Pemberton Heights - December 2012

The Pemberton Journal

The Pemberton Journal O fficial Publication

of

Pemberton Heights Neighborhood Association

December 2012, Vol VI, Issue XII

Come Meet Your Neighbors and Discuss Upcoming Neighborhood Activities

Changes to the Elections for the PHNA Board!

Unfortunately, due to additional resignations from the board and the requirement to elect an additional board member, the Ballot and election schedule has changed. The new voting period dates are starting December 10 and ending Wednesday, December 12, at midnight. 4 places on the PHNA Board are up for election.

Please see inside on pages 6 & 7 for the revised ballot and instructions to use to vote. To vote, you must have been a dues-paying member of the neighborhood association as of midnight, Monday November 21, 2012.

Candidates and candidate statements are available on the website.

CONNECTION REMINDER! NEXTDOOR PEMBERTON HEIGHTS is a user friendly online communication service with more than 200 members in our neighborhood. It allows residents to connect with people who live nearby. The site gives neighbors the ability to buy and sell items, ask for help and make referrals.

Unlike Pemberton ALERTS, prospective subscribers must verify that their home address is within the boundaries of Pemberton before they can register an account,. In addition,Nextdoor users are required to provide their real names.

Nextdoor has attracted neighbors who are disappointed with the lack of privacy provided by the Pemberton listserv (neighborhood list) and uses HTTP Secure for added privacy.

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Please join us for our casual monthly lunch to meet your neighbors and learn about neighborhood activities.

REMINDER: DUE TO THE HOLIDAYS,THIS MONTH’S LUNCH WILL MOVE TO THE 18TH.

WHERE AND WHEN: The December lunch will be Tuesday the 18th Time: 11:45.

Place: Russell’s on Kerbey Lane Cost: Each attendee pays for their own lunch by separate check.

Contact: Betty Trent at betty@austinarchplus.com to rsvp, however you are welcome to come without rsvp, just look for us at the table with a PHNA sign.

New and Improved Irrigation Rebate Makes Debut

by Jacob Johnson, LI 17528 Austin Water Conservation Program Specialist New and Improved Irrigation Rebate Makes Debut

Austin Water recently revised the irrigation upgrade rebate program to make participation easier than ever. Residential Austin Water and eligible wholesale customers no longer need an irrigation evaluation by Austin Water prior to beginning any rebated work. So instead of just fixing your irrigation system, upgrade it!

The rebate program is for existing irrigation systems only; rebates will not be given for new systems and/or expansions. A licensed irrigator or the homeowner must complete the work that will be rebated. Once the work is complete, submit the completed application and itemized receipt within 30 days. Staff may perform a post-project inspection to verify the completed work. The application can be found online and will always contain up-todate information about the program: www.austintexas.gov/department/ water-conservation-residents Items eligible for rebate: 1. Rain sensor or soil moisture sensor (up to $50): rain sensors and soil moisture sensors detect moisture and will shut off the irrigation system until the sensor dries out.

(Continued on Page 4) The Pemberton Journal - December 2012

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The Pemberton Journal PHNA CONTACT LIST GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE

Traffic & Utilities, MoPAC Improvements, Zoning and Permits, Governmental Liaison

President Jeff Minch......................................... jminch@littlefield.com

SECURITY COMMITTEE

Security Issues and Reporting, Patrol Officers, Fund Raising, Block Captains

Vice President Jeff Minch......................................... jminch@littlefield.com

NOT AVAILABLE ONLINE

COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE Web Site, Neighborhood Alerts, Pemberton Journal

Vice President Jeff Minch......................................... jminch@littlefield.com

ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE

Bylaws, Meeting Agenda and Minutes, Membership, Insurance, Elections

Secretary Jeff Minch......................................... jminch@littlefield.com

FINANCE COMMITTEE

Accounting, Financial Statements, Cash Management, Dues

Treasurer Polly Swain..................................... bapswain@sbcglobal.net

SOCIAL COMMITTEE

Neighborhood Social Events, Triangle Fundraising and Improvements

At-Large Carl Williams................................. carl.reunion@yahoo.com

NEWSLETTER INFO NEWSLETTER EDITOR

Editor, Betty Trent............... betty@austinarchplus.com Fax...................................................................... 478-0920

PUBLISHER Peel, Inc....................... www.PEELinc.com, 512-263-9181 Advertising............................... advertising@PEELinc.com PERSONAL CLASSIFIEDS (one time sell items, such as a used bike...) run at no charge to Pemberton Heights residents, limit 30 words, please e-mail betty@austinarchplus.com.

BUSINESS CLASSIFIEDS (offering a service or product line for profit) are $50, limit 40 words, please contact Peel, Inc. Sales Office @ 512-263-9181 or advertising@PEELinc.com.

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The Pemberton Journal Connection Reminder (Continued from Cover Page) Bob Wesson, our neighbor on Wooldridge Drive, was the founding member of Nextdoor Pemberton. In 2011, he made the initial connection with the NextDoor organization and facilitated the introduction of a Nextdoor network here.

At the time of this writing, 213 of the 667 households in Pemberton Heights have joined.

FOR MORE INFORMATION or to SIGN UP FOR NEXTDOOR PEMBERTON https://phna.nextdoor.com/about_us/

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Visit www.DrSherwood.net The Pemberton Journal - December 2012

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The Pemberton Journal Rebate Debut (Continued from Cover Page) 2. Pressure Regulating Valve—“ PRV” (up to $100): Misting or fogging in an irrigation system is often a sign of excessive operating pressure. A pressure regulator on the irrigation mainline helps decrease misting, makes spray patterns easier to control and extends the life of your irrigation components.

3. Pressure Regulating Components other than a PRV (up to $100): A pressure regulating valve on the irrigation mainline is a way to control system-wide high pressure. However, not all stations are created equal. If only some stations are operating at excessive pressure, you may choose to install pressure regulation components at the individual station valve or even change out those heads to pressure compensating heads. If using pressure compensating heads, the entire station must be converted.

4. Conversion from spray to multi-stream multi trajectory nozzles ($4 per nozzle, up to $100; entire station must be converted): Multi-stream, multi- trajectory nozzles have a spray pattern that looks like rotating spider legs. This spray pattern results in higher distribution uniformity and is less susceptible to wind drift. This rebate is perfect for mid to large turf stations.

5. Conversion of station to drip (up to $50; must include filtration and pressure regulation): Well designed and installed drip systems are extremely efficient. Drip applies water directly to the soil at a very low rate. However, to operate correctly, drip stations need filtration to prevent clogs and a form of pressure regulation to bring operating pressure into range for the drip emitters. The current code exempts drip from watering restrictions which will allow drip users to create their own schedule.

6. Capping a station ($50; station valve must be removed): You may have an area of your yard that you don’t need to water or where you may be making some big landscape changes. If you decide you don’t need a certain station anymore, remove the station valve and you’ll be eligible for a $50 rebate. Keep the cap visible and hang on to the valve for the possible post-work inspection.

But remember, even high quality irrigation systems can use a lot of water so pay careful attention to scheduling. Austin Water and

eligible wholesale customers who use more than 15,000 gallons per month may benefit from a free irrigation evaluation performed by a licensed irrigator. Call 974-2199 or email watercon@ austintexas.gov for more information or to schedule an evaluation.

Congratulations to Local Resident achieving Eagle Scout Court of Honor!

Local Scout Aren Raymond became a member of the Eagle Scout Court of Honor in a ceremony at the Texas State Capitol on November 3, in the Lt. Governor’s Reception Room. Aren had the unique opportunity to be in two troops, one in Laredo, Troop 404, and one in Austin, Troop 9. His project was conducted in Austin with Troop 9 and Eagled in the Capitol Area Council. He attended Jamboree on 2010 with his Laredo Troop, and Philmont with his Austin Troop.

Available At

facebook.com/tommysfoods 4

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The Pemberton Journal DECEMBER

Austin Newcomers Club Austin Newcomers is dedicated to introducing new residents to Austin while extending a hand to make new acquaintances and join fun Interest Groups.

Our program this month is Malcolm Nelson directing the choir First Edition. Mr. Nelson is currently in his seventh year as choir director at McCallum Fine Arts Academy.

First Edition is the premier mixed choir at the McCallum Fine Arts Academy. Its members are auditioned each year and chosen because of their singing ability and commitment to excellence. The group performs all types of music but is best known for its seasonal offerings and pop Broadway style. Members of First Edition have performed at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center in New York City Each year First Edition sings at numerous private parties, celebrations and luncheon meetings. This promises to be a lively and popular program.

The monthly luncheon will be held on Wednesday, December 5 at Green Pastures Restaurant, 811 Live Oak St, Austin TX 78704. The luncheon is $20 per person; reservations are required, and payment must be received by Thursday, November 29.

The club website is www.AustinNewcomers.com and the telephone number is (512) 314-5100.

HOLIDAyWishes2012 Each year, neglected and abused children in the Austin area must be removed from their homes by Child Protective Services caseworkers.

Separations occur all year, but it is especially difficult during the holidays. Partnerships for Children is making a difference in the lives of these children and we invite you to join us by participating in our Holiday Wishes program.

With your help, how many children can we impact this year?

Please contact us at:

512.834.4756 holidaywishes@partnershipsforchildren.org

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GET INVOLVED:

✓ SPONSOr a child by purchasing items from their wish list

✓ MAkE a donation and we will shop for you ✓ DONATE general gifts for children that are not matched with community donors ✓ OrGANIzE a drive to collect gifts commonly requested on children’s wish lists Thank you for your support!

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The Pemberton Journal Pemberton Heights Neighborhood Association 2013 Board of Directors Official Election Ballot Please select only FOUR of the following candidates: ___1. Corey Breed ___2. Craig Duewall ___3. Carla Hatler ___4. Betty Trent ___5. Diane Umstead ___6. Tina Weinberger If you select more than four, your ballot will be disqualified. You must use this ballot form to cast your vote.

Ballot is not valid without the following information: Voter name:

___________________________________________

Street address:

___________________________________________

Phone:

___________________________________________

Email address:: ___________________________________________ See Instructions for additional information.

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The Pemberton Journal

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The Pemberton Journal - December 2012

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The Pemberton Journal Improving Our Pemberton Heights Neighborhood Association: Connections between Democratic Institutions and Public Trust

Building a functioning neighborhood association, like building any functioning government, takes time and effort. We’ve made great strides in reconstituting a working neighborhood association in the past year, and those who’ve undertaken this challenge deserve our thanks.

Speaking as a political scientist, I believe we can continue to make progress if we put our minds and our efforts to continuing the process of strengthening our association. I have some suggestions along that line, and I encourage everyone else to make his or her own suggestions, and to evaluate and comment on mine. I think our newsletter is an excellent place to conduct this ongoing discussion, and I hope other neighbors will join in the discussion.

There are important reasons—reasons I believe we can all agree on—for undertaking this project. First, an effective neighborhood association will help all of us protect what we most value in Pemberton Heights. The more democratically run our organization becomes, the more it can be an effective force in city affairs, dedicated to improving our quality of life.

In addition, more neighbors will be inclined to join and participate, and we will get to know each other and feel an increased sense of community.

To function effectively, any democratic institution should have certain key characteristics. Among these, I believe, are the following: * To enhance effectiveness and improve quality of decisions, government should be collaborative. Group discussions should be encouraged to make all points of view and diverse ideas available to all members. The results of this will include better decisions as well as highly motivated members who believe that active membership is worth their while. *Effective government should engage as many members as possible regularly--not just at election time, but whenever important decisions are being considered. People need to have a meaningful chance to help decide what needs to be done and work together to make it happen. *The neighborhood organization must have public trust. Trust requires that the association’s activities—including especially its debates and decisions--be open and transparent to everyone who resides in our neighborhood—not just to those who have thus far chosen to formally join PHNA. Openness and transparency not only bring trust, but also make possible accountability, which is a key function of elections in a democracy. *Effective organizations require frequent regular meetings with agendas made public in advance. But they also require that the agenda be open to additions made by members in attendance.

Such an opportunity must not be limited by requiring the chair’s discretion. Any such additions can be discussed preliminarily when 8

The Pemberton Journal - December 2012

raised by an attendee and then circulated to members for further input at the next meeting. *Everyone should treat everyone else’s opinions and activities with respect. There is no place for abuse and name-calling in a wellfunctioning democratic association. *Our organization needs a comprehensive communication system to keep neighbors—both participants and nonparticipants, both young and elderly (like me), both computer literate and noncomputer-literate—informed. Our newsletter, our listserv, and Nextdoor Pemberton Heights, our newest online venture, are all vital aspects of this, but so must be traditional hand-delivered materials come election time. Comprehensive effective communication and contemporary versions of what the U.S. Constitution refers to as “freedom of the press” are essential to effective functioning of any democracy.

I hope you who are reading this agree with me about the desirability of a strong and effective democratic PHNA, and even more I hope you will join in discussion of how we can achieve this goal.

David Edwards David lives at 2715 Wooldridge and has been a Professor of Government at UT since 1965

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The Pemberton Journal PHNA October 2012

BALANCE SHEET Â

Cash and Bank Accounts

9/30/12 Balance 13,586.89 -3.00 -80.00 0.00 -35.00 540.00 -180.99 4,175.50 -709.00 -50.00 -24.00 -232.82 -107.00 0.00 1,847.00 0.00 -250.00 18,477.58

10/31/2012 Balance 13,586.89 0.00 -80.00 2,660.00 -35.00 2,705.00 -180.99 4,175.50 -709.00 -50.00 -24.00 -4,304.99 -107.00 70.00 1,847.00 -1,674.91 -250.00 17,628.50

-746.42 1,880.00 13,130.00 -11,822.00 6,153.84 8,595.42

-852.38 3,520.00 13,530.00 -11,822.00 6,153.84 10,529.46

-89.96 13,370.00 -22,926.50 9,975.00 29,057.59 29,386.13

-89.96 16,120.00 -26,057.50 9,975.00 29,057.59 29,005.13

0.00 1.51 100.00 -0.32 2,003.07 2,104.26

0.00 1.69 200.00 -0.32 2,003.07 2,204.44

5,000.00 14,943.50 19,943.50 78,506.89

5,000.00 14,943.50 19,943.50 79,311.03

TOTAL ASSETS

78,506.89

79,311.03

LIABILITIES & EQUITY LIABILITIES EQUITY

0.00 78,506.89

0.00 79,311.03

TOTAL LIABILITIES & EQUITY

78,506.89

79,311.03

PHNA OPERATIONS Balance Forward Bank Charges Carriage Rides Carriage Rides - 2012 Dues Expense Dues Paid Thru 2012 Election Election 2011 Gail's Triangle Insurance Membership Dues Miscellaneous PHNA Annual Picnic Postal Expenses Security Donation Transfer Web Site Accounting TOTAL PHNA OPERATIONS PHNA PAYPAL Bank Charges Dues Paid Thru 2012 Election Security Donation Transfer Balance Forward TOTAL PHNA PAYPAL PHNA SECURITY Bank Charges Security Donation Security Patrol Transfer Balance Forward TOTAL PHNA SECURITY PHNA TRIANGLE SAVINGS Bank Charges Interest Income Triangle Improvements Funds Withholding Tax Balance Forward TOTAL PHNA TRIANGLE SAVINGS PHNA-KAB TRIANGLES FUND Gail's Triangle Balance Forward TOTAL PHNA-KAB TRIANGLES FUND TOTAL Cash and Bank Accounts

At no time will any source be allowed to use The Pemberton Journal'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 Pemberton Journal is exclusively for the private use of the Pemberton Heights 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.

Advertising Information

Please support the businesses that advertise in The Pemberton Journal. Their advertising dollars make it possible for all Pemberton Heights residents to receive the monthly newsletter at no charge.

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The Pemberton Journal UT PUBLIC ART

Since 2008, Landmarks, the public art program of The University of Texas at Austin, has helped beautify campus and engage visitors and the university community with public art projects of the highest quality. Its first initiative brought twentyeight sculptures on long-term loan from the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Since then, other major works have enhanced and adorned campus, including Mark di Suvero’s eye-catching Clock Knot (pictured above).

These great works of art are available in public spaces across

the campus. As the fall weather and holidays allow you the time to take a walking tour of the campus, please enjoy this collection privately or on a tour.

Explore Landmarks today. Learn about the artists and their installations or plan your visit with a self-guided tour by downloading a campus map.

To schedule a private tour or for more information, contact Melissa Howard at 512.471.4972 or melissa.howard@austin.utexas.edu.

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The Pemberton Journal - December 2012

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The Pemberton Journal Taste Bud Titillating Tommys!:Texan Made And Texan Conceived Food Products Take Texas (and Louisiana) Like An ACL After-party Without A Bouncer.

Becca Hensley Growing up in Pemberton Tom Williams was better known for the whack of his bat and his switch hitting home runs than for his expertise in the kitchen. But when his baseball career ended after college, and he found himself awash in the Great Recession, he returned to a passion he had embraced since childhood -cooking. Dabbling with recipes, immersing himself in the science of cookery, studying the new ethics of organic and natural foods, Tom decided to lay aside his bat to create Tommys!, a food and condiment company. Who knew that in just two short years, he would have 9 products (with nine more scheduled to hit the shelves next year) in more than 800 stores across Texas, Louisiana, and Arkansas?

“We knew,” said close friend Cody Weir, a fellow Austin High School Maroon and resident of Tarrytown. “We spent nearly every weekend in high school in Tom’s backyard concocting feasts

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around the grill.” “We only hung out with Tom for the gourmet grub,” added Nick Cmerk, a regular at the culinary soirees. Tom’s parents knew, too. While other kids begged for white bread, Tom baked his own whole grain. Instead of Ranch dressing, Tom emulsified olive oil and red wine vinegar with fresh pressed garlic to top his salads. Rather than ordering pizza, he hand-crafted his own with house-made dough, then capped them capping with a medley of exotic ingredients before popping them on the grill for a crispy finale.

So it was inevitable that Tom would earn a street MBA as a food making dynamo. Releasing a line of salsa and spice products first at Whole Foods in Austin, Tommys! went on to fill the shelves of nearly every grocery store in the Lone Star state. His vision to offer savvy consumers premium, affordable, all-natural food products was born from an enthusiasm for healthy eating.

Nowadays, he shares his zeal for good-for-you victuals at such stores as: Krogers, Albertsons, Randalls/Tom Thumb, HEB Specs, Natural Grocer and Sprouts – as well as in myriad other chains and independent grocery stores.

While most Tommys! fans crave his Coffee Rub on a steak or his Salsa Verde over quesadillas, Tom isn’t willing to stop with salsa and spices. Watch for his microwaveable side dishes in the freezer section soon – not to mention some very exciting to the beer and wine section in your favorite stores before next summer.

A labor of love, this local company recognises its roots in Austin’s vibrant food culture. To honor that, Tommys! gives back to the community, donating to a plethora of charities and fundraisers. Tom wants his company to evoke Austin, and he urges everyone out there to JOIN THE PARTY! Tommysfoods.com Tommysfoods on Twitter: #jointheparty facebook.com/tommysfoods More info: The Salsas: Fire Roasted Corn And Black Bean made with pasilla chile, Roasted Ancho Chile Salsa Verde, Pineapple De Arbol – made with chile de arbol – and Salsa Roja (unlike any other tasted). $4 The Spices: Tommys! The Mix, a secret blend of 20 fragrant herbs and spices and just the right amount of sea salt, Mediterranean (like a metaphorical trip to the Amalfi Coast), Coffee Rub (a contemporary twist on an old cowboy favorite), and Southwest (a mild blend of chiles and hearty spices that redefine whatever you throw on the grill). $3.99

The Pemberton Journal - December 2012

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