Professional Community Association Management Since 1984
Newsletter
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.
Latest Update
by Ralph Troiano
We are approaching the end of the Texas 88th Legislative Session. The regular session ends on May 29th and the last few weeks are abuzz with activity. The fate of bills changes every hour until the end. Those that are passed by both the House and the Senate are passed onto Governor Abbott. Upon receiving a bill, the governor has 10 days to sign the bill, veto it, or allow it to become law without a signature. In the last few issues, we’ve highlighted the more important bills which would affect community associations. Here is the latest update on a few.
So, stay tuned. By next month we’ll know what is becoming law and provide direction on what needs to be done.
Mike Miller of Bridlewood Estates
by Kim Moore
Born and raised in small-town Iowa, Mike Miller of Bridlewood Estates has now been a “Texan” for longer than he was in Iowa. A graduate of the University of Northern Iowa with Business Administration and Secondary Education degrees, Mike and his wife moved to Houston in 1998 and built their first home in Riverpark in Sugar Land in 2001. After ten years in Riverpark, where Miller assisted with the Deed Restrictions Committee, he and his growing family of five (wife and three children) built their current home in Bridlewood Estates, where he is serving his second term on the Board of Directors as Vice President.
Mike has carried those Midwestern values into his life in Houston – where neighbors help neighbors in order to help the community thrive or else nothing gets done. In addition to assisting with the DRC in Riverpark, Miller has also served as a baseball coach in Rosenberg National Little League, assisted with soccer in Lamar Soccer Club and coached I-9 basketball. He and his wife, Deann, have been part of the PTOs of their children’s schools since they were in kindergarten. He also served on the Board for Fort Bend Basketball Officials for 10 years, officiating over a thousand basketball games from 7th grade through varsity and numerous UIL and TAPPS playoff assignments in addition to men’s summer leagues, while enjoying the camaraderie and training with other officials.
While family has and always remains a priority, Mike also enjoys the challenge and logistics of improving groups and processes that impact his profession and community. As a Business/Finance/Marketing/Hospitality (and Education & Training) high school teacher of 25 years (currently in Lamar Consolidated ISD), he’s initiated and overseen school stores, been an advisor to multiple CTSO’s (Career and Technical Student Organizations = sometimes more than one at a time) in which the students network with industry executives through leadership, service, and competitions, where numerous students have competed at the national and international levels. He has served on the Texas DECA Board of Directors for nine years, overseeing most of the Houston area for DECA leadership, service, and competitive activities and he recentlyenjoyed District 3’s largest-ever competition this past January with 1,300 competitors.
Going back to his roots, he tries to ingrain the importance of integrity to his children and students – both professionally and personally – because those are the people that are respected and sought for educational and professional advancement and is something that cannot be taken away from a person. With so many students and adults wanting to “build their resumes” for college and job applications, many miss the fact that following through with full effort and commitment is actually where growth and impact occur – not to mention connections for the future.
That’s why Mike serves on the BOD for Bridlewood – to maintain the original essence of the community as it grows with the area around it. We are so h appy that he does!
Sunday, May 14th is Mother’s Day, and what better time than now to share our mom stories?
We consider ourselves an extended family and are excited to be celebrating every mom that works for us or helped mold those that do. We invited employees and our extended work family to write a few words to honor the moms in their lives.
As a result, we have an amazing group of moms to introduce you to, and hope you enjoy reading about each one.
From our family to yours, Happy Mother’s Day!
Valerie Lehr, Community Manager and Mom to Tracey Cavasos
by Tracey Cavasos
What type of mother do I want to be? Last year I asked myself this quite a bit. I was pregnant with my first child, and though I always wanted kids, I never stopped to think about the type of mother I wanted to be. I thought about this but felt lost until one rough day; I finally looked at my mom, Valerie Lehr, and told her, “I don’t know what I am doing.” Her response was, at first, she didn’t know either. After talking, I realized she used her mom as an example for many of her decisions. I am pretty sure she also used my sister as a test dummy, but that’s a different story.
So, I thought about this. My mom has shown my siblings and me how to do so many things. She went to our practices, cheered for us, and helped us when we were down. She did her best to teach us how to be respectable but also joked around with us. She ensured we did our homework, even if she had to sit there to do it with us. At times it was rough, and other times it was amazing. Thinking back, I honestly do not know how she did it.
Then I became a mother to a beautiful girl, and my first thought was that I wanted to raise her the same way I was. I want her to have every opportunity to do what she wants, to learn everything and more. Then it clicked. This is what my mom thought when she had us.
Writing this made me think of my sister, friends, and coworkers. Each of them has their own style of parenting they created from looking at the past generations and their own experience. Each adapts to help their family. I use this knowledge daily and try my best, just like my mom did for me. Every day is a new experience, and we should enjoy every second.
Renea Miksch, Executive Vice President and Mom to Morgan, Maggie & Marley
by Laura Tate
Many equate "mom" to the family leader. That’s what you get with Renea Miksch. Renea is a true leader in every sense of the word. She has guided me for the last 30 years and helped me become all that I can be.
She is an Executive Vice President of our company and the Branch Manager of the North Houston office. But more importantly, Renea is a mom to Morgan, Maggie, & Marley Miksch.
She is the strongest supporter of each of her daughters. She gives them the tools they need to be independent young women.
Her daughter, Maggie, said the following: My mom is strong and brave. She is also an incredibly outgoing and independent person. She puts her kids before anyone and anything. Although she is not a good cook, she is a great mom, and a mom figure to many people.
Have a wonderful day celebrating you, Renea!
Charlotte Bulcken, Office Assistant and Mom to Rhonda, Dawna & Renea
by Renea Miksch, Dawna Woods, & Rhonda Duffield
How can we describe our mom and LaLa?
Let’s start with professionally. Charlotte works out of our North Houston office as an Office Assistant, but her real title is "Helper to Everyone with Everything". She is hard-working and will always go above and beyond to help a coworker. She treats everyone like family. She remembers birthdays and celebrates special occasions. It is not uncommon for a small gift to show up on your desk.
But more importantly, she is our mom, and she is the best. It could not have been easy to raise three headstrong girls but she managed to turn us all into successful adults.
Now she is enjoying being a grandmother and a great-grandmother. She always makes a point to attend as many events for the little ones as she can. She very much enjoys going to the theater and has supported the Houston arts for many years. She has instilled a love for the theater in her kids, grandkids, and coworkers.
Charlotte also enjoys traveling. She has visited all of the states except for three and is looking forward to adding Hawaii when she cruises the islands next April. This past fall she decided to take a two-week road trip with her sister and aunt. Their main goal was to go to Noah’s Ark in Kentucky but they decided to travel through several states and even took back roads and were able to visit family along the way.
Charlotte has three daughters, three grandsons and three granddaughters, three great-granddaughters, and one great-grandson. In July she will have another great-granddaughter. We are all so lucky to have her!
Deniece Reyes, Vice President & Mom to Jalen & Julian
by Laura Tate
Deniece Reyes, Vice President/Community Manager, not only thrives in the workplace, but she soars in motherhood!
She strives to be the best role model for her kids and guides them to make smart decisions in their daily lives. Her success at C.I.A. Services is a testament to how hard she works and she has that same work ethic with her two boys.
Jalen is 16 years old and Julian is 10 and they are both the center of her universe. She is 100% family first and all of her time outside of work is dedicated to her boys and their family.
Jalen plays basketball and you will find Deniece courtside at almost every game, and many times, her "little-me" Julian, will be right next to her.
When asked about his mom, Jalen said the following: I love my mom and lot. She is very caring and has always been there for me through everything. One day I will be able to buy her a big house and a fancy car.
Julian also chimed in by saying he agrees with everything Jalen said plus the following: My mom works hard and I love her a lot. She’s a very hardworking woman and deserves everything that she wants.
Those boys know what they are talking about! Happy Mother’s Day Deniece!
Kim Moore, Executive Vice President and Godmother to Taeden
by Laura Tate & Taeden Fields
Thirteen years ago, Bridget Fields honored Executive Vice President Kim Moore and her husband Orlando with an invitation to be the Godparents to her son, Taeden. They eagerly accepted and have proven to be an integral part of Taeden’s life. Kim showers Taeden with love and affection while still balancing life lessons and making sure his path forward is a good one.
When asked what his Godmother meant to him, Taeden Fields wrote the following letter to Kim Moore.
To my Godmother Kim,
I want to thank you for your constant love and support throughout my life. As you may know, you have always been lots more than a Godmother to me. Just like a mom, you have always guided me, protected me, and been a source of comfort and lots of unconditional love.
I can’t even describe how lucky I am to have you in my life. You are a true gift from God and I could not ask for somebody as special as you are. You are always by my side during good or bad times even during the worst times of my life I could not ask for more. You have lots of strength, confidence, your ability to love, and lots more.
You have been a magnificent role model to me and I have learned so much from all that you have told and taught me. I admire all of our memories together and look forward to many more. Thank you for all of the care and love you have shown me. I know I am truly blessed to have you in my life.
With all my love,
Taeden
Jessica Soto, Community Manager and Mom to Lizzy
by Lizzy Soto
Cynthia Wood, Bonus Mom to Renea, Dawna, & Rhonda, North Houston Office
by Renea Miksch, Dawna Woods, & Rhonda Duffield
Sometimes in life, we are blessed with a Bonus Mom that loves us as if we were her own. Cynthia Wood is ours.
Cynthia came into our lives over 45 years ago and was there through much of our childhood. She is a founder of C.I.A. Services and instilled an amazing work ethic not only in us, but in the many young women that have had the benefit of her as a mentor.
She loves reading, cruising, and spending time with our big family at her home in Matagorda. She loves talking to all of us on the phone and will keep you on the line for what feels like hours, and sometimes it is. Our lives (and the lives of many others) would not be the same if she was not in it.
Happy Mother’s Day Cynthia!
Sue Kleypas, Mom to Stephanie Petzold, Community Manager
by Stephanie Petzold
My mom is a continuous ray of sunshine and is adored by all who interact with her. When I was growing up, she was "mom #2" to all of my friends.
Mom worked in Alief ISD for 25+ years, retired to enjoy life as "Memaw" to 5 grandchildren, and has delivered her sunshine to church nursery kiddos for 20+ years.
During all the years bringing happiness and guidance to others, my sister and I were her main focus. Her amazing example of motherhood and devotion to others is a path I aim to achieve as "momma" to 2 phenomenal young adults: Dalton (23, Aggie Electrical Engineer) and Ainsley (20, UT Dallas student); and "bonus-mom" to Blake (28), Brett (25) and Brooke (22).
Ann Tate, Mother to Laura, Patty, & Brittany Tate, North Houston Office
by Laura Tate
Although it has been more than 10 years since Ann Tate left this world, I can honestly say that my heart still tightens and flutters when I think of my mom. The pain of her loss has dulled and moved to the background of my daily life but still cuts like a knife when I have a memory or thought of her, which is very often.
She was an amazing mom to me and to my sisters (Patty, Cindy, and Brittany). And she was 2nd mom to many: all of our cousins, our friends on the block, and schoolmates, just to name a few. She treated everyone like her own and we all adored her.
Every day I strive to be half of the mother that she was. She gave us the most amazing childhood, and with limited resources. I have wonderful memories of playing restaurant, girl scout camping, slumber party scavenger hunts, trips to Astroworld, summer visits to Mississippi and Alabama, and so much more. My mom was simply the best. Then she became the best grandmother. I’m so grateful that she got to know her grandchildren and be a part of their lives, even if briefly for some of them.
Below is a bit of what I prepared to be read at her funeral. I think it sums up how incredibly amazing she was.
When I was in my late 20s, I can remember glancing down at my hands one day and being shocked. I was looking at my mom’s hands. My own hands had begun to take on the appearance of hers. Since that time, I have continued to notice my hands and how much they look like Mom’s more and more each day.
My reaction has always been to think of it as a sign of aging. I am getting old and my hands show it. I have not been pleased about it. But now I am so very happy and grateful to have those hands. When I need to be close to her, all I have to do is look at my own hands and I have the honor of an instant memory. These are the hands that held me when I was a baby, provided a tender touch when it was needed, guided me my entire life. She was always there for me even when I did not deserve it.
It was not just me that she comforted in her life. Her hands were big enough to provide comfort to everyone they touched. She was so selfless, always thinking of others over herself. I know that other people’s happiness was what made her happy.
That became even clearer once we were asked to provide a picture of Mom in a frame for the service. It was such a challenge to find that picture. Going through the boxes and books of pictures, we realized that there were very few pictures of Mom by herself. There were so many pictures of her with others: holding hands, carrying a baby, kids sitting on her lap, kids lying in her bed, hugging her family. Mom giving everyone her gift of love.
Today I am so grateful that I can look at my own hands and instantly remember my mom. It was truly a blessing to be her daughter.
Eva Stockett, Mom to Sidney Lejano, Administrative Assistant
by Sidney Lejano
I ponder what beauty is a lot. While lots of things are lovely, it is a rarity to find the kind of beauty that just brings one to a pause. Beauty was my mom. My mom was beauty. I picture her in the kitchen with her hands full of dough making homemade bread or stirring a giant five-gallon pot of potato soup. I smile thinking of how excited she would get during superhero movies. She was my Wonder Woman. She made serving others seem as natural as breathing. She was the very roots of our family tree holding us all together with such character, integrity, strength, service, and love. She’d leave seeds, and plant love wherever she’d go. I wrote to her one day, and I told her,
“You are art Mom. You’re a painting. You’re a stained glass window. You’re a piece of pottery. You’re a crocheted blanket. You’re a piece of music. You’re a garden. You’re a handwritten letter.
How gentle and full of grace you are Momma.
How lovely and kind you are Momma.
How intelligent and beautiful you are Momma.
How strong and courageous you are Momma.
If I can even become half of what you are... how grateful I would be.”
Then one day, Cancer came and like a Texas storm comes and goes, she was gone. This May marks three years without her. Now that she’s gone, I find myself looking for the Spring flowers along the highway that always remind me of her - her strength, resilience, and perseverance despite all the odds. I will forever be learning from my Mom. I will forever think of her with each glimpse of beauty. I wish she had known while she was here what a monumental impact she had on every person she met. How perfect strangers would go away from her presence feeling truly and wholly loved. Her life was the catalyst for so much goodness. I promised her I would pursue beauty like she did. I told her she was beauty itself. I hope she knows that because of her example and her fervent faith, I will seek to live my life in a way that glorifies God and honors her.
Even in sickness, she put her hands to work loving others. Her nurses at some point said to me, “I’ve just never seen love like this.” They referred to our family’s commitment to caring for Mom, but what context they lacked is the love she extended to us our entire lives - a love unparalleled. She cherished us, adored us, and delighted in our gifts and abilities. Mom was amazing; she was a wife, a mother, a friend, an artist, a baker, a servant, a gardener, a teacher, a linguist, and a philanthropist (to name a few). Mom loved to learn, and I sure will miss watching the process. I sure will ache every time I see a rubber stamp, paint supplies, or a homemade card.
She cultivated the most beautiful life for our family. If I was standing before her right now I would say, “Mom, I see you in everything. I see you in calligraphy pens, butterflies, magazine clippings, and chai tea lattes. I see you in sunflowers, pink peonies, tulips, daisies, and poppies. I see you in all things beautiful.” I feel like my whole life has been this gift of unprecedented measure, and I know I owe it all to my mom.
Happy Mother’s Day Mom! I miss you.
Ruby Gharst, Mom to Valerie Lehr, Community Manager
by Valerie Lehr
My Mom! So many thoughts come to mind when I think of my mom. Ruby Gharst was an amazing woman who lived for her family. She was a mother to 6 biological children, 2 adopted children (me as a 10-year-old and a non-biological sister as a newborn), and 6 foster children. Grandmother to 17 and more great- and great-great-grandchildren than I can count. She had a way of making each of her children feel special like they were an only child. That is a skill I wish I could have duplicated when raising my own children. She took time to teach us life skills, respect for others, and how to be an overall good person. Whether you were a boy or girl you were taught how to work in the garden, clean the house, and do things as a group and individually. The only difference between the boys and girls was, girls did not mow the yard (we never figured that one out). She taught half of us to sew and the other half how to cook. I’m so glad I got the cooking lessons because my sewing, even with her help was/is awful.
I always told my brothers and sisters that I was the chosen one, since I was adopted and she picked me, she was just stuck with them. At that time my younger sister did not know she was adopted. So, I guess I was not so nice with that line.
Somehow mom had the time to work part-time outside of the home as a bookkeeper until I was in the 4th grade then she decided to go to work for our local school system as a bus driver. Over the many years she dove regular routes and activity buses she collected many more children who call her mom. I remember right before Christmas every year she would have double the number of children on her bus because she gave every child a full-size candy bar which was a big deal back in the late sixties and early seventies. After she retired from the school system, she went to work for Midwest City (OK) Hospital. Her favorite area to work in was pediactrics because she was around the children.
I remember when she turned 71, she was still working at the hospital and we sent her a bouquet of flowers and balloons with a card that said Happy 17th Birthday. The young man who delivered the bouquet to her looked quite confused. She would share the story with her friends and the nurses and doctors at the hospital after she was diagnosed with an enlarged heart. She passed away at age 78 with a full heart of love for her children and from her children.
Love and miss you MOM!
Bonus Moms of C.I.A. Services
by Jessica Soto
C.I.A. Services, Inc. has given me more than just a place to work and that is a secondary family. I have several mom-type figures and even big sisters here.
Ms. Charlotte is Renea, Rhonda, and Dawna’s mom and Morgan’s grandmother. I have known her for so long, I call her Mom too. Ms. Charlotte is sweet, kind, and caring. She never forgets about anyone or anything when we have things going on in the office. Ms. Charlotte is generous and so helpful when it comes to work or even personal matters. One year for my son, Bubba’s birthday (she didn’t know him from Adam), she gave him money so he could get himself a gift. Oh and that Bubba was so happy and gave her a great big hug. Thanks, mama Charlotte for always being there.
Ms. Valerie is Kim and Tracey’s mom but also Neal’s wife and Cody’s grandmother. Ms. Valerie has always been easy to talk to and so kind and caring when you need someone to be there for you. I call her other work mom and I adore her to bits. Ms. Valerie reminds me of my mom when she corrects me when I am wrong, which I sometimes am, and tells me I’m doing a good job when I have done one, which I do sometimes. Ms. Valerie, thank you for being there for us and caring enough to let us know when we have made mistakes and help us fix them and learn. Thanks for being you, Ms. Valerie.
Renea and Laura to me have always been the mom types to look up to. I knew them before I began working here and watching how they raised their babies made me want to be a better mom and be like them. Being on top of Lizzy for her grades helped push her to finish high school strong with lots of recognition. The way they dedicated themselves to being moms, wives, employees, and board members shows me and other women we can do it all. Renea and Laura you two are the best at everything you do but being a mom you slammed dunk that like Michael Jordan in the 90s!
Every month we appreciate the communities that are celebrating their anniversaries with us. Here are the clients that started with us in May.
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.
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We are proud of every one of our communities, so it is always hard to find just one to highlight. However, our managers are always eager to share the great things they see their communities doing!
Here are the most recent selections:
To see the full story on these communities and to see all of the past winners, visit the Community of the Month page on our site.
Employee Anniversaries
Renea Miksch is celebrating her 38th anniversary with C.I.A. Services! Renea is an Executive Vice President for the company working out of our North Houston office. She has a multitude of responsibilities, including managing the office as the Branch Manager, handling the marketing needs for the Houston area, and managing several communities. Renea keeps busy outside of work attending her daughters’ sports games and functions and traveling with her many friends.
Congratulations to Laura Tate on her 30th anniversary! Laura is an Executive Vice President for the company out of our North Houston office as well as a General Manager for a master-planned community. When Laura is not at work, she really likes to be on a cruise ship or on her way to a fun destination. She has been known to fly her daughters to new places just to go to a concert of one of their favorite bands.
Congratulations to Margie De La Cruz for her 23rd anniversary at C.I.A. Services which she will be celebrating this May. Margie is the Clerical Assistant at our West Houston office. This year, Margie transitioned to semi-retirements and moved a part-time position. Margie is absolutely full of life, as she loves to dance, spend time with friends, and hit the casinos. You might also find her jamming out to Elvis, as she is his number 1 fan!
Jessica Soto is celebrating her 8-year anniversary with us! Jessica has been our Architectural Department Manager for several years and recently added the role of Community Manager. She continues to manage the Architectural Department and manages several communities out of our North Houston office. Jessica does not meet a stranger and this makes her a great fit for the office’s social committee! She is very outgoing and really enjoys helping out at community events so she can meet people. Outside of work, Jessica loves baking and trying out new recipes, and spending time with her husband and 3 children, their dog Stark, and their extended family. Margie De La Cruz – 23 years
Congratulations to Leticia “Letty” Burchard on her 8-year anniversary with C.I.A. Services! Letty is the Gate Access Coordinator for our San Antonio office and handles the Insurance processing company-wide. She personifies "Loyalty" and "Dependability". She is a tenacious worker; you can always rely on her to get the job done no matter what! In her personal life, she enjoys hanging out by her pool with her husband, children, grandchildren (with two more on the way), and her two goofy Goldendoodles: Molly & Max! She is an excellent party host and enjoys having her co-workers over for BBQ and hanging out in her tropical backyard.
Our Associations in Practice Series is an offering of short videos with very specific topics. Our newest video is Texas 87th Legislative Session. The 2021 session of the Texas legislature produced significant changes to the Texas Property Code affecting property owners’ associations. This video explores those changes and provides specific follow-up recommendations.
Stay Plugged in With Webcasts
We offer each of our seminars in the form of a recorded webcast on demand for you to watch at any time! If you are interested in one of our seminars, they are available on our YouTube channel. The following seminars are now available:
To watch any of the webcasts, simply click on the links above.
C.I.A. Services, Inc. has a long and proud history of providing up-to-date news on our company happenings, industry news, and association governance. Each month, we are pleased to share with you our eNews Monthly. Each issue is loaded with great information!
We have broadened our social media presence to include LinkedIn and Facebook. With these additional layers of communication, you can always find the latest information about our company, employees, association management, and other related news.
If you are not already following us, please ”Like” us on Facebook and “Follow” us on LinkedIn to stay up-to-date on all things C.I.A. Services and beyond
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