President’s Message

A Message from David Ojeman

Another successful swim season has come to a close here in Forest West. A total of 121 pool applications were approved, and 351 pool membership cards were issued. Our members used the pool a total of 2454 times during the season. As always, Anna Kinton had another successful water aerobics class with 16 ladies signing up this year. We also had a total of 6 private function parties. We would like to thank all who used the pool facility this year.

This year National Night Out is Tuesday October 6th. Please make plans to visit with the neighbors on your block or come to our annual event at the pool. It is a good time to meet new residents, to catch up with longtime residents, and also to visit with and show support to law enforcement — which is more important than ever this year.

The annual statements will be arriving in the mail from Beacon Residential Management sometime around the first of December. If you are delinquent in your fees, please contact Brent Miller with Beacon Residential Management to arrange payments. Brent’s contact information is listed in this newsletter (see below). Due to increases in utilities costs, insurance premiums, lawn maintenance, pool chemicals etc., there will be an increase in the community service fee for this upcoming year. The amount of the increase is to be determined once costs have been totaled for the year.

David Ojeman, President, FWCIA

Supporting Our Growing Neighborhood

A Message from the Architectural Control Committee

Dear Neighbors,

This year marks the 50th Anniversary of Forest West and it has already been a big one. In April, residents, in concert with members from numerous surrounding neighborhoods, helped to prevent the sale of the defunct METRO Park and Ride on Pinemont for use as low income housing. We have already had successful events throughout 2015 and we have more on the way.

To continue this positive momentum and promote civic pride, the Civic and Architectural Control Committees are offering Forest West t-shirts and yard signs for the first time ever to help you show your support for your neighborhood. Items are currently available for preorder online at the following link: https://squareup.com/market/forest-west-community-improvement-association

Orders will be available for pickup at upcoming neighborhood events including Neighbors Night Out on October 6 and the Merchant Fair on October 17. If you are unable to attend any of the events, we will be happy to drop merchandise off at your home.

Shirts and signs will be available for purchase at events as well, but there will be a limited supply, so preorder today to guarantee you don’t miss out. All merchandise is being offered in exchange for your donation. All proceeds will go directly to community improvements. This is your chance to not only show your pride in Forest West, but to help your neighborhood continue to thrive.

Thank you for your support!

Ben Tuma, Board Member, FWCIA

Garden Club News & Tips

This year, the Garden Club will host some delightfully informative seminars. The next two meetings are:

• Tues., October 13, 2015, 7:00 p.m., “All about Herbs”, at 5903 Birchmont.
• Tues., Nov. 10, 2015, 7:00 p.m., “Healing Plants”, at 1622 Latexo

It’s time to plant cool-season vegetables such as cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, kale, mustard, lettuce, and kohlrabi. Remember to water your lawn and garden well but less often, in order to encourage deep roots. To discourage fungal diseases, avoid watering in the evenings. Put mulch in your garden and shrub beds. Mulching keeps plant roots cooler, helps control weeds, and conserves water. Put mulch about 3” deep in your garden and around trees and shrubs. Apply compost around annuals, herbs, and vegetables.

The Merchant Fair Returns to Forest West This Fall

We are now just one month away from The 2015 Forest West Merchant Fair, to be held on Saturday October 17 from 9am to 3pm at Advent Lutheran Church on Pinemont Drive. Our FWCIA board & committee members have been working diligently to bring you a delightful experience that will also raise funds to improve our community. You can help us make the most of the event by visiting as an attendee, if only for a short while. Admission to the event is FREE TO THE PUBLIC. Our vendors, volunteers, FWCIA board, & committee members will greatly appreciate your interest & support. Additionally, we are still accepting volunteers & vendors. Interested parties may contact event chair, Jaci Bell, at (832) 877-1139 or by e-mail at forestwestmerchants@gmail.com. We hope to see you soon!!!

Join Us for America’s Night Out Against Crime

October 6, 6 p.m. – Forest West Pool

National Night Out is an opportunity for residents to meet their neighbors and to develop a safer environment for their families. Please come out on October 6th! At this event, residents will be able to:

• Meet your neighbors, as well as active board and civic members
• Meet our HPD patrol officers and address any questions or concerns
• Join our communication programs, including our email program
• Pick up important documents

Residents who wish to donate fixings or side dishes for hot dogs should contact Josephine Choy at josephinechoy@att.net.

Heavy trash pickup (yard waste only) is on September 24th

Heavy trash pickup (waste + yard) is on October 22nd