Blue valley Pavilion anD Pool — still CloseD

Spring is almost here
TC NOTES
The Official News Source of the travis country community service association
march 2015
bylaws &
board of
directors
RE M I N DER
The deadline
for bylaws submissions and
applications
to run for the
Board is March
16, 2015.
Run for a seat on the
Travis Country
Board of Directors
Residents who are willing to serve our wonderful
neighborhood in an official capacity are encouraged to run for a seat on
the Travis Country Board
of Directors. The application can be found at www.
traviscountry.com. Please
include a picture of yourself along with your application.
Austin’s first environmentally planned neighborhood
Join us on Facebook at facebook.com/traviscountry
Blue Valley Pavilion and Pool — Still Closed
Jim McNabb, TC NOTES
Caution tape surrounds the Blue Valley Pavilion. Swim At
Your Own Risk (SAYOR) is moved to the Hilltop pool.
The Blue Valley Pavilion is not going to fall down—probably, but there are at least five problems that must be fixed. They
must be fixed soon because the Travis Country Annual Meeting
is set for that space in a little over a month.
The Travis Country Board decided to close the pool until
the problems could be assessed and fixed out of concern for the
safety for residents before and during repairs.
What is wrong with the Blue Valley Pavilion? Rotted wood
at or on five of the posts supporting the 35+ year structure. You
can put a six-inch ballpoint pen half of the way into a hole in the
base of one of the 4 X 8-inch cedar posts. Further, the slab below a 4 x 12-inch corner post eroded away six-inches down into
the dirt, probably exacerbated by water from a nearby downspout. A screw is exposed. It is screwed into nothing and the
bottom of the nearby post is rotten.
Travis Country architects and engineers tackled the problems in January and provided office manage Frank Craparo
with a report.
“Our recommended repair would be to trim the bottom of
the column and install a bolted saddle base to keep the bottom
of the column from wicking moisture,” said John Steinman PE
in his report to the Board. In other words, the post would be
sawed off two to three feet from the bottom. It would then be
mounted on top of a concrete base.
On the corner where the slab is eroded, the solution may be
more apparent as work proceeds. Experts must drill test holes
to determine if the soil can support the structure. Whether the
soil specs are up to code will dictate what it will take to fix that
column.
— continued on page 3
• Daylightsavingtime •
Sunday, March 8th, 2015 ~ Don’t Forget to Spring Forward!
Travis Country’s #1
Home Selling Team
www.TravisCountryOnline.com
Austin’s online home for everything Travis Country
512.794.6601 | [email protected]
TRAVIS COUNTRY REAL ESTATE STATISTICS
SECTION
ORIGINAL
NEW
CONDOS
ACTIVE | ACTIVE | AVG DAYS | PENDING | PENDING | AVG DAYS | SOLD | 2014 | SOLD | 2014 | AVG DAYS | 2014
$/SQ FT
2
2
0
200.01
195.41
n/a
$/SQ FT
10
9
n/a
1
4
0
235.78
204.09
n/a
1
24
n/a
2
1
0
#SOLD
$/SQ FT
$/SQ FT
1
2
0
225.31
190.27
n/a
202.17
151.89
n/a
AVG DAYS
8
12
n/a
6
57
n/a
“Original” section consists of Travis Country and Trailwood Village. “New” section consists of Village Park, TC Green, Parke at TC and Lost Creek at
Gaines Ranch. Current data was taken from MLS on February 16th and sold data is from January 2014/2015.
We loved The Cain Team’s approach. The daily counsel and accessibility
was helpful and comforting; the willingness to go the extra mile each
and every day was re-assuring; and -- most importantly, the chutzpah
and creativity to go out there and get the price for our home that we
deserved put them on a totally different level. We’ll forever be grateful to
Ricky and the team and recommend them without hesitation.
Mark & Pat Epstein
4813 Trail Crest Circle
Keep up with the real estate market in
Travis Country by receiving our monthly report.
Sign up at TravisCountryOnline.com
TRAVIS COUNTRY 2014 STATISTICS
Ricky, REALTOR®
KodiKay, Client Care Manager
Chandler, Security Expert
Jaxon, Playground Specialist
20
99.8%
ORIGINAL PRICE / SALES PRICE
With over $30,000,000 in homes sales in 2014,
Ricky Cain is one of the top selling and most
respected real estate agents in the city of Austin.
With almost 70% of his business coming by way of
referral, and as an Austin Platinum Top 50 Realtor
and an Austin Five Star Realtor Award winner,
you can count on receiving world class
service from him and his team. Call us
today at 512-794-6601 to schedule
a no-obligation home evaluation.
AVERAGE DAYS ON MARKET
30
97.9%
#1
THE CAIN TEAM
TC AVERAGE
Year after year, Ricky has consistently sold
homes in Travis Country faster and for more
money than average. You deserve Travis
Country’s top home selling real estate team!
Interview another real
estate agent before hiring
our team and receive
$500
blue valley
— continued from page 1
This work will require removal of the wooden benches while work is in
progress. Also, the pavilion roof must be supported while work is underway.
It sounds like a lot of work, but “this
is not a big job, “said Frank Craparo,
Travis Country Property Manager.
The Board will be asking for bids.
It’s time to clean out the
closets, dump out those
drawers, and go through
the garage.
Garage sale will be advertised in
the Austin American-Statesman
as neighborhood-wide, with
no set times. No registration is
required for participation.
With the pool closed it was an opportunity to replace three pool pumps
and change the filters in preparation for
swimming season.
Volunteers Make the Wheels go Round
TC Notes would like to acknowledge the following “retired” street distributors
who have braved the cold and heat for many months to deliver TC Notes to your
doorstep: Sue Breuer and Melinda von Rosenberg. We would also like to welcome
those folks who have recently signed on to a delivery route: Kathy Garland, Sheila
McCarthy, Angeline Pruitt, and Dani Willard.
Travis
country BIRD WALKS with GLEN NOVINGER
New in 2015! Join us for monthly
Bird Walks led by nature bird enthusiast, Glen Novinger. Get to know
the common birds and migrants in
Travis Country.
Bird Walks will leave the Blue
Valley office at 9:00 a.m. on the following Saturdays in 2015.
March 14
April 11
May 9
June 13
Bring binoculars and a bird book, if you have one. Young adults of 12+
years welcome if accompanied by parent. Please understand that dogs will not
be welcome. Bird walks will last 1 to 2 hours. After eight years on the Firewise Committee, Candy Goodrich
will be leaving her post. A big thank you for all Candy has done
to educate us on Firewise safety in Travis Country.
Online at traviscountry.com
3
Attention Homeowners:
Pool Keycards Required
Please locate your pool keycard. If you do not have a keycard, now is the
time to go to the office and get one. Office hours are M-T-W 9:00 am–5:00 pm
and Th-F 9:00 am–6:00 pm. If you need to replace a lost keycard, the cost is
$10 (check only).
SAYOR keycards expire on
March 31, 2015 and will need to
be renewed for the April 1, 2015
- March 31, 2016 season. SAYOR
swimmers should bring their current keycards and a check for $10
with them to the TC office prior
to April 1, 2015 so that they can
be renewed and not be locked out.
The 2015 swim season will begin in May, and the swim team will start
practicing at the end of April after school. Their families must have keycards.
Homeowners are required to have a keycard in order to access the pools.
Starting at the beginning of pool season, lifeguards will not admit homeowners who have forgotten their key cards.
Blue Valley Pool will be closed until further notice due
to repairs, all SAYOR activities will take place until at Hilltop.
The reason for this policy is the following:
1. The Blue Valley and Hilltop pools are open to homeowners only, and a
keycard is required for entry. Guests are only permitted if accompanied
by a homeowner with a keycard.
2. Unauthorized access of the pools creates liability for all homeowners,
even those who do not use the pools.
3. The pool monitor service trains lifeguards to require key cards for entry. It creates conflict and confusion to ask lifeguards to disobey their
employer.
4. Keycards provide valuable pool use data to the HOA. This helps in
drafting the pool calendar and with the proper care and maintenance
of the pools.
5. When unauthorized access to the pool is permitted, word gets around
in the community. It can be costly and inconvenient for homeowners
in terms of additional wear-and-tear, overly crowded with non-homeowners, and vandalism of our facilities.
TC Sharks
Swim Team
Kicks Off 2015 Season
Online Registration opens April 1st
Check the website for updates on the upcoming
season schedule and events. www.SwimSharks.org
We lcome
t r av i s c o u n t r y ’ s
Newest Residents
Kurt Duncan
5101 Bandera Creek Trail
Ronald & Mary Freytag
5116 Crystal Water Drive
Daniel & Shannon Jones
4008 Eagles Landing Cove
Jenny Tynes
4109 Travis Country Circle
Frank & Jennifer Davis
4608 View West drive
Timothy Bishop
3929 Sendero Drive
Download your Travis Country Welcome Packet at traviscountry.com
NOW HIRING! TC 2015 Lifeguards
We are looking for TC residents, age 16+, to guard
Hilltop and Blue Valley Pools the 2015 swim season.
Training scheduled for Spring Break (March 2015).
Please contact Austin Pool Pros directly at Mike@
AustinPoolPros.com.
4
Online at traviscountry.com
march travis country Yards of the month
hey neighbor
I’m having a retirement party at
my house for my
co-worker. Should
I approach my
neighbors to let
Hey Neighbor!
them know. Are
there any party/neighborhood ground rules I
should know about?
4605 C a n y o n w o od dr iv e
A great example of how to get the most out of
a challenging sloped yard. This yard features
raised beds throughout, allowing for a variation
in height with the use of shrubs and grasses. The
yard is always well manicured, making it a delight
to drive past.
5 2 3 2 Concho Creek bend
This water wise yard has a nice stone path that
leads to the entry of the house, with a lovely sitting area off to the side. The well manicured beds
give the yard a nice balance with the right amount
of greenery.
“It’s My Park Day”
Saturday, March 7, 2015 at 9:00 a.m.
Gaines Creek Nature Park
Republic of Texas Blvd.
Volunteers needed to help fulfill the vision of Friends
of Gaines Creek Nature Park. Some of the goals are to
maintain, expand, and improve a trail system through the park that will encourage use and to beautify the
perimeter. If you want to help make a difference but don't know where to start, Friends of Gaines Creek
Nature Park is excited to have you join the group of outstanding resident volunteers. Mark your calendar
for March 7th “It’s My Park Day.”
Online at traviscountry.com
Yes, let your near by neighbors know about the
party. By informing them of the party, you are being respectful and considerate. If possible, inform
your neighbor what time to expect an upsurge in
cars on your shared street and about what time
the party will end.
You may want to extend a party invite to your
neighbor as a gesture of friendship. By inviting them, you will be a lot less likely to have any
complaints and you might even get to know your
neighbor a little better.
A few ground rules to consider when hosting a party are to ask your guests to park in your
driveway or in front of your house, and be sure
to not block anyone’s driveway. When guests leave
late night, gently remind them to be considerate
of your neighbors and not to loiter in the driveway or street. If a neighbor does asks you to quiet
down the party noise, be friendly, apologize and
do your best to comply. As always, if you have an
issue with a neighbor, the best policy is to talk to
them and deal with it in person.
If you have a question you’d like to see addressed in
Hey Neighbor, email [email protected].
5
The Curious Tastebud : St. Philip pizza parlor + Bakeshop
The Tastebuddies have been impatiently waiting for an opportunity to visit
the newest, hippest restaurant in this neck of the woods. St. Philip is the inimitable Paul Qui’s latest culinary adventure. Qui is known for his brilliance at
Uchi, Uchiko and East Side King.
The restaurant is housed in the
building that used to contain Cannoli
Joes, on the westbound access road
of 290 between Brodie Lane and the
Toney Burger Center. It is a beautiful,
bright, airy space with attractive art
and an atomic rancher vibe. It was a
shame that the patio was unavailable
because it was being used for employee interviews, so the Tastebuddies sat
inside rather than under a patio heater
in the sleek, modern, outdoor room.
Inside the atmosphere was fun and energetic with a happy hour vibe at 3:30
p.m. The noise level was loud, but no obnoxious music was blaring in a way that
degrades the atmosphere at some great local restaurants like Odd Duck and Barlata. The temperature inside was so perfect that every Tastebuddy was comfortable (which is pretty rare). Every aesthetic detail is carefully considered including
the graphics on the menu and signage, in the bakery and on the pizza boxes.
The Tastebuddies went twice and tried both a booth and the bar at the pizza
kitchen. The barstools are strictly for basketball players. If you are vertically
challenged they are too high and you have to do a cross between yoga and tai
chi to keep your napkin on your lap. Speaking of napkins, it’s challenging to eat
pizza with slippery cloth napkins - something that will absorb the oil is more
functional. So the more fastidious Tastebuddy had to ask for paper napkins.
However, the pizza chefs were skilled and fun to watch, and it was not hot sitting
near the ovens at all. The service was unobtrusive but attentive and friendly.
The pizza was delicious - a perfect thin crust with a cornmeal finish. One Tastebuddy got the build-your-own with pepperoni, fresh Black krim tomatoes, caramelized onions and wild mushrooms. It was divine and served three easily. The
pizza is very light - not too heavy on either sauce or cheese. The focus is all about
the toppings. The chicken was a delicious, savory cloud with a little bite - fluffy
and perfectly seasoned. If your eyes are properly calibrated with your stomach,
then the meatball slider is both tasty and satisfying. If you need an all-you-can-
6
eat Cannoli Joe’s style gut-buster
you might have to order three. The
brussel sprouts were not Uchi’s but
they were OUTSTANDING. The
iced tea was excellent – fresh and
not too strong – the way it always
used to be before the art of making
ice tea was lost to our culture. The
wine snob in the group felt that the
beer and wine selection was admirable.
The meal was incredibly inexpensive for the quality and ambiance. Building your own pizza is
more expensive than the menu offerings, but the total cost would be
$6 per person for three people or
four light eaters for $4 each - that’s
WAY cheaper than even Pizza
Hut! And much better, with locally
sourced and farm-fresh toppings.
There is a little bakery with a wood-fired oven tucked into the northwest
corner of the restaurant. It is a cozy, magical little space and the dessert cakes
looked great. The little hexagonal honey cake from the bakery were scrumptious - like your grandmother’s pound cake, with a little more crumb, and a
nice citrus element. One Tastebuddy took home sausage kolaches for breakfast. They are discounted later in the day and were delicious reheated.
St. Philip is a nearby gem with a great cross between gourmet and family
friendly food with a hip atmosphere inside and a terrific patio designed to be
comfortable summer or winter.
St. Philip Pizza Parlor + Bakeshop
4715 South Lamar Blvd. Sunset Valley, TX 78745
Mon-Th: 11:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. / Fri: 11:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Sat: 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m. / Sun: 10:00 a.m - 10:00 p.m.
Reservations available for parties of 6 or more. Call (512) 358-7445.
Online at traviscountry.com
HELLO LAMP POST – a public art project for the whole city
Citizen Gardener Class
at the Sustainable Foods Center of Austin
Saturday, March 7th, 9:00 a.m. -1:00 p.m.
Wednesday, March 11th, 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 14th, 9:00 a.m. -1:00 p.m.
Menchaca Elementary School
12120 Manchaca Rd. Austin, TX 78748
www.sustainablefoodcenter.org/programs/grow-local/citizen-gardener
Are you new to gardening or to gardening in Central Texas? Would you benefit from a holistic introduction to organic, sustainable food gardening? Would you
like to promote local food in your community? If yes, then SFC's Citizen Gardener
classes are just for you!
This 3-part series provides participants with the
knowledge and skills needed to start and maintain
an organic food garden, from choosing a garden
site and building a raised bed to composting, pest
management, and rainwater harvesting. Students
solidify their knowledge and share their new skills
by volunteering 10 hours of service at school and
community gardens. At the close of each planting
season, SFC and the Austin Permaculture Guild cohost a local food potluck, where we celebrate the accomplishments of Citizen Gardener and Permaculture Design Course graduates and
encourage new gardeners to continue serving as local food ambassadors in Central
Texas' communities.
Course Fee is $45 for two hands-on classes and one evening discussion. SFC
volunteers may take the class for $35 - for details contact Katie Pace at [email protected].
$10 of the course fee is used to process a Criminal Background check, necessary
for volunteering under any Sustainable Food Center programs. If you feel uncomfortable completing a CBC, please contact SFC before registering.
Communications & Public Information from City of Austin
To mark the 30th anniversary of Art in Public Places, the
City of Austin in partnership with Art Alliance Austin, launched
a temporary public art project called Hello Lampost.
A citywide platform for play, Hello Lampost: Austin invites
you to strike up conversations with familiar street furniture using text messaging. Here’s how it works:
1. Choose your object – look for something like a lamp post, hydrant, or bus
stop that has a unique identifier code (like a serial number or stop number).
2. Say Hello! – Send a text message to 512-580-7373 and start it with “Hello
OBJECTTYPE #OBJECTCODE”. For example: “Hello lamp post #325” or
“Hello bus stop #1431”.
3. Follow the conversation – You should get a reply soon. Answer the object’s
questions and learn what other people have said.
Wake up the objects in your neighborhood and take the conversation across the
city through April 27, 2015!
For more information, visit www.hellolamppostaustin.com.
EASTEREGGHUNT
Saturday, April 4th, 9:00 a.m. at Blue Valley
Petting Zoo
Doughnuts
Games
egg Hunt Times
9:15 a.m. / 3 years and under
9:30 a.m. / 4-6 years
9:45 a.m. / 7-9 years
10:00 a.m. / 10+ years
ATTENTION GRADUATING
travis country
SENIORS
Travis Country graduating high
school and college seniors will
be featured in the June 2015
edition of the TC Notes. Email
the following information to
[email protected] to
feature your senior. Deadline is
MAY 15, 2015.
All made possible by our wonderful volunteer co-chairs: KodiKay Cain
and Jennifer Carter
Volunteers are always needed! To volunteer at the Easter Egg Hunt,
please email [email protected]
• a picture of your senior
• school attended
• major activities
• post-graduation plans
Online at traviscountry.com
7
The Garden Buzz
Cynthia Wilcox, TC Resident
Texas has a short spring and a long summer, so it is time get a head start
on your garden. It’s also the perfect time to put down organic weed control in
the form of corn meal gluten. This suppresses all seed germination so do not
use it where you intend to plant vegetable or flower seeds. Its great on lawns.
Travis Country is on the
Monarch migration path, and
Monarchs west of the Rocky
Mountains fly over this area on
their fall migration. Butterflies
are active in the spring, so even
the application of organic caterpillar control, like BT (bacillus
thuringiensis) is not recommended. Caterpillars can be manually removed, or plants can be protected by covering them with light row cover when caterpillars are active. Consider sharing
some of your plants’ leaves with the caterpillars, or planting “decoy” plants to
feed the little guys – like parsley, fennel, Greg’s Mistflower or passion vine. Native American Seed www.seedsource.com has bee and butterfly seed mixes,
and native milkweed, which is an important Monarch host plant.
Nicotene-based pesticides are extremely toxic to bees, caterpillars, butterflies and other pollinators, and persist on plants long after they have been applied. If you want a garden full of butterflies, solitary native bees, dragonflies,
ladybugs and beautiful bright green lacewings, avoid these products: www.
xerces.org/wings-magazine/neonicotinoids-in-your-garden
Recommend for March:
Coaches Corner
Spring tennis is in full swing. Go to the TC website or directly to www.
playtennisaustin.com to check out the fun options for all ages and levels.
Coach Kevin uses the USTA 10 & under system so all can experience success, utilizing the QuickStart balls for the younger kids
and challenging drills for the more competitive players gearing up
TENNIS
for tournaments! Tennis on!
• Save the new date •
home
&yard
t o u r
TC 12 th Annual Home & Yard Tour
Saturday, April 25th, 2015
Contact Sherri at [email protected] to volunteer or have
your home featured on the home tour.
You do not have to live with pain
SOW SEEDS
• Vegetables: Beans, Beets. Late March: Black-eyed Peas, Chard, Collards,
Corn, Cucumber, Endive, Malabar Spinach, Mustard, Pumpkin, New
Zealand Spinach, Summer Squash.
• Herbs: Chives, Epazote, Milk Thistle. Late March: Basil.
• Annual Flowers: Castor Bean, Cleome, Cypress Vine, Gomphrena,
Gourds, Marigold, Moonflower, Morning Glory, Nicotiana, Sunflowers
PLANT TRANSPLANTS
• Vegetables: Chard, Corn, Cucumber, Eggplant, Endive, Malabar Spinach, Mustard, Peppers, Pumpkin, New Zealand Spinach, Summer
Squash, Tomatillos, Tomatoes.
• Herbs: Artemesia, Basil, Bergamot, Catmint, Catnip, Chives, Comfrey, Scented Geraniums, Echinacea, Feverfew, Lavender, Lemongrass,
Mint, Oregano, Rosemary, Sage, Santolina, Savory, Sorrel, Thyme.
Advanced Laser Pain Relief
• Annuals: Cleome, Cockscomb, Coleus, Cosmos, Gomphrena, Gourds,
Back pain • Neck pain • Knee pain • Shoulder pain • Arthritis • Neuropathy
Lion's Tail, Marigold, Nicotiana, Pentas, Torenia, Zinnias.
• Bulbs: Caladium, Cannas, Daylilies, and Giant Elephant Ears.
• Perennials: Blackfoot Daisy, Cigar Plant, Damianita, Esperanza, Firebush, Plumbago, Spiderwort.
• Trees and Shrubs: March and April are reasonably mild months for
TexStarChiro.com
planting trees and big shrubs. In warmer months, more attention is
4601 Southwest Parkway, Suite 101 | (512) 899 -2228
required for success.
8
Online at traviscountry.com
Shiny New Toy
The worn and weathered mushroom
house that could be found at Hilltop playground was replaced with a Little Tikes Tot
House early last month.
The new tot house encourages exploration with textures and cause and effect
events and is designed to engage babies and
toddlers with outside tactile interest and inside climbing only. The recommended age
for the tot house is 9-24 months. The green
leaves on top of the new play feature cannot
support the weight of children climbing on it so please be diligent in letting
your children and others know that the top of the tree house is not meant for
children to climb on top of. There are climbing alternatives for older children at Hilltop
playground, such as the rope wall
Unfortunately, a white plastic exterior
piece has already broken off. The tot house
retails for $3,295.00, a hefty price tag we all
share. In order for the tot house not to suffer the same demise as the mushroom house,
please do your part to follow the age recommendations and be more cautious while older kids are exploring it.
Remodel
•
REPAIR
•
SERVICE
TC Real Estate Update
Emily Matthews, TC Resident
If there is one thing that remains a constant in Travis
Country, it is the desire to call our amazing neighborhood
home. As of today, (February 15th), there are currently four
homes on the market. The range of days on market for these
homes is between 1-101, offer price of $389,500 - $510,000,
with the average price per square foot of $197.71.
Five Travis Country homeowners are currently working with buyers towards a successful sale, with four of the homes located in the newer sections
and one in the original section. The range of days on market prior to accepting
an offer for these homes is 0-91, offer price of $459,900 - $539,997, with an
average price per square foot of $210.43.
Three new homeowners were welcomed into the neighborhood, all of
whom purchased homes in the original sections. These homes sold within 2736 days after going under contract, ranging in sales price of $331,300 - $511,00,
with an average sold dollar per square foot price of $221.33. Not surprisingly,
one of the homes sold for $13,500 over asking price, a trend we tend to see
often in TC.
Homes for lease in Travis Country are not as prominent as those for sale,
but are just as in-demand while potential homeowners get acclimated to calling Austin their new home, wait for homes to be completed or wait for the
perfect home to come on the market. There are currently two homes in Travis
Country that have applications being processed and two that have leased since
the beginning of the year. Lease prices for homes currently under contract
range from $1895 - $2495 per month, while those that have been leased range
from $1500 - $2400 per month.
Travis Country real estate continues to be on trend with what is happening
in the rest of Central Austin’s neighborhoods. I receive requests for homes not
yet on the market on a weekly basis from other Realtors® with buyers wanting
to purchase in the neighborhood. The proximity to town, gorgeous surroundings and neighborly atmosphere is what draws these potential buyers to TC
and will continue to do so for years to come. Yard Work • Power Washing
Handman Services
TOMMY MONTANEZ
For estimates, contact
Ph: 512-589-7313
Randy McLerran
892-0303 home
903-5373 cell
Email: [email protected]
PO BOX 91645 • AUSTIN, TX 78709
over 20 years experience
in all areas of plumbing
fully insured
rml #40499
Resident of 4194 Travis Country Circle
since 1986 • No contracts required
Online at traviscountry.com
9
TC NOTES
CO-EDITORS
Melissa Sheldon
Jill Shiffert
CONTRIBUTORS
Kevin Clark
Emily Matthews
Jim McNabb, Glen Novinger
Ruth Schwab, Greg Sheldon
Cynthia Wilcox
PHOTOGRAPHY
Jim McNabb, Glen Novinger
Greg Sheldon
Melissa Sheldon
Jill Shiffert, Cynthia Wilcox
PROOFREADERS
Candy Goodrich
Kim Oswald
DELIVERY
50-plus dedicated,
amazing TC Neighbors!
TCCSA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
[email protected]
Leonard Saenz
PRESIDENT
Amy Sasser
VICE PRESIDENT
Cynthia Wilcox
SECRETARY
Mark Carroll
TREASURER
Steve Byrne - John Hawkins
Deena Perkins - Angie Wagner
Anthony Peterman
TRAVIS COUNTRY OFFICE
Frank Craparo, Manager
892-2256 (O)
891-9554 (FAX)
289-1616 (After Hours Emergency)
[email protected]
traviscountry.com
10
TC
ASSOCIATION REPORTS T RA V I S C O U N T R Y C O MM U N I T Y S E R V I C E a ssoci a tion
TC A n n u a l M ee t i n g
W e d n e s d ay, Apr i l 1 5 t h , 2 0 1 5
Legislation passed in 2011 brought a
few changes to how HOA voting is to occur. While Travis Country voted according to the new laws last year, the Board
thought it would be good to remind our
residents of current voting procedures.
1. All voters may now vote absentee,
including proxy voters. Residents
will receive an absentee ballot
with their official Annual Meeting
notice, to be mailed the week of
March 23, 2015.
2. State law requires that all ballots
must include the voter’s name, address, and signature.
3. Homeowners who are unable to
attend the Annual Meeting may
vote absentee, or they may vote
early at the TC Office on Friday,
April 10, 2015, from 9 a.m.- 6 p.m;
Monday, April 13, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m;
and Tuesday, April 14, from 9 a.m.
- 7 p.m.. There will not be early
voting on the day of the Annual
Meeting.
4. Homeowners may complete the
proxy voting form included in
the TCCSA Annual Meeting an-
nouncement mailed the week of
March 23, 2015. As noted above,
proxy voters may now vote via absentee ballot. Proxies may also be
delivered to the office by a neighbor; however, all proxies must be
filed by the beginning at the Annual Meeting, which starts at 6
p.m. on April 15, 2015. If you did
not receive the resident mailing
with a proxy form, please contact
the TC Office (892-2256 or [email protected]).
5. Bring a valid ID to the Annual
Meeting. Voters must provide
proof of residence to vote.
•
Please be aware that the proxy rules are
subject to change. Be sure to refer to your
mailed Notice of Annual Meeting for official information.
•
HELPFUL PROXY VOTING INFO
• Proxy voters may vote via absentee
ballot. Consult your official Annual Meeting Notice mailed the week
of March 24 for more information
about absentee voting.
• Every Travis Country lot is entitled to two votes. This means that
even if only one person owns/lives
at the lot, this lot is still eligible for
two votes. It also means that if one
person owns two lots, that person
is eligible for four votes.
• Lot owners may designate only
one proxy for his/her/their two
votes.
• Each member may hold only one
proxy, meaning a resident can be
the proxy for only one lot (two
•
•
•
•
votes). The resident may not hold
multiple proxies.
Proxies are non-transferable,
meaning that once you register
your proxy with one person, you
cannot transfer it to someone else,
nor can they transfer it to another
party.
Non-homeowners (those who
lease or rent the home) must receive the proxy of the lot owner in
order to vote.
Limited Proxy: May vote for Board
Candidates only.
General Proxy: May vote on any
and all matters brought before the
General Membership at the Annual Meeting.
Proxies may be registered anytime
between when the proxy form is
received in the Annual Meeting
mailing and Wednesday, April 15,
at 6 p.m.
The lot owners do not have to
physically register their proxies
with the office. Someone else may
register it for the lot owner. However, the proxy form must be filled
out correctly and properly signed.
An incomplete proxy form is void
and the proxy holder will not be
able to vote.
The TC Notes © is owned by Travis Country CSA. All rights reserved. Reproduction is prohibited without written permission from the Board of Travis Country CSA. With respect to information
available from the Association's website and/or information found inthe TC Notes, neither the Travis Country Community Service Association Inc. (the Association), nor its officers, directors,
employees, or agents make any warranty, express or implied, concerning any information referenced therein, or assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information set out therein or the quality of the services provided by any person or business identified therein. The presence therein of information on any specific products or services shall not be construed as, and does not constitute or imply an endorsement or recommendation of such products and/or services by the Association and/or its officers, directors, or agents.
Online at traviscountry.com
Board Meeting Report
MOTION: That Travis Country writes a letter asking City Council to deny the
request to remove the limit on trips per day currently permitted: Case # C14-2014001 A & B regarding the Garza Tract.
By: Cynthia Wilcox
2nd:Deena Perkins
Result: 7 in favor 1 abstaining
MOTION: To have the HOA manager request bids from three porter service
companies for the following work to be done three times a week during swim season
and twice per week during the off season: deep clean restrooms, replenish supplies,
pick up and empty trash, clean grounds, decks, guard shack, and the amenity areas
and around pools, including restrooms near BV basketball courts.
By: Angie Wagner
2nd: Amy Sasser
Result: Unanimous, Approved
MOTION: Within six (6) months following the 2015 annual meeting, TCCSA
to purchase, install and maintain a minimum quantity of six (6) new commercial
quality pet waste receptacles with waste bag dispensers at the approximate locations
shown in the attached exhibit (or at locations agreed to by the board).
By: Deena Perkins
2nd: Amy Sasser
7 opposed, 1 abstention
MOTION: To approve signs for TC 5K to be posted in the neighborhood in
compliance with the existing policy
By: Amy Sasser
2nd: John Hawkins
Unanimous, Approved
Homeowner’s Comments
Transcribed by Kristi Estes
Frank Krystopher – 5212 Trading Bend Dr. – Regarding the Garza Ranch Traffic
Impact Analysis, with 75,000 people moving to the area and the continued growth
and development we’re experiencing, we’re lucky to have the traffic lights that we do,
at Foster Ranch Rd. in particular. While we’re protesting tonight, wants the Board to
continue to look further down the road at whether there is more, in terms of development that will affect Travis Country, and stay involved in ways that might reduce
the negative impact the traffic we’ll have.
Susan Scott – 3949 Sendero – Has lived here since 2007 and the drought we experience has taken down even more of the trees than the many that were already an
issue. Was told Firewise application is being reworded but hasn’t heard back while
continuing to look at brush in backyard. It’s been eight years now and it’s time to
get something done. Delays in a decision being made has stalled these projects and
doesn’t want to have to wait until next summer. There are fast approaching deadlines for cutting and clearing due to certain nesting seasons.
Alan Goldstein – 4708 Eagle Feather – Appreciates the Board trying to make
decisions with regard to dead cedars. Picked up from Will Boettner that there is
Federal money available but we have to apply and get in line with everyone else having similar issues.
Darrell Hutchinson – 5212 Concho Creek Bend – Sympathizes with people
looking out for Firewise issues. We need to get ducks in a row regarding breeding
habitats, clear policy guidelines in terms of how far from the property line you can
alter the greenbelt vegetation, who’s affected, and costs.
Candy Goodrich – 4024 Travis Country Circle – Wants to clarify that Firewise
committee members don’t make the rules and restrictions. They translate and disseminate the information given to them by authorities and provide documents that
have already been approved by the Board.
Mark Carroll – 4414 Eagle Landing Dr. – It’s good to have Dottie back. Has
lived here since 1993 and nothing happens quickly. It doesn’t appear that rushing
to make a decision on cutting trees down is a good thing as important and helpful
information continues to be discovered throughout this process. If you have a passion for issues surrounding Firewise, encourages you to go out and get involved and
let us know you’re findings. From a fiduciary standpoint, it’s good to know there are
government resources available.
Amy Sasser – 4805 Eagle Feather Dr. – Missed Dottie and glad to have her back.
Thanked Candy for her service and hard work with Firewise. We’re one of the few
neighborhoods that has a Firewise committee and thinks we stand a good chance
to receive grants. We also have some of our own funds set aside and available. The
combined monies would put us in a good financial position to handle the costs associated with cutting down the trees.
Leonard Saenz – 4902 Canyonwood Dr. – Thanked Candy for her service and
raising the level of education we have regarding Firewise. Welcomed back Dottie,
a great neighbor. Has been on the task force for six to seven years and is glad we’re
finally doing something regarding Firewise issues. There are grants we can apply
for and we are allowing our community to contribute in deciding how much funds
should be allotted for these projects. Understands that the Board approved the motion regarding removal of dead cedars up to 100 feet as long as you have a Firewise
certified vendor performing the work. The question is cost. It’s expensive and realizes the process is moving slow; however, it’s going in the right direction. It may
not happen this year but maybe next. It’s a perpetual problem that starts and circles
around. Will look into rededicating money and getting more input from folks at the
Annual Meeting.
Deena Perkins – 4507 Twisted Tree Dr. – Thanked Travis Country volunteers for
all their hard work and Cynthia Wilcox for her help in getting the OHAN material
together.
John Hawkins – 4703 Fawn Run – Thanked homeowners for their opinions.
Cynthia Wilcox – 4925 Trail West Dr. – Thanked Darrell and Candy for their
service with Firewise and efforts to help deal with the removal of dead trees and
fuels. Homeowners help expedite the process with their involvement. We know
they’re flammable and encourage people to join the Firewise committee. The city’s
approval process goes quickly when it’s within 150 feet of house. Regarding OHAN
traffic impact analysis, doesn’t want to be responsible for 800% increase in trips per
day from what city would allow in removing the traffic restriction. The danger on
Mopac can’t be overstated and its northbound section is a deadly situation. Developers and city need to see what works for the community.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
POOL COMMITTEE
February 3, 2015, Submitted by Diane Wright
Blue Valley (BV) pool is still closed due to repairs on the pavilion. SAYOR has
been re-scheduled for Hilltop (HT) pool until the repairs are completed. Pool Committee (PC) requests the BV repairs be completed by April 15th, so that SAYOR can
return to BV. Also, Swim Team starts in April; we need both pools functional.
The new cameras/surveillance system has been ordered and will be installed
upon receipt. PC will ask the Board to approve opening HT up to SAYOR swimmers in addition to BV at that time.
TC Manager Frank Craparo reported that the work on the BV lap pool is nearing
completion within days. Upon completion, the water input into the lap pool will be
automatic when the water level drops.
Committee member spoke to Austin Pool Pros regarding keeping swimmers from
jumping into the diving pool near the diving board. Tammie and APP recommend
that the manager paint the diving pool curbing on 3 sides of the pool (around the diving board) in red with white lettering that reads “No Diving / Jumping While Board Is
In Use.” Hopefully this will solve the problem of people interfering with divers.
Online at traviscountry.com
11
First draft of the 2015 pool calendar was presented. Corrections and additions
were made. Adjustments to the draft will be made and presented to the TC Board for
approval at the February 19 board meeting.
MOTION FOR THE BOARD: The TC Manager is to get bids from three porter
service companies for the following work to be done three times a week in June, July,
and August: deep clean restrooms, replenish supplies, clean grounds, decks, and
guard shack, and basically clean up the amenity areas and around pools including
restrooms near BV basketball courts.
firewise COMMITTEE
January 2015, Submitted by Candy Goodrich
Update on Hazardous Fuels Survey, Environmental Assessment, and Land Management Plan: The Texas Forest Service official believes he can return to TC and
complete the survey later in February.
Previously, TC Board managers Bill Siegler and Austin Holloway-Jones signed
TCCSA Firewise Management Permits. Frank Craparo does not want to do this as,
unlike the previous managers, he has no training or knowledge of firewise principles. He requested committee approval, similar to AC permits.
Abstain from action regarding TCCSA Firewise Management Permit application from a resident on Eagle Feather due to prior board approval. Vote 4-0
The committee felt that since the homeowner’s request was approved by the
board, the board should issue a permit signed by the board or the TC manager as a
representative of the board.
Committee majority approved Firewise Management Permit via email for a resident on Sendero.
Approve three minor changes to Firewise Management Permit for further clarity on permit. Vote 4-0
There has been feedback that some of the wording needs clarity.
Approve Darrell Hutchinson as new Firewise Committee chair after spring
timeframe. Vote 4-0
Candy Goodrich announced to the committee in October that after eight years,
she would resign from the committee after the January quarterly meeting, but would
continue to help in an advisory capacity. Darrell Hutchinson said he would accept
the chair position if she would agree to continue through the springtime, due to his
prior commitments through that time period.
Linda will continue to write a few Hot Tips for TC Notes. Candy submitted an
article requesting residents report hours connected with city bulk brush pickup. A
TC homeowner also submitted a firewise article.
Committee will discuss ideas for 2015 event at the next meeting.
Year-End Report on the Travis Country Birds
& Nest-box Program
Since the TC Board approved the program in April of 2014, seven nest-boxes
have been installed in seven areas of Travis Country. The last of the nest-boxes were
installed during December of 2014, so they should be seasoned in and ready for the
spring nesting season this year.
Located in seven areas of Travis Country, we have installed one or more of each
of six different Nest-box Designs, each designed for different species of birds. In addition we have one Bat House and an additional will be installed in the Wildflower
Preserve. The different Nest-box designs are described below:
NEST-BOX TYPES & CHARACTERISTICS
TYPE
A
HOLE SIZE
1 1/8”
B
1 ¼”
C
1 ½”
D
2”
E
F
BATS
3”
7”
PROBABLE SPECIES TO OCCUPY NEST-BOX
Bewick’s Wren, Carolina Chickadee, Prothonotary
Warbler
Black-crested Titmouse, Carolina Chickadee, Bewick’s
Wren
Carolina/Bewick’s Wren, Eastern BlueBird, and Chickadee will all use boxes with 1 1/2” Hole.
Golden-fronted Woodpecker, Red-bellied Woodpecker,
Great Crested Flycatcher
Eastern Screech Owl, American Kestrel
Barred Owl
Mexican Free-tailed Bats are the most probable species
we expect. We have one existing bat house located near
the HOA Office. This Bat House is old and in poor
condition which requires repair during January. A second bat house will be built and installed on an abandoned light pole in the Wildflower Preserve.
Glen Novinger, TC Resident
There are a total of 36 Travis Country Nest-boxes are located throughout Travis
Country’s Common areas, including Blue Valley, the Community Garden, Hilltop,
Carrington Prairie, Common Area East of Sendero Dr. & North of Magdelena Drive,
Common Area south of Sendero Drive, and the Wildflower Preserve.
We should have a great nesting season this coming spring with many different
species of baby birds. Then the Saturday Bird Walks should involve several of the
Travis Country Residents to more fully appreciate our community bird life. Thank
you for supporting my efforts to expand TC Birding. Two files including the information shown in this email are attached.
When I went to clean the screech owl nest-box at the Community Garden on
Feb I was surprised to find a large and sleepy opossum in it. For some time I have
been surprised that we have not had a screech owl in
that box. Now we know why!
I took my trash tongs, grabbed the opossum by the
tail and dropped him into a cedar bush. From there he
left in a great hurry. Big question now is will he come
back or will we get the intended screech owl for their
nesting season which should start any day now. Screech
owls are good for gardens because they enjoy small rodents for their nightly food supply.
Keep an eye out for these nest boxes of various sizes all around Travis Country.
Opossum nesting in an Owl Nest-Boxes
at the Community Garden
12
Online at traviscountry.com
this spring - Fertilize your Lawn, Not Creeks
Information provided by City of Austin
As Austin grows, so does the use of fertilizers. While nutrients (nitrogen,
phosphorous and potassium) from fertilizers can help our plants grow, they can
also cause excessive growth of algae and aquatic weeds when washed into our
waterways. Besides being unsightly, these plants can rob the water of oxygen and
harm fish and amphibians.
Kill Weeds Without Weed & Feed
Right Preparation:
• Keep plants healthy so they can outcompete weeds.
• Use a weed barrier in landscape plantings to block light and prevent growth.
Right Product:
• Use a weed popper, hoe, or your hand(!) to remove plants when they are
small and soil is moist.
• Remove weeds regularly before they flower or go to seed.
• Look for the Grow Green Weed fact sheet at nurseries or at www.grow-
green.org to help identify your weeds -- many can be “mowed away” or
easily hand-pulled.
• If you must use an herbicide … spot-treat with one that is made to treat
your particular weed.
l aw n F e r t i l i z i n g Q u i ck T i p s
Right Products:
• Organic fertilizer – naturally slow release.
• Synthetic fertilizer – slow release is best.
Right Rate:
• Leave grass clippings on the
lawn to return most of the
needed nutrients to the soil
naturally. Save yourself a yard
bag too!
• Measure your lawn size, not
your property size (over-application is probably the greatest threat to water quality).
• Use half as much, half as often
as recommended on the bag (1/2 lb. N/1000 square ft., no more than
twice a year).
Right Timing:
Right Timing (for chemical treatments):
• A post-emergent (when weed is visible) herbicide is preferred -- it allows
you to treat only where you know there’s a problem and where you can
correctly identify the weed.
• If you must use a pre-emergent (before the weed is visible), only treat an
area with persistent weed problems and tough weeds.
• Spring Fertilization: April 15 (after the lawn has been mowed two
Right Rate:
• Always follow the EPA-approved label directions.
• Buy ready to use weed killers to reduce spillage and ensure the chemical
amount is correct.
• Water in gently – not to the point of runoff.
• Sweep any fertilizer off sidewalks and roads.
times).
• Fall Fertilization: Early October (only necessary if lawn looks unhealthy)
• Never fertilize before a rain.
Right Method:
Thank you to our amazing
TC Notes
Advertisers
We encourage our readership to patronize these businesses
and individuals. They invested in us... let’s return the favor!
If you would like to advertise in the TC Notes, just email us at [email protected].
You can also access all you ever wanted to know about advertising with us at the Travis
Country website, www.traviscountry.com. Just click on the link.
Online at traviscountry.com
Ads starting
at just $45
per issue
YOUR AD HERE
13
CLASSIFIEDS
travis country student services
Full-time nanny needed this summer MondayFriday for 10-year-old (girl). College or high
school-aged female who lives in Travis Country and has driver’s license and transportation.
Compensation negotiable. Interested? Call
Kerri at (512) 791-9735.
*CPR Training
FOR SALE: 2008 Honda CR-V EXL, white,
49,920 miles; 15k miles on tires. Moon roof.
One owner TC resident; maintenance records
available. $14,500. Contact (512) 891-6883.
For increased advertising exposure, see the TC
Buy/Sell page on Facebook: www.facebook.
com/groups/TCBuySell. This is closed group -- for TC
residents only. The page is managed by Angie Wagner.
You will need to be approved to join the group.
Travis country Clubs
Travis Country Clubs are sanctioned by the
TC HOA and are open to all TC residents.
BOOK CLUB
We will meet on March 19th, 7:00
p.m., at the home of Beth Arnold & Joseph Bosquet, 4441 Sacred Arrow. We
will be discussing The Worst Hard Time:
The Untold Story of Those Who Survived
the Great American Dust Bowl by Timothy Egan (2006). Bring a salad, dessert,
or beverage if you wish. Call Kate Burgess at (512) 698-9560 with questions.
BUNCO
Spring is just around the corner and
we will play Bunco and have fun at the
TC office on Monday, March 2, 2015,
at 7:30 p.m. Come one and all to play,
nosh, and enjoy laughing with us for
our March get together -- in like a lion
and out like a lamb! Please call Lindy
at (512) 892-3116 with questions.
MOMS WITH BABIES & TODDLERS
Join the moms with babies and toddlers group for kids born between 20112014. This group is a fun way to meet
other TC moms, share ideas, ask questions, and make new neighbor friends
for you and your baby/kids. For details
email Jill at [email protected].
14
+ Red Cross Course Certified
Name
Age Baby House Plant
Sit
Sit
Care
Araguz, Alanna
11
●
Ayers, Luke*#
16
●
Bauer, Xan *+
Borrego, Natali+
17
●
15
●
Bourgeois, Abby *+#
14
●
Carlson, Elin*#
12
●
Pet Lawn
Parental Contact / OTHER INFORMATION
Care Care Supervision
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
16
●
16
●
Escobedo, Jacob
17
Escobedo, Jessica
15
●
●
Escobedo, Rachel *+
18
●
●
Katey & Megan, Gilbert
13
●
●
Hadd, Evan
13
●
Isensee, Ava
15
●
Isensee, Ramon
12
J&S Lawn Care
-
Jourdan, Dustin
17
Kelly, Izzy
12
Lanier, Spencer
13
●
Lauritzen, Tessa
18
●
Leuzinger, Sophie+
17
●
Levatino, Grace
13
●
Malachowski, Kyle
16
Malachowski, Rhyan
14
Marsales, Nathan *#
14
Martin, Emily
12
McBrayer, Keith
Peterman, Claire
13
●
16
●
15
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
Ref.
Ref.
Call/Text: 512-298-8503 [email protected]
512-891-5351 (Twin-Sit)
512-891-9852 [email protected]
●
●
●
512-940-1373 [email protected]
Call or text: 512-750-8056
●
●
Mother’s Helper & babysitting ages 2-8. Call/Text 512-750-898
512-550-4534 [email protected]. Own transportation.
Call/Text 512-826-6616 (C) Power washing also.
●
512-892-2601 [email protected]
512-892-2601 [email protected]
●
[email protected] James Schultz, 16;
Samuel Levatino, 17
●
●
●
●
●
●
512-891-8199, [email protected]
Mom’s helper, potty trained kids.
●
512-284-2120, [email protected]
512-925-3095
●
512-923-1493 [email protected] Also tutors.
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
16
●
512-481-8887 Also Mothers helper.
512-659-8828 (Reptiles/ small rodents)
●
Ref.
512-906-7744 (Collect mail & papers)
512-892-5556 (H)
●
892-5939 / Power wash drive/patio
●
512-909-5140, [email protected] / $25 flat rate.
512-899-0657
●
●
●
●
●
Ref.
512-899-1699 (H) 512-705-3360 (C)
●
●
●
Ref.
Has transportation. 512-899-1699 (H) 512-705-8578 (C)
Porter, Melissa
17
11
Rose, Somer
17
Tagle, Nico
10
Tagle, Sam *#
14
●
●
●
15
●
●
●
Waggoner, Cate
Weldon-Carroll,
RyanCole
13
16
●
●
●
●
●
●
White, Jamie
16
●
15
13
●
●
●
●
Waggoner, Charlie
Ref.
●
●
512-919-063, [email protected]
[email protected], 512-981-8048 (C)
891-9194 [email protected] Mother’s helper & tutoring.
●
●
512-983-5075 [email protected]
Also tutors. 892-0246, [email protected]
Ref.
●
Rose, Ben
Waggoner, Cate
●
●
Curran, Meredith
Waggoner, Charlie
●
Ref.
Davis, Katie+
Pillman, Zach *+#
Porter, Brianna
# First Aid Training
●
●
●
●
512-203-4264 Cats, dogs, fish, lizards.
●
●
Experienced. 512-203-4264
●
●
512-784-5788 [email protected]
512-784-5788 [email protected] Potty-trained kids.
●
Ref.
Text/Call 512-739-4331
Ref.
Text/Call 512-497-3387. Completed babysitting course.
Experienced babysitter. 512-774-8700
[email protected] Powerwash drive/patio
●
●
●
[email protected], 512-903-8424,
Eagle Scout, experienced babysitter & lawn care.
512-350-4841
●
Ref.
Text/Call 512-739-4331
●
Ref.
Text/Call 512-497-3387. Completed babysitting course.
TC NOTES CLASSIFIEDS POLICY: The Classifieds are open to Travis Country residents only. Free student service ads for non-professional students ages 18-andunder all year, and for college-age residents from June- August. College students must be attending a college or university during the regular school year and living
at home, in Travis Country, during the summer months. Services cannot be conducted on TC Common Property or use TC facilities. All ads except Student Services
ads must be renewed monthly and may run for up to three months. It is the residents’ responsibility to notify the TC Notes of any changes to student ads, including
when a student turns 18 and/or graduates from high school. The TC Notes reserves the right to edit all ads. Contact [email protected] with questions.
Online at traviscountry.com
!
D
L
O
S
Licensed in the State of Texas
Austin Business Journal Top
50 Residential Nominee
Platinum Top 50 Finalist
2011, 2012, 2013 & 2014
Five Star Professional Winner
living, loving, selling
In Travis Country for Over a Decade!
Want tO pick yOur
neighbOr?
Call me for information on houses in
Travis Country that will hit the market soon!
Austin is selling like fireworks and Travis Country is selling faster! If you are
going to sell – call me to SELL faster and for more money!
512.771.7082
I have a proven record for helping my clients net more money and as an
established REALTOR®, I have a proven plan that best represent your interests.
[email protected] | SherriWilliams.com
Blast From The Past
The TC History Committee has dug up this
picture of the ground breaking for the Hilltop
amenity. 1998-1999 board members left to right:
Jerry Folsom, Jesse Casarez, Allan Seale (President), Jackie Maloy, Wilston Stone, and Steven
Levantino (Treasurer).
Each office is Independently
Owned and Operated.
TC march EVENTS CALENDAR
Complied by Ruth Schwab, TC RESIDENT
3/03
Pool Committee Meeting
7:00 p.m.TCCSA Office
3/07
“It’s My Park Day” 9:00 a.m.Gaines Creek Natural Park
3/08
Daylight Savings Time Begins
3/10Tennis Committee Meeting
6:00 p.m.TCCSA Office
3/12Safety Committee Meeting
6:00 p.m.TCCSA Office
3/12
6:00 p.m.TCCSA Office
Board Of Directors Meeting
3/13TC Notes Deadline
5:00 p.m. [email protected]
3/16Grounds Committee Meeting
7:00 p.m.TCCSA Office
3/16
5:00 p.m. [email protected]
Board Application Deadline
3/16AISD Spring Break
3/24 TC Land Preservation Meeting
7:00 p.m.TCCSA Office
Architectual Committee MeetingSee message board
Communications Committee MeetingSee message board
3/28 TC Community Wide Garage SaleNeighborhood-wide
3/31TC Notes Delivery Via Volunteers
Occasional scheduling conflicts or other events may cause a meeting to be delayed, cancelled or rescheduled
without notice. If you are not a committee member, please confirm that the meeting will take place as scheduled.
Online at traviscountry.com
15
Molly Austin ,
Realtor ®
Blackburn Properties
512 771 0721
molly @ mollyaustin.com
www.mollyaustin.com
MOLLY ’S 2¢ (ON GETTING TO KNOW YOUR NEIGHBORS)
R
ecently I met my new next
door neighbor in a similar
fashion of how Tim Allen
visited with his neighbor on the
TV show “Home Improvement”.
We met speaking to each other
over the fence as he was getting
things moved in to his new home.
We have since met face to face,
and now have a neighborly comfort with each other and know to
look out for one another. Meeting neighbors and getting to know
your neighbors is what fosters and
builds a community. Aesop pessimistically wrote “Familiarity
breeds contempt.” While Mark
Twain, wittily expounded on the
theme with “Familiarity breeds
contempt and children.”
Ever
the optimist, I prefer “Familiarity
breeds content”; especially regarding good neighbors.
With the internet, the world is so
completely inundated with “communication” and “community”. We
all have our Facebook friends, and
you might be on www.nextdoor.
com, which creates a more neighborhood driven social media connection. But, with both of these
online communities, do you really know who your neighbors are?
Have you gone next door or a few
doors down and asked to borrow a
screw driver, or see if the neighbor
knows why the City of Austin is digging up the street again? You don’t
have to wait until the annual block
party or the 4th of July parade to
at both Blue Valley and Hilltop will
always hold a special place in my
heart, as they are where I met some
of my closest friends when my kids
were younger. As we languidly
pushed our children in the swings
and visited about our lives, we (and
“TC neighbors are some of the friendliest
in Austin and well worth getting to know.”
strike up a conversation with your
fellow Travis Countryites. Whether
you’re new to the neighborhood or
have lived here for a long time, break
out of your comfort zone, walk next
door or across the street, and connect
with your neighbor.
Spring is in the air, which means more
and more people are going to be out
walking their dogs, cleaning out their
garages, or planting their spring flowers. A friendly “hello, how are you”
often has the pleasant habit of morphing into a neighborly conversation.
Travis Country has all sorts of clubs
and social events that make it easy to
meet neighbors that might share your
same interests. Blue Valley Park is a
great place to go watch the ducks and
meet various neighbors out enjoying
the springtime air. The playgrounds
our children) formed a special bond
that have lasted a decade.
Ultimately, it does not matter how
you go about meeting your neighbors, but the gratitude and sense of
belonging starts with getting out
and saying “Howdy neighbor” live
and in person! I think you will find
that TC neighbors are some of the
friendliest in Austin and well worth
getting to know.
FOR SALE
4812 Canyonbend Circle
4 bedroom / 2 bath with lots of
nice updates. Backs to greenbelt!
Call Molly at 512-771-0721
to schedule a showing.
sAVE THE dATE & rEGisTEr
mark your calendars for Sunday, may
3rd, at 8:00 a.m. register your family
online at www.traviscountry5k.com.
Tip of t he Mont h
Spring is here, so let
the garden growing begin! march is the
month to start planting the following
GArdEn VEGETABlEs:
• Carrots
• Corn
• Cucumber
• eggplant
• Peppers
• Summer Squash
• Tomatilos
• Tomatoes
All About Austin
Don’t miss the fun at
rOdEO AusTin march
14-28 at the Travis
County exposition Center. Headline
concerts include Willie Nelson, Beach
Boys, Panic at the Disco, and martina
mcBride. more information and to buy
tickets visit www.rodeoaustin.com
TC ST I C K E RS
Show your love of Travis
Country and display your sticker on
your car, bike, or just about anything!
Need extra stickers? drop me an email.