Ranch Record - April 2021 by Peel, Inc.

Ranch Record - April 2021

COMMUNITY INFO STEINER RANCH

COMMUNITY ASSOCIATIONS OFFICE 12550 Country Trails Lane Austin, Texas 78732 512-266-7553 – Telephone 512-266-9312 – Facsimile www.steinerranchhoa.org

OFFICE HOURS

IMPORTANT NUMBERS

EMERGENCY NUMBERS

EMERGENCY...........................................................................911 Fire...........................................................................................911

Ambulance...........................................................................911 Sheriff – Non-Emergency........................512-974-0845 Travis County ESD No.6/Lake Travis Fire Rescue

Administration Office.............................512-266-2533

Travis County Animal Control.................512-974-2000

STEINER RANCH CONTACTS

Steiner Ranch Community Association

Office........................................................................................512-266-7553

SCHOOLS

Leander ISD....................................................512-570-0000

Monday - Friday (Closed from 12-1:00pm).9:00am - 5:00pm

Vandegrift High School.............................512-570-2300

Saturday & Sunday .......................................................................... CLOSED

Laura Welch Bush Elementary.................512-570-6100

(Currently office closed to walk-ins until further notice)

Canyon Ridge Middle School..................512-570-3500

Steiner Ranch Elementary........................512-570-5700

River Ridge Elementary..............................512-570-7300

STAFF

UTILITIES

General Manager

City of Austin Electric.................................512-494-9400

Joe Ristuccia........................................................ steiner@ciramail.com

Travis County WCID # 17...............................512-266-1111 Texas Gas Service

Custom Service....................................1-800-700-2443

Lifestyle and Communication Manager

Emergencies...............................................512-370-8609

Desirre Ghebremicael.................................... steiner@ciramail.com

AT&T

Operations Manager

Call Before You Dig.............................1-800-344-8377

New Service...........................................1-800-464-7928 Repair......................................................1-800-246-8464

Sarah Dunlap....................................................... steiner@ciramail.com

Billing.......................................................1-800-858-7928

Architectural and Community Standards Coordinator

Customer Service....................................512-485-5555

Samantha Dominguez.................................. steiner@ciramail.com

Front Desk Coordinator Cami Porter........................................................... steiner@ciramail.com

Compliance...................................................... steiner@ciramail.com

COMPLIANCE, ARCHITECTURAL Compliance/ACC Coordinator............... steiner@ciramail.com

SRMA BOARD OF DIRECTORS Email the SRMA BOD.........................board@steinerranchhoa.org

Time Warner Cable

Repairs.........................................................512-485-5080

TDS (Trash & Recycle).................................512-329-1752 Austin/Travis County Hazardous Waste

............................................................................512-974-4343

OTHER NUMBERS

Lake Travis Postal Office...........................512-263-2458

Coyote Sightings.................................................................311 Five Star Commercial Community Management

Balcones Canyonlands Preserve.......................................

.................https://www.traviscountytx.gov/tnr/nr/bcp

NEWSLETTER PUBLISHER

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

Ranch Record - April 2021

FROM THE ASSOCIATION OFFICE 4 5 8 8 8 8 9 9 9 10

Key Community Meeting Dates Community Enhancements Implemented and Planned Transformational 2.0 Projects SRROA 2020 Elections and Annual Meeting SRMA 2021 Elections and Annual Meeting Bulky Waste & Spring Green Waste Pick-Up Information HOA Oak Wilt Policy Greenbelt Reminders Community Compliance Reminders Mulch Delivery Urban Dirt

STEINER ACTIVITIES & EVENTS

Steiner Ranch Master Association Board of Directors Meets on the third Tuesday of each month at 6:00pm. Steiner Ranch Residential Owners Board of Directors Meets on the last Thursday of each month at 6:00pm. Trail Committee Meets on the third Wednesday of each month at 6:30pm. The committee also holds monthly trail work days. To learn more visit the Steiner Ranch Trail Committee Facebook page for the most up to date information and join their newsletter by subscribing at https://groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/ steinertrails Event Planning Committee Meets once a month. To join the committee and for more info, please send an email to desirre.ghebremicael@ grandmanors.com

9 Class of 2021 Graduation - Car Parade & Celebration (Because of the COVID19 Pandemic all Association meetings are 11 Easter Bunny Parade & conducted via Zoom. Meetings links are sent to residents' email Eggstravaganza addresses on file at least 72 hours before the meeting). 12 News from the Trails Committee 12 Steiner Ranch Multicultural Festival 14 The Beauty & Benefits of Wildflowers UPCOMING STEINER RANCH HOA EVENTS Multicultural Festival (ongoing - monthly) 16 Summer Camps News 16 Eat Local - Support Local Business 04/03 Easter Bunny Parade, 16 Recipe Eggs-stravaganza & Easter Market

POOL NEWS 18 20 20

Pool Rules Red Giants Master Swimming Steiner Stars Swim Team

IN EVERY ISSUE

4 Steiner Ranch Events 4 Cover Photo 22 Teenage Job Seekers 22 Classifieds

COVER PHOTO

Have a photo you would like to see published in the next Ranch Record? For consideration, send pictures to desirre.ghebremicael@ grandmanors.com no later than the 8th of the month prior to publication. Your photo might just be next month’s cover! By submitting your photo you agree to allow your photo to be published in future issues of the Ranch Record and/or other Steiner Ranch communications. 4

Ranch Record - April 2021

05/22 2021 Senior Parade and Celebration 07/04 July 4th celebration 08/14 Back to school Bash 10/18 – 10/28 Steiner Spook-tacular House Parade 12/04 Santa Parade 12/09 Volunteers’ Dinner 12/01 – 12/17 Santa Mailbox and Elves’ Special Delivery Mailbox 12/13-12/23 Annual Holiday House Decorating Contest

Events are tentative & subject to change or cancel at any time. Events are planned by the Steiner Ranch Event Planning Committee, and are for Steiner Ranch residents in good standing with the association and their guests only. Final approval to participate in any Steiner Ranch program or event is dependent upon HOA approval. For more information, please contact Desirre Ghebremicael at: steiner@ciramail.com For the most up to date information, follow us at: Facebook.com/ SteinerRanchHOAevents or visit the Steiner Ranch HOA website at: www.steinerranchhoa.org Copyright © 2021 Peel, Inc.

Community Enhancements Implemented & Planned Transformational 2.0 Projects Dear Steiner Ranch Residents, Steiner Ranch has grown significantly over the past few years and has outpaced the current amenities capacity. Since 2017, the SRMA Board of Directors held several workshops, evaluated other large master planned communities in broader Austin, conducted a homeowners’ survey in 2018 and also consulted with various professionals on the short term and long-term needs of our community. Research along with the results of the community survey supported various enhancements including: • expanding Towne Square, • a Fitness Center, • a Lap Pool, • a Dog Park, • secured Lake Club with gates, • security cameras at key community common areas, • RADARs, • Sports fields renovation • Landscape environment enhancements. Since then, the SRMA Board of Directors developed a Vision, implemented several community enhancements, and now have embarked on community transformational 2.0 projects to meet the needs of our growing Community and also ensure that Steiner Ranch stays competitive in the large master-planned community market in central Texas. Below is an overview of the major proposed transformational 2.0 projects:

• 3 key intersections along Quinlan • 35 monuments • 29 mail kiosks • Other common areas Landscape Consulting firm Aan & Coleman Associates, in collaboration with the community’s landscape provider Urban Dirt, came up with a thorough plant palette based off necessary curb appeal, environmental impact, water concerns, and sustainability.

3. Towne Square 2.0 (in progress) The Steiner Ranch Towne Square building dates back to the early 2000’s, and while well-maintained and in great working condition, does not represent the full offering of amenities that potential homeowners would find commensurate with a community like Steiner Ranch. The objective of this project is to broaden the offered amenities at the Towne Square facility and reutilize existing space for better, more up-to-date uses for the future. Towne Square 2.0 will include:

1. Sports / Soccer Fields 2.0 (completed) •Renovation of sports fields completed at Towne Square Park, Bella Mar Park, Westridge Park (Hired Ryan Sanders Sports Services (RS3), a leader in the sports field industry) • Irrigation enhanced, fields leveled, and sod replaced • Replaced nets on all goals and wheels added for easy goal mobility • Installed new signage with Athletic Field Rules and Regulations • New backstops have also been installed at all fields • Cameras installed

2. Landscape 2.0 (in progress) Hired Coleman & Associates, an award-winning Landscape Architecture Firm serving Central Texas. Together with Urban Dirt landscaping company have embarked on landscape renovation. The project includes renovating and upgrade landscaping at the: • Two front entrances (structure, lighting, plants/flowers) Copyright © 2021 Peel, Inc.

3.1. Existing Amenities: 1. Existing Tennis Courts 2. Existing Basketball Court 3. Existing Parking Lot 4. Existing Towne Square Building 5. Existing Playground 6. Existing Ball Field 7. Existing Swimming Pool 8. Existing Kids Pool 3.2. Towne Square 2.0 – Phased approach: 9. Expanded Recreation Community Room 10. Media Room 11. Parking, 46 spaces 12. Drainage Detention Facilities 13. Splash Pad 14. Dog Park (small & large divided) 15. Skate Park 16. 8-lane, 25 yard lap pool

Continued on Page 6 Ranch Record - April 2021

Continued from Page 5 Some of the distinctive proposed plans for TS2.0 are: • A striking balance between the public/commercial level of use the facility expects to receive with an upscale aesthetic of home, modern, but congruent with the existing building. • A mix of natural materials with modern massing and clean details to work with the existing building but move it from 2001 to 2021. • Use transparent/semi-transparent separations to define spaces yet allow them to function together when wanted. • Utilize recurring natural materials and design elements to tie multiple uses in the building together for a cohesive, high-end feel. • Acoustic elements as sculpture/art/visual interest. • By intentionally integrating select acoustical elements into the overall design, you avoid the “tacked on” appearance of sound abating elements after-the-fact. • Fitness and Recreation areas with a visual connection to the exterior amenities, where possible. • Bringing the outdoors in can make these spaces feel larger, lighter, more inviting and promote use of the other amenities with more residents.

for the Steiner Ranch Lake Club are to: • Limit access of the property to Residents • Improve the appearance of the property, especially along River Bend Road • Provide unobtrusive lighting for security and aesthetics • Regrade and correct areas of poor drainage and recover with landscaped areas, turf or gravel to provide more resilient, usable space. The Proposed Layout works with the land to provide features with the least amount of intervention possible. 1. Existing Pavilion Structure, Basketball Court and Patio Space 2. New graded Gravel surface near Pavilion. 3. New graded Gravel surface between existing stones, stones to be moved/rearranged. 4. New graded Gravel surface at north end of property. 5. Low-slope Pathway to navigate area of steeper slope. 6. Sliding vehicular gates w/ accompanying pedestrian gates.

Proposed secured lot with fence & RFID vehicular gates)

4. Lake Club 2.0 (in progress) The SRMA BOD has explored the possibility of a paved parking, additional security measures and ways to improve the Lake Club property for several years. In addition to being openly accessible, unsupervised access has led to degradation of the land in areas where vehicles have been allowed to pass over and through. The purpose of the Security and Reclamation plans being explored

Ranch Record - April 2021

The SRMA Board of Directors will continue to review 2.0 Projects at every board meeting along with the progress. For a comprehensive list of implemented community enhancements to date, and transformational 2.0 projects please visit http://steinerranchhoa.org/document_view. asp?id=1106. We encourage all homeowners to: • Continue to provide feedback by attending monthly Board meetings. • Register and /or log into the Residents / Ciranet portal by visiting the Association homepage at steinerranchhoa.org, review monthly board meeting minutes, review financials etc. • Follow the Steiner Ranch HOA Events & Communications Facebook page, the only Facebook page affiliated with the HOA, for the most up-to-date information about HOA community events and latest community announcements. Search Steiner Ranch HOA Events & Communications to find and follow us. For any more question or concerns, please do not hesitate to send us an email at steiner@ciramail.com. Regards, The Steiner Ranch Master Association Board of Directors

Ranch Record - April 2021

SRROA 2020 Elections and Annual Meeting–April 15th, 2021

The Steiner Ranch Residential Owners Association is currently seeking to fill three open Board Directors positions at the upcoming Board Election to be held on April 15th, 2021. These are volunteers’ positions that will help the Board govern the SRROA Community. The SRROA Board meets once a month on the last Thursday of the month at 6:00 pm currently on Zoom. Topics discussed include: • Finances – budget, cash flow, and assessment collection • Contracts – building maintenance, grounds management, reserve study, facilities usage • Management – upkeep and repair of the property, staff supervision, and services to homeowners • Legal Responsibilities – rules, regulations, policy enforcement, meetings, and elections SRROA neighborhoods include: Chaparral, The Summit at Eastridge, The Valley at Eastridge, Hancock Hill, Mesa North, Plateau, Rocky Ridge. Specific online voting information is included in the homeowner Annual Meeting and Election packets. Elections results will be announced at the SRROA annual meeting. Homeowners are encouraged to attend and to vote. How to Vote • Attend the virtual SRROA Annual Meeting & Election by login on using the provided meeting link details and cast your ballot. • Vote online by visiting your specific voting District website which will be emailed to you on the email on file. SRROA district specific website information is also included in homeowner annual meeting packets, which should have been delivered via regular mail in March. Given the recent rise in cases and concerns surrounding the coronavirus (COVID-19), we encourage everyone to vote online as it is the safest and most efficient option. • Vote by proxy. Proxies are included in the Annual Meeting packets which should have been delivered via regular mail in March.

SRMA 2021 Elections and Annual Meeting–May 25th, 2021

The Steiner Ranch Master Association (SRMA) will hold elections and the annual meeting on May 25th, 2021 virtually. The SRMA Board consists of seven board members who are Steiner Ranch homeowners elected by Steiner Ranch homeowners. . The elected member will serve a three-year term. There are four directors representing four SRMA districts and three directors for At Large positions (any SRMA homeowner can stand up for At Large position irrespective of the district). In the May election, SRMA homeowners vote for one (1) At Large candidate. Regardless of the residents’ voting districts, they will only vote for the At Large candidate. Once directors are elected to the SRMA Board, they represent Steiner Ranch (SRMA) interests as a whole. One At Large Position is open for May 25th election Any SRMA homeowner may run for At Large seat on the Board. If you are an SRMA homeowner and wish to be considered for the At Large director position for the May SRMA Board election, please email SRMA HOA General Manager at Steiner@ciramail.com or fill out a candidate form at http://steinerranchhoa.org/document_view.asp?id=1003. Please include a headshot. The deadline to submit a candidate application is April 16th, 2021. 8

Ranch Record - April 2021

Bulky Waste & Spring Green Waste Pick-up Information

Bulky Waste & Bundle Pick-Ups We have received multiple calls and emails from residents enquiring about a pick-up service for tree limbs following the recent Winter storm. Residents may schedule free bulky waste and/or bundle pick-ups twice per year by calling Texas Disposal Systems (TDS). Bundle pick-ups may include trees, shrub, and brush trimmings; newspapers or magazines securely tied together, not exceeding 4 feet in length or 40 pounds. Bulky waste pick-ups consist of large pick-up items such as sofas, refrigerators, water tanks, etc. Additional bulky pick-ups can be requested at the rate of $42 per three cubic yards. Call TDS at 512-329-1752 to schedule individual pick-ups. Spring Green Waste Pick-up TDS will provide Steiner Ranch residents with a seasonal green waste collection pick-up (bagged leaves, brush, limbs, and other yard waste) during the week of April 12th, 2021. Each resident may place up to 20 thirty-gallon paper bags of green waste at their curbside on their designated trash pick-up day from April 12 to April 17, 2021. **Please note: This will be the only green waste pick-up this Spring. Reminder Aside from scheduled green waste pick-ups and individually scheduled bulky waste/bundle pick-ups, TDS will not pick-up items/bags left outside of trash containers unless bags are tagged with TDS trash tags. Tags are available for purchase, by check, through the HOA for $2.50 per bag. Additional trash/recycle carts may also be ordered directly from TDS.

HOA Oak Wilt Policy Prohibits Pruning Oaks February 1 – June 30

The Steiner Ranch Master Association (SRMA) and Steiner Ranch Residential Owners’ Association (SRROA) each have oak wilt policies which residents are responsible for following. The policies specifically state that oak tree pruning is prohibited from February 1 – June 30, as this is the period in which oaks are most at risk of infection. To view the policy in its entirety, visit the Steiner Ranch HOA website and click ‘FAQS’ from the top menu, then ‘Oak Wilt Policy’. Reduce The Chance For Spreading Oak Wilt Know When NOT to Prune - No pruning/trimming oaks from February 1st through June 30th. Paint – Always paint fresh oak wounds immediately after pruning with wound dressing or latex paint regardless of season. Sterilize Pruning Tools – Clean all pruning tools with 10% bleach solution or Lysol between sites and trees. Properly Dispose of Red Oak Debris – Debris from diseased red oaks should be immediately chipped or burned. If uncertain about trimming, consult a Texas oak wilt certified arborist, an oak wilt specialist from a city, county or state government agency such as the Texas Forest Service or Texas AgriLife Extension Service, or visit texasoakwilt.org. Copyright © 2021 Peel, Inc.

Greenbelt Reminders

Please remember and share with all family members the following: • Greenbelts in Steiner Ranch are private property of the HOA. Cutting trees, constructing forts or fire pits, and any other activity which damages greenbelts is prohibited and may result in fines and penalties. • Fires are absolutely prohibited in Steiner Ranch greenbelts. • Motorized vehicles are not allowed in greenbelts or trails as they pose a potential safety hazard to walkers and bikers. They may also damage the trails, which the Trails Committee and other volunteers graciously maintain. • Should you observe someone vandalizing the greenbelt, please contact the Travis County Sherriff’s Department. • Several of Steiner Ranch’s trails go through the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve: J-Canyon Trail, Eastridge Trail, and Powerline Hill Trail. Due to the sensitive nature of the preserve, no biking or picnicking are allowed, and access is permitted only at approved trailheads. No access is allowed from the back of residential lots.

Community Compliance Reminders

The HOA office would like to remind residents of the following Steiner Ranch rules: - Trash containers are to be stored out of sight and should not be visible from the street. - Parking on the street overnight is not allowed. - Items should not be left in driveways. This includes mulch bags, garden hoses, and sports equipment. - Any alterations to the exterior of your property (front, back and sides) must be submitted to the HOA office for review and approval. Thank you for abiding by these rules, which are part of Steiner Ranch governing documents.

Mulch Delivery

The annual Vandegrift High School band mulch fundraiser is a fantastic way for homeowners to support the VHS band while sprucing up their landscaping. Mulch will be delivered by band members on April 9th and 10th, 2021. Please spread mulch as soon as possible. The HOA will send compliance notices to homeowners’ who have mulch bags visible from the street after April 25th, 2021. Thank you for your support!

Class of 2021 Graduation Car Parade & Celebration

The Steiner Ranch Event Planning Committee invites the Community to celebrate the Class of 2021 on Saturday, May 22nd , 2021! Let's show our pride in these students and make their graduation unique and memorable! Who can participate in the Parade? Any Steiner Ranch Resident Graduating Senior. Register Online Here: https://forms.gle/VdY3DmPyUoPv5f4s6 Who's invited? All Steiner Ranch residents are welcome to cheer the graduates along the parade route. Please walk to the nearest viewing point if you are able as parking will be limited. When is it? Saturday, May 22nd , 2021 at 7pm Where is it? As the event gets closer we will provide more info about route and staging location What to bring? Signs, noisemakers, etc. Feel free to show you pride for your own alma mater, branch of the military or vocation by wearing any type of spirit wear (such as a Texas State University t-shirt, University of Texas jacket, Yale ball cap, A&M flag, military cammo, work uniform, etc...). Please follow CDC safety recommendations and be sure to practice social distancing. Hope to see you all there!

Scan Here to Register:

Ranch Record - April 2021

April 2021 Steiner Ranch Residential Landscaping Tips by: Brandon Fojt – Urban Dirt Account Manager for Steiner Ranch Spring is here and now that everyone is wrapping up with trimming and removing plant material from the recent, devastating winter storm it’s time to rebuild your landscaping. Let’s be strategic about what we install before going out and buying whatever looks good at that moment in time. Do your homework first. Identify the space you are working in and find out how much light is provided in that space. Is it part sun/part shade? Is it full sun or full shade? This is very important as is it will help in choosing the correct plant material for the desired area. I see this mistake all the time: full sun plant material planted in deep shade. It may look good initially, but tends to get leggy and produces very few to no blooms if it is a flowering plant. Remember, plant material is an investment in your home so let’s help build equity with hardy drought tolerant plant material that will provide longevity in your landscape. A great resource for helping you choose hardy plant material is the Texas Native and Adaptive Plant Book. This book provides information on plants that grow well in this area, includes details such as light requirements, and it’s free. It also provides information on the approximate size that mature plant material may get. This is important information when choosing the right plant material as this will help better determine the quantity of plants needed in the desired planting area. A recommendation when choosing plant material is to try and find an even balance of evergreens, semi-evergreens, and perennials. You will thank yourself for the variety after the first freeze occurs and you begin to cut back the perennials; in the winter months, having some evergreen plant material will prevent your planting beds from looking bare. Once you’ve found a great mix of perennial and evergreens, you’re not quite ready to plant yet. It is always recommended that you lay a strong foundation before planting. This consists of prepping your planting beds first. What does this mean? As I’m sure some of you know, if you’ve ever tried to stick a shovel in the ground, the soil content here is lacking both material and nutrients. This stage in the process is the perfect opportunity to revitalize your planting areas. Provide some type of soil amendment for your plantings. Bring in a landscape mix such as a 70% top soil and 30% compost mix. Another more budget friendly option would be to spot apply compost in only the areas that you are going to plant. Dig a hole a few inches wider and deeper than the root ball of your plant material, and install a few shovels of compost to provide a strong start to the establishment of the plant. If you have selected hardy plant material, you shouldn’t have any issue with further growth after the root zone extends the amended area. Don’t forget, this is also a great time to check your irrigation before or as you are installing plant material. Turn the zone on and test each area: make sure that all areas that you are planting in have full coverage. Also make sure that you are equipped with the correct irrigation heads and nozzles. Make sure that plants are not blocking areas of coverage and preventing the plants behind from access to the irrigation. Sometimes it will also make sense to retro fit an irrigation zone from sprays to drip as it is over 70% more efficient depending on how much of that zone you are renovating. When the planting is completed it is highly recommended that you install 2”-4” of mulch to create a barrier that will help retain moisture, especially during the hot summer months. After the mulch is complete, always hand water in newly installed plants as sometimes irrigation is not enough in the beginning stages of newly planted material. At this point, it wouldn’t hurt to add a liquid root stimulator to help establish plants quicker and provide an extra boost of nutrients.

Ranch Record - April 2021

News from the Trails Committee by Sterling Gray

By the time you read this, Central Texas and the Steiner Ranch nature trails will be awash in bluebonnets – Spring is offically here! But it wasn’t that long ago that we got a “once in century” winter storm. Our family always looks forward to an inch or two of snow every few years – but this year was absolutely amazing. It started with a freezing rain that left everything literally encased in ice – even barbwire. The real magic happened a few days later in the middle of the night. We awoke on a Monday morning to a winter wonderland with nearly 6” of fresh powder snow. I felt like I had been transported to the mountains of Colorado. For those of you who were brave enough to venture out on the trails, I’m sure you’ll agree it was magical. The air was absolutely still, and the quiet was deafening. The creek in Westridge Canyon was blanketed in snow and in some spots looked so clear and aqua green, you’d think it was a natural hot spring. A truly amazing and once in a lifetime experience for Central Texas. Well, with all the beauty that the storm brought to Steiner Ranch and our trails, unfortunately there was quite a bit of damage as well. Large cedar and hardwood trees were downed throughout the trail system. Community volunteers sprang to action and quickly cleared what they could to make the trails passable. In early March, the Trails Committee, Steiner Ranch MTB team and other resident volunteers spent a full weekend clearing the trails of the remaining damage, so that all could enjoy our trails safely. Our thanks and gratitude go out to all the volunteers that helped with this effort. If you enjoy our wonderful trails and would like to lend a hand, we hold monthly trail maintenance events on the fourth Sunday of each month. To learn more, visit the Steiner Ranch Trail Committee Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/srtrailcommittee). It’s a great time of year to get out and volunteer and give back to our amazing community, before the heat of summer returns. As always, we on the Trails Committee hope to see you out on the trails soon! Photo Sources: Sterling Gray, Eric Morton

APRIL HIGHLIGHT –- THE MOKHOV FAMILY By Lara Mokhov-Alferova

Photo by Patty Jones Photography

(Left to Right: Dmitri Mokhov & Lara Mokhov-Alferova)

I love the idea of sharing our multinational backgrounds! Our family (my husband Dmitri, myself and our son) moved to Texas just a few years ago from the Midwest, where we worked and studied at the University of Illinois. We were somewhat reluctant to be moved to Austin by the employer, expecting, well, the usual – the tumbleweeds, the cacti, the cowboys. Although we have traveled the world from Turkey to Finland and from Siberia to Jamaica, Austin just took our breaths away! Those Lake Travis villas and views can easily compete with any of the European. And as an added bonus, we quickly discovered the real Texan gold – the people, the southern hospitality, and kindness. My husband and I met at the ‘U of I’ an International Film Festival, during a Russian movie screening (The Barber of Siberia -an excellent insight into the culture by an Oscar-winning director) since we both came from Moscow some thirty years ago. As a family and parents, we continue to keep our roots and traditions alive and closely intertwined with our second homeland. We celebrate Easter, the Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year, and so on, but there is a catch. As many Orthodox (Eastern) Christian churches have stayed on the ancient calendar, all the holidays are celebrated two weeks later than those in the Western. (Some 400 years ago, astronomers calculated that the tropical year was slightly shorter than 365.25 days compared to observed equinox times and the seasons, adding up to 14 days. This prompted many countries to switch from Julian (Roman) to the current Gregorian calendar. As a side note: The United States was on the old calendar until 1752). Our Family celebrates Christmas on December 25th and on January 7th as well as two Easters – a double blessing! Continued on Page 11

Ranch Record - April 2021

Continued from Page 10

Kievan Rus (which is modern-day Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus) has embraced Christianity as a whole country more than 1,000 years ago. Russian Federation includes people of many religions and traditions such as Muslims, Jews, and Buddhists, with about 75% identifying themselves as Orthodox Christians. Even after 70 years of communist oppression, Easter- called Paskha- is the most celebrated holiday. It is preceded by a forty-day lent period to help concentrate on spiritual life through fasting, prayer, and almsgiving. Most abstain from any animal products following a strict vegan diet. Then Paskha comes and brings on the food! There are meat dishes upon meat dishes, and the running joke is that chicken is vegetable this season! The celebrations start from the end of the midnight church service on Sunday and continue till the wee hours of Monday. We sing, eat, dance, play games, talk, visit friends and family and we share our joy with strangers. You see why we have to take personal days off from work and school? Last year we were thrilled to join our neighborhood Easter yard decoration contest, which was so needed in the lockdown. We decorated our yard on a whim using whatever we could improvise with and saw so many cars pass by admiring it, kids smiling and enjoying. It was Christmas in April with a bright blue sky, emerald green grass, and giant-colored eggs (previously known as exercise balls) on the lawn!

(Steiner Ranch 2020 front yard Easter Egg Hunt)

One of our family traditions is to color eggs from as many different species as we could find. So far, we had chicken, goose, quail and Emu eggs and still looking!

Easter is celebrated worldwide on different dates each year. This year Western Easter falls on April 4th and Eastern (Orthodox) Easter on May 2nd. This will also be celebrated by the Ukrainian, Greek, Serbian, Eritrean, Ethiopian, Syrian, Indian, Georgia, Polish, Romanian, Egyptian, Lebanese, Bulgarian, American Orthodox and many other Orthodox churches around the world. We wish everyone a peaceful, fruitful and happy celebration!

Easter Bread Recipe (Kulich) Ingredients: 2 cups + 2 Tbsp warm milk (I used whole milk) 6 eggs, room temp 1 Tbsp active dry yeast 2 cups sugar 2 sticks unsalted butter, (1/2 lb or 226 grams), melted (if using salted butter, omit the salt) 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 cup sour cream 1 tsp vanilla 9 cups all-purpose flour 1 to 1 1/2 cups raisins (white or brown) 3 Large Panettone Paper Molds or empty tin cans Directions: 1. In a large Mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups + 2 Tbsp warm milk, 6 eggs, 1 Tbsp yeast, 2 cups sugar, 2 sticks melted butter (just warm, not hot!), 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 cup sour cream and 1 tsp vanilla. Whisk in 4 cups flour. Your batter will be thick, like sour cream. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place or a warm oven (about 100˚F) for 2 hours. Note: Do not put the mixture in a hot oven or it will deactivate the yeast and it won’t rise. So either put it in a warm 100˚F oven or put it in a warm spot in the sun. 2. Add 5 more cups of flour; one cup at a time or until the dough no longer sticks to your hands (it will still feel sticky but won’t stick to your fingers). I find it’s easiest to stir in the flour with a stiff silicone spatula. The dough should be soft. Stir in 1 to 1 1/2 cups raisins. Cover and let the dough rise another 2 hours in a warm oven (100˚F). 3. Divide dough evenly into the three paper baking molds; try not to mix it or stomp it down too much. Let dough rise uncovered in a warm 100˚F oven for an additional 2 hours or until the molds are almost full. Remove from the oven and preheat oven to 350˚F. 4. Bake at 350˚F for 30-35 minutes in the middle of the oven until the top is golden brown. Let cool to room temp or just warm, and then tear off the wrapper. Ranch Record - April 2021

The Beauty & Benefits of Wildflowers by Jeremy Hull and Johanna Arendt, Travis County Balcones Canyonlands Preserve

Spring wildflower season has begun! The caleidescope of colors makes this one of the best times of year in Central Texas. Iconic bluebonnets are some of the first to make an appearance in March, joined by Indian paintbrushes along the edges of hiking trails and roadways. As the season heats up, we get bright firewheels, Mexican hats, and the unusual-looking antelope-horn milkweed. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg – there are so many different wildflowers in Central Texas and beyond. To find out what’s blooming right now, get help with identification, and much more, check out the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center website (https://www.wildflower.org/texas). Beyond Beauty Wildflowers are best known for their colorful displays, but they have lots more to offer. Their pollen, nectar, seeds, and even leaves are important food sources for insects, birds, and other animals. Many insects also use wildflowers as places to shelter and reproduce. For example, milkweeds are the only plants that monarch Bluebonnet with bumblebee. butterflies lay their eggs on, and Photograph by Heather Valey. are also popular with many other butterflies and moths. (But please remember to plant native milkweed, not tropical milkweed - Asclepias curassavica). Widlflowers are even good for wildlife long after they have finished blooming. Insects use their dried stalks and seed heads for shelter throughout fall and winter, while small mammals and birds eat their remaining seeds. Finally, just like grasses and other plants, wildflowers' roots stabilize and hold the soil during heavy rains. This is especially important in hilly areas of Central Texas. Why We Need Insects Wildflowers do a lot to support insects, and that’s a huge benefit to us. Besides pollinating wildflowers, insects are very important to the natural world. Renowned entymologist E. O. Wilson calls them “the little things that run the world.” He predicts that without invertebrates like insects, the ecosystem as we know it could not sustain itself. Here are a few Indian paintbrush with whitelined sphinx moth. Photograph reasons why: by Heather Valey. - Food web: insects are an essential food source for many animals including birds, bats, small mammals, amphibians, and reptiles. For example, 96% of terrestrial (land-dwelling) birds feed their offspring primarily with caterpillars. According to National Geographic, declining insect populations is likely a leading cause of the recent dramatic decline of bird populations. - Pollination: more than 85% of all flowering plants, and 75% of crops rely on pollination by animals, mostly insects. - Pest control: predatory insects do the work of pesticides, but without chemicals. 14

Ranch Record - April 2021

- Soils: burrowing insects like ants and beetles help aerate and mix soils, helping it retain water, and adding important nutrients. - Decomposition: many insects like millipeds and flies break down dead plants and animals, returning nutrients to the food web. How you can help As you may have heard, insect populations are unfortunately declining worldwide at an Antelope horn milkweed alarming rate. The good news is, it’s pretty easy with large milkweed bug. to make our landscapes more insect-friendly, Photograph by BCP staff which can make a big difference. Becky Woodward. 1. First and foremost, plant a variety of native plants to support insects ranging from butterflies to bees. Native plants are key because they co-evolved with native insects, which generally prefer them to exotic plants. Choose plants that bloom during different seasons, so your landscape can support pollinators throughout the entire year. Oak trees are especially important in the landscape. They support more than 900 species of caterpillars across the United States, significantly more than many other types of trees. Another benefit of native plants is they require less water and fertilizer, and are more resistant to disease and pests. 2. Avoid using pesticides, especially insecticides. Most of these chemicals kill indiscriminately and increase stress on already vulnerable bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. (Source: Xerces Society) They can also knock out predatory insects that help control populations of “pest” insects naturally. 3. “Leave the leaves” (pictured right) and other dried plant material in the garden. Resist the urge to cut, rake, and blow away all the natural materials once blooms have faded. They provide important shelter and food for Leave the litter. Photograph wildlife during the winter. Using native plants by BCP staff Jeremy Hull. to benefit wildlife by providing food, water, and shelter is often called Wildscaping, and it does not have to be done in a huge area. Simply leaving the “litter” in one section of your garden or in potted plants on a balcony is beneficial. 4. Adjust lighting to be dark-sky friendly to avoid negative impacts on moths and other insects. Learn more from the International Dark-Sky Association (idatexas.org) So while most of us think of wildflowers as just a beautiful part of spring, there’s actually a lot more going on below the surface. While you’re out enjoying the flowers around Steiner Ranch and beyond, take a moment to notice all the hard working pollinators and other insects that keep our ecosystem going, and consider making life a little easier for them. For more information about the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve, please visit https://www.traviscountytx.gov/tnr/nr/bcp. You can also check us out on Facebook at facebook.com/traviscountybcp and Instagram @ bcp_traviscounty. To find out what plants host the highest number of butterflies and moths in your zip code, check out the National Wildlife Federation’s Native Plant Finder (https://www.nwf.org/nativeplantfinder/). Copyright © 2021 Peel, Inc.

Ranch Record - April 2021

Summer Camps News

Multiple camps with full day and half day options are available here in Steiner Ranch starting May 31st, 2021 for the entire Summer season. The current options are: Lonestar – Neighborhood Sports – Steiner Stars – Gold Stars Swimming – Tennis with Lori Cusano.

Eat local – Support Local Businesses With the beautiful weather that Texas Spring brought us, it is the perfect time to enjoy more time outdoors with family, friends, neighbors and less time cooking. However, trying to decide where to eat from can be a difficult choice. But not in Steiner Ranch, where we have a variety of restaurants that cater to different taste buds. Not only but if you choose to eat locally, you will also receive: • QUALITY FOOD - The quality of food is substantially higher at local restaurants because the food is made with real ingredients by real people that could be your neighbor. • EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE - Those working at a local restaurant are more invested in your dining experience because the restaurant is part of their community. • SENSE OF COMMUNITY - Eating at a local restaurant means you have built-in friends, community. Choosing local restaurants also support the local economy in our neighborhood making sure that existing businesses do not close down and more businesses will be motivated to move in, decreasing the number of empty commercial space. • CONVENIENCE & SAFETY– You don't need to drive or leave the neighborhood and fight RM620 traffic. Besides, the fewer steps and time between you and where your food comes from, the fewer chances for contamination along the way. So why not eat locally and take advantage of all the great offerings in our neighborhood? The Steiner Ranch Steakhouse The Steiner Ranch Steakhouse invites you to experience a century of rodeo and ranching. Serving USDA Prime, an extraordinary wine collection, and stunning vistas, the Steiner Ranch Family invites all residents to enjoy a real taste of Texas. For more info, visit https://www.steinersteakhouse.com/ or call (512) 381-0800 Lakeside Pizza and Grill Lakeside Pizza and Grill is the home of the #1 Best Voted Pizza in the Four Points Area. They offer a family-friendly, full-service dine-in experience with carry-out and delivery, as well as catering. They also offer delicious entrees, pasta, sandwiches, salads, and appetizers. All items are prepared daily using only fresh ingredients. Enjoy the game on one of their seven TVs offering Direct TV and game packages. A full bar and spacious outdoor patio make gatherings ideal. For more info visit http://www.lakesidepizzagrill.com/ or call 512266-2330

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Ranch Record - April 2021

Continued from Page 14 Cups & Cones Cups & Cones is the heart of the Steiner Ranch Community. From study groups to story-times for toddlers to vendors markets and much more. They offer various items such as delicious ice cream, several hot and cold drinks, sandwiches, paninis, salads and soups, burgers, Phillies, samosas, fries, tea breads, carrot cake, and muffins too. Also, they offer family meals to go on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. For more info, visit http://cups-and-cones.com/ or call 512-266-2444 Frog & the Bull Frog & the Bull incorporates Portuguese, Spanish, and Basque cuisines, and menu items include Iberian meatballs, patatas bravas, garlic shrimp, and Brussel's sprouts. The team aims at offering phenomenal Tapas, Steaks, Seafood, Wine, and Spirits. For more info, visit https://frogandthebull.com/ or call (512) 668-6347 Cho Sushi Cho Sushi is a high-energy, family-friendly Japanese Fusion Restaurant. The menu includes the freshest fish and sushi as well as Kobe Beef and Japanese Ribeye Steaks. They also carry an impressive wine and sake list, in addition to a variety of domestic and imported beers. For more info, visit http://chosushi.com/ or call (512) 266-8700 Kawa Asian Cuisine Authentic Chinese cuisine available for delivery and carry out. Hunan, Szechuan, Cantonese specialties and much more. For more info visit https://www.kawaaustin.com/ or call (512) 732-7278 Komal Latin Kitchen Komal Latin kitchen is a family-owned restaurant inspired by the many years of Latin American travels by owner Rolando Osorio and Mrs. Gloria Molina's (Abu Tuly) home culinary expertise. Stepping into Komal is a "gastro-travel experience" from Mexico to Argentina and the Caribbean. The menu incorporates traditional recipes of South America, Central America, the Caribbean and Mexico, and craft cocktails, which includes an extensive selection of local and Latin American fine wines and beers. For more info, visit https://komallkb.com/ or call (512) 992-0445 Menchie's Frozen Yogurt Menchie's Frozen Yogurt is yogurt your way. You pick the flavors and pick the toppings - it's as simple as mix, weigh and pay! Enjoy the texture of ice cream with the healthful attributes of live and active cultures. Menchie's Frozen Yogurt is also a good source of calcium. For more info visit https://www.menchies.com/ or call (512) 266-9945 Sloan and Parker Sometimes you just want to get out – out of the house, out of the office, out of wherever – and escape to a place where you can have a glass of wine (beer) and relax. Whatever your reason, Sloan + Parker is your place. It is a place for your community. It is a place to share stories, read a book in solitude, try new beverages, or just relax. Come in for a pint or a glass of vino and go home with new friends, new memories, a fantastic new bottle – and some delicious accouterments! For more info, visit https://sloanandparker.com/ or call (512) 294-2416 Domino's In a hurry? Order pizza, pasta, chicken, and more online for carry-out or delivery from your local Domino's restaurant, and you can track your order on a live tracker and know when it is ready. For more info, visit https://www.dominos.com/ or call (512) 871-0206 Copyright © 2021 Peel, Inc.

Ranch Record - April 2021

Swimming News

POOL RULES To ensure Steiner Ranch pools remain fun, safe, and sanitary for all residents during this time of COVID19, the below rules are in place. Pools are for residents of the Steiner Ranch Master Association and the Steiner Ranch Residential Owners Associations only and no guests are allowed. Residents must have a waiver on file to be able to use the facilities. 1. Pool gates must remain closed and locked at all times. A facility fob is to be used to access locked facilities during hours of operation. DO NOT PROP GATES! 2. The association may deny access to the pools at any time due to occupancy limits, weather, pool conditions, or if maintenance is required. 3. At the discretion of the association, and as approved by the Board of Directors of the SRROA and/or SRMA, certain periods of the normal open swim hours may be set aside for specialized activities. 4. All facilities are cleaned overnight daily; however, they are not sanitized. Pool usage is at the resident own risk and COVID-19 may be present. 5. Lifeguards, when present, have full authority and are responsible for the interpretation and enforcement of all rules. 6. Only lifeguards are permitted on the lifeguard stand. 7. An adult must accompany children 14 years old and under at all times. 8. Proper swim wear is required. Swim diaper and plastic pants must be worn by children who are not completely toilet trained. 9. No diving. Dive blocks are for use by Swim Teams and/or private lessons approved by the Association. 10. No Smoking. 11. No glass containers of any type are allowed in the pool facility. 12. No pets in pool area. 13. Residents are responsible for any damage they, their guests, or their children cause and for cleaning up any mess or trash created by them prior to leaving the pool facility. 14. It is the responsibility of each resident using the pools to follow the protocols from local health experts, State and CDC guidelines including staying at home if you are experiencing symptoms, practicing social distancing of 6 feet between parties, wearing facial covering when necessary and washing/sanitizing your hands before and after entering the facilities. 15. Violation of these rules may result in suspension of pool privileges, fines or other charges, and/or legal action. The pool hours are as follows: Bella Mar Pools - HEATED • Monday - Sunday 8:00am – 10:00pm Towne Square Pools • Monday - Sunday 8:00am – 10:00pm John Simpson Pools • Monday - Sunday 8:00am – 10:00pm Residents may use lap swimming lanes at Bella Mar Lap Pool and John Simpson Pool at 5:30am upon request to the Community Associations Office. 18

Ranch Record - April 2021

Red Giants Masters Swimming (Adult swimming) More than 55,000 adults are m e m b e r s o f U . S . Ma s t e r s Swimming organization around the country. What can be easier for you, as a Steiner Ranch resident, then to have a program right here in your neighborhood with other neighbors/friends? We want to let the secret out and get you into swimming or back into swimming and see/feel the MANY benefits. No need to be intimidated by the name “Masters”. This only means that you're over the age of 18. All levels are encouraged as we have beginners, former college swimmers and every level in between. When: Wed/Fri: 5:30-6:45am; Sundays 6:30-7:45am. Year round Where: Bella Mar Pool Why: Why not? But we can elaborate on this for a long time. But, it’s better to feel the “why". Who: You, your friend, your spouse, your neighbor….or all of you! How: Contact Hollie Kenney at goldstarsswimming@gmail.com for more info Cost is $50/month and you will just need to have your USMS insurance card (one time fee/year). With that, you will receive all kinds of discounts, insurance and a subscription to Swimmer Magazine.

Ranch Record - April 2021

The Steiner Stars swim team wants YOU this Summer!

The Steiner Stars swim team wants YOU to come join us in the pool this summer for the most fun you’ll have all year. Our team consists of Steiner Ranch kids aged 5-17. 2021 is our 20th year and we have hundreds of your friends, neighbors and classmates already on the team. Our swimmers range from beginners to experts and everyone is welcome! The season runs from May through mid-July. We split the team in two to fit in the pool. Red team practices in the mornings and Blue team practices in the afternoons. Swim meets are held on Saturday mornings. While COVID protocols are putting a little bit of a spin on our normal season, we remain committed to building strong swimmers and having fun doing it. As space allows, new swimmer registrations will be open on April 10, 2021. Please go to www.steinerstars.org to get more info about the team and registration, and be sure to check out our video. Registration will be posted to the page at 9:00 a.m. on April 10. Residents must be in good standing with the HOA to register and agree to volunteer requirements to participate in the league. Space in each age group is limited. Swimmers must be 5 years or older by May 1, 2021 to participate, and new swimmers must be able to swim across the 25 yard pool.

Ranch Record - April 2021

TEENAGE JOB SEEKERS

ATTENTION TEENAGE JOB SEEKERS Please submit your information to communications@steinerranchhoa.org if you would like to be added to the list.

Not Available Online

BUSINESS CLASSIFIEDS LEARN GUITAR…In-Home Guitar Lessons. Great

teacher, fun environment. B.A. in Music, Berklee College of Music. Steiner resident. Over 24 years of teaching experience. All ages, styles and skill levels welcome. Proudly serving Steiner Ranch for years. For more info call Charles Couch at 646.704.3092 or visit http://www.charlescouch.com/ | www.charlescouch.com. ALLSTATE INSURANCE- Ed Mena Agency Inc. –

We are competitive without cutting corners. Call for all your insurance needs and to save money. Save even more by bundling your policies. Steiner Ranch Resident. edmena@allstate.com or call 512-459-5363.

Classified Ads

Business classifieds (offering a service or product line for profit) are $65, limit 40 words, please contact Peel, Inc. Sales Office @ 512-263-9181 or advertising@PEELinc.com. 22

Ranch Record - April 2021

1405 Brandi Ln Round Rock, TX 78681

Ranch Record - April 2021