Ranch Record - September 2021

VOLUME 15 ISSUE 09 SEPTEMBER 2021

Copyright © 2021 Peel, Inc. Facebook.com/SteinerRanchHOAEvents

Ranch Record - September 2021

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Ranch Record - September 2021

Copyright © 2021 Peel, Inc.

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

Operations Manager

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

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

AT&T

Lifestyle and Communication Manager

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

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

Desirre Ghebremicael.................................... 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 Kayla Rutt................................................................ 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

Copyright © 2021 Peel, Inc.

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

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FROM THE ASSOCIATION OFFICE 5 Introducing User Friendly One-Stop

Homeowners Request and Reservation

Forms 6 Trees Trimming in Native Areas,

Greenbelts and Common Areas 6 Fall is a Good Time to Trim Trees 8 Armyworms Outbreak 8 Residential Exterior Changes &

Enhancements Require Architectural

Approval 9 Firewise 10 Compliance Corner: Trash Cans 10 Slow Down & Pay Attention in School

Zones!

STEINER ACTIVITIES & EVENTS 10 Annual Community Wide Fall Garage Sale 10 Fun at Concert in the Park 2021 11 Fall Program Guide 11 Young @ Heart 12 News from the Trail Committee 12 Help Birds by Turning Out the Lights 13 Steiner Ranch Multicultural Festival SWIMMING NEWS 17 NitroSwim 17 Gold Stars Swimming 17 September Water Aerobics 17 Steiner Ranch Pool Rules

Steiner Ranch Master Association Board of Directors Meets on the third Tuesday of each month at 6:00pm at Bella Mar. Steiner Ranch Residential Owners Board of Directors Meets on the last Thursday of each month at 6:00pm at Bella Mar. 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

UPCOMING STEINER RANCH HOA EVENTS 09/18 Community wide Garage Sale (9am - 12pm) 09/18 Post Garage Sale Goodwill pick-up (12pm - 2pm) 10/18 – 10/28 Steiner Spook-tacular House Parade

NEWS YOU CAN USE 9 Protect Your Home from Excessive Water

Pressure

12/04 Santa visits Steiner Ranch (8am - 12pm)

IN EVERY ISSUE 4 Steiner Ranch Events 4 Cover Photo 9 Classifieds 18 Teenage Job Seekers

12/01 – 12/17 Santa Mailbox and Elves’ Special Delivery

COVER PHOTO

Have a photo you would like to see published in the next Ranch Record?

For consideration, send pictures to communications@steinerranchhoa. org 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.

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12/09 Volunteers’ Dinner

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.

Introducing User Friendly One-Stop Homeowners Request and Reservation Forms

With the intent to improve HOA staff response time to homeowner requests, we recently implemented online request forms for resident requests. These forms are fast, efficient, user friendly, and they boost the efficiency of staff operations by: • Reducing the number of times residents must call or email the office • Providing for greater homeowners’ satisfaction

While on the website, we encourage all homeowners to register and/or log into the Resident/Ciranet portal. Here residents can review: • Homeowner documents such as community rules and regulations, by-laws, financial documents, architectural guidelines, board meetings agendas and minutes and more • Submit an architectural modification request, variance request, pool addendum and greenbelt addendum • Owner’s account Information, account Statements, payment History, make a one-Time Payment, setup Recurring Payments • Residents Directory • Restrictions Summary • Report a Restriction Violation • Compliance Check and more

We believe that it’s human nature that the harder it is to complete a task, the less likely someone will complete it or complete it correctly. Users should never struggle to fill out a request form. That is why our primary objective is to make these forms as accessible and as easy to complete as possible. We also have integrated the amenities calendar with the reservation form so that residents can check for space availability without the need of emailing or calling the HOA to find out, and requests are only submitted for space that is available. Please visit the Steiner Ranch website at http://steinerranchhoa.org/. Once on the main page, these forms are only a click away.

To learn how to create an account and to getting acquainted with CiraNet visit http://steinerranchhoa.org/document_view. asp?id=1080. For any additional questions, please do not hesitate to send us an email at steiner@ciramail.com.

Lake Club Parking Registration: Look out for an email in the upcoming days which will instruct residents how to register their vehicle for a Lake Club parking. The new vehicular gates will have Texas Toll Tag readers. Residents will be able to submit a form with their toll tag number to be uploaded into the gate software.

Copyright © 2021 Peel, Inc.

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Trees Trimming In Native Areas, Greenbelts & Common Areas

Part of the beauty of Steiner Ranch is its greenbelts, native areas, and common spaces that are kept as natural landscaping. For homeowners, whose property lines adjoin these areas, the trees and shrubs are kept natural and not trimmed or manicured as you see done in parks and along roadways. If there are limbs that overhang a homeowner's fence and yard, the individual owner can trim those limbs, but only what can be done from inside their yard.

Entry outside of the resident's property for the purpose of cutting or trimming vegetation is not permitted without approval from the Architectural Control Committee. If tree trimming or possible tree / brush removal outside of a homeowner’s yard, an application must be submitted to the Architectural Committee and approval received before any work can be done. The Architectural Committee will review all applications and make appropriate recommendations and approvals to proceed. Any of the appropriate or approved work to be done, is done exclusively at the owner's expense. Note: At no time will permission be granted to access the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve for the purpose of cutting or trimming trees or bushes.

Goal: To maintain and preserve the harmonious Texas Hill Country of the designated Native Areas, Greenbelts, Common Areas and Native Plant Life.

Guidelines: Only the following trees, shrubs and/or grasses will be considered for clearing, tree removal, trimming/pruning, mowing or access in Native Areas, Greenbelts and Common Areas.

1. Homeowners that live near greenbelts, native areas, and common areas must apply to the Architectural Committee for approval if they wish to trim back vegetation.

2. No oak trees can be trimmed from February to July due to possible oak wilt infection.

3. No variety of Hardwood tree will be allowed for removal at any time unless proven to be a non-viable tree or a threat to the neighboring property by a Certified Arborist.

4. O nly trimming/pruning of hardwood tree limbs will be considered if the limbs on a non-viable tree at any point have grown across the shared property line. “Limbing up” the Harwood tree could be considered if the limbs are below four feet (4) in height at the trunk and below six inches (6”) in diameter or to “thin out” the dead branches from the canopy.

5. Cedar Juniper trees will only be considered for removal if the tree is non-viable or under four feet (4) in height, no larger than twelve inches (12”) in diameter and within thirty feet (30) of the shared property line. Larger Cedar Juniper trees may be considered to “limb up” the smaller limbs below four feet (4) in height or “thin out” dead branches from the canopy.

6. At no time will a Hardwood tree or Cedar Juniper be “topped off”, the top of the canopy must remain intact.

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7. Shrubs may be considered for removal if the shrub is under four feet (4) in height, three feet (3) in width and within thirty feet (30) of the shared property line. Shrubbery may be considered for trimming/pruning if the shrub has grown across the shared property line.

8. Grasses may be considered for mowing if the grass height is greater than two feet (2) in height and no farther than ten feet (10) from the shared property line.

9. All branches, limbs, cuttings, and brush must be removed from the Native Area, Greenbelt or Common Area and disposed of properly.

10. Chipping in the Native Area, Greenbelt or Common Area is not allowed.

11. Disturbance of the Native Area, Greenbelt or Common Area without prior ACC approval will be subject to all applicable fines as noted on the Fine/Fee List.

12. Permission to access the Native Area, Greenbelt or Common Area for construction to a neighboring property is at the sole desecration of the ACC. Reference: Please see Section 7.9 in the ACC Guideline Manual under Documents Archive in CiraNet. For any questions or concerns, , please do not hesitate to send us an email at steiner@ciramail.com.

Fall Is A Good Time To Trim Trees

The Fire Department reports that there are low hanging branches which are preventing the fire truck from driving on the roads. The tree’s canopy should be at least 13 to 14 feet up. Trees must be trimmed to allow for visibility of pedestrians, traffic and traffic signs.

If you have oak trees with branches over-hanging the street, please contact a professional tree trimming company now so that this can be remedied as soon possible. Residents are reminded to trim trees before February, as the risk of oak wilt infection is greatest from February through June.

Regardless of seasonality, residents are encouraged to follow proper pruning techniques. TexasOakWilt.org recommends the following: • Always paint fresh wounds on oaks, including pruning cuts and stumps, with wound dressing or latex paint immediately after pruning or live tree removal at all times of the year.

• Clean all pruning tools with 10% bleach solution or Lysol™ between sites and/or trees.

• Debris from diseased red oaks should be immediately chipped, burned or buried.

• Pruning should be completed before February 1 or after June 30.

If uncertain about trimming, consult with 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.

Copyright © 2021 Peel, Inc.

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Armyworms Outbreak Across Texas

Source: “Fall Armyworms On The March Across Texas” by Texas A&M AgriLife, 7.22.2021 Cooler temperatures and widespread rain events are the ideal conditions behind the outbreak of armyworms across Texas. Armyworms are extremely destructive to home gardens and landscaping.

What are they?

Armyworms are green, with brown or black colorations and can be identified by the white inverted Y on their head.

They can grow up to one inch in length when mature. The pest got its name because they appear to march across hay fields, consuming the grass in their path.

Armyworm moths can lay up to 2,000 eggs that hatch in two to three days, according to a 2019 report by Allen Knutson, retired AgriLife Extension entomologist.

Drier, hotter conditions slow their life cycles, but rainfall and cooler temperatures can trigger major infestations when local populations, new hatches and migrating moths descend on areas with quality food sources.

Armyworm caterpillars are picky eaters and prefer high-quality, fertilized forage typically found on fields maintained for hay production. They are a common pest of Bermuda grass, sorghum, corn, wheat, rye grass and many other crops throughout Texas. They are primarily night feeders unless conditions, such as cooler temperatures with overcast skies, allow, but they try to avoid warmer daytime temperatures.

What to do?

They are extremely destructive, especially when infestations escalate out of control. Pesticides are the only way to prevent armyworms from consuming existing stands or new growth post-harvest, and available products are directed at controlling armyworms in the larvae stage.

According to a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service expert, Vanessa Corriher-Olson, these pests will consume freshly cut grass, and should be treated when they are beyond three or more caterpillars per square foot. It is critical to have pesticides ready for applications as soon as armyworm numbers near the recommended threshold because they consume 85% of their diet in the last two or three days of their larval stage, and they will continue to be a problem until the first killing frost. (https://today.tamu.edu/2021/07/22)

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Residential Exterior Changes & Enhancements Require Architectural Approval

Any changes or enhancements you make to the exterior of your home requires architectural approval by the association. Steiner Ranch governing documents require the submission of plans and specifications for review and approval by the Architectural Committee (AC) before construction or installation begins. Improvements requiring approval include, but are not limited to, front door changes, playscapes, pools, decks, patios, ponds, new siding or trim colors, planter boxes, arbors, walkways and sheds. Before making exterior changes to your home, please submit a Modification Application.

ACC Modification Application Process The ACC Modification Application process is now completely automated and residents can submit ACC applications online. The review application process may take up to 30 days, and if additional items are requested for review, the 30 days review period starts over again once those items are received. Please note that in the past 12 months we have received a record number of Architectural Modification applications putting a lot of strain on the ACC Committee which is made up of resident volunteers from Steiner Ranch.

How to submit a Modification Application on the CiraNet portal: 1. Log in to your CiraNet account at https://www.ciranet.com/ ResidentPortal/user/login.

2. Click on Architectural Application tab.

3. Download and complete out appropriate applications (please make sure to only fill out the appropriate addendums/variance if needed).

4. Click on Add New Improvement Request.

5. Select Category.

6. Enter in a description of the requested modification.

7. Attach all necessary documents for full review.

8. Check box that you have read and understand the agreements.

9. Click submit once all items are attached and filled out.

Please note: You can monitor the status of your application in your CiraNet account.

Please refrain from emailing or calling the HOA staff for an update on the status of your application before your 30 days is up. The application can be filled out using tools in Adobe Reader or by printing the application out to fill it by hand and then uploading to the Ciranet Portal.

Copyright © 2021 Peel, Inc.

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.

HAYDEN AQUILON – FIREWOOD FOR SALE! –

We have four types of seasoned firewood: post oak, live oak, mesquite, and pecan. Ideal for BBQ and home fireplace.

Don’t wait until the next freeze! Call or text Jordon - 512560-2966 - www.kingsfirewood.com

Classified Ads

Business classifieds (offering a service or product line for profit) are $65, limit 40 words, please contact Peel, Inc. Sales Office @ 512263-9181 or advertising@PEELinc.com.

Copyright © 2021 Peel, Inc.

PROTECT YOUR HOME FROM EXCESSIVE WATER PRESSURE CHECK YOUR PRESSURE REGULATING VALVE (PRV)

By WCID 17

Water systems in the Hill Country have widely varying pressure because of the uneven terrain. Water pressure in the large mains can range anywhere from 55 to over 150 psi (pounds per square inch) depending on the elevation of the area. In the highest-pressure areas, District 17 has installed in-line pressure reducing valves to keep the pressure down, however, these valves can sometimes fail, and individual pressure regulating valves (PRV) should be installed at each home.

Your home’s water pressure should be set no higher than 80 psi in order to protect your pipes, and if you do not have a pressure regulating valve (PRV) installed, you should install one to reduce the main pressure to a proper level for your home. If you do have a PRV installed, you should check it regularly to make sure it is working. If your water pressure fluctuates drastically, drops off suddenly, or goes extremely high, you should immediately check your PRV. A PRV is located on the customer side of the meter box after the shut off valve.

The required type of regulator will have a built-in thermal expansion bypass, (for example, the WATTS series LFX65B). The District requires use of a valve with an all brass body and top, because other materials such as aluminum or plastic deteriorate rapidly in the soil. The valves may be purchased at any home improvement store or at the District Office. These valves should be installed by a licensed plumber, but no permit is required.

If you need any further information, please contact the District Field Manager, Henry Marley, at (512) 748-2868.

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Compliance Corner: Trash Cans

Per Steiner Ranch’s rules, trash and recycling containers must be removed from the street and returned to an enclosed structure before nightfall on trash collection day. If stored containers are visible from the street, they need to be screened or moved so they are out of view.

Should you need to report a violation, please visit ciranet.com and submit a ‘Report a Restriction Violation’. Physical and/or photographic evidence is helpful in substantiating a violation or problem.

Fun At Concert In The Park 2021

Steiner’s Annual Concert In The Park was a fun way to bring the community together to reconnect after the summer break at an upbeat and enthusiastic event and celebrate the start of a great school year.

Many residents came out to enjoy the festivities, which would not have been possible without our sponsors and volunteers. The Dysfunkshun Junkshun were very excited to be back and perform in person in Steiner Ranch and kept the crowd entertained throughout the evening.

A huge thank you from the Steiner Ranch community to the staff at the HOA, Kristi Lee Nordin (member of the HOA Event Planning Committee and owner of Cups & Cones), to Scott Logeman for volunteering his time to be the Master Of Ceremonies, to Lake Travis Fire & Rescue, Mike Howard and the Vandegrift Marching Band, Holly Lyons, Gabby Azios and the Vandegrift Legacies, Brianna and the Vandegrift Cheer team.

Thank you for an evening of entertainment and fun!

Slow Down & Pay Attention In School Zones!

School is officially in full-swing, which means many children are walking to and from schools and bus stops within the neighborhood. Please slow down, obey speed limits, and be mindful of the various school zones in the community.

Annual Community Wide Fall Garage Sale The annual Steiner Ranch Fall garage sale is scheduled for Saturday, September 18th from 8:00am – 12:00pm.

Place the items you wish to sell in your driveway or garage before 8:00am.

The HOA does the advertising for you. It’s that easy!

Goodwill will be onsite at the Towne Square Community Center Parking lot from 12pm - 2pm to accept unsold items and donations.

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Copyright © 2021 Peel, Inc.

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Fall Program Guide

The association’s Fall Program Guide puts all HOA activity and program offerings in one place. Visit the Steiner Ranch HOA website to view the guide online: www.steinerranchhoa.org, select STAY CONNECTED → DOCUMENTS & GUIDES → Programs & Summer Camps.

Featured programs include: Children’s Programs • Lonestar Soccer • Nitro Swimming • Neighborhood Sports • Gold Stars Swimming • Sportball • Tap~N~Toe • Tennis Adult Programs • Camp Gladiator • Master’s Swimming • Tennis • Mommy and Me Yoga

Young @ Heart is an active social group open to Steiner Ranch residents ages 50+. We are purely a social organization wanting to share fun times.

Joining us is a great way to make new friends, and get to know people your own age in the neighborhood. If you live in Steiner Ranch, you are invited to join us. To become a member, send your name(s), address, phone number and e-mail address to steinerranchYAH@gmail.com. Planned activities include: Book Club, Canasta, Euchre, Mah-Jongg, Mexican Train, Bunco, Biking, Card Making, Ladies' Out to Lunch Bunch. YAH members get together for happy hours, wine socials, International Dining, dinner groups, and the popular ROMEO (Retired Old Men Eating Out). New groups are added when there is interest.

(Photo credit: Yoshita Dhawal, Joseph Ristuccia and Lisa Henry) Copyright © 2021 Peel, Inc.

(Featured above: YAH Ladies' Out to Lunch Bunch) Ranch Record - September 2021

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News from the Trails Committee

by Sterling Gray

This September marks the ten year anniversary of the wildfires that ravaged Steiner Ranch. On a sunny Sunday afternoon, the “perfect storm” of high winds, drought, high temperatures and low humidity resulted in arcing power lines which sparked a small fire on the north side of FM 620. Flying embers quickly ignited a second wildfire across the road which raced through the Steiner Ranch greenbelt, eventually destroying 23 homes in the Plateau and Headlands neighborhoods. Several Steiner Ranch nature trails, including Outback, Serrulata, Bear Creek and Tumbleweed, were impacted by the fires as well.

Remnants of the fire are still visible on the scorched rails of the bench on Bear Creek Trail. While most of the area has recovered, I’m sure that horrific scene and devastating damage will never be forgotten by Steiner Ranch residents.

As stewards of our community, we must all be diligent to protect against the threat of wildfires. For obvious reasons, fires of any kind are never allowed in any of the green spaces or greenbelts surrounding Steiner Ranch. Unfortunately, the Trails Committee often finds evidence of “campfires”, like the one shown in this photo taken just off of Outback Trail – exactly where the 2011 wildfires occured. If you find evidence of campfires or other suspicious activity in the greenbelt or along the nature trails, please report it immediately to the Travis County Sheriffs Office (512-974-0845) and the Steiner Ranch HOA, along with photos if possible. Also, please disperse any fire rings to discourage future activity.

Again, we must all be diligent to protect our wonderful community nestled in the beautiful hills and canyons of Central Texas.

If you enjoy our nature 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). As always, we on the Trails Committee hope to see you out on the trails soon!

Be Embers Aware!

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Help Birds by Turning Out the Lights

by Johanna Arendt and Jeremy Hull, Travis County Balcones Canyonlands Preserve.

Special thanks to the Lights Out Texas initiative for the information and graphics.

The great fall migration has begun. Each year, hundreds of millions of birds travel through Texas as they fly south for the winter, mostly traveling at night.

There is a growing effort to help these birds by taking a simple action – turning off un-necessary lighting through November 30.

Lights Out Texas is an initiative led by a coalition of partners including conservation non-profits, universities, local governments, and Texans dedicated to the conservation of birds. It is coordinated statewide by Texan by Nature, a non-profit founded by former First Lady Laura Bush.

In a recent letter, Mrs. Bush invites Texans to “protect migrating birds by turning off non-essential lights at night from 11 pm - 6 am during the fall migration period of August 15 - November 30. Where conflicts apply, prioritize lights out during the critical peak fall migration period from September 5 to October 29.

Each night and each light turned out helps save migrating birds.”

“Light pollution is a growing and underrecognized threat to birds. The light emanating from our cities disorients the birds, leaving them confused and vulnerable to collisions with buildings. In fact, nearly one billion birds are estimated to die Painted bunting LOT graphic provided annually due to collisions with buildings.”

by Texan by Nature In addition to saving birds, there are lots of benefits to turning off unnecessary lights. Light pollution obscures our view of the stars, negatively impacts human health, and affects many species of local wildlife by disrupting their physiological processes. And turning off unnecessary lights reduces energy usage, lowering electricity bills. For lights that are needed for security and other reasons, night-sky friendly lighting fixtures that point the light only where it’s needed (and not up into the sky) can go a long way towards reducing light pollution.

Being next to the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve (BCP), the Steiner Ranch community is an ideal place to turn off unnecessary lights during migration, which can start as early as July in Central Texas.

The BCP is home to the endangered goldencheeked warbler that migrates each fall to southern Mexico and Central America.

Many other migratory birds also nest here Painted bunting LOT graphic provided during the spring and summer and then

by Texan by Nature head south for the winter. The BCP also is a great place for birds from further north to stop and recharge during migration.

If you’d like to see some of these feathered migrants, Steiner Ranch’s trails are a good place to start. Fall is a great time to see migrating hawks. Keep an eye out for large groups - called kettles - of Mississippi kites, Swainson's hawks, or broad-winged hawks. Songbirds passing through include yellow warblers, Wilson's warblers, and Baltimore orioles. This will also be your last chance to see some of our summer residents like summer tanagers, painted buntings, chimney swifts, and purple martins before they head south for the winter. To see when migration is at its busiest, check out www.BirdCast.info, an online tool created by Cornell University that uses weather radar to track birds on their migration routes.

Learn more about the Lights Out Texas initiative at https://texanbynature.org/ lightsouttexas/ and the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve at www.traviscountytx. gov/tnr/nr/.

Copyright © 2021 Peel, Inc.

Steiner Ranch Multicultural Festival Each month a Steiner family or group of families share their unique culture and heritage on the Ranch Record. We hope you will join us in this exciting journey, and you will contribute to the festival. To participate, please contact us via email at communications@steinerranchhoa.org

September highlight the galatis-bayleyega family

By Huluagersh Bayleyegn We are the Galatis-Bayleyegn family; Hulu, Ermias, Beza, and Athena.

We are excited to be part of the Steiner Ranch Multicultural Festival and share our Ethiopian cultural tradition with you.

We have lived in Steiner Ranch since 2011. We moved to Austin from California in 1999. We knew the moment we stepped foot in Austin that Steiner Ranch would be where we would raise our children. We instantly fell in love with the beautiful hills and the surrounding natural environment, as well as the community. Seeing many children playing outside in the streets reminded us of where we grew up. Since living here, we have only come to love it even more, forging life-long relationships with our neighbors and making incredible memories. We consider ourselves lucky to have been able to raise our children in such a beautiful, safe, and nurturing neighborhood. Our children were born in Austin, but my husband Ermias and I are originally from Ethiopia.

We both moved to the USA over 30 years ago.

Ethiopia is located in the Horn of Africa (Eastern Africa), bordering Eritrea, Sudan, Kenya, Somalia, and Djibouti and the capital city is Addis Ababa.

Ethiopia is about one and a half the size of Texas, with a very diverse population of over 110 million, making it the second most populated country in Africa. Its population is so diverse that over 80 languages are spoken and use a unique alphabet and calendar, uniquely distinct from other African nations. Ethiopia served as a symbol of African independence throughout the continent's dark colonial period. It is one of the founding members of the United Nations and the African Union, while boasting as the African base for many international organizations. As one of the first countries in the world to convert to Christianity and a land containing important religious artifacts and manuscripts, Ethiopia has a unique spiritual and cultural heritage. Therefore, it should not be surprising that Ethiopia's major festivals revolve around significant Orthodox Christian dates. After all, the alphabet and the calendar are the contributions of the Church of Ethiopia. As a result, holidays are celebrated on different dates compared to the Western world. The festivals also exude spirituality, color, and excitement, and, of course, delicious large feasts.

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Continued from Page 13 Ethiopians call the New Year "Enkutatash" which means "gift of jewels" in the Amharic language. The story goes back thousands of years to the Queen of Sheba of ancient Ethiopia, returning from a trip to visit King Solomon of Israel in Jerusalem. She gifted King Solomon gold and unique spices and jewels. When the Queen returned to Ethiopia, her chiefs welcomed her with "Enku" or jewels to replenish her treasury.

Despite its religious connotations and history, Enkutatash is not an exclusively religious holiday. The celebration is both religious and secular and begins on the eve of the New Year. As nighttime approaches, families gather and start building a bonfire, which is lit once night descents. The bonfire called "Chibo" is built outside, in the front yard. The family dances in a circle around the fire and sings happy songs while wishing each other well for the New Year. In the end, when the fire dies a little, everyone jumps three times over the fire pit, leaving the old year behind and welcoming the New Year.

The Ge'ez script known as Fidel which is the alphabet for the "official working" language of Ethiopia: Amharic

September is a significant month for Ethiopians in many regards. The most important of all being the celebration of the New Year. Due to the use of the ancient Coptic calendar, the Ethiopian New year falls on the 11th of September (the 12th of September during a leap year).

Ethiopians follow a 13-month calendar, similar to that used in many Eastern Orthodox churches, trailing the western calendar by seven years and eight months. September also coincides with the end of the long rainy season, where the landscape is covered with "Adey Abeba", whose bright yellow flowers ushers in the celebrations of the new year.

The yellow flower, known as Adey Abeba, is indigenous to Ethiopia and blooms in September. The yellow color of the Adey Adeba flower is a symbol of peace, harmony, and love. It is customary for children to pick the Adey Adeba to give to their elders in exchange for a few coins.

Families dancing in circles around the fire pit ‘Chibo’ celebrating the New Year

The next day begins with church services and traditional songs, usually performed by a group of girls. This is followed by a traditional family meal of chicken stew and injera, washed down with traditional honeybased wine ("Tej") and fresh Ethiopian coffee. During the day, kids would be running around in their new outfits while the adults are busy hosting one another. Young children receive small gifts of money or bread after the girls gather flowers and sing, and boys paint pictures of the "Adey Abeba" and Saints.

Traditional Ethiopian Feast staple of many celebrations: injera which is spongy pancake made with teff flour, chicken/beef stews and other vegetarian dishes Adey Abeba bright yellow flowers 14

Ranch Record - September 2021

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Continued from Page 14 Celebrating the Ethiopian New Year in the USA has become somewhat complicated and sensitive after the horrific events of 9/11 in 2001. Since the holiday falls on one of the weekdays most of the time, Ethiopian families in the USA celebrate on the weekend before or after the 11th of September. While living in Steiner, we have celebrated Ethiopian New Year by hosting family and friends for a traditional dinner and coffee ceremony. This year, due to COVID-19, we will likely celebrate the New Year within our household. We hope to resume our regular festivities next year!

Traditionally Doro Wot is served with an Ethiopian flatbread called injera. It is a spongy pancake made with teff flour and the batter is left to ferment for up to 3 days before its cooked in a cooktop similar to an electric griddle crepe maker cooktop with a lid. The injera is used in place of an eating utensil and is used to scoop up the chicken stew, sauce and boiled egg.

New Year Family celebration accompanied by traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony and delicious food

"Gebeta", known widely as Mancala, and considered one of the oldest board games in the world, is a very popular game in Ethiopia. Gebeta is played by adults and children alike. Its popularity is largely due to its simplicity and availability of the equipment. Gebeta is played on a board made from a variety of materials, such as wood, stone, or just simply by digging holes into the earth. Typically, the holes are set in rows of two, with large holes at both ends of the board where players can hold their pieces. Playing pieces can vary, including seeds, beans, stones, cowrie shells, marbles, pebbles, or other small objects.

Although there might be some variance, the main object of the game is to capture more pieces than the opponent.

With a 2-row board, the players control their sides of the board, with moves made into the opponent's side. For example, in a process known as sowing, all the pieces from a hole are dropped one at a time into successive holes, in a motion covering the board. Sowing is a suitable name for this move, since not only are many games traditionally played with seeds, but placing seeds one at a time in different holes reflects the physical act of sowing, showing its link to its agricultural past.

At the beginning of a player's turn, they choose a hole with pieces that will be sown around the board. This selection is often limited to holes on the current player's side of the board, as well as holes with a certain minimum number of seeds. If the sowing action stops after dropping the last piece, the game is considered a single lap game.

(The information above includes excerpts from "allaboutETHIO.com".)

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Ingredients • 3 Tablespoons Spiced butter Sub with Cooking oil or more • 2-3 medium onions sliced • 1/4 cup canola oil • 2 Tablespoons Berbere Spice • 1 Tablespoon minced garlic • ½ Tablespoon minced ginger • 3- 3½- pound whole chicken cut in pieces or chicken thighs • 1 Tablespoon tomato paste • ½ Tablespoon paprika • 1 Tablespoon dried basil optional • 4-6 Large soft boiled egg shelled removed • 1-2 Lemons Freshly Squeezed (adjust to taste) • Salt and pepper to taste Instructions 1. Season chicken with, salt, pepper and set aside 2. In a large pot, over medium heat, heat until hot, and then add spiced butter and onions, sauté onions, stirring frequently, until they are deep brown about 7 -10 minutes.

3. After the onions are caramelized or reached a deep brown color, add some more oil, followed by berbere spice, garlic, and ginger.

4. Stir for about 2-3 minutes, for the flavors to blossom and the mixture has a deep rich brown color. Be careful not to let it burn.

5. Then add about 2-3 cups water. Add chicken, tomato paste, paprika, basil, salt and cook for about 30 minutes.

6. Throw in the eggs and lemon juice; thoroughly mix to ensure that the eggs are immersed in the sauce.

7. Continue cooking until chicken is tender about 10 minutes or more 8. Adjust sauce thickness and seasoning with water or broth, lemon, salt according to preference.

9. Serve warm (Author: Immaculate Bites @ www.africanbites.com) Ranch Record - September 2021

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Ranch Record - September 2021

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NITRO IS THRILLED TO BE BACK AT STEINER RANCH THIS SEASON!

Hello Steiner Ranch Families!

We are grateful and excited to have Nitro Swimming back at the Bella Mar pool again this school year season!

We’d love to have you swimming with us! Come on out and check us out any weekday, Monday through Thursday from 4:00-8:00PM; or Fridays 4:00-7:30PM. We have a group for your kiddo(s)!

Hope to see you at the pool! Coaches Kyle Rea and Jeff Fellows.

GOLD STARS SWIMMING SWIM BOOT CAMP

Swimming based exercise program for kids ages 8-16. We are in and out of the pool and get in a super all over body workout.

Think along the lines of swimming, then hopping out of the pool for jumping jacks/ push-ups, etc. This program is not a learnto-swim program. Prior swim experience is necessary to enroll. Kids will need to be able to tread water with faces above water for 10 seconds on their own and put their faces under water for 5 seconds minimum as well as swim the length of the pool on their own.

Back to School Swim Camp: Tue/Thu at John Simpson pool 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM September 2nd - September 30th.

Please contact Hollie at goldstarsswimming@gmail.com or visit our site at goldstarsswimming.com for more info.

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SEPTEMBER WATER AEROBICS CLASSES

Want to exercise, but can’t get motivated? Perhaps the pavement plays havoc on your knees, legs or hips. Or maybe you just don’t want to exercise by yourself. Try water aerobics! Classes go through September at the Towne Square Pool.

WHEN: Tuesday/Thursday 9:00 am COST: 8 classes/month $60 REGISTRATION: Registration takes place the first day of class at the pool. Classes are 50 minutes long & will incorporate a total body workout in the water. Classes are led by a certified water aerobics instructor.

Some of the benefits of water aerobics fitness are: *strengthens & improves muscle tone *enhances muscular flexibility *increases range of motion *improves posture & physical appearance *relieves tension & stress *increases energy levels & stamina *burns calories *strengthens the cardiorespiratory system Join us for lots of fun and great workouts to music. It’s an opportunity to meet your neighbors and make new friends, while getting/staying in shape. Adult men and women welcome. This program is available to Steiner Ranch residents only.

STEINER RANCH POOL RULES

To ensure Steiner Ranch pools remain fun, safe, and sanitary for all residents, the below rules are in place.

Pools are for residents of the Steiner Ranch Master Association and the Steiner Ranch Residential Owners Associations, and up to 4 guests per household without a reservation.

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. Use of the pool facilities is at the resident and/or guest’s own risk.

5. An adult must accompany children 14 years old and under at all times.

6. Proper swim wear is required. Swim diaper and plastic pants must be worn by children who are not completely toilet trained.

7. No diving. Dive blocks are for use by Swim Teams and/or private lessons approved by the Association.

8. No Smoking.

9. No glass containers of any type are allowed in the pool facility.

10. No pets in pool area.

11. 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.

12. Violation of these rules may result in suspension of pool privileges, fines or other charges, and/or legal action.

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ATTENTION TEENAGE JOB SEEKERS

TEENAGE JOB SEEKERS

Baby Pet House Yard Name Age Sit Sit Sit Work Phone Alexis Atencio..........................16.............•.............•...........•...................512-924-2976 Bonner, Allen..........................15.............•.............•...........•.............•.....206-484-0504 Sarah-Kaye Thurston*^...........17.............•.............•................................512-820-4010 Gabriella Sevieri......................13...........................•...........•...................505-263-2689 Emily Schulz...........................14.............•.............•................................512-266-6306 Nathaniel Proffitt....................12...........................•................................512-695-7795 Karla Trujillo...........................17.............•.............•...........•...................737-932-1128 Nicole Freer*+^.......................14.............•.............•...........•...................737-256-1352 Kendra Stephens*+^................16.............•.............•................................903-217-9230 Katherine Nissen*+^...............18.............•.............•................................512-266-7044 Hannah Nissen........................15.............•.............•...........•...................512-266-7044 Nathan Nichols*+^.................21.............•.............•...........•...................512-660-0556 Leanne Nichols*+^..................15.............•.............•...........•...................512-660-0556 Kody Hicks.................................. mother's helper.•................................512-217-3158 Eesha Patel...............................14.............•..........................•...................631-560-7307 Kiersten Dyke+.......................15.............•.............•................................512-266-8090 McKenna McDaniel*+............13.............•.............•................................512-608-2135 Nicole Greenberg*+................14.............•.............•................................512-497-0902 Sarah Conner..........................15...........................•................................512-507-6000 Rachael Klein*+.......................19.............•.............•...........•...................512-810-9003 Isabela Carson*+......................15.............•..........................•...................509-308-8601 Kassidy Gailey.........................15.............•.............•...........•...................864-238-0020 Campbell Fernandez...............13.............•.............•...........•...................808-783-0780 Lilly Nguyen...........................17.............•..........................•...................512-694-5568 Naymal Siddiqui+...................14.............•..........................•...................512-968-5993 Cameron Romero*^................13.............•.............•................................713-210-9042 Megan Schmitt........................14.............•.............•...........•...................512-713-5343

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

Baby Pet House Yard Name

Age Sit Sit Sit Work Phone

Kaitlyn Schmitt.......................13.............•.............•...........•...................512-663-6543 Grace Jackson..........................14.............•...............................................512-565-0963 McKayla Bagnal*+^................13.............•.............•...........•...................512-695-1981 Grace Jackson..........................14.............•...............................................512-565-0963 Leila Mahmud.........................16.............•..........................•................... 512-657 7718 Abbey Wilson..........................16.............•...............................................310-343-2286 Henri Renel.............................12............. ..............•...........•.......... •.......512-660-9542 Johnson, Jade...........................15............ •.............•................................970-787-0740

Kassidy Gailey.....................14............•............•...........•................ 864-238-0020 Brittany Ryley......................18............•............•...........•................ 512-501-0482 Nina Porter*+......................16............•............•...........•................ 512-589-0165 Camille Gutierrez+..............13............•............•............................ 512-762-8507 Zachary Davis.....................11............•............•............................ 512-965-1644 Melanie Wisenbaker*+^......16............•............•...........•................ 512-659-1602 Jacob Villegas.......................16............•............•...........•..........•..... 512-608-7087 Kaylee Russell......................18............•............•...........•................ 512-689-1553 Ariel Wood..........................18............•............•...........•................ 417-207-9305 Michael Craft......................13.........................•............................ 832-589-6939 Riley Bryarsi+......................15............•............•............................ 512-788-2014 Makinna Pritchard*+^........14............•......................................... 512-922-3121 Eva Pacak*...........................15............•............•............................ 512-655-9491 Kathryn Russell*.................16............•............•...........•................ 512-375-8887 Carly Christensen+*............13.........................•...........•................ 512-565-5588 Jacqueline Hines+*..............13.........................•...........•................ 512-565-5588 Alexa Gray...........................15............•............•...........•................ 425-753-3950 Michael Hildner..................................•............•...........•..........•..... 512-507-5937 Eesha Patel+.........................14............•........................•................ 631-560-7307 Benton Ballengee*^.............17............•............•...........•..........•..... 512-992-3138 Grace Ballengee*+^.............17............•............•...........•..........•..... 512-992-3138 Luke Ballengee....................15.........................•...........•..........•..... 512-992-3138 Jennifer Walker*+^..............17............•............•...........................-512-409-8590 Annika Olson*^..................15............•............•...........•................ 650-291-3633 Marie Seybal+......................15............•......................................... 512-851-7995 Brooke Moore+...................14............•............•...........•................ 512-788-3373 Meghan Gary......................11.........................•............................ 512-979-7169 Claire Cussimanio...............14............•............•...........•................ 512-839-1669 White, Katherine.................15............•............•...........•................ 737-346-2847 Roberto Guarda..................15.........................•...........•..........•..... 713-858-4934 Kate Richmond*+^.............14............•......................................... 512 484-1088 Vanessa Rubio*+^...............15............•............•...........•................ 512-987-7473 Bridget O'Brien...................14............•............•...........•..........•..... 512-777-2675 Rikhil Vatcher.....................14.........................•...........•..........•..... 432-269-8646 Nate Wilson........................16............•............•............................ 310-343-9139 Corinna Crawford...............14............•............•...........•................ 512-944-3001 Kaleb Gailey........................13............•............•...........•................ 864-238-0030 Isabella Sanchez...................16........... •............•...........•................ 512-552-4939 Henri Renel.........................12.........................•...........•..........•..... 512-660-9542 Valeria Euran*.....................15............ •...........•...........•.......... ...... 737-230-2005 Haley Judd..........................16............ •...........•...........•.......... ...... 330-310-9073 Jaden Judd ..........................13............ ............•...................... ...... 330-310-9073 Veda Montgomery.................. 11......... ...•..MH. •............ ....................512-592-1186 Siena Hannabery*^................ 14......... ...•..MH. •............ .....................512-608-2750 * CPR Training + Red Cross Certified ^ First Aid Please contact us via email at steiner@ciramail.com to have your information updated if outdated.

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Ranch Record - September 2021

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Copyright © 2021 Peel, Inc.

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PO Box 1148 Round Rock, Texas 78680

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Ranch Record - September 2021

Copyright © 2021 Peel, Inc.