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Archived Newsletters

Every month, we issue an electronic newsletter, eNews Monthly, to keep clients informed about Association items, spotlight clients, answer frequently asked questions, and let you know what is happening with the company. Old issues of eNews Monthly are available on our Library page.

October 2015
eNews Monthly
Governing Documents
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Standby Electric Generators

During the 2015 legistative session, section 202.019 which deals with the right to install standby electric generators (SEG), was added to the Texas Property Code.  The law allows a property owners association to regulate these items to the extent allowed by the law by creating and filing guidelines in the county public records.

With the assistance of the law firm of Holt & Young P.C., we have prepared guidelines to use as a template for our communities.  

The guidelines address these issues and more:

  • The owner must submit a home improvement application for advance approval.

  • The SEG must be installed and maintained in compliance with manufacturer’s specifications and governmental codes.

  • The SEG must be installed by licensed contractors.

  • The SEG and all components must be maintained in good condition.

  • The SEG must be screened from view as shown on the plans submitted to and approved by the Association.

  • The SEG may only be used to provide power during outages.

  • The SEG may only be exercised during daytime hours.

We are recommending that Guidelines for Standby Electric Generators be adopted by all of our associations.  Check with your community manager if you have any questions.

Accomplishments
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Manager Earns Certification

We are proud to announce that Valerie Lehr, of our North Office, has earned her AMS designation.  The AMS (Association Management Specialist) designation is the second level in the career track for community association managers developed by Community Associations Institute.

The AMS designation demonstrates a higher level of commitment to the community association industry and requires two years of experience in multiple aspects of association management.  In order to qualify for an AMS, managers are required to earn the CMCA designation, and take at least two (2) approved continuing education classes on various association related topics.  

Join us in congratulating Valerie on achieving her latest professional goal!

Community
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Bulldogs Soccer Team
by Shantay Lewis

I was lucky enough to join C.I.A. Services, Inc. in August of this year.  One of the great things about C.I.A. Services is their sense of community.  My son, Shawn Lewis, currently plays soccer with the Bandera Youth Soccer League.  His team, the U8 Bulldogs, was seeking a sponsor and Shawn personally visited with Tina Jameson, Branch Manager, to request that the company consider sponsorship.  The company kindly agreed to sponsor this team!

At the first game, we discovered that there are actually two connections to C.I.A. Services on the team.   My son Shawn Lewis is #10 and Roseann Ashe of our San Antonio office has a grandson, Kyler Ashe #5, who plays on the team.  

I am also lucky enough to be assistant coaching the team for the second season which I am very passionate about.  The Bulldogs have 5 returning players this year and are hoping to have another wonderful season with these amazing athletes.  We finished undefeated in the Spring and hope to continue the awesomeness into this Fall season.  We are on the right track with our current 2-0 record!  

On behalf of the Bulldogs, I wanted to say thank you to C.I.A Services for making our team a part of your family.

Seminar Series
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Our 2015 edition of the C.I.A. Services Seminar Series is wrapping up with two more sets of seminars.  Click here to read the seminar descriptions and see the full schedule.  The 2016 schedule will be announced in January.  

Each seminar concentrates on the practical aspects of the topic and provides board members with background knowledge to help them in their decision making. We consistently receive positive feedback on the content and presentation.

  • Board Member Orientation
  • Advanced Topics for Board Members
  • Meeting & Records - The Legal Requirements
  • Understanding Collections & Financial Reports
  • The Super Budgeting Process
  • Practical Deed Restriction Management
  • Essentials of Architectural Control
  • Community Website Administrator

Each two-hour seminar begins at 6:00 pm and we provide deli sandwiches in case you come straight from work.  You’ll leave with a wealth of practical information and a handbook for future reference.  You can attend our one-hour webinar right from home! 

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Board Member Orientation

This seminar is a must for all new Board members and a great refresher for seasoned veterans. It will help you get up to speed quickly by understanding your responsibilities and authorities. We’ll review the documents and laws that govern the way you do business. We’ll give you an overview of the governing documents, basis of authority, organizational roles, responsibilities & authorities, conduct of meetings, and we’ll cover insurance and taxes.

Space is limited and advance registration is required. To register, please send an email to seminars@ciaservices.com.

10/22/15 – Thursday

6 – 8 pm

Southwest Houston

10/29/15 – Thursday

6 – 8 pm

Humble

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Community Website Administrator Training

This is the required training course for certification as a Community Website Administrator (CWSA) on the C.I.A Services web site (www.ciaservices.com). As a CWSA you’ll be able to maintain the pages for your community. You’ll be able to create news and events, update key personnel, add community information, display photos, conduct surveys and much more. Being a website administrator is very easy on www.ciaservices.com and you can do it from anywhere you have an Internet connection. All CWSA training is done by webinar in the comfort of your home.

Space is limited and advance registration is required.  To register, please send an email to seminars@ciaservices.com.

11/12/15 – Thursday

6 – 7 pm

Webinar

 

In Memoriam
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Allan McDonald

It is with heavy hearts that we inform you of the passing of a pillar of The Community Association of the Highlands, Allan “Al” McDonald.  Al passed away on September 27th.

Al served on the board of directors for the community for 9 years and also served as a member of the Architectural Control Committee. Not only did he choose to serve the community where he lived but the greater community of Sugar Land as well.  He was a member of the Sugar Land Exchange Club which is just one example of how he gave back to the community.

Al will be truly missed, but he will live on as many remember him for his community service and all of the lives he touched along the way.

We appreciate the many years Al and his wife Mabel have given to The Highlands Community and send our sincere condolences to the family. 

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Pam Reber
by Annette McConnell

We are sad to report that we have lost our friend and co-worker, Pam Reber, in a fatal car accident on September 16, 2015.  Pam was an accounting clerk at our Bandera office in the check processing team.  Pam was an intelligent, dedicated employee and a fun and beautiful person all around.  Pam was always willing to help outside of her normal duties. 

She was very considerate of others and always had a kind word to say, a funny joke, or a childhood memory she would share.  Often times, we would share a new word learned as we both had a love of vocabulary and we used to laugh how it seemed we had a “word of the day.”  On occasion we would talk about music we heard on the way in to work – usually something from our generation – 60s & 70s.  The people in our area would quiz each other as to their thoughts on which band it was, who sang it or who wrote it and then we would break out in song together  - sometimes debating the words themselves (and correcting each other) – or the meaning of the song.  Though it is a sad loss, I am smiling as I write this because I have these memories I am so fond of and she was so much fun!  Several coworkers shared some of their own special memories and thoughts about Pam.

“I miss her smile, her laugh, her friendship.  She would often email me to find out the reason why we had to do something. She wanted to understand the ins and outs of the business. When I used to order office supplies, she would always let me know when we were running low on something. Such a big help! She was a joy to work with.”   ~ Sally Lohrke

“She had such a great smile, as evidenced by her company photo; and a wonderful laugh.  When we sat in the same area, a group of four of us would be chiming in on old songs, TV shows, movies, etc.  “Remember when…”  She really seemed to get a kick out of that.”  ~ Leann Bruton 

“Pam became friends with lots of folks in Lakehills and I met her at her last job where she worked the late shift.  One night, she asked me about C.I.A. Services and told me about her corporate experience, and I encouraged her to send in her resume and she was soon hired.  Pam was from Nebraska and didn’t have any family here in Texas, so a lot of local folks took her under their wing to make sure she felt welcome.  She was always amazed by the things she would learn about Texas.  From cedar trees that shot off pollen to how large a walking stick could grow to be, things you just don’t see in Nebraska.  It was always fun to point out a new “critter” and tell her stories about it.  I will always remember Pam for her funny laugh, and her positive outlook on life.  She was so happy to have a “normal” 8-5 job and loved working at C.I.A. Services.  She made a lot of friends in the community and was looking forward to exploring the area when the weather got cooler.”  ~ Kim Terry

“I still can’t even fathom your absence. You were only with our office for about nine months but, man, did you know how to leave an impression.  Every time I walk by your old desk, I remember how I used to not really walk, but sort of “perform” past you.  I would sing you things like “Magic Man,” or “Cold as Ice.”  And I can still hear the ghost of your mirth as you witnessed my idiocy.  You were always feeding me random pieces of candy, because you knew I had a sweet tooth.  I never had the heart to tell you that I don’t like coconut.  I would talk to you about school, and my terrible habit of speeding through Helotes, and just life in general. You would pat me on the back, and offer to adopt me.  When I got that call that Wednesday night, all I could think about was how before I left you’d said, “No more speeding tickets. Be careful.” I sat on the floor and let the tears fall.   You were the most genuine person I have ever met.  You said what you thought, and laughed long and loud whenever the opportunity presented itself. You were a beautiful soul, a wonderful friend, and a pleasure to work with.  It was a privilege to have known you, Pam.  Love, always,”  ~ Briana Meredith

Pam said “I Love My Job” many times.  I am honored to have been able to know her.  Her passing has taught me a few things, not the least of which is – try not to let those moments pass by when you feel it in your heart and can tell someone you care for how they make you happy and enrich your life.  Life is a fleeting moment and you never know when He will be calling you home.

We so enjoyed having you here with us Pam and we will miss your face, your fun, and your hugs.

R.I.P. – Pam Renee Reber - 1960-2015

Community Spotlight
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Cedar Springs

We are proud of every one of our communities so it is always hard to find just one to highlight. We start by having each of our Community Managers write a nomination for one of their communities. We then read them and take a vote. Here are our most recent selections:

  • October - Cedar Springs - San Antonio Office - Tina Jameson
  • September - Eldridge Park Village - Southwest Office - Susan Bratton
  • August - Cinco Ranch Residential Association II - North Office - Laura Tate
  • July - Cypresswood Green Property Owners Association - North Office - Brenda Ellington
  • June - Fairway Pointe Community Association - Southwest Office - Libby Hodges
  • May - Eilan Condominium Association, Inc. - San Antonio Office - Ralph Troiano
  • April - Summerwood Community Association - North Office - Jennifer Northington
  • March - Diamond Ridge Property Owners Association - San Antonio Office - Rosie Saenz
  • February - Riverwalk Propery Owners Association - North Office - Linda Morris
  • January - The Lakefront Association - Southwest Office - Gina Victor

To see the full story on these communities and to see the past winners, visit the Community of the Month page on our site.

New Communities
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We would like to welcome two new communities into our family this month!

Heartstone Subdivision Homeowners Association - Heartstone is a community of 45 properties located in Concan, Texas on the beautiful Frio River.  Ralph Troiano is the Community Manager with Leticia Burchard as the Administrative Assistant.

Willow Park Office Condominiums Homeowners Association - Willow Park consists of 96 units, offering a new concept for the business office. Willow Park is located in Houston near FM 1960 and 249. Brooke Gattis is the Community Manager with Esme Ponce as the Administrative Assistant.

Welcome to all of you, we look forward to working with you for years to come!

Community Anniversaries
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San Antonio Communities Celebrate 1 Year!

We recently celebrated the one year anniversary of our San Antonio office.  Since September 1, 2014, we have been hard at work getting to know all of the communities that joined us at that time.  It’s been a great year of learning and growing and we would like to thank all of the communities that made our anniversary celebration possible.  

Happy 1 year anniversary, we are so happy to have you as part of our family!

  • 165 Association
  • Bandera Landing Townhome Owners Association
  • Big Country Homes Association
  • Bristol Forest (San Antonio) Homeowners Association
  • Braunridge Homeowners Association
  • Bluffview Heights Homeowners Association
  • Braun Willow Unit 2 Home Owners Association
  • Country Commons Owners Association
  • Churchill Homeowners Association
  • Charro Legacy Trails Cell-4 Homeowners Association
  • The Crossing at Quail Creek Homeowners Association
  • Cedar Springs Homeowners Association
  • Crescent Sonterra Property Owners Association
  • Culebra Crossing Homeowners Association
  • Canyon View Association
  • Deerfield Owners Association
  • Deer Hollow Homeowners Association
  • The Estates at Stonegate Property Owners Association
  • El Sendero (San Antonio) Homeowners Association
  • Fieldstone Association
  • Hunters Brook (San Antonio) Homeowners Association
  • Hunters Chase Homeowners Association
  • Hidden Heights Homeowners Association
  • Home Owners Association for Braun Willow Subdivision
  • HSE Homeowners Association
  • Horseshoe Oaks Homeowners Association
  • The Heights at Westover Hills Homeowners Association
  • Kingswood Heights Association
  • Magnolia Heights Homeowners Association
  • Northwest Park Homeowners Association
  • Oakdell Council of Co-Owners
  • The Overlook Homeowners Association
  • Orsinger Lane Homeowners Association
  • The Oaktrail Homeowners Association
  • Palo Blanco Homeowners Association
  • Pembroke Farms Homeowners Association
  • The Park of Garden Ridge Homeowners Association
  • The S.A. Pembroke Village Homeowners Association
  • Redland Oaks Homeowners Association
  • Redland Ranch Estates Homeowners Asociation
  • Retablo Ranch Owners Association
  • Redland Springs Association
  • Stonefield Association
  • S.A. Mesa Verde Homeowners Association
  • San Antonio Oak Crest Homeowners Association
  • S.A. Quail Ridge Homeowners Association
  • S.A. Remington Heights Homeowners Association
  • Shavano Creek Homeowners Association
  • Shavano Forest Owners Association
  • Stonegate Hill at Westover Hills Homeowners Association
  • Sierra Vista Homeowners Association
  • S.A. St. James Place Homeowners Association
  • S. A. Stonecrest at Lookout Canyon Homeowners Association
  • The Summit Mutual Amenities Association
  • Spring Vista Homeowners Association
  • Tezel Trails Homeowners Association
  • Twin Creek (San Antonio) Homeowners Association
  • Village at Big Country Association
  • The Villas at Braun Station Association
  • The Villas of Northwest Crossing Association
  • The Villas of Oakcreek Homeowners Association
  • Westover Forest Homeowners Association
  • The Woods at Fair Oaks Homeowners Association
  • Walden Meadows Homeowners Association
  • Westover Valley Homeowners Association
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October Community Anniversaries

Every month we appreciate the communities that are celebrating their anniversaries with us. Here are the clients that started with us in October.

  • Indian Shores Property Owners Association — 28 years
  • Bowling Green Garden Homes Association — 27 years
  • Ashcreek Homeowners Association — 24 years
  • Kirkmont Section 2 Association — 22 years
  • Traces II Community Improvement Association — 19 years
  • Belleau Wood Civic Club — 14 years
  • Summerwood Community Association — 10 years
  • Fairway Pointe Community Homeowners Association — 9 years
  • Hunters Green Homeowners Association — 8 years
  • Westpark Lakes Homeowners Association — 4 years
  • RVTC Property Owners Association — 3 years
  • Diamond Ridge Property Owners Association — 3 years
  • Park at Main — 1 year

Our goal has always been to create a positive, long term relationship with all of our client communities. We are very proud to be managing all of these communities.

Employee Corner
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Anniversaries

We love to celebrate special milestones with our employees. In the Employee Corner of each eNews issue, we will list all employees that have reached their 1 year anniversary with our company.  Additionally, once an employee becomes a stockholder at their 5th year, we will acknowledge them on their anniversary each year.  

Congratulations to Brenda Ellington, Brittany Tate and Melinda Diaz.   All of these stockholders out of our North Office are all celebrating 10 years with C.I.A. Services.  

Brenda is a Community Manager managing several communities. She is much loved by the communities and has always shown integrity and dedication in her responsibilities.

Brittany is a Compliance Coordinator with the primary function of processing the 100’s of resale and compliance certificates requested each month.  She is also a "go to" person when it comes to many tech things.  We can always count on Brittany to be passionate about the details of her job.

Melinda is a Community Specialist and spends much of her day taking calls and answering questions from homeowners. Melinda has a knack for this position and shows true empathy when she is speaking with community members.

We also have several awesome employees celebrating 1 year with the company this month.  

Hector Mercado is in our Accounting Department at the Bandera Office.  Hector is a member of the Check Disbursement Team and is a true steward for each and every community.

Esme Ponce is an Administrative Assistant at our North Office and demonstrates genuine community spirit in the office.  Esme always comes to work with a smile on her face.

Dannie Gibson is an HIR Coordinator at our North Office. Dannie is part of the special team that processes 1000’s of home improvement requests annually.

Jessica Davis is another awesome Community Specialist at the North Office working in our Customer Service Department.  She works diligently each day helping residents.

Amy Hooper is the Community Coordinator for the Cinco Ranch Southwest Community Council.  Amy is charged with planning fabulous events for the Cinco Ranch II community as well as keeping residents informed via their intranet.  Amy puts the "community" in Community Council!

Congratulations to all of these special people on their company anniversary!

Read Past Issues of eNews Monthly

Every month, we issue an electronic newsletter, eNews Monthly, to keep clients informed about Association items, spotlight clients, answer frequently asked questions, and let you know what is happening with the company. Old issues of eNews Monthly are available on our Library page.