The Dominion - September 2013 by Peel, Inc.

THE OUTLOOK

NEWS FOR THE RESIDENTS OF THE DOMINION

DOMINION MAIN GUARD CENTER The Main Guard House renovation is almost complete and is scheduled to open September 1, 2013. The project has been well managed by the contractor, Mauze Construction, in an effort to minimize inconvenience to residents. The renovation of the main guard house is being completed on time and within budget. Please continue to contact the centralized Security dispatch phone number at (210) 698-0041 for all security related issues, including registering your guests and vendors. If you are put on hold, please be patient as your call will be answered in the order in which it was received. Remember, QuickPass is the best and most efficient way to authorize guest and vendors access to your residence. The opening of the Dominion Main Guard Center will coincide with the extension of a security fence from the Country Club parking lot. The security fence is designed to deter people from walking into The Dominion from the tennis center parking lot. ROUND IT UP, DIG IT UP OR COVER IT UP By Karen Guz, Director of Conservation for San Antonio Water Systems

For all of the talk about grass dying or looking unsightly during drought, it’s surprising how hard it can be to eliminate it when you’re doing it purposely. Grass can be tenacious and return to compete with new plants if it’s not eradicated properly. Here are three ways to permanently remove grass in preparation for installing your new garden bed through the Water Saver Landscape Coupon program: Round it up – A contact herbicide containing glyphosate, such as Roundup, is one method for killing grass. Read all label instructions carefully and avoid spraying it on windy days. Remember that these products work best on actively growing grass or plants. Let the product take effect for at least a week and observe to determine if a second application is necessary. Copyright © 2013 Peel, Inc.

VOLUME V ISSUE VIII

September 2013

Dig it up – Using a spade or round nose shovel remove the sod and at least 1inch of soil. This is most effective in yards that are easy to dig and do not have tenacious Bermuda. You have the benefit of instant gratification if it’s done well, but you will get a tough workout. Cover it up – This is another method that requires persistence: solarizing. The principle is to eliminate light from the grass area long enough to kill it. A tight application of a tarp over the area for several weeks discourages much of the growth. Newspapers in thick layers (at least six to eight pages deep) can also discourage grass growth. The newspaper, which will decompose over time, should be wet and not allow openings for blades of grass to reach sunlight. If you have Bermuda or deep soils, you may need a combination of all three. Laying weed barriers (plastics or fabrics) under mulch is a personal choice. The barrier may prevent grass and weeds from returning but it must be pinned down properly to be effective and to prevent it from protruding through the mulch. Once you have killed your grass for good it’s now time to plant your full sun or partial shade plant package! ACH DEBIT AVAILABLE The Dominion Homeowners Association would like to encourage residents to utilize ACH Debit for monthly HOA dues at no additional cost. Simply come by the HOA office with a voided check and complete the form. We will automatically debit your bank account on the 20th day of each month. Residents may also pay online at www.dominionhoa.com. Simply click on the “Pay Now” tab and follow the instructions. If you need your User ID and password please call our office at 210-698-1232. At this time, The Cottage Estates HOA does not accept ACH Debit payment or online bill pay. The Outlook - September 2013

THE OUTLOOK ADVERTISING INFO

IMPORTANT NUMBERS

Please support the advertisers that make The Outlook possible. If you would like to support the newsletter by advertising, please contact our sales office at 888-687-6444 or advertising@peelinc.com. The advertising deadline is the 20th of the month prior to the issue.

EMERGENCY NUMBERS EMERGENCY................................................................911

ARTICLE INFO The Outlook is mailed monthly to all Dominion residents. Residents, community groups, churches, etc. are welcome to include information about their organizations in the newsletter. Personal news for the Stork Report, Teenage Job Seekers, recipes, special celebrations, and birthday announcements are also welcome. To submit an article for The Outlook, please email it to dominion@peelinc.com. The deadline is the 20th of the month prior to the issue.

Fire....................................................................................... 911 Ambulance........................................................................... 911 Police Dept – Non-Emergency.............................210-207-7273 Fire Dept – Non-Emergency................................210-207-7744

DOMINION SECURITY

Chief of Security..................................................210-268-9932 Main Gate................................ 210-698-2997 or 210-698-2998 North Gate............................... 210-698-7812 or 210-698-1224 South Gate...........................................................210-698-5323

CITY

City Customer Service..........................................210-207-6400 Solid Waste (Trash)..............................................210-207-6428

OTHER NUMBERS

Cedar Elm Postal Office.......................................210-641-0248

NEWSLETTER PUBLISHER

Peel, Inc...............................................................512-263-9181 Advertising............................................ dominion@peelinc.com

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The Outlook - September 2013

THE OUTLOOK PASS THE BEES PLEASE “No thanks, no bees today!” would be my response 100% of the time. Nothing quite raises the hair on the back of my neck as a stinging insect. Bees, wasps, fire ants, mosquitoes, horseflies, any flies-please keep them away from our children and our grandchildren. Instinctually, we want to protect our families from stings, but as the news continues to report Africanized Bee incidents, our sense of fear tends to take over. As residents of the Dominion, we have had our fair share of “bee” pestilence-especially in the drought year of 2011. We used glass traps, sprays, essential oils, you name it-we could not eliminate these stinging creatures from our pool area. We have five children and are outside every single day, so stings were pretty frequent that summer. August is the worst month for bees and wasps, regardless, but the summer of 2011 was ridiculous. Upon researching, we found that bees will fly up to five miles for nectar and water, and realized that the Dominion is the perfect setting for bees to come when the temperatures peak. We have beautiful flowers, swimming pools, birdbaths, and koi ponds throughout the community. The summer of 2011 was the worst drought summer we have had in many years and the bees were flying from Camp Bullis and surrounding areas for water and flowers in our yards. Fast forward through the winter and into the spring. We had so many stings, we decided “If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em”, and we received as a gift our first domestic beehive, smoker, and bee-suit. It has been two summers with the hive so far, and we have had fewer stings, fewer bees in the pool, and a much better “pool and yard” experience. Plus, over 40 pounds of honey which has completely eradicated our children’s asthma and allergy symptoms. While we so appreciated the change of scenery, we wondered why the bees have been less, especially as temperatures have soared? Upon researching “bee-havior” we found that domestic bees keep wild bees at bay. In fact, the government uses domestic bee-hives as a deterrent to wild africanized bees. Fear of bees is at an all time high with the news media fueling the killer bee sensation. All out fear is the normal response to any insect that stings (and kills in some situations). However, education is the most empowering and responsible approach, especially since central Texas is the most concentrated area for Africanized Bees in America. Should your neighbor take up bee-keeping, say a special blessing for them, as bee-keeping is somewhat costly and takes a bit of education to make it enjoyable, but is a much-needed defense system against the AHB epidemic in South Central Texas and the surrounding area. Africanized bees will not attack at random. They will look like any honey bee in your garden. They will attack if they feel their hive is threatened, and unlike domestic bees, will pursue their victim great distances. Brazil is where the original AHB was “made” in a scientific laboratory, and because the AHB is very productive, it has taken Brazil from number 27 in worldwide honey production to number four. Therefore, Brazil, all of South America, Central America, and Mexico breed and use the AHB as their number one honey bee. Because they are big honey producers, the South Americans simply “gear up” for those bees and are more educated on how to handle them. In the United States, we prefer European honey bees as they are more docile and easier to work with. Because of our friends that live south of our borders, AHB are not going away, they are just migrating a little further every year. Given this information, it is very important that we place domestic hives strategically in our communities as a means of defense against AHB. Copyright © 2013 Peel, Inc.

FOR SALE: 4 tickets for Book of Mormon, Majestic Theater, Premium Seats Row F, ORRC, $87.50 each, Show date Sunday evening Sept. 29. Contact Sarah 210-698-8998. FOR SALE: 4 tickets for Peter & The Star Catcher, Premium Seats, Row F, ORRC. $76 each. Show date Sunday evening Oct. 27. Contact Sarah 210-698-8998. FOR SALE: 8 large ornamental black iron garage door hinges. Cost $75 each, sell $25 each. These are like new. Scroll design – 8” wide at the widest end. 18” long. These are to be used on a flat, not paneled door. For more information, please call (210) 698-0533 Peggy Bland-Eichelmann. FOR SALE: 3 desks with chairs, 1 credenza, 2 coat hangers, 1 center table and 10 customer chairs good quality. For more information call Joe (210) 626-8100.

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The Outlook - September 2013

THE OUTLOOK THE DOMINION ANNUAL BONFIRE: NOV. 24, 2013 Bring your family and join your neighbors and friends at the annual Dominion Bonfire scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 24 from 5 pm to 8 pm. This event will be held in the Pecan Grove, located between the 8th Green and the 9th Tee on the golf course. Please feel free to arrive in your golf cart for easy parking. The Neighborhood Outreach Committee, with food and beverages generously provided by The Dominion Country Club, hosts this free event. The festivities include: • Hotdogs and drinks • Live music • Cotton Candy • Games for children • Popcorn • Traditional lighting of the Bonfire Last year’s attendance exceeded 800 people. Lasting memories were made and a grand time was had by all! Join the fun, culminating in the lighting of a spectacular Bonfire! NATIONAL NIGHT OUT The Dominion HOA is pleased to announce our participation in National Night Out. The date for Texas is Tuesday, October 1, 2013. National Night Out is designed to: • Strengthen neighborhood spirit • Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness • Generate support for local anticrime programs • Encourage neighbors to be alert to unusual activity Observe National Night Out in one or more of the following ways: • Meet and greet your neighbors • Organize a Block Party • Cookout • Organize flashlight walks The HOA has requested police and fire department presence to greet residents who are gathered on their streets. What a great way to strengthen police and community partnerships! Please check the website: www. dominionhoa.com for more information as the date approaches. DAAG AT WORK Our neighborhood Dominion Animal Advocates Group (DAAG) has been working to manage the stray and feral cat population in our community. DAAG is making progress through humanely trapping feral cats and having them neutered. Kittens and cats are socialized and placed for adoption. The goal of this program is to decrease the number of feral or roaming cats and to provide vaccinations and basic care to the cats. Donations from Dominion residents fund this program. Trapping is done in accordance with the (TNR) Trap, Neuter, Return policy, endorsed by the city of San Antonio. Assistance is needed in areas such as; transporting, monitoring traps and fostering kittens. If you want to be a part of this effort please call Louan LeDoux at (210) 854-8055 or Susan Shaked at (210) 744-1200. SAFETY TIPS - PEDESTRIANS AND SCHOOL BUSES More than a million children and teens depend on buses to get them safely to and from more than 9,000 Texas schools every day. They also 4

The Outlook - September 2013

depend on motorists to know the law and drive safely around school buses. For more information contact Traffic Safety at (512) 416-3175. Here’s the Law • Stop for flashing red lights on a school bus, regardless of which direction you’re headed. • Continue your trip once the bus has moved, the flashing lights stop flashing or the bus driver signals it’s okay to pass. • Violations can lead to a $1,000 fine. Safety Tips for Motorists • Obey the posted speed limit. • Fines double in school zones. • Keep an eye on children gathered at bus stops. • Watch for children who might dart across the street to catch the bus. Safety Tips for Students • Respect your school bus driver and follow these rules: • Stand far back when you are waiting for the bus. • Sit still so the driver can pay attention to the road. • Look both ways if you have to cross the street after getting off the bus, or wait for the driver to signal it’s safe to cross the street. Here’s the Law: Pedestrians • When there is a sidewalk, please use it. Most pedestrian traffic accidents happen when someone is walking in the roadway. • Be very alert when crossing any roadway. • Stay on the right-hand side of crosswalks. • Drivers should yield the right of way to pedestrians in crosswalks. • Cross at Intersections and in Crosswalks • Yield to vehicles on the roadway if you cross the street at a place other than a marked crosswalk or pedestrian tunnel or crossing. If you’re hit while jaywalking, the driver may not be liable and his or her auto insurance may not cover your injuries. • If the road has no sidewalk, walk on the left side of the road facing traffic. Pedestrian Safety Tips • Always cross at intersections. Look left, then right, then left again before proceeding. • Look for traffic when stepping off a bus or from behind parked cars. • As a passenger, get in or out of a car on the curb side of the street. • Make eye contact with drivers before you cross the street. ATTENTION ALL RUNNERS AND WALKERS: Event: Dominion 5k/10k Fun Run & Walk When: Saturday, September 28th at 8 am Location: All run/walk events will begin at the corner of Dominion Drive and Brenthurst Lane. Refreshments, fruit, and snacks will be provided by sponsors. Online Registration at werunsanantonio.com/dominionrun RSVP by: September 21st Contact: Julie Rincon at 210-698-1232 for any questions Notes: Any runners who are not Dominion residents must be registered on quickpass by homeowner. Copyright © 2013 Peel, Inc.

DROWNING IS PREVENTABLE

THE OUTLOOK

WATER SAFETY TIPS AT

WWW.COLINSHOPE.ORG 2013

Fall ar Calend

Ongoing: Colin’s Hope Athlete Ambassadors of all ages needed! www.tinych.org/signup September 8: 5th annual Colin’s Hope Kids Tri, and All Star Burger Fundraiser (10% of sales donated). October 19: Sharkfest Austin Swim benefiting Colin’s Hope. Volunteers needed. November: Underwater Holiday Photos (multiple days and locations). February 16: Austin Marathon. Runners, walkers, and water stop volunteers needed.

Be a Water Guardian and Watch Kids around Water. Drowning is preventable!

Volunteer - Donate COLINSHOPE.ORG

Thank you to all who supported our efforts this year to raise water safety awareness to prevent children from drowning!

LAYERS OF PROTECTION

CONSTANT VISUAL SUPERVISION

LEARN TO SWIM

KEEP BACKYARDS & BATHROOMS SAFE

LEARN CPR

WEAR LIFE JACKETS

MULTIPLE BARRIERS ON ALL POOLS & HOTTUBS

CHECK POOLS/HOTTUBS 1ST FOR MISSING CHILDREN

VISIT US ONLINE The Outlook - September 2013

THE OUTLOOK Trinity Glen Rose Groundwater Conservation District Water Conservation Audit The sweltering days of summer are just around the corner and with increasing temperatures, come increasing pressures on our aquifers to meet water demands. Trinity Glen Rose Groundwater Conservation District (TGRGCD) would like to ask for your help in reducing that demand on groundwater. We offer a free on-site consultation to identify problems areas that could be resulting in higher water usage to home or business owners residing within our District. Following the visit, we offer recommendations to help reduce water usage both inside and outside the home and a “goody” bag full of conservation-related items, including a hose timer, moisture meter, and low-flow showerhead. We would love to work with you on conserving our water resources and helping potentially reduce your water bill as well! To schedule a visit, give us a call at 210-698-1155! To learn more about Trinity Glen Rose Groundwater Conservation District, please visit us at www.trinityglenrose.com.

Educating servant leaders.

Attend Our Open House

Since 1893 6

TMI – The Episcopal School of Texas challenges

RSVP online to attend one of our upcoming Open House events.

motivated students in grades 6-12, develops

www.TMIEpiscopal.org • (210) 698-7171

Experience the difference of a private school

Open House: Nov. 9, 2013 & Jan. 11, 2014 Early admission Deadline: Nov. 22, 2013 Alkek Scholarship Deadline: Jan. 13, 2014

The Outlook - September 2013

leaders and promotes service in everyday life. education. Visit our website to learn about our Alkek full-tuition, four-year scholarships. TMI – The Episcopal School of Texas admits students of any race, color, and national or ethnic origin.

THE OUTLOOK

Care Dogs Available for Adoption! Basse

My name is Basse. I am a handsome male Belgian Malinois mix. They think I am 2 years old and will weigh about 65-70 lbs when I fill in. CARE saved me when I was going to be euthanized at the animal shelter in Pleasanton. I am very friendly. I am very patient and I sit and wait for a people’s hands to reach out so I can give kisses. I would be an excellent companion. I am neutered, vaccinated and microchipped.

Anna

My name is Anna and I am female and 3 1/2 months old. I am a miniLab mix, because I look like a Black Lab, but I am going to be much smaller when fully grown, probably like 35 lbs or so. I am a normal puppy, a little quieter than my two sisters, but just as cute. I am almost completely potty trained, and socialized with kids, dogs and cats. I am spayed, vaccinated, and micro-chipped!

Poppy

I am safely out of the City of San Antonio shelter. I am recovering from mange, but as you can see from the picture, it isn’t even too bad of a case, I still have almost all my hair. Other than the mange, I am a sweet friendly cuddley pup, just begging for someone to love me. I already had a mange treatment and will be better soon. Then the vet will say when I am completely cured and can play with others. I am a male 7 lbs and 3 months old and a tri-color Cattle Dog blend. I am neutered, vaccinated and microchipped.

Tia

My name is Tia. A social butterfly would best describe me. I have hair loss due to fleas, but it is growing back. I am a full grown female Papillon mix at about 2 years old and only weigh 6 lbs. I am tiny. My Foster Mom says I am friendly and social and love people and other dogs. I am spayed, vaccinated and microchipped.

The Outlook - September 2013

THE OUTLOOK

BACK-TO-SCHOOL STRESS CAN TRIGGER ACNE

For teens, getting rid of embarrassing may seem impossible, but Dr. Denise Metry, an assistant professor of dermatology and pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine, says improving your skin isn't as difficult as you may think. "Stress can be a catalyst for acne breakouts because it stimulates hormones, which in turn causes some skin glands to pump out more oil," Metry said. She suggests that teens wash their face twice a day with a gentle cleanser, maintain a healthy diet and get adequate rest to help prevent future breakouts. Other treatment options include topical creams such as Retin-A to help unclog oil ducts and antibacterial creams, lotions or gels with benzoyl peroxide, which can be used alone or in combination with topical or oral antibiotics. Some young women may be prescribed the birth control pill to help control acne, and Metry may recommend chemical peels for those with severe acne. "I think that parents downplay acne a lot of the time, but it can become a serious problem if it's not addressed early on," Metry said. "I encourage kids to talk to their physicians and in severe cases contact a dermatologist."

The Outlook - September 2013

THE OUTLOOK

GO FOR A ROLL IN THE HAY. REALLY. WE HAVE A FARM.

TripAdvisor named Travaasa ® Austin a Top 10 Destination Spa. Enjoy true farm-to-table meals from the new Travaasa Farm. Plus, taste delicious straight-from-the-earth creations served from our new food truck.

1. 87 7.935 .4761 o r v i s i t t r av a a s a . co m

The Outlook - September 2013 9 8/5/13 11:29 AM

THE OUTLOOK At no time will any source be allowed to use The Outlook 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 Outlook is exclusively for the private use of 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. * The Dominion HOA does not endorse any of the advertisers contained in The Outlook.

Attention New Dominion Homeowners: Hosted by the Neighborhood Outreach Committee The Dominion Homeowners Association will host a Cocktail Party for new residents at the Dominion Country Club! Please save the date for Thursday, October 24th. We hope you will be able to join us to meet your new neighbors. You will be receiving an invitation soon.

Our tradition of quality food and service for a wide variety of events. We also offer delivery to make your family gatherings simple and unbelievably delicious. Our friendly drivers unload and display your order buffet style in disposable aluminum containers, making cleanup a snap!

210-882-0106 10

The Outlook - September 2013

THE OUTLOOK R ES NO RETHENR W SEE OVW AT TA H TH RVO IO KIN E ALTITDANS G HO IOAKI F LI NYSNGOR DA S F YS O R

The Outlook - September 2013

THE OUTLOOK

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THE DOMINION

San Antonio • Offered at $977,000

San Antonio • Offered at $559,000

Private estate with soaring ceilings, quality finishes & space for Architectural charm throughout this custom home with spacious everyone throughout this amazing 1 story. Modern kitchen leads living, situated on a 1/2 acre lot. Floor-to-ceiling windows, wood to spacious bdrms, each with their own private bath, open living, floors, updated kit. & appliances, granite, spacious master suite, 2 guest quarters, theater/game room, study/library, wine room, fireplaces, separate dining, gorgeous private backyard with pool. heated pool & spa & an oversized 3-car garage. MLS# 978895 Side entry 3 car garage and long driveway. MLS# 973144

SOLD!

THE DOMINION

THE DOMINION San Antonio • Offered at $575,000

Custom home, perfect for entertaining with lots of light & high ceilings. Timeless architectural details with custom built-ins, a spacious kit., wet bar, luxurious master suite, his & hers California closets & 2 bdrms upstairs. Fully fenced yard shows large outdoor living, Efficient, low-maintenance home. MLS# 994595

San Antonio • Offered at $1,850,000

Old World elegance, private estate situated on 2/3 acre lot where timeless European & rustic architecture surrounds you. Multiple living & flex areas. Entertainer’s dream kitchen. 2nd floor hosts billiards room & media room. Pool & spa with outdoor kit. overlooks the waterfall. 4-car garage. MLS# 985068

lots available for sale: 139 Westcourt Lane - MLS# 895897 - $129,000 | 19 Highgate Drive - MLS# 932358 - SOLD 38 Royal Heights - MLS# 946142 -

The Outlook - September 2013

$350,000 | 40 Devon Wood - MLS# 970982 - SOLD