The View at Crystal Falls, Vol. 24 (2015)

Vol.
• SEP
2006
Vol.124
• OCT
2015
Grand Haven’s Cottages Coming Soon
to the Crystal Falls Town Center
G
rand Haven Homes is proud to announce The Cottages at Crystal Falls,
a unique neighborhood of 57 stylish detached homes in a beautiful, gated
enclave, located in the Town Center behind the upcoming Randall’s.
The Cottages are designed for retirees and singles who are looking for a
low maintenance “lock and leave” lifestyle with common area maintenance
included. The Cottages make a welcoming first impression with a mix of
Craftsman, Bungalow, Hill Country and Prairie architectural styles, and
continue to wow on the inside with beautiful designer finishes. Ranging from
approximately 1,300 to more than 1,750 square feet, these uniquely designed
one- and two-story homes offer two or three bedrooms and distinctive touches
including pet lounges and open lofts.
After the overwhelming success of The Cottages at Northwoods in Avery
Ranch, Grand Haven Homes is excited to recreate the charming, quaint neighborhood in Crystal Falls. Home construction is expected to start in December.
Pre-grand opening sales events are anticipated to start in November, with the
model home being completed early next year. The Cottages at Crystal Falls
will be priced to sell from the upper $200’s to the low $300’s.
“We look forward to making your next house
your dream home.”
Be the first to know!
Contact Grand Haven
Homes to receive priority
information on the newest
Cottages neighborhood.
512-498-4302
CottagesatCrystalFalls.com
The
View
Social Round-up
First Annual CFHOA July 4th Parade a Big Success
Adults, kids and even the family pets joined to celebrate
July 4th by participating in the first annual HOA parade
from the water wheel to the Quarry Park amenity center
on Osage Drive. The City of Leander fire department led
the parade, and was joined by a group of motorcyclists
from the Veterans of Foreign Wars post in Leander. They
were followed by all sorts of decorated bikes, trikes,
dogs, and residents showing their pride by wearing red,
white and blue. The HOA joined in by decorating a truck
and distributing candy, stuffed animals, and beads to
the waiting crowd.
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Vol. 24 • FALL 2015
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3rd CFHOA Youth Fishing Derby Nets 14 Anglers
6-9 YR WINNERS!
Longest & Most Fish
Carolyn Toops
Biggest Fish
Andrew Revell (left)
*Large catfish caught by Michael Carey on Oct. 16.
Vol.
24 • FALL 2015
10-13 YR WINNER!
Longest, Biggest
& Most Fish
Kennedy Diamond
14-17 YR WINNERS!
Biggest & Longest Fish
Darrian Davis (left)
Most Fish (tie)
Darrian Davis &
Michael Carey* (center)
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The
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Crystal Falls Retail Round-up
Brooklyn Heights Pizzeria
Receives Big Welcome
Rex Hutchison, the manager of the new Brooklyn Heights
Pizzeria on Lakeline Blvd. at Crystal Falls Pkwy., reports
that business has exceeded expectations during the first
few weeks since opening. Crystal Falls residents are happy
to have a nearby restaurant to meet friends and watch the
football games, and they are taking advantage of it!
Abacus School Opens
The new Abacus School - Leander Campus is open and
accepting students! The school is located on Bagdad Rd.
just behind the Walgreens at Crystal Falls Pkwy. Contact
Dave Page at mb.abacusschool@gmail.com for a tour of
the school and enrollment information.
4 | SUBMIT COMMENTS & QUESTIONS TO info@CrystalFallsHOA.com
Vol. 24 • FALL 2015
The
View
The Voting Rep Corner
The following list indicates each community’s voting
representatives and their contact information. This
list is also maintained on our community website at
www.CrystalFallsHOA.com. (Click “blue arrow” at
the top right on any page to reveal Quick Links.)
To be added to your voting representative’s
contact list, contact the HOA office by email at
Assistant@CrystalFallsHOA.com at or call
512-986-7444.
The Boulders
Joe Eckels
(1907 Phantom Horse)............... joe.eckels@icloud.com
The Highlands
Laura Yambrick
(1908 Western Justice)................yamsbah@yahoo.com
The Highlands - TM
Chad Van Blokland
(2548 Outlook Ridge Loop)........... thebluffshoa@att.net
The Fairways
Russ Fletcher
(2207 Arroyo Grande)......... russellgfletcher@gmail.com
Alex Kennedy
(2001 Winners Court).................... ams1583@yahoo.com
Cap Rock
Rachel Baumgartner
(1813 Harvest Dance)....... rachelthebaum@gmail.com
Grand Mesa
Mike Sherman
(1404 Lions Lair)................... sherman94062@yahoo.com
Stay connected for HOA News,
Events, Forms and More at
www.CrystalFallsHOA.com
Click Blue Arrow for Quick Links on any page.
Scott Trinkle
(2032 Spyglass).......................... scott.trinkle@gmail.com
Eric Vogel
(3600 Goodnight Trail)................ ericsvogel@gmail.com
Geri Wise
(3303 Crystal Falls Pkwy)...w_gys@centurylabelinc.com
HOA Board Representative
Laurie Frederick
(1703 Lions Den)..................... lfrederick@iwflsportsl.com
Crystal Falls HOA voting representatives meet at
various times throughout the year. If a situation
demands immediate attention and cannot wait until
the next HOA meeting, voting representatives will
contact Laurie Frederick to help with a resolution.
Vol.
24 • FALL 2015
FOR ADVERTISING CALL 512-260-7886 | 5
The
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Community Q&A
Solving Community Issues Together
Q.
If I live in a gated section and get a
new car what do I need to do?
Ask The View! Homeowners are encouraged to
submit general property- and community-related
questions to The View at Crystal Falls via email at
news@crystalfallshoa.com. At least one question
will be answered in each issue of the newsletter.
View all past newsletters, Frequently Asked
Questions and more at www.CrystalFallsHOA.com.
A.
Residents living in gated sections should
remove the decal and bar code from the
previous vehicle, and bring the bar code to
the HOA office (or record the number) so that
it can be deactivated. If you sold the car and
don’t know the bar code number, let the
office know the remaining bar code numbers
that should be active. They can also assist
you in getting a decal and bar code for the
new vehicle.
Thank you for adhering to posted speed limits and reporting speeding contractors directly to their employer.
My Crystal Falls
“Like us” to get the latest happenings in Crystal Falls and
join the conversation. “Share us” with friends and family.
Submit a photo for our Timeline cover.
Contact nikki@mycrystalfalls.com for photo guidelines.
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Vol. 24 • FALL 2015
The
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“Drive A Senior” Seeks
Volunteer Drivers
Non-profit providing free volunteer transportation to Senior
Citizens in Cedar Park and Leander seeks volunteer drivers
to keep up with ride requests in Leander. Many seniors live
within a mile or two of Crystal Falls if you can spare some
time to help. Learn more about Drive A Senior’s services
and how to volunteer at www.driveaseniornorthwest.org.
Invisible Fences Warning for
Dog Owners, Pet Registration
Using an “invisible fence” does not
mean pets can be left unattended.
Edna Stambaugh, with Animal Services of Leander, has been trying to
let residents know that unless dogs
are inside a traditional fence, they must be on a leash with
owners present. Invisible fences do not meet this requirement and can result in “running at large” violations for
dogs. Cats do not have to be on a leash. Additionally, many
homeowners may not be aware that the City of Leander
requires dogs and cats to be registered annually, and to
wear their rabies and registration tags when outside of the
home. Contact Edna at 512-528-2844 to learn more, or
visit www.leandertx.gov/police/page/animal-services.
BE A GOOD NEIGHBOR,
PICK UP AFTER YOUR PET
Vol.
24 • FALL 2015
FOR ADVERTISING CALL 512-260-7886 | 7
The
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Landscape Design
Texas Living Fences: The Minimal Palette Plan
Continuing our series of themed
garden plans from The Texas Living
Fence™ guide published by The Lookout Group, the Minimal Palette
solves more than privacy issues.
Designed specifically for privacy
screening, this palette is also used
to provide shade, block winds and
lower utility bills. Native Texas Hill
Country plants can provide seasonal
flowering as well as foliage to enjoy
year round while being deer and
drought resistant. The resulting
privacy is accomplished with less
maintenance, lower water requirement and natural beauty. All of the
Living Fence palettes are being
incorporated into the next edition of
the Crystal Falls landscape design
manual. Download this free guide at
www.CrystalFallsHOA.com.
Download Free Guide at
www.CrystalFallsHOA.com
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Vol. 24 • FALL 2015
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Congratulations, You’re a Crystal Falls Rock Star
“And the Crystal Falls ‘Rock Star’ award goes to: 508 Dream Catcher!” Congratulations to Joseph and Dawn Marruchella; you are a Crystal Falls Rock Star! They are enjoying their new pool, which incorporates beautiful stone work
to complement the sparkling blue water.
The Crystal Falls Rock Star program recognizes artistic uses of natural stone and native landscaping that exemplify the
community’s Texas Hill Country theme.
Vol.
24 • FALL 2015
FOR ADVERTISING CALL 512-260-7886 | 9
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Reminder for All
Feral Hogs In Grand Mesa
Once again, the Leander area is being
frequented by the unwelcome feral
hogs. According to Texas Agrilife Extension Service, there are an estimated
2.6 million feral hogs in Texas alone.
Farms, ranches and rural communities
have been dealing with the devastation
the hogs leave behind for years now,
with at least $52 million each year in
damages to Texas agriculture and
residential landscaping.
Feral hogs multiply rapidly, as
each sow has 6-12 piglets at least
twice a year and they exist in every
county in Texas. The hogs use stream
beds as highways in their search for
food . . . acorns, bulbs, grub worms,
eggs, deer corn, even small animals
like baby rabbits and fawns. Residents
who live on rocky terrain may never
have a problem, while those who live
along creeks are more likely to experience damage. Part of living in the
rural Texas Hill Country is learning
to live alongside coyotes, deer,
turkeys, possums, raccoons,
fire ants and the occasional
mountain lion—the good
along with the bad (reference
Section 3.57 of the Grand
Mesa deed restrictions). From
the beginning, the developer of
Crystal Falls has had hunters and
trappers on the undeveloped portions
of the community tasked with eliminating the hogs, but it is a multifaceted problem, and there is not
one solution. The City, County and
HOA currently have a corral trap
installed in Grand Mesa and it is
checked regularly.
Here are some things you can do:
Lawns and beds should be treated with
pesticide twice a year to eliminate
white grub worms. The most obvious
preventive measure is to install a steel
picket fence. Other options include
traps, barking dogs and proper land-
Feral hogs are attracted to
raised beds, berms, grub
worms and non-native plants.
scaping maintenance. Most importantly, DON’T FEED THE DEER!
You are luring hogs to your and your
neighbor’s lawns. Professional trappers can be hired, or residents can
build their own trap (the meat is very
tasty). Raised beds, berms and other
loose areas of soil easily rooted are
very attractive to the hogs, as well as
plants that are not native to the Texas
Hill Country. Plants such as agave,
muhly grasses, lantana, Mexican sage
and butterfly weed add color and
beauty without attracting the hogs.
Popular Sago Palms Toxic to Dogs
Sago palms contain cycasin, which is an active toxic agent resulting in severe
liver failure in dogs. One seed (nut) from the sago palm can kill your beloved pet.
If your dog has ingested, licked, or even chewed on any portion of the palm, you
must seek immediate medical attention to save your pets’ life! Ingestion results in
acute gastrointestinal signs (e.g. drooling, vomiting, diarrhea) within 15 minutes
to several hours after ingestion. Central nervous signs (e.g. weakness seizures,
tremors) and severe liver failure can be seen within 2-3 days.
Blooming sago palm, yellow
cone-shaped flower.
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Vol. 24 • FALL 2015
The
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Update: Cedar Park Regional Medical Center Urgent Care
Construction is underway on the new Cedar Park Emergency Medical Clinic at the corner of
Lakeline and Crystal Falls Parkway.
Mailbox Center: The postmaster requests residents refrain from trying to access mail
boxes when the postal carrier is distributing mail. For security reasons it is important
that you wait until the carrier has left the mailbox center to retrieve your mail.
Your cooperation is appreciated.
Vol.
24 • FALL 2015
FOR ADVERTISING CALL 512-260-7886 | 11
The
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Gated Sections of Crystal Falls
Making of a “Dark Sky” Community
What is a Dark Sky Community? It
is a community that seeks to preserve and protect the night skies
and fragile ecosystems in parks and
communities worldwide. Most of
us love to stare up at the night sky,
count the stars, make wishes, reflect
on our day, and just enjoy the beauty
that is above us. There will be fewer
and fewer places near Austin available to enjoy the night skies as time
passes - luckily, we have one here!
While focused on the beauty we
forget the dark skies serve other
purposes. Did you know that plants Did you know that bright light can actually be
and animals depend on Earth’s daily inefficient for security, creating a glare that can
mask intruders rather than revealing them?
cycle of light and dark rhythm to
govern behaviors such as reproduction, nourishment, sleep,
and compact fluorescent lights can help reduce energy, but
and to protect them from predators? Nocturnal animals
only warm white bulbs with low lumens should be used.
sleep during the day, and light pollution alters their nightInstalling dimmers, motion sensors and timers are also an
time environment by turning night into day. Predators use
effective way to cut down on energy use and cost, and molight to hunt, and the prey species use darkness as cover.
tion sensors are an excellent security measure.
Migratory birds use moonlight and starlight to navigate
Without the night sky we could not have navigated the
their course, and artificial light can cause them to wander
globe, walked the moon, and learned about our expandoff course.
ing universe. As Vincent Van Gogh stated, “For my part I
How can we help as a community to protect our dark
know nothing with any certainty, but the sight of the stars
skies? Install outdoor lighting with fully shielded fixmakes me dream.” Take a few moments to relax and
tures, and direct light downward. Fully shielded lights can
enjoy the beauty provided by the night sky - we are forprovide the same level of illumination on the ground as
tunate to have the opportunity while living so close to a
unshielded ones, with less glare, energy and cost. LEDs
major city.
*** Stage 1 Water Restrictions in Effect - City of Leander ***
Watering limited to twice per week. View schedule at www.leandertx.gov.
12 | SUBMIT COMMENTS & QUESTIONS TO info@CrystalFallsHOA.com
Vol. 24 • FALL 2015
The
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Community-wide Landscaping
Pruning Cedars Maintains Shade, Creates Manicured Look
As temperatures cool, residents
are glad to get outdoors to start
some improvements. Trimming
cedar trees up to a height of
8’ or more can make a huge
difference in giving the property
a well-maintained look. The
“before and after” pictures are
pretty amazing!
Vol.
24 • FALL 2015
FOR ADVERTISING CALL 512-260-7886 | 13
The
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Congratulations . . .
October
“Yard of the Month”
Winners!
1120 Applerock, The Boulders
2029 Harvest Dance, Cap Rock
2513 Highland Trail, The Highlands
2105 Buffalo Gap, The Fairways
Yard of the Month winners represent each
section of Crystal Falls and receive a $50
Lowe’s gift card.
1705 Mira Vista, Grand Mesa
14 | SUBMIT COMMENTS & QUESTIONS TO info@CrystalFallsHOA.com
Vol. 24 • FALL 2015
The
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Fun Events & Day Trips
October 12 - January 3 • Gridiron Glory, the Best of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Exhibit
(Austin). Football fans will love this exhibit coming to The Bullock Texas State History Museum. For more
information go to www.thestoryoftexas.com/visit/exhibits/gridiron-glory.
October 31 • Main Street Car Show and Annual Halloween Spootacular (Taylor). The 3rd
Annual Main Street Car Show rolls into historic downtown Taylor for some unique Halloween family fun! This
local favorite features classic and exotic cars as well as motorcycles and custom vans, live bands, food trucks and
fun family entertainment. Ruby Dee and the Snakehandlers, The Octanes and an Elvis impersonator are scheduled
to perform. The Annual Halloween Spooktacular is 6-9 pm with trick or treating, costume contests, a best pizza
contest, games and prizes. Open to the public, 10 am to 9 pm. FREE. Visit www.facebook.com/mainstreetcarshowtx
and www.taylortx.gov to learn more.
November 1 • Free Admission to The Bullock Texas State History Museum (Austin). Take
the family for FREE, 12-5 pm, as part of the First Sunday free program. There are three floors of exhibits to explore
and special family programs from 12-3 pm combine art creation, presentations by partner organizations and gallery
activities. Visit the museum’s calendar page at www.thestoryoftexas.com to plan your visit.
November 6-8 • Texas Aerial Festival (Austin). This annual festival features two days of competitions,
workshops and seminors hosted by top Texas and world-renowned performers, the “Texas Aerial Championships,”
and a grand finale show. Held at The Marchesa Hall and Theater, Day 1 includes Lyra, Silks, Trapeze, Rope/Straps/
Chain and Innovative Apparatus with Pole performers on Day 2. The championships and finale conclude on day
three. Pick up a 1, 2 or 3 day pass and learn more at www.facebook.com/TexasAerialFestival.
November 14 • 4th Annual Laurel Path Gardens Holiday Art Fair (Buda). Find handmade, local
artisan goods and enjoy live music throughout the day at this local holiday fair. Classic soul singer Lisa Marshall
headlines and Las Gabacha-Chas will also perform. Open 10 am to 5 pm. (302 Laurel Path, Buda, Texas)
November 21 • 11th Annual Leander High Craft Market (Leander). Hosted by the Leander Lions
Baseball Boosters, this hometown favorite is held at the Leander High School from 9 am to 4 pm and features more
than 200 vendors, rain or shine. You’ll enjoy lots of great food and shopping, including vintage clothing, glass and
wooden artisan creations, homemade fudge and peanut brittle, flower arrangements, local artist holiday creations
and more. Admission is $3. Kids 12 & under are free. Visit www.leanderbaseball.com for more information.
November 27-29 • Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Musical (Austin). Celebrate Rudolph’s
50 years on TV and see all your favorite characters as this beloved holiday classic comes to life on the stage at the
Long Center. It’s an adventure that teaches us that what makes you different can be what makes you special. For
show times and ticket information visit www.thelongcenter.org/event/rudolph-red-nosed-reindeer.
December 4-6, 11-13 • Salado Christmas Stroll (Salado). If you haven’t been to charming Salado
lately, plan to take a short drive this holiday season to enjoy a Christmas parade, home tours, live nativity scene and
theatrical performances! Spanning two weekends, Christmas in Salado features live entertainment, activities and
shopping experiences complete with carolers. The Christmas Parade is Dec. 3 at 5 pm and features over 40 bands,
floats, vintage cars and more. Go to www.salado.com for tickets, times and more details.
January 15-18 • Austin Shrine Circus (Cedar Park). Save the date to bring the kids for a good oldfashioned circus performance at the Cedar Park Center. For ticket and show information visit their website at
www.CedarParkCenter.com.
Vol.
24 • FALL 2015
FOR ADVERTISING CALL 512-260-7886 | 15
CFHOA Community News is also published online at www.CrystalFallsHOA.com
The Crystal Falls
HOA Newsletter
Crystal Falls Homeowners Association
901 Crystal Falls Parkway, Ste. 203, Leander, TX 78641
CrystalFallsHOA.com | 512-986-7444
The View at Crystal Falls, Vol. 24 • FALL 2015
Inside This Issue:
The Cottages at Crystal Falls ........................... 1
CFHOA 1st Annual July 4th Parade . ............... 2
CFHOA 3rd Annual Fishing Derby ................... 3
Living Fences: Minimal Palette ........................ 8
Feral Hogs in Grand Mesa .............................. 10
Making a Dark Sky Community.................... 12
Yard of the Month............................................. 14
Fun Fall Events & Day Trips ............................. 15
Randall’s Groundbreaking ............................ 16
>>>
Find some enjoyable Fall & Holiday Events & Day Trips on page 15!
Your Crystal Falls HOA Newsletter is here!
Read past issues online at www.CrystalFallsHOA.com
©2015 Crysal Falls HOA. All rights reserved. This is an official Crystal Falls HOA publication.
Work Begins on the Randall’s at Crystal Falls Town Center
The groundbreaking for the new 59,000 sq. ft. Randall’s store at Crystal Falls
Town Center took place on October 15. Work is well underway,
and the store is expected to open by early November 2016.
16 | SUBMIT COMMENTS & QUESTIONS TO info@CrystalFallsHOA.com