Sonoma - February 2012

The Grapevine

The Grapevine Febraury 2012, Volume 6, Issue 2

Official Publication of Sonoma Homeowners Association

Sonoma Social

HALLOWEEN FESTIVITIES!

Copyright © 2012 Peel, Inc.

MARK YOUR CALENDER

Events for 2012 3/2012 Neighborhood Garage Sale Spring Fling 5/2012 Kids Pool Party at Barefoot Pool 7/2012 Movie in the Park at Barefoot Pool 9/2012 Neighborhood Garage Sale 10/2012 Kids Halloween Party at Barefoot Park 12/2012 Santa Return to Sonoma

Our events are drawing more Sonoma families than ever and I need your help to make a successful event….if you could volunteer an hour or two of your time for any event, please contact Cyndi Wasserboehr @ cyndiwass@ netscape.net or 512-2942183

The Grapevine - February 2012

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The Grapevine BOARD OF DIRECTORS

IMPORTANT NUMBERS

PRESIDENT Donna Kohn.......................... president@HoaSonoma.com

Emergency.......................................................................911 Fire Department.................................................... 218-5590 Poison Control ............................................... 800-764-7661 Police Department ................................................ 218-5500 Round Rock Hospital............................................ 341-1000 Williamson County Sheriff’s Department.............. 246-1155 Post Office- 2250 Double Creek Road............ 800-275-8777 Blackland Praire Elementry School......................... 424-8600 http://schools.roundrockisd.org/bkldprairie/ Ridgeview Middle School....................................... 424-8400 http://schools.roundrockisd.org/ridgeview/ Stony Point High School........................................ 428-7000 http://schools.roundrockisd.org/stonypoint/ Cedar Ridge High School....................................... 704-0100 http://schools.roundrockisd.org/cedarridge/ City of Round Rock Website ........................................ http://www.roundrocktexas.gov/

VICE PRESIDENT Carl Anderson................ vice-president@HoaSonoma.com SECRETARY Doug White............................ secretary@HoaSonoma.com TREASURER Will Smith.............................. treasurer@HoaSonoma.com MEMBER AT LARGE Charles King..............member_at_large@HoaSonoma.com

COMMITTEES POOL CHAIR Charlie King..................................pool@HoaSonoma.com LANDSCAPE CHAIR Donna Kohn...........................landscape@hoaSonoma.com SOCIAL COMMITTEE CHAIR Cyndi Wasserboehr...................... social@HoaSonoma.com

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK! Sonoma HOA, Round Rock, TX SONOMA HOA WEBSITE http://hoasonoma.com

NEWSLETTER Amy Smith.................communications@HoaSonoma.com WEBSITE............................ webmaster@HoaSonoma.com Goodwin Management Company

MANAGEMENT CO. Property Manager: Earline Wakefield 11149 Research Blvd. Suite 100, Austin, TX 78759-5227 Voicemail: 512-502-7526 Cell: 512-470-5104 Fax: 512-346-4873 E-mail: Earline.Wakefield@Goodwintx.com http://son.goodwintx.com

NEWSLETTER INFO NEWSLETTER PUBLISHER Peel, Inc....................................................... 512-263-9181 Article Submissions....................canyoncreek@peelinc.com Advertising............................... advertising@PEELinc.com

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The Grapevine - February 2012

Advertise Your Business Here 888-687-6444 Copyright © 2012 Peel, Inc.

The Grapevine

by Jim and Lynne Weber The common but elusive Ringtail or Ringtail Cat (Bassariscus astutus) is not a cat at all, but a member of the Procyonidae family and a close relative of the Northern Raccoon. The origins of its scientific name comes from bassar or fox, isc or little, and astute or cunning. In Texas, it is found mostly in the Trans-Pecos, the Edwards Plateau, and the Cross Timbers regions.

While ringtails are cat-sized mammals, their face is fox-like with a pointed snout, their body is elongated, and their tail resembles a raccoon. The ears are large, and their big, dark eyes are each surrounded by a patch of light-colored fur. The fur on their body is buff to brown-colored above and whitish below, with a spectacularly bushy, ringed tail. This tail is often longer than their body, and is marked by a series of 14 to 16 alternating black and white rings (black rings incomplete on the underside) with a black tip.

Mainly nocturnal but sometimes seen at dawn and dusk (crepuscular), ringtails are roving, solitary mammals that come together only to mate. Their breeding season starts in late February and continues to mid-April, and females are in heat for only one 24hour period during this time. In early May to mid-June 2 to 4 cubs are born fuzzy, white-haired, and with a tail that is not yet colored with the distinctive black and white bands. The cubs open their eyes at one month, and at four months begin hunting for rodents, insects, lizards, birds, and berries. Ringtails are quite vocal, especially the young, and will make a variety of sounds including squeaks, chatters, grunts, growls, and hisses, with the typical call being a loud, plaintive bark. In the wild, ringtails live an average of seven years.

Ringtails can be found in our oak-juniper woodlands that have rocky areas associated with water, including riparian canyons and caves, limestone cliffs, and sometimes in man-made structures like mine shafts. They can den in tree hollows, rock crevices, other animals’ abandoned burrows, and even seldom-used spaces in buildings. They roam frequently, rarely spending more than three straight nights in one den. Interestingly, the ankle joint of the Ringtail is very flexible and is able to rotate over 180 degrees, which makes them very agile climbers. By pressing their feet against one wall and their back against the opposite wall, or by pressing both right feet against one wall and both left feet against the opposite wall, they are able to ‘stem’ or ascend/descend narrow passageways and wide cracks in the rock. Their strong tail can provide balance for negotiating narrow ledges and limbs, and even allows them to reverse direction by performing a cartwheel!

Ringtails have many other common names, including Miner’s Cat, as they were often kept by miners and settlers as pets, to keep their cabin free of mice. A hole was cut in a small box that was placed near a stove or fireplace, which acted as a dark, warm place for them to sleep during the day, and they returned the favor at night, hunting (Continued on Page 4) Copyright © 2012 Peel, Inc.

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The Grapevine Nature Watch - (Continued from Page 3) mice and keeping them and other rodents at bay. In the native language of the Nahuatl Indians of Mexico, ringtails were called ‘cacomistle’, which is derived from the word tlahcomiztli meaning ‘half mountain lion.’ Whatever you call them, consider yourself lucky should you spot one of these beautiful, timid, and rarely seen nocturnal mammals!

At no time will any source be allowed to use The Grapevine 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 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.

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.

Send your nature-related questions to naturewatch@austin.rr.com and we’ll do our best to answer them. If you enjoy reading these articles, look for our book, Nature Watch Austin, published by Texas A&M University Press.

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Copyright © 2012 Inc. 8/31/11Peel, 5:03 PM

The Grapevine CHEERS for Children Mardi Gras Style

WINE, SCOTCH AND FOOD TASTING

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February 23, 2012 6:30 – 9:00pm Twin Creeks Country Club Benefits Dell Children’s Medical Center

Northwest Austin Circle of Friends presents our 13th Annual CHEERS for Children event benefiting Dell Children’s Medical Center of Central Texas. This exciting event, a premier wine, scotch, and food tasting, will be held Thursday, February 23, 2012, 6:30 to 9:00 pm at Twin Creeks Country Club (3201 Twin Creeks Club Drive, Cedar Park, 78613), nestled in the lovely hill country setting between northwest Austin and Cedar Park.

Your are invited to join us for a fun and exciting Mardi Gras celebration filled with premier wines, single

malt scotches, delicious cuisine from local restaurants, funky jazz music on the veranda and complimentary Mardi Gras beads - all included in the ticket price as well as live and silent auctions with unique and tempting items. Don your masks and costumes (if you dare), and join the fun – all for a good cause!

Tickets are $55 in advance ($65 at the door).

100% of funds raised benefit Dell Children’s Medical Center and are directed to The Texas Child Study Center, the mental health program at DCMC. For more information or to purchase tickets online go to DellChildrensCircleofFriends.org (listed under “upcoming events”) or contact Elliott Weir, Chairman NWA COF, at eweir@ austin.rr.com or 922-2231.

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The Grapevine - February 2012

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The Grapevine New Years and Resolutions

By Hjalmar Perez, CPT, LMT and Q Estrada, CI-PT, MTI So a New Year and again resolutions! Do we know the definition of a resolution?

What lifestyle changes do I have to commit too? What are obstacles we have to work around that will challenge us to commit?

These are probably questions that come across our mind, the day of the first of the year. Honestly, do we have to be ridged or just create enough awareness to give yourself the energy to move to the next step? We all want our resolutions to be manageable and easy to complete. Well, we are here to assist you one more time. Last time we talked about S.M.A.R.T, how this acronym should be your golden rule too completing your goals, in this case your resolutions.

So let’s begin with the definition of the word: resolution. The American Heritage Dictionary has 14 statements to define resolution. I will only state 3; 1. Firm determination. 2. The act of resolving to do something. 3. A course of action determined or decided upon. It seems, in our case, the 3rd is the most feasible. Let’s face it; this is the toughest step in the process. Most of us need to sit and be methodical about taking action. This fulfills the how, what, when questions. What are yours?

With the start of any new endeavor, it’s quite common to look at our lifestyle and look for areas we can improve on. One change I made several yrs ago was to not make a resolution. Yes, not to make a resolution. I decided to make a list of 6-12

things I wanted to complete or change throughout the year. All had to deal with a nutritional goal, a fitness goal and a spiritual goal. I even went as far as, adding some volunteer, community, self care goals…just in those you have six ideas. Now you can work on a list for the whole year. Take some time throughout the month to glance and stay on track…don’t allow yourself to take two steps back. Now and again you might side steps but move forward. Take some quite time to glance at your list, to reflect on your journey and work towards fruition.

What obstacles will challenge you and how will you overcome them? Let’s face it, there are going to be times when our Will will be challenged. Such things as our commitments to our family, our friends and our community will be barriers to overcome. The good news is, you have 365 days, 168 hrs per week and you only need a minimum of 30 to 45 minutes per week to 4 hrs per month to commit to one goal.

Keep in mind, our resolutions should remain attainable and realistic. If you find there are too many goals, then scale back; reorganize and prioritize. No one likes feeling defeated.

We do have the option to not put ourselves in the opportunity of failure.

This 2012, let’s begin with a desire to set our course of action, to enjoy our journey to learn, to train, to maintain, to change; at all levels at all degrees. Also take time to reflect on positive changes; those that come from

our desire to change but also by the outcomes of our actions. As always, my business partner and I wish you balance, harmony, and good health. Be well be blessed.

Make an impact.

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The Grapevine - February 2012

Copyright © 2012 Peel, Inc.

The Grapevine Seton Care For Your Entire Family As the leading provider of health care services in Central Texas, the Seton Healthcare Family is proud to offer a full continuum of care for your family. Our primary care clinics provide a wide range of medical services to improve the health and wellness of infants, children and adults: • Primary family care • Physicals and sports exams • Well-woman annual exams • Diabetes care and prevention • Blood pressure and cholesterol management • Minor emergency care • Disease management For more information, please visit SetonFamilyofDoctors.com.

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1. Seton Family of Doctors at Williamson Family Medicine • Phone: (512) 324-4813 Cardiovascular Care • Phone: (512) 324-4812 Seton Medical Plaza I, 301 Seton Parkway, Suite 302 Round Rock, TX 78665 2. Seton Family of Doctors at Forest Creek Internal Medicine Adults Only • Phone: (512) 324-4870 Forest Creek Medical Center, 4112 Links Lane, Suite 200 Round Rock, TX 78664 3. Seton Family of Doctors at Stone Hill Family Medicine • Phone: (512) 324-4875 Stone Hill Shopping Center 1512 Town Center Drive, Suite 100 Pflugerville, TX 78660

Williamson clinic offers comprehensive cardiac care by the specialists of

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For appointments, please call (512) 324-4812.

The Grapevine - February 2012

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The Grapevine

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The Grapevine - February 2012

Copyright © 2012 Peel, Inc.