Blog

Who are the Beautification Buddies?

Sun, 03 Aug 2025 04:29:53 GMT

by Ambassador Council.

Did you know our community entrance flower bed, club house flowerbeds and the Memorial Garden are all spaces maintained entirely by volunteers? Did you know the Westwood Shores' signage and water fountains were purchased by the Beautification Buddies? We are a small group of residents who donate our time and energy to make our community feel more welcoming and cared for. However we do not work alone - we rely on your support through donations and fundraisers to keep our projects going.

Why do we do it?

We do it because we care and we love Westwood Shores. It helps to build pride, improves our property values and strengthens community spirit.

Over the past 7 years, we have raised over $40,000. These monies have allowed us to purchase or improve the following:

Front entrance fountain
Memorial garden and club house water fountains
Signs at the Memorial garden, the country club
Re-landscaped the Memorial garden
New Bluebird Sign
Planting of 2 Holly trees at the club house
Refurbish and painting of storage shed
Seasonal mulching and planting of new plants
Most lately - donation of $12,000 to the POA for the new stone entrance sign going up

How do we raise all this money?

Your personal donations
Pecan Sale
Memorial Garden Brick Sale
Fall Garage Sale
Phil the Box (Clothes donation)

We’re your Beautification Buddies – a group of neighbors who care deeply about the place we all call home. Together with each of you, we make our community a place we’re proud of. Whether you donate, volunteer, or simply say “thank you”, you’re part of this effort. Your encouragement and support helps us keep going.

With Gratitude,

The Beautification Buddies

ALLIGATOR HARVEST

Fri, 01 Aug 2025 23:30:57 GMT

by Ambassador Council.

WESTWOOD SHORES SUBDIVISION
ALLIGATOR HUNTING ORIENTATION
Westwood Shores Subdivision will be conducting a controlled alligator hunt.
The managed hunt will start on September 10, 2025, to September 30, 2025, with the goal of six (6)
alligators harvested from our ever-growing population of alligators.
The following are basic rules and procedures:

GOAL: Removal of six (6) alligators.

RULES OF THE CONTROLLED ALLIGATOR HARVEST:

Alligator harvest hunters cannot enter onto private property without the consent of the landowner. The consent must be in writing.
Harvest hunters must use the Green Belt property owned by Westwood Shores Subdivision, unless a property owner gives permission to hunt on their property. The hunters cannot use a boat in the designated lakes to harvest the alligator. The hunters must hunt from the shoreline with appropriate hunting gear. A line with a large treble hook, using some type of bait must be used to catch the alligator.
The alligator that is caught on the Hunter's line is not to be released, if the alligator is small. The alligator that is caught is the alligator that the Hunter must keep and record with Mark Cole.
The alligator harvest hunters will be identified by the highest bidder. Hunters must submit their bid on a sheet of paper with their name, telephone number and bid amount to the Westwood Shores Administrative Office. The bidding will start on July 31, 2025 and continue to September 8, 2025, at 3:00 pm. No bidder's bids will be accepted after September 8, 2025, at 3:00 pm.
The six (6) alligator harvest hunters will be notified by Mark Cole.
Once an alligator is caught, the hunter must notify Mark Cole, telephone number 936-581-0303, so that a tag can be placed on the alligator. The alligator must be shot with a .22 caliber round to dispatch the alligator. The shooting will be performed by Mark Cole or a designated person.

Alligator harvest hunters are required to have an up-to-date hunting license with the State of Texas Parks & Wildlife.
A HUNTER CAN BE REMOVED FROM THE HARVEST PROGRAM FOREVER IF THE HUNTER VIOLATES THESE RULES AND OR TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE LAWS WHILE HUNTING AT WESTWOOD SHORES SUBDIVISION.
All rules and regulations set forth by Texas Parks & Wildlife will be strictly enforced.
Hunters are responsible for the removal of the alligator and shall not field dress the alligator, except at a designated location, which is at the Westwood Shores Maintenance Yard. The hunters can dress out their alligator at a different location of their choice, except the alligator cannot be dressed out at a residence in Westwood Shores Subdivision.
Hunters must not have a verbal confrontation with residents of the Westwood Shores Subdivision during the hunting period.
Should a hunter have a problem with a resident property owner, the hunter is encouraged to contact Mark Cole or the Texas Parks & Wildlife law enforcement officers.
Westwood Shores POA has the right to remove any hunter from the managed harvest, which would violate Texas Parks & Wildlife laws; State of Texas Penal Code and POA Rules or Deed Restrictions.

Hummingbirds can see colors humans can’t

Sat, 12 Jul 2025 00:22:32 GMT

by Ambassador Council.

by Interesting Facts was written by Michael Nordine

Scientists have discovered a new color only five people have seen. If you’ve never heard of olo, there’s a good reason for that: You’ve almost certainly never seen it either. The new color, described as a “blue-green of unprecedented saturation,” has been seen by only five people in a laboratory setting, as it’s beyond the range of normal human visibility. Researchers discovered the teal-like hue by stimulating the M cone in subjects’ retinas with a laser device called an Oz, which allowed them to see a color said to be more saturated than any found in the natural world.

The retina has three cones — L detects long wavelengths, M detects medium wavelengths, and S detects short wavelengths — that typically overlap to a certain degree. By using the Oz, scientists were able to activate the M cone in isolation, making it possible to see a color never perceived by humans before.

“It was jaw-dropping. It’s incredibly saturated,” said Ren Ng, an electrical engineer at the University of California, Berkeley, who both co-authored and participated in the study, in an interview with The Guardian. “We predicted from the beginning that it would look like an unprecedented color signal, but we didn’t know what the brain would do with it.”

Researchers believe, or at least hope, that the science that enabled the participants to see olo could one day help people with red-green colorblindness experience the full spectrum of color.

Only five people have seen olo, but it’s possible quite a few hummingbirds have seen it. They can perceive colors we can’t, thanks once again to cones. Whereas our three color-sensitive cone cells enable us to see red, green, and blue light, hummingbirds (and most other birds) have a fourth type of cone attuned to ultraviolet light.

In addition to UV light, birds may even be able to see combination colors such as ultraviolet+green and ultraviolet+red — something we humans can only imagine. Having four types of cone cells, known as tetrachromacy, is also common in fish and reptiles, and researchers believe dinosaurs possessed it as well. It’s also present in some people, though the condition isn’t well understood and scientists disagree over how common it is.

Reimagining Together

Sat, 09 Aug 2025 02:27:50 GMT

by Ambassador Council.

by POA Board of Trustees

We are excited to share a theme the POA Board of Trustees has selected to use for our community this year. “Reimagining Together”. This theme reflects our shared belief that the best communities are built through collaboration, creativity, and a collective vision for the future.

We have lived through the first 50 years of Westwood Shores as it was originally designed and now it is time for us to turn over a new leaf and “Reimagine Together” our community and future. As we have been moving ahead, we see incredible potential – not just for our common areas and amenities, but in the relationships, experiences, and shared goals that make Westwood Shores a special community. Whether you are a full time resident, or a weekender , “Reimagining Together” is an invitation to each of you to think boldly about what our community can become and how we can work together to bring that vision to life.

Whether you’ve lived here for years or just joined us, you can make a difference. In the coming weeks and months, you will hear more about “Reimagining Together” from the Board and our Committees. You’ll have opportunities to attend and participate in many activities that will further our improvements.

Let’s take this journey together – let’s reimagine what’s possible, because when we do it together, we create something far greater than we can alone.

Sincerely,

POA Board of Trustees

Descriptions for Trash/Cardboard

Thu, 15 May 2025 17:11:37 GMT

by Ambassador Council.

The following are suggested descriptions to try to help those that might not be sure.

Except from POA admin 4/1 email message

by Brad Burkeen

Community Manager

Household Trash

Everyday waste from your home, including food scraps, food wrappers, diapers, hygiene products, plastic bags, and paper products. This is the typical small, routine trash generated daily.

Household Cardboard

Thin, smooth cardboard, such as cereal boxes, tissue boxes, and shoe boxes. These are usually made from a single layer of material and are primarily used for packaging lightweight items. Household cardboard can go in your regular bagged trash.

Heavier Cardboard

Sturdier, thicker cardboard like shipping boxes or moving boxes, designed for strength and durability. Examples include Amazon or Chewy boxes and large moving boxes. If styrofoam is inside the box, the styrofoam may be placed in household trash but the box will still need to be broken down
These need to be broken down and must be placed out for cardboard pickup. Alternatively, they can be dropped off at the maintenance barn on Wednesdays and Saturdays between 8:00 AM and Noon.

Heavy Haul

Large, bulky, or heavy items that don’t fit into regular trash collection. These may require special handling. Examples include furniture, appliances, and scrap metal (like old TVs or metal desks). Note: Tires, batteries, and paint are not accepted.

WESTWOOD SHORES COMMUNITY WIDE GARAGE SALE

Sat, 09 Aug 2025 21:48:20 GMT

by Ambassador Council.

Westwood has two community garage sales a year, Spring and Fall. Any resident may have a sale. Be sure to call the POA Office, 936-594-3805 #4, to get your address on the community map which is handed out by the Access Gate Staff. Sales start no earlier than 8:00 am and must end by 5:00.

There is also be a sale in the parking lot by the Clubhouse sponsored by the CIVIC ASSOCIATION or BEAUTIFICATION BUDDIES. For anyone that has treasures to move out, but doesn’t desire to have a sale, you may donate to this one. Drop off on the Thursday before the garage sale days. CLOTHES ARE NOT ACCEPTED! They will open on that Friday and Saturday of the garage sale days. At noon all items will be boxed and donated. You may bring your boxed items to the clubhouse parking lot for charity pickup.

Deer Harvest

Fri, 01 Aug 2025 22:14:20 GMT

by Ambassador Council.

White-tailed Deer Season in Texas is Upon Us, Starts September 27th .... Ends January 4th!

Westwood Shores POA Subdivision will be conducting a controlled management archery hunt every Friday evening and on Saturday and Sunday during the morning and evening. The managed hunt will start on September 27, 2025, to January 4, 2026, with a goal of 50 deer harvested from our ever-growing population of the white tail deer herd. From September 27, 2025, to November 30, 2025, no antlerless permit required. A bag limit of two bucks, (either one buck and one spike or you can harvest two spikes with no buck), and two does can be harvested for the management of the deer population. The following are basic rules and procedures:

GOAL: Removal of 50 deer by a means of a controlled archery hunt.

RULES OF THE CONTROLLED ARCHERY HUNT:

Compound and crossbows only. (NO GUNS)
Maximum of numbered sites to be established by Constable Mark W. Cole, working with the Texas Parks & Wildlife law enforcement officers.
Resident hunters of Westwood Shores may apply to be permitted as a participant and will be charged a $100.00 approved application fee. None resident hunters may also apply to be permitted as a participant and will be charged $250.00 for approved application fee. The application is non refundable. A maximum of 35 hunters will be approved for the deer harvest.
Residents of Westwood Shores Subdivision will be approved first for the deer harvest. The first two weekends, starting September 27, 2024, residents will be the only hunters drawn to hunt. If the goal of 35 hunters are not met, then additional hunters can be signed up for the deer harvest.
Hunters will submit their application to the Access Control Gate or Constable Mark W. Cole for approval.
Hunters will be required to be licensed with the State of Texas and hold an archery endorsement.
The archery endorsement must be shown, when submitting the application to Constable Cole.
If born after September 2, 1971, a hunting safety education course is required, unless a one-time deferral is applied for.
Hunters must be at least 16 years of age.
The managed hunt will take place every Friday evening and during the morning and evening times on Saturday and Sunday except for the opening weekend, which will be on Saturday and Sunday. Bucks with at least a 13- inch spread and spikes can be harvested along with two does. Hunters are reminded that during the latter part of the deer harvest, does will not be permitted to be hunted after November 30, 2025. Hunters can read their hunting book to determine the last day of the doe harvest.
Dates may be changed by the Board based on factors such as weather, events, and progress of the program to date.
Hunters will be assigned a site by random draw.
NO ROAMING OR STALKING WILL BE PERMITTED. A HUNTER CAN BE REMOVED FROM THE HARVEST PROGRAM FOREVER IF THE HUNTER VIOLATES THESE RULES AND OR TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE LAWS, WHILE HUNTING AT WESTWOOD SHORES SUBDIVISION.
Corn or other feeding items can be used at the deer hunting locations.
An orange colored hunting vest and hat or cap WILL BE required for hunters at all times.
AII rules and regulations set forth by the Texas Parks & Wildlife will be strictly enforced.
AII hunters will be permitted and encouraged to provide their own stand.
Hunters will be signed in and out each day of the hunt at the front gate, NO EXCEPTIONS.
Hunters will be permitted to check in no earlier than 4:30 am and must check out by 10:30 am during the deer harvest at the Access Control Gate. During the afternoon hunt, hunters can check in no earlier than 3:00 pm and must leave the hunting stand location at dusk, during the Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening hunt and check out at the Access Control Gate. (EACH HUNTER MUST DO THIS FOR SAFETY.) {FAILURE TO FOLLOW THIS RULE CAN HAVE THE HUNTER REMOVED FROM THE HUNTING PROGRAM.)
Hunters are responsible for the removal of deer and shall not field dress the deer, except at a designated location, which is at the Westwood Shores Maintenance Yard.
Hunters must show, at sign out at the Access Control Gate, any deer harvested, which the hunter had taken on Westwood Shores Subdivision property.
AII deer must have the appropriate deer tag, before leaving the field. AllTexas Parks & Wildlife regulation will apply while hunting.
Any violation of the above rules will not be tolerated and the hunter will not be allowed to hunt again on Westwood Shores Subdivision property.
If a harvested deer runs onto a private property, the hunter must contact Constable Mark W. Cole or the Texas Parks & Wildlife Game Warden (936- 707-0686) to retrieve the deer.
Every hunter must take into mind to not have a verbal confrontation with a resident of the Westwood Shores Subdivision during the hunting period.
lf a hunter has a problem with a resident property owner, the hunter is encouraged to contact Constable Mark W. Cole or the Texas Parks and Wildlife law enforcement officers.
Westwood Shores POA has the right to remove any hunter from the managed harvest of deer or hogs, which would violate Texas Parks & Wildlife laws; State of Texas Penal Code, and or POA Rules or Deed Restrictions.

If you have any questions please contact Constable Mark W. Cole

HISTORY OF THE PROGRAM
In 2013, the Westwood Shores POA Board of Trustees approved a managed harvest of the deer, using 10 hunting sights, assisted by the Parks & Wildlife of the State of Texas (Game Wardens). The program consisted of the managed harvest of deer and hogs within the Westwood Shores Subdivision, with safety being the number one priority. It was their determination that the average weight of a doe was approximately 30 to 35 pounds at that time. The average weight of a heathy doe should be 60 to 80 pounds. The large abundance of deer within the subdivision caused the deer to inter-breed with one another, which could cause genetic problems within the deer herd. The deer looked very poor and the food abundance was rapidly growing short. This caused the deer to forage the plants, flowers and gardens of the residents of Westwood Shores. Residents were instructed to not feed the deer corn, because this was not a proper food item for them, but some residents continue to feed the deer corn. A trapping program to catch and remove some deer was estimated to be very costly.

After the third year of the deer harvest, the does showed an improvement in weight. The average doe weighed between 60 to 80 pounds and looked healthier. We as residents should make sure that the wild life that we have are able to forage for their natural food and not over populate. And when we have visitors to our neighborhood, they observe healthier deer and not one that is under weight or diseased.

Due to the managed harvest and control of the deer herd within the Westwood Shores Subdivision, more of the residents can observe does that are having healthy twins and even triplets.

Our goal is to help our deer population and we have been advised by the game wardens to not feed deer and it is a Westwood Shore POA policy to not feed deer and you can be fined if you do so.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION PROVIDED BY THE TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE

The white-tailed deer is one of the most popular and recognizable species of wildlife in Texas. They are a significant recreational resource among hunters and those who just like to watch wildlife. White-tailed deer are also an important economic resource to many rural landowners who lease hunting rights on their property and the businesses that profit from traveling hunters. They are also an increasingly common animal in and around many Texas urban and suburban communities.

White-tailed deer are an important natural resource and a part of Texas’ natural heritage. However, they are currently considered more of a nuisance in some parts of their range. Thoughtful, proactive management of overabundant deer in urban and suburban settings can help ensure that white-tailed deer are always viewed in a positive light.
At one point in the late 19th century, white-tailed deer nearly disappeared from the Texas landscape. Over harvest and alteration of natural plant communities had reduced or eliminated deer numbers across much of Texas. Protective measures were taken, including the first deer seasons, harvest limits and the establishment of the Game Warden Service. This protection from exploitation was accompanied by adaptation of deer to altered landscapes and widespread restocking by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. From their near disappearance over 100 years ago, white-tailed deer have been restored to most areas they previously occupied and may have expanded their range into historically unoccupied areas of Texas. The restoration of white-tailed deer is a wildlife management success story in Texas and many other states. The current status of white-tailed deer populations nationally is also a testament to the resiliency and adaptability of this species. White-tailed deer can thrive side-by-side with human populations in Texas. The adaptability of white-tailed deer and the desire of people to live and work in areas that retain “green spaces” have resulted in deer overabundance in many areas.

An overabundant deer herd can be described as one that has exceeded the capacity of the native plant community. Overabundant deer herds can result in concerns for the deer, for native plant communities, for urban landscapes and the health, safety and economic well-being of local communities. Neighborhoods across Texas are beginning to confront these issues which have been a concern of communities in the northeastern states for several decades. As overabundant white-tailed deer reduce the health of native plant communities, other wildlife species can become less common. Over-abundant herds have deer-health problems such as starvation, increased numbers of parasites and more disease.

Overabundance of deer living in close proximity to people also cause concerns such as:

Automobile accidents from deer collisions or drivers trying to avoid deer
Severe damage to landscaping.
Buck (male) deer that are unafraid of people can be dangerous during the breeding season (fall and winter).
Increased numbers of disease-causing agents such as ticks carrying Lyme’s disease.
Deer feeding resulting in more reproduction and further aggravation of all overabundant deer concerns.

What can be done to address homeowner concerns regarding overabundant deer populations?

Do not feed deer. Supplemental feed will only increase the number of deer in the neighborhood. And again, it is a Westwood Shore POA policy to not feed deer and you can be fined if you do so.
Work with neighbors to monitor deer numbers in your neighborhood and impacts to your landscape.
Landscape with plants that deer do not prefer to eat.
Consider removal of adult deer through lethal and non-lethal means.
Limit movement of deer into the neighborhood from surrounding areas with high fencing.
Work cooperatively, from the start, with other residents and neighboring landowners in deer monitoring and management. This is particularly important in areas where deer numbers are high in surrounding areas.

Finally, as a reminder be respectful of the hunters during the hours when they are in their stands. And again, please do not feed the deer.

Camaraderie and Community Building Neighborhood Night Out

Tue, 03 Jun 2025 16:22:34 GMT

by Ambassador Council.

Thank you to all that came to Neighborhood Night Out. Lots of good information was presented.

The PHI Air Medical helicopter was there along with a representative that could tell you about their membership program. Hopefully by now you have heard about the Neighborhood Watch website, wwsconnect.com. If you haven’t checked your information or signed up, please do so! Several groups had representatives there: a booth to register for voting, information on the local Elf Station, Quilters Club, Civic Association and the new Pet Crematory. For the children: there was a hopscotch and sidewalk chalk. Thanks to George and Theresa Gallagher for donating the hotdogs and buns and the Civic Association for donating the condiments. Thanks to the awesome cookie bakers that made the “Cookie Contest” a success! Brenda Newbury won the favorite cookie and won an embroidery towel made by Terry Heinrich! This event was hosted by the Neighborhood Watch committee.

Excerpt: Susan Keel, Newslog Nov-Dec 24'

PSA - Emails Are Not Showing Up In My Inbox?

Tue, 03 Jun 2025 16:23:14 GMT

by Ambassador Council.

Watch the short clip posted on the Westwood Shores 205 YouTube channel (opens to new window)

Check List:

Check your spam folder for missing emails.
Make sure your mailbox is not full or near its limit.
Check your Inbox filter and Sort settings.
In Outlook, If Priority Inbox is enabled, check the Other tab for missing emails.
Check your email rules.
Check if email forwarding is enabled.
Check if your account is locked.
Delete some connected accounts that exceed 20.
Contact the either the POA or Connections' webmaster, inform them of the problem so they can verify any undeliverable (bounce) reports for your email address.

Unfortunately, this check list may not fix your problem but it does provide the most common solutions to try. Email has multiple moving parts as it travels from the sender to the recipient. All you can do is to continue to work the problem.