Our Evening with Santa on December 5th was a wonderful success in all respects. It was very well attended, lively, and thoroughly enjoyable by parents and children alike. The weather cooperated nicely and allowed us to show Frozen, one of the recent movies that is well received by people of many ages. None of this, however, was possible without the many volunteers that worked tirelessly to ensure all who attended had a memorable experience. It was especially nice to see a number of our teenagers manning the crafts, and even more gratifying to realize the spirit of volunteerism is alive and well in a younger generation. Incidentally, if you missed out on the great cookies provided by The Ladybugs, then you also missed another one of the things that made the evening a night to remember. Finally, Santa was just perfect and enjoyed by all.

Before the days get more frenetic as December 25th closes in on us, remember that one week later the year will come to an end. I know from past experience that the last week of the year is a time to unwind and relax, reflect on the year, and make plans for the New Year. There will be no shortage of places to go and parties to attend throughout the Houston area, but really, can you relax and enjoy yourself if you have to fight crowds, disappointing food, and traffic? I invite you to relax and reflect close to home. The Memorial Northwest HOA New Year’s Eve party at the Community Center on December 31st from 7:00-12:30 a.m. is a superb alternative. Since seating is limited and reservations required, please don’t wait any longer to make your reservation and join us that evening. We are almost two-thirds booked, and don’t want you to miss out on this event. Please contact Ann Kidney at our Community Center office for more information and to make reservations.

The holiday cards are already flooding our mailboxes, but they are joined with some correspondence most of us would rather not receive at this time of year. (We might feel a wee bit better if Uncle Scrooge, at the very least, formatted his notices with a more festive design.) Like some (many) of you, I wasn’t all that thrilled to see the tax numbers for this year are up more than a little from last year. That said, though, it’s also nice to see that our HOA assessment remained at the same level as last year. Additionally, our new credit card payment option also allows you to feel a little less pain at this time of year.

It is probably safe to say that our desire to give everyone whatever was on their wish list for Christmas was tempered by the reality that our finances didn’t quite match up with the list. That is a common occurrence, though, and one that we face both as individuals and a community. Going forward next year, the HOA Board will continue to consider and evaluate those things that enhance life in Memorial Northwest. More specifically, we want to ensure that our decisions provide tangible benefits for the entire community. The Board not only welcomes but solicits your input as we go forward. Please contact your Area Director or any Board member with your ideas. We really do want to hear from you.

As a last matter, the holidays also tend to bring an uptick in accidents, many of them on the road. Whether these accidents are caused by drivers distracted with the many demands of the season, or by drivers whose celebrations were a bit too extensive, I ask that you remember to literally watch out for “the other guy.” You may not be able to control their actions, but you can mitigate the effects of their driving inadequacies. This becomes doubly important, and more so, within the confines of our subdivision.

The MNW Board wants to extend to each and every one of you our best wishes for a joyous, holiday season, and an exciting, prosperous, and wonderful New Year. I personally hope your greatest wishes were fulfilled, and you are anticipating what can be the best year of your life in 2015.

Roy May
MNW Board President