Steiner Ranch - January 2022

VOLUME 16 ISSUE 1 JANUARY 2022

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Ranch Record - January 2022

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Facebook.com/SteinerRanchHOAEvents

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Ranch Record - January 2022

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COMMUNITY INFO STEINER RANCH

COMMUNITY ASSOCIATIONS OFFICE 12550 Country Trails Lane Austin, Texas 78732 512-266-7553 – Telephone

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

512-266-9312 – Facsimile

STEINER RANCH CONTACTS

www.steinerranchhoa.org

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

OFFICE HOURS Monday - Friday (Closed from 12-1:00pm).9:00am - 5:00pm Saturday & Sunday ........................................................................... CLOSED

STAFF General Manager Joseph Ristuccia............................................... steiner@ciramail.com

Steiner Ranch Community Association

SCHOOLS

Leander ISD....................................................512-570-0000 Vandegrift High School.............................512-570-2300

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

Laura Welch Bush Elementary.................512-570-6100 Steiner Ranch Elementary........................512-570-5700

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

UTILITIES

Travis County WCID # 17...............................512-266-1111

City of Austin Electric.................................512-494-9400 Texas Gas Service

Operations Manager

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

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

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

Lifestyle and Communication Manager Desirre Ghebremicael.................................... steiner@ciramail.com

Emergencies...............................................512-370-8609 AT&T

New Service...........................................1-800-464-7928 Repair......................................................1-800-246-8464 Billing.......................................................1-800-858-7928

Architectural and Community Standards Coordinator

Time Warner Cable

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

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

Front Desk Coordinator Kayla Rutt................................................................ steiner@ciramail.com

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

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

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

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

SRMA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

NEWSLETTER PUBLISHER

Email the SRMA BOD.........................board@steinerranchhoa.org

Advertising.............................advertising@peelinc.com

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Peel, Inc..............................................................512-263-9181

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FROM THE ASSOCIATION OFFICE 5

News from the SRMA Board

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Assessments are due January 1, 2022

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Steiner Ranch HOA’s Assistant Manager recognized by the

Community Association Institute (CAI)

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PROTECT YOUR HOME FROM EXCESSIVE WATER PRESSURE

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Residential Landscaping Tips

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Keep Steiner Beautiful

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Don’t Ring In 2022 With Fireworks in Steiner Ranch!

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Be Firewise in 2022! Get a Home Evaluation

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Prune Trees Before February

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Christmas Tree Recycling

STEINER ACTIVITIES & EVENTS 12

Santa Visited Steiner Ranch!

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Holiday Home Decorating Contest Spreads Cheer

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Events Planning Committe Wraps Up Another Great Year of Service

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Winter Birds at Steiner Ranch

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News from the Trails Committee

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Red Giants Master Swim

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Winter and Spring Programs

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Tai Chi Group Practice and High Fitness Class

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Young at Heart is Back!

IN EVERY ISSUE 4

Cover Photo

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Classifieds

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Teen Job Seekers

UPCOMING STEINER RANCH HOA EVENTS 02/19

Steiner Ranch Blood Drive

3/12

Camping on the Ranch

03/26

Steiner Ranch Multicultural day

4/02

Spring Community Garage Sale

04/16

Easter Bunny & Egg-stravaganza event

05/07

Shred Day

05/21

2021 Senior Parade

07/04

July 4th celebration

08/13

Concert In The Park

9/10

Fall Community Garage Sale

10/17 – 10/27

Steiner Spook-tacular House Parade

11/24

Turkey Trot

12/03

Santa Parade or Breakfast

12/08

Volunteers’ dinner

12/01 – 12/16

Santa Mailbox

12/12-12/22 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 4

Ranch Record - January 2022

Steiner Ranch Master Association Board of Directors Meets on the third Tuesday of each month at 6:00pm at Towne Square.

Steiner Ranch Residential Owners Board of Directors Meets on the last Thursday of each month at 6:00pm at Towne Square.

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 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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News from the SRMA Board - Completed Capital Projects, Increased Services, Future 2.0 Projects & 2022 Semi-Annual Assessments

Dear Steiner Ranch Homeowners, Our Steiner Ranch Master Association is ending the year 2021 very strong with several completed key capital improvement projects, including: 1. A multi-use two-acre dog parks 2. An improved Lake Club property 3. A revamped landscape for all entry monuments.

We have also approved the Towne Square 2.0 project (which will include a gymnasium, a large multi-use room, and other enhancements). The project is anticipated to break ground in the Spring of 2022. In addition, after receiving feedback from the Solid Waste Committee and our residents, we have increased our solid waste service levels effective January 1, 2022, to include: 1. weekly trash, 2. weekly recycling 3. weekly compost.

We have kept our assessments flat for the past five years since 2017 through effective and efficient HOA management and operations.

However, considering the above capital improvement projects,

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increased service levels and operating costs, inflation, and required contribution to our reserve funds, the SRMA Board has approved the 2022 budget that increases semiannual assessment by $40.50 (which is $6.75 per month). The new semiannual assessment will be $444.33 (including fees for common areas management and the new trash/recycle/compost services) and will be due on January 1, 2022.

Our sincere thanks go to all board of directors, committees, volunteers, residents, and GrandManors staff, and we wish everyone a safe and prosperous 2022 year. We look forward to continued capital investment projects and increased service levels to our homeowners in 2022 and beyond. To learn more about the SRMA completed and approved projects, visit steinerranchhoa.org/document_view. asp?id=1106.

Best Regards The Steiner Ranch Master Association Board of Directors (All Volunteer run board, for more information about the SRMA Board, Vision, Projects, Communications, please visit steinerranchhoa.org).

Continued on Page 6

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Continued from Page 5 Lake Club Enhancements

Revamped Landscaping

Dog Park

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Assessments are due January 1, 2022 (considered late by January 31, 2022) The January semi-annual Association assessments are due on January 1, 2022. We encourage all residents if you have not done so already to take the opportunity to go on http://www.steinerranchhoa.org/ , click on “ Resident Portal “ and register on the CiraNet or use quick payment option. Not only can the assessments be paid with ease through the portal, you can also view associations documents, current/history of your account ledger, association financials and “report a problem” in your Association. While on the portal please verify your contact information such as your mailing address, telephone number and email address.

Semi-annual assessments are due January 1, 2022 and considered late if received after January 31, 2022. Statements will be mailed to each homeowner at the mailing address on file. If you do not receive a statement by January 31 or encounter any issues signing up for a Ciranet account or locating your account details, please contact the GrandManors Resident Services at 1-855-947-2636.

Residents are encouraged to use one of the following payment methods to pay the January 2021 Assessments: - ACH/Auto Debit (**Recommended**) – Sign Up Today!

This is the easiest way to pay! The ACH system automatically debits your account for the correct amount when your assessment is due.

Visit Resident Portal HERE. You will need your GrandManors Community ID, Account #; and Check Digit ID. For assistance, call 1-855-947-2636

account number on the check. c/o GrandManors PO Box 105007 Atlanta, GA 30348-5007 - Your Bank’s Online Bill-Pay If you pay your assessments through an online bill-pay service; please update the payee information of your HOA to include your new GrandManors Customer ID. The payee address should be set up, as shown below: Payee: Your Association’s Name Address 1: c/o GrandManors Address 2: PO Box 105007 City/State/Zip: Atlanta, GA 30348-5007 Late payments will cause aggravation and penalties. Any payments received after January 31st, 2022 are subject to an initial $25 late fee per association and for each subsequent month that the assessment remains unpaid. Assessment must be received by January 31st not postmarked January 31st. ***Please note: resident access to pools, facility rental, and attendance at or registration for social functions and programs maybe terminated if the Association account becomes delinquent. ***

- eCheck/Credit Card You can make a one-time payment using eCheck (electronically debited from your checking account), Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover*. Visit Resident Portal HERE. and choose "Make a payment" or call 1-855-947-2636 to pay over the phone. *The bank charges a $14.95 convenience fee if you pay via a credit card.

- Check You can write a check payable to your homeowners' association and mail it along to the address listed below. Please write your homeowner

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Ranch Record - January 2022

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Steiner Ranch HOA’s Assistant Manager recognized by the Community Association Institute (CAI)

The Community Association Institute (CAI) is an international membership organization dedicated to building better communities.

With over 40,000 members, CAI has 63 chapters worldwide.

The organization provides information, education and resources volunteers who govern communities and the professionals who support them. CAI members include association board members and other homeowner leaders, community managers, association management firms and other professionals who provide products and services to associations.

Sarah Dunlap, Steiner Ranch HOA’s Assistant Manager received the Assistant Manager of the Year Award from CAI on December 8, 2021. The Austin’s CAI Community Awards Program is designed to acknowledge excellent performance by common interest communities, their volunteer leaders and the professional community managers and service providers who serve them with the goal of ensuring responsible community governance. Mrs. Dunlap’s was nominated by her peers, coworkers and vendors. A panel of four (4) independent judges reviewed the nominations and made their decision based on the information presented.

Steiner Ranch has been undergoing significant landscaping enhancements and adding and modifying amenities. Sarah Dunlap was instrumental in obtaining landscape architectural drawings and bidding out over $485,000 in landscape enhancements for the Board of Directors to review and approve. She has worked tirelessly in leading the contractors on these major projects to enhance the neighborhood and allow the General Manager to focus on other priorities.

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

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.

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.

Classified Ads Congratulations to Mrs. Dunlap and Steiner Ranch on this achievement. Her impact will be noticed and will benefit Steiner Ranch for many more years to come.

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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.

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Keep Steiner Beautiful

Residential Landscaping Tips Winter Preparation - January 2021 Submitted by Jordan Johnston

Christmas is over and the New Year is here, and the cold temperatures will be here soon! It is time to get your outside area ready for winter and colder temperatures. Here are a few suggestions: • Clean up all plant debris such as leaves and remove any dead plants. This will take away the hiding places for rodents, roaches, insects, and other vermin. This will also remove potential diseases that can infect your plants next year.

• Prune your trees for shape and lift canopies on trees next to the street and in your yard. Low hanging tree branches in your yard can shade your turf and low hanging branches on street trees can be hit and damaged by vehicles. When removing branches, make a jump cut before making the final cut at branch collar.

• Cut back perennials that have started to decline and remove spent flowers.

• Fertilize your beds if you have not done so this fall. Use a winterizing fertilizer.

• Replenish mulch in beds to add an extra layer of protection for your plants from the cold weather. Mulch holds in valuable moisture to reduce winter watering and helps prevent unwanted winter weeds.

• For another layer of weed protection, add a pre-emergent over the mulch such as Halts or Preen to prevent weeds if you did not apply a pre-emergent to beds this fall.

•Protect outdoor faucets from freezing. Consider reducing or turning off irrigation.

With our plants and turf going dormant, they are burning less fuel and don’t require as much water. The rain we do get this time of year is typically enough to sustain our plants and grass. When we water this time of year we are encouraging the growth of the weeds we don’t want!

• Control any active weeds in your turf with a post-emergent weed control for Southern grasses. Follow all label instructions when applying.

• Fertilize your turf if you have not done so in the last 12 weeks. This feeds turf roots during the winter.

• Start lowering your mowing height on turf. During the winter, thick turf packs down and becomes more susceptible to diseases that will overwinter and attack new growth in the spring. Drop mowing height by one setting every month until March. And yes, if you do this, you will not have all that debris to remove in the spring.

• Plant winter color such as pansies, violas, dianthus, snapdragons, kale, ornamental cabbage and one of the many varieties of Dusty Miller.

Keep an eye on the weather for any extreme cold fronts headed our way and water all your plants before the front arrives. Make sure to turn your irrigation to the off position after watering.

We hope you have a fantastic start to 2022!!

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Clean Up Decorated Community Trees

By January 2nd If you decorated a tree this year along Quinlan Park Road, Bella Mar Trail, Flat Top Ranch Road, and other parts of the neighborhood, please do your part to keep Steiner beautiful by removing decorations by January 2nd.

Please make sure to keep your tree maintained throughout the season, as the HOA will not maintain decorated trees, and consider using biodegradable decorations. Whatever your décor, be sure to fasten decorations securely in place. No advertising or marketing materials allowed for tree decorating purposes.

Decorations not removed by the 2nd will be recycled or disposed of by HOA staff. Should the HOA have to devote excessive resources to holiday tree décor clean up, this tradition may be in jeopardy.

Keep the tradition alive and remove your decorations!

Holiday Decorations

Please observe the following Steiner Ranch rule regarding holiday decorations on the exterior of your property: Holiday decorations (excluding Christmas) may be put out up to fourteen (14) days in advance of the holiday in question. Decorations must be removed no later than seven (7) days after the holiday. Christmas decorations may be put out beginning November 1st and must be removed by January 15th.

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Don’t Ring In 2022 With Fireworks in Steiner Ranch!

From the Association Office

FIREWORKS & FIRECRACKERS ARE PROHIBITED Steiner Ranch Fireworks Policy Residents are reminded that fireworks within Steiner Ranch are prohibited by the Steiner Ranch Master Association and Steiner Ranch Residential Association. There are a number of reasons for this: 1) The use of fireworks places homes at serious risk of fire.

2) The topography and green space of Steiner Ranch is conducive to fires.

3) Federal rules regarding management of the Balcones Canyonlands (which borders Steiner Ranch) impose significant restrictions on activities that may affect wildlife therein. Serious penalties for violation can be imposed by federal officials.

4) Homeowners are entitled to the peaceful enjoyment of their property.

Should you believe a violation is occurring, please complete a " Report a Restriction Violation" as soon as possible at https://www.ciranet.com/ ResidentPortal or immediately following an occurrence. Physical and/or photographic evidence is essential in substantiating a violation.

Be Firewise in 2022!

Get a Home Evaluation

by Bill Hamm, Steiner Ranch Firewise Committee Chair According to the Texas Forest Service there are many areas in Steiner Ranch that are at high to very high risk of wildfires. 80-90 percent of homes lost to wildfires occur due to windblown embers, including those destroyed in the 2011 Steiner Ranch Fires.

Homes can be hardened against windblown embers, mostly by doing simple things. The Firewise committee offers free home evaluations to show you how. Each evaluation involves walking with you around the outside of your house and takes about an hour. Simply email SRFirewise@gmail.com to request a home evaluation.

There is an excellent YouTube video “Your home can survive a wildfire” that touches on many of the simple things you can do to harden your home against windblown embers. Just enter “Your home can survive a wildfire - YouTube” into your internet browser to watch it. It’s only 14 minutes but watching it will help you harden your home and be prepared for the next wildfire.

Prune Trees Before February

Residents are reminded to trim trees in need of attention before February, as the risk of oak wilt infection is greatest from February through June. For those who don’t know, oak wilt is a destructive fungus affecting oak trees which causes tree mortality. Unfortunately, the fungus has been identified in Steiner Ranch.

Because the risk for oak wilt is low between July and January, now is a good time to trim trees to allow for visibility of pedestrians, traffic and traffic signs. Limbs which extend over sidewalks and roadways pose a potential hazard and should be addressed, too.

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.

The Steiner Ranch Master Association and Steiner Ranch Residential Association each have Oak Wilt Policies in effect. To view each policy in its entirety, visit the HOA website and click the ‘Oak Wilt Policy’ tab located under the ‘FAQ’ drop down menu.

Christmas Tree Recycling

Texas Disposal Systems (TDS), trash provider for Steiner Ranch, will offer curbside Christmas tree pick up from December 26th to January 1st. Trees must be free of décor and must be 4 feet in length for pick up. Any cut tree pieces must be bundled with rope or twine.

Do not drop trees at the entrance of the WCID Water Treatment driveway off of Quinlan Park Road and Logan’s Wa y . C h r i s t m a s tree recycling at this location is no longer an option.

Act Now!

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Ranch Record - January 2022

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Santa Visited Steiner Ranch!

On December 4th, 2021, Santa visited Steiner Ranch ushering in Holiday cheer. It was a jolly outdoor event with Santa and his entourage parading around the neighborhood and then posing for pictures with families at the Santa’s Workshop, set up in the lower parking lot of the Cups & Cones shopping center.

The Santa’s Workshop also featured a Santa letter writing station, a pine cones craft station sponsored

by Austin Kids Retreat, and an Elves’ café with complimentary hot chocolate and candy canes. Many of the residents that attended the event donated unopened new toys to the Corporal Kevin Aigner Memorial Toy Drive. On this occasion Cups and Cones also hosted an artisan market that featured 17 local artists booths offering unique products.

A heartfelt thanks go to the Travis County Constable Office Precinct 2, the Steiner Ranch Events Planning Committee, the Homeowners Association Staff, Austin Kids Retreat, Cups & Cones, and all the volunteers that made the event possible and successful.

(Photo credits: Erika Shavulsky)

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Ranch Record - January 2022

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Ranch Record - January 2022

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Holiday Home Decorating Contest Spreads Cheer

Much thanks to Steiner Ranch residents who participated in this year’s Holiday Home Decorating Contest. This year the Event Planning Committee chose to keep the contest on the same online platform as 2020 and make sure all residents could participate and vote for their favorite Holiday decorated house. 14 homes and 1 cul-de-sac entered the contest and over 496 votes were received.

Congratulations event winners and thank you for sharing the spirit of the season! Thank you to all that entered the contest and to everyone that participated and cast their vote!

MOST LIGHTS

12704 Pinto Chase Court

Events Planning Committee Wraps up Another Great Year of Service The Events Planning Committee organizes an array of events where residents can connect and enjoy unique activities and make memories with their family, enjoy fellowship with their neighbors without having to leave the neighborhood.

Some of the successful events they organized in 2021 are the Easter Parade and Eggs-travaganza, the Senior Parade, July 4th celebration, Concert In The Park, Turkey Trot, the Santa Parade and much more.

The Committee hosted its final event of the 2021 calendar year with its Santa Parade on December 4 with pictures with Santa, Holidays crafts and an Artisan Market.

Turkey Trot was especially successful this year as record participation allowed the Steiner community to raise a record amount of $6,360 for Community First! Village, a housing project in Austin founded

by Mobile Loaves and Fishes for those experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity.

Our sincerest thanks go to the current members of the Committee: Desirre Ghebremicael, Jenni Gary, Praveen Kamsetti, Monica Little, Erika Shavulsky, Candice Palmer, Kristi Lee-Nordin, and Amie Harris for adding their energy, passion and creativity to Steiner Ranch Events and make them unique and memorable experiences for all residents, cultivating their sense of belonging and ongoing pride in ownership within the Community.

For information about how to join the committee, email desirre. ghebremicael@grandmanors.com. Visit the Steiner Ranch HOA website for a calendar of upcoming events at SteinerRanchHOA.org.

MOST CHEERFUL

2913 Majestic Oaks Pass

MOST UNIQUE

(Pictured above from left to right: Erika Shavulsky, Kristi Lee-Nordin, Desirre Ghebremicael & Sarah Dunlap)

3132 Burks Lane

COMMUNITY FAVORITE 12712 Lipizzan Court 14

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Community Activities & Events

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Community Activities & Events Winter Birds at Steiner Ranch Submitted by Jeremy Hull and Johanna Arendt, Travis County Balcones Canyonlands Preserve

Northern cardinal, photo by Steve Sinclair

Redhead ducks, photo by Julia Land.

Cedar waxwing, photo by Julia Land.

The Balcones Canyonlands Preserve (BCP) is best known for the golden-cheeked warbler and black-capped vireo, but it is also a haven for many other types of birds. The cast of characters we have here changes throughout the year, and winter is a fun time to go birding.

The golden-cheeked warblers have migrated south for the winter, but our year-round residents, like northern cardinals and red-shouldered hawks, stick with us through all seasons. And now our winter crew has arrived - birds that migrate from the north to spend winter in the relative warmth of Central Texas. You’ll see waterfowl such as redhead ducks along with songbirds like American robins, cedar waxwings, northern flickers, and house wrens.

Tips for Winter Birding: • Timing is key: Early morning and late afternoon are usually best for birding, unless you’re hoping to see (or hear) nocturnal birds like owls.

• Where to Look: A good place to start is the J-Canyon Trail, which goes through the BCP, as well as the Eastridge and Powerline BCP trails.

• Watch the Water: Water can be just as scarce in winter as in summer, so birds congregate where they can find it. Check out the pond along the J-Canyon trail for ducks and other waterfowl. Along the banks, keep an eye out for herons and songbirds.

• Finding Food: Winter food sources like yaupon holly berries or wildflower seeds attract hungry birds.

• Listen for noise: Birds do not sing as often in winter, but they still make lots of calls and you will often hear them scratching in the leaves.

• Monitor for movement: Flocks of birds moving through the tree canopy or foraging on the ground can catch your eye. You may see a single bird like a ruby-crowned kinglet flitting through the trees and shrubs.

News from the Trails Committee Submitted by Sterling Gray

I just got back from a quick early evening hike on a brisk windy day with temperatures hovering around 55°F. Winter is certainly here, but it’s a nice respite from sweltering summer temperatures. And I can’t think of a better way to work on those “New Year Resolutions” to get more exercise, spend more time outside, and generally “disconnect” from our busy, overshecduled lives. Can I get an “Amen”!

If you’re reading this article, you proabably already appreciate that our trails in Steiner Ranch really are special. The views along Bright Sky Overlook and Lakewood Hills trails are particularly breathtaking with views of Lake Austin and Hill Country vistas as far as you can see. So put down that phone, lace up your hiking shoes and get out on the trails – it’s a great way to work off a few holiday pounds and recenter yourself.

Now that I’ve got you all excited about our hiking trails, why not join us during our monthly trail maintenance events, held the fourth Sunday of each month. Visit the Steiner Ranch Trail Committee Facebook page (https://www. facebook.com/srtrailcommittee) for times, locations and more details. As always, I hope to see you out on the trails soon.

You can add your finds to eBird and iNaturalist, which help you keep track of what you’ve seen and provide information to biologists about bird populations and movement.

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.

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Ranch Record - January 2022

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Red Giants Masters Swim

Winter and Spring Programs

The Association has put together the 2021-22 Programs Guide with all HOA activity and program offerings in one place. Multiple programs are offered, please stop by the HOA to pick up a program guide or visit the Steiner Ranch HOA website at steinerranchhoa.org or scan the QR code to view it online: Featured programs include: Children’s Programs • Lonestar Soccer • Nitro Swimming • Neighborhood Sports • Gold Stars Swimming • Sportball • Tap~N~Toe • Tennis

Right here in Steiner Ranch for residents 18 and older who want to get more proficient in their swimming. We range from beginner to advance.

Make your own goals, and we will help you get there. Combined 55 years of swimming experience, our coaches are excited to work with you.

Our swim schedule is as follows at Bella Mar Pool Year round: •Wednesdays and Fridays at 5:30 a.m. until 6:45 a.m.

•Sundays 6:30 a.m. until 7:45 a.m.

Cost is $50 per month for residents and you will need to join U. S. Masters Swimming! To be eligible to compete in masters’ meets, receive Swimmer magazine, and this accounts for HOA insurance purposes. To join, please go to the United States Masters swimming website, http:// www.usms.org/reg and join our team Red Giants Masters Swimming under South Texas. Print your card and email a copy to program lead, Hollie Kenney.

Contact Hollie Kenney at goldstarsswimming@gmail.com for any additional info.

This is a great way to meet new friends and be a part of a fun community of swimmers while reaping the long list of health benefits.

Free Residents Classes

Tai Chi Group Practice

When: Monday - Friday 8:15 am - 9 am Where: Towne Square Community Center 12550 Country Trails Lane, Austin, TX 78732 Come learn the Basic Forms of Chen Style Tai Chi Yi Lu 83 movements Benefits of Tai Chi: • Relieve Stress on the body and mind • Improve Health and Physical Fitness • Enhance Self Defense capability Questions: send an email to Ivan Hong at ivanhoeparry4@icloud.com

High Fitness Class

When: Tuesday, 7:45am to 8:45am Where: Towne Square Pavilion 12550 Country Trails Lane, Austin, Texas, 78732 High Fitness brings old school aerobics back in a fun and modern way. Easyto-follow fitness choreography set to current music will motivate you and make your work out so enjoyable you'll forget it's exercise. Interval training moves (squats, burpees, jacks, etc) given with options for any fitness level make High Fitness something everyone can succeed at. One class and you'll be hooked!

High Fitness will leave you energized and ready to conquer your day! Follow @ highfitness.steinerranch on Instagram for class update *Offered activities are for adults only.

Copyright © 2022 Peel, Inc.

Adult Programs • Camp Gladiator • Master’s Swimming • Tennis • Mommy and Me For more info, contact Desirre Ghebremicael at desirre.ghebremicael@ grandmanors.com

Young at Heart If you are new to Steiner Ranch or have lived here for a long time and looking for something to do, check out S.R. Young at Heart.

We are an active group, 60+, that enjoy being together to play games or just socialize. You can play Bunco, Euchre, Canasta, Mexican Train or Mah Jongg. If you like to read, we have a very good Book Club, or like biking, they go biking twice a week. If none of that appeals to you, the Ladies Lunching Out, ROMEO (Retired Old Men Eating Out), the Wine Socials and Happy Hours may interest you. This is a good time to visit and socialize with others living in Steiner Ranch. As we age, we know we should eat a healthy diet, exercise, but being social with others is also very important. So, you may want to check out S.R. Young at Heart! If you are interested or want more information, please contact Ethel Bradford at steinerranchyah@gmail. com or Karen Steans at Kjsteans@gmail.com.

(YAH meets twice a month at UT Club to plays cards)

Ranch Record - January 2022

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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......................15...........................•...........•...................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 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 Kaitlyn Schmitt.......................13.............•.............•...........•...................512-663-6543 Grace Jackson..........................14.............•...............................................512-565-0963

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

McKayla Bagnal*+^................15.............•.............•...........•................. 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+..............16............•............•...........•................ 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 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 Huey, Haley............................ 12.......... ...•..MH............... ....................214-649-0015 Garrett, Caitlin........................ 15.......... ...•...........•.............. •.................512-810-5936 Garrett, Ryan........................... 12.......... ...............•........................... •... 737-288-0670

* 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 - January 2022

Copyright © 2022 Peel, Inc.

Copyright © 2022 Peel, Inc.

Ranch Record - January 2022

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PO Box 1148 Round Rock, Texas 78680

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Ranch Record - January 2022

Copyright © 2022 Peel, Inc.