Hunter's Chase - January 2012 by Peel, Inc.

Hunter's Chase Gazette

HUNTER'S CHASE The Official Newsletter of the Hunter's Chase HOA

It's That Time

January 2012 Volume 2, Issue 1

Year Again

The board of the Hunter’s Chase Property Owners Association (POA) has counted our pennies and worked out the budget for next year. With everything that has been going on, this has been one of the most difficult budgets the board has had to do. A review of what is going on will help make sense of everything. As you may know the Springwoods Limited District was dissolved on September 30, 2011 after the residents of the district voted not to continue it. This has been a double edged sword for our community. With the dissolving of the district, we avoided an additional tax on many of our residents. Additionally, our POA were able to receive monies that are allowing us to proceed with around $108,000 in improvements to our community park. These improvements include a new playscape, climbing rock, fitness stations, pavilion with tables and much needed drainage work along the tennis court area. Unfortunately, the district also served our neighborhood in various functions that we as a POA must now be responsible for. We were aware that an increase in dues was coming and brought it to the member’s attention at our annual meeting in June. One of the functions Springwood Limited District provided was an Architectural Control Committee which reviews changes on our members’ properties. This function is being implemented by a committee of member volunteers, and they have already reviewed and approved several applications. Most notably, the district enforced deed restrictions. Deed restrictions help keep property values higher by preventing less desirable uses of property in our community. We have very reasonable restrictions unlike many communities, but the restrictions are useless if they are not enforced. The district had a substantial financial reserve in place to enforce any restrictions that were not amiably resolved. We as the Board of Directors have engaged Sage Management to conduct frequent neighborhood drive-bys to document and notify homeowners of gross violations that make our property values decrease. Jim Sagnes, owner of Sage Management, has had many favorable responses from homeowners to resolve the cited items. However, as a POA, we must be prepared for the legal costs of homeowner members that will not willingly come into compliance. We currently have no fund for such contingencies. To make matters more difficult, utility prices have increased drastically. That coupled with our increased usage during this drought has caused our utilities expenses to increase drastically. You will also observe much construction occurring to our private, members-only access areas as well. These are much needed improvements that have been delayed for quite some time. Because these projects had to be funded from POA dues, they have been delayed in the past due to a lack of funds. These improvements include replastering of the main pool, replastering of the kiddie pool, and replacing roofs over the cabana and restrooms. (Continued on Page 3) Copyright © 2012 Peel, Inc.

Upcoming Events Jan 3rd Fruitcake Toss Day, is your opportunity to finally throw away the old fruitcake. After the holidays are over, it’s time to bring in the new, and toss out the old. Today is the day that the fruit cake goes....hooray!

Jan 13th • Friday the 13th • Blame Someone Else Day • International Skeptics Day • Make Your Dreams come True Day Make Your Dream Come True Day gives you the opportunity to do something to realize your goals and dreams. Whatever your dreams are, they usually don’t come true without some effort on your part. So, today is the perfect opportunity to do something about it.

Jan 16th Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday

Jan 23rd National Pie Day - National Pie Day is a special day that is set aside to bake and cook all of your favorite pies. On this day, you are also encouraged to bake a few new pie recipes. And most importantly, it’s a day to eat pies! A great way to celebrate National Pie Day is to bake some pies and give them away to friends, neighbors, and relatives. You never know, you may be starting a tradition of pie giving between your friends and family. Hunter's Chase Gazette - January 2012

Hunter's Chase Gazette CONTACT NUMBERS & IMPORTANT INFO Hunter’s Chase Yahoo Newsgroup http://groups.yahoo.com/group/hunterschase/ Hunter’s chase POA website - http://hca.goodwintx.com/ UTILITIES Electricity City of Austin...................................................... 494-9400 Gas Atmos Energy............................................1-888-286-6700 Emergency.................................................... 866-322-8667 Water/Wastewater (City of Austin) Emergency........................................................... 912-6000 Trash/Recycling Texas Disposal Systems ....................................... 421-1340 PROPERTY MANAGEMENT HC HOA Goodwin Management Inc. Carmen.Glassinger@goodwintx.com............ 512-502-7503 Estates of HC POA CA Managers: info@camanagers.com.................................. 512-288-2376 ARCHITECTURAL CONTROL COMMITTEE Applications are found on the intranet site at http://hca.goodwintx.com/ DEED ENFORCEMENT To report violations contact Sage Management sage. management@yahoo.com - Deed Documents, http://hca.goodwintx.com/ Download the file HCA.GOV.xx.19840530.CCRS.pdf SCHOOLS Pond Springs Elementary................................. 512-464-4200 ..................... http://schools.roundrockisd.org/pondsprings/ Deerpark Middle School.................................. 512-464-6600 ...........................http://schools.roundrockisd.org/deerpark/ McNeil High School........................................ 512-464-6300 ..............................http://schools.roundrockisd.org/mcneil/ OTHER Crime Stoppers........................................... 1-800-253-STOP County Commissioner Lisa Birkman, Pct. 1 .....................733-5384 fax; 733-5380 Animal Control....................................................... 943-1389 Spicewood Springs Branch Public Library ........................ 8637 Spicewood Springs Rd 512-974-3800

HOA BOARD Darin Siefkes (ds@dsaustinlaw.com)......................... President Calandra Bradford ............................................Vice President Michael Kuykendall..................................................Treasurer Brian James ..............................................................Secretary Rebekah Sheppard................................................................... To reach any one of the board members please contact Carmen Glassinger at carmen.glassinger@goodwintx.com HUNTERS CHASE POA COMMITTEES Residents interested in joining a committee should contact Darin Siefkes at ds@dsaustinlaw.com 1. Neighborhood Watch - will assist with implementing a neighborhood watch program 2. Amenities (Pool, Park & Tennis) - will be responsible for maintenance and improvement suggestions to the Board 3. Events - responsible for determining which neighborhood events to plan and carrying out the planning and execution of the events (Neighborhood garage sale, Christmas caroling, potlucks, etc)

NEWSLETTER INFO EDITOR Brian James ............... Brian.james@pineappleandbanana.net PUBLISHER Peel, Inc........................................................ 888-687-6444 Advertising................................ advertising@PEELinc.com

ARTICLE SUBMISSIONS Interested in submitting an article? You can do so by emailing Brian.james@pineappleandbanana.net or by going to http://www. peelinc.com/articleSubmit.php. All news must be received by the 9th of the month prior to the issue. So if you are involved with a school group, scouts, sports etc – please submit your articles for The Subdivision Name. Personal news for the Stork Report, Teenage Job Seekers, special celebrations and military service are also welcome.

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Hunters Chase Gazette - January 2012

Hunter's Chase Gazette That Time of Year... - (Continued from Cover Page) We understand that an increase in dues at this time of economic squeezing can be difficult, and it was not taken lightly. Since the inception of the POA in 1985, dues had been set at $200 annually, with only two increases in the history of the POA -- $20 in 2008 and another $20 in 2009. The cost of landscaping, pool maintenance, water and electricity have all increased annually. Additionally, the POA’s improvements are aging and we expect that maintenance costs will continue to be higher than when the improvements were new. For these reasons, we felt it necessary to raise our POA dues beginning January 2012 to $300, from the previous amount of $240. In reaching this decision, we carefully evaluated each item in the budget and took a fiscally conservative approach balanced with the need to maintain our common areas in sound condition and keep our property values as high as possible. Sincerely, Hunters Chase POA Board Members Darin Siefkes Calandra Bradford Brian James Michael Kuydendall Rebekah Sheppard

ARCHITECTURAL CONTROL COMMITTEE (ACC)

As the year comes to a close, I want to thank all of you who submitted projects. I am glad to report that every project that has been submitted since we assumed ACC duties has been “Approved”. From Sept-Dec there have been 6 projects submitted, 3 fence, 2 landscape, 1 deck. Thanks, Brian James – ACC Chair Applications and the Covenants and Restrictions (CCRS) documents are found on the intranet site at http://hca.goodwintx. com/. The ACC application must be approved before project work begins. The ACC has up to 30 days to respond to applications. So plan ahead and get those applications in early. In some cases, you will also need a building permit from the City of Austin. If you have questions, we suggest that you contact Goodwin Management via http://hca.goodwintx.com/. In addition to the covenants and restrictions there may also be City of Austin Regulations from City Ordinances that apply, a handy link listing the ordinances most likely to impact residents of newly annexed areas can be found here. http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/annexation/city_regs.htm

Hunter's Chase Gazette - January 2012

Hunter's Chase Gazette Arts Society

Two treks to leading museums, galleries and artist studios in various cities include two museums in San Antonio on Dec.1 and three museums in Fort Worth on March 1, 2012. Dates and specific details, including exhibitions on view at each museum, are posted on the SAS website www.spicewoodarts.org. The entertainment slate for this “Season of Sizzling Excitement” also includes a scholarship fundraiser with Austin’s own The Eggmen on Sat., Feb. 11. Tickets can be purchased online at the SAS website. The remaining regular concerts (See below.) are sold out; however, a waiting list is available at the SAS website or by calling 512-264-2820. Should tickets become available, a twoweek notice will be given. A brochure of all event dates also can be requested. Carolyn Wonderland, Sat., Jan. 14, an award-winning, genrebending, hard-touring guitarist-singer-songwriter; Wheatfield, Fri., March 23, four talented, clever, funny musicians from the Hotcakes and Trout Fishing in America bands reunite; The Motheral Family 2nd Annual Tony Campise Jazz Concert, Fri., May 4, featuring Campise protégé Kris Kumara and The Kris Kimura Quartet, a highly respected, unique, in demand jazz foursome. FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Janey J. Richardson, President, Spicewood Arts Society, Spicewood TX, 512-264-2820; Janey@SpicewoodArts.org; http://www.spicewoodarts.org/ Preston F. Kirk, APR, Kirk Public Relations, Spicewood (Austin), TX, 830-693-4447; kirkpf@verizon.net

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We want to hear from you! Email Brian.james@ pineappleandbanana.net to let the community know!

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Hunters Chase Gazette - January 2012

New Grass

Are you looking to replace your dead St.Augustine? The Lady Bird Johnson wildflower Center in Austin has been developing blends of native grasses in an effort to find a mix that yields a good looking, comfortable lawn that uses less water and is more tolerant of Texas Weather, including drought. Just this year they have trade marked “Habiturf ” a blend of “Buffalo”, “blue gama” and “curly mesquite” and others. More info can be found here www.wildflower.org/nativelawns/

Legal Smarts For Women Estate Planning attorney Julia Nickerson and Family Law attorney Jodi Lazar host an informal workshop designed to help women learn more about legal matters that impact women and their families. Thursday January 26 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 am Location: Nickerson Law Group in Davenport Village For more information, directions and to RSVP, visit the Events page at julianickerson.com

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Call Now Timothy W. Hald, CPA Telephone: ..........................................................512-363-5738 e - mail: ................................................... twhcpa@gmail.com Webpage:............................................cpa-austintexas.com Remember: .................Maximize Profit, Minimize Taxes

Hunter's Chase Gazette Pick up the Pile Happy New Year to all! As we embark on 2012’s journey, some will think of ways to improve upon themselves. I’d like to offer an idea to those that still think dog poop is fertilizer, let’s try picking up after our dogs. In case you were not aware, scientists have established the fact that the dog's gut harbors a particular type of bacteria known as the coli form bacteria. This bacterium includes the dreaded E. coli bacteria and also contains strains of salmonella and giardia. Now, since the rains have finally come, all the piles that have been left behind will be washed into our storm drains and contaminate our water supply. Not only is our water supply affected but perhaps even the air we breathe...I came across this article: SCIENCEDAILY (AUG. 18, 2011) “Bacteria from fecal material -- in particular, dog fecal material -may constitute the dominant source of airborne bacteria in Cleveland’s and Detroit’s wintertime air, says a new University of Colorado Boulder study.” This was the first test conducted, for air borne disease so far, however, scientist presume other cities, with an abundance of the canine kind, will show similar results. Please be kind, don’t leave it behind. To those that pick up....THANK YOU www.pickupthepile.com

At no time will any source be allowed to use the Hunter's Chase Gazette's 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 Peel, Inc. The information in the Hunter's Chase Gazette is exclusively for the private use of the Hunter's Chase HOA and Peel, Inc. 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.

REACHING YOUR NEIGHBORS • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Avery Ranch Barton Creek Bee Cave Bella Vista Belterra Canyon Creek Cedar Park Town Center Chandler Creek Cherry Creek on Brodie Lane Circle C Ranch Courtyard Crystal Falls Davenport Ranch Forest Creek Hidden Glen Highland Park West Balcones Highpointe Hunter’s Chase Jester Estates Lakeline Ranch Lakeway Lakewood Legend Oaks II

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

and many others...

Long Canyon Lost Creek Mayfield Ranch Meadows of Bushy Creek Pemberton Heights Plum Creek Ranch at Brushy Creek River Place Round Rock Ranch Sendera Shady Hollow Sonoma Steiner Ranch Stone Canyon Teravista Travis Country West Twin Creeks Villages of Westen Oaks Vista Ridge Westside at Buttercup Creek Wood Glen

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Hunter's Chase Gazette - January 2012

Hunter's Chase Gazette Just Like Riding a Bike by J. D. Hedges

You’re inspired. You just finished watching a local news segment on biking to improve health or reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and you can’t wait to get started. You head straight to your garage or attic, move boxes of Christmas decorations, and dig out that bike you found at a garage sale during your grunge days. You dust it off, pump up the tires, and take it for a spin. Ten minutes later it’s back behind the boxes, and you wonder why you’re still watching local news anyway. Why don’t more adults ride bikes? The number one reason people give is comfort. “Biking hurts my back/knees/pride.” But the truth is, bike technology has come a long way since Huffy 10-speeds were the rage. You can buy a better bike now and enjoy it more than the bike you bought ten years ago, and the proof is at your local bike shop. “A bike shop? What’s wrong with shopping for a bike on the internet?” you ask. The answer: No physical feedback. Even the best 3D website can’t let you sit on a bike, and since that’s the whole point of the purchase, you might check in with your butt’s opinion on potential rides. But most importantly, the internet outlet store can’t guarantee that the bike you buy is put together properly and personally fits you. A bike’s fit is the way it measures up between the saddle, handle bars, and pedals and should be complementary to the length of your

torso, legs, and arms. Getting a bike fit for you is the single best thing you can do to increase your joy of biking. And guess what? The professionals at your local bike shop can help you. I recommend visiting smaller bike shops over large stores with bicycle sections so that you get the personal attention you need. You’ll have questions about frames, components, and sizes, and need advice. You don’t want to feel rushed to make a decision. Finding the right bike should be more like finding the right husband and less like buying impulse candy at the checkout lane. You’re going to be spending some intimate time riding your bike and it needs to fit right for you to get the most enjoyment out of the relationship. If you have an older bike, or if you’ve recently bought a bike from a department store, consider bringing it in to a bike shop to make sure it’s assembled properly and adjusted to fit you as best it can. The extra money will be worth it to know that the bike is assembled for the long haul and that it’s customized to fit you. If you don’t own a bike that you love to ride, then get excited, because the bike of your dreams is out there waiting for you. Your dream bike, unlike your dream vacation, doesn’t need to jeopardize your budget, and a little investment in time and capitol can give you years of enjoyment. // 512-789-9175

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Hunters Chase Gazette - January 2012

Hunter's Chase Gazette 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 antiinflammatory 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 TO REMEMBER 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 CAN RAISE SPIRITS OF A CHRONICALLY ILL CHILD

The 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 MENOPAUSE BY REEVALUATING YOUR HEALTH CARE NEEDS

Menopause 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.

Hunter's Chase Gazette - January 2012

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