August 2012 - Travis Country

AUGUST
2012
A U S T I N ’ S F I R S T E N V I R O N M E N TA L LY P L A N N E D N E I G H B O R H O O D
TCnotes
The official news source of the Travis Country Community Service Association
NEVER CAN BE SURE WHAT YOU MIGHT
SEE ON YOUR MORNING WALK
CITY LIFTS STAGE II WATERING
RESTRICTIONS
WATERING HOURS
Before 5am and after 7pm
WATERING DAYS
Wednesday & Saturday: Odd numbered addresses
Thursday & Sunday: Even numbered addresses
According to the City, these measures are intended to provide
a balanced approach during continued, but lessened, drought
conditions and to give citizens more flexibility in protecting the tree
canopy and landscapes while at the same time continuing Austin’s
leadership role in water conservation in the Central Texas region.
AGGRESSIVE COYOTES IN BARTON CREEK AREA
Residents have reported a pack of three coyotes living in the Barton
Creek greenbelt area behind Magdalena.
Residents report that this pack is following people who are walking,
snapping at dogs on leashes. They have apparently bitten one dog, and
have acted aggressively toward humans as well. The HOA Manager has
contacted the City of Austin to report this coyote activity. The County does
not do trapping on City property such as the Barton Creek area.
Save Our Oaks
Now is the time to trim trees! The basic rule is that
one should trim oaks on the hottest and the coldest
days of the year. Arborists should sterilize their tools
with bleach and spray any "wounds" larger than one
inch immediately.
SW Division APD Meets
with TC Residents
Detective Answers Residents’ Questions
By: Janet Ngo and Cynthia Wilcox, TC SAFETY COMMITTEE
APD representatives update TC Residents at
Blue Valley: (from left) Officer Richard Paez, Travis
Country District Representative; Detective Breet
Bailey, Homicide Unit and lead investigator on the
crime scene; Officer Joe Brown, the evening patrol
district officer for Travis Country; and Lieutenant
Frederick Fletcher of the Southwest Austin Patrol.
About 35 Travis Country residents gathered at the Blue Valley HOA office on July 10, 2012, to
get an update on the June 24, 2012, murder crime scene at BV. Residents also had an opportunity
to ask Austin Police Department officials additional questions about effective neighborhood
safety measures.
APD was represented by Lieutenant Frederick Fletcher of the Southwest Austin Patrol;
Officer Joe Brown, the evening patrol district officer for Travis Country; Officer Richard Paez,
the district representative for Travis Country; and Detective Brett Bailey, Homicide Unit and the
lead investigator on the crime scene.
After brief introductions, Officer Bailey, a 20+ year police veteran, provided attendees a
synopsis of the events of the crime scene:
• At 4:22 am, APD received a call from a Travis Country security guard who reported that the chain and lock on gate were missing. He also
reported hearing voices in the woods scatter as he approached two vehicles parked in the parking area bordering the pond (on the far end). One
was a reddish-maroon Dodge pickup; the other a silver Dodge Magnum.
• At 4:30 am, APD arrived to find a futon mattress in bed of the pickup, covering a deceased male.
• The body was taken to the medical examiners where the deceased was fingerprinted and identified. Two homicide investigators then went
to the deceased’s residence where they encountered AFD in the process of putting out fires at the duplex where the deceased lived, and in a car.
Both fires appeared to be attempts to destroy evidence.
• During the process of the investigation at Blue Valley, the Homicide unit used helicopters, three canine units, and a diving team to gather evidence
continued on page 3
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Page 2
The official news source of the Travis Country Community Service Association
TCnotes
TRAVIS COUNTRY NOTES
EDITOR
Melissa Sheldon
tcnotes@traviscountry.com
CONTRIBUTORS
Scott Beeler
Sydney Beeler
Ricky Cain
Pat Epstein
Bobbi Frels Farris
Danny Fowler
Candy Goodrich
Carolyn Hanschen
Darrell Hutchinson
Frank Krystopher
Jim McNabb
Janet Ngo
Ruth Schwab
Joe Soto
Cynthia Wilcox
PHOTOGRAPHY
Scott Beeler
Carolyn Hanschen
Jim McNabb
Greg Sheldon
PROOFREADERS
Candy Goodrich
Lindy Siegismund
PUBLISHING
Ultimate Imaging - Austin, Texas
TCCSA
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
board@traviscountry.com
Anthony Peterman
PRESIDENT
Tom Curran
VICE PRESIDENT
Paul Salazar
TREASURER
Kay Colvin
SECRETARY
Mark Carroll - Pat Epstein
Leonard Saenz - George Stokes
Wendy Primeaux
TRAVIS COUNTRY OFFICE
892-2256 (O) 891-9554 (FAX)
289-1616 (After Hours Emergency)
tcoffice@traviscountry.com
www.traviscountry.com
Comments regarding written content should be directed to
the editor at tcnotes@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 se 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.
Ultimate Imaging is not responsible for any written content
in TC Notes. Views expressed in TC Notes to not represent
those of Ultimate Imaging or its employees. Presence
of advertising does not imply endorsement by Ultimate
Imaging, nor is Ultimate Imaging responsible for any
products or services rendered by advertisers.
August 2012
“SW Division APD” continued from page 1
and secure the area. They closed off entrances to TC and stopped cars to check licenses and registrations of those
coming in and out of neighborhood for most of the day because of their uncertainty about the whereabouts of
individuals involved in the crime. Due to the heat, both officers and canine units were rotated in and out of the
field throughout the day. Officer Bailey remained in Travis Country for 18 hours on the day of the crime.
Detective Bailey reassured attendees that Travis Country residents were not and are not in any danger. “The
actual murder did not happen in Travis Country,” reported Bailey. He went on to say that the decision to dispose
of the body in TC was random and in no way a reflection of the crime rate in Travis Country.
According to Lt. Fletcher, Travis Country is among the safest areas of Austin. “Austin is the 15th largest
city in the US, and one of the safest cities in the US with a Part 1 crimes (murders, assaults, larceny, arson,
robbery) rate of 5600/100,000 per population and 24 homicides/year,” said Fletcher. He went on to say that Travis
Country’s Part 1 crime rate is only one-fifth of the Austin rate. He described Travis Country as being as large (or
larger) than most small towns in Texas, estimating our population at about 4000 residents.
“Travis Country is a well-organized, proactive HOA with involved residents, security guards, an effective
Communications Committee, and safeguards like hired constables that all help prevent crime,” said Fletcher. All
of the officers encouraged Travis Country residents to call 911 or 311 to report any suspicious activity regardless
of how innocuous it may seem. “This helps the police crime analysts compile ‘data points’ to allow them to better
respond to threats and potential threats.”
The officers spent over an hour with Travis Country residents and answered multiple questions. Among the
questions asked and answered were the following:
Q: Where was the gate lock and was it found?
A: Specifics cannot be given but there was evidence that a lock and chain were broken and removed.
Q: So that means the security company had done its job the night before?
A: Yes.
Q: Are more suspects involved than what we know about? Players in an online league that lists the Blue Valley
basketball courts as a place for pickup games include names the same as the victim and one of the suspects.
Also, the murder suspect apparently was arrested in connection with crimes in TC in 2007 and has been listed
as a resident of Travis Country in more recent arrests (2011 and the spring of 2012). This makes it seem like the
suspect does have a connection to the neighborhood.
A: Dario Ballard, who has been charged with the murder, does have a previous history with TC; however, at the
time of the murder, he lived in Dove Springs. All suspects associated with the murder have been identified with
outstanding warrants and have no connection to TC other than this crime.
Q: How did the perpetrators get away?
A: That is still under investigation.
Q: When will the case be closed, and how will we know? Will we be able to get the details at that time?
A: The best estimate is that the case will be fully closed in three to four years. At that time it will be available as
open records that anyone can request. Refer to Case #20121760438 at that time.
Q: We heard that suspects were hiding in a hotel, making calls to the other suspects who set fire to the duplex
and car. Do we know at which hotel they were staying?
A: We investigated many hotels. The suspects were not located at any of the hotels near Travis Country.
Q: Why wasn’t reverse 911 used to inform residents of the road blocks and to provide information throughout
the day?
A: Detective Baily agreed that reverse 911 should have been used that day and apologized that it was a service
that was not utilized. Officer Fletcher stated that it was the responsibility of the support patrol to take care of that
and not the homicide unit. He stated that this failure was addressed with the patrol team prior to coming to the
meeting.
Q: How often does Travis Country’s security service patrol?
A: The security service hired by TC HOA locks Hilltop and Blue Valley at 11pm and unlocks them at
approximately 5am. They also do random patrols through the neighborhood; however, they service surrounding
neighborhoods, as well.
To view crime reports for Travis Country, go to: http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/GIS/crimeviewer/
crimereportsearch.html.
Complaints or Concerns about neighborhood safety can be emailed to Richard Paez, TC District Rep, at
Richard.Paez@austintexas.gov.
Residents noted that the “Travis Country Community Page” (Facebook) did an excellent job of providing
updates. Many thanks to Communications Committee Facebook page editor Emily Matthews for her diligence
during the day. Also, many thanks to Travis Country HOA Board member Paul Salazar and Safety Committee
Chair Janet Ngo for their efforts to bring APD to Travis Country for this update. And finally, extra thanks to all
of the APD representatives who took the time to come to Travis Country and meet for almost 1 1/2 hours with
our residents – and for keeping Travis Country safe!
By the way, Detective Bailey did say the divers reported a plethora of turtles in the Blue Valley Pond, and
some pretty aggressive geese!
Austin’s first environmentally planned neighborhood
Page 3
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.
ARCHITECTURAL COMMITTEE (ACC)
Submitted by Frank Krystopher
Ten designs reviewed: two fence projects, two house paintings, one shed,
one sprinkler system, one window replacement, one building addition
and one pool. Eight permits approved, one disapproved.
ACC August Tip: No building improvements, alterations, fence,
wall, residence or other structure shall be commenced, erected,
improved, or structurally altered, without the prior written approval
of the Architectural Committee or any committee established by the
Architectural Committee for the purpose. Please provide all permit
information and log your permit with the TC office prior to the next
Design Review, which will convene on Wednesday August 8th at 7pm.
at the TC Office.
POOL COMMITTEE
Submitted by Diane Wright
I. Cindy Salazar gave an update on the painting projects at HT. The
picnic tables have been stained and are operational, the gates and guard
shack doors are being painted and should be finished by the August PC
meeting.
II. Lifeguards have been meeting expectations/following rules, and we
still have the original group that was hired in the spring. They are eager
to work and volunteer to take extra shifts when needed. They text in/
text out when they arrive at the pool for duty (this goes to Cindy who is
in charge of the guards this year, as well as Pool Pros who are handling
their paychecks). They leave their cell phones in the guard shack while
they are on duty and only use them to report incidents during work
hours. Cindy is handling one report of a guard using his cell phone
during duty hours for personal use. There will be a mandatory lifeguard
meeting/training at 9am on July 12. Guards will be instructed on use of
the Handicap Chair Lift at HT.
III. The Handicap Chair Lift at HT is operational at this time. Anyone
who needs to use the chair lift to enter the HT pool should ask a lifeguard
to operate the lift. Only guards who have been trained can operate the
lift. The person being assisted and/or a caregiver must assist the person
being lowered/lifted into/out of the pool – it is a 2-person operation, and
guards can only operate the lift. Pat Epstein, Board liaison, will write an
article for the TC Notes explaining the process, and Cindy will train the
guards. IV. A homeowner reported that there was concern that dead tree
limbs were hanging over the far end of BV pool over the guard stand.
Upon inspection, they do not pose an immediate threat and will be
trimmed the next time the arborist is out.
Other items discussed: The HT inner gate (that requires the keycard
for entry) will be adjusted so that it locks completely. Reminder—all
homeowners MUST use a keycard to enter the pool areas. Anyone
needing a keycard can get one from the TC office. It was recommended
that every spring, the PC submit the Pool Rules for publication in the
TC Notes. This will be done at the same time as the Pool Calendar.
Reminder—all people MUST leave the pool area at closing time as
the guards must lock up and leave.
Reminder—only SAYOR members can
be in the pool area after hours. Anyone
who wishes to swim after hours, must go
to the TC Office, complete the paperwork,
and secure a special SAYOR keycard. We
have three guards working at our pool this
summer who are exchange students from Albania and are employees
of Pool Pros.
RECOMMENDATION: TC Board sponsors a “New Resident
Orientation” annually in March to meet with anyone who has moved
into TC in the last year. The purpose is to welcome newcomers, explain
how TCCSA operates, and acquaint them with the Board, Committees,
amenities, rules, answer questions, and mingle. Perhaps a “Welcoming
Committee” could plan/conduct the meeting and update and go over
the Welcome Packet. This could prevent misunderstandings in the
future and make newcomers feel more welcome. The next PC meeting
will be Monday, August 13 at 7pm in the TC Office.
SAFETY COMMITTEE
Submitted by Janet Ngo
I. Update on Member status:
(A) New Co-Chair - Charlie Wilcox.
(B) Need of new members – posted on Back Fence. No responses.
(C) Proposal to merge with Fire Wise Committee – will contact FW to
discuss interest in merging committees in order to increase membership
and get more accomplished effectively.
II. Speeding in Travis Country:
(A) City of Austin Traffic Calming Program - will not be reviewed until
early 2013. Applications for evaluation by COA must be submitted by
resident on the street of interest. Once evaluated, COA will determine
what calming devices must be used to slow vehicles down and how the
neighborhood and COA can share in the cost.
1. Republic of Texas Blvd from Travis Green to Travis Country
Circle, submitted by Janet Ngo - 5716 Republic of Texas Blvd.
2. Travis Green from Foster Ranch Road to Republic of Texas Blvd,
submitted by Laurie Zahn - 5400 Travis Green.
(B) Stop Sign evaluation for ROTX and Travis Green - scheduled Fall
2012.
(C) Radar Signs - tabled due to above efforts
III. TC Semi-annual Crime Report 2012:
(A) Theft from Vehicles- 14.
(B) Theft from Residence – 6.
(C) Auto Thefts - 2.
(D) Home/Structural Fire – 1.
(E) Murder - 1
IV. National Night Out – scheduled October 2, 2012.
(A) Need Volunteers and Sponsors.
Covenant 8.0207. Trailers and Motor Vehicles
Except with the approval of the Architectural Committee, no mobile home, trailer of any kind, truck, camper, boat, or
permanent tent or similar structure shall be kept, placed, maintained, constructed, or repaired, upon any property or street
(public or private) with Travis Country in such a manner as will be visible from Neighboring Property; provided, however,
that the provisions of this paragraph shall not apply to emergency vehicle repairs or temporary construction shelters or
facilities maintained during, and used exclusively in connection with, the construction of any improvement approved by
the Architectural Committee.
Page 4
The official news source of the Travis Country Community Service Association
TCnotes
City Council Votes 5-2 to Deny Rezoning of Travis
Country AISD Property
Applicant Unsure of Next Steps
By: TC Notes Staff
In somewhat of a surprise move to many, the Austin City Council
late last month rejected the rezoning request by Independent Realty for
the Travis Country AISD property, leaving the future of the land once
again in limbo.
The Council delayed consideration of the zoning until well after
midnight, June 29, 2012, before voting around 2:35 a.m. The vote was
5-2 to deny the rezoning request. Voting against the rezoning application
were (in alphabetical order) Mayor Pro-Tem Sheryl Cole and Council
Members Mike Martinez, Laura Morrison, Bill Spelman, and Kathie
Tovo. Mayor Lee Leffingwell and Council Member Chris Riley voted to
approve the zoning change. Member Morrison made the motion to deny
the change.
Independent Realty, a LLC owned solely by Nicholas Dean, had bid
$980,000 for the 12.4 acres in the heart of the original section of the
subdivision, and sought “single family” (SF-2) zoning for the land. Dean
and his business partner and Travis Country resident Misha Spiridonov
said they wanted to build 12 homes on the property, leaving some four
to five acres as a greenbelt. However, their configuration of the property
changed several times before the vote (Please see July 2012 TC Notes),
and those changes seemed to affect some Council members’ perceptions.
Before the vote, Councilmember Spelman had sharp criticism of
the multiple alterations which seemed to disenfranchise some nearby
residents who objected to the development.
In spite of the lopsided vote, Spiridonov said he is not giving up.
We still have a contract,” he says. “We’re going to meet with the school
district. Who knows? I don’t know what the school district is going to do
or say. We could file for a SF-2 zoning change again tomorrow.”
According to City ordinance, a subsequent application for SF-2
zoning cannot be filed for at least 12 months. Both the Austin School
Board and the Austin City Council took off the month of July, which
puts the decision on hold until August.
Spiridonov says the process has been disheartening. “I’ve lost
$30,000. It’s so political. I had to shut down my web site. It’s not a fair
fight,” he said.
Several Travis Country residents spoke both in favor of and against
the rezoning request at the City Council meeting. Public testimony
began at about 1:30am, almost a full 12 hours after the scheduled time of
2pm. Most TC residents had gone home by then, but about 35 stalwarts
remained.
Residents speaking in support of Independent Realty and rezoning
referenced the income that would be generated to the HOA, the City,
and AISD from the sale of the property in the form of additional dues
and tax revenue. Nicholas Dean also referenced the jobs that would be
created during the build-out of any development.
Residents speaking against the rezoning application focused
primarily on the City of Austin’s stated objective to drive development
away from the Edwards Aquifer and Barton Springs recharge zone.
Members also mentioned citizen participation in shaping and preserving
the character of their own neighborhoods, the environmental issues
confronting development of the property given current SOS ordinance,
and the neighborhood’s efforts to secure a viable financial alternative to
rezoning and development for AISD.
August 2012
Council members referenced multiple factors regarding their 5-2
vote against rezoning the property. Supporting his vote for rezoning,
Mayor Leffingwell talked about AISD’s need for additional revenue.
Council member Riley said that the Travis Country AISD property is
a beautiful piece of property that he would like to see remain as open
space, but felt that the application for SF-2 was a reasonable zoning
change request.
Council member Laura Morrison spoke about environmental
concerns with rezoning and possible development, noting that Travis
Country is already too densely developed (based on current ordinance)
and pointed out the City’s efforts to drive development away rather than
toward the Watershed. Mayor Pro-Tem Sheryl Cole focused on Travis
Country’s efforts to offer AISD a viable alternative that would preserve
the character of the neighborhood.
In addition to the multiple changes by Independent Realty,
Councilman Bill Spelman stated that the process had been an ugly one,
and one in which the City should not take part. Spelman, a professor at
the LBJ School, commented that he planned to create a new case study
for his students called “The Incredible Shrinking Subdivision.”
“The Council members sent a clear message with this 5-2 vote,” said
conservation advocate Cynthia Wilcox. “Their vote reflects their desire
to see development directed away from the Aquifer and for AISD to
work with the neighborhood to reach a mutually beneficial conservation
plan for the property.”
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Page 5
Hilltop Pool Is Now Dog Bitten by Rattlesnake
Handicap Accessible at Blue Valley
By: Pat Epstein
By: Pat Epstein, Pool Committee Liaison
Yes, there are new pumps and filters, new skimmers
and tile. However, did you know that the newly revamped
Hilltop Pool also now boasts a handicap chair lift for
residents and/or their guests who need assistance getting
in and out of the pool?
While state law does not require handicap access at
private pools like ours, the Travis Country HOA Board
decided that the Hilltop renovation was the perfect time
to bring this opportunity to TC residents. The chair was
installed on the east-side beach area, straight ahead of the
entrance gate.
HOW TO USE THE CHAIR
If a resident wishes to use the chair, s/he should follow
these steps:
1. Notify a lifeguard that you need to use the chair lift to
access the pool. The chair battery is stored in the Hilltop
Pool pump room, and only a lifeguard may access it. The
lifeguard will unlock the pump room to get the battery.
2. The lifeguard will install the battery in the lift chair.
The lifeguards are trained to do this. Residents should not
install the battery.
3. The lifeguards are NOT responsible for placing an
individual in the chair, nor are they responsible for
securing the individual in the chair (closing/tightening
the belt). Individuals using the chair who can get into the
chair and secure themselves will be responsible for doing
so. Individuals requiring assistance getting into the chair
must have someone attending who can help them, e.g., a
relative or friend. The lifeguards are not allowed to and
will not perform these actions.
4. Once the individual is secured in the chair, the
lifeguard will hold down the button and slowly lower
the individual into the water. Only the lifeguard lowers
and raises the chair. This is done very slowly to guarantee
everyone is safe. Once the individual is in the water, his/
her attendant (or the individual him/herself, if able),
will release the belt and remove the individual from the
chair. The lifeguards are not responsible for moving
an individual either on or off the chair and are not
allowed to do so.
5. The battery pack will stay with the chair until the
individual leaves the pool. At that time, it will be resecured in the pump room by the lifeguard.
Parents are encouraged to educate their children
about the lift chair and the need to stay away from it. While
it may look like something “fun” to play on, it is actually
a piece of equipment with a specific use. Also, children
playing in or around the chair could inadvertently get
caught under it. Please watch your kiddos and be safe!
We are excited to be able to offer this new opportunity
to our residents and their guests. If you have any questions
about the use of the chair lift, please feel free to contact
the Pool Committee at pool@traviscountry.com.
Page 6
On Saturday, June 30, about 7:45pm, TC resident Kathy Hamrick was walking her
feisty little lab, Lizzie, along the grassy berm between the pond and Sycamore Creek.
They had just passed the pond when they ran into neighborhood friend Christina
Comer, walking her pup, Harry. As they chatted, the dogs were frolicking along the
grassy area between
the pond and the basketball courts.
Lizzie was just a few feet away from Kathy when she “…half barked and half
shrieked, jumped straight up into the air, walked slowly to [Kathy]… then rolled over
in anaphylactic shock.” According to Kathy, Lizzie was completely lifeless in less than a
minute after being bitten.
As Christina ran to get help from someone at the pool, Kathy picked Lizzie up and
ran toward the drive where she flagged down a resident arriving at the pool to pick up
his daughter. This individual took Kathy home after some boys at the pool helped her
get Lizzie in the backseat of the car. “I still don’t know who the driver is,” said Kathy,
“but I’m sure that if he hadn’t been there at the right time and willing to drive us home,
Lizzie would not have survived. Many thanks to him!”
This individual also moved Lizzie to Kathy’s car while she ran in to get her purse.
Kathy’s husband jumped in the backseat to comfort Lizzie as Kathy “… drove like a
mad woman straight to the Emergency Animal Hospital behind Central Market.”
Several Fieldstone neighbors and other dog-walking friends from the AISD land
dog group showed up at the animal hospital and waited with the family while the vets
worked to save Lizzie. The pup was completely non-responsive when they arrived, so
the vets worked to stabilize her before treating her for the snake bite. “While I hope I
never, ever have to go back to the Emergency Animal Hospital, I cannot say enough
great things about the vets and staff there… or about the many neighbors and friends
in Travis Country who have offered to help during Lizzie’s long recovery.”
Kathy said that she did not see the snake, so she cannot be sure if it was a rattlesnake;
however, two other dogs were admitted to the animal hospital for rattlesnake bites the
very same day that Lizzie was bitten,
and the veterinarians assumed hers to
be a rattlesnake bite as well. “I suppose
it could have been a water moccasin
or some other poisonous snake,” said
Kathy. Regardless, all of us with dogs
we love must once again be ever vigilant
during these snake-ridden dog days of
summer.
Lizzie came home on Tuesday
afternoon, “…weak, and with a swollen
and still bleeding face and plenty of
meds to be given over the next couple
of weeks. But we are expecting a full
recovery!” Shortly after this episode,
Kathy, a dancer, underwent ankle
surgery. As Kathy said on her Facebook
page along with this adorable picture,
“Let the healing begin!”
UPDATE: On July 17, 2012, another dog, Corona, was bitten by a rattlesnake in the
greenbelt behind Magdalena. She had been running through the grass when she must
have stepped on a young rattle snake–the snake bit her on her upper leg, piercing a
major blood vessel. Corona immediately went into shock. Her owners rushed her to
the vet who immediately gave her a vile of anti-rattle snake venom. She died less than
24 hours after she was bitten not live. Our sympathy goes to Nancy and Paul–Corona’s
family. It is important when walking in greenbelts to keep your dogs leashed and away
from porcupines, coyotes, skunks, and snakes at all times. The Barton Creek area is
home to a plethora of wild animals who lived there long before Travis Country was
developed.
The official news source of the Travis Country Community Service Association
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RAIN CHANGES THE RULES
By: Jim McNabb
The rare July rains resulted in a second growing season for Travis Country lawns and a
change in the City of Austin water conservation schedule.
One rain gauge at the west edge of Blue Valley caught 6.02 inches of rain over six days with close
to half of it coming in one cloud burst Sunday, July 15th. That deluge left water standing in the
Blue Valley Park and the pond was brimming.
TC RAIN TOTALS:
• July 9 – 0.94 inch
• July 10 – 1.36 inch
• July 11 – 0.76 inch
• July 12 – 0.04 inch
• July 14 – 0.18 inch
• July 15 – 2.74 inches
Those totals were representative of what happened all
across the city, prompting a change back to the Stage 1 lawn
watering schedule with a slight adjustment.
Residents may now resume watering twice a week. If you
have an odd-number address, you may water Wednesdays
and Saturdays. Even number addresses may water Thursdays and Sundays. The hours for watering have
changed. The new hours are after 7pm and before 5am. Watering with a hand-held hose is permitted
anytime.
For more information see the Austin Water web site: http://www.austintexas.gov/department/
water-conservation.
TENNIS NEWS
By: Dan Flannery
What a great summer, lots of fun
with the neighborhood kiddos!! Charlie
and Jacob competed well in the Austin
Zat, applying what we are working on in
class while being great sports!
The quickstart tennis is going great
too with lots of 10-and-unders playing
with the red balls, orange balls and green
balls, too.
We are working on getting
permanent lines down on courts 5 and
6 to allow the TC residents to practice
on the same courts they will be using in
the 10-and-under USTA tournaments (we
will host one in October here in TC).
Also of note, we run quarterly free
tennis events to build community and
showcase the tennis program! During
the events we run parent education
seminars and answer any and all
questions concerning the program, run
games, provide prizes. (Yes I will be
giving away UCHI gift cards again as well
as other prizes too!!)
Look for the Special Events sign as
we will be running another FUN FREE
playday for adults and juniors alike on
Labor Day in September. Come on out
and join in on the FUN! Everyone is
invited, and bring a friend!
Tennis on!
Coach Kevin and Coach Jason
August 2012
New Event Announcements from the
Travis County Master Gardeners
Planting the Fall Vegetable Garden
Thursday, August 16, 2012, 10am-12pm
Travis County AgriLife Extension Office
1600 B Smith Rd., Austin TX 78721
In spite of the warm temperatures, it is time to prepare for the fall vegetable garden. Discover
which warm season vegetables can be replanted now and which vegetables thrive in our mild
winter temperatures. Learn the basics of soil preparation, how to plant seeds and transplants. Learn
the varieties recommended for this area and the ideal times for planting. Novice and experienced
gardeners will learn valuable information. This seminar is free and open to the public. It is
presented by the Travis County Master Gardeners, a volunteer arm of the Texas AgriLife Extension
Service in Travis County. For more information: 512-854-9600 or www.tcmastergardeners.org.
Rainwater Harvesting in a Thirsty World
Saturday, August 11, 2012, 10am-12pm
Zilker Botanical Garden, Garden Center
2220 Barton Springs Rd., Austin TX 78746
Turn water scarcity into water abundance! New filtration and treatment technologies make
rainwater harvesting relatively easy. Rainwater harvesting systems can be installed in existing
buildings or incorporated into new construction. Master Gardener Ed Parken will discuss how
to conceptualize, design, and implement sustainable water-harvesting systems for your home and
landscape.
Parking and seating are limited, so please register online to reserve your seat at travistx.
tamu.edu/horticulture and click on “Public Seminar Registration.” This seminar is
free; Zilker park entrance fee is $2 per adult, $1 per child or senior. This seminar
is presented by the Travis County Master Gardeners, a volunteer arm of the Texas
AgriLife Extension Service in Travis County. For more information: 512-854-9600 or
www.tcmastergardeners.org.
Austin’s first environmentally planned neighborhood
Page 7
WILDFIRE SAFETY
PRECAUTIONS
Compiled by Candy Goodrich, Firewise Committee
From information provided by FEMA and the Texas Forest Service
As more people choose to live in wildland urban interface areas,
they enjoy the benefits of green space but face the very real possibility
of wildfire. Homes that survive major wildfire almost always survive
because their owners prepared for the possibility of fire, a force of nature
in fire-prone wildland areas.
TC Notes has previously published steps you can take to create a
30-foot defensible zone around your home. You can go to the TC office
to get a copy of the Texas Forest Service READY, SET, GO! pamphlet. A
very condensed version follows:
READY
• Create a Family Disaster Plan (pets included) with meeting locations
and communication plans.
• Have fire extinguishers and know how to use them.
• Know where gas, electric, and water main shut-offs are located.
• Have an emergency supply kit (including plenty of water), such as
recommended by the American Red Cross in the READY, SET, GO!
publication, and maintain a list of emergency contact numbers.
GET SET
• Shut all windows and doors, remove flammable window coverings,
move flammable furniture to the center of the room away from doors
and windows.
• Shut off gas at the meter and turn off pilot lights. Shut off air
conditioning.
• Keep lights on so firefighters can see your house under smoky
conditions.
• Collect outdoor flammable items and bring inside or place them in
your pool.
• Don’t leave sprinklers on or water running. They can lower critical
water pressure needed to fight the fire.
GO!
• Evacuate as soon as you are set! Alert family and neighbors. By leaving
early, you give your family the best chance of surviving a wildfire. Don’t
wait to be told by authorities to leave; they may not have time to contact
everyone. Lock your home.
• Have several travel routes in case one route is blocked by fire or
emergency vehicles. Drive away from the fire.
• Take your emergency supply kit and pet’s necessary items.
Don’t forget! Go
to the TC office to
get your pamphlet
with
checklists
of
emergency
supplies, actions
to take, and a place
to write out your
family’s Personal
Wildfire
Action
Plan.
Page 8
WILDFIRE!
By: Darrell Hutchinson
Mature Oak-Juniper woodland is the principal habitat component
of our Barton Creek and Travis Country greenbelts. Compared to
scrubland, oak savannah, and pine forests, our oak-juniper forest is the
most fire resistant of all natural landscapes in Central Texas. A closed
canopy forest protects soils, retains moisture, and creates the shade
necessary to suppress the growth of fast growing shrubs and grasses.
Regional firefighters refer to the Urban/Wildland Interface as
an area of potential wildfire danger. This is not because Oak-Juniper
woodland catches fire very easily, but because humans cause fires that
may reach the forest. Nowadays, in Travis County, lightening strikes
account for only a small percentage of forest fire ignitions. Our main
sources of ignition come from electric power lines inadequately cleared
of vegetation or sparking when it’s hot and dry, cigarettes thrown from
car windows, fireworks, and house fires.
Regional wildland managers use various fuel mitigation techniques
to reduce the risk of wildfires reaching the forest. Fuel mitigation
reduces the amount of combustible material on or near the ground
that can catch on fire and build up the heat needed to ignite a wildfire.
Controlled burns, fuel breaks, and shaded fuel breaks are proactive
strategies employed by land managers in different settings.
A carefully controlled burn of the forest understory can eliminate
low-lying brush and dead wood without damaging the mature trees.
Controlled burns mimic the natural ecological process of low intensity
ground fires, but are risky and unpopular in urbanized areas.
Fuel breaks are designed to stall a fire by robbing it of fuel, but are
labor intensive and costly to maintain. Typically, a swath of trees is cut
down and removed. The problem is what grows next. Mostly likely, in
the Hill Country, either young juniper (cedar) trees will spring up and/
or grasses will grow. Ashe Juniper is a pioneer species with a huge seed
bank built up in our soils. Grasses, including the invasive King Ranch
Bluestem, colonize open sunny, recently disturbed areas. Tree saplings
and grasses both burn easily in dry conditions. So, in order for a fuel
break to be effective, the felled trees must be cleared and any new growth
must be continuously cleared or mowed.
Shaded fuel breaks are what firefighters recommend for residential
neighborhoods located in the Urban/Wildland Interface. In a shaded
fuel break, dead wood and dense saplings are removed, but larger
trees are left standing to provide shade cover to suppress grasses and
seedlings. Mature junipers that contain older, dead limbs near the
ground can be “limbed up” to reduce ladder fuels that carry ground fires
into the canopy. Shaded fuel breaks are relatively easy for homeowners
to maintain and help preserve forest function and integrity.
Creating a shaded fuel break will help protect the forest from
catching fire, but maintaining a defensible space around your house will
help protect your home. Defensible space is the 30-ft. area immediately
around your house that firefighters need to protect it from a raging
wildfire. Last year, in Oak Hill, homes were lost because burning embers
became airborne and ignited flammable materials in homeowners’
yards. Woodpiles, leaves in rain gutters, and even wooden decks and
fencing can become fire hazards too close to home. Firefighters also
warn of yard waste being dumped into the greenbelt in the form of tree
clippings, dead Christmas trees, and lawn trimmings. These materials
dry out to become jackpot fuels that can explode into flame if ignited by
an ember. Become wildfire aware and check out the firewise guidelines
posted on the Travis Country website:
http://www.traviscountry.com/traviscountry/page.html?page_id=137.
The official news source of the Travis Country Community Service Association
TCnotes
GREAT NEWS! Austin’s City Council voted against rezoning of the Travis Country Prairie
We are now one step closer to perpetual conservation for the Travis Country AISD land:
In their comments leading up to their decisive 5-2 vote the Austin City Council challenged the neighborhood and AISD to
work together to create a win-win-win for the school district, Travis Country, and the Watershed.
Together we can create a beautiful prairie preserve that will be appreciated by future generations.
Learn about NPAT’s Prairies: www.tinyurl.com/NPATPrairies & www.tinyurl.com/TCPrairiePreserve
Please make a generous pledge to the Native Prairies Association to preserve the property
forever as a natural green space. If you pledged last year, please renew your pledge.
 You may pledge online at www.tinyurl.com/PrairiePledge
 Email SaveTheSavannah@aol.com to subscribe to our Save the Savannah E-Newsletter &
receive regular updates about the conservation efforts and the pledge drive.
 Thank you for your work, encouragement and support!
Because NPAT is a 501(c)3, all donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law.

By my signature below, I promise to contribute to the Native Prairies Association of Texas the amount of
$_________________, toward its Travis Country Prairie campaign. This conditional charitable pledge shall mature and
become due upon receipt of charitable pledges by NPAT and a bid on the Travis Country Prairie accepted by AISD. This pledge
shall be for a term of one (1) year. I understand, and explicitly acknowledge, that NPAT intends to rely upon the promise made
hereby, and that such reliance will make this pledge enforceable.*
Signature
Native Prairies Association of Texas
To preserve 12.45 acres of native grasses, heritage oaks
& wildlife habitat at the heart of Travis Country
First Name
Please do not include a donation at this time.
Pledges will come due when NPAT’s bid
is accepted by AISD.
No pledge is too large or too small.
Every single pledge is important.
Last Name
Drop your pledge in the box at the
Travis Country office in Blue Valley,
Pledge online at
Phone #
www.tinyurl.com/PrairiePledge
Circle one: In Memory of or In Honor of
Pledge amount
.
City
Or mail this form to NPAT
2002 - A Guadalupe St. PMB 290
Austin, TX 78705-5609
Address
State
If you have questions, email
SaveTheSavannah@aol.com
Or contact:
Zip
Email
NPAT is a 501(c)(3) organization, and your membership and contributions
are fully tax-deductible to the amount allowed by law
*As required by federal tax law regarding deductibility of earmarked
charitable contributions, we are required to informyou as follows:
NPAT must ensure that it maintains its discretion and control over all charitable
contributions. Accordingly, although NPAT will endeavor to honor your wishes regarding
the use of the funds you have pledged to donate, NPAT must maintain control over the
ultimate determination of how all donated funds are allocated. You should be aware that,
although NPAT will make every effort to use your earmarked contribution for the Travis
Country Prairie, your contribution will become the property of NPAT, and NPAT must
have ultimate discretion to determine how best to use all contributions to carry out its
functions and purposes. Donors should consult their tax adviser.
Phillip Quast, Outreach Coordinator
Native Prairies Association of Texas
512.751.9265
phillip_quast@texasprairie.org
http://texasprairie.org
The Native Prairies Association of Texas (NPAT)
is a non-profit land trust dedicated to
the conservation, restoration,
and appreciation of native prairies,
savannas, and other grasslands in Texas.
Paid Advertisement
August 2012
Austin’s first environmentally planned neighborhood
Page 9
CLASSIFIEDS
HOMES
•
•
SALE: 4 bed/2 bath, single story with 1688 sq. ft. at 4403 Twisted Tree
Drive. Move in ready. Over $70K in upgrades including and open concept
kitchen/dining/living, granite countertops, stainless appliances and vent
hood, golden teak wood floors, two Velux skylights, HVAC and insulation
(2010), new roof (2011), and more. Shaded backyard bordering a strip of
greenbelt. Five houses from Hilltop. Call Crystal Reynolds at 680.3217 or
email crystalkreynolds@yahoo.com.
RENT: Mature female (possibly a teacher) to share a 3/2 home in Travis
Country. Mother-in-law plan. Community pools and tennis courts. Hiking
trails. Must not mind a small dog. Available July 15, 2012. $450 per month
plus equal deposit and ½ utilities. (512) 326-1818 or (512) 892-4872.
EVERYONE PLAYS
EVERYONE WINS
Healthy activities for kids have always
been at the core of the YMCA of Austin.
Whether your child is a newbie or a
seasoned player, YMCA team sports and
activities build character and teach
lifelong values…in addition to being
a lot of FUN!
Fall Youth Sports include:
Swim
FOR SALE
•
•
•
•
•
•
2005 Black Volvo XC70 AWD turbo sport wagon. Transferable warranty,
integrated second row booster seats, Bose audio, and leather seating. 92K
miles. Excellent condition. $11,900. 394-4778.
Four GM Wheels, 16”, 5-STUD and two mounted tires. Excellent condition.
$149. 797-431.
Two vintage school desk chairs (seat with book shelf), late 1960s, excellent
condition; 31x21x26. $75 each or two for $99. 797-4311.
Safco Vista drawing table, 42”W x 30”D. White top lifts to 45 degrees;
height adjusts from 30” to 46”. $59. 797-4311.
Defender Series for Blackberry Curve 8300 Series Otter Box. Three layers
of protection, fully interactive membrane over screen and keypad. New.
$15. 797-4311.
N Ultra Range Plus Wireless-N USB Network Adapter with Dual-Band
Linksys by Cisco. New. $12. 797-4311.
Juan Araujo,
Painter
l
l
l
Soccer
T-Ball
Volleyball
Southwest Family YMCA
6219 Oakclaire Dr. & Hwy. 290
891-YMCA • AustinYMCA.org
YMCA of Austin August 2012 ad-Travis Country.indd 1
Les
Registra son
ti
Now Op on
en!
FALL YOUTH SPORTS
REGISTRATION
OPEN THRU AUGUST
7/13/2012 12:25:13 PM
Painting - Interior and Exterior
Popcorn Removal
Home Repairs
Home Remodeling
Over 15 years experience
including painting in Travis Country
512-709-2606
Page 10
The official news source of the Travis Country Community Service Association
TCnotes
Gaines Creek Park Update
By: Danny Fowler and Joe Soto
UPDATE ON STAGE ONE PLANTING
June 16, we see the first indications of animal predation. The new
growth (innermost leaves) of the hymenocalles plant were bitten off
on all specimens present. Irrigation had been done the week prior,
stimulating these new tender leaf shoots. The damage to the plants was
minor. No sign of any predation to the crinum lilies, nor to the elephant
garlic bulbs. The strong odor of animal urine noticed in around the bed.
An ESTAbliShEd
REAl ESTATE AgEnT.
140
Since 2000, Sherri has sold
homes in Travis Country.
Licensed in the State of Texas
Your Neighbor & Realtor in Travis
Country for Over a Decade
512.771.7082
Sherri@SherriWilliams.com
Each office is Independently
Owned and Operated.
w w w. S h e r r i W i l l i a m s . c o m
STAGE TWO PLANTING – OXBLOOD LILIES,
STERNBERGIA, LYCORIS
Fall blooming bulbs were planted in stage two of the Gaines Creek
Park Heirloom bulb project around the beginning of June. Oxblood lily
bulbs (rhodophiala bifida) were planted in the prepared bed. Autumn
daffodil bulbs (sternbergia lutea) were planted as were lycoris radiata
bulbs. These three heirloom bulbs flower in the fall, then produce foliage
that persists through spring, finally going dormant in summer.
One of the common names for oxblood lilies is “surprise lilies.”
Appearing as they do in the fall, the bright red blossoms are a welcome
bit of color in our burned out Texas landscape. Some call them “school
house lilies,” as they appear in fall when the kids head back to class. They
are also called “hurricane lilies” or “chili lilies.” Oxbloods are a unique
adapted bulb in Central Texas and multiply quite easily under less than
ideal conditions.
Sternbergia lutea is an heirloom bulb that deserves to be used a lot
more. It blooms in fall with bright yellow trumpet-like flowers. It is a
durable, colorful addition to the fall landscape.
Lycoris radiata is a hardy, perennial bulb producing beautifully,
intricate, brilliant red flowers. It is also called “surprise lily” or “naked
lady” as it blooms dramatically on bare stems with no foliage.
Our trial planting has proved successful in gaining knowledge of
the deer resistance of heirloom bulbs. Some of the anecdotal evidence
has been confirmed, for example, that crinum lilies are pretty deer
resistant. With stage two planting done we can look forward to the fall
blooming bulbs. We’ll see if the deer eat the oxbloods and if it’s true as
some say that the deer bite off the flowers, but then spit them out!
Thank you on behalf of the Texas Flower Bulb Society for allowing
us to use the space at Gaines Creek Park for this trial planting. The Travis
Country neighborhood is doubly blessed to have such a wonderful, wild
spot in your midst and also to have such a mindful and caring guardians.
August 2012
Expand the Mind
Of You or Your Child
Study Music
Violin
Viola
Guitar
Audition preparation
UIL Solo-Ensemble Coaching
Beginner to Advanced
Dr. Robert Radmer
4011 Travis Country Circle
rradmer@mac.com
Faculty - St. Edward’s University
Austin’s first environmentally planned neighborhood
Page 11
Travis
of
Country
2012
Parade
Most Patriotic Child under 5:
1. Caroline Crump
Parents: Allison and Edward Crump
2. Charlotte Tolliver
Parents: Craig and Sheri Tolliver
3. TIE: Charlotte Rose and Caroline
Zumberg
Parents: Robin and Kyle Zumberg
Amil, age 4 ½ was a big winner of a Norco 20”
bike given away by Endovers Bike Shop. Amil’s
parents are Marat and Ophelia Chafigoulline.
Endovers Bike Shop also gave away tool kits
to: Charlie Moore, Ian Hildebrand, and Jackie
Kraal.
Most Patriotic Child over 5:
1. Stephanie Von Rosenberg
2. Mary Louisa Donoghue
3. Vivian Pratner
Most Patriotic Stroller/Wagon:
1. Ryan Moore
2. Jacqueline Tolliver
3. Dylan McManus
Most Patriotic Family:
1. The Williams Family: Brooke, Devin, Shae, David, Doreen, and Chas
2. The Payne Family: Madeline, Abby, Brad, and Yuri
3. The Weldon-Carroll Family: Jules, Mark, Ryan-Coe, Ryal James, Lyla
Grace, Rosco
Most Patriotic Bike:
1. Ryal James Weldon Carroll
2. Rebecca Jackson
3. Zane Bratner
Most Patriotic Hat:
1. Brooke and Devin Williams
2. Brandis Brinkman
3. Jackie Totlen
Page 12
Most Patriotic Pet:
1. Abby - Stephanie Von Rosenberg
2. Coda - Elin Carlson
3. Rosco - Alison Cru
The official news source of the Travis Country Community Service Association
TCnotes
August 2012
Austin’s first environmentally planned neighborhood
Page 13
Animal Times
By: Sydney Beeler, 10 years old
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2012
EVENTS CALENDAR
Golden-Cheeked Warbler
Compiled By: Ruth Schwab
8/7
The Golden-cheeked Warbler is the only species of bird that
nests only in Texas. Every breeding season, the females lay 3 to 4
eggs. Golden-cheeked Warblers eat insects, spiders, and beetles and
can grow to reach a length of 4.5 inches. They live in woodlands with
tall ashe juniper, oaks and other trees. Golden-cheeked Warblers
are endangered because many tall juniper and oak woodlands have
been cleared to build houses, roads, and stores. Some habitat was
cleared to grow crops or grass for livestock. Other habitat areas were
flooded when large lakes were built. The Golden-cheeked Warbler’s
song is high-pitched and buzzy. You can listen to it at http://www.
allaboutbirds.org/guide/Golden-cheeked_Warbler/sounds. If you see
a Golden-cheeked Warbler, you should leave it alone and think twice
before cutting down ashe junipers.
Page 14
TC LAND PRESERVATION MEETING
7:00 pm TCCSA office
8/8
ARCHITECTURAL COMMITTEE MEETING
7:00 pm TCCSA office
8/9
SAFETY COMMITTEE MEETING
6:00 pm TCCSA office
8/10
TC NOTES DEADLINE
5:00 pm tcnotes@traviscountry.com
8/13
POOL COMMITTEE MEETING
7:00 pm TCCSA office
8/14
TENNIS COMMITTEE MEETING
6:00 pm TCCSA office
8/16
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
6:00 pm TCCSA office
TBD
END OF SUMMER POOL PARTY*
TBA
Blue Valley Pool /Pavilion
Week of 9/1 TC NOTES DELIVERY
via USPS
9/4
TC LAND PRESERVATION MEETING
7:00 pm TCCSA office
9/5
GROUNDS COMMITTEE MEETING
7:00 pm TCCSA office
9/6
COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE MEETING
7:00 pm TCCSA office
*End of Summer Pool Party is TBD. Need volunteers to host it.
The official news source of the Travis Country Community Service Association
TCnotes
TRAVIS
SPORTSCOUNTRY
HIGHLIGHTS
By: John Hanschen
We continue our series on Travis Country life guards. Next time you’re at the pool, greet these dedicated
young people and thank them for their service to our neighborhood.
Fernando Yalil Chada has lived
in Travis Country for 11 years and is
starting his second year as a TC lifeguard.
Fernando attended O. Henry and Austin
High and is currently studying civil
engineering at UT, where he will begin
his senior year in the fall. Fernando was a
trumpet player in the Austin High band
for four years and took up rugby in his
last year of high school. Before signing
up for rugby, Fernando had never played
the sport and recalls being surprised at
the amount of physical contact and running involved in the game. He
likens rugby to playing football without pads and with no stoppage
between plays. He has recently joined a rugby club at UT. Fernando
enjoys the people that he works with at the TC pool and enjoys hanging
out with his TC neighbors.
Will Grote is serving his third year
as a TC lifeguard. Will grew up in the
neighborhood and attended Oak Hill,
O. Henry and Austin High, where he
will be a senior in the fall. Will has been
active in sports throughout his high
school career, participating in football
as a wide receiver; track as a sprinter in
the 100m, 200m and 400m events; and
soccer as a right half. He’s also been a
swimmer for the TC Sharks. One of
Will’s most memorable sports moments
is clocking a record for his age group of 27 seconds in the 50-yard
butterfly. After high school Will plans to attend ACC for a year to get
some core courses under his belt before transferring to UTSA or Texas
State to pursue mechanical or civil engineering. In his spare time Will
likes to play video games and hang out with his girlfriend.
SCHOOL
NEWS
Many of you have asked about
securing particular weeks for the
new school year on the Marquee
Rental. Now is your chance to get
your week! You’ve probably seen
the “Happy Birthday” or “Good
Luck” messages on the Oak Hill
school marquee and wondered,
“How did they get so lucky?”
It’s really easy. The PTA rents one line on the Oak Hill school
marquee for $26 (online purchase only via PayPal – credit, debit, or
EFT from your bank).
Anyone (parents, teachers, grandparents, etc.) may purchase
a message. However, the message must be elementary school
appropriate (no advertising, please!) and may contain up to 25
characters. Messages are subject to approval. The message will be
displayed on the north side of the marquee for a minimum of 5 days
(Monday-Friday) unless it’s a weird holiday situation. The slots are
available on a first-come, first-serve-basis so don’t delay. The kids
REALLY like seeing their name in “lights” (okay, not lights, but up on
the board!). These funds go directly to the PTA to benefit all of our
students at OHE.
Visit http://ohepta.org/Store_Marquee.html to go to the OHE
online store and brighten your child’s week! If your week is sold out,
please contact webmaster@ohepta.org.
August 2012
Adrenaline All-Star Team
By: Scott Beeler
The Oak Hill Mustang (10u) “Adrenaline” All-Star team placed 4th
in the recent PONY Central Texas Regional tournament in Cedar Park.
The regional tournament included the best 17 teams from Georgetown
to San Antonio. The team, which includes Travis Country resident and
TC Notes “Animal Times” contributor Sydney Beeler will be traveling to
the PONY South Zone Nationals All-Star competition in Mandeville,
LA July 24th - 29th. Sydney plays 2nd base and right field for the team,
and is participating in the All-Star Nationals tournament for the 2nd
year in a row. Sydney was on last year’s Oak Hill Pinto (8u) team that
took 3rd place at the South Zone All-Star Nationals tournament last
summer.
Teams from Oak Hill qualified for Nationals in 6u (Shetland), 8u
(Pinto), 10u (Mustang), and 12u (Bronco) divisions. Congratulations to
all the girls!
Austin’s first environmentally planned neighborhood
Page 15
TRAVIS COUNTRY
REAL ESTATE UPDATE
By: Ricky Cain, TC Resident
“As the summer starts
to wind down,
we may see our usual
and cyclical sales
cycle slow down.
Our hope is that with
the low interest rates,
buyers will continue
to absorb the
inventory that comes
up for sale in the
neighborhood.”
Sh
Co err
rn i’s
er
While homes are still selling quickly, we are seeing more inventory coming available than we have in the past few
months. This more abundant inventory is leading to slightly longer days on market for the current homes for sale, but
our averages still exceed those in nearly all other Austin neighborhoods. As of today (July 20th), there are currently nine
homes looking for new owners, with only two in the original sections. The cumulative days on market average for these
homes is 26, with an average sales price of $392,666 and an average dollar per square foot price of $163.76. There is
also one condo for sale in The Woods, and it is being offered at $210,000.
There are currently ten Travis Country home owners that have accepted an offer, with only four in the original
sections that are in pending status. The cumulative average list price for these homes prior to going under contract is
$359,210, the average dollar per square foot price is $160.39 and these homes were on the market for a cumulative
average of 11 days before accepting an offer.
Since last month’s real estate update, we have eleven new neighbors to welcome to the hood! The three homes
in the original sections sold for an average of $346,000, an average sold dollar per square foot price of $179.79 and
took an average of 18 days before accepting an offer. The seven sold homes in the newer sections brought a cumulative
average sales price of $380,088, an average sold dollar per square foot price of $173.24 and it took sellers an average
of 27 days before accepting an offer from a buyer. There was also one condo sale in The Woods, and it sold for $166.38
a square foot in only a few days.
As the summer starts to wind down, we may see our usual and cyclical sales cycle slow down. Our hope is that with
the low interest rates, buyers will continue to absorb the inventory that comes up for sale in the neighborhood. It’s never
too late to buy great real estate in Travis Country!
Beat the Heat with
Swimming Holes
Around Austin
• McKinneyFallsStatePark
• Jacob’sWell
• HamiltonPool
• BlancoStatePark
• WimberleyBlueHole
• KrauseSprings
• GeorgetownBlueHole
• BartonSpringsPool
5808 McKinney Falls Parkway
Austin 78744 | (512) 243-1643
221 Woodacre Drive
Wimberley 78676 | (512) 847-5999
24300 Hamilton Pool Road
Dripping Springs 78620 | (512) 264-2740
Blue Hole Road
Wimberley 78676 | (512) 847-0025
W. Second Street and Rock Street
Georgetown 78626 | (512) 930-3595
101 Park Road 23
Blanco 78606 | (830) 833-4333
404 Krause Springs Rd
Spicewood | (830) 693-4181
2201 Barton Springs Road
Austin 78746 | (512) 476-9044
Licensed in the State of Texas
512.771.7082
Sherri@SherriWilliams.com
SherriWilliams.com
Page 16
The official news source of the Travis Country Community Service Association
Each office is Independently
Owned and Operated.
TCnotes
Welcome to
TC’s Newest Residents!
Pongracz & Catherine Sennyey- 4604 Trail Crest Cir.
Betty Kuykendall- 4700 Trail West Dr.
Chris & Beryl Andrews- 4801 Eagle Feather Dr.
Matthew & Christina Loftus- 4704 Fannin Falls Place
Blake & Julie Sawyer - 5216 Mc Dade Dr.
Sean M. & Alicia R. Crowley - 5000 Crystal Water Dr.
William T. & Grace D. Wike - 5524 Hero Dr.
Brian & Christie Abernethy - 4601 Canyonwood Dr.
Matthew & Alison Talbert - 4706 Fawnwood Cove
Steven & Rebecca Capezza - 5716 Hero Dr.
Russell & Cathy Anderson - 5930 Republic of Texas Blvd.
Kathy A. Spinks - 4860 Calhoun Canyon Loop
Charles & Arlene Beaman - 5306 Painted Shield Dr.
Clinton & Meghan Sayers - 5108 Concho Creek Bend
Linda L. Drga - 5549 Hero Dr.
Julie Stone Frederick - 4104 Sun Spirit Dr.
Loren M. Nyer - 5805 Republic of Texas Blvd.
Patricia T. Barne- 5321 Moon Shadow Dr.
Gavin Hudgeons - 3808 Sendero Dr.
Zachry A. & Jennie F. Allen - 5324 Moon Shadow Dr.
Donelson A. Shannon - 5209 Concho Creek Bend
Park & Kowecha Street - 4429 Sacred Arrow Dr.
Gilbert & Triphine Tuhabonye - 5529 Hero Dr.
Bradon & Kay Crisp - 4700 Trail Crest Cir.
Christopher & Cora Bettis - 4601 Creek Ridge
Graham & Alanna Bettis - 5420 Moon Shadow Dr.
Buying, Selling, Leasing
Tammie Lanier
512-426-3167
“I am here to help.”
August 2012
Austin’s first environmentally planned neighborhood
TML09@sbcglobal.net
Tammielanier@gmail.com
Page 17
Frizzle words with “Final Stable Syllables” (FSS)
“Give your child the gift of written language”
©
KLM Multisensory Language 2012 karen.monteith@gmail.com (512) 891-8555
1) Code sounded vowels and bracket FSS, then read.
2) Write in cursive as a real word using “multisensory writing” (name and write).
3) Memorize the key words.
4) Practice spelling the FSS and the key words eight times or more until secure for reading and spelling.
Basic FSS:
bub ble _____________________________________________________________
pop si cle ___________________________________________________________
can dle ______________________________________________________________
ruf fle ______________________________________________________________
an kle ______________________________________________________________
pic kle ______________________________________________________________
pur ple ______________________________________________________________
has sle ______________________________________________________________
tus sle ______________________________________________________________
cas tle ______________________________________________________________
bot tle ______________________________________________________________
puz zle _____________________________________________________________
Advanced FSS:
per cus sion ____________________________________________________________
pack age _______________________________________________________________
ex plo sion ______________________________________________________________
sta tion _______________________________________________________________
pic ture _______________________________________________________________
KLM Language
Multisensory Teaching Approach
Karen L. Monteith, M.A., CALT
Certified Academic Language Specialist
(512) 891-8555 • karen.monteith@gmail.com
Page 18
The official news source of the Travis Country Community Service Association
TCnotes
H E A LT H Y
LI VI N G
By: Bobbi Frels Farris
Sharing Recipes and Locking Doors
When I ponder topics for the Healthy Living article it never occurs to me to think about my physical
safety in terms of crime. In June when the homicide in our neighborhood happened and we were told to
stay inside and lock our doors, it occurred to me that I could honestly say, short of going and knocking
on their doors, I only have contact information for about half of my immediate neighbors.
It worried me that so many of my neighbors are active and could very likely be out walking, running
or worse hiking on one of our wonderful trails, not having any idea why the helicopters were circling
overhead. Unless they ran into the K-9 unit they would have no way of knowing they might be sharing
the trail with someone dangerous.
I told at least 5 people and none of them knew a thing about it until I’d contacted them. I know we
have a new TC Facebook page, but I’m not sure many people realize it’s there, or the potential value of
it in a situation like this. Had I not already known–because my husband was stopped at one of the road
blocks–the Facebook alert would have been how I found out.
Community involvement is so important for so many reasons. Families with children tend to be
more involved because of things like the swim teams. Those of us without kids can go weeks and weeks
without talking to anyone as we come and go in our busy lives. We forget how wonderful (and healthy) it
can be to feel part of our community.
Last summer one of my neighbors had a substantial water leak while they were out of town. If I
hadn’t had their contact info they would have come home to a mold-filled, water-logged home. Another
neighbor had a sprinkler head that was fountaining, but since their sprinkler ran before they woke in the
morning, they had no idea. Since I’m a morning person, I was able to clue them in… no, I’m not as nosey
as I sound. In fact I try very hard not to talk to my neighbors over the fence. Our homes are so close these
days I feel it’s nice for them to have that privacy. When I want to talk to them I talk to them in their front
yards.
On a much smaller scale, a neighbor’s dining room looked out onto the area I was piling up
gardening supplies. I was oblivious to the fact that I was marring up their dinnertime view. I’m glad they
felt comfortable enough to come ask me if I could stow away some of my things. Done! Easy solution, I
moved my empty flower pots and half-filled mulch bags out of their view
For issues large and small it may be a good idea to make sure you know how to reach your neighbors
and they know how to reach you. Hopefully, we won’t have any more homicides and we can get back to
discussing recipes, natural bug control options and dog training tips.
“Community
involvement is so
important for so
many reasons...
We forget how
wonderful (and
healthy) it can
be to feel part of
our community.”
www.facebook.com/
traviscountry
Yard Work • Power Washing
Handyman Services
Senior Caregiver
For estimates, contact
512-423-6255
Randy McLerran
892-0303
Resident of 4194 Travis Country Circle
since 1986 • No contracts required
August 2012
Nancy Baniukiewicz
nancybaniuk@gmail.com
• 6 years experience
• Light housekeeping/meals
• References available • Help with errands
Please call for more information.
Austin’s first environmentally planned neighborhood
Page 19
Repurposing Ideas: 5 New
Uses For Eggshells
Remember the American Egg Board's "Incredible Edible Egg"
commercials? Though there's lots to love about an egg, it turns out the
shells are actually the incredible part. They can be used for a variety
of different garden uses, among other purposes. Here are some of my
favorite uses for eggshells.
FERTILIZER
Did you know that eggshells are
predominately made of calcium carbonate–
the active ingredient in lime–as well as other
nutrients for plants? Eggshells make a great
natural fertilizer of sorts. Whether you break
the shells up and sprinkle them on top of a
plant, or mix a few into potting soil, your
plant will thank you.
COFFEE OR TEA STAIN REMOVER
Do you have a cup or travel mug that has
been stained by your favorite warm beverage?
Grind up some eggshells and drop them in
the drinkware filled with warm water. Let it
sit over night, and the egg shell will absorb the
stain.
SEED STARTER
Remember how we said that egg shells make great fertilizer? Use egg
shells to start seeds. Fill the egg shell half with soil and the seed, then
plant directly into the ground (or into the pot). As the plant develops and
the shell breaks down, it provides the seedling with plenty of nutrients.
We are proud to support TC Notes!
Ultimate Imaging is your home-grown
one-stop printing, copying and direct mail source.
Call on us for any business or personal printing needs!
SIDEWALK CHALK
For whatever reason, everyone loves drawing on the sidewalk (or
driveway) with chalk. Did you know that you can use egg shells as part
of the recipe for an easy-to-make sidewalk chalk? Suite 101 has a really
simple recipe that you can make with your kids at http://suite101.com/
article/eggshellsidewalkchalk-a549.
ULTIMATE IMAGING
DESIGN
SLUG REPELLANT
Summertime is slug time. If you don't want them around your garden
(and who does?) simply sprinkle crushed eggshells around gardens and
pathways. Slugs won't cross the crunchy barrier.
Page 20
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MAIL
512-916-9780
3019 Alvin Devane Blvd., Suite 400 • Austin, Texas 78741
The official news source of the Travis Country Community Service Association
TCnotes
Did You Know?
If you break your blender pitcher you can replace it with a mason jar.
Stuffing a dryer sheet in your back pocket will repel mosquitoes
Marshmallows can cure a sore throat. Perfect
for kids who don’t like medicine.
You can mail anything that will take a stamp and
weighs less than 13ounces without a box.
Travis Country Alumni
Many of our TC children have grown up to become
prominent people and we would like to hear about
them. If you have information about a past TC resident
who has gone on to do great things, please email us at
tcnotes@traviscountry.com. We look forward to catching
up with our extended TC family!
WELL,
Take your bananas apart when
you get home from the store. If
you leave them connected at the stem,
they ripen faster.
Add garlic immediately to a recipe
if you want a light taste of garlic
and at the end of the recipe if you
want a stronger taste of garlic.
Store your opened chunks of cheese in aluminum foil. It will stay
fresh much longer and not mold! (But you can scrape off any mold and
still eat the cheese without changes in flavor!)
Peppers with 3 bumps on the bottom are sweeter
and better for eating. Peppers with 4 bumps on the
bottom are firmer and stronger flavored.
Newspaper keeps weeds away: Plant your plants in
the ground; work the nutrients in your soil. Then wet
newspapers, put layers around the plants overlapping
as you go, cover with mulch, and forget about weeds. Weeds will
get through some gardening plastic they will not get through wet
newspapers.
To keep squirrels from eating your plants, sprinkle your plants
with cayenne pepper. The cayenne pepper doesn’t hurt the plant:
squirrels won’t come near it.
Use your hair conditioner to shave your legs. It’s
cheaper than shaving cream and leaves your legs really
smooth.
HELLO YOUR AD
THERE! COULD BE
DID YOU
HERE?
KNOW...
OR JUST ABOUT ANYWHERE IN THE NEXT NEWSLETTER?
HELP KEEP THE TC NOTES A FREE SERVICE TO THE COMMUITY
AFFORDABLE RATES • REACH OVER 1500 TRAVIS COUNTRY HOMES
RATES AS LOW AS
$25 PER MONTH!*
INTERESTED?
VISIT
WWW.TRAVISCOUNTRY.COM
OR EMAIL
Get Rid of Ants: Put small piles of cornmeal where you see ants. They
eat it, take it “home,” can’t digest it so it kills them. It may take a week or
so, especially if it rains, but it works and you don’t have the worry about
pets or small children being harmed!
PUBLICATIONS@ULTIMATE-IMAGING.COM
Need to cut some corn off the cob? Use your
Bundt pan. Place the ear on the opening in the center
of the pan, and as you slide the knife down the ear, all
the kernels will collect in the main part of the pan.
REMEMBER: DEADLINE IS THE 15TH OF THE
MONTH PRIOR TO PUBLICATION!
FOR MORE INFORMATION.
*BLACK/WHITE BUSINESS CARD SIZE AD WITH AN 11 MONTH CONTRACT
DEADLINE IS THE 15TH OF THE MONTH PRIOR TO PUBLICATION
August 2012
Austin’s first environmentally planned neighborhood
Page 21
TRAVIS COUNTRY STUDENT SERVICES
NAME
AGE
Avant, Kelly*#
Borrego, Natali+
Bottera, Angel*+
Bourgeois, Abby
15
15
18
Brignole, Sydney*
16
●
Camp, Allison
Camp, Patrick
Collins, Spencer
Curran, Samantha
Duarte, Janel
Escobedo, Rachel
Escobedo, Sarah*+
Espinoza, Kevin+
Gowin, Baylee*
Greiner, Garrett
16
14
20
17
17
15
17
17
15
15
●
Harper, David
Heather Hugman+
Hill, Alicia
Hurley, Alex
Isensee, Ava
JHS Lawn Care
15
15
-17
12
Larkam, Matthew
Lauritzen, Lindsey
Lauritzen, Tessa
Claire Levatino
Malachowski, Kyle
Malachowski, Rhyan
Martin, Emily
McBrayer, Keith
McBrayer, Kevin
17
18
15
16
14
12
12
14
16
McClelland, Kaile*
Parker, Taylor
Rotem Pedahzur
Porter, Melissa*+
Primeaux, Aaron
Primeaux, Leah
Richardson,
Peyton*+#
Salazar, Ally
Salazar, Summer*#
15
18
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14
16
13
15
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13
17
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15
10
15/
16
12
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14
16
14
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Trocino, Mitchell*+
Twin Girls
Walter, John & David
“Pick up Poo”
Weldon-Carroll,
RyanCole
White, Jamie
White, Lindsey
Wolf, Elysa+
BABY
SIT
HOUSE
SIT
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CARE
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CARE
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LAWN
CARE
*CPR Training +Red Cross Course Certified #First Aid Training
PARENTAL
SUPERVISION
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CONTACT / OTHER INFORMATION
906-4641 / References
natali@austin.rr.com, 512-981-8048 (c) References.
589-0208
891-9194 abbabysit@gmail.com Also, mother’s helper and
tutoring.
References/Lifeguard/Honor Student
891-8951(h) 587-0161(c)
619-3553 / Own transportation
731-8853
College Student earning $$. Professional results. 512-731-1089
925-8694; tjjsof7cs@aol.com. 4 years of experience. References.
983-1551 or tastemyink@gmail.com / Wash your car
892-2935(h); 750-8056(c) n.luv.with.soccer@gmail.com
892-2935(h); 560-6794(c)
892-1817 Also provides tutoring services.
892-2578 or baylee101@gmail.com
740-6628 or gag99423@yahoo.com
CEO: Yellow Wagon Landscaping
892-1637 or 705-7712
891-0263 / References
892-3878
Odd jobs/labor.512-992-8952 or witnessracing@gmail.com
892-2601
JHSlawncare@gmail.com. James Schultz (13), Hudson Hadd (14),
and Samuel Levatino (14). Two summers experience
358-8877 / All lawn needs.
527-4288 or kdlauritzen@gmail.com
284-2120 or kdlauritzen@gmail.com
512-850-3732 or clevatino@austin.rr.com
892-7754 (Reptiles/ small rodents)
892-7754 (Collect mail & papers)
892-5939 / Power wash drive/patio
909-5140 - Specializing in all animals.
Also general labor. $25 flat rate per lawn, any size/frequency.
366-2344 (c); 891-8103 (h)
426-7187 or jamielynnmcclelland@yahoo.com
826-3391
512-925-9692
899-1699 (Swim Coach in Training)
891-9724 or 944-2895 / Fur, feathers, scales
565-3409 Text preferred.
892-0614 or 203-9682
704-3057 or allysalazar@gmail.com
919-9449 or summer.salazar12@yahoo.com
AED Certified. Can transport kids. Private lessons in backyard pool.
512-567-9043 or mitch@mtrocino.com Pool care.
891-5351
892-5531 $8/one dog. $2/each additional dog.
Weekly: $5/one dog. $2 additional dogs.
892-1624 (Power wash drive/patio)
350-4841
296-7391
512-964-9394(c) or elysa.m.wolf@gmail.com
References
The Classifieds are open to Travis Country residents only. Free service ads for students ages 18-and-under all year, and for college-age 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 SERVICE ADS MUST
BE RENEWED MONTHLY. The Editor must be notified when a student is 18 and graduates from high school. Non-service ads can run for a maximum of three months. We reserve the right to edit all ads. For information about
paid advertising for business and services provided by adults, see the guidelines provided by Ultimate Imaging in this edition of the TC Notes. Advertising for businesses and services for individuals 18+ may be placed at the
TC website under Classifieds for no charge. You may also ask the TC Office (892-2256) to add your name to the list they maintain. Questions: tcnotes@traviscountry.com.
Page 22
The official news source of the Travis Country Community Service Association
TCnotes
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CHIROPRACTIC
GLUTEN FREE DIET CONSULTING
AND MENU PLANNING
Patient Focused
Results Driven Care
CONTACT: KAY COLVIN
512-848-0841
Advanced
Treatment
Technology
KSCOLVIN61@YAHOO.COM
• Non-Surgical Spinal
Decompression
• Cold Laser Therapy
• Digital Radiology
Dr. Michael P. Henry
Doctor of Chiropractic
(512) 899-2228
Shopping
4601 Southwest Pkwy. Suite 101 • Austin, Texas 78735
www.texstarchiropractic.com
S H O P S U N S E T VA L L E Y
for Everything Under the Sun
OVER 90 STORES & RESTAURANTS
H W Y
August 2012
2 9 0
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Austin’s first environmentally planned neighborhood
sunsetvalley.org/shopping
Page 23
TCnotes
4504 Travis Country Cir.
Austin, TX 78735
IN THIS ISSUE:
SAVE OUR OAKS
AGRESSIVE COYOTES IN AREA
APD MEETING WITH TC RESIDENTS
AISD PROPERTY RE-ZONING
HANDICAP ACCESS TO POOL
WILDFIRE SAFETY TIPS
4TH OF JULY PARADE PHOTOS
Molly Austin ,
Realtor ®
Blackburn Properties
512 771 0721
molly @ mollyaustin.com
www.mollyaustin.com
Molly’s 2¢ (on Blogging)
A blog is a terrific way to connect with
an audience on a topic that the blogger
holds near and dear. We have some
bloggers here in the neighborhood who
share their expertise and insights with
innovative and fun to read blogs.
art, you learn about life and humanity in
addition to history and aesthetics. Expand
your horizons, quickly and easily, and
have fun!” ~ from The Art Minute
The Art Minute
www.the-art-minute.com
This colorful blog written by TC
resident Sally Whitman Coleman
beautifully illustrates short art lessons.
Dr. Coleman has been teaching art
history in central Texas for fifteen years.
Travel around town with TC resident
Casie Wenmohs as she and her three
active boys explore all the fun activities
Austin has to offer. With plenty of
colorful photos and background
information, Casie gives great ideas for
kid-friendly outings. From Deep Eddy
to local museums, the blog gives helpful
information with lots of entertaining
tidbits.
From abstract expressionism to
romanticism to the beauty of a genetic
diagram, The Art Minute gives the
reader a quick, easy to understand
information about the history and
composition of both famous and obscure
artwork. The blog is easy to navigate
and will make you an art expert (or at
least sound like one) in no time!
“Consult The Art Minute before you
take a trip to Europe, visit a museum,
head out to a cocktail party, or sip your
morning coffee. When you learn about
Tip of t he Mont h
Austin Active Kids
www.austinactivekids.com
The Online Repairman
www.onlinerepairman.com
Do you need help learning how to fix
a sprinkler head? Or would you like to
install a motion detector light? TC resident
Ken Ivie can show you how with easy-tofollow videos on his Online Repairman
blog. His motto is “Everything’s easy
when you see how to do it!”
The Repairman’s topics include
Back to school shopping? Try a clothing swap with friends before
heading to the stores. It’s an economical and fun way to get more use
of those shoes and clothes your kids grew out of.
All About Austin
Slingbox, DirectTV, House, Auto,
Lawn, iPhone, Time-lapse and Fun.
There is information for all kinds of
projects! Heading to the beach this
summer? Checkout the video on how
to build a sandcastle. Frustrated with
your DirectTV or iPhone? There are
solutions on this handy blog with
creative and fun videos.
San Antonio Tourist
sanantoniotourist.wordpress.com
With the motto “For folks who want
to get beyond the Alamo and River
Walk” my sister and San Antonio
resident Denise Barkis Richter blogs
about cool and off-the-beaten- path
adventures in our neighbor city to the
South.
Ever been to the Blue Star
Contemporary Art Center? How about
the San Antonio Botanical Gardens?
Photos and links abound on this
informative and entertaining blog
about all things San Antonio. And yes,
there is information about the Alamo!
The 8th Annual Night of the Bat Fest is August 25 on the Ann
Richards Congress Avenue Bridge from 5 pm to midnight. Admission
is free for this family event with 10 bands and a variety of vendors.