CAT MOUNTAIN VIEW
NOVEMBER 2016
VOLUME 4, NUMBER 11
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE I write this just a few weeks before the election. I don’t know when you will receive it, but I hope you got out and voted. It’s been a crazy election cycle but no matter what, we will survive and work to make tomorrow better. We’ve had some disturbing events here in the subdivision the past year. SWAT teams, DEA raids, house parties that ran until dawn, squatters who refused to leave and most recently a rash of car break-ins, auto thefts and even a home invasion. It is up to every member of Cat Mountain to be vigilant. Look out for your neighbors, don’t hesitate to call 911 if you spot what you think is suspicious activity. Keep your garage door closed, lock your cars, and lock your home’s doors and any easily accessible windows. Don’t open your doors for just anyone, the woman on Ledge Mountain Drive who opened her door to speak with two men in neon vests and hardhats was rushed and tied up, thankfully she was not harmed but she won’t be so trusting again. I personally had a person come to my door posing as a Time Warner worker who wanted to inspect the performance of my network, I sent him away but should have called Time Warner to confirm or 911 to have him removed from the street. Call 911 to report any solicitors on private streets, they are not welcome. There are “No Soliciting Signs” posted on most of the private streets in Cat Mountain. If you hire contractors, be certain you get references and use reputable contractors. It’s always a good idea to hide and or lock any valuables. Safes are worth the investment for securing valuables, jewelry and firearms. Fireproof safes are great for valuables and paperwork, while not perfect; they buy you some time in many instances. These events in our neighborhood have reaffirmed the need for contact information, both phone and email for every resident. I would like to ask everyone to create a contact list of your immediate neighbors and share that information with Jesse so we can compile a database that is current and accurate. We have such a list on our street and have shared it with all the residents of Hickory Hollow and with Copyright © 2016 Peel, Inc.
Jesse. We take a proactive role in monitoring each other’s homes while anyone is away. This information will not be shared with anyone but will be most valuable for communicating in emergency situations. I would like to thank the Johnson’s for hosting a wonderful Halloween themed wine social! Your home is just beautiful and it was great to spend an evening in the home that started it all years ago. As a reminder, our Holiday Party is scheduled for Sunday, December 4th. I hope to see you all there! I would like to ask for some volunteers to help with the planning and execution of this year’s Holiday party in December. Please see the social scene information later in the issue for more information. As a reminder, you can receive this newsletter online by signing up at www.peelinc.com. The online format is a bit more colorful and it’s green, saving the environment from the cost of paper, printing and delivery. Wishing you all a very blessed Thanksgiving! Bryan Harter Cat Mountain HOA | President
OCTOBER MANAGER’S REPORT Private Streets: We own the cul-de-sacs in Cat Mountain and are responsible for maintaining them. The trash trucks and mail carrier trucks are the worst offenders when it comes to day to day wear and tear. Cars and trailers parked along curbs block the path taken by the trucks. This causes the trucks to turn even sharper and lifts the asphalt when the tires are turned while the trucks are not moving. Trailers and commercial vehicles should not be parked for extended periods in the driveway or on the streets of Cat Mountain Villas. This is a violation of the covenants and can result in fines or legal action being (Continued on Page 2) Cat Mountain View - November 2016
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CAT MOUNTAIN VIEW (Continued from Cover) taken. We will always allow for a trailer or vehicle to be parked for a reasonable temporary period for the convenience of our residents who might have a need. Vehicles such as a travel trailer, RV or a cargo trailer to move equipment can be parked overnight but should be moved in a day or two.
DECEMBER SOCIAL COMMITTEE NEWS & EVENTS
Basketball goals that are portable are not allowed in the streets any more than a wagon or child’s bicycle should be left in the street.
Parking: Parking along many of these streets continues to be a difficult subject. Many families don’t use their garage due to it being packed with stuff; others have a two car garage and more than 2 cars. We don’t have a formal parking policy and request that if you park on the street, you be courteous of your neighbors. There is no spot you can claim as your own, regardless of if it is in front of your home or across from your driveway.
Swimming Pool: It has been very difficult to find contractors willing to bid the pool fence repair and painting project. We hope to begin repairs of the pool fencing and paint the fence around the pool over the winter months. If you see anything in the neighborhood that needs attention or maintenance, please contact Jesse. Pool keys are also available from the manager for a $10 deposit.
Tennis Courts: The contractor has finished the fence repairs and the courts are available once again. Please refrain from riding bikes and skateboards on the courts, the surface is very expensive and is not designed for that use. Pets are not allowed on the courts. Court keys are available from the manager for a $10 deposit.
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The Social committee has begun planning the annual HOA holiday party and are looking for volunteers to help plan, set up & clean up. We are also looking for a volunteer to don a Santa suit for the children in the neighborhood. If we find a volunteer we will post the time he will arrive at the party. If no volunteer is found, unfortunately he will not make a stop at the clubhouse this year. If you are interested in volunteering in any aspect please email the social committee chair at the bottom of the page. The Cat Mountain Board of Directors would cordially like to invite all neighbors to kick off the holiday season with an evening of fun, food & friendship!
Sunday, December 4th 5:00-8:00 PM Cat Mountain Club House Heavy Hors d’oeuvres will be served along with holiday refreshments, beer and wine. Everyone is also invited to bring their favorite festive dessert to share. For Planning Purposes please RSVP the number of adults/ children attending to Jesse Chargualaf at cmhoa@sbcglobal.net No later than Wednesday, November 30th
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CAT MOUNTAIN VIEW
Cat Mountain Book Club Hello Cat Mountain Book Club members, We had a great meeting last night, with author Dominic Smith in attendance. He is a very eloquent speaker and gave us some interesting insights into his book. Thanks to Elizabeth for coordinating his attendance. Turns out he was her former student!
Our November selection is Euphoria by Lily King Overview
A New York Times Bestseller Winner of the 2014 Kirkus Prize Winner of the 2014 New England Book Award for Fiction A Finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award A Best Book of the Year for: New York Times Book Review, Time, NPR, Washington Post, Entertainment Weekly, Newsday, Vogue, New York Magazine, Seattle Times, San Francisco Chronicle, Wall Street Journal, Boston Globe, The Guardian, Kirkus Reviews, Amazon, Publishers Weekly, Our Man in Boston, Oprah.com, Salon Euphoria is Lily King’s nationally bestselling breakout novel of three young, gifted anthropologists of the ‘30’s caught in a passionate love triangle that threatens their bonds, their careers, and, ultimately, their lives. Inspired by events in the life of revolutionary anthropologist Margaret Mead, Euphoria is "dazzling ... suspenseful ... brilliant...an exhilarating novel.”—Boston Globe
Editorial Reviews
The New York Times Book Review - Emily Eakin …as uncanny as it is transporting. Euphoria is a meticulously researched homage to Mead's restless mind and a considered portrait of Western anthropology in its primitivist heyday. It's also a taut, witty, fiercely intelligent tale of competing egos and desires in a landscape of exotic menace—a love triangle in extremis. For King, whose three previous novels, all expertly crafted, rarely strayed far from late-20thcentury, New England WASP culture, Euphoria represents a departure and arguably a breakthrough. The steam the book emits is as much intellectual as erotic (for Mead there seems hardly to have been a distinction), and King's signal achievement may be to have created satisfying drama out of a quest for interpretive insight.
Greg Mast, NeighborWoods and Urban Orchards Program Manager at TreeFolks reached out to our neighborhood this week and I thought I would share. It looks like a good program. TreeFolks empowers central Texans to build stronger communities through planting and caring for trees. Since 1989, TreeFolks has planted over 2 million trees in central Texas. The NeighborWoods program is sponsored by the City of Austin, Circuit of the Americas, and the Apache Corporation. Every year, TreeFolks gives away over 4,300 free trees to Austin area residents through our NeighborWoods program, helping to lower summer temperatures and reduce energy consumption by shading streets and buildings. Trees are great, but they don't plant themselves! We need your help getting them into people's hands. Participation in the program is completely free. The only ‘catch’ is that you have to plant and care for the trees. To get a free tree for your house, come to one of TreeFolks' upcoming free tree giveaway events. Trees are available at the events on a first come, first served basis, one per person. Bring your friends and family and come early to ensure that you all get your trees. If you can't make it to one of the events, you can fill out this form to request to have trees dwelivered right to your door (also free). All Austin Energy customers are eligible. WHO: TreeFolks & Austin Energy Customers WHAT: Free Tree Giveaway of 1,000 Fruit, Shade and Ornamental Trees WHEN: JAN. 21, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM WHERE: ACC Highland Campus To learn more about TreeFolks and the NeighborWoods program, please visit www.treefolks.org/nw For further questions, contact shade@treefolks.org or call 512-443-5323.
Euphoria Description:
Inspired by events in the life of revolutionary anthropologist Margaret Mead, Euphoria is the story of three young, gifted anthropologists of the 1930s caught in a passionate love triangle that threatens their bonds, their careers, and, ultimately, their lives. Copyright © 2016 Peel, Inc.
Cat Mountain View - November 2016
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CAT MOUNTAIN VIEW OCTOBER 2016 SOCIAL COMMITTEE NEWS & EVENTS
Yoga Group
Now that the hot summer months are behind us, it’s the perfect time of year to enjoy yoga on the patio with resident & certified yogi, Charley Devany! Charley will be holding his Free Yoga Class on TUESDAY in November: November 1, 15, 22 & 29 from 6:30-7:30 PM. November 8th will be election day and the clubhouse will be used for precinct 231. The classes are Bikram style yoga (but not crazy hot, with music and only one hour) and traditional Vinyasa flow and are catered to those who attend. Currently we have eight to nine regulars (age range 29 to 69 with varying skill levels). Charley’s home base is Black Swan Yoga but he has also practiced at Bikram, BKS Iyengar and several other studios in Austin, NC and NJ. His emphasis is on personal instruction, finding peace on your mat, improving your breathing and having fun. If you have any questions regarding the class please email chasdevany@gmail.com and check out his Instagram “yogichas”
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WINE CLUB SOCIAL
THANK YOU
Thank you to Steve & Monica Johnson for hosting a spooktacular Halloween themed evening. It was wonderful to get to know you and your family members. We appreciate new neighbors opening their home in an effort to get to know others in the community.
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CAT MOUNTAIN VIEW NOVEMBER 2016
WELCOMING COMMITTEE
RECIPE OF THE MONTH
Watermelon Salad 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar 1 lime, zested and juiced 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil 1 red onion, thinly sliced 4 cups seeded watermelon chunks 1 cup crumbled feta cheese 1/4 cup mint chiffonade 2 cups baby arugula
The Homeowners Association Board of Directors would like to welcome the following new neighbors to the Villas! Jason & Lauren Fischer If you would like to join the welcoming committee and assist in meeting new neighbors please contact our co-chairs, Lisa Castillo at lisadcastillo@yahoo.com or Faye Van Haren at faye@austin. rr.com for more details.
Directions: Add the white wine vinegar, lime zest and juice to a small bowl. Whisk in the olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Add the thinly sliced red onion and let marinate for 5 to 10 minutes as you prepare the rest of the salad. Add the watermelon, feta, mint, and arugula to a large bowl. Toss with the vinaigrette and serve immediately after dressing. Recipe courtesy of The Neelys, www.foodnetwork.com
AUSTIN CFO ELAINE HART NAMED INTERIM CITY MANAGER On September 2, the City Council unanimously voted to appoint Elaine Hart as the Interim City Manager. Hart has served as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for the City of Austin for more than four years and has 30 years’ experience in public and private sector finance including a career with the City of Austin that spans more than 20 years. Prior to her appointment as CFO, she served for more than 10 years as Senior Vice President of Finance and Corporate Services for Austin Energy. "The City of Austin stands at a unique moment and we need a strong and capable leader to help guide us through this interim phase," Austin Mayor Steve Adler said. "Elaine was our choice for many reasons, including that she brings an enterprise-wide view and broad experience with all our city departments and operations." Council Member Gallo is very pleased to have Hart leading the City Manager's office during the interim period. Given Hart's strong financial background and business sense, CM Gallo believes Ms. Hart will start us on the pathway to changing the culture of city government. Hart will begin her duties as Interim City Manager upon the departure of Marc Ott on October 31. Recruiting a New City Manager On August 19, City Council was notified City Manager Marc Ott was officially resigning his post in order to take a position with the International City/County Management Association (ICMA). The selection of the new City Manager will be one of the most Copyright Š 2016 Peel, Inc.
important decisions the Mayor and Council will make and should include a national search and community engagement. It will take time for the City Council to create a candidate profile relating to the qualities, expertise, and experience we hope to find in a new City Manager. We also need sufficient time to recruit and select the candidate who best fits the profile. Council Member Gallo and the District 10 Office want to hear from you regarding what qualifications are important to you for the next City Manager to have. We also would like to know what issues you feel the new City Manager should be prepared to address and in what priority order. Email us your thoughts at district10@ austintexas.gov. We will continue to provide updates on both the selection of an Interim City Manager and the recruiting process for City Manager candidates. Cat Mountain View - November 2016
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CAT MOUNTAIN VIEW
ELECTRIC RATES REDUCED FOR ALL CUSTOMERS WITH APPROVAL OF AN HISTORIC SETTLEMENT WITH AUSTIN ENERGY This story was taken from the September 2 District 10 newsletter: Council Member Gallo chairs the Austin Energy Utility Oversight Committee which oversees Austin Energy, the city-owned utility. She was pleased to guide the Council Committee she chairs to address her commitment to affordability and approve lower electric bills for all Austin Energy customers. Every five years, the Austin City Council reviews Austin Energy's (AE) base electric rates through an in-depth cost of service study and independent public rate review process. This review process is done so that rates recover the operating costs of the utility. Rate changes are also made to incorporate the community's goals for reducing greenhouse gases and promoting energy efficient housing and businesses. On Monday, August 29, City Council unanimously passed on the final reading to approve a settlement that Austin Energy and 20 other intervenors agreed to support. Those parties represented businesses, consumer groups and environmental advocates and included Applied Materials, Austin Apartment Association, Austin Energy Low Income Customers, Bethany United Methodist Church, Building Owners and Managers Association of Austin, Coalition for Clean Affordable Reliable Energy, Crown Castle, Cypress Semiconductor, Homeowners United for Rate Fairness, Goodwill, Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce, James Rourke, NXP Semiconductors, Samsung Austin Semiconductor, Secton Healthcare and St. David's Healthcare. As a part of the settlement, the Council approved $42.5 million in proposed Austin Energy Department cuts, $5 million which will go toward lowering residential rates. Austin Energy customers can expect the following savings: • A Tier 1 customer averaging 460 kilowatt-hours per month will save $4.12 a year • A Tier 2 customer averaging 960 kilowatt-hours per month will save $34.52 a year • A Tier 3 customer averaging 1,471 kilowatt-hours per month will save $69.30 a year • A Tier 4 customer averaging 2,459 kilowatt-hours per month will save $50.77 a year • A Tier 5 customer averaging 3,451 kilowatt-hours per month will save $9.69 a year The Council vote was the culmination of an eight-month process which now results in lower electricity rates for all users which will go into effect on January 1, 2017. 6
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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.
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CAT MOUNTAIN VIEW 6 Health Benefits of Eating Dark Chocolate If your sweet tooth craves chocolate, there are plenty of reasons to surrender to your cravings and indulge. Dark chocolate is loaded with nutrients that can positively affect your health. Made from the seed of the cocoa tree, it is one of the best sources of antioxidants on the planet. Cacao offers a number of health benefits from helping to control blood sugar to lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease because it contains flavonols, which are a type of antioxidant that has been shown to improve blood flow and can protect against suninduced damage, improve blood flow to the skin and increase skin density and hydration. Bottom Line: Quality dark chocolate has various nutritional perks so enjoying a delicious treat that has at least 65% cacao can be guiltfree if you don’t overdo it. NUTRITIONAL PERKS HEART-HEALTHY Dark chocolate has been shown to improve blood flow and possibly prevent blood clots. It also helps lower blood pressure ad may help keep arteries from hardening.
BRAIN FOOD Because chocolate increases blood flow to the brain, it can be a boost to your cognitive health. MOOD CHANGER Chocolate also contains phenylethylamine (PEA), which encourages your brain to release endorphins that make you feel good. CANCER FIGHTER Antioxidants in chocolate help rid your system of free radicals, which have been linked to multiple age-related health risks and diseases. SOMETHING TO SMILE ABOUT Theobromine, found in dark chocolate, helps harden tooth enamel, which helps prevent cavities. SUN BLOCKER Some studies show that people with diets high in flavonols take longer to burn in the sun than people with low flavonol diets. Written by: Claudia Mosley, Moms Making Six Figures Reviewed by: Dr. Barbara Ryan, MD
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