The parks and recreation department maintenance staff noticed that the water levels in the pool were dropping on a daily basis and was requiring 1,000s of gallons of water be pumped back into the pool, City Manager Michael Ross said.

Ross said it appears as though the water is leaking out through one or more expansion joints in the concrete walls of the pool.

The pool is maintained during the off season and it will need to be drained for repairs, which are under warranty.

The pool is scheduled to open for weekends starting April 14. The pool opens for the regular summer season on Memorial Day.

Ross said that everyone has been extremely responsive in attending to the problem. The goal is to have the repairs complete in time for the April opening date, he said.

Meditation and Mindfulness Discussion Group: On the first and third Wednesdays of the month, from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., the Meditation and Mindfulness Discussion Group meets at the West University Place Senior Center at 6104 Auden. The group is a way for people to reduce stress, develop a consistent practice, and get encouragement to continue the practice. Each class has a suggested reading assignment, although it is not mandatory for participation. A summary of the assignment is presented to the group during class. Following the summary, the group engages in discussion about the assignment and participates in a 30 minute guided meditation.

The Meditation and Minfulness Discussion Group is currently reviewing the book “When Things Fall Apart” by Pema Chodron. New participants are welcome to come join this ongoing discussion. A special session for beginners will start on April 18 and will cover the basics of meditation techniques. This group will begin a new book, “The Happiness Trap” on May 2. “The Happiness Trap” by Russ Harris describes Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), which is a combination of cognitive therapy and mindfulness techniques that are used to help with stress.

Evening classes: Prefer to participate in evening classes? Senior Services has several to choose from on Thursday evenings: Tai Chi, 5 – 6 p.m.; Line Dancing, 6:15 – 7:15 p.m. starting Feb. 23; and basic conversational Spanish, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m., starting Feb. 16.

Advance registration and payment are required for all evening classes.

Active classes: Need motivation to help you work out? Join an exercise classes offered through Senior Services: Early Risers Aerobics, Afternoon Aerobics, Morning Tai Chi, Yoga, Water Aerobics, or a daytime Line Dance class.

For more information about these programs or to register for any of the programs offered through the Senior Services, stop by 6104 Auden St. or call 713-662-5895.

Distribution will occur rain or shine.

The door hangers will provide new guidelines for curbside recycling of paper, cardboard, glass bottles and jars, plastic containers, and aluminum and tin cans. The door hangers will also provide information on nearby recycling resources and proper disposal of Household Hazardous Waste.

Volunteer orientation and door hanger pick-up will be Saturday, Feb. 18 at 9 a.m. at 3825 Milton. Each volunteer will be assigned a distribution area with 200 homes; it is estimated that it will take two hours to complete the distribution. Each volunteer will receive 200 door hangers to distribute, a neighborhood assignment map, instruction sheet and volunteer identification badge.

Service hour slips will be provided to volunteers who need them. High school students, families, scouts and individuals wishing to help are encouraged to volunteer.

For more information or to sign up to volunteer, contact Recycling & Solid Waste Reduction board member Yvonne Jacobs at 713-666-5093 or yvonnejacobs@mac.com.

The West U Little League hosted a baseball clinic with Major League Baseball Player Will Rhymes on Jan. 28.

The Holt family purchased the clinic at the 2011 WULL Boogie for Baseball Auction.

Pictured in the back row are Clay Richardson, Ben Sanders, Corbin Dawes, Chico Holt and Logan Knupp. In the front row are Will Juden, Will Lewis, Cole Kelly, Nash Chickering and Andrew Parks.

Rhymes the first West U Little Leaguer to make it to the major leagues. He recently signed with the Tampa Bay Rays.

The Friends of West U Parks recently spent nearly $200,000 on the redevelopment of Judson Park.  After its completion, the city heard from several residents who said the old playground in the five-to-12-year-old play area had more to offer kids than the new equipment.

The city does not have any additional funds to make changes in the park but some 20 residents said they may have been willing to raise the money to install a new feature in the park, Parks and Recreation Director Tim O’Connor said.

Staff proposed that the monkey bars in the park be replaced with a dual adventure climb and a kid force spinner, which was priced at $5,046.

Friends supported changing out the equipment during its December meeting as long as the residents funded the new equipment.

That offer was recently taken off the table and brought back to the Friends board who said on Wednesday that they were not inclined to pay for new equipment at this time.

Friends Chair Leah Ragiel said in the scheme of things it’s not that much money, but she wasn’t sure if replacing the equipment would solve the problem

Several board members said they loved the park and thought that if they changed out the equipment other residents would be unhappy.

“Sometimes people are never going to be happy,” Friends board member Anne Freeman said.

When Judson Park was getting ready to be redone a 15 member subcommittee, made up of Judson Park neighbors and residents, decided on the equipment that would be installed in the park.

O’Connor said that the former play structures were grandfathered and when the equipment was replaced it had to meet national safety standards.

The new equipment in the five-to-12-year-old play area includes a King Peak Boulder/Slide, a triangle beam overhead climber, a comet spinner and a two-bay arch swing.

O’Connor had been working with T.F Harper and Associates LP, a company that specializes in park-recreation and playground equipment, to come up with a new piece of equipment that could go in the park without changing the scope.

The event kicks off at 9 a.m. with a parade and opening ceremonies at the West U Elementary fields. The carnival will follow until 2 p.m.

Some of the carnival attractions include a Matterhorn climbing wall, mechanical bull and dunk tank, amongst other things.

Wristbands cost $20 and include a James Coney Island lunch. Other available food items include fried Oreos, kettle corn and Dippin’ Dots.

A bazaar will also feature vendors selling softball apparel, jewelry and hair feathers, amongst other items.

For more information, visit www.wusa.org.

Most tables for the annual event hosted by the Friends of West University Place Parks Fund were long gone by the time invitations were mailed in early January. All 564 spots sold out by Jan. 12, executive director Donna LaMond said.

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The opening night reception will run from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. at the West U Recreation Center, 4210 Bellaire Blvd. There will be a special meet and greet with the artists.

The group show features two different generations of Houston artists including Rosella Owens, Crystol Spillars, Chickie Brown and Pascal Bustamante.

The exhibit will be on display from Feb. 3-24.

This is the final show in the Showcase of the Arts series of five exhibits. All exhibits are hosted at the Recreation Center and admission is free.

For more information, call 713-662-7420 or visit www.westutx.gov/events.

Kidventure Camp: registration begins Wednesday, February 1 at 8:00 a.m. Registration is handled directly through their website, www.kidventure.com.

In-person registration for all other camps will take place at the Recreation Center, 4210 Bellaire Boulevard. In-person registration begins as follows:

Priority registration: Friday, February 3 at 8:00 a.m.

Resident registration: Tuesday, February 7 at 8:00 a.m.

Non-resident registration: Thursday, February 9 at 8:00 a.m.

Recreation Center hours of operation are Monday – Friday 5:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m., Saturday 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., and Sunday 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Summer camp forms are available at www.westutx.gov/parks. To view an entire listing of summer camps click here. For more information, please contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 713.662.7420.

Nearly four months after being abandoned on a street in West U, “Tweak” is ready to find his forever home.

Dr. Alice Frei, owner of Southside Place Animal Hospital, has been nursing Tweak back to health since he was brought in to her veterinary clinic in September.

West U Animal Control Officer Daniel Paripovich picked up Tweak after he was seen running loose in the 2700 block of Sunset. The dog was probably “dumped” in the city because someone couldn’t take care of him, he said.

When Tweak came to the Southside Place Animal Hospital he had fleas, scabies and mange. Frei said the dog had been suffering from skin problems for more than a month and was probably tied up in a backyard.

Tweak was on a long course of antibiotics for his skin, he was vaccinated, neutered and treated for heartworms. Frei said he will test positive for heartworms, but he will be fine as long as he continues to take a heartworm preventative.

Since being at the veterinary clinic, Tweak’s hair has grown back and he looks like a totally different dog.

Frei, who has been caring for Tweak at no expense to the city, said she didn’t do anything but take him in.

“Everything he had was preventable,” she said. “We took on serious expenses with Tweak, but that’s OK.”

An animal rescue organization will help find Tweak a home starting this weekend and Frei says they are the ones that deserve all the credit.

“They’re amazing,” she said. “I’m happy to be a resource for them.”

If Tweak doesn’t have success being adopted this weekend, he will be brought back to the Southside Place Animal Hospital until he can go to another adoption day.

Tweak knows how to sit, walk on a leash and is good with children.

He has aggression toward other dogs and is cautious around strangers, but Frei said with work and obedience school he will get much better.

“With his background he just needs security,” she said. “He had to struggle for everything before he came here.”

Anyone who is interested in adopting Tweak can contact Southside Place Animal Hospital at 713-349-0718 or stop by at 6902 Stella Link.

Some EHS varsity boys’ basketball players, EHS Cheerleaders, volunteers from EHS’ Students of Service, St. Agnes/Strake Jesuit’s Athletes in Action, and National Charity League assisted on and off the court to make it a great experience for everyone.

The bleachers were overflowing with family and fans then all were treated to a pizza lunch, thanks to the EHS Dad’s Club.

EHS and St. Agnes Academy have started a new tradition and will co-host this annual game at SAA next year.

The Rotary Club of West U recently honored Peggy Eggleston with the Vocational Service Award for Service in Education, which is given to an area educator who has made an exceptional impact on students, either as a classroom teacher or an administrator.

Peggy Eggleston was this year’s recipient of the Vocational Service Award for Service in Education, which is given to an area educator who has made an exceptional impact on students, either as a classroom teacher or an administrator.

Eggleston is the director of the Beehive parents cooperative preschool, located on the grounds of West U Elementary.

The school has been providing high-quality beginnings to the educations of West U children for more than 30 years.  Eggleston has been part of the school for most of that time, first as a parent, then as a teacher, and now as a director and educator.

“Peggy is a wonderful teacher,” said Craig Friou, a member of the West U Rotary Club and parent of a Beehive preschooler.  “She provides direction to the young children while maintaining their natural curiosity and sense of wonder.”

Eggleston was also recognized for her skill as an administrator.  The school is a parent co-op, so she must not only manage the facility, teachers and budget, but she does so with almost 100 parents as bosses.  Eggleston manages the school by getting every parent involved so that the parents become responsible for the success of the school and the educations of their children.

In addition to being recognized in front of the 130 West University Rotary Club members and guests, she received a $750 stipend for her institution. The Vocational Service Award for Service in Education is the only award to include a monetary prize.

Rotary also recognized West U resident Tim Hansen with the 2011 Community Service Award for the work he does with senior services. Hansen has helped seniors with projects that include yard work, tree trimming, gutter cleaning and fixing hinges on doors, amongst other things.

Rotary’s non-Rotarian Vocational Service Award was presented to the Wicks family, who own Hot Bagel Shop on Shepherd between San Felipe and Westheimer. The Wicks family provides leftover bagels to the Star of Hope mission. Everyday a West U Rotarian picks up between 200-300 bagels and delivers them to the organization.

The City of West University Place Parks and Recreation Department is offering a variety of camp opportunities for ages 3 to 15 all summer long.

Youth can choose from the following camp offerings: Building Brains Camp, Dance Camp, iKids Camp, Mannerific Camp, Chess Camp, Reading Camp, Splish Splash Swim Camp, Tennis Camp and Kidventure Camp. Supply lists for camps will be provided at registration. Fee and registration requirements vary for each camp.

Summer camp forms are available at www.westutx.gov/parks.

Kidventure Camp registration begins Wednesday, Feb. 1 at 8 a.m. Registration is handled directly through their website, www.kidventure.com.

In-person registration for all other camps will take place at the Recreation Center, 4210 Bellaire Boulevard.

In-person registration begins as follows:

Priority registration: Friday, Feb. 3 at 8 a.m.

Resident registration: Tuesday, Feb. 7 at 8 a.m.

Non-resident registration: Thursday, Feb. 9 at 8 a.m.

Recreation Center hours of operation are Monday – Friday 5 a.m. – 9 p.m., Saturday 7 a.m. – 7 p.m., and Sunday 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.

For more information, contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 713-662-7420.

The City of West U had 18 employees participate in the Chevron Houston Marathon’s El Paso 5K Fun Run last weekend. Fire Lieutenant Clayton Wilson and Assistant Fire Chief Aaron Taylor had the best times for the city. Wilson ran it in 00:21:25 and Taylor ran it in 00:21:26.

The city had 18 employees who participated in the run on Sunday, Jan. 15.

Several departments were represented including administration, public works, finance, fire, parks and recreation and police.

Employees who participated include City Manager Michael Ross, Executive Assistant Rachelle Moody, Human Resources Director Wendy Standorf, Human Resources Generalist Shanell Garcia, Operations Superintendent Patrick Walters, Accounting Specialist LaVerne McQuirter, Finance Director Rhonda Daugherty, Firefighter Brent Gorman, Assistant Fire Chief Aaron Taylor, Firefighter James Walger, Fire Lieutenant Clayton Wilson,  Recreation Manger Brittany Bakes, Recreation Specialist Justin Hagendorf, Parks and Recreation Director Tim O’Connor, Administrative Manager Susan White, Officer Phil Clark, Support Services Supervisor Susie Forge and Officer Clyde Mahavier.

The employees participated in the fun run as part of the city’s wellness program, which provides awareness to employees on healthy habits, including exercise.

The city’s wellness program offers health related and informational programs and activities throughout the year that employees may participate in; ranging from sharing healthy habits, e-mails and recipes to participating in a 5K or a tobacco cessation program, Ross said.

The El Paso 5K Fun Run started next to Minute Maid Park and wound through downtown Houston, finishing at the marathon and half marathon finish line.

Eagle Scouts Parker Brant, John Mosele, Luis Mejia, Ben Brentin and Jeff Barnwell recently celebrated their Eagle Ceremony together during a special Court of Honor.

Jeffrey Barnwell, Parker Brant, Ben Brentin and John Mosele have been scouts together since the first grade when they joined Den 8 as tiger cubs in Pack 505 (St. Vincent De Paul Church). Luis Mejia joined them in middle school.

The five new Eagles joined Troop 55 with a commitment to celebrate their Eagle Ceremony together.

The graduating seniors are all Honor Roll students at their respective schools – Strake-Jesuit, St. Thomas and St. John the Divine.

All five of the young men who received their Eagle award are members of the Rhino Patrol.  Bellaire resident Ellis Vachon has been the adult leader for the Rhino Patrol since its inception in 2005.   The Eagles attribute much of their success to Vachon.  Since these boys joined Troop 55 Rhino Patrol, Vachon has guided a total of 12 scouts in their Patrol to achieve the Eagle Award.

Jeffrey Barnwell is the son of Mary and Jeff Barnwell of West U. He is a senior at St. Thomas High School.

Parker Brant is the son of Carol and Dale Brant of Braes Heights. He is a senior at Strake Jesuit College Preparatory.

Ben Brentin is the son of Vicki and John Brentin of Bellaire. He is a senior at Strake Jesuit College Preparatory.

Luis Mejia is the son of Luz and Rodrigo Mejia of West U. He is a senior at St. John the Divine School.

John Mosele is the son of Beth and Tom Mosele of Houston. He is a senior at Strake Jesuit College Preparatory.

The city accepted applications in the fall from residents who were interested in a free tree. About 70-75 trees were requested and will be planted by the end of January, West U Urban Forester Craig Koehl said.

A variety of trees will be planted including Live Oak, Mexican Monterrey White Oak, Bur Oak, Nuttall Oak, Drummond Red Maple, American Holly, Redbud and Pine.

Residents who applied for a tree will receive a free 30-gallon container holding a tree approximately 10 feet tall and a two inch trunk. The tree will be planted, staked, mulched and fertilized by the city. Maintenance after planting will be the responsibility of the property owner.

The Tree Trust was established to ensure the regeneration and diversity of the city’s urban forest. The Tree Trust is funded by payments from residents and contractors who remove trees for construction purposes and cannot replace them due to space limitations.

The Tree Trust is funding $19,000 worth of trees this year, Koehl said.

West U Rotary Club Vocational Service Committee Member Craig Friou, left, with Michael Larsson, West U Rotary Club Member and owner of Total Quality Books.

Michael Larsson was this year’s recipient of the Vocational Service Award for a Rotarian, given to a member of the West U Rotary Club who uses his/her profession as an avenue of service.

For the past several years Larsson has provided his warehouse space, equipment, time and employees of his business, Total Quality Books, to support the Rotary Club District 5890’s Books for the World project.

The project provides valuable educational resources to kids and families in South Africa and Pakistan where many children go through school without books and where in some areas there may not be a school at all.  Larsson’s business, Total Quality Books, sorts through hundreds of thousands of discarded books, resells those with monetary value and makes insulation and other products out of others.

Rotary’s Books for the World project is an exercise in supply chain management, which is why Rotary is so thankful for Larsson’s contribution.  Books are collected from individuals, libraries, used bookstores and donation centers.  The books are then sorted by language and content, stacked on pallets, wrapped in plastic wrap and loaded into a shipping container, which is taken to the Port of Houston for transport.

“His facility is a critical component in the process,” said Craig Friou, a member of the Club’s vocational service committee.  “Michael has generously donated a large portion of the infrastructure needed to make the Books for the World project a huge success.”

In addition to ensuring the success of the Books for the World project, Larsson’s contribution provides volunteer opportunities for hundreds of area high school students and Rotarians.  Book sortings take place on one Saturday each month at his warehouse at 3802 Leeland St.  Recent book sorting events have attracted nearly 200 area high school students each Saturday looking for opportunities to get involved.