CONTACT: Susan V. Sample, Public Relations Co-Chair, Office 713-651-5458, susan.sample@sbcglobal.net; Donna LaMond, Executive Director, Office 713-662-7430, dlamond@westu.org; Joni Hruska Fichter, Board Chair, Office 713-621-8880, cptemps@aol.com

FRIENDS OF WEST U PARKS

Fathers & Flashlights  - October 23-24, 2010

Dads and kids - Are you sticking to your plans to attend the annual Fathers & Flashlights Camp Out? Come try the new Velcro wall!  You will become so attached you will want more fun! Campers will also enjoy a smörgåsbord of activities including arts and crafts, outdoor games, a rock wall, moonwalks, live music with two bands, fun snacks, fishing, star-gazing and overnight campout. Co-chairs Anne & John Freeman and Courtney & Scott Archer are planning the 4th annual event scheduled for October 23-24, 2010. To accommodate the overwhelming interest in the fishing tanks last year, we are having two tanks. Come rough it on the fields surrounding West U Elementary School, get to know your neighbors, and spend some time with friends.  If you are a former camper, priority registration starts Tuesday, August 17. For newcomers, open registration is Tuesday, August 24. For more information, visit www.westuparks.org or email fathersandflashlights@westuparks.org.

What is a Sociable? How Can I Find Out More?

Sociable (noun)* so·cia·ble  \sō-shə-bəl\ *(Familiarity information: SOCIABLE used as a noun is very rare.)

Definition: a party of people assembled to promote sociability and communal activity.

You may have heard or read about Sociables more than a few times here in West U, and were wondering what all the buzz is about. The Friends of West U Parks provide residents the opportunity to mingle with their West U friends and meet new ones at the various Sociable events given throughout the year. The themes of the Sociables vary from wine tastings and crawfish boils to cookie making and margarita parties for moms! The Sociable sizes range from intimate to large. The nominal fee for these events goes right back to your community by funding projects supported by the Friends of West U Parks.

You can read more about this year’s Sociables and sign up to attend at: http://www.westuparks.org/sociables.htm

Now you know! See you there! We can't wait to meet you or see you again! 

Cinco de Mama

The Friends of West U Parks celebrated the Cinco de Mayo with the second annual “Cinco de Mama Sociable.”  This year’s fiesta was held at Hacienda Davis - the home of Stephanie and Josh Davis. There were margaritas, cerveza, and great food, as well as an appearance by Dora – as a giant piñata – with mom-style prizes inside! The hosts, Stephanie Davis, Sue Jensen, Beth Lane, Carrie Lium, Robin McGowan, Jenny Saphier, Adrienne Vanderbloemen and Kelli Walsh, were all on hand to make sure a great time was had by all. Proceeds from the event benefitted Friends of West University Parks Place Fund, Inc.

Park Pavers

West U Park pavers are available for purchase! Be among the first to purchase a paver for the new Colonial Park Pool Complex or the new West University Place Recreation Center.  The proceeds from your purchase will generate much needed funds for the development and improvement of West U parks and green space. These brick pavers are a unique way to show your support for West University Parks while honoring a loved one or someone who has been a significant influence in your life. Park pavers may be engraved with an inscription of your choice and placed in any one of West U’s parks.   For more information, please contact Friends Board member, Matthew Foytlin, at mfoytlin@bmpllp.com, or call the Friends office at 713-662-7430.

Park Lovers’ Ball 2011

Are you ready for Park Lovers’ Ball 2011? Under the leadership of park lovers Jennifer Debow and Amy Reeves, the ball is expected to break all previous attendance records. Next year’s Ball, “An Evening in Cupid’s Garden” will take place at the Hilton Houston Post Oak on  February 12, 2011.

Joni Fichter, immediate past chair of Friends of West U Parks, and her husband Mark, have agreed to serve as honorary chairs for the 2011 Park Lovers' Ball 2011 scheduled for February 12, 2011.