be marked as the national holiday.3. Fifty-six delegates signed the Declaration of Independence, but not all were present on that day in August.4. While many know that John Hancock signed first, with his prominent signature readily visible, it is believed that Thomas McKean of Delaware was the last person tosign.5. Others signed according to state delegation and in columns, starting with the northernmost state (New Hampshire) to the southernmost (Georgia).6. About 200 copies of the Dunlap Broadside were printed. Today, 26 copies remain.7. The original rough draft of the Declaration of Independence has been lost.8. The Declaration of Independence was not universally accepted, and many people in the colonies remained loyal to the British monarchy and opposed American independence.soda and some chicken scraps in a far corner of your yard to attract yellow jackets and other stinging insects to that area, drawing their attention away from guests and their meals.• Hire a lifeguard. If your party will involve time spent in a pool, consider hiring a lifeguard or designate someone to observe pool activities. Party hosts may be distracted by other duties, and one can’t count on guests to watch what is going on in the9. The Declaration of Independence has a message written on the back of it. It reads, “Original Declaration of Independence dated 4th July 1776.”pool. For safety’s sake, a dedicated set of eyes on swimmers can prevent injuries and accidents.• Give neighbors a heads-up. Parties and barbecues on July 4th are largely expected, but you can offer a courtesy to neighbors by informing them of your plans, including the start time and proposed ending time. If you are close with neighbors, consider inviting them to participate.Tips - continued on page 10 July 2023orrow a second grill. Those tasked sausages and chicken, which may need with grilling often find themselves more time to reach safe levels of doneness. standing there for hours over hot • Stop peeking. Resist any urge to checkwww.heloteshighlights.com