december 2011 - Travis Country

DECEMBER 2011
The TC Notes is the official news source of the Travis Country Community Service Association.
TRAVIS COUNTRY NOTES
PAT EPSTEIN
EDITOR & DESIGN
TCCSA Board of Directors Meeting
NOVEMBER 17, 2011
By: Pat Epstein, TC NOTES
This report does not represent the official minutes of the meeting. Minutes are available at the website and at the TC Office.
CONTRIBUTORS
Richard Cain - Ian Crooks
Pat Epstein - Sarah Escobedo
Dan Flannery - Darrell Hutchinson
Gail Karwoski - Frank Krystopher
Jim McNabb - Lisa Moe
Christina Sabisch - Ruth Schwab
Bill Sigler - Dottie Starin
Casie Wenmohs
PHOTOGRAPHY
Gail Karwoski (Friends)
Frank Krystopher (Gaines Creek)
Christina Sabisch (Boo Fest)
PROOFREADERS
Candy Goodrich & Lindy Siegismund
DISTRIBUTION
60+ Amazing TC Residents
PRINTING
Oak Hill Printing - On Recycled Paper
TCCSA
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
a
Report
DIRECTORS PRESENT: Tom Curran, John McCulloch, Anthony Peterman, Wendy Primeaux, Paul Salazar, Leonard Saenz, and
George Stokes. ABSENT: Mark Carroll and Kay Colvin.
MOTIONS APPROVED (U=Unanimous)
1. To spend an amount not to exceed $1,800 to replace the Blue Valley lap pool pump. U
2. To approve the TCCSA 2012 budget outlined in the "TRC 2012 Budget" document. U
3. To raise the monthly assessment cap by 5% from $48.55/month to $50.98. U
4. To approve a Holiday Bazaar on December 3, 2011, at the Blue Valley basketball courts from morning to lunch. The cost of the
event is estimated at $100 from the Social Committee budget. U
P
SEE PAGE 4 FOR ADDITIONAL COMMITTEE REPORTS.
- GROUNDS: Trudie Weatherford talked to Glen Rose about the pond. They had indicated in their report that there is likely a
leak, but their data makes this inconclusive. They are sending TC a bid to do an analysis of the water infill to determine why the
pond is losing so much water. The new pond pump will be installed within a couple of weeks.
- TENNIS: BV Courts 1 and 2 need to be resurfaced in 2012. (TC Manager states that he does not think they need to be resurfaced at this time. There will be an evaluation, and if it is determined the work should be done, the Manager will get a bid from
Dobbs so it can be on the January meeting agenda.
- AISD: The AISD staff was prepared to recommend one of the competing bid proposals for their parcel located in TC; however,
that decision was made based on incomplete information from the City. Residents learned about this and sent additional information to the AISD staff and Trustees, and a decision on the bid was subsequently postponed. The bids will likely be discussed
at the December 5 Trustee Work Session. A bid recommendation from the staff could be made at that meeting and the sale of
the parcel could be placed on the December 12 Trustee regular meeting agenda. Residents are monitoring the proceedings.
- FIREWISE: The Committee is still waiting for work to be done at HT. The TC Manager said the contractor will do it after
Thanksgiving. Firewise volunteers expressed gratitude for the budget allocation; it will be needed if the drought continues.
[email protected]
Anthony Peterman
PRESIDENT
Leonard Saenz
VICE PRESIDENT
John McCulloch
SECRETARY
Paul Salazar
TREASURER
Mark Carroll - Kay Colvin
Tom Curran - Wendy Primeaux
George Stokes
With respect to information available from the
Association's website and/or information found in 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.
TRAVIS COUNTRY OFFICE
892-2256 (O)
891-9554 (FAX)
289-1616 (After Hours Emergency)
[email protected]
www.traviscountry.com
2 - TC Notes
FINANCIAL REPORT
HOMEOWNERS COMMENTS
By: Paul Salazar, BOARD TREASURER
There was a net fund change of
$11,896 during the past month, and for
2011, the HOA has a $92K positive fund
change. We were on track for hitting the
annual goal of $200K, but capital expenses of $40K caused us to fall short.
The audits for 2009 and 2010 are
currently being done.
Cynthia Wilcox: Thanked Trudie Weatherford and Leigh Ziegler for their research
on AISD that comprised the informational packet; Pat Epstein a lot for compiling
the information and getting it to AISD in one day; and the seven TC residents who
went to the AISD work session. They did get to talk to the Trustees for a minute, so
that was really good. Laura Krol: Notified the Board of Covenant violations by a
neighbor and asked for assistance, including providing pictures. Expressed concern
about her property values. Candy Goodrich: Expressed concern about the radar
sign and HT Pool renovation motions. Concerned for the efficacy of the signs, and
that the pool renovations not go forward without input from people qualified in
that area. Trudie Weatherford: Thanked Cynthia Wilcox, the Board, Leigh Ziegler,
Pat Epstein, and all who have supported the effort to preserve the AISD land located
in TC. We have come a very long way. Lynne Fahlquist: Thanked the volunteers
who showed up on Arbor Day to plant trees in BV. Would encourage follow up on an
idea proposed a couple of months ago to create a Firewise work day so folks around
TC greenbelts could focus on removing hazardous fire materials. Would help organize such an event. Frank Krystopher: Property values are being affected by the
condition of the BV Pond. Would like to see a renewed effort to restore the pond.
[
MANAGER’S REPORT
By: Bill Sigler, TC MANAGER
The office staff will purge 10+ yearold documents this offseason, e.g., financial documents from residents who have
sold their home, old trash can violations,
etc. This will make re- sale certificate
research more efficient. We don't scan
homeowner info. Greenbelt violations are
noted in file and on the computer and will
remain.
A BV lap pump needs to be replaced.
Requested a motion for this expense.
Questions water bill received from
the City due to the replacement of a
faulty meter. The Manager will challenge
the new bill.
Violation letters were sent to homeowners for whom lawn complaints had
been received.
BOARD COMMENTS
John McCulloch and Anthony Peterman: Assured Ms. Krol that the HOA leadership and management are aware of her situation and are taking appropriate action.
Paul Salazar: Assured Ms. Goodrich that two highly qualified engineers have
examined the HT Pool and made recommendations. There are plans to get at least
one more bid/opinion. A decision will be made in a special meeting, which will be
posted. Wendy Primeaux: Thanked the residents who have steadfastly worked to
preserve the AISD land in TC.
NEW BUSINESS
Paul Salazar and Bill Sigler have met with two pool engineers. Both agree that the
pool circulation isn't adequate, and that the decking must be dug up and new
plumbing installed that can accommodate a greater water flow. Removing the
baby pool is no longer relevant. They are waiting on specific numbers. A final decision will be made in a special meeting in later November or early December.
The End of One Era--The Start of Another
TC Notes to Arrive by Mail Beginning Jan.-Feb.
By: Pat Epstein, TC NOTES
Austin’s first environmentally planned neighborhood.
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AS STATED BY COMMUNICATIONS CHAIRMAN JIM McNABB IN THE JULY TC NOTES, “Our priority is continuity.”
Times have changed, and most residents are hard-pressed to find time for ongoing, labor-intensive volunteer activities... including those
of us who write for and produce the TC Notes. It is with sadness that we bid good-bye to a long-running era of a totally “locally” produced
(written, edited, designed, and delivered) newletter. But alas, all good things must come to an end... and it is out of such endings that the
Phoenix rises, bringing new opportunities, ideas, innovations, and leadership.
Beginning with the January-February 2012 edition, your monthly TC Notes will arrive via the United States Postal Service (hey, this
helps save Louann’s job!). The HOA will retain editorial control. The newsletter will still be written by
local residents and edited by a local editorial team under the leadership of a managing editor. At this
time, Pat Epstein will continue to serve in this capacity, but remains hopeful a TC resident will soon join
the Committee and train for this position.
The Communications Committee (CC) has ideas for new sections, such as a “local” sports section
BOARD MEETING
(TC kids tennis, soccer, baseball/softball, football, basketball teams; adult tennis, swimming, basketball REPORTER
- sports editor WANTED); a healthy living section (produced by knowledgeable residents -- healthy living
Attend HOA meetings, take notes, and
editor WANTED), and more. The TC Notes will continue to report your “local” news, including Board and
Committee Reports, the TC Living section and updates on the TC Swim Team, neighborhood activities, etc. write the Board meeting report for the
TC Notes. Time: 4-5 Hours/Month
What will change are 1) the look, 2) the deadline, and 3) the delivery.
WANTED
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1) THE LOOK: All product layout and design will be done by the contracting vendor. This will
include a standardized masthead and layout. While the look will not be as personalized to our
community, it will remain professional and tasteful. The CC will oversee the product development to guarantee the highest quality for our community.
2) THE DEADLINE: There will be an absolute, non-negotiable, drop-dead deadline for all
newsletter submissions. Any submissions received after this deadline will NOT be included in
the upcoming edition. In the past, there has been some flexibility, but shifting to a production
vendor will eliminate this as an option. This deadline will be the Friday prior to the HOA
Board meeting (which takes place the third Thursday of each month). All Committee Reports,
articles, classifieds, updates, etc. must be received by the deadline. Please plan accordingly and
watch for the TC Notes Deadline signs.
3) THE DELIVERY: Your TC Notes will no longer magically appear on your door. Rather,
it will appear on or about the first of each month in your mailbox, courtesy of the USPS. This
means our amazing delivery network will go on long-term hiatus. This reliable cadre of volunteers (like the USPS, we have received our TC Notes whether in rain, sleet, snow -- or the blazing Texas heat!) deserve a huge round of applause for their years of service to our community!
SPORTS EDITOR
Coordinate a sports section for the
TC Notes. Collect submissions for
teams in Travis Country, e.g., kids’ and
adults’ activities (including events
sponsored by the HOA).
Time: 2-3 Hours/Month
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HEALTHY LIVING
EDITOR
Develop articles about healthy living
for all ages. Topics could include but
not be limited to buying local produce,
healthy activities for the family, healthy
eating, etc. It’s yours to develop.
Time: 2-3 Hours/Month
The production and mailing of the newsletter to each Travis Country home each month will be free
COMMUNICATIONS
to the Association. That's right: FREE! This means a savings of about $10,000 a year that can be applied
COMMITTEE
to other projects or the neighborhood’s amenities. This is achieved by the revenue the vendor receives
from the sale of advertising. The vendor is responsible for all ad sales. All current advertising contracts
VOLUNTEERS
Join the “TEAM.”
with the TC Notes will be honored by the new vendor. These advertisers will be contacted during
Website help needed.
December and/or January.
TC Notes Editor needed.
Why is the CC moving to this option? As McNabb stated, it's to guarantee continuity of the
Writers needed.
TC Notes. Over the last decade, the Editor's role has grown from producing a little four-page, recipefilled product to a full-fledged monthly newspaper. The requirements to produce have grown as well to
HELP!
include editing, writing, and producing the product in addition to covering meetings, coordinating advertising and distribution, and all the other "little" things that pop up each month. Our contributorship and readership have grown exponentially,
and the CC wants to guarantee our residents continue to be fully informed of HOA news in a timely and cost-saving way.
The CC is excited about this new era for the TC Notes. Residents will continue to have a high-quality, hardcopy of their local newsletter
delivered to their homes. They will also have the option to read their news electronically at the Travis Country website. At some point in the
future, the CC hopes to develop a mechanism through which residents can opt to receive their TC Notes electronically, saving paper and
postage! For now, we thank you for your support and look forward to working with all of you to make this transition as peaceful and painfree as possible. If you have any questions, please feel free to email us at [email protected]. The TC Notes team welcomes
your ideas, input, and volunteerism.
;
(Editor’s Personal Note: I would like to thank you all for your many, many, many wonderful notes, emails, and conversations about
the newsletter’s design during my four-year tenure in this volunteer role. It has been so much fun, and I will miss merging the visual
with the written words. But life has a way of moving us along... and that’s what I must do now... move on along. As you know, I tried
to resign a few months back. For now, I will continue as managing editor; however, that, too, comes with a time limit. If you would like
to serve our community in this way, PLEASE let us know! Just email [email protected]. Thank you all!)
TC Notes - 3
COMMITTEE
All TCCSA Committee meetings are open to residents.
Please see the Community Calendar or Message Board for
meeting dates, times, and locations. Committee reports
not appearing were not submitted to the TC Notes.
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REPORTS
ARCHITECTURAL COMMITTEE (ACC). Submitted by Frank Krystopher
Fourteen designs reviewed: Three fence projects, one house painting, one landscape, one walkway, one shed, one roof, four patios, two pools.
Nine permit approvals. ACC Tip: Make all landscape designs to scale; indicate drainage concerns and keep deer resistant plants in mind.
Remember to provide all information. Log your permit request in at the TC office prior to the next Design Review, which convenes on
Wednesday, December 14, 7 pm at the TC Office.
COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE. Submitted by Jim McNabb
TC Notes: Ultimate Imaging will begin as the new publisher for TC Notes effective the Jan.-Feb. edition. Newsletters will be mailed to Travis
Country homes, free of charge. There will also be no charge for printing. All costs are covered by advertising, which is also handled by
Ultimate Imaging.
POOL COMMITTEE. Submitted by Diane Wright
Pool Monitor: PC believes the creation of a Pool Manager/Monitor position will be more efficient/convenient for TC; however, a proposal to
the Board will be postponed in order to focus on the HT Pool renovations. Hilltop Pool: PC requests that the Board solicit bids on a system
that can be designed to use back-flush water for irrigation due to the extreme drought. PC would recommends the Board get a proposal to
determine the cost for filling the HT baby pool, removing the fencing between it and the pool, and decking it over (a separate bid in addition
to the HT renovations. PC proposes moving the HT outdoor shower to a different location away from the building (similar to BV pool with a
drain into the grass). The current location is a safety hazard. Recommends the purchase of new patio furniture. Pool Calendar: 2012 calendar
is being discussed. PC requests input from residents, submitted to [email protected] or in written form via the office. Pool usage
reports indicate that all pools should be closed on September 30, 2012. Water Testing: PC recommends that the first SAYOR swimmer in the
pool each morning tests the water and records its readings.
TENNIS COMMITTEE. Submitted by Dan Flannery
Pro Update: Coach Jason and Coach Kevin have had a blast working with the wonderful neighborhood kids this fall season. Adult programs
are growing, too. Team Tennis has been a huge success with TC finishing at the top. Team tennis provides a great, coached match-play situation where kids can comfortably apply what they are working on in class. This leads to success in outside tournaments, as well. Several of our
players are now on their varsity school teams and competing quite well. (Cate Waggoner won the Beaumont Green Ball Zat while her brother
Charlie won the Backdraw Event in the boys 12s! Congrats to them and all the others starting their competitive journey!) Holiday Tennis:
The coaches are offering tennis lessons throughout the Holiday Season so check the TC website for more info. The 2012 Season begins the
first week of January, with 2012 team tennis beginning in February. Tennis On! Courts: Special thanks to TC Manager Bill Sigler, Coach
Jason, and Coach Kevin for their assistance in repairing, cleaning and re-aiming the BV tennis lights. Better volleys for us net-rushers! Yahoo
Tennis: Share tennis information, photos, and exchange messages. Join us; it is free! (http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/tc_tennis/).
General Info: http://tennis.traviscountry.com or email questions to [email protected].
Q A n s Q R T
Jump in!
Pool Committee Seeks Resident Input on the 2012 Pool Calendar
By: Ian Crooks, TC POOL COMMITEE
The scorching days of summer are now just a memory and the pools are closed for the season; however, the Pool Committee is in hot
pursuit of quality input for improving the Travis Country pool experience (and the pools themselves) for all our residents.
Soon we will be making recommendations to the Board and building the 2012 Pool Calendar. But we can’t do it alone. We need the input
of the community.
It goes without saying that it is easy to pick out shortcomings and find faults when evaluating any particular project. More challenging is
creating new ways of thinking about, planning for, and carrying out improvements. The Pool Committee would like to hear your creative
thoughts, especially for scheduling. Finding ways to accommodate the needs of a diverse community is important; to do that, we need to have
a clear sense about what those needs are.
The Pool Committee encourages you to jump in and make your recommendations about the pools, and about the 2012 calendar in particular. You may navigate to the TC website (www.traviscountry.com) and leave your thoughts on the Pool Committee page. You may also contact
the Pool Committee directly at [email protected]. And of course, you may leave your ideas at the TC Office during business hours.
Jump into the process. Let’s make this next pool season a cool one! Thank you!
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4 - TC Notes
Fa-la-la-la-la.... la-la... la.... la!
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Austin’s first environmentally planned neighborhood.
Living on the Edge
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An ecological perspective about living at the
interface between wildlands and urban landscapes
By: Darrell Hutchinson, TC RESIDENT
EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the first in a new, ongoing series of articles about “Living
on the Edge” by Travis Country resident and professional biologist, Darrell Hutchinson.
This series will focus on the interface between wildlands and urban landscapes, and will
include such topics as “Our Birds and Bird Feeders,” “Dangers to Free-Roaming Pets,”
“Invasive Species,” “Fire Ecology,” and “Recreation in the Preserve System.” We hope
our readership enjoys this new series, and we welcome Mr. Hutchinson to the TC Notes
writing team.
PART I: THE ROLE OF PREDATORS
A hundred years ago Central Texas was home to red and gray wolves, black bears, and even jaguars. Due to human fear and risk of loss
to livestock, all were hunted out by the 1950s. Mountain lions are still present in small numbers, but they fare poorly in a landscape splotched
with housing developments and criss-crossed by roads. Coyotes are our last remaining large predator.
Predators occupy an important role in all wildlife communities. Without predators, prey species can become overpopulated. When overpopulation occurs, food resources are heavily impacted which can cause a cascade effect on the entire ecosystem. For example, the Hill
Country has way too many deer. Absent their major predators (mountain lions and wolves) and freed from their principal parasite (the screwworm fly, which was eradicated by USDA in the 1960's), our White-tailed deer population has exploded. Many local deer are small and weak
because they've already eaten all the available food. And, since they browse on native wildflowers, our plant community has been devastated.
Predators can only influence the populations of their prey. Disease and parasites also play a huge role. Where native predators can have a
major impact, however, is on non-native and invasive species. Living so far from home, non-native plants and animals often escape their
native parasites and diseases. It's one of the reasons why non-natives can become so invasive.
Many homeowners have trouble with rats. Norway rats and roof (or black) rats are invasive species from Eurasia. 'Living on the Edge' in
Travis Country, we enjoy the benefit of a major invasive rat predator - the coyote! No doubt our larger hawks, Great-horned owls, foxes, bobcats, and rat snakes also capture their share. But as our last large predator, the much maligned coyote plays an increasingly important role in
maintaining the health of our wildlands.
BEST BLOCK PARTY
EVER Update
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From Hosts Shane and Lisa Moe....
Many thanks to everyone who helped make the 2011 block party a huge success. A special
thanks to all the booth sponsors and to Brian Smittle and "Thirsty Planet" for their support.
We wanted to let everyone know that we raised over 1600 pounds of food which calculates
to just over 1350 meals provided. Until next year, Cheers!!!
TC Notes - 5
Paying It Forward
Travis Country Resident Casie Wenmohs
Urges Neighbors to Donate to “Coats for Kids”
By: Casie Wenmohs, TC RESIDENT
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COATS FOR KIDS
FACTS
1.
As a recipient of a gift, have you ever immediately turned around and paid it forward and given of
2.
your time, talent, and treasure to help someone else? Many who have received coats for their children
and grandchildren at the annual Coats for Kids distribution day have come to the volunteer check-in and
stayed for the rest of the day to help others just as they were helped moments earlier. They gave their
3.
gifts right back to the community… a circle of service truly indicative of a successful program.
Coats for Kids is a program in its 25th year that provides warm winter coats each December to disadvantaged children and teenagers in Central Texas through a community-wide collection and distribution process. Each year, The Junior League of Austin, Jack Brown Cleaners, KASE 101, and KVUE
partner with the community to ensure the children of Central Texas stay warm. On average, 30,000
coats are distributed per year with the help of over 2,600 community volunteers.
4.
So how can you participate? Donate a new or gently-used coat to your nearest Jack Brown
Cleaners, organize a coat drive through many outlets in your community (schools, places of worship,
offices, neighborhoods), volunteer during sorting days or distribution days or spread the word.
Find all details about
Coats for Kids at
http://www.jlaustin.org/coats.
25 Years of Keeping Kids Warm
Coats For Kids is a community project that collects and distributes
winter coats to eligible children and teenagers in Central Texas.
D
Donate Coats Drop off your new or gentlyworn, warm winter coats
to any local Jack Brown Cleaners Nov. 14 - Dec. 7th.
Donate Online Just $15 buys a brand new, warm winter coat for
a child in need. Donations are accepted online: www.jlaustin.org.
Donate Your Time More volunteer information and registration
is available online at: www.jlaustin.org/coats.
Learn More Visit www.jlaustin.org or call 512-467-8982 ext. 231.
School News!
O. HENRY UPDATES
Travis Country
Holiday Bazaar
F
Spark your holiday spirit with a morning of
exciting seasonal activities, food, and music
at the first ever TC Holiday Bazaar.
This event will focus on teaching children
(ages 4-11) about cultures around the world
and their holiday celebrations and traditions.
BAND NEWS
Congratulations to the following Travis Country students
who earned All District Band distinction:
Jessica Escobedo - Clarinet
Meredith Jackson - Clarinet
Zach Garcia - Trumpet
WHEN: Saturday, December 3rd 9-11 a.m.
Congratulations to these Travis Country students
who earned All Region Band distinction:
WHERE: BV Park Basketball Courts
WHO: ANYONE! Parents and children of all
ages are welcome.
Meredith Jackson - Clarinet
Zach Garcia - Trumpet
WHAT TO BRING: Although the bazaar comes at
no cost to the community, attendees are
asked to bring 3-5 canned food items to
donate to the Capital Area Food Bank.
Drop boxes will be provided.
PTA SPONSORED PROGRAM
DECEMBER 8 - SCHOOL LIBRARY - NOON
Teen alcohol use kills 6,000 young people each year, more than all other illegal
drugs combined. In an effort to curb underage drinking among America's youth,
Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) created the Power of Parents, It's Your
Influence™ program to help parents have the sometimes difficult, but potentially
life-saving, conversation about alcohol with their kids.
Sponsored by the O. Henry PTA, but no meeting will be held.
6 - TC Notes
5.
Distribution Day: Saturday,
December 10th from 8:00
AM - 3:00 PM
Distribution Site: Palmer
Events Center, 900 Barton
Springs Road
Community Coat Drive:
Monday, November 14th
through Wednesday,
December 7th. Please drop
your coats off at any local
Jack Brown Cleaners.
School & Business Coat
Drive Competition: Monday,
November 14th through
Friday, November 30th.
Please drop your coats off at
any local Jack Brown
Cleaners. To register your
business or school, go to the
JLA website:
www.jlaustin.org/coats.
Volunteer: Please join us to
help sort coats December 6 December 9 and/or to distribute coats to children on
December 10. Register at
www.jlaustin.org/coats.
m
QUESTIONS: Sarah Escobedo
[email protected]
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LIFE AND LIVING IN TRAVIS COUNTRY
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TC LIFE
Do you have an idea for our TC Lifestyle section?
Email [email protected].
CLUBS & EVENTS
Austin’s first environmentally planned neighborhood.
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BOOK CLUB
DATE/TIME: December 18 - 2 pm
LOCATION: 4601 Trail West
NO BOOK! JUSTBRING A
FAVORITE HOLIDAYMEMORY
BUNCO CLUB ANNUAL
WHITE ELEPHANT PARTY
Welcome to TC’s Newest Residents!
By: Bill Sigler
Bill Barton
4109 Travis Country
Art Duncan
5101 Bandera Creek Trail
Rebecca & Diana Jenschke
4807 Cap Rock Drive
Lance Jones
4107 Sun Spirit Drive
Carly Price & Josh Kimmell
4205 Kachina Drive
Aubrie & Paul Parsons
4703 Travis Country Circle
Peyton & Kristen Ripley
5208 Crystal Water Drive
Don & Tiffany Willett
5717 Republic of Texas
DOWNLO AD YOUR TRAVIS C OUNTRY
WELC OME PA CKE T at www.traviscountry.com
DATE/TIME: December 5, 2012 - 7:30 pm
LOCATION: 4323 Sendero Drive
Be sure to bring a wrapped present to put
under the tree and be ready to play some
BUNCO! Dinner entree provided -everyone else is asked to bring a side dish.
$5 "entry fee" required.
Questions: Lindy at 892-3116.
KNIT WITS
There will be one KnitWits gathering in
December: Tuesday, December 13, 2-4 pm
at 3957 Sendero. Knitters, crocheters,
needlepointers--come one, come all!
Questions: Marion Mlotok at 358-0042 or
[email protected].
DEC. EVENTS CALENDAR
Compiled by Ruth Schwab, TC NOTES
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Travis Country
Holiday Lights Contest
Thursday, Dec. 22
6-8 pm
2012
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“Tru s never
storiend.”
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Congratulations to Marty and Dottie Starin who
celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary on
December 3, 2011. Marty and Dottie have been residents
of TC since August, 1973. They enjoyed the company of
friends and family at a party at Texas Land & Cattle,
given by their daughter and son-in-law, Diane and Scott
Brown of Hutto.
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12/06
TCLP COMMITTEE
7 pm
TCCSA Office
12/07
GROUNDS COMMITTEE
7 pm
TCCSA Office
12/08
SAFETYCOMMITTEE
6 pm
TCCSA Office
12/12
POOL COMMITTEE
7 pm
TCCSA Office
TBD
TENNIS COMMITTEE
7 pm
TBD
12/14
ARCHITECTURAL (ACC) COMMITTEE
7 pm
TCCSA Office
NO DEC. BOARD OFDIRECTORS MEETING
MEETING
12/20-28
12/22
12/25
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Happy Hanukkah!
HOLIDAYLIGHTS CONTEST
6 - 8 pm
Merry Christmas!
01/13
TC NOTES DEADLINE
6 pm
TCCSA Office
02/01
TC NOTES DELIVERYVIA USPS
TC Notes - 7
There is no friend like an old friend
who has shared our morning days, no
greeting like his welcome, no homage
like his praise.
-- Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr.
TC Residents Old and
New Re-Connect
By: Gail Karwoski, TC RESIDENT
Former Travis Country resident Claudia
Young recently visited from Dover, Delaware.
Claudia, her husband Dick, and their children
lived on Woodside and left TCCSA in the 1980s
when Dick was transferred by the USAF.
While visiting in Texas, Claudia stayed with
former TCCSA resident Beverly (Haliburton)
Wymer, who now lives in San Antonio. A gettogether at Jack Allen's Kitchen was arranged by
TC resident Gail Karwoski of Canyonwood
Drive.
Travis Country residents and former residents
attending the luncheon were: Lise Carter of Trail
West Drive; Linda (Millimum) George, formerly
of Canyonwood, and Don Ray George, formerly
of Fawn Wood, now of Dripping Springs; Wayne
and Margie Lonseth, Knob Oak; Joan Maril, formerly of Cliffstone, now of Circle C; and Ann
Higham, formerly of Canyonwood, now of Sun
City.
A wonderful time was had by all!
Happy Holidays!
8 - TC Notes
Gaines
Creek
Park
Grant
Update
Austin’s first environmentally planned neighborhood.
By: Frank Krystopher
TC RESIDENT
After the grueling
summer of triple digit
temperatures, the Gaines
Creek Park activity has
commenced. Travis
Country resident Bill
Kemp has already marked
and roughed out the new
Gaines Creek Park trail
funded by the City's Park and Recreation Department (PARD)
grant.
January 7, 2012, from 9 am-noon has been designated as
a volunteer work day to work on the trail. Volunteers are
reminded to bring water and gloves. It is also highly recommended that workers wear hard-soled boots. Many hands will
equal less work for everyone, so mark your calendars join in
for an enjoyable outing. There is also a possibility that we will
get some "young backs" from St. Edward's University to help
out.
A huge thank you is due to Bill for his work on both the
trail and the PARD grant. We are looking forward to seeing a
strong cadre of worker bees on January 7!
A n s Q R T a o A n s Q R T a o
TC Notes - 9
2011 BOO BASH IS CRAZY
“WICKED” FUN!
BY: Christina Sabisch, TC RESIDENT
Many costumed Travis Country residents came out for this year's
Boo Bash and enjoyed such festivities as spooky games, a Spiderman
moonwalk, glow-in-the dark tattoos, crafts, and a costume contest.
Kiddos munched on pizza and yummy treats while enjoying the
various activities. Event attendees were also offered some fun
freebies generously donated by these local businesses: Austin
Diagnostic Clinic, Petco, Schlotsky's, Sprouts, and Barnes and Noble.
TC neighbors expressed their gratitude that the Boo Bash
tradition was kept alive. Everyone--young and old--seemed to have
loads of fun.
A big thanks to Karen Marsales for running the game booths
and roping in her kids, Kenzie and Nathan, to help out. Special
thanks goes out to:
- Sherri Williams and Christine Meckley for setting up the
event and manning the freebie table.
- Michelle Santos for watching the moonwalk and bringing
extra snacks.
- Sonia Miranda and Ophelia Chafigoulline for the tasty
cupcakes and pitching in during the event.
- Our scary Frankenstein, a.k.a., Byron Marsales, for
manning the food and judging the costumes.
- Coach Kevin for bringing ice water and being our head
costume judge.
- Ashley Beard for helping out in advance with the planning,
getting all the great freebies and for handling the craft
booth.
See you again next year!
10 - TC Notes
DREAL ESTATE UPDATEOO
TRAVIS COUNTRY
BY: Ricky Cain, TC NOTES
It looks like the cooler temperatures have put a freeze on new listing inventory in Travis Country, but the amount of homes currently
under contract suggests that 2012 is going to be a great year for Travis Country real estate. As of November 23, there are only five homes
offered for sale in Travis Country, and there are nine homes currently under contract! The average days on market for the currently offered
homes for sale is 37, and the average list price for these homes is $350,580.
Of the nine homes under contract, five of them are in the newer sections, three are on the original sections, and one is in The Woods of
Travis Country. The average listed price in the newer sections is $366,720, and they were on the market for an average of 44 days before
accepting a contract. The average listed price in the original sections is $291,667; the average days on market before accepting a contract is
41. The condo currently under contract in The Woods was listed at $190,000 and was on the market for two days before accepting a contract.
Six homes have sold since the last update, with one selling in the original sections, four in the newer sections and one in The Woods of
Travis Country. The home in the original section was listed at $297,000, and it went under contract in 21 days. The four homes in the newer
section commanded an average list price of $339,213, an average sold dollar-per-square-foot price of $157.55, and an average of 13 days
before accepting an offer. One condo sold in The Woods. It was listed for $199,997 before accepting an offer in 111 days.
The real estate market in Travis Country continues to float between a seller's market and a balanced market. Although I can't seem to
find the batteries to my crystal ball, with the low interest rates continuing to be available, I don't see any type of major fluctuation any time
soon. This is great news for all of us Travis Country residents. Happy Holidays to all!
Food, Friends, Family!
Tammie Lanier
512-426-3167
[email protected]
and a happy new year
A huge SHOUT OUT to all our TC
Notes distributors... the block captains, the
“street walkers,” and the “Master
Distributor” Catherine Waggoner! Give
those feet a well-deserved rest!!!!!
Licensed in the State of Texas
TC Notes - 11
M
10 “Holiday” Foods
Dogs Can Eat
Adapted from Amy D. Shojai, certified animal behavior
consultant and the award-winning author of 23 pet
care books, including The First-Aid Companion for
Dogs & Cats.
We love to indulge our dogs during the
holidays, but we have to be careful to avoid
poisoning them with high-risk foods like
chocolate, macadamia nuts, avocados, or
raisins and grapes. And while artificial sweeteners keep humans lean, any goodies sweetened
with Xylitol could cause canine liver failure.
So when the aroma of baking and roasting turns on
the doggy drool, what human foods are safe for dogs to snack
on? Actually, dogs have been eating the same foods people do for centuries and not
only live to tell about it, they thrive. Holistic vets often recommend some of these
foods for a more natural way to treat man's (and woman's) best friend:
1. Lean Meat: Chicken, a hunk of firm beef (scrubs the teeth for dental health),
even turkey (contains tryptophan, a natural sleep aid that works to calm excited
pooches during holiday visits).
2. Organ meats: All those holiday giblets (heart, liver and gizzards are powerpacked with vitamins and minerals that help support the dog's own organs).
3. Green veggies, fresh or cooked: Dogs are omnivores and often relish vegetable
treats. Some favorites include broccoli, asparagus, spinach, and green beans.
Parsley will freshen his breath.
4. Beets: Holistic veterinarians say raw beets pack a powerful punch for cleansing
the liver. Dogs may relish small amounts of cooked beets as a treat.
5. Stew: Chicken soup cooked with spinach, green beans, mushrooms and beets
makes a great treat and top dressing for regular food. A bit of garlic is fine as it
contains vitamin B--just don't overdo, as too much onion or garlic can cause
anemia in some dogs.
6. Sweet potatoes: They are naturally sweet and the high fiber proves soothing for
upset tummies or diarrhea. Hold the marshmallow--the dog may like the sugary
topping but marshmallow isn't particularly healthy for him.
7. Canned pumpkin: Dogs often love the taste of pumpkin. It also works great as
a natural remedy for either diarrhea or constipation. Offer the nonflavored
canned pumpkin, as the pie filling has added sugar and spices that may not
appeal to your dog. (Editor’s Note: Atticus gets a dollop of pumpkin with every
meal. Keep him “regular” and he loves it!)
8. Yogurt: While many dogs have problems digesting milk and develop diarrhea,
small amounts as a treat usually work fine -- plain unflavored yogurt is best.
Yogurt helps maintain the beneficial bacteria in the stomach that keeps digestion
healthy.
9. Cranberry: An acquired taste for people and dogs, cranberry promotes urinary
tract health, although your pooch would need to drink a lot to see a benefit.
10. Ginger: Gingerbread and ginger snap cookies make great treats, especially if
they suffer from car sickness during travel to Grandma's house. Ginger is a natural remedy that counters nausea. But not too much; calories count for dogs, too!
Since every dog is unique and has different tastes and nutritional needs (obesity,
food allergies), be sure to clear any table treats with your veterinarian. Additionally,
be sure to balance treats with healthy nutrition.
Treats typically shouldn't make up more than about 10 percent of the pet's total
diet. If you plan to offer table food, first reduce his regular ration. Tiny amounts
offered very gradually work best to avoid upset tummies.
Yummy , Yummy to the Tummy!
12 - TC Notes
CLASSIFIEDS
WANTED
Age 16 or over to assist with spreading bags of
mulch, stacking rocks, lifting boxes, assisting in
storing at a storage unit, power washing, and any
other work associated with make-ready for moving. Must be willing and able to lift 50 pounds.
Hourly rate negotiable.
[email protected].
FOR SALE
Kelty Kids Tour Back Carrier. Great condition; only used
a few times. $50. 891-0761 or
[email protected].
La Toscana four-piece canister set and two utensil holder
jugs with 12 Williams Sonoma utensils. Certified
International Tuscan Garden, Pamela Gladding
fruit/flower/leaf motif pattern. Valued at $436.
Asking $99. 797-4311.
Antique-Collection etched glass plate with metal stand,
from the 1988 Austin Aqua Festival (plate made in
France). $15. 797-4311.
Oak bookcase twin bed with Sears hypo-allergenic, covered
mattress. $329. 797-4311.
Men's Six new pairs of men's Wrangler jeans, size
40 x 30. Retail $39.95/pair. $10/ pair. 797-4311.
BREAKING NEWS:
Representative Roulette
Now that three federal judges have thrown out
the redistricting plan for both Congress and the Texas
Legislature, there is some confusion about who represents whom. After the last election cycle, Precinct
354 (Travis Country plus some surrounding neighborhoods), was represented by Congressman Lloyd
Doggett (D), State Senator Kirk Watson (D), and
State Representative Paul Workman (R). The
Legislature's plan changed all of that, removing
Doggett and installing Representative Donna Howard
as our Travis Country rep at the State House.
The three-judge panel rejected the Legislature's
plan saying it failed to adequately represent minorities. The judges imposed their own plan, restoring
Doggett as our U.S. Representative. The state-level
maps could still change with a separate, substitute
map being created by the court. Meanwhile, Texas
Attorney General Greg Abbott (R) is appealing to the
U.S. Supreme Court for an emergency stay or hold on
imposition of the court-ordered House and Senate
maps.
As of late November, Rep. Lloyd Doggett
appears to have been restored the Congressman for
Travis Country, Senator Kirk Watson is still our State
Senator, and Rep. Donna Howard is awaiting the
legal tests before posting a new map that would
include Travis Country.
Austin’s first environmentally planned neighborhood.
STUDENT SERVICES
NAME
AGE
BABY
SIT
Amber & Somer
Avant, Kelly*#
Bottera, Angel*+
Brignole, Sydney*
Camp, Allison
Camp, Patrick
Curran, Samantha
Duarte, Janel
Escobedo, Rachel
Escobedo, Sarah*+
Espinoza, Kevin+
Geiger, Tess
Gowin, Baylee
Greiner, Garrett
Harper, David
Heather Hugman+
Hill, Alicia
Hurley, Alex
Isensee, Ava
JHS Lawn Care
16/13
15
18
15
16
14
17
17
15
17
16
17
13
15
15
15
?
-12
Kuhn (Regents Student)
Larkam, Matthew
Lauritzen, Blake
Lauritzen, Lindsey
Lauritzen, Tessa
Malachowski, Kyle
Malachowski, Rhyan
Martin, Emily
McBrayer, Keith
McClelland, Kaile*
Parker, Taylor
Porter, Melissa*+
Primeaux, Aaron
Remsing, Karyn & Jaclyn
Richardson, Peyton+
Salazar, Ally
Salazar, Summer*#
8th grade
17
18
17
14
13
11
12
11
15
18
14
15
15
14
13
17
Trocino, Mitchell
HOUSE
SIT
PLANT
CARE
PET
CARE
*CPR Training
LAWN
CARE
+Red Cross Course Certified
PARENTAL
SUPERVISION
892-0951 / 2 years old & up
906-4641 / References
589-0208
891-8951 / References
619-3553 / Own transportation
731-8853
925-8694; [email protected]. 4 years of experience. References.
983-1551 or [email protected] / Wash your car
892-2935(h); 750-8056(c) [email protected]
892-2935(h); 560-6794(c)
892-1817
619-9797 or 892-8922 / Collect mail
892-2578 or [email protected]
740-6628 or [email protected] CEO: Yellow Wagon Landscaping
14
Twin Girls
Walter, John & David
“Pick up Poo”
10
15/16
Weldon-Carroll, RyanCole
Wolf, Elysa+
Freshman @ Regents
12
14
#First Aid Training
CONTACT / OTHER INFORMATION
892-1637 or 705-7712
891-0263 / References
892-3878
Odd jobs/labor. 512-992-8952 or [email protected]
892-2601
[email protected]. James Schultz (13), Hudson Hadd (14),
and Samuel Levatino (14). Two summers experience
301-7702; 769-0353 [email protected] / Collect mail
358-8877 / All lawn needs.
785-1440 or [email protected]
527-4288 or [email protected]
284-2120 or [email protected]
659-8828 (Reptiles/ small rodents)
892-7754 (Collect mail & papers)
892-5939 / Power wash drive/patio
891-8103 or 388-8395 / Small critters/reptiles and rodents
426-7187 or [email protected]
826-3391
899-1699 (Swim Coach in Training)
891-9724 or 944-2895 / Fur, feathers, scales
892-2246 or [email protected]
892-0614
704-3057 or [email protected]
919-9449 or [email protected]
AED Certified. Can transport kids.
899-0191 or [email protected]
Pool care. Lawn Care in walking distance of Magdelena.
891-5351
892-5531 $8/one dog. $2/each additional dog.
Weekly: $5/one dog. $2 additional dogs.
892-1624 (Power wash drive/patio)
512-964-9394 (c) or [email protected] .
References
CLASSIFIED AD POLICY: The Classifieds are open to TC residents only. Free service ads for students ages 18-and-under all year, and for college students from June through
August. College students must be attending a college or university during the regular 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. The Editor must be notified
when a student is 18 and graduates from high school. Non-service ads can be run for a maximum of three months. We reserve the right to edit ads. For information about
paid advertising for businesses and services provided by adults, go to www.traviscounry.com. Advertising for businesses and services for individuals 18+ can be placed at
the Travis Country website inder Classifieds for no charge. You may also ask the TC Office (892-2256) to add your name to the list they maintain. Questions or to advertise:
[email protected].
TC Notes - 13
Molly Austin
512.771.0721
[email protected]
www.blackburnre.com
VOLUME 2
ISSUE NO. 2
Molly’s 2¢ (on Holiday Giving)
Did you know that donating to food
including donating to food banks.
there are so many ways to help.
banks, like the Capital Area Food
Bank, feeds thousands of Central
Texas families everyday? Did you
The Legacy of Giving is a
philanthropy education program
that works through 35 Austin
Here are just a few ideas:
know that some of these families go
to our schools and play on our
children's sports teams? Hunger
has many faces, and only a small
schools to empower children to
percentage of them are homeless.
Food insecurity, not being sure of
the next meal, is a problem that
faces 16 million children in our
country each day, according to the
USDA. Texas is in the top five
states for food insecure children
and 41 percent of the Capital Area
Food Bank's clients are children. In
the last ten years, food costs have
risen 35 percent, leaving many
families struggling to put food on
the table with incomes that have not
matched that growth.
In this season of giving, there are
many ways that Travis Country
families can make a difference,
Merry Christmas an
d
Happy New Year!
Wishing you and your family
a
festive and safe holiday season
!
• Buy a toy for Blue Santa
• Donate coats of all sizes to Coats
for Kids
• Volunteer to handout coats on
December 10 at the Palmer Center
• Ask your school's counselor
about families in the school
community who need a turkey
for Christmas dinner or some
gifts under the tree
make a difference. The PODS on
school campuses all over Austin are
being filled with canned goods, as
well as coats for the Coats for Kids
program.
We can empower our own children
to be philanthropists and get as
excited to help others as they are
about the gifts they will receive.
From buying a toy to volunteering,
Tip of the Month
Get a group of kids together to pick out gifts to donate and then all go
back to one house to wrap the gifts, drink hot chocolate and watch a
favorite holiday movie.
• Buy a bag of groceries and leave
it on the front porch of a family
you know who is struggling to
make ends meet this season
• Work together as a family to
prepare and deliver a holiday
meal through Meals on Wheels
• Participate in your church's Angel
Tree giving
All About Austin
Go on a family walk to enjoy the holiday lights in our
neighborhood. In December, Travis Country lights up like a
Christmas tree!