Stone Canyon - March 2012

Stone Canyon Neighborhood Newsletter www.stonecanyonoa.org

March 2012

Volume 7, Issue 3

Official Publication of Stone Canyon Homeowners Association

Easter Egg Hunt It’s Easter Bunny time again! Join us Saturday, March 31st for the annual neighborhood Easter Egg Hunt.

We’ll meet at Fern Bluff Park at 10:00am. After the hunt we’ll enjoy a light lunch of Nathan’s hotdogs and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. We’ll have bouncy rooms and face painters to entertain children. The Easter Bunny will also make a special appearance. If you’d like to volunteer, please email jessicastempko@yahoo.com.

Hi Neighbors!

By the time this article is in your hands, we will be just a couple of weeks away from the pool opening for another fun-filled, action-packed swim season. As we have in the past, the pool will open on April 1st, 2012. Lifeguard and pool hours will be posted on the Stone Canyon web site.

One modification to the pool hours that was requested later in the summer last year is that our pool key cards allow us into the pool at 5:00am for a before-work swim.

We have decided to continue that this year.

We have our new pool contractor (Austin Pool Pros) hard at work making improvements to the filter and chlorine systems at the pool, as well as the deck and awnings. We are adding a liquid chlorine/muriatic acid automated injection system. This will keep the pool ph much more constant, greatly reducing the need for either chlorine or acid shock treatments. This should also lead to the pool water being much more comfortable to the eyes and skin. The pool awnings and deck are also scheduled to get a good pre-season power washing.

We look forward to seeing everyone at the pool and having another great swim season.

Greg Martinez and the Stone Canyon Pool Committee Copyright © 2012 Peel, Inc.

Lawn Care It is obvious as one walks through the neighborhood that last summer was very tough on our lawns. More than likely we will still be under water restrictions for the 2012 growing season. With a few tips maybe we can save our lawns from disappearing completely and being replaced by weeds.

Let’s start with the simple basics: watering & mowing.

Make the most of once-a-week watering by dividing your sprinkling time into 2 shifts. Instead of each station running for 20-30 minutes at a time, set the timer to water for 10-15 minutes at each station and then go around a second time. This will allow the water to sink in before the second pass-through. Deep watering once a week is far more beneficial than sprinkling lightly several times a week. This encourages deeper roots & enables the lawn to better withstand drought conditions. Early morning is the best time to water as you will have less evaporation. Evening watering encourages fungus & mold.

Check the irrigation system for leaks and faulty sprinkler heads to avoid wasting water.

When mowing; raise the height of the mower blade and don’t cut more than 1/3 of the grass height, as more will stress the grass. This will also allow you to leave the clippings on the lawn for nutrients. Taller grass blades shade the roots and weed seeds, preventing weeds from germinating. Most websites I checked say 3-3.5 inches in height.

Chemical fertilizers during a drought have to be used very carefully as it could do more harm than good.

There are several nurseries in the area that offer alternative products.

Alternative fertilizers include compost for top-dressing the lawn to help keep moisture in the soil and several lawn fertilizers such as liquid seaweed and fertilizer made from sterilized bio-solids along with bat guano. Though considered organic, these fertilizers still need to be used with care as listed in the directions for use. Organic fertilizers are often kinder to our environment.

I have used manure compost on thinning areas of the lawn (tree roots) with much success.

I’ve never been a big fan of the weed-and-feed products from the big box stores. I think the smell is nauseating and it makes me sneeze. A few weeds here and there are not a problem; they are green and blend in with the grass.

This year, since the lawn is pretty stressed from the drought, I have more weeds than usual! I am going to try something that is new to me: horticultural cornmeal. It’s not what you buy in the grocery store. Horticultural cornmeal is also supposed to be good for brown patch, which I also see in the lawn. For more information, go to: www.dirtdoctor.com and search cornmeal.

For more lawn & garden information: www.learn2grow.com Here’s hoping our lawns survive another summer! Cathy Soukup Stone Canyon Homeowner's Association Newsletter - March 2012

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StoneSTONE Canyon CANYON Owners & Association Management Teams www.stonecanyonoa.org

STONE CANYON OWNERS ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS: President/Recreation/Landscape Jessica Stempko................................board@stonecanyonoa.org Vice President/Capital Improvement/Maintenance Dwip Shah.......................................board@stonecanyonoa.org Treasurer/ACC/Publicity Director Greg Martinez..................................board@stonecanyonoa.org Parliamentarian/Neighborhood Watch/YOM/Website Vicky Lockwood..............................board@stonecanyonoa.org Secretary/Pool/Newsletter Rich Horton.....................................board@stonecanyonoa.org COMMITTEE CHAIRS ACC Richard Horton...........................board@stonecanyonoa.org Recreation Laura Kouns......................................rlkouns@sbcglobal.net Swimming Pool Greg Martinez...............................pool@stonecanyonoa.org Yard of the Month Joanie Brown & Amelia Dansby....... amdansby@gmail.com Maintenance Al Maus............................maintenance@stonecanyonoa.org Landscape Cathy Soukup.................................. csoukup@austin.rr.com Neighborhood Watch Joanie Brown................. paulandjoaniebrown@hotmail.com Newsletter Judith Horton ................................. judy@richandjudy.com Good Neighbor Laura Kouns .................................... rlkouns@sbcglobal.net Webmaster Ron Kellam......................... webmaster@stonecanyonoa.org

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 / Goodwin Management, Inc. P.O. Box 203310 Austin, TX. 78720-331 Governmental 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 78681 Misc. 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

NOT AVAILABLE ONLINE

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Stone Canyon Homeowner's Association Newsletter - March 2012

Copyright © 2012 Peel, Inc.

YARD OF THE MONTH

by Joanie Brown and Amelia Dansby

By the time you read this, our Texas Spring should have definitely sprung! Hopefully, recent rains provided enough moisture for all of us to get our gardens started and prep our lawns for the beginning of our Yard of the Month cycle. April’s newsletter will provide more info on the committee’s charter, guidelines and timelines.

We’re also looking for new committee members to replace parting ones. If you’re interested, please contact either Joanie or Amelia:

Stone Canyon BUSINESS CLASSIFIEDS RELAXMATTRESS Your fellow Round Rock neighbor has opened a NEW Mattress Store in Round Rock! Relax Mattress is located next to Gatti-land off I35 and Sam Bass Rd. Teacher, Military, EMS, Fire and Police discount! www.Relaxmattress.net - Call Ryan Christian @ 512-388-3000 Locally Owned and Operated.

Joanie/hm: 733-2913; cell: 784-3512 Amelia/cell: (817) 915-9159 Happy gardening!

Update from ACC NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH

by Joanie Brown

This “shout out” will be short this month. Our message remains the same as always—we need more volunteers to cover Stone Canyon’s neighborhoods. So far, 13 of our neighbors have signed on as Block Captains, which is a good start. Not only do we depend on info received from our county Sheriff’s office, word of mouth within our community is a tremendous means of bringing attention to and sharing information about safety issues. In many cases, law enforcement officers depend on community watchfulness to help solve crimes in the neighborhood.

Two specific incidents occurred in December: *10th… A Columbia Falls resident reported someone had broken into his car. *11th… A Glen Canyon resident reported someone had also broken into his car. If anyone knows anything about either or both of these incidents, please contact the Williamson County Sheriff’s department at (512) 943-1353. These are just two examples of what to watch out for and that our Neighborhood Watch network can alert each other about.

If you are interested, but are hesitating because you work outside your home, please reconsider. If you’re able to receive Neighborhood Watch bulletins at your office, it should take a minimum amount of time to forward those bulletins to those neighbors on your list.

Remember that the Neighborhood Watch network 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 help by volunteering for this important program. Thank you.

Joanie Brown; paulandjoaniebrown@hotmail.com hm: 733-2913; cell: 784-3512

Copyright © 2012 Peel, Inc.

It almost feels like Spring in Texas and with that comes the urge to plant flowers and grass. But we are still in a drought and under water restrictions. So, because there is a prolonged drought and water restrictions, the board voted at February’s meeting to instruct Bob Nardo at Goodwin Management to temporarily forgo violations for dead grass and bare spots. When water restrictions have been lifted the board will take another vote on when to begin sending violations again. Although violation notices are not being sent for dead grass and bare spots, all other deed restrictions are being enforced.

Thank you for your cooperation.

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.

Stone Canyon Homeowner's Association Newsletter - March 2012

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Stone Canyon Don't Skip Necessary Tests for Fear of Radiation Risk Radiation exposure from diagnostic medical imaging is low and should not cause concern about any future harmful effects, said a radiologic scientist from Baylor College of Medicine. "People should not skip necessary medical imaging procedures, such as mammography, radiography (x-ray) and computed tomography (CT), because they are afraid the radiation exposure might cause cancer," said Dr. Stewart Bushong, professor of radiology at BCM. "There is no measurable increased risk when imaging procedures are administered appropriately." It is important to understand the different kinds of imaging procedures and the amount of radiation exposure, Bushong said. "When you look at the amount of radiation exposure in each, the doses are very low."

Radiation dose is measured in millisieverts, or mSv. Approximately 100 mSv would be an example of a dose of radiation which could cause concern, Bushong said. Aounts of radiation in some common procedures include: mammography, 0.1 mSv; radiography, 1 mSv; and CT scan, 10 mSv. Weight gain during pregnancy should fall within certain range Maintaining a healthy weight before, during and after pregnancy is important for the health of the mother and baby, according to an expert at the USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center at Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital. "It's important for expecting mothers to work closely with their physician and perhaps even a registered dietitian to achieve a healthy weight gain during pregnancy," said Dr. Nancy Butte, professor of pediatrics - nutrition at BCM. Because of the concerns related to the obesity epidemic in the United States, the Institute of Medicine issued new guidelines for healthy weight gain during pregnancy.

BUTTE SERVED ON THE PANEL THAT MADE THESE RECOMMENDATIONS

• Pre-pregnancy BMI - Underweight • Total weight gain range (pounds) 28 to 40 Pre-pregnancy - BMI - Normal Weight • Total weight gain range (pounds) 25 to 35 Pre-pregnancy - BMI - Overweight • Total weight gain range (pounds) 15 to 25 Pre-pregnancy - BMI - Obese • Total weight gain range (pounds) 11 to 20 FAD DIETS MAY NOT LEAD TO SUCCESSFUL WEIGHT LOSS

Fad diets come and go with the seasons, but according to a Baylor College of Medicine dietitian, they may do more harm than good.

"Any diet that selectively eliminates whole groups of foods creates a

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Stone Canyon Homeowner's Association Newsletter - March 2012

nutrient hole that's hard to fill," said Roberta Anding, a registered dietitian at BCM. Eliminating carbohydrates, for example, starves the body of essential "nutrient heroes" such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains. These foods contain invaluable phytonutrients.

Detoxification diets such as colon cleanses and juice fasts are trendy right now, Anding said, but they could have a negative effect on the body because they don't offer enough protein. Not all nutrition fads are harmful, however. A rising and healthy craze in the Houston area and elsewhere are meals-to-go restaurants such as My Fit Foods, Balance Meals to Go and several others. "It's a grownup version of fast food for people who don't know how to portion food or are too busy to cook and they want something healthy and fast," she said.

Another healthy way to lose weight is to follow the government's new MyPlate plan. The plan can be found at www.myplate.gov. The MyPlate plan recommends filling half your dinner plate with fruits and vegetables, along with a fourth of a plate of grains and a fourth of a plate of lean protein. Take steps to prevent, control heart disease Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States.

According to the Center for Disease Control, about every 25 seconds, an American will have a coronary event; about one every minute will die from one. Baylor College of Medicine physicians say it's important to know the risk factors, recognize the signs and symptoms of a heart attack, and live a healthy lifestyle. Risk Factors Medical conditions that affect your heart or increase your risk of death or disability from a coronary event include arrhythmia, heart failure and peripheral artery disease.

ADDITIONAL RISK FACTORS INCLUDE • High cholesterol • High blood pressure • Obesity • Diabetes • Tobacco use & secondhand smoke SIGNS & SYMPTOMS • Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain.

• Discomfort in other areas of the upper body, such as arms, neck, jaw or stomach.

• Shortness of breath.

• Cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.

Should you experience any of these signs it is important to call 9-1-1 immediately.

Copyright © 2012 Peel, Inc.

Stone Canyon

! Enjoy $20 "All You!!Can Eat" St Louis Ribs ! Supporting Habitat!! for Humanity ! Cheer on your local High School as they compete in Rib!Eating Contest!"

Monday March 5th 6:30 - 9:00 PM

Rib Eating Contest 7:30 - 7:45 PM

! Round Rock I-35: Round Rock High School ! 620 Four Points: Vandegrift High School

At all 4 Austin Rudy’s locations

! 360 South: Westlake High School ! 183 North: Defending Champions Anderson High School ! Former Longhorns & current NFL players will serve as honorary “Rib Eating Coaches” ! Help local high school teams as they compete for the "Rudy's Golden Rib Trophy" for most ribs eaten! ! High school contest 7:30- 7:45 PM.

Copyright © 2012 Peel, Inc.

Stone Canyon Homeowner's Association Newsletter - March 2012

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Stone Canyon

ORAL HEALTH UPDATE IT MAY NOT BE “JUST A TOOTHACHE”.

Going to the dentist may not be on the top of your To Do list, but if you’re experiencing dental pain, a trip to the dentist may be just what you need. If you have a toothache that lasts more than one or two days, you notice swelling around a tooth, bleeding, or experience severe pain or fever, it’s time to make an appointment with the dentist as soon as possible. A thorough examination and diagnosis is important to prevent more serious complications to your teeth, jaw, and gums. Dental decay and gum disease are progressive in nature. Early diagnosis is essential to a quicker and easier treatment.

of the tooth or between the gum and tooth • Damage to existing fillings due to pressure from chewing, grinding, or clenching • Teeth grinding that causes fracturing, loosening, and excessive wear • A fractured tooth from a traumatic dental injury • Infected gums as a result of gingivitis or gum disease (periodontitis)

During your exam, your dentist will typically ask about the nature of your dental pain, when it started, and if anything makes it better or worse. Then, your dentist will conduct a physical examination of THERE ARE SEVERAL CAUSES your mouth, teeth, gums, jaws, tongue, OF DENTAL PAIN, INCLUDING: and throat. X-rays and other tests may be • Tooth decay affecting the enamel and the recommended, depending on what the dentin, or inner layer of the tooth dentist suspects is causing your toothache.

• Tooth abscess caused by severe tooth decay Once your dentist has determined the or Prmrs_66435 a trauma causing_-anRdns infection the#1802 root THIS causeAD of CAN yourNOT dental you will GenatAd BE pain, EDITED7.5 be x5

presented with treatment options. If a cavity is causing your pain, a simple filling may do the trick. However, if there is an infection that has spread to the tooth’s nerve, a root canal may be necessary. An antibiotic may also be prescribed if you have swelling of the jaw or a fever.

DENTAL PAIN IS PREVENTABLE!

Because most toothaches are caused by decay, practicing good oral hygiene is the easiest way to prevent dental pain. This includes brushing and flossing every day and visiting your dentist for professional cleanings and checkups on the schedule determined by the Dental Hygienist. In addition, eating a healthy, balanced diet that is low in sugar will not only help you prevent cavities but will improve your body’s overall health.

Submitted by Dr. Flury

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Stone Canyon Homeowner's Association Newsletter - March 2012 66435_Prmrs_Rdns_Ad_ID_1802.indd 1

Copyright © 2012 Inc. 9/2/11 Peel, 2:27 PM

Empowering Children through Meditation

Stone Canyon

LEARNING MINDFUL AWARENESS CAN BENEFIT YOUR CHILDREN FOR A LIFETIME

By Suganda Jain

Parents, teachers and researchers are discovering how meditation can relax children and help them thrive in life and academics. Studies abound on the benefits of meditation for adults, and recent research is beginning to confirm that benefits extend to children as well.

Psychotherapist Gina Biegel has studied the impact of meditation on teenagers and found that it does in fact decrease anxiety and depression. Her eight-week study of over 100 teenagers even found improvements in sleep patterns and changes in medication use.

“We tend to be going-going-going all the time,” says Beigel, who practices at Kaiser Santa Teresa Hospital in San Jose. “We need to take a moment and not feel the need to do-do-do all the time.”

The benefits of meditation go beyond stress-reduction. Meditation can help kids understand that feelings are okay, build confidence and establish closer relationships.

Nancy Brady has taught meditation to kids for the past seven years.

She was able to use meditation to enable 8-year-old Joey to handle his grief after his grandmother passed away. Brady helped Joey “visit” his grandmother, and he was able to tell her that he missed her and loved her. Afterwards, he was no longer sad.

“It enriches my life to watch a child establish strong inner connections that strengthen his or her abilities in school and will continue to grow through life,” says Brady. “I like knowing that children have a more complete set of tools—beyond anger and frustration—to live the best life they can.”

SHARING MEDITATION TOGETHER

When a parent and child experience meditation together, they can enjoy the benefits while also creating a special bond with one another. Moms-to-be can even use yoga and meditation to bond with their unborn babies.

“You are connecting with the soul of your baby in utero. It’s a feeling of connection, of oneness with your child inside of you,” says Mallika Chopra, author of two inspirational books for moms, and daughter of spiritual guru Deepak Chopra. For her, meditating during pregnancy was a beautiful and magical experience.

Whether children experience meditation with a parent or on their own, the benefits can last a lifetime. “Meditation is a precious gift that your child(ren) will have for their entire lives,” says Chopra. “It’s something they will always have at moments of stress and frustration, and when they want to be at a (more balanced) place.” TRY IT!

JOIN US FOR GOLF AND A GREAT CAUSE!

DATE: Wednesday, April 18th 11:00 am Registration - 1:00 pm Start LOCATION: Flintrock Falls Golf Course FORMAT: 4-person scramble COST: $165 per golfer* *Includes lunch, dinner, shirt & goodie bag Please join us for the 4th annual Colin’s Hope Classic charity golf tournament and help prevent childhood drownings.

Special Guest Emcee will be Bob Fonseca of the 93.7 KLBJ FM Dudley & Bob Morning Show Honorary Chairs Olympic Swimmers: Brendan Hansen and Garrett Weber-Gale City of Lakeway Chief of Police: Todd Radford

Register online now at: www.colinshope.org

Colin’s Hope envisions a world where children do not drown

WWW.COLINSHOPE.ORG Copyright © 2012 Peel, Inc.

Stone Canyon Homeowner's Association Newsletter - March 2012

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Stone Canyon

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Stone Canyon Homeowner's Association Newsletter - March 2012

Copyright Š 2012 Peel, Inc.