The Grapevine. The Grapevine. Annual Meeting. Pool Updates: Dates to know: Your Pool Card is a Privilege

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1 The Grapevine September 2009, Volume 3, Issue 9 Official Publication of Sonoma Homeowners Association Annual Meeting The annual meeting was held on August 13th, 101 residents needed to be presentor sent in a proxy. Unfortunately, only 84 residents were either present or proxied and a new Board couldn t be elected. During the meeting board President, Carl Anderson, gave an over view of the last year. Goodwin Management Company will be setting up another meeting. Please send in your proxy. Residents are able to send in proxies in a variety of ways. The first and probably the easiest is . Simply Earline Wakefield the following statement: My name is (insert your name). I live at( address). This serves as my official proxy. I hereby designate (see the current board member names below) to serve as my proxy to represent me and cast any votes on my behalf. Carl Anderson Candice Nussbaum Ginette Brady Amy Smith Laura Roach Earline s is earline.wakefield@ goodwintx.com. Another way to proxy would be to return the form received in the mail earlier this month. The return instructions are on the form. Your Pool Card is a Privilege The HOA Board wants to remind all Sonoma residents that your pool access is an exclusive privilege and that abuse of that privilege could result in the termination of your pool card. Please adhere to the pool rules regarding the Sonoma guest policy. Each household is entitled to five (5) guests at the pool at any given time. Also, remember that a household member must accompany their guests to the pool. Pool cards are not to be given to non-sonoma residents. Non-adherence to these rules can create overcrowding at our pools and devalues our most precious amenities that we pay for through our dues. Through everyone s cooperation we will keep our pools safe and enjoyable for all Sonoma residents this summer. Pool Updates: What a quick summer! Hopefully everyone was able to enjoy the pools. Due to recent acts of vandalism the Board changed the pool hours, pool hours are now 6 am until 11 pm. August 24th is the last day of regular pool hours. If you are still in a need of a pool card please contact our property manager, Earline Wakefield. Earline can be reached by phone at or via at earline.wakefield@goodwintx.com. Dates to know: HOA meeting: To Be Announced. The annual meeting was on August 13th. Unfortunately, quorum wasn t made and a new Board couldn t be elected. Another meeting will need to be held Goodwin Management will be mailing information. Back to School Bash!: Saturday September 5th, join in the party held at the Barefoot pool. A DJ and Kona Icy will be present to celebrate back to school. The first 100 icys cones are free, so come early. Copyright 2009 Peel, Inc. Sonoma Homeowner's Association Newsletter - September 2009

2 board of directors President Carl Vice President Candice Secretary Ginette Treasurer Amy Smith... Member at Large Laura committees Pool Chair Candice Landscape Chair Donna Kohn... Social Committee Chairs Cathy Newsletter Amy Smith... Website... Goodwin Management Company Management co. Property Manager: Earline Wakefield Research Blvd. Suite 100, Austin, TX Voic Cell: Fax: newsletter info Newsletter Publisher Peel, Inc Article Advertising... important numbers Emergency Fire Department Poison Control Police Department Round Rock Hospital Williamson County Sheriff s Department Post Office Double Creek Road Blackland Praire Elementry School Ridgeview Middle School Stony Point High School City of Round Rock Website... 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. At no time will any source be allowed to use 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 Sonoma Homeowner's Association and Peel, Inc. The information in the newsletter is exclusively for the private use of Sonoma Homeowner's Association residents only. Art Instruction by Debbie Neighborhood Teacher 7 Years Experience Debbie Tomlinson - petart@sbcglobal.net H: (512) C: (512) Pet Portraits Also Available MOM We have classes for you! Offering classes while the Kids are in school! 2 Sonoma Homeowners Association Newsletter - September 2009 Copyright 2009 Peel, Inc.

3 Are you looking to grow your business in 2009? If so, you might be interested in a business networking group in the area. Meetings are held every Wednesday morning from 7:30-9am at Gumbos in Round Rock (the cost of the breakfast is $10). Visitors are welcome! If you are interested in finding out more, mail@five-startravel.com or visitwww.bniaustin.com. Have a Business in Sonoma? Post it on our Web Site With the debut of our new website, the HOA Board would like to have a page for our locally owned businesses to list their services to their neighbors. If you own a business and would like to list it on the website, please your business name, the type of business, and contact information to Annette Kneer at Annette@HoaSonoma.com. We will then compile a business listing and post it to the website. Ever feel like you are missing information? Or feel like you are out of the loop? Sign up for the blast! Its easy, Amy@hoasonoma.com with the subject line of add me to the blast. What is the Blast? The blast was created to disburse information quickly. It is a great tool to get information out between newsletters, as we have recently seen with the school boundary issue. We are also able to use it to help lost pets find their way home. Go Green Go Paperless Sign up to receive in your inbox. Visit PEELinc.com for details. AZTEC Roofing & Siding Serving Central Texas for Over 31 Years In these challenging economic times, your friends at Aztec will do what we can to help you and your family. And so for the month of SEPTEMBER Aztec is giving you: 50% Off Vented Ridge System (with the purchase of a complete roof system replacement) OR $250 Off the Purchase of a Shingle Upgrade (from 20yr to 30yr) * You Can Trust Us to Help You with Your Insurance Claim * Easy Financing Available For Roofing, Siding, Windows or Just to Help You with Your Deductible! Committed to Quality Every Job, Every Time Copyright 2009 Peel, Inc. Sonoma Homeowner's Association Newsletter - September 2009

4 Yard maintenance Yards must be kept up frequently enough to maintain an overall decent appearance. This includes: DEED RESTRICTION POLICIES Just a few of the most common deed restriction violations. Mowing front and side yards of corner lots; all backyards must be mowed as well. Edging sidewalks, driveways and curbs; no runners should be showing on paved surfaces. Weed control in grass, flowerbeds and cracks; weed eating at fences, walls and foundations. Grass maintenance by treating diseased areas and adding sod or reseeding where grass has died. Trimming hedges. Blowing or sweeping up grass clippings after maintenance. Removing dead plants, shrubs and trees in a timely manner. Regular watering without violating local voluntary or mandatory conservation directives. Exterior changes All changes to the exterior of the residence, the addition of any structure, fence replacement or painting and major landscape modifications must be approved in writing by the Architectural Control Committee. The form can be obtained by logging on to and clicking request architecture approval. Trash receptacles All trash containers must be hidden from general view except for trash pick-up days (Tuesdays and Fridays). It is acceptable to put containers by the curb at dusk on the day before pick-up and to return to being stored out of view by midnight the day of pick-up. If containers can be seen from the street, they are not out of view. Boats, trailers and other vehicles and equipment Recreational equipment (boats, jet skis, campers, RVs, motorcycles, etc.) are not allowed to be stored in view for longer than a 48-hour period. Motor vehicles All motor vehicles are prohibited from blocking the sidewalk for longer than a 24-hour period. All motor vehicles must also be in running condition and have a current inspection sticker. Inspection stickers do not apply to antique cars and trucks. If any motor vehicle is not in running condition then it must either be removed entirely, repaired within thirty (30) days or placed within an (Continued on Page 5) You Can Join! Membership is open to anyone in the 5 County Metro Area New Locations Coming Soon in Round Rock & Pflugerville FREE BUSINESS & PERSONAL CHECKING 250+ FREE ATMs ACROSS TEXAS HOME EQUITY LOANS 4.89 % APR* 10 YEAR FIXED RATE 3.69 % APR* UP TO 60 MONTHS 5.19 % APR* 15 YEAR FIXED RATE plus no closing costs** AUTO LOANS 3.89 % APR* 66 MONTHS new or used 5.69 % APR* 20 YEAR FIXED RATE 4.29 % APR* 72 MONTHS CERTIFICATE OF DEPOSIT 1 COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE LOANS 5.75 % *** 5 YEAR FIXED RATE 5.95 % *** 10 YEAR FIXED RATE 6.20 % *** 15 YEAR FIXED RATE 20 year amortization/no pre-payment penalty 1.31 % APY $25,000 TO $74,999 MONEY MARKET 1.51 % APY $75,000 TO $124,999 minimum daily balance of $2000 required 1.76 % APY $125,000 AND ABOVE CERTIFICATE OF DEPOSIT % APY 6 MONTHS 2.07 % APY 12 MONTHS 2.42 % APY 24 MONTHS 1 regular - minimum deposit of $1000 required 1.96 % APY 6 MONTHS 2.27 % APY 12 MONTHS 2 jumbo - minimum deposit of $95000 required 15 AUSTIN METRO LOCATIONS 2.57 % APY 24 MONTHS Sonoma Homeowners Association Newsletter - September 2009 Copyright 2009 Peel, Inc.

5 Deed Restriction Policies - (Continued from Page 4) enclosed garage or structure so that it is not visible from the street. Animals All pets must be leashed and under the control of the person holding the leash. Dogs must not be allowed to cause a nuisance or disturbance by barking incessantly during the day or night. In addition, pets must not be allowed to foul another neighbor s property. If an accident occurs, the pet s owner must immediately remove the feces from the property and dispose of it properly. This also applies to the common areas. Other Examples of additional items that could incur violations are: deferred maintenance of the property including painted surfaces, noncomplying basketball goals, miscellaneous unsightly items stored in public view and unscreened windows or air conditioning units. FINES The Board of Directors is given express power in the HOA s CCR s and By-Laws to adopt and publish rules and regulations to enforce the protective covenants. Goodwin Management, Sonoma s property managers, conducts bimonthly drives through the community to note homes in violation. Residents may also report violations, and can do so by contacting the management company over the phone, in writing, or via . Warnings and fines will be assessed as follows: 1st violation will receive a warning letter 2nd violation of a similar kind will receive a 2nd warning letter 3rd violation of a similar kind will result in a letter and $25 fine 4th violation of a similar kind will result in a letter and $50 fine Each subsequent similar violation after the 4th will result in a $100 fine If the condition is cured and remains so for 180 days, the process would start again as a 1st violation. When a fine is assessed, the owner will receive the violation notice along with an invoice showing the fine has been added to their assessment account. An owner will have the opportunity to contest any fine that is assessed. The fines will continue to accrue during the appeals process. It is important to note that the HOA reserves the right to pursue legal and other remedies (at the property owners expense) to cure a violation after the 4th violation letter is sent. The HOA also reserves the right to put a lien on a property for unpaid fines. Copyright 2009 Peel, Inc. Sonoma Homeowner's Association Newsletter - September 2009

6 September Events Sign up for the Fall Session of Go Native U Learn about sustainable gardening, as well as native plant gardening. And check out the new classes on special topics. Classes start September 19. For information and registration, check Open Labor Day - September 7 The Origami Diva - Through October 4 Joan Son s intricate installation of origami, Natural Rhythm features birds and plants. In the McDermott Learning Center Water Sparks - September 17 through December 20 View fine limestone and glass works by Damian Priour. A joint exhibit with Umlauf Sculpture Garden. Nature Nights Plants & People Friday, September 18, 6 to 9 p.m. Dyes, jelly, medicine-discover the benefits of native plants. Spanish translations available. Admission $1. Sponsored by KVUE. Austin Museum Day Sunday, September 20, Open 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Program 1 to 3 p.m. Admission free. Women in Science program inspiring children to pursue science careers. Smithsonian Weekend - September 26 Free admission for all Smithsonian members. Taste jellies and jams from Texas Traditions from noon to 2 p.m. Also, save 20% on 2010 calendars all weekend. Accepting Reservations for Fall 2009! See Website for Details! was formed to provide a unique, reliable and safe transportation service exclusively for our children in the Round Rock, Texas area. Our objective is to get children to school, daycare, after school programs, sports practices, music lessons, parent s place of employment or wherever a family s schedule demands on a pre-arranged basis. The business philosophy of is simple: treat all of our clients with the utmost respect and provide them an essential, reliable service THEY CAN TRUST! We operate our business with emphasis on SAFETY, ensuring the children we are transporting are picked up and dropped off in a safe and timely manner. Kool Kidz Shuttle Round Rock, Tx P: (512) E: info1@koolkidzshuttle.com Sonoma Homeowners Association Newsletter - September 2009 Copyright 2009 Peel, Inc.

7 WHY USE DOGGIE DAYCARE? Maid Cleaning Today? Trying to Sell Your House? Carpets Being Cleaned? Long Day at Work? Floors Being Installed? Pest Control Service? Having a Party? Company Visiting? Give us a call at or go to for more information. BOOK YOUR HOLIDAY BOARDING NOW! Please note that all dogs over 9 months of age must be spayed or neutered and the coupon is not good over major boarding holidays Copyright 2009 Peel, Inc. Sonoma Homeowner's Association Newsletter - September 2009

8 Nature Watch - Amazing Arthropods by Jim and Lynne Weber From the Greek roots of arthron (meaning by its slender pincer-bearing arms (pedipalps) joint ) and podos (meaning foot ), arthropods and long, slender tail, which is longer on are animals characterized by their jointed males than females. While these scorpions limbs and repeating body segments, each with can mate in the fall, spring, or early summer, a pair of appendages. They are so versatile gestation requires about 8 months. Litter that they have been called the Swiss Army size can vary from 13 to 47, with the average knives of species, and make up over 80% of being 31! Immature scorpions molt up to six all described living species known to date. In Striped Bark Scorpion times before they mature, with the first being central Texas, the most fascinating arthropods anywhere from 3 to 7 days after birth. Born include the scorpion and the centipede. alive in semi-transparent sacs, once they shed these thin layers they Of the 90 species of scorpions identified in the United States, spend their first few weeks riding on their mother s back, and have 18 of them occur in Texas and only one statewide. The number a life expectancy of about 4 years. of species found increases as you move west and south in the state, Like all scorpions, the striped bark scorpion has four pairs of legs with two species occurring in the Austin area (compared to 14 in Big with a comb-like structure called the pectines between its last pair of Bend National Park!). Close relatives of ticks, mites, and spiders, legs. While scorpions also have two eyes on the top of the head and scorpions are easily recognized by their shape, generally prefer dry two to five pairs of eyes along the front corners of the head, they do habitats, hide during the day, and are most active at night. not see well and must rely on the pectines to identify different surface The most common scorpion in our area is the striped bark textures and to help detect prey. Their nocturnal habits assist them scorpion, which has two broad, black bands running down the length in managing temperature and water balance which are important of its back. Tan in overall color, this species can be easily identified (Continued on Page 9) The Original PowerBook Go back to school this year more prepared than ever. Great Hills Baptist Church Sunday Schedule 9:30 & 11 am - Bible Life Groups (all ages) 9:30 am - Celebration-Connection (Worship Choir & Orchestra) 11:00 am - Life-Connection (Worship Band) J o l l y v i l l e R o a d. A u s t i n, T X w w w. g h b c. o r g Sonoma Homeowners Association Newsletter - September 2009 Copyright 2009 Peel, Inc.

9 Nature Watch - (Continued from Page 8) functions for survival in dry habitats. While the sting of this species is painful and can cause swelling, none of the species in Texas are considered deadly. However, a person who has been stung should be watched for any adverse reaction. Known as the largest centipede in North America, the giant redheaded or Texas redhead is among the largest of any many-legged centipede in the world. These fast-moving and aggressive titans differ from millipedes by the presence of only one pair of legs per body segment, and those legs are attached to the sides of each segment rather than near the midline. While not frequently observed, those Texas redheads that do make themselves known attract a lot of attention due to their large size and fierce appearance. They average about 6-8 inches in length and in rare cases may reach up to 10 inches! Their coloration is striking, where the head and the first two body segments are dark red, the wide trunk is black tinged with green, and the first 20 pairs of legs are yellow. The posterior end of the centipede holds the 21st pair of legs, which are enlarged in size and mostly black with yellow tips. It is widely believed that this coloration plays a key role in warding off potential predators by clearly advertising its poisonous qualities and confrontational nature. Like the striped bark scorpion, the Texas redhead is a predator whose prey (primarily other insects) is captured and killed by its poison claws. Again, its bite, while painful, is not deadly to humans, but the same precautions should be taken. While arthropods like scorpions and centipedes can be the source of nightmares and phobias for many people, their role in the ecosystem is one of extreme versatility. By examining the ways in which they are adapted to survive in a wide range of conditions, we learn that they are largely beneficial to us by keeping the balance of harmful insects in check, and when encountered, make for a Texas-sized story or two! Send your nature-related questions to naturewatch@ austin.rr.com and we ll do our best to answer them. Texas Redhead Advertise YOUR business to YOUR neighbors for less than 7 per home. Effective Advertising, Done Right. Call today to Reserve your space. se Peel, Inc. community newsletters Copyright 2009 Peel, Inc. Sonoma Homeowner's Association Newsletter - September

10 It s Not Too Late to Get Organized for the New School Year Submitted by Kelly Butcher School has just begun and you probably feel like you are drowning in the sea of papers, activities, and homework. As a professional organizer, I work with a lot of busy families who need help setting up routines for handling the abundance of paper from school, the mail, and for getting homework done. I hope to offer a few suggestions about routines to set-up and implement to help you have smooth sailing through this school year. Some general systems to have in place include: Calendar Incoming papers Homework A large wall calendar with room enough to write each family member s activities is a must. Display the calendar in a location easily accessed by all family members. If you track your calendar electronically, have a centrally located computer with easy access for all family members. Assign a color to each family member and color-code activities. Papers consisting of incoming mail, school papers, both school work and items that require a response, and activity-related items (schedules, release forms, etc) are always an issue. Set up an action file system for handling the incoming paperwork such as a desktop hanging file organizer with files for each child or school. Teach your children to get into the habit of putting important papers or papers requiring a signature in a folder marked with Mom or Dad. After you have signed the paper, either place the paper in a folder to return to school or have your child put directly into their backpack. Also set up an archival system for the treasured school work that you want to save. Fitting homework into our busy schedules is often difficult. Designate an area for your children to complete their work. For (Continued on Page 11) For more information, check out our website at Increasing water safety awareness and standards FACTS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT DROWNING DROWNING CAN STILL OCCUR EVEN IF YOU KNOW HOW TO SWIM Drowning is the leading cause of unintentional injury-related death in children ages 1-4 DROWNING WILL AFFECT YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW NO ONE is drown proof no matter their level of swimming ability. Falls, entrapments, and injuries lead to drowning regardless of swimming level Drowning is the 2nd leading cause of unintentional injury-related death ages A majority of people overestimate their own and their child s ability to swim, especially in a panic event. DROWNING IS QUICK AND SILENT Drowning occurs in as little as 2 Most children are out of sight or missing for less than 5 minutes and usually in the presence of 1 or both parents. 2min 4min 5min 6min minutes. Irreversible brain damage occurs in as little as 4 minutes. Most children die who are submerged for as little as 6-10 minutes. Children who drown do not scream, splash, or struggle. They silently slip beneath the water, even with adults & lifeguards present. 10 Sonoma Homeowners Association Newsletter - September 2009 Copyright 2009 Peel, Inc.

11 It's Not Too Late to Get Organized - (Continued from Page 10) younger students, the kitchen table is probably where most of the homework is completed, so make sure all of the necessary supplies are available, so there is no excuse not to get started. I recommend using lidded plastic shoe-box size containers to hold markers, crayons, scissors, glue sticks, etc. Label the containers for ease in cleaning up. For older students who may complete their homework at a desk in their bedroom, ensure they have the necessary supplies available as well. A well-lit, clutter-free area away from distractions will help them stay focused on their work. Establish a set time for homework to be completed. It may not be the same time every afternoon or evening based on after school activities. Look at the week ahead on Sunday evening and map out with your child the time they should complete their homework for each day based on that day s activities and mark it on the calendar. Most importantly, help your child get into the habit of packing their backpack before they go to bed. That way during the morning rush, important papers and items needed for school will not be forgotten at home. Remember that developing new habits requires consistency and time. Begin setting up and implementing new systems as soon as possible and this school year will be off to a great start! Recipe of the Month Dream Delight Sandy Dinges 6 egg whites 1 cup pecans 2 cups sugar 2 tsp. vanilla 3/4 tsp. cream of tartar 2 cups crackers (Club or Waverly) Beat egg whites until stiff. Gradually add sugar and cream of tartar. Add vanilla. Fold in crackers and pecans. Spread in a 9 x 13 pan cake pan. Bake at 350º until light brown about minutes. Cool completely. Top with your favorite fruit and Cool Whip. If you would like to submit YOUR recipe it to articles@peelinc.com. BUSINESS FORMS NEWSLETTERS FLYERS ENVELOPES LETTERHEADS NCR SNAP APART FORMS RUBBER STAMPS BUSINESS CARDS Solving all your printing needs ext. 24 Peel, Inc. Printing & Publishing Publishing Community Newsletters Since 1991 Support Your Neighborhood Newsletter. Leslie Chambliss Sales Representative leslie@peelinc.com Advertise your business to your neighbors Copyright 2009 Peel, Inc. Sonoma Homeowner's Association Newsletter - September

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