Scenic Sentry The Official Publication of the Scenic Brook Neighborhood Association

Transcription

1 Scenic Sentry The Official Publication of the Scenic Brook Neighborhood Association February 2007 Volume 3, Number 2 Neighborhood News Dear Scenic Brook Residents, There has been a changing-of-the guard (pun intended) as the editorial baton for the Scenic Sentry was handed over to me in January from now former editor (and currently-serving SBNA Director), Sarah Walton. In assuming this responsibility I am reminded of the time I received my copy of the first newsletter. Although I m a long-time resident of Austin (wasn t born here; got here as quick as I could), I didn t know very much about Oak Hill or the Scenic Brook neighborhood. Just a few weeks after moving into the neighborhood, the mailman delivered the Scenic Sentry with the much welcomed introductory letter from Sarah. Instantly I felt connected and impressed by her spirit of volunteerism. That was my first post-home purchase validation that I had chosen the right neighborhood as home. My goal as editor of the newsletter is to continue to provide information useful to the neighborhood, and to maintain the high standards set by Sarah. The staples: SBNA Board information/ activity, membership; neighborhood park, projects, gatherings; Neighbor News, will remain. I do have some ideas for some different features; one is to have some focus on the arts - after all, this is (southwest) Austin. We have a host of talented people and patrons of the arts in our neighborhood and the Oak Hill area. I have been fortunate to secure assistance from a prominent Austin arts writer as guest columnist for multiple editions. I am looking at other resources, as well. Your ideas are welcome. This newsletter will continue to be published and mailed monthly and will remain free to SBNA residents. Neither residents, nor the SBNA incur any costs for this publication; it s paid for through local advertising. The editor and any contributors are volunteers. If you own a business and would like to advertise in the Scenic Sentry, please call Peel, Inc. Sales Office at (512) or advertising@peelinc.com. Letter from the Editor There is much going on in and around our fair neighborhood in this year and beyond. I will appreciate your help in using me to channel information to all neighbors. You can me information and/or articles at dlegere@austin.rr.com. In keeping with precedent, the editor has the customary right to edit materials and will have final say on what gets published. On behalf of the neighborhood, I want to say thank you, Sarah for the initiative you took, and all the effort you put into keeping us all so well-connected. You rock! David Legere View the Scenic Brook Neighorhood Newsletter each month on-line at Copyright 2007 Peel, Inc. Scenic Brook Neighborhood Association Newsletter - February

2 Who to Call at the City Here are some numbers you might find helpful. Call for all police-related NON-emergencies Power outages Tree limbs on power lines or down in road Austin Water Utility emergency, 24 hours a day Abandoned cars Animals, removal of dead animals Animal Control, strays & injured Austin Energy, customer service Austin Police Dept., Southwest Area Command Austin Water Utility Cars, junked & abandoned Complaint about a littered lot Garbage collection Parks Maintenance Note: Please contact the Cherry Creek Board as well. We work directly with the city on all parks maintenance issues. Sidewalks, blocking public right-of-way Signs in right of way ( bandit signs ) Note: Also, please contact the Board if you see any of these. We have a zero-tolerance policy for unauthorized commercial or business signs, in accordance with city ordinances. Solid Waste Services Web site for filing complaints: htm Street, basketball goals in the street Street, potholes & construction Street, signs Street, streetlights needing repair Trees, branches in right-of-way Zoning Code Enforcement Note: Call and ask police to handle code enforcement for things in the streets such as illegally parked trailers or trucks. Austin Customer Service Desk For more information on the Web: Austin City News At Your Doorstep DISCLAIMER: Articles and ads in this newsletter express the opinions of their authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Peel, Inc. or its employees. Peel, Inc. is not responsible for the accuracy of any facts stated in articles submitted by others. The publisher also assumes no responsibility for the advertising content with this publication. All warranties and representations made in the advertising content are solely that of the advertiser and any such claims regarding its content should be taken up with the advertiser. * The publisher assumes no liability with regard to its advertisers for misprints or failure to place advertising in this publication except for the actual cost of such advertising. * Although every effort is taken to avoid mistakes and/or misprints, the publisher assumes no responsibility for any errors of information or typographical mistakes, except as limited to the cost of advertising as stated above or in the case of misinformation, a printed retraction/correction. * Under no circumstances shall the publisher be held liable for incidental or consequential damages, inconvenience, loss of business or services, or any other liabilities from failure to publish, or from failure to publish in a timely manner, except as limited to liabilities stated above. Board of Directors President Libby Gibbs...mwgekg@austin.rr.com, Vice-President Desiree Whitely...vp_sbna@yahoo.com Treasurer/Pool Director Millie Andersen Secretary OPEN... Editor David Legere...dlegere@austin.rr.com Directors Julie Campbell... Joe & Ingrid Evoy... Jason & Tracey Hagman... Pat Boyt...pebejb@aol.com Sarah Walton... poliwog@austin.rr.com, Interested? Parents of elementary school kids, would any one be interested in helping to organize some kickball games, or other fun activity down at Windmill Run Park? This could be a really fun way to get the kids together and meet other parents. Please contact Sarah Walton at poliwog@austin. rr.com if you are interested. Advertising Information Please support the businesses that advertise in the Scenic Brook Neighborhood Newsletter. Their advertising dollars make it possible for all Scenic Brook residents to receive the monthly newsletter at no charge. No homeowners association funds are used to produce or mail the newsletters. If you would like to support the newsletter by advertising, please contact our sales office at or advertising@peelinc.com. The advertising deadline is the 10th of each month for the following month's newsletter. Album Engraving Kids Craft Parties Classes Supplies In Oak Hill next to HEB 7010 Hwy 71 West, #355 Austin, TX Take 25% off one regular priced item in the store Not valid for the purchase of Gift Certificates or Album Engraving Expires 2/28/07 Join list to receive specials felicia@feliciasscrapbooks.com 2 Scenic Brook Neighborhood Association Newsletter - February 2007 Copyright 2007 Peel, Inc.

3 New: Kellen Kasper was welcomed into this world by proud parents Tim and Liz Kasper on November 3, Neighbor News Scenic Sentry John Paul Gibbs, son of Matt and Libby Gibbs, celebrated his 13th birthday on January 17th Ashtyn Whitely will turn 14 on January 26th. Congratulations: Tai Green, Bowie class of 2007, has been accepted to The Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, New York campus for the late spring (June) session. She will be majoring in Baking and Pastry Arts Management. Congratulations! Clint Small Middle School Cougar Dancers performed on December 21 at the Trail of Lights. Their performance was spectacular and the girls put their best effort into their dance routines. Great job! Happy Birthday: Sarah Conley, daughter of Matt and Libby Gibbs, will be celebrating her 20th birthday on Feb. 2nd Sarah Conley, daughter of Matt and Libby Gibbs, will be celebrating her 20th birthday on Feb. 2nd. which is also Groundhog Day ;>) So Sorry: We are saddened by the news of the passing of our dear neighbor, Mary Chaney, on December 29, We thankfully remember her many contributions to the neighborhood and larger community, and give our condolences to her family. This is your opportunity to recognize the accomplishments or milestones of the lives in our neighbors. Appropriate items include birthdays, anniversaries, school graduation/acceptance, marriages, births, deaths, and other special recognitions. Please send all recognitions to You must include your name and telephone number. Odds are, you ve already been robbed. (By your home security service.) Traditional alarms are useless if your phone line gets cut. But now there s ucontrol. It works with your existing alarm system but replaces your outdated security provider with up to three redundant connections: broadband, cellular, and phone line. ucontrol s advanced technology is perfect for VoIP and cell-phone-only homes. So switch to ucontrol now. (It would be a crime not to.) Starts at just $24.95 per month. Right now, get two months free or ucontrol.com/freeservice Limited-time offer. Equipment charges may apply. Call for details and restrictions ucontrol W. Courtyard Dr., Ste. 210, Austin, TX License number B Copyright 2007 Peel, Inc. Scenic Brook Neighborhood Association Newsletter - February

4 One of my favorite birthday gifts was a hand-painted original dress in reds and turquoise, commissioned by an Oak Hillian. It hangs in my bedroom as if it were a painting. I often relive the memory of wearing a one-of-a-kind dress that no other woman owned (and the many compliments that it brought me). You, too, can wear a work of art or use it to enhance your lifestyle. Oak Hill has some wonderful designers: artists whose functional creations add style to everyday life. For example, Oak Hill artist Liz Jensen s artistic roots trace back to clothing design. I started out sewing clothes. In the mideighties I started quilting. When I moved to Baltimore I joined a quilt studio group. They eventually encouraged me to do wearable art. I started a small business making jackets and vests and called it the Quilted Butterfly. From her current collection you might choose a shrug, which is similar to a heavy scarf to wrap around your arms and shoulders when the weather (or air conditioning) gets slightly chilly. She also designs table art, such as place mats with whimsical color that brighten your dining experience. Jensen uses various materials in her creations. I work with all kinds of fibers, beads, paints, and inks. My favorite is still working with fabrics although lately I have been quite fascinated with using paper. She gains inspiration from several periods of art. I have always been drawn to the Impressionists, Monet being one of my favorites. I am also very influenced by FOCUS ON THE ARTS Wearing Your Art on Your Sleeve: Liz Jensen s Style for Everyday Life One should either be a work of art, or wear a work of art. ~Oscar Wilde a shrug, seen from the front Chinese and Japanese art. Since most of my art is to be used as well as viewed I am drawn to the Arts and Crafts Period and am captivated by the stained-glass windows designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, Jensen enthused. Jensen s formal training includes an M.B.A. in marketing, but she credits other artists for helping her to develop her art skills. She s an active member of the Creative Arts Society (CAS), an Oak Hill-based art group. I moved to Austin from Colorado Springs and I was very involved with an art co-op in Mantiou Springs. I wanted to continue my involvement with artists and CAS has given me that opportunity. I enjoy promoting other artists as much as doing my own art. I also feel it is important for artists to network with each other and CAS provides that opportunity she explained. In addition to CAS, Jensen also credits Oak Hills businesses for their support of local artists. Some of the local eateries do display art on their walls, which is great. CAS has been very lucky in that John Haug at Cypress Grill has allowed us to use his place to display art. We do a different exhibit about every two months: our members as well as other art groups we have invited take part. The art has been well received by both the customers and staff. We thank John for being so willing to promote art in Oak Hill. I ve learned of many more artists who live in Oak Hill. Soon I ll profile another designer of wearable art, Kayci Wheatley, an Oak Hillian who creates funky children s clothes with a definite South Austin flavor. Do you have a neighbor or friend in Oak Hill with artistic talent? Send a note to paula. kothmann@mail.utexas.edu. Oak Hill seems to have a growing artists colony eager to help each other succeed. Paula Kothmann, guest columnist for the Scenic Sentry, is well-known in the Austin arts community for her articles and columns in various publications, and her affi liation with a number of arts organizations and projects benefi ting Austin. placemats and napkins Peel, Inc. Printing & Publishing Publishing community newsletters since 1991 Karla Cantu Sales Representative karla@peelinc.com Support your neighborhood newsletter. Advertise your business to your neighbors. 4 Scenic Brook Neighborhood Association Newsletter - February 2007 Copyright 2007 Peel, Inc.

5 SBNA Board Meeting Highlights The January board meeting focused on ideas for addressing the significant needs of the park and pool. Priority is on the immediate needs for pool for the upcoming season. Please watch for (much) more information on this in the March newsletter. A Do Not Block Intersection sign for Scenic Brook and Highway 71 was discussed, only. Positions on the SBNA Board of Directors for Secretary, and a Director are still open. Those interested are encouraged to contact Libby Gibbs (see BOD contacts on page 2). Desiree Whitely continues to act as interim Secretary. (Thank you) Classified FOR SALE: 2001 Ford Escort ZX2 for sale. Please call Desiree at for details. Classified Ads Personal classifieds (one time sell items, such as a used bike...) run at no charge to Scenic Brook residents, limit 30 words, please dlegere@austin.rr.com Business classifieds (offering a service or product line for profit) are $45, limit 40 words, please contact Peel, Inc. Sales at or advertising@peelinc.com. Did You Know? Scenic Sentry Neighborhood Membership Remember, neighborhood membership is voluntary in Scenic Brook. Many other neighborhood residents pay hundreds of dollars a year for neighborhood upkeep. Our memberships are a great deal! Associate memberships are a great way to get connected! Your annual $25.00 allows you access to the neighborhood park. The dues are also used to defray the costs of neighborhood notifications, OHAN association dues, and taxes and utilities at the neighborhood park. Associate members are also able to rent the pool for summer parties. SBNA also offers a full membership to all Scenic Brook residents. A full membership includes membership at the pool as well as all of the benefits of associate membership. There is a one-time membership fee of $ for early birds (payment before the opening of the pool in May) or $ after. The annual pool dues are $ These annual dues are put towards the costs of pool chemicals, water, electricity, lifeguards, etc. 3-month installment plans are available. Once dues are paid, members may request a key to for full access to the pool at anytime. Full members also receive a discount on pool parties. Guest passes are also available for non-scenic Brook residents. See more information about this in subsequent newsletters. For more information about pool membership, contact our pool director, Millie Andersen, at Scenic Brook Neighborhood Association Application for Associate Membership: Name: Address: Phone: Annual Membership Fee $25.00 Date: Scenic Brook Neighborhood Association Application for Full Membership: When the Panama Canal was built in 1914, it shortened the sea voyage from New York to San Francisco from one of more than 13,000 miles to one of less than 5,200 miles. The jaguar symbolized strength and courage to the ancient Maya Indians, who considered the animal a god. Name: Address: Phone: One Time Membership Dues are $ before Memorial Day or $ after Memorial Day. Annual dues of $ are required for pool usage. Installment Plan One time Payment Missing Your Newsletter? You should be receiving a newsletter around the first of every month. If for some reason, your newsletter does not come, please contact the editor at dlegere@austin.rr.com. The editor will contact Peel Inc., who will work with the post office to remedy the situation. Copyright 2007 Peel, Inc. Scenic Brook Neighborhood Association Newsletter - February

6 Letters to the Editor Dear Scenic Brook Neighborhood Association Editor, Your recent story about Fluffy Gone Missing [Scenic Sentry, December 2006] is not exactly like someone tried to make it look. In the first place, the cats that were trapped and taken to the Humane Society were feral cats. The cats had three litters of kittens in my woodpile. No one could get close to the cats. However, you could see fleas on the faces of the kittens. My yard and dog had to be treated several times to control the fleas. The neighbor that took the responsibility to take care of the neglected cats did me a big favor. The problem according to the Austin American Statesman is the people who feed the stray cats. Many Scenic Brook neighbors are against the diseases carried by the feral cats. Hopefully, the publicity will encourage cat owners to take care of their animals with veterinarian care, parasite control and litter awareness. Thank you, A happy neighbor telling the other side of the story Recipe of the Month Paprika Pork Loin 4 tsp garlic salt 1 4 lb boneless, pork loin 2 tsp ground ginger 1-2 medium onions 2 tsp pepper 1 cup water 2 tsp paprika Combine garlic salt, ginger, pepper, paprika; rub over the entire roast. Place roast in greased roasting pan. Top with onion slices. Pour water in pan. Bake, uncovered, at 325 degrees for 2-2 1/2 hours or until meat thermometer reads degrees. Let stand for minutes before slicing. (Good in Oven or Smoked) You can often smell my husband smoking this up here on Grove Crest Dr. Patty Geisinger It sounds delicious, Patty. I m thinking with some fresh asparagus spears, and a good Zinfandel (Ridge), or a hearty Merlot Editor s Note: When this issue was fi rst raised in the Scenic Sentry, Sarah had received information that a neighbor was trapping cats. The neighbor was quite concerned because their cats had been trapped. One had to be picked up, and another had already been put down. This letter presents another angle of the issue. I agree with my predecessor that we owe it to our neighbors to be reasonable and responsible with our pets. At no time will any source be allowed to use the Scenic Brook Newsletter contents, or loan said contents, to others in anyway, shape or form, nor in any media, website, print, film, , electrostatic copy, fax, or etc. for the purpose of solicitation, commercial use, or any use for profit, political campaigns, or other self amplification, under penalty of law without written or expressed permission from the Scenic Brook Homeowners Association and Peel, Inc. The information in the newsletter is exclusively for the private use of Scenic Brook residents only. Looking to Buy or Sell Real Estate? Visit... Nicole Peel Realtor 6 Scenic Brook Neighborhood Association Newsletter - February 2007 Copyright 2007 Peel, Inc.

7 Peel, Inc. Printing & Publishing Publishing community newsletters since 1991 Amberwood Barker Ranch Brushy Creek Village Cherry Creek on Brodie Ln. Circle C Ranch Courtyard Davenport Ranch Estates of Shady Hollow Granada Hills Highland Park West Balcones Hill Country/Westview Estates Horizon Park Jester Estates North Acres Park & Lakeside of Blackhawk Ridgewood Saxony Scenic Brook Sendera Shadow Glen Steiner Ranch Stone Canyon Tanglewood Oaks Travis Country West Westcreek Brook Meadows Eldorado Heights Eldorado HOA Glendover Park Highlands of Russell Park Stone Brooke Crossing Woodbriar Estates Woodland Hills Scenic Sentry We currently publish newsletters for the following subdivisions: -- Austin Dallas/Fort Worth Houston -- Kelly Peel, Sales Manager kelly@peelinc.com Berkshire Coles Crossing Cypress Mill Fairfield Harvest Bend, The Village Hastings Green High Meadow Ranch Kings Manor Lakes of Bridgewater Lakes on Eldridge Lakes on Eldridge North Legends Ranch Park Lakes Pointe San Luis Riata Ranch Ridge Lake Shores Steeplechase Summerwood Village Creek Waterford Harbor Westheimer Lakes White Oak Bend Willowbridge Willowlake Willow Pointe Winchester Country Winchester Trails Windermere Lakes Wortham Village Copyright 2007 Peel, Inc. Scenic Brook Neighborhood Association Newsletter - February

8 The Jaymes Willoughby Team On average, we sell our homes in Southwest Austin for 99% of their list price! Jaymes Willoughby Your home HAS increased in value! Please call Jaymes for a free Market Analysis! 5218 McCarty Ln. SOLD for 99% of listing price! 8657 Barrow Glen Loop SOLD in 8 Days! As seen on The Open House Show! 5306 Beckett SOLD in 15 days! Austral Cv. FOR SALE! List Price 369,900 As seen on The Open House Show Colberg Dr. FOR SALE! List Price 244,900 As seen on The Open House Show. "We aren't just your neighborhood specialists, we're YOUR neighbors!" One of the Top 5 Real Estate Teams in Austin Austin s most referred realtor since 1984 View the Open House Show every Saturday Morning at 7:30 a.m. on KTBC-TV Channel 7! Hansa Dr. FOR SALE! List Price 319,900 As seen on The Open House Show ext 105 metroaustinhomes.com Jaymes@jwteam.com Keller Williams Realty, Three Barton Skyway, 1221 S Mopac, Ste.120, Austin TX Peel, Inc. 203 W. Main Street, Suite D Pflugerville, Texas PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID PEEL, INC. % Voice V 8 Scenic Brook Neighborhood Association Newsletter - February 2007 Copyright 2007 Peel, Inc.