Stone Canyon - January 2012
8
Copyright © 2012 Peel, Inc. Stone Canyon Homeowner's Association Newsletter - January 2012 1 www.stonecanyonoa.org January 2012 Volume 7, Issue 1 Official Publication of Stone Canyon Homeowners Association Neighborhood Newsletter NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH by Joanie Brown Our fledgling Neighborhood Watch network is beginning to take shape. Our initial “shout out” resulted in five most welcome volunteers; November’s newsletter brought an additional seven on board; and another resident signed on following last month’s article. Hopefully (call me greedy), by the time you read this, I’ll have heard from even more of you. irteen Block Captains will increase our ability to pass safety alerts/information throughout our neighborhoods. As you know, for this process to work most effectively and efficiently, we need a volunteer for each street. Stone Canyon consists of 1101 homes, spread out along approximately 42 streets—many long enough to require 2 or 3 people to split their street into sections. If we don’t have enough street reps, each with their own list of e-mail addresses and phone #s gathered for their neighbors, we’ll remain extremely limited in disseminating info quickly. What will take the most time is initially touching base with the residents on your street, letting them know you’re their Neighborhood Watch rep/ Block Captain, and asking their permission to collect their contact info to use only for Neighborhood Watch purposes. You may wish to assure them that their info will be kept confidential. e list you compile for your street will be for your use only; no requirement to share with any committee or Board member. When either a Board member or the Neighborhood Watch committee chairperson receives a safety bulletin from law enforcement, that message will be forwarded to you as your street’s rep; and you will be requested to pass it on to your contact list. If you are hesitating because you work outside your home but would be able to receive Neighborhood Watch bulletins while at your office, it should take a minimum amount of time to forward those alerts. Now that our group is expanding, I’ll contact the Sheriff’s Office Neighborhood Watch representative to see if he’ll be available to meet with us sometime in February. He’ll be able to explain how other communities work their programs, answer our questions, and share ideas on what might work best for Stone Canyon. I’ll keep you advised as things move forward, let you know which streets are covered and which still need a Block Captain. Neighborhood Watch is a major weapon we residents can use against anyone who enters our neighborhoods with wrong intentions. It’s our way of staying aware and looking out for each other and our families. Please join us in keeping Stone Canyon “plugged in” and safe. ank you. Joanie Brown [email protected] hm: 733-2913; cell: 784-3512 Happy New Year! I hope all of you had a lovely holiday season and that 2012 will be full of joy for everyone. I want to apologize again for the coupon payment booklet being mailed out without the advance payment option discount of 5%. Our management company quickly responded with a letter sent out at their expense correcting the mistake. It also gave notice of a 5% increase in our association fees. Even though the board is delaying projects planned for 2012, our income was not sufficient to meet our estimated expenditures for the year. A few years ago a reserve study evaluated our association and projected our expenses over the next 20 years or so. e current assessed fee was not enough to fund the reserve fund at the levels needed to do repairs, maintenance and replacements that are projected in the study. The study underestimated the cost of doing upgrades at our pool and did not offer a timeline to complete the work that our contractor advised us that needed to be done. It also did not take into consideration that the SCOA is responsible for repair and maintenance of sidewalks in our community. In conversations with other HOAs that have the same fencecrete that is used in our common areas, I believe the study greatly underestimated the cost of maintaining our fences. at’s something we’ll have to consider in the future. e SCOA will continue to review the study to ensure that our reserve fund is maintained. As our community has aged, we’ve needed to increase our funding to keep keep our irrigation in working order and to restore our landscaping to a more desirable level. e Wyoming Springs widening project caused unexpected expenses for irrigation and sod replacement. We’ve also learned the original irrigation installed by the builder did not take into consideration the best coverage for (Continued on Page 3)
description
January 2012 edition of Stone Canyon Newsletter for Stone Canyon
Transcript of Stone Canyon - January 2012
Copyright © 2012 Peel, Inc. Stone Canyon Homeowner's Association Newsletter - January 2012 1
Stone Canyon
www.stonecanyonoa.org January 2012 Volume 7, Issue 1
Official Publication of Stone Canyon Homeowners Association
Neighborhood Newsletter
NEIGHBORHOOD WATCHby Joanie Brown
Our fledgling Neighborhood Watch network is beginning to take shape. Our initial “shout out” resulted in five most welcome volunteers; November’s newsletter brought an additional seven on board; and another resident signed on following last month’s article. Hopefully (call me greedy), by the time you read this, I’ll have heard from even more of you. Thirteen Block Captains will increase our ability to pass safety alerts/information throughout our neighborhoods. As you know, for this process to work most effectively and efficiently, we need a volunteer for each street. Stone Canyon consists of 1101 homes, spread out along approximately 42 streets—many long enough to require 2 or 3 people to split their street into sections. If we don’t have enough street reps, each with their own list of e-mail addresses and phone #s gathered for their neighbors, we’ll remain extremely limited in disseminating info quickly.
What will take the most time is initially touching base with the residents on your street, letting them know you’re their Neighborhood Watch rep/Block Captain, and asking their permission to collect their contact info to use only for Neighborhood Watch purposes. You may wish to assure them that their info will be kept confidential. The list you compile for your street will be for your use only; no requirement to share with any committee or Board member. When either a Board member or the Neighborhood Watch committee chairperson receives a safety bulletin from law enforcement, that message will be forwarded to you as your street’s rep; and you will be requested to pass it on to your contact list. If you are hesitating because you work outside your home but would be able to receive Neighborhood Watch bulletins while at your office, it should take a minimum amount of time to forward those alerts.
Now that our group is expanding, I’ll contact the Sheriff ’s Office Neighborhood Watch representative to see if he’ll be available to meet with us sometime in February. He’ll be able to explain how other communities work their programs, answer our questions, and share ideas on what might work best for Stone Canyon. I’ll keep you advised as things move forward, let you know which streets are covered and which still need a Block Captain.
Neighborhood Watch is a major weapon we residents can use against anyone who enters our neighborhoods with wrong intentions. It’s our way of staying aware and looking out for each other and our families. Please join us in keeping Stone Canyon “plugged in” and safe. Thank you.
Joanie [email protected]: 733-2913; cell: 784-3512
Happy New Year! I hope all of you had a lovely holiday season and
that 2012 will be full of joy for everyone.I want to apologize again for the coupon
payment booklet being mailed out without the advance payment option discount of 5%. Our management company quickly responded with a letter sent out at their expense correcting the mistake. It also gave notice of a 5% increase in our association fees. Even though the board is delaying projects planned for 2012, our income was not sufficient to meet our estimated expenditures for the year.
A few years ago a reserve study evaluated our association and projected our expenses over the next 20 years or so. The current assessed fee was not enough to fund the reserve fund at the levels needed to do repairs, maintenance and replacements that are projected in the study. The study underestimated the cost of doing upgrades at our pool and did not offer a timeline to complete the work that our contractor advised us that needed to be done. It also did not take into consideration that the SCOA is responsible for repair and maintenance of sidewalks in our community. In conversations with other HOAs that have the same fencecrete that is used in our common areas, I believe the study greatly underestimated the cost of maintaining our fences. That’s something we’ll have to consider in the future. The SCOA will continue to review the study to ensure that our reserve fund is maintained. As our community has aged, we’ve needed to increase our funding to keep keep our irrigation in working order and to restore our landscaping to a more desirable level. The Wyoming Springs widening project caused unexpected expenses for irrigation and sod replacement. We’ve also learned the original irrigation installed by the builder did not take into consideration the best coverage for
(Continued on Page 3)
2 Stone Canyon Homeowner's Association Newsletter - January 2012 Copyright © 2012 Peel, Inc.
Stone Canyon
STONE CANYONOwners & Association Management Teamswww.stonecanyonoa.org
STONE CANYON OWNERS ASSOCIATIONBOARD OF DIRECTORS:
COMMITTEE CHAIRSACC Richard Horton [email protected] Laura Kouns [email protected] Swimming Pool Greg Martinez [email protected] of the Month Joanie Brown & Amelia Dansby ...... [email protected] Maintenance Al Maus ...........................maintenance@stonecanyonoa.orgLandscape Cathy Soukup ................................. [email protected] Watch .........................................Joanie Brown Newsletter Judith Horton ................................ [email protected] Neighbor Laura Kouns ................................... [email protected] Ron Kellam ........................ [email protected]
KEY CONTACTS In an attempt to make things easier to find, we have provided
some key contact information for various organizations that you might need to contact. If you have a suggestion for information to add, please contact the web committee.
HOME OWNERS ASSOCIATION: Bob Nardo - Goodwin Management .............. 512-852-7965 .................. 11149 Research Blvd Suite 100, Austin, TX 78759 http://stc.goodwintx.com/ Payment Address: Stone Canyon c/o Goodwin Management PO Box 4785 Houston, TX 77210-4785Governmental Agencies: Fern Bluff Mud .............................................512-238-0606 ............... 7320 Wyoming Springs, Round Rock, TX 78681 City of Round Rock .....................................512-218-5400 .............................. 221 East Main Street, Round Rock, TX Williamson County Commissioners Office ...512-248-3238 ........... 400 W. Main St., Ste. 216, Round Rock, TX 78664 Williamson County Constable (Robert Chody) 512-248-3239 ...................211 Commerce Cove, Round Rock, TX 78664 Williamson County Sheriff’s Office (Non-Emergency) .........................................512-943-1300 Williamson County EMS (Non-Emergency) .........................................512-943-1264 Round Rock ISD ......................... (512) 464-5000 ext 1311 ....................Round Rock Avenue, Round Rock, TX 78681Misc. Services: Gas Line Malfunction .... (Business Hours) 1-800-460-3030 ............................................(After Hours) 1-800-817-8090 Street Light Repair - TU Electric ...............1-800-242-9113 Texas Utilities (TXU).................................1-800-368-1398 Southwestern Bell ......................................1-888-294-8433 Time Warner Cable ......................................512-485-5555 Williamson County Road and Bridge ...........512-943-3330
President/Recreation/LandscapeJessica Stempko [email protected] President/Capital Improvement/MaintenanceDwip Shah ......................................board@stonecanyonoa.orgTreasurer/ACC/Publicity DirectorGreg Martinez .................................board@stonecanyonoa.orgParliamentarian/Neighborhood Watch/YOM/WebsiteVicky Lockwood [email protected]/Pool/NewsletterRich Horton [email protected]
NOT AVAILABLEONLINE
Copyright © 2012 Peel, Inc. Stone Canyon Homeowner's Association Newsletter - January 2012 3
Stone CanyonHappy New Year! - (Continued from Cover Page)
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our landscaping as it matured. We will need to correct this before we can even consider resodding the sides of Brightwater. In future newsletters I’ll give you updates on our plans for the next 3 to 5 years to improve the overall look of our community with landscaping projects.
The Board voted at the December meeting to hire a new landscaping company. In January, ECOSystems Landscape Services will assume responsibility for our community’s landscaping. ECOSystems is the landscaper for the Fern Bluff MUD, Cat Hollow and Oak Brook, so you’ve probably noticed the high level of service they offer. We’re looking forward to working with them in the new year.
We’ve faced some challenges with water restrictions. Just a reminder that we are currently following the City of Round Rock’s stage II(b) plan. We are permitted to water once a week. Watering days: Odd addresses: Saturday, Even addresses: Sunday, Commercial and multi-family: Friday. For more information and tips on conservation, please visit online: http://www.roundrocktexas.gov/waterconservation
Enjoy the rest of winter!Jessica Stempko
Just a reminder…In accordance with Stone Canyon’s Deed Restrictions, ALL
Exterior Holiday Lights and Decorations must be removed no later than 30 days following the holiday (in this case, January 24th). To avoid receiving a violation letter or fine, ensure you stow away everything (until NEXT Christmas). Thank you for making our holidays bright and cheerful. Happy 2012!!
YARD OF THE MONTH HOLIDAY LIGHTS &
DECORATIONS RECOGNITIONBy Joanie Brown and Amelia Dansby
Unfortunately, the deadline for submitting articles for each month’s newsletter falls on the 15th of the previous month. Since nominating and final voting weren’t scheduled to take place until the week following our deadline, the Holiday Lights and Decorations winners will be listed in February’s newsletter.
Hope you gathered your family together during the holidays to enjoy Stone Canyon “after dark” and were able to spot the winning decorations.
4 Stone Canyon Homeowner's Association Newsletter - January 2012 Copyright © 2012 Peel, Inc.
Stone Canyon
IT'S OKAY TO SKIP YOUR WORKOUT, IN SOME CASES
Although exercise should be a part of your daily routine, it’s important to know when your body needs a break, according to an expert at Baylor College of Medicine. It’s not ideal to work out when you’re sick because you're stressing your system out,said Dr. David Green, assistant professor of orthopedic surgery at BCM.
The same thing is true after a recent surgery; your body is trying to recover from the surgery. If you still want to stay active, consider using simple things such as arm bands for gentle exercises, but stay away from heavy aerobic exercises, he said. If you're experiencing some joint or muscle pain, it’s your body's way of telling you that you're overdoing it, so you should back off. Try using a heating pad or taking anti-inflammatory medication to help with the pain, said Green.
In general, be sure to have some type of snack about an hour before a workout; do not try to exercise on an empty stomach. If you're over the age of 40 and just starting heavy exercise for the first time, be sure to consult with your physician first. Also consult with a physician if you've had any respiratory, cardiac or joint issues in the past. Look out for hidden calories in holiday drinks.
While many people think twice before taking a second serving of a delicious holiday dessert, they may not do the same when it comes to that holiday beverage. But liquid calories can quickly add up, said a nutrition expert at Baylor College of Medicine.
SOME TIPS TOREMEMBER INCLUDE:
• Combine alcohol with a diet mixer or low-calorie tonic
• Remember to pace yourself and alternate alcoholic beverages with a glass of water or club soda with lime
• When it comes to popular cocoa and coffee drinks, choose non-fat milk, skip the whipped cream
• Pay attention to portions; different beverages are served in different size glasses and cups so be aware of what you are drinking and how many servings you consume at one time. Remember that after drinking alcohol, the desire for salty foods is also enhanced, said Reeves.
HECTIC HOLIDAYS CANRAISE SPIRITS OF A
CHRONICALLY ILL CHILDThe typical craziness of the holiday season
can offer an emotional boost for a chronically ill child. The holidays usually are very hectic, but the benefit of seeing family and friends outweighs the hassles of travel and preparation,said Dr. Ernest Frugé, associate professor of pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine and director of psychosocial programs at Texas Children’s Cancer Center.
It's no different for a child in a chronic illness.Planning ahead is the key to travel success, whether it is allowing for extra breaks on a long road trip or reminding older relatives about childproofing needs. Parents should always consult with their child's physician before the trip, pack all medications in their original prescription containers and bring along a copy of appropriate medical information.
Involving the child in the planning and preparations for trips and gatherings reinforces the importance of reconnecting with family and friends, said Frugé. Keeping children away from the usual holiday traditions because they have been ill would separate them from what is a normal experience for the family, he said.
GET THROUGH MENOPAUSEBY REEVALUATING YOUR
HEALTH CARE NEEDSMenopause is called "the change" for a
reason. As hormone levels begin to change, so do health concerns, such as osteoporosis, said experts at Baylor College of Medicine. Decreasing estrogen levels can affect bone mass, making a woman more susceptible to osteoporosis, said Dr. Elizabeth Nelson, associate professor of medicine and director of the Women's Center for Comprehensive Care at BCM. Osteoporosis is a condition that can develop if bone is not replaced as quickly as it is worn away, leaving behind porous or weak bones.
Many factors can affect this condition such as heredity, age and nutritional intake. Modify your risk factors by limiting alcohol intake and not smoking, which can increase bone loss by 10 percent. Exercising three times a week and increasing calcium and vitamin D intake can also improve bone health. However, since each woman’s health care needs differ as they enter menopause, it is important to talk to a doctor to be sure what course of action will be the most beneficial. Screening for osteoporosis should begin at age 65, but many times women will have a screening done at age 50 to use a baseline for future tests.
Copyright © 2012 Peel, Inc. Stone Canyon Homeowner's Association Newsletter - January 2012 5
Stone Canyon
ALWAYS CHECKPOOL/HOTTUB
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MULTIPLE BARRIERS ONALL POOLS & HOTTUBS
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For more information,check out our website at
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In 2011, more than 50 Central Texas children have drowned or nearly drowned. Thisnumber is higher than in recent years.
Please continue to keep kids safe in and around the water.
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6 Stone Canyon Homeowner's Association Newsletter - January 2012 Copyright © 2012 Peel, Inc.
Stone Canyon
At no time will any source be allowed to use the Stone Canyon HOA Newsletter contents, or loan said contents, to others in anyway, shape or form, nor in any media, website, print, film, e-mail, 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 Meadows of Brushy Creek Homeowner's Association and Peel, Inc. The information in the newsletter is exclusively for the private use of Meadows of Brushy Creek Homeowner's Association residents only.
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.
Start the New Year by AttendingAUSTIN NEWCOMERS CLUB
JANUARY LUNCHEONAustin Newcomers Club is a non-profit social and
recreational organization of 500 member- households celebrating is 60th year. It is dedicated to introducing residents to the Austin Community and giving them the opportunity to meet and make new friends. Attend the January luncheon to learn about the forty-five Interest Groups, including book clubs, card and board games playing, dinning, gardening, kayaking, golfing, hiking, dancing and special events for both couples and singles. The Austin Chronicle has named the club as the “Best Way to Get Acquainted with the Best of Austin.”
The January luncheon speaker will be Mike O’Krent, founder of LifeStories Alive, LLC, specializes in making personal history videos for families that value their heritage. They create family heirlooms in video – digitally mastered records of life stories with personal accounts, photos and mementos of family history.
• When & Where: Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at Green Pastures Restaurant, 811 West Live Oak Street, pre-payment $20.00.Reservations are required by: January 11th.
• Time: 11 a.m. Social Hour, Luncheon begins at noon.• For Luncheon Reservations: Email:
[email protected] • Welcome Coffees: You are invited to attend a morning or
evening Welcome Coffee & Orientation. For more information visit the website at: www.AustinNewcomers.com
• To Join Austin Newcomers Club: Any person who has a zip code beginning with 787 is eligible for a new membership with the annual dues payment of $40.00. Membership includes The Welcome Mat, the monthly newsletter, and the annual Members’ Directory. Contact Dotti Thoms, New Member Services, at (512)314-5100. For more information visit the website at: www.AustinNewcomers.com
Copyright © 2012 Peel, Inc. Stone Canyon Homeowner's Association Newsletter - January 2012 7
Stone Canyon
Atascocita CIABlackhorse Ranch
BridgelandChelsea HarbourColes Crossing
CopperfieldCypress Mill
Cypress PointEagle Springs
Enchanted ValleyFairfieldFairwood
Harvest Bend The VillageKleinwoodLakemont
Lakes of FairhavenLakes of Rosehill
Lakes of SavannahLakes on Eldridge
Lakes on Eldridge NorthLakewood GroveLegends Ranch
LongwoodNormandy ForestNorth Lake Forest
Riata RanchRiverpark on the Brazos
Shadow Creek RanchSilverlakeSouthgate
SteeplechaseStone ForestStone Gate
SummerwoodVillage Creek
Villages of NorthPointeWillowbridgeWillowlake
Willow PointeWinchester CountryWinchester Trails
Windermere LakesWortham Villages
AUSTIN HOUSTONAvery RanchBarton Creek
Bee CaveBella VistaBelterra
Canyon CreekCedar Park Town Center
Chandler CreekCherry Creek on Brodie Lane
Circle C RanchCourtyard
Crystal FallsDavenport Ranch
Forest CreekHidden Glen
Hunter’s ChaseHighland Park West Balcones
HighpointeJester EstatesLakeline Ranch
LakewayLakewood
Legend Oaks IILong CanyonLost Creek
Mayfield RanchMeadows of Bushy Creek
Pemberton HeightsPlum Creek
Ranch at Brushy CreekRiver Place
Round Rock RanchSendera
Shady HollowSonoma
Steiner RanchStone Canyon
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Twin CreeksVillages of Westen Oaks
Vista RidgeWestside at Buttercup Creek
Wood Glen
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