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.
To our Houston-area homeowners, Board members, clients, and extended family:
We hope you and your families are safe after Hurricane Beryl. The storm caused significant damage in some of our communities, including impacts to community buildings and homes, downed fences, and fallen trees.
Our top priority is your well-being and recovering our communities. Here’s how we are helping:
We understand this is a stressful time, and we are here to support you. If you need immediate help or have concerns, please contact our office.
We will continue to work together to restore our communities. Stay safe!
In Memoriam - Mary Genevieve Rosignon of New Forest
by Adam Bruce
Mary Genevieve Rosignon was first appointed to the Board in 2020 to complete the term of a former homeowner. In 2021, Ms. Rosignon was elected to a full term. Although her time on the Board was brief relative to longstanding Board members, Ms. Rosignon exemplified what it meant to be a good neighbor, a thoughtful and deliberate Board member, and overall steward of the community at large. Mr. Williams, Director of New Forest, stated that “Ms. Genevieve cared deeply about her neighbors, especially those in the New Forest Reserve.”
Ms. Rosignon, although not the oldest member of the family, was often considered the family matriarch because of her success in obtaining advanced degrees in college; she was a first-generation college student. She began her professional career as a research assistant for HISD. Her position allowed her to develop programming to assist other first-generation college students to seek higher education, including many members of her own family.
Genevieve was known for her kind heart. She consistently contributed to various charities and personally funded students’ lunches. She was also known for her generosity and often provided meals to local homeless populations.
After her mother become ill, Genevieve retired to help care for her. It was during her retirement that she found the New Forest Board of Directors, where she fiercely represented the owners who voted her into office. During her tenure as a Board member, Ms. Rosignon pursued and promoted many projects along with her fellow directors, including but not limited to:
Board Member White states, “Genevieve was a kind soul. Even during especially heated discussions at Board meetings, she provided an infectious enthusiasm and positivity that will be sorely missed.”
We thank Ms. Genevieve for her work! May she rest in peace.
We are excited to announce that Alexandria Bakeman and Jennifer Gonzalez are our two newest Community Managers!
Both Allie and Jen were brought on our team as Administrative Assistants. Since May, they have been making the transition into their new roles.
Congratulations on your promotion, and best of luck with your new responsibilities!
We hope everyone had an amazing Father’s Day on Sunday, June 16th! June is a very busy month and our June edition of the eNews Monthly was full of graduation celebrations. However, we cannot forget all of the Dads and wanted to share a few of our dad stories.
We consider ourselves an extended family and are happy to be celebrating every father 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 dads in their lives.
As a result, we have an amazing group of dads to introduce to you, and hope you enjoy reading about each one.
From our family to yours, we hope your special day was great!
Patrick Baird, Father to Gabby Baird
by Gabby Baird
My dad is one of the greatest men I have in my life. He has always been my best friend and my biggest supporter. I would not be where I am or who I am without him there by my side to support me each step of the way.
Every extracurricular I ever did in high school, I always knew that he would help me with whatever I needed. When I played softball, he was there almost every season coaching my team and teaching me and all the other girls what we needed to know. Even when he didn’t coach, I always knew that he would be at every game. He would go out with me every day to practice. I will always look on the memories we were able to make together with so much love and gratefulness that I have him for a dad.
Right now, I am a student at Sam Houston State University, and unfortunately, I don’t see him as much anymore. Regardless of that, he is still the person I go to when I need to get something off my chest or just rant about whatever is stressing me out. He makes sure that I know I always have a place to come home to and a place where I can destress. On the days where I am down on myself, he lets me know that he is so proud of me and the work that I put into the things that I do.
My dad, just like me, is going back to school to finally get his degree. As a student, I know how difficult it is being in college and dealing with stresses of everyday life. Which make me that much prouder of him and everything that he does. He manages to pass his classes, work a full time job, work part-time at a church where he is the Associate Pastor/music minister, and be the best dad that I could even think to ask for.
I love you to the moon and back, Dad. Happy Father’s day!!!
Joseph Earle Merlin, Dad to Valerie Flinn
by Valerie Flinn
This dapper young man is my Dad, Joseph Earle Merlin, born in Port Hope, Ontario, Canada. He lived a very interesting life, at a time when life was very different from what we know now. He was the 4th of 11 children. During WWII, he left home and became a Non-Combatant Liason for the Royal Canadian Queen’s Rifles, loaned to the US forces for Sniper Training (that’s another story). After the war, he spent time traveling with the ever-popular Wild West Shows, riding the Rodeo Circuit all over the southwest, performing as an extra in early westerns like “Duel in the Sun” and a few others. His life took him to driving for Merchant Van Lines and then others, all over the North American Continent. He found himself in Galveston TX, where he met and later married my mom (again, a story for another time).
Over the years they lived a happy life, and grew a family of 5 daughters and 1 son, the youngest. This rough gentleman was scared to death raising 5 daughters! So, he put them into a Catholic School for girls, and hoped for the best. When he came home from the road, he was accosted by all his little girls hugging his legs and climbing up for a hug. He taught them how to climb trees, how to fish, shoot and hunt, so they could spend more time together on family trips. And when the time came; how to drive tractors, check the oil, change tires, and all other good things about Farm Family life. We were fairly spoiled with the luxury of his time when he was home.
Whatever he was doing we were invited to join in, but come Sunday, all the pink ruffles and sun bonnets were expected, so he could show off his girls, and how he loved to do that. We were blessed to have a loving father that wanted us to share his life, and enjoy our time as a family. He has been gone some time now, but the memories we have, provide a lifetime of joy and smiles. Again, we are so grateful to have had him as our Dad, and now our guardian angel.
This photo was taken a short time after he returned from service in WWII and the Royal Canadian Forces. He was one of those young men who lied about his age to join up, and was successful in keeping his secret for some time. But after being seriously injured on the beaches of Normandy, they found out just how young he was, and wanted to send him home. Needless to say, he convinced them not to send him home, as he was a crack shot and could fairly well “out shoot” anyone they matched him against. So as the story goes, this young soldier in the Royal Canadian Queen’s Rifles, became a “non-combatant liaison” to the US Forces and taught them how to be snipers.
My Sons as Fathers - Rickey, Maxx, and Justin Woods
by Dawna Woods
I would like to recognize my sons’ journeys in fatherhood.
Our middle son, Rickey, is the dad to our granddaughters, Addison (10yrs), Realynn (8yrs), and Alannah (6yrs). Even though he became a father at 18, he has surprised us many times with his parenting. It has been a joy to watch him and Ashley raise their children. When it comes to his girls, he is very dedicated, loving, and patient.
In the fall, the girls started playing softball, and he has taught them to dedicate their time and effort to the team and the sport. Rickey works all day and attends almost all of their games and practices at night. When they are not on the field, he works with them at home with batting, catching, and pitching. Because of their hard work, all the girls were selected for the All-Stars league this summer.
I recently observed the oldest, Addison, in the dugout standing and cheering on her teammates when they were up to bat. I asked her who taught her to do that, and she replied, "My dad. He taught us that we need to bring up our teammates when they are at bat or in the field, so I cheer for them all the time." As her Nella, I was very impressed by her; as Rickey’s mom, I was so proud of his parenting. I enjoy watching him raise his girls. We are proud of the man and father he has become.
In January, our oldest, Maxx, and his betrothed Marrisa will become new parents. I am excited to see how Maxx will be as a father. If he is anything like his brother, he will be awesome.
Now our youngest son, Justin, is a fur daddy to Lola. He has had her since her birth 5 years ago and has taught her many tricks. I asked him, "what if you find a girlfriend who doesn’t like dogs?" He told me that Lola is his baby and his girlfriends will need to love her like he does. That is a great fur daddy response.
We are proud of every one of our communities, so it is always hard to find just one to highlight. However, we are always eager to share!
Here are the most recent selections:
To see the full story on these communities and all past winners, visit the Community Spotlight page on our site.
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Every month we appreciate the communities that are celebrating their anniversaries with us. Here are the clients that started with us in July.
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.
New Additions!
We have some new members of the extended C.I.A. Services family to welcome into the world!
Frances McIntyre, Community Specialist, and her husband welcomed their grandson, ZayDair, into the world on May 26th at 7:43 am. ZayDair was 6 pounds and 8 ounces.
Eric Somers, Maintenance Coordinator, and his wife Roxy welcomed their firstborn, Elijah Leon Somers, on May 23rd at 6:55 am. Elijah was 7 pounds and 13 ounces, and 21 inches long.
Sidney Lejano, Administrative Assistant, and her husband Caleb welcomed Selah Eva Grace Lejano on May 29th at 2:48 pm. Selah was 8 pounds and 20.5 inches long. She was born on the same day as her maternal grandmother’s heavenly birthday.
Congratulations to all of these employees and their families!
Retirement Celebration
Congratulations to Valerie Lehr on her retirement! Valerie has been with C.I.A. Services for 12 years, mostly as a Community Manager. In recent years, she has also been the Office Manager at our Houston office.
On June 27th, we held a little celebration for Valerie, with cake, gifts, and cards to present to her.
Have a great time in your new ventures, Valerie! Congratulations and thank you for all of your hard work.
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Employee Anniversaries
Congratulations are in order for Kaitlin Sowemimo on her 8-year anniversary with the company! Kaitlin is a Community Specialist in our Customer Care department. She enjoys working out, reading, and spending time with her nephews Jalen, Julian, and her fur baby LuLu.
Brandon Tate, an HIR Coordinator out of our Houston office, will also be celebrating his 8-year anniversary this month! Brandon processes home improvement requests, including communities with complex guidelines and requirements, with ease and speed. Outside of work, Brandon enjoys reading, video games, and all things in the entertainment realm. He also enjoys spending time with his pets and family.
Tiffany Sales, our Client Accounting Manager in our Bandera office, is celebrating her 8-year anniversary this month. Tiffany is very dedicated and detailed in everything she does. Tiffany likes to stay busy and helps where it’s needed. In her spare time, Tiffany enjoys spending time her son, Charley and husband, Clifton.
Congratulations to Robbye Campbell, Community Specialist in our Customer Care department for reaching 6 years with the company! Robbye cannot meet a stranger, as she immediately makes friends with anyone! Outside of work, Robbye enjoys crafts and spending time with her dedicated husband, Anderson, and their children.
Congratulations to Nancy Bowling, who has just reached her first anniversary as a Community Manager! Over the past year, Nancy has proven to be a great asset to our team. Whether addressing member concerns, coordinating meetings, or offering encouragement, Nancy approaches every interaction with genuine care and enthusiasm. She loves to spend time with her husband, Dewyane, and her grandson, Monty, who bring her immeasurable joy and inspiration.
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.
Associations in Practice
Our Associations in Practice Series is an offering of short videos with specific topics.
The 2023 session of the Texas legislature had some impact on property owners’ associations. The short 17-minute video, Texas 88th Legislative Session, provides a concise review of what passed and what didn’t, and what’s next for POAs based on the Session.
Although the 88th Legislative Session came to a close on May 29th, an extraordinary event unfolded when Governor Abbott opted to veto several bills, including one that had a direct impact on POAs. In light of this development, our Texas Legislative Session Update video, a follow-up to the above, provides crucial insights and an in-depth update regarding this situation.
Also available 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.
Super-Budget Concepts is a great introduction (or refresher) to our Super-Budget and a nice refresher or opening to the full webinar offered in our Seminar Series.
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 also provide updates through 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.
customercare@ciaservices.com
Toll Free: 866-219-0563
Houston 713-981-9000
San Antonio 210-490-0000
