Board of Directors General Election and Annual Meeting

Annual Meeting and General Election is Tuesday Oct 17 at 7pm.  Due to the low response in last year’s virtual voting, the board chose to save the cost and only take paper ballots this year. The positions of President, Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary are up for election this year. Thank you to all who are nominated and thank you in advance for voting!

Vote In Person
Submit your ballot in person at the Annual Membership Meeting on October 17, 2023 at the SCF clubhouse (17515 Fairway Oaks Drive). The meeting begins at 7:00PM and ballots will be accepted until 7:30PM. Extra ballots will be available if anyone is missing their mailing.

Vote by Absentee Ballot
Complete the ballot and return to be received no later than 5:00PM on October 17, 2023. You can either mail the ballot to Spring Creek Forest Civic Association, 6842 N Sam Houston Parkway W, Houston, TX 77064, Attention: Norah McClure or email it to norah@sterlingasi.com.

Deliver Ballot to On-Site Office
Complete and drop off your ballot in person at 6842 N Sam Houston Parkway W, Houston, TX 77064 in the after-hours lockbox located outside the front entry.
Complete and drop off your ballot in person at the SCF clubhouse mailbox 17515 Fairway Oaks Drive, Spring, TX77379.

All Absentee Ballots must be received by October 17, 2023 at 5:00PM.

Meet the Nominees:

Richard Short (incumbent)    
Position Requested:       President
Qualifications: I have been the SCF President for the past 2 years.  I have served on 5 other HOA Board of Directors.
Interests/Experience: I love making this neighborhood better, and making it a place where people want to move to. I volunteer for all events 3 swim teams and I have cooked for the whole SCF family on many occasions.
I think I would be an asset to the Board of Directors because: Based on my prior board experience, my ability to see things from others point of view and working well with others. 

James P. Clancy             
Position Requested:       President
Qualifications: BS (Engineering); MBA; Naval Officer (two command positions); Business/Project Developer ($2 billion total); Manager of Mergers, Acquisitions and Divestitures (15 total); HOA President (long term financial plan, $200,000 in needed renovations, sound financial position established, overall improvement in Property Values).
Interests/Experience: Triathlete; energy research, Pickleball; home and property improvement (personally renovated and improved (1) interior/exterior of my two structures and (2) maintained the exterior of my home); many volunteer positions.  My spouse, lifetime companion and close adviser is a retired Licensed Social Worker.  3 children – one of which was a SCF lifeguard.
I think I would be an asset to the Board of Directors because: I am experienced in, and believe in, leadership, teamwork, managing, and being responsible.  I believe the SCFCA Board should (1) be more responsible in selecting and managing its contractors/suppliers, (2) have more transparency in its meetings/deliberations, (3) encourage input from its residence, (4) develop a strong community spirit and (5) be ever mindful of its responsibility of (a) maintaining SCFCA’s assets and (b) increasing the value of SCF’s 585 residential properties.  I have the time and energy to responsibly fill the volunteer position of President.

Eric Birnbaum (incumbent)   
Position Requested:       Vice President
As a native Texan, I always dreamed of big trees and a neighborhood that welcomed all. I moved to SCF in October 2018 with my family and we absolutely love it. We chose SCF because of its peaceful, beautiful, wooded lots, huge pool, tennis courts and lots of other amenities for young families. I am passionate about healthcare and enjoy traveling and cooking with my family and friends.  I have an MBA with a focus in healthcare. I currently serve as Vice President for SCFCA and would like to maintain the momentum we’ve gained from the last two years with the consistent goal to improve our community. I find immense value in serving SCF while providing an objective approach to key decisions for our community.  It is paramount to listen to our membership and their concerns while creating a collaborative environment for measured success. 

Joseph P. Jensen
Position Requested:       Vice President
Qualifications: Former Section representative for SCF & 2 years as Treasurer; Executive experience in Corporate Business
Interests/Experience: To help with the maintenance committee, travel, and continually improving our neighborhood.
I think I would be an asset to the Board of Directors because: Based on prior board experience and love for the neighborhood.

Mark Kananen
Position Requested:       Vice President
Qualifications: 2 years Financial Secretary K of C, 26 years Project Development Baker Hughes team lead roll and scrum master over multiple small teams of 2-12 people.
Interests/Experience: More than 10 years volunteer in music ministry and composer.
I think I would be an asset to the Board of Directors because: My children are now full grown and following their own dreams leaving me looking for more opportunities to help in the community.  Having lived in SCF for over 20 years, I’d like to improve the neighborhood for the next generation of kids.

Art Denzau (incumbent)
Position Requested:       Treasurer
Qualifications: I have been the Treasurer of Spring Creek Forest for the past two years.  Money is always an issue but I think we have made good progress in containing costs while getting some improvements completed.  I would like your vote to continue this work for another two years.  Thank you for your support.
Interests/Experience: I have also become the unofficial Association handyman, which has saved us quite a bit of money.

Erin Maxwell (incumbent)
Position Requested:       Secretary
Qualifications: I am the Current Term’s Secretary finishing a 2-year term.  I am a past Fine Arts Board Treasurer and Office Committee Chair where I managed communications, ticket sales, performance and donor communications.
Interests/Experience: As a major oil and gas professional, I have held multiple internal and external communications roles for pride, women’s groups, safety and vendor management.  I am highly organized, technology inclined, involved with SCF activities with my kids and have loved this neighborhood for over 5 years.
I think I would be an asset to the Board of Directors because: I am a genuine, positive and easy person to work with and have enjoyed working with Eric, Art, Rich and our section leaders to keep this a great place to live.  I want to ensure support for the family activities as well as see Senior Activities grow to ensure thus is a community that supports each other.  And finally, I have the technical skills for using and updating our communication outlets.

Kathleen Slaydon-Huston
Position Requested:       Secretary
Qualifications: Member Zoning Board of Adjustments (subject to Open Meeting laws); Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, compliance officer and board member of 501 (c) (3) and (6) nonprofits and three homeowners associations.
Interests/Experience: Have worked with diverse groups to obtain value for time and money spent and to ensure all are treated fairly when dealing with the organization.  Spring Creek Forest should build on its current structure to encourage more owners to become involved with and in their HOA.
I think I would be an asset to the Board of Directors because: As a certified mediator, I see too many people focused on positions (“MY side! MY way!”) and not enough attention to the interests of the neighborhood as a whole.  We all want a nice place to live, with understandable and transparent rules applied evenly.  Our owners are adults who should be honored and encouraged to join in making this a better HOA.

Board of Directors Nominations

In accordance with 209.00593 of the Texas Property Code, the Spring Creek Forest Civic Association is soliciting candidates interested in running for the Board of Directors. If you would like to have your name placed on the ballot for the Tuesday, October 17, 2023 General Meeting, please submit the linked Nomination Application no later than September 15, 2023 via the following methods:

Email: norah@sterlingasi.com

or springcreekforest@sterlingasi.com

Fax: (832) 678-4510

Mail:

Spring Creek Forest Civic Association

c/o Sterling ASI

6842 N Sam Houston Pkwy W

Houston, TX 77064

Your name will be placed on the ballot along with a brief bio composed from the information provided on your Nomination Application. It will also be included in the October General Meeting packet, newsletter and posted on the website.

http://www.scfneighbors.com/s/SCFCABoardofDirectorsNominationApplication2023.pdf

SCFCA Board of Directors

Pool Hours

Pool Opens May 6 through May 30 

Mondays through Thursdays Closed 
Fridays 6PM – 9PM 
Saturdays* 12PM – 9PM 
Sundays 1PM – 8PM 
Exceptions: Monday, May 29, Memorial Day, 12PM – 8PM,  
Closed Tuesday May 30 for cleaning.  

Pool Party May 27 Noon-2pm!

May 31st through August 6th (Peak Season) 

Mondays Closed 
Tuesday through Fridays 12PM – 9PM 
Saturdays* 12PM – 10PM 
Sundays 1PM – 8PM 

August 7th through September 24th 

Mondays through Thursdays Closed 
Fridays 6PM – 9PM 
Saturdays 12PM – 9PM 
Sundays 1PM – 8PM 
Exception: Monday September 4th, Labor Day 12PM – 8PM  

*Sharks swim team home meets are on some Saturday mornings and the pool will not open until it is over, around 2pm. SCF Sharks Home meets are May 13, 20 and June 3.  

Pool Access Key Fob Pickup

Neighbors,

We have a change to pool access this year and forward.  The pool will now be controlled via a lock that can be opened with a key fob you place in front of the lock to open the door.  No more pool bands!  

Key fobs can be picked up by a member at one of our two sessions. To get the key fob you must: 

  • Present the pool fob application

  • Application is signed by the Property Owner

  • Be in good standing  (all assessments paid)

Key Fob Pickups are:
Saturday April 22, 9am to Noon in the clubhouse

Saturday April 29  9am to Noon in the clubhouse

One(1) key fob will be provided free to each house).  Additional fobs can be provided with a fee of $15 per fob   at the time of request or at any time via a request to  Sterling.  

Keep your Keyfob!!  You will use it year after year and it should be returned upon the sale of your home.

Why the Change? This will ensure access to the pool is only during scheduled hours, add some security to the entrance and the lifeguards will not have to police the entrance allowing them to focus on their critical role at the pool.  There are also cameras at the lock with securely stored limited time footage both looking into the pool and into the courtyard to capture the person using the key fob to enter and any safety concerns. 

To check your status or request a key fob if you will miss these dates.  Contact Sterling via email at  springcreekforest@sterlingasi.com

Happy Summer!

Erin Maxwell

Pool Season is Coming!

The SCF Sharks are getting ready for Registration. In person suit try-ons and registration is March 26, 2-5pm at the Clubhouse. Visit their site for all the details www.scfsharks.org

NEW Pool keyfobs Distribution and Pool Schedule.

9am to Noon, April 8th, April 22nd and April 29th. 

In April we will be installing a pool access system that uses keyfobs. No more pool bands!  Every household in good standing will get one free keyfob that will allow entry to the pool. Additional keyfob’s can be provided at a fee of $15 each. After the distribution dates, new or additional keyfobs can be provided from Sterling.  There are several opportunities to pick up your keyfob in April. We will strive to get them ready for the Eggstravaganza, but will have a few other pickup times after that as well. This new system will make access control of our pool much easier, and we appreciate your patience as we transition and learn the system. The Pool Opens May 6! 

Pool Schedule for May 6 – May 31st 

Friday 6pm-9pm 
Saturday 12pm – 10pm 
Sunday 1pm – 8pm 
Exception: Monday, May 29 (Memorial Day), 12pm – 8pm

And don’t miss our Pool Party set for Saturday May 27 at Noon!

First senior social gathering Thursday

First SCF Senior Social Group Meeting this Thursday!

If you are a senior or anyone who would like to join in the Senior Social Group, please attend our first meeting this coming Thursday, January 19th at 6:30 in the SCF clubhouse.

This is a great opportunity to start fun new activities, catch up with longtime friends and get to know new friends. Meeting dates will be every third Thursday of the month. The clubhouse will be open all day and evening for activities and fun. Please come on January 19th to find out the details and be a part of the planning!

At this first meeting we will discuss the vision of the group and provide sign-up sheets for card games, needlework, trip ideas, potluck, pickleball, line dancing, movie night, and opportunities to suggest other activities.

We will also be introducing our new Helping Hands program. We would like to find out which neighbors would benefit from a helping hand. It may be you that needs help, or you may know a neighbor that is in need of some kind of assistance. We will have a sign-up sheet and information.

Lastly, some residents in the neighborhood have mobility assistance equipment they are willing to share with other residents. This is a wonderful idea and we will be soliciting volunteers to organize and manage this great idea. Great ideas such as this only come to life with effort and dedication from passionate volunteers. If this sounds like something you would like to manage, please let us know at the meeting and/or email scfseniorfun@gmail.com.

If you have any questions, please email: scfseniorfun@gmail.com

We look forward to seeing you!!!

Cathy Zito, DeAnna Delgado, Donna Olsen, Jo Vonna Hill, Julia Blasch

Holiday Decorating Contest

2022 SCF Holiday Decorating Contest

It is that time of year again, time to start working on planning and execution of your home’s Holiday Decorations. The Holidays are fast approaching, and the Holiday Decorations Committee wants to give everyone a fair chance at winning one of the coveted awards. Spring Creek Forest has been hosting a Holiday Decorating Contest since 2009 and this year will be no exception.

The Rules are Simple: All homes in the neighborhood are eligible and will be judged if the following criteria are met. No entry form or fee required! Resident participants must be in compliance with all deed restrictions. Our judges will not select your home if your front light (and side light for corner lots) are not working or you are not current with your dues. The committee will check for compliance before announcing the winners.

Judging will take place over three days, from 6:00-10:00pm on Sunday December 11th, Monday December 12th, and Tuesday December 13th. If you have lighted or animated displays, they must be on all nights of judging since we cannot tell you when the judges will be viewing. We will have a panel of impractical judges again this year.

TIP: Outdoor timers are the easiest way to be sure the lights are on even if you are not home. They are inexpensive and so much easier than going outside to plug in and then again to unplug the lights later.

Awards:

Merry Christmas SCF -Best Overall Display: this will be the house that our judges believe exceeds their expectations for any category. It is the house that everyone wants to check out.

The Categories:

Light the Town -Best Use of Lights: for those who love to put up the lights and light up that night sky, cover all your shrubs, outline your drive or your home, design an unusual or creative way to display lights, or all the above – go for it. TIP: consider using the LED lights as they really do save money and you will be less likely to blow your circuit breakers all the time.

The Reason for the Season -Best Religious: for those who feel the religious aspect of the holiday should be what is displayed – The religious element should be the main focus of this display and should be lit for nighttime viewing.

The Spirit of Christmas -Best Traditional: for those who prefer the formal, and elegant form of decorating – this may be candles in the window, wreaths, garlands around your columns, simple lighting, such as a lighted wreath or white lights on the hedge -no hundreds of lights and no inflatables or statuary allowed in this category

Crazy for Inflatables: for those who cannot resist the wide variety of inflatables on the market -your display should be cohesive and not just a scattering of disconnected inflatables, plan the use of other decorations. Must have a minimum of five (5) individual inflatables.

Santa’s Favorite Theme: for those who have a clear and distinct theme to their decorations. Any type of decorations can be used lights, statuary, inflatables, DIY as long as they all point to one distinct theme.

Nightmare Before Christmas – Non-Traditional Decorations: This is the award for those who think totally outside the box and decorate with non-traditional Christmas decorations. It needs to show the Christmas spirit in an unusual way.

So, use your imagination and creative talents, encourage your neighbors as they work on their decorations, and walk the neighbor and enjoy the sights. Most of all, have fun as we gear up for the holidays. Let us all help to make the Holidays sparkle for all residents and visitors of Spring Creek Forest.

Nominations for SCFCA Board of Directors Section Representatives

In accordance with 209.00593 of the Texas Property Code, the Spring Creek Forest Civic Association is soliciting candidates interested in running for Section Representative on the Board of Directors. If you would like to have your name placed on the ballot for the Tuesday, October 18, 2022 General Meeting, please submit the attached Nomination Application no later than September 15, 2022 via the following methods:

Email: section1@scfneighbors.com

or springcreekforest@sterlingasi.com

Fax: (832) 678-4510

Mail:

Spring Creek Forest Civic Association

c/o Sterling ASI

6842 N Sam Houston Pkwy W

Houston, TX 77064

The board positions on the ballot this year are only section representatives (Section 1, 2, 3East, 3West, and 4&5). A section rep position is for 2 years beginning immediately following election. Section reps must live in the section they represent, be a member in good standing, and not convicted of a Felony in the last 20 years. Section representative duties can be found in the Bylaws.

Your name will be placed on the ballot along with a brief bio composed from the information provided on your Nomination Application. It will also be included in the October General Meeting packet, newsletter and posted on the website.

Nomination Form

Section Number Map

New Tennis Court Keys and Rules Reminder

Our tennis courts recently got a much-needed facelift and maintenance including a beautiful resurfacing of the courts.  It has come to our attention that non-residents regularly use our tennis courts.  As part of our attention to the tennis courts, the locks will be rekeyed on Monday, August 8th, to ensure that only residents have keys to our courts.  Please do not give keys to the tennis courts to anyone who is not a resident and please do not copy the tennis court key.

New tennis court keys will be available Monday, August 8, 2022 afternoon and upon request.  Old tennis court keys will be exchanged at no cost.  New keys require a $5.00 deposit which is refunded if the key is returned.  Residents may request a new tennis court key by contacting Jo Vonna Hill at tennis@scfneighbors.com, Art Denzau at adenzau.scf.treas@gmail.com, or Ken Olivier at springtennisacademy@gmail.com or 832-515-1314.

Lastly, please be aware of the following tennis court rules.  Our amenities are a great asset to our neighborhood.  Please treat our amenities with care. 

Tennis Court Rules

1. Use at your own risk

2. Entry by key only

3. SCF residents use only 

4. Guests must be accompanied by SCF resident

5. Tennis court hours are from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm

6. No glass containers or food on courts – including candy

7. No bicycles, skateboards, rollerblades/skates, or motorized vehicles on court

8. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult

9. Do not abuse nets or other equipment

Happy 4th and NO Ariel Fireworks

Ground Fireworks such as sparklers, firecrackers, smoke bombs, snake, spinners, and fountains are permissible.  No bottle rockets, roman candles or other aerial types are permitted.  We understand the 4th of July creates patriotic emotions and fireworks are a tradition, however, please refrain from breaking your covenant of deed restriction you have with the subdivision as a resident.  Please help all residents enjoy being part of our beautiful community. 

Garden and Social Club meeting wednesday

Please join us at the Garden and Social Club meeting this Wednesday, 7:00 at the Clubhouse.  

We are very excited Kitty Burnsides will present, "Leaves and Nectar: A Monarch Smorgasbord”, which is a presentation about how to create a beautiful Butterfly Garden.  Kitty will focus on what you need to be successful and which plants are best to attract butterflies to your garden.  This is timely since the Garden and Social Club just planted two butterfly gardens in the cul de sacs!  We look forward to seeing you all at the next meeting

Pool Hours and minimum age update

Beginning May 27th The pool will be open full Summer hours through August 7th.  Those hours are:

Monday Closed for Cleaning (Except for Holidays)
Tuesday – Thursday 12-9pm
Friday 12-10pm
Saturday 12-10pm
Sunday 1-8pm

August 7th is the last Day of Summer Hours.  The pool will return to the Weekend only schedule of Fri, Sat, Sun until the last day the pool will be open, Sunday, September 25.

Memorial Day, 4th of July and Labor Day are all on a Monday.  The pool will be open on those holidays 12-9 and closed the following Tuesday for cleaning.

The minimum age for unaccompanied minors has been changed to 12.  Don’t miss our Opening Pool Party and Water Aerobics on the Social Calendar.

Pool Band Distribution

The pool will be open to residents weekends in May beginning May 7th. 2022 Pool Bands will be required for access to the SCF Pool by residents. Pool bands will be distributed at the clubhouse at the below dates and times. Only members in good standing (with no outstanding assessments or deed violations) may receive bands. If you still need to pay your Assessments, please pay now or contact Sterling to arrange for a payment plan.

Saturday, April 9th, 9am to Noon. - Inside the Clubhouse, This is before and during the Easter Egg Hunt!
Saturday, April 23rd, 10am to Noon - Inside the Clubhouse

New!!! May 12, 7-9pm

If you cannot pick up bands for your household during these times, they can be mailed to you for a small fee.

Section 3 East Representative Opening

Section 3 East Representative Opening

There is a Board of Directors opening for Section Representative for Section 3 East. Section 3 East is the section 3 homes East of Majestic Forest Dr. From our Board of Directors Bylaws, the Board will appoint a new representative for the reminder of their term if any openings occur before an election. If you are interested in being a section rep for 3 East, let us know! You must live in the section, and we recommend reading through the Board of Directors Bylaws (found on the website documents) for position expectations.
Complete the Nomination Form linked below and send it in to the board by April 19, for consideration at our April 26th board meeting.

Section Rep Board Nomination Form (word) (PDF)

Read More

OPT IN! to the SCF Directory

The response to opt in to the SCF directory is too low to create the directory at this time, so we are making another push to get you to Opt-In to placing your entry in the SCF Directory. All homes that opt in will also get a printed copy of the final directory.

Click here for an updated form

Download it, print it fill it out and put in the SCF mailbox, or mail to sterling or turn in to Cathy Zito at any upcoming event or meeting.

2022 SCFCA Assessment Fee

The Spring Creek Forest 2022 assessment fee is $655, which is a $30 increase from last year.  Statements were mailed in November.  Late fees will apply if your payment is not received by January 31, 2021 and a payment plan has not been arranged. You may pay by credit card, debit card or e-check by logging into your account on the Sterling website at www.sterlingasi.net. If you need your login and password, please email springcreekforest@sterlingasi.com. There is a fee for credit card or debit card processing. You may also pay by check as indicated on your statement. If you have any questions, please contact Goldie Hassan at 832-678-5390 or email springcreekforest@sterlingasi.com.