November 2011 - Travis Country

OAK HILL ELEMENTARY RECEIVES PRESTIGIOUS TBEC AWARD
Submitted By: Casie Wenmohs, TC RESIDENT
OUR VERY OWN LOCAL OAK HILL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL was named to
the Texas Business and Education Coalition (TBEC) Honor Roll for
2011, one the most prestigious awards for sustained, academic excellence in the state.TBEC released its annual honor roll, and out of 253
schools throughout the state that made the list, six were from Austin
ISD. These Honor Roll schools represent less than four-percent of all
public schools in Texas, and include 34 high schools, 38 middle
schools and 181 elementary schools.
In analyzing every public school in Texas, TBEC considers only
the school’s commended performance, the state’s highest standard for
academic achievement, and sets specific targets for schools based on
grades served and student demographics. This year being the last for
the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) performance
data, TBEC’s standards were the toughest in the 12-year history of
the award. TBEC recognizes schools that have demonstrated three
years of consistent, high performance in all subjects compared to
other schools serving similar student populations. For the past two
years, Oak Hill Elementary has earned “Exemplary” academic status
from the Texas Education Agency.
All Honor Roll schools will be recognized during the 12th
Annual TBEC Honor Roll School seminar, reception, and dinner on
December 2 at the Fairmont Hotel in Dallas. Congratulations to the
amazing staff, teachers, parents--and KIDS--of OHE!
NOVEMBER 2011
The TC Notes is the official news source of the Travis Country Community Service Association.
DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME
NOVEMBER 6, 2011
FALL BACK!
BULK TRASH COLLECTION
WEEK OF NOVEMBER 14
(Tires, Furniture, and Appliances)
Happy Thanksgiving Travis Country
PRECINCT 354 DEMOCRATS
ICE CREAM SOCIAL
NOVEMBER 6
BLUE VALLEY PARK
2-4:30 P.M.
Featuring Entertainment By
Austin’s Own
The Therapy Sisters
MEET THE CANDIDATES
Ice Cream & Desserts
Petting Zoo - Bounce House
VETERANS’ DAY MUSTER -- NOVEMBER 11
4317 Sendero Drive -- 1700-2000 Hours
RSVP to [email protected] or 892-1612
Food and drinks will be provided; however, attendees are
welcome to bring something, too.
Please dress in patriotic or military attire...
(or whatever you prefer).
If you did not receive an email or phone call, it is because
you are not on the TC Veterans list. Please join the muster
and get on the update list!
TRAVIS COUNTRY NOTES
PAT EPSTEIN
EDITOR & DESIGN
TCCSA BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
By: Pat Epstein, TC NOTES
OCTOBER 20, 2011
REPORT
This report does not represent the official minutes of the meeting. Minutes are available at the website and at the TC Office.
CONTRIBUTORS
Janet Allet - Richard Cain
Pat Epstein - Dan Flannery
Dennis Jistel - Jim McNabb
Marion Mlotok - Janet Ngo
Jo Rajguru - Ruth Schwab
Bill Sigler - David Welch
PHOTOGRAPHY
Dennis Jistel & Melanie Miller
(Arbor Day)
Jim McNabb (Creek Ridge Party)
Jim Robillard (Dancing Snakes)
Dana Stripling & Billy Zhao (NNO)
PROOFREADERS
Candy Goodrich & Lindy Siegismund
DISTRIBUTION
60+ Amazing TC Residents
PRINTING
Oak Hill Printing - On Recycled Paper
TCCSA
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
[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
TRAVIS COUNTRY OFFICE
892-2256 (O)
891-9554 (FAX)
289-1616 (After Hours Emergency)
[email protected]
www.traviscountry.com
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.
r
2 - TC Notes
f
DIRECTORS PRESENT: Mark Carroll, Kay Colvin, Tom Curran, John McCulloch, Anthony Peterman, Leonard Saenz, and George
Stokes. ABSENT: Wendy Primeaux and Paul Salazar.
MOTIONS APPROVED (U=Unanimous)
1. To renew the "Agreement For Control of Animal Damage on Private Property" [coyote trapping] with the United States
Department of Agriculture (USDA). U
2. To approve the Pat Epstein reservation of the Blue Valley park for November 6, 2011 from noon to 5:30 PM. Fees will be
waived. U
3. To approve the expenditure NTE $3,300 to replace the Blue Valley well pump. U
4. To approve an amount not to exceed $1,600 to replace the light out on Blue Valley Court 1 and to replace dimmed lights on
Courts 5 and 6. U
5. To authorize the expenditure of $1,200 for Austech Pools to do leak detection of the Blue Valley pool. U
6. In Executive Session, a motion was made to make an offer on the Andres Forero property. The amount of the offer will be made
public after it has been communicated to Mr. Forero. 6-1
SEE PAGE 4 FOR COMMITTEE REPORTS.
Dear Travis Country,
This is an edition filled with pictures from Travis Country events over the last few weeks and a few
“articles of interest” that we hope you enjoy. Overall this edition is somewhat abbreviated, including this
very abridged version of the Board meeting notes.
Those of us on the Communications Committee have been extremely busy, both professionally and
personally, over the past several weeks. Some of us have been ill; one of us lost a dear friend; we have
been traveling for work and caring for elderly loved ones. Ergo, this month, to save on space and time,
we are asking residents to have patience with us and to access the Board meeting minutes at the Travis
Country website: www.traviscountry.com.
We thank you for your understanding, and wish you and yours a very warm and wonderful
Thanksgiving.
Pat (Epstein)
Editor, TC Notes
TC Shout Outs! CLASSIFIEDS
To longtime resident and friend to many,
Sue Maras! Sue has sold her townhome in
The Woods and is headed for Arizona, but not
before leaving an indelible impression on
many of us here in Travis Country. The
amiable dog-walker with a keen eye for irony
and a quick wit will be sorely missed... most
certainly by the TC Notes. Sue has served the
community as a proofreader for the last
couple of years. Trust me (the editor)-NOTHING gets by her! Thank you, Sue...
and best wishes on your life journey!
Resident Marion Mlotok would like to
send a Shout Out to the many Travis
Country residents who came to the aid of
her friend who was a victim of the Bastrop
fires. Your generosity helped this individual
immensely.
FOR SALE
Lovely three-year-old, 84", three-cushion, green chenille sofa.
Excellent condition. $350. 899-2352 or 415-6959.
1973 golden oak Baldwin upright piano in excellent
condition. $550.00. 892-0775.
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 $125. 797-4311.
Seven Heritage collector series glasses: 1776 from the Coca
Cola Co.; 1950 Camp Snoopy Collection; 1987 Saturday
Evening Post Gramps at the Plate (Aug. 5, 1916) and Gone
Fishing ( July 9, 1930); Star Wars* 1983 Return of the Jedi;
1980 The Empire Strikes Back; 1984 Star Trek III The Search for
Spock/Enterprise Destroyed. $15. 797-4311.
Antique-Collection etched glass plate with metal stand.
From 1988 Austin Aqua Festival (plate made in France),
$15. 797-4311.
DANGER BOTH WILD AND DOMESTIC
By: Pat Epstein, TC NOTES
R A T S .................................
IT’S ONE OF THOSE THINGS WITH WHICH
WE ALL DEAL but don’t want to talk about in polite
company: those dastardly rats that roam our yards,
nibble our plant life, invade our homes, and reproduce in our attics.
Just a couple of weeks ago my normally macho
husband Mark, enjoying an evening scotch on the
back deck, suddenly shrieked and bolted for the back
door. Apparently, a R.O.U.S., a.k.a. Rodent Of
Unusual Size,* had just slithered along the lights
strung around the patio, invading Mark’s illusion of
suburban purity. A few days later when I told this
story in “mixed company,” it was as if the veil of
secrecy had lifted, and those around the table (all of whom were Travis Country
residents) confessed their rat tales (no pun intended!). That’s when I realized it
was time to talk rats in the TC Notes!
Here is what I have learned: There are two kinds of rats primarily associated
with the United States: Norway rats and roof rats, the latter of which we experience most here in Central Texas. According to the Center for Disease Control website, rats are nasty creatures responsible for spreading over 35 diseases worldwide.
“These diseases can be spread to humans directly, through handling of rodents,
through contact with rodent feces, urine, or saliva, or through rodent bites.
Diseases carried by rodents can also be spread to humans indirectly, through ticks,
mites, or fleas that have fed on an infected rodent.”
The most common diseases include (but are not limited to) Bubonic Plague
(spread by rat fleas…and yes, it occurs in the U.S.); Salmonella (spread to humans
by contact with mouse droppings, especially through consumption of contaminated
food; rat-bite fever (the bacterium causing this disease enters the body through
bites and rat urine contaminating either food or preexisting skin wounds;
Leptospirosis; tapeworms; Trichinosis; and Murine Typhus. The Hantavirus can
also be transmitted through rats, but roof rats have not been specifically linked to
this disease.
Pretty creepy, so far, don’t you think? With disease and pestilence as a backdrop, how do we go about eRATicating these varmits from our midsts? Again,
according to the CDC, we:
& SEAL UP! Seal up holes inside and outside the home to prevent entry by rodents.
& TRAP UP! Trap rodents around the home to help reduce the rodent population. There are multiple ways to do this, including traditional traps, rodenticides (careful of your pets and other creatures), or (my personal
favorite)... zapping them with a rodent zapper.
& CLEAN UP! Clean up rodent food sources and nesting sites. What many
may not realize is that unsecured food, e.g., pet food or bird seed, are an
excellent food source for these unwanted visitors.
The CDC website offers a comprehensive description of each step.
The main thing is: Don’t ignore the problem! Otherwise, your rat family
will develop into a fully-fledged family tree and eventually a multigenerational family reunion! Consider working with surrounding neighbors to develop a comprehensive rodenticide program. And most importantly,
don’t be afraid to talk about it... odds are that fancy house down the street has
more “visitors” than you!
*The Princess Bride, 1987.
www.cdc.gov/rodents
www.macroevolution.net/diseases-carried-by-rats.html.
www.pest-control.com/rodents/rats/roof-rats/roof-rat-diseases/
& CATS
Austin’s first environmentally planned neighborhood.
DENISE MILLER OF FIELDSTONE DRIVE
LOVES CATS. As her neighbor, this writer can attest
to that, so when her daughter brought home a stray a
few months ago, “PJ” was immediately welcomed into
the family of two cats, one dog, and four humans (two
of whom have now left for college!).
This writer can also attest to the fact that PJ, a
stealth, midnight black beauty, loves to slip away
under the cover of darkness, leading Denise (and
sometimes we neighbors) on a night-time treasure hunt
of sorts... until about a week ago when the treasure
(finding PJ) turned into trauma.
On this nightly quest, Denise, thinking she had
cornered PJ, reached down to pick up what was actually an exact replica of her own cat. The “fake PJ”
launched into an attack that left Denise with four nasty
bites and multiple scratches.
Within an hour, the bite wounds had swollen, and
within two hours, Denise’s arm was aflame. Husband
Chris shuttled her to the emergency room and, long
story short, she spent a week in the hospital receiving
two courses of a four-course rabies series as well treatment for Staph and Methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). MSRA, a bacterium
that causes infections in different parts of the body, is
often called a “super bug” and is tougher to treat than
most strains of staph because it is resistant to some
commonly used antibiotics.* Denise also received a
tetanus shot and is on multiple antibiotics.
The cat that Denise mistook for PJ is apparently
one of three feral cats roaming Travis Country that are
all likely all from the same litter as PJ. All are midnight black. PJ, as noted above, was “rescued” this
past summer by the Millers’ daughter. PJ wears a collar; the other cats do not.
Denise talked to the area’s mail carrier, Louann (if
you live in the original sections of Travis Country, you
know Louann!). She has seen the cat(s) in question as
far north as Sendero, Travis Country Circle on the east,
and Trail West on the south and west. While all of
these streets are in Trailwood Villages I and II of
Travis Country, residents beyond these borders should
exercise caution and call Animal Control at 3-1-1 if
you think you see any of these feral cats. They are ill
and can cause serious illness.
Denise is home now and recuperating, although
she still has two courses of rabies injections to endure.
She also asks that we reiterate that PJ, wears a collar
and is not the culprit.
This has been a year of snakes, coyotes, and rats -oh my! And now we add the domestic cat to the list of
“to watch out fors.” You guys be safe out there, ya hear!
*www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/understanding-mrsa-methicillin-resistantstaphylococcus-aureus
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.
Q
REPORTS
o b bl e!
Gob ble! G
ARCHITECTURAL COMMITTEE (ACC). Submitted by Jeff Beckham
Seventeen designs reviewed: Five fence projects, four house paintings, three
landscapes, one pod placement, one playscape, one walkway, one trellis, and
one shed. Thirteen projects approved; four disapproved. ACC November Tip:
Check your exterior for permit repairs before colder weather arrives. Please
provide all information and log your permit with the TC office prior to the
next Design Review: Wednesday, November 9, 2011, 7 pm at the TC Office.
KNOW YOUR SECTION: Each section is governed by its own set of Covenants,
so when making repairs, updates, changes to your home that require ACC
approval, it is important to check the specific guidelines that relate to your
section.. The map at the right (color-coded by section by ACC member
Cynthia Wilcox) is also available at the TC website on the ACC page:
www.traviscountry.com.
COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE. Submitted by Jim McNabb
Office Email and Website: The TC Office email will be migrated to Google App by the end of November. The foundational work has been
completed and the system is ready for testing. Changes to the TC website are moving slowly due to a need for more volunteers, even on a
temporary basis. TC Alerts: The CC will explore new methods of alerting the residents to dangers such as wildfires. Once established, there
will be an article in a future TC Notes. TC Notes: 1) CC discussed adding a "Sports Section" to the TC Notes where residents could learn
about the various TC teams and their successes. Such a project will require a "sports editor" if implemented. 2) After a lengthy discussion, the
CC agreed to accept a proposal from Ultimate Imaging to do a trial run as the new publisher for TC Notes. Ultimate Imaging offers full-color
front and back pages, printing, and mailing to all Travis Country residents at no cost to the HOA. They have also agreed to accommodate the
TC deadline allowing for publication of the synopsis of the monthly Board meetings. Current advertising contracts will be honored, and there
will be no limits placed on content. Between now and February, the Communications Committee will reorganize to act as editors and renew
our advertisers. There is also an urgent need for a reporter to cover the Board meetings making it a total of three volunteers needed: A Board
reporter, technical help on revising the TC web site, and a sports reporter.
POOL COMMITTEE. Submitted by Diane Wright
RECOMMENDATIONS: Pool water testing during SAYOR hours be done by the first swimmer to enter the pool each morning. Morning SAYOR
swimmers would be trained on water testing and record the readings on the chart provided. In the event of a problem, the swimmer would call
TC. DISCUSSION ITEMS: 1) Exploring the possibility of pool monitors to see if this would save TC money plus provide full-time pool maintenance service. 2) Committee hopes that the Hilltop renovation proposal will be ready for the November meeting. 3) After Board approval, a
local company will be hired to detect the leak in the Blue Valley pool. 4) The 2012 Pool Calendar is in working status. 5) The 2012 Pool
maintenance budget and lifeguard budget will be discussed at the November Committee meeting.
TENNIS COMMITTEE. Submitted by Dan Flannery
From the TC Tennis Pros: Thanks to everyone who came out to the National Night Out Tennis Event! We had a blast with over 50 kiddos
and parents alike joining in on the fun! The juniors are responding positively to fun and competitive coaching alike. The Mighty Mites (our
beginning Quickstart program) and the Quickstart All-Stars are progressing nicely to using 60-foot courts and more lively tennis balls. This
group starts with foam balls and then works its way to red and orange balls with all of the kids enjoying the progression with success to higher nets and orange balls. On the competitive level, our Junior Development and High Performance program is really progressing.
Cate and Charlie Waggoner and Jacob Escobedo are rocking team tennis as Charlie and Jacob are consistently finishing at the top of the
Junior Ladder, and Cate went undefeated in her first team tennis matches. Rosie Hardwick is playing line one for her high school and leading
the way through district winning the first two rounds convincingly. Emily Clarke has super-champed (meaning attained a national ranking).
All in all everyone having fun and enjoying improving with the program! Thank you for your support!
Tennis on! COACH KEVIN AND COACH JASON
The TC Yahoo Tennis website now has 92 members and is looking for more. We share tennis information, photos and exchange messages.
Join us; it is free (http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/tc_tennis/). Any resident of T.C. can join the Tennis Committee. Participation and
contribution in the program and activities are greatly encouraged. The committee works closely with TCCSA management and the TC vendor
to maintain and improve our facilities, vendor program and social events. Our chairman is David Garrison. Email: [email protected].
For more information, visit our webpage at http://tennis.traviscountry.com. For information on lessons, see chart on page 5.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR THE FOLLOWING COMMITTEES
ACC. Regular committee member. Meetings are the second Wednesday of each month. Volunteer time commitment: 2-3 hours each month.
COMMUNICATIONS. TC NOTES: sports editor (2-3 hours month); Board reporter (3 hours month). WEBSITE: Temporary help redesigning
the website (time variable and this could be a temporary position).
4 - TC Notes
Austin’s first environmentally planned neighborhood.
h
R
R
R
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prepping for winter
By: Pat Epstein, TC NOTES
It's hard to believe after this past summer, but given that it's already snowing in the Northeast, residents here in Travis Country should
probably begin preparing for colder weather to come. One place to start: locate your water service shutoff valve.
Last year Austin experienced sub-freezing temperatures resulting in multiple cases of burst pipes. To avoid bursting pipes, many Travis
Country residents choose to turn off the water supply to their houses. The cut-off valve is typically located near the curb, under a six-inch cast
iron cover making this a generally easy task to perform.
The City of Austin offers a detail showing the typical location of a shutoff valve at www.ci.austin.tx.us/sd2/spec_detail/stdfiles/sd/520s9.pdf. Even though the drawing at this link shows a box for the cutoff, “...the valve is typically housed in a PVC pipe with a round cast iron
plate for a cover. The meter is at the property line under a much larger round cast iron lid. Look for the shutoff valve iron cover plate immediately next to the meter box between the meter and the house. There should be a round valve handle visible when the cover is removed.
“If you see another small round iron cover close by, this is the access to the pressure reducing valve (PRV). You may or may not have one
of these. The PRV is inline between the cutoff valve and the house. There is no valve handle on the PRV.”
According to resident John Klier who posted on this topic last year at the Travis Country Message Board, it is probably a good idea to
locate your cut-off valve now. Years of shifting soil can cover the valve, leaving only the meter exposed. "Trying to uncover the valve while
you have water spraying out of a crack would not be fun," particularly in 20-degree weather.
You can also check for leaks at the same time. "Make sure anything in and out of the house is not using water then go check the meter
reading," wrote Klier. "Come back a while later (making sure no water was turned on in the meantime) and check the meter again. If there is a
change, you may have something leaking."
Travis Country Fall 2011 Tennis Program -
4 week sessions
Jason Hufford, 924-4389
Kevin Clark, 788-2777
[email protected]
http://tennis.traviscountry.com
ALL CLASSES AT TRAVIS COUNTRY BLUE VALLEY COURTS 5&6
Register Online: http://tennis.traviscountry.com
Contact Coach Jason and Coach Kevin at [email protected] for more info!
Happy Thanksgiving
Travis Country
TC Notes - 5
YET MORE SNAKE TALES!
By: Pat Epstein, TC NOTES
m
YES, THIS ARTICLE
BELONGS IN THE DEJA VU
DEPARTMENT, but these
venomous critters just keep
showing up. We can only
hope that now that cooler
weather is upon us, they
are making their way into
their underground caves,
never to emerge again!
However, given what the
two rattlers to the left were
Jim Robillard writes about these
likely up to, we’ll probably
two and other wildlife along
be greeting a whole new
Barton Creek at his blog site:
wave
of their hatchlings next
http://bartoncreekhome.com/
spring.
This photo, taken by TC
resident Jim Robillard, on the trails
behind Sacred Arrow/Eagles Landing in October,
is just one of over a dozen sightings reported from the Overlook
alone. Other sightings have been reported in the 4800 block of
Travis Country Circle and 4900 block of Republic of Texas. Of
greatest concern is that they are showing up in front yards and
on porches. Most likely, the snakes are trailing the rats (see
article on page 3) as the rodents creep inland in search of water
and sustenance.
You may contact the City of Austin at 3-1-1 to report
rattlesnakes seen in your area. For more information regarding
snakes in Texas please visit this website:
http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/learning/junior_naturalists/snakefaq.phtml.
BEST BLOCK
PARTY EVER?!?!
By: Jim McNabb, TC NOTES
THERE ARE NINE HOUSES ON THE CREEK RIDGE CUL-DE-SAC
in the original section of Travis Country where, according to prime party
organizer Shane Moe, some 300 people showed up for the Second
Annual "Around the World Beers" Block Party. But the party's success
wasn't just about how many residents attended or neighbors schmoozing
and taste-testing beers; no, the party's real measurement of success was
the six-by-twelve foot U-Haul trailer filled with food donations for the
Capital Area Food Bank.
All attendees were asked to donate food from their pantries to that
of the Food Bank. During the party, neighborhood kids sorted the food
brought by residents, and on Monday, October 31, the Moes hauled the
trailer to the charity.
Creek Ridge residents and neighbors from throughout Travis
Country assisted the Moes and other sponsors in making the party an
amazing success. There was generous food for everyone, live music
until midnight, two margarita machines, and… BEER FROM AROUND
THE WORLD!
This year's beer selections ran the gambit from home brews (three
from right here in Travis Country) to Belgium's best to points south and
in between. The home brewers won "Best Booth," with the fourth being
one of Moe's partners at LeaderOne Mortgage.
The beers for the party were picked by Brian Bishop. They (and
their sponsors) included:
- The Travis Country home brews;
- Osborn's (the Sjolseths, Sassers, and friends);
- Thirsty Planet (Brian Smittle and family);
- US Micro Brews (Joe Nanus and friends);
- Mexico (the Austin's and friends);
- Belgium (Bishop/Zierers and friends);
- Ireland (the Ayers, Almudena de la Morena, Pam Losefsky, the
Bourgeois and friends; and
- Germany (the Richardsons, Caldwells, and friends.
The music and dancing continued
until shortly after 2 am-quite a preHalloween treat. Many thanks to all
the TC residents who worked to
make this neighborhood-wide event
possible… and for such a great cause!
Left: Meeting new neighbors.
Below: And the band played on...
Above: Kids at work, sorting
food donations.
Right: 1st Place “Bar.” Host
Shane Moe on far right.
6 - TC Notes
NATIONAL NIGHT OUT ROCKS in Travis Country!
TURNING TWENTY-SEVEN THIS YEAR, NATIONAL NIGHT OUT
originated as a show of solidarity against crime and an opportunity for the public
and local law enforcement officers to mingle in a more neutral setting. It has
matured into a real community building event giving residents a chance to get to
know their neighbors and local first responders. More than 37 million people
worldwide participated last year with block parties, community barbecues, youth
programs and visits from local law enforcement and emergency personnel.
On October 4th, 2011 Travis Country joined communities across the nation
in taking a stand against crime. Two hundred residents gathered at the Hilltop
Recreational Area for free pizza, good conversation, a tennis carnival, and an
opportunity to meet local law enforcement and safety personnel. The event was
organized by the Travis Country Safety Committee, but owes its success to the
numerous volunteers, supporting businesses and organizations.
Residents enjoyed free pizza and pepperoni rolls from Double Dave's Pizza.
They learned about health issues and services from Concentra Urgent Care
Center who also provided refreshments. Children decorated the basketball courts
in rainbow colors with sidewalk chalk provided by Target. Target also provided
door prizes and balloons for the safety trivia booth.
The TC Tennis Committee also participated with Coach Kevin and Coach
Jason holding a tennis carnival, encouraging physical activity with various
games while simultaneously introducing residents to the fun game of tennis. The
evening culminated in the arrival of the Austin Fire Department and Emergency
Medical Services. The fire truck and ambulance afforded kids the opportunity to
explore all aspects of the vehicles as well as sit in the driver's seats, sit on gurneys, and wear fireman's hats.
A special thanks to all our sponsors and volunteers, including Double Dave's
Pizza, Concentra Urgent Care Center, Target, the Tennis Committee, the Safety
Committee, and Webolos Bison from Pack 446 who helped serve the pizza. We
will see you all out next year!
Austin’s first environmentally planned neighborhood.
By: Janet Ngo, TC RESIDENT
W
m
Arbor Day in a Snapshot!
MANY THANKS TO GROUNDS COMMITTEE MEMBERS Dennis Jistel and Melanie Miller (plus Jeff and Sam Miller), residents
Lynne Fahlquist, John McCulloch, Tom Curran, Diane Cope-Cunningham (and her daughter), Will Grote, C.J. and Maggie Nichols, David
Coleman, and outside helper Craig Doerksen from Regents School--and any others we might have missed--for rolling up their sleeves and
doing their part to keep Travis Country beautiful. PHOTOS, from left: Lynne and Melanie are all smiles; Dennis (far left) gives a tutorial; Sam
and Maggie saving the planet one tree at a time; Dennis, Will, and Melanie tickle the roots; and Diane and her daughter water the sapling.
TC Notes - 7
TOP COYOTE DIET THESE
DAYS: CATS!
An above average number of cats have disappeared into the night this year. The Back Fence
has been a repository of missing cat and cat
mutilation stories (sorry to be so graphic, but it’s
true!). No doubt, like the rats and the snakes, the
coyotes are venturing inland to forage for food
and water; however, the one thing we do not want
to do is invite them in by either feeding the deer
(against City code), leaving out pet food, or...
sacrificing our (or our neighbors’) cats. The
following anecdote was posted at the Back Fence
by resident David Welch. It is reprinted here with
his permission.
A coyote came up to our back fence yesterday
evening at dusk to snatch our cat, who had strayed
a few feet into the Hill Top area greenbelt. Our cat
let out a loud cry that I heard in the living room. It
was so unusual I knew what it had to be and took
flight out the back gate to scare off the coyote,
which had my cat in his mouth. We ran him off
and took the kitty to the emergency animal hospital. He has one puncture wound and a broken leg,
but he's alive and purring.
This morning shortly after day break, the
coyote was back looking for more, so I tossed a
rock at him. Later I called 3-1-1. Now Animal
Control is coming to my house to confirm that we
are quarantining the cat with broken leg (like he's
going anywhere). We will also need a new rabies
booster shot. Bottom line: these coyotes are bolder
than ever. Keep an eye on small outdoor pets.
TC Family Mourns
the Loss of Feline
Friend, Miss Jenny
Jenny (1999-2011),
formerly of Arlington TX,
was a beautiful calico-tabby.
An outdoor enthusiast and
avid bird watcher, Jenny had
plenty of outside savvy. She was wary of both
traffic and predatory dangers. Very athletic,
Jenny could scale a fence in 1.32 seconds. She
performed regular civic duty in rat control and
brought many and assorted gifts to her TC
doorstep. She frequented Hilltop Pool, making
new friends each summer. She was a well loved
member of the Rajguru family and was always
polite and well groomed. Jenny was a loving
mother to six assorted kittens, born in 2000.
Jenny was a great companion and is
especially noted for her unusual sensitivity
toward those who were hurting and the enormous
comfort she brought to others. Her family and
friends mourn the loss of this fine feline and
grieve her tragic sudden death.
8 - TC Notes
Style
e
LIFE AND LIVING IN TRAVIS COUNTRY
TCLIFE
CLUBS & EVENTS
Austin’s first environmentally planned neighborhood.
BOOK CLUB
DATE: November 13, 2011
LOCATION: 4441 Sacred Arrow
BOOK: The Tiger's Wife, byTea Obreht
Questions: Kate Burgess at 891-0707
Do you have an idea for our TC Lifestyle section?
Email [email protected].
Welcome to TC’s Newest Residents!
By: Bill Sigler
Mark & Laura Guenther
4517 Eagle Feather
Donna Aberle
5109 Bandera Creek Trail
William & Carriline Bergquist
5305 Painted Shield Drive
Teresa Burroff
5305 Apache Creek Cove
Betty Kuhl
32 Mission Oaks
Lucas & Elizabeth Legate
5105 Bandera Creek Trail
Robert & Tina Rabb
4305 Sendero Drive
Jesse Reed
4502 Cliffstone Cove
Gregory Sheldon
4605 Cap Rock Drive
Donna Thompson
4009 Travis Country Circle
DOWNLO AD YOUR TRAVIS C OUNTRY
WELC OME PA CKE T at www.traviscountry.com
BUNCO CLUB
November 7, first Monday of the month,
will be the next meeting date for TC Bunco
at the TC Office at 7:30 pm. We are hoping
that our hostess will be bringing any leftover Halloween candy as one of the snacks.
Come one and all to indulge in the goodies
and play Bunco to your heart's content!
Questions: Lindy at 892-3116
KNIT WITS
In November, there will be one KnitWits
gathering: Tuesday, November 8, 2-4 pm at
3957 Sendero. Knitters, crocheters, needlepointers--come one, come all!
Questions: Marion Mlotok at 358-0042 or
[email protected]
NOV. EVENTS CALENDAR
S
Compiled by Ruth Schwab, TC NOTES
School News!
AUTHORS ENTERTAIN AT OHE
This past month, two authors visited Oak Hill
Elementary to read to and entertain the students.
Bilingual author Jose-Luis Orozco (left) whose
books De Colores, Diez Deditos - Ten Little
Fingers, and Fiestas are thoroughly enjoyed by
all the kids had the Oak Hill students and staff
dancing.
Also visiting the school was Bluebonnet
Award winning author, Willy Claflin.
CORRECTION
Resident Marion Mlotok requested that
the following correction be made to her
Board comments appearing in the
September edition:
Original: "Marion Mlotok ..... was
dismayed by the Board's decision not to
mow areas that are not owned by TC (due
to the drought)."
Correction: “... was dismayed TC is not
mowing greenbelt areas that TC owns
behind the newer built sections of TC.”
O. HENRY UPDATES
O. Henry's Annual Drive to Address Poverty,
Hunger, and Homelesness is in full swing.
Students are collecting healthy, non-perishable
food items through November 18. These will be
donated to the Capital Area Food Bank. The
students are also collecting new and/or gently
worn coats through November 30. These will be
donated to Coats for Kids.
All donations should be delivered to the
student's RODEO classroom. Please contact Duane
Devereaux, Amy Humphries, or Patrick McNally
with questions.
11/01
TCLP COMMITTEE
7 pm
TCCSA Office
11/02
GROUNDS COMMITTEE
7 pm
TCCSA Office
11/10
SAFETYCOMMITTEE
6 pm
TCCSA Office
11/14
POOL COMMITTEE
7 pm
TCCSA Office
11/08
TENNIS COMMITTEE
7 pm
5221 Trading Bend
11/09
ARCHITECTURAL (ACC) COMMITTEE
7 pm
TCCSA Office
11/17
BOARD OFDIRECTORS MEETING
6 pm
TCCSA Office
11/18
TC NOTES DEADLINE
6 pm
TCCSA Office
11/24
THANKSGIVING --GOBBLE! GOBBLE!
12/03
TC NOTES DELIVERY
TBD
COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE
Please check the Message Board for updates.
TC Notes - 9
Helping the Senior Driver
By: Janet Allen
No two people age exactly the same; however, many seniors
encounter similar driving difficulties. Seniors are afraid to lose their
independence, but deteriorating vision, slower reaction time and
decreased physical abilities make driving difficult and sometimes
dangerous. There are things seniors can do to keep them driving as
long as possible.
Driving seems easy, but is really a complicated task. We must
sense information about the traffic, road conditions, signs, and markings and decide what to do based on all that info. Then we must act
(and react) very quickly. A typical driver makes 20 decisions per
mile, with less than half a second to act to avoid an accident.
Age affects all three steps in the process: sensing, deciding, and
acting. Seniors might check out the website seniordriving.aaa.com to
find ways to help minimize the effects aging eyes can have on driving, such as limiting driving time and getting eye exams every two
years. There are also steps one can take to make sure s/he has enough
time to make the best driving decision, e.g., avoiding left turns and
leaving more room between your car and the traffic ahead. Finally,
there are ways to enhance your ability to take successful action and
reduce your risk, such as covering your brake with your foot and
slowing down.
If you are a family member who is concerned about a driver,
http://seniordriving.aaa.com/howtohelp offers tips on planning, communicating, and assessing. Make sure your seniors know their alternatives
to driving, i.e., see the Ride Guide-Senior Transportation for the
Austin Metro Area. Questions: Janet Allen, Gerontologist,
[email protected] or 512-364-6501.
TRAVIS COUNTRY RESIDENT
10 - TC Notes
REAL ESTATE UPDATE
TRAVIS COUNTRY
BY: Ricky Cain, TC NOTES
I'm thinking the cooler temperatures may have made the real estate market in Travis
Country HOTTER! As of today (10/24/2011), there are eleven properties in the neighborhood
under contract, and more than half of them received a contract in three weeks or less. In
fact, right now there are only four homes left for sale in Travis Country. The average days on
market for the currently offered homes is 29, and their average price is $357,225. There is
also one condo for sale in The Woods listed at $200,000.
The eleven single family homes under contract are mostly from the newer sections,
with only three from the original sections. The average list price for those in the newer sections is $349,729, and they were on the market for an average of 28 days before accepting a
contract. The average listing price for the homes under contract in the original section is
$289,000 with an average of 47 days on the market before accepting a contract. There is
also one condo under contract in The Woods that was listed at $199,997.
There have been four homes sold in Travis Country since the last update, three of
which were in the original sections and selling for an average of $248,167 ($148.74 per
square foot) and 55 days on the market. The one home in the newer section sold in only five
days--above the asking price of $299,900.
The cool rates and cooler temperatures are helping keep the real estate market
healthy. What people couldn't afford a few years ago, they can afford now with the historically low rates. These low rates might also be the perfect opportunity to refinance your Travis
Country home and enjoy living in Austin's premier neighborhood for years to come!
TAMMY
LANIER
Residential Services
Licensed Texas Real Estate Agent Since
1985
TRAVIS COUNTRY
RESIDENT SINCE 1998
512.426.3167
[email protected]
TC Notes - 11
Travis Country
Where it’s always good to be home!
12 - TC Notes
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
first environmentally planned neighborhood.
Other CLASSIFIEDS appear Austin’s
on page
2 of this edition.
*CPR Training
HOUSE
SIT
+Red Cross Course Certified
PLANT
CARE
PET
CARE
LAWN
CARE
PARENTAL
SUPERVISION
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
CONTACT / OTHER INFORMATION
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]
#First Aid Training
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. Nonservice 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. 1
Molly’s 2¢ (on Drought Damage)
If this past summer felt like the
drip system is more effective than
hottest summer of your life, that
sprinklers. Water trees where the
wasn't your imagination. Our 90
roots are thinner and younger,
consecutive days over 100 degrees
rather than at the base of the tree.
Dormant Not Dead
A brown lawn doesn't necessarily
mean your grass is dead and gone.
Your brown grass is most likely
far exceeded the 69 day record set
dormant and waiting for better
in 1925.
weather, which means lots of water
According to the Lower Colorado
River Authority, these past 12
months were the driest year since
1895.
Our bodies, electric bills and yards
have suffered -- especially our
New Listing!
5351 Magdelena
For Sale or Lease
Call me to come take
a look!
yards! Here are some suggestions
for repairing and preventing
damaged lawns:
Trees Before Grass
and fertilizer is not going to bring it
back. The fall is a good time to rake
away leaves and loose debris.
Then, reseed the bare spots in mid
February to March and hope for a
wet Spring!
Fall Harvest
Mulch for Protection
Using wood chips, rocks or even
lawn clippings at the base of trees
When it comes to precious water
resources, water the most valuable
and in plant beds greatly reduces
assets in your yard first. Water
layers thick and turn them
trees, shrubs and perennials before
occasionally to keep them free of
annuals and grass. Soaking tree
pests and mold.
water evaporation. Keep the mulch
The cooler weather makes it a great
time to plant some veggies in pots
that can be brought inside or beds
near the house that can be protected
during the cooler nights. Tomatoes,
peppers and herbs that would have
withered over the summer can be
enjoyed well into the milder
months of fall and winter.
roots and plants by hand or using a
Tip of the Month
If you donʼt have the time to give your trees or shrubs a good soaking
by hand, try poking holes in some cans and sinking them into the
ground around your yard. Fill the cans every couple of days and let
the water drip deep down into the soil.
14 - TC Notes
All About Austin
Sweet Berry Farm is open every day but Wednesday through
November 12. You can pick flowers and choose the perfect
pumpkin! 1801 FM 1980, Marble Falls, (830) 798-1462,
sweetberryfarm.com