Steiner Ranch - February 2022 by Peel, Inc.

VOLUME 16 ISSUE 2 FEBRUARY 2022

Ranch Record - February 2022

Facebook.com/SteinerRanchHOAEvents

Ranch Record - February 2022

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

Architectural and Community Standards Coordinator 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

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

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

Time Warner Cable

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

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

SRMA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

NEWSLETTER PUBLISHER

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

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

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

Ranch Record - February 2022

FROM THE ASSOCIATION OFFICE 6

Solid Waste Disposal, Recycling, and Compost Update

Community Compliance Reminders

Your Home Can Survive a Wildfire - Firewise USA

Prevent Oak Wilt - Don't Prune Oaks Feb 1st-June 30th

Residential Landscaping Tips

Return of the Hummingbirds

STEINER ACTIVITIES & EVENTS 12

Steiner Ranch Blood Drive

Spring Field Lottery

Hold the Date for Camping on the Ranch

Thanks to our Volunteers for Helping Keep Steiner Ranch Beautiful!

Preparing Your Irrigation System for the Winter

Programs Spotlight Austin Arts Academy

Young at Heart

Free Residents Classes

Steiner Stars Summer Swim Team!

Winter and Spring Programs

IN EVERY ISSUE 4

Cover Photo

Classifieds

Teen Job Seekers

UPCOMING STEINER RANCH HOA EVENTS 02/26

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 - February 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

This month’s cover photo features a black-chinned hummingbird on Turk’s cap (Photo by Heather Valey). For more info, see page 11. 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.

Ranch Record - February 2022

SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL, RECYCLING, AND COMPOST UPDATE SRMA SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL NEW CONTRACT WITH TEXAS DISPOSAL SYSTEM The SRMA signed a ten-years contract with Steiner Ranch’s long-term partner Texas Disposal Systems to add new services as outlined below: • Weekly Recycling • Weekly Composting Please note that: • Weekly recycling services will start as of February 1st . • Compost collection is scheduled to start sometime in March. Compost bins have been ordered and are expected to be delivered by March 1st (if no force majeure delays are encountered). The SRMA will also have: One extra Green waste Pickup - Each year the HOA selects one week in Fall and two weeks in Spring for leaf collection. Dates are to be agreed to by HOA and the contractor. Each residence is allowed to put out up to twenty 30-gallon paper bags of leaves/green waste per collection. Increased Bulk waste cubic yardage - Resident’s may call TDS to schedule two, bulky brush pickups, per year. In past years, the pickups were limited to 2 cyds. each time. With the new contract the 2 cyds. will be increased to 3 cyds. at each pickup. SRROA SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL NEW CONTRACT WITH TEXAS DISPOSAL SYSTEM The SRROA Board of Directors approved a five-year contract with Texas Disposal Systems. The existing bi-weekly recycling collection has been upgraded to a weekly service and will start on February 1st. (SRROA neighborhoods include: Chaparral, The Summit at Eastridge, The Valley at Eastridge, Hancock Hill, Mesa North, Plateau, Rocky Ridge.)

WHAT IS CONSIDERED RECYCLABLES? RECYCLABLES must be dry, loose (not bagged), unshredded, empty, and include ONLY the following: Glass, paper newspapers, magazines, catalogs, phone books, mixed paper - white and colored paper (lined, copier, computer, staples are ok), mail and envelopes, receipts, paper bags, softcover books, posters, empty plastic bottles, and rigid food and non-food containers, metals cans (soup, pet food, empty aerosol), aluminum cans, metal caps, and lids, cardboard egg cartons trays, corrugated boxes, smooth cardboard (food and shoe boxes, tubes, file folders, cardboard packaging) and pizza boxes (no food or soiled liners). WHAT IS CONSIDERED COMPOST? COMPOSTING (*Only SRMA households) are food waste, yard waste, cardboard, and paper. The new compost carts will have a QR code on them so the resident can scan and see what items can go in the cart.

The SRROA will also have: Two Green Waste Pickups - Each year the HOA selects one week in Fall and one week in Spring for leaf collection. Dates are to be agreed to by HOA and the contractor. Each residence is allowed to put out up to twenty 30-gallon paper bags of leaves/green waste per collection. Increased Bulk Waste Cubic Yardage - Residents may call TDS to schedule two, bulky brush pickups, per year. In past years, the pickups were limited to 2 cyds. each time. With the new contract the 2 cyds. will be increased to 3 cyds. at each pickup.

Ranch Record - February 2022

Continued on Page 8

Ranch Record - February 2022

Continued from Page 6

Community Compliance Reminders

The HOA office would like to remind residents of the following Steiner Ranch rules: •

Trash containers are to be stored out of sight and should not be visible from the street.

•

Parking on the street overnight is not allowed.

•

Items should not be left in driveways. This includes mulch bags, garden hoses, and sports equipment.

•

Any alterations to the exterior of your property (front, back and sides) must be submitted for review and approval.

Thank you for abiding by these rules, which are part of Steiner Ranch governing documents.

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN BULKY PICK-UP? Bulky items include household appliances, furniture, auto parts, brush and other oversized wastes which are customary to ordinary housekeeping operations of a residential unit and whose large size precludes or complicates its handling by normal solid waste collection, processing, or disposal methods. No bulky waste item shall weigh more than 50 pounds, except for sofas, washing machines, dryers and refrigerators without freon. Brush included in bulk waste is any cuttings or trimmings from trees, shrubs, or lawns, and similar materials at a residential unit. There is a 40-pound limit on brush. The term "Brush" specifically excludes limbs that are greater than four (4) feet in length or four (4) inches in diameter and specifically excludes debris resulting from services of a commercial service provider. Brush must not be loose and must be placed in a bag or securely tied in a bundle and shall not exceed fifty pounds in weight. WHAT IS NOT COVERED UNDER THE NEW CONTRACTS & IS BILLED DIRECTLY BILLED TO RESIDENTS? Items not covered are: • Mattresses/Box Spring pickups will be charged to the resident at $25.00 each • King Size Mattresses/Box Springs will be charged to the resident at $50.00 each • Extra (more than one) Trash Carts are $9.20 and will be direct billed to the resident. • Extra Recycle Cart (more than one) are $8.36 and will be direct billed to the resident. WHERE CAN I GET ADDITIONAL TRASH BAGS? TDS will pick up yellow-tagged, 30-gallon trash bags placed at the curb along with your trash carts. Tags are available at the HOA office for $2.50/tag. Payment is accepted in the form of a check or money order. You may set out up to 12 yellow-tagged, 30-gallon trash bags on your trash day. HOW DO I FIND OUT WHEN IS MY TRASH/RECYLING DAY? To download a customized trash and recycling service calendar by address, as well as service alerts and reminders, visit the Waste Wizard widget on the Texas Disposal Systems website: www.texasdisposal.com.

Ranch Record - February 2022

Prevent Oak Wilt – Don’t Prune Oaks Feb 1st – June 30th Information provided by Travis County Transportation & Natural Resources

Pruning is least risky during the coldest winter days and extended hot periods in mid to late summer. Any time you prune though, the Texas Forest Service recommends painting all wounds and sanitizing pruning equipment between trees using denatured methyl alcohol (shellac thinner), isopropyl alcohol, or a general purpose household disinfectant such as Lysol, Listerine or Pine-Sol. Household bleach is not recommended. Red oaks, including Spanish (now Buckley) oak, Shumard oak and blackjack oak, are very susceptible to oak wilt and play a key role in the disease’s transmission. Oak wilt is caused by the fungus Ceratocystis fagacearum, which spreads its spores from “fungal mats” that form under the tree’s bark. These mats have a sweet, fruity smell that attracts insects, especially the sap-sucking nitidulid beetle. After feeding and breeding on the fungal mats, these beetles fly away covered in fungal spores. As they visit other oaks, they spread the fungus through open wounds in the bark. The nitidulid beetle is only about the size of a pinhead, but is capable of flying as far as a mile away. While red oaks are the most susceptible to oak wilt, all oaks can become infected. Fungal mats usually form on standing trees, but can also develop on logs, stumps and fresh firewood cut from infected oaks. Make sure to remove and either burn or bury infected oaks to prevent mats from forming, and never store unseasoned wood from infected trees near healthy oaks.

Oak wilt has claimed the lives of thousands of trees in Central Texas and beyond. Majestic oaks play a large role in this region’s beauty and identity; it would be hard to imagine the Hill Country without them. They are an iconic part of many local businesses and neighborhoods, providing shade, beauty, and higher property values. Following simple preventive measures can go a long way towards stopping the spread of this destructive disease. From February through June, avoid all pruning or cutting of oaks – this is the high season for oak wilt transmission. Any wounds that occur from construction, vehicles, wind, etc., should be painted as soon as they’re discovered – ideally within ½ hour of being cut – with commercial tree wound dressing or latex paint. That includes freshly cut stumps and surface roots.

The second way oak wilt can be transmitted is through the roots. Live oaks tend to grow together in dense mottes with interconnected roots, so the fungus can be transmitted easily among them. Oak wilt is occasionally transmitted through red oak roots as well, but the movement is slower and occurs over shorter distances than with live oaks. Root transmission can be prevented by cutting trenches four feet deep between infected and healthy trees, but by far the best option is to prevent infection in the first place. So make sure NOT to prune oaks between February 1 and July 1, and ALWAYS paint wounds on oaks no matter what time of year it is. For more information on preventing and treating oak wilt, please visit texasoakwilt.org, the website of The Oak Wilt Information Partnership, a project of the Texas A&M Forest Service, the Forest Health Protection branch of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service and the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin.

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Ranch Record - February 2022

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Return of the Hummingbirds

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

Residential Landscaping Tips

Winter Landscape and Irrigation Tips Submitted by Jordan Johnston

Our landscapes are shifting to a different season. Many of our lawns, shrubs and trees have already started to transition into a slower pace of life. As you have probably already seen, many trees will shed leaves as they move deep within to conserve energy and focus on root growth below the surface. Many turf and ornamental grasses will turn brown as they go dormant. During this slower landscape season, we still need to be diligent in our management of landscape areas. Unfortunately, there are weeds out there that like this cooler wetter season and like to grow in our flowerbeds and lawns. Fortunately, you can fight back! By using different management tools you can protect your lawns and beds so they are ready for spring. Some preventive measures to take to protect your landscape during this season. • Use of hardwood mulches in your beds. A layer of mulch in your bed acts as a natural barrier to prevent seeds from germinating. It also acts like a blanket to protect your plants roots during cool days and nights. • Reducing, or turning off irrigation. With your 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 your plants and grass. When we water this time of year we are encouraging the growth of the weeds we don’t want! • Keep a weather eye out for freezing temperatures – Especially “Hard Freezes” where the temperature drops below 28 degrees for over 4 hours. You will want to bring in any potted plants and cover up those that are less hardy. Some prescriptive measures you can take if you are noticing weeds in your landscape area. • Hand pull the weeds before they start to produce seed heads. By removing the weed before it produces seeds you can reduce the opportunity for the weed to germinate again in a different location of the landscape. • Applying a post emergent herbicide to your landscape. This product is designed to target specific weeds and ignore your turf grasses. • Reducing, or turning off irrigation. By doing this you remove one of the key elements weeds need to grow. This is a wonderful time of the year. We hope you can take this time to enjoy the different textures and colors nature has to offer and enjoy a little down time yourself. Copyright © 2022 Peel, Inc.

The distinctive hum of wings and a small dark green flash zipping by is often the first thing you notice when a hummingbird is around. The tiniest of all birds, hummingbirds are super fast, energetic, and great fun to watch in your backyard or while on the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve. The two most common hummingbird species you will see in Steiner Ranch are the black-chinned and the ruby-throated hummingbirds. They are easy to attract to your home garden, and since they typically show up in very early spring, now is a great time to put your nectar feeders out. They will be hungry after their long migration north, and will appreciate the extra food. See the inset below for some feeder tips. Feeders can provide great entertainment, especially when they are put near a window or on a porch where they are easy to see. But the best source of nectar for hummingbirds is actually native flowering plants, which also benefit from the hummingbirds’ pollination services. Hummingbirds prefer flowers that are tubular in shape, have a lot of nectar, and are brightly colored – especially red or orange. The Wildflower Center has a list of 30 native hummingbird plants for Central Texas, which can be found on their Collections page: https://www. wildflower.org/collections/ A few of our favorites are red yucca, tropical sage, Texas lantana, Turk’s cap, lemon beebalm, and rose pavonia (pictured below). Besides nectar, hummingbirds also eat insects including mosquitoes, gnats, fruit flies, and aphids, so they’re a very charismatic form of pest control. Join us for our next Wild Neighbors webinar on February 18th to learn more about these fascinating birds with Dr. Tania Homayoun from Texas Parks & Wildlife. Check out our Facebook page for the link to sign up (https://www. facebook.com/traviscountybcp) or email Johanna.arendt@traviscountytx.gov. You can also get lots of hummingbird information from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology (https://www.allaboutbirds.org/) and the National Audubon Society (https://www.audubon.org/news/hummingbird-feeding-faqs). For more information about the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve, please visit https://www.traviscountytx.gov/tnr/nr/bcp. Tips for Hummigbird Feeders • Make your sugar-water mixture one part sugar to four or five parts water. Bring the solution to a boil, then let it cool before adding it to the feeder. • Only use refined white sugar – not honey, artificial sweeteners, brown sugar, etc. • Do not add red food coloring to your sugar-water. • Thoroughly clean and refill you feeders once a week, and more frequently during warm weather.

Black-chinned hummingbird on Turk’s cap. Photo by Heather Valey.

• Place your feeders less than five feet or greater than 15 feet away from windows to reduce the risk of collisions. • Put them in an easily accessible spot so they are easy to clean and refill. • Prepare to see and hear hummingbirds fighting amongst themselves over the territory around the feeder.

Rose pavonia photographed by Kaitlin Lopez Ranch Record - February 2022

Spring Field Lottery

Are you planning on coaching a team this Spring? Need a place to practice? Mark your calendar for the 2022 Spring field lottery to be held on Friday, February 25, 2022. Register your team by sending an email to desirre.ghebremicael@ grandmanors.com. Registration must be submitted by 5:00pm on Friday, February 18, 2022 with the following information: • Name of coach • Sport (soccer, baseball, etc.) • Address • Age group • Phone number • 1st, 2nd & 3rd choice of field, • Organization (CC United, time & day. Town & Country, etc.) FIELD OPTIONS: • Towne Square • Bella Mar (baseball side or tennis court side) • John Simpson park • Westridge Fields (off of Flat Top Ranch Road) TIME OPTIONS: • One hour weekly beginning at 4:00pm, 5:00pm, or 6:00pm (Daylight saving time 2022 in Texas will begin at 2:00 AM on Sunday, March 13) for all 3 fields. DAY OPTIONS: • Monday – Friday only If you are coaching more than one team, please list them separately. Assigned practice day(s), time(s), and field(s) will be emailed to you by March 1st, 2022. Please note, once you have been awarded a practice day, time and field, changes will not be made until the next field lottery. *Please Note: If you are with Neighborhood Sports (soccer or flag football), you do not need to register your team for the lottery.

Hold The Date For

Camping On The Ranch Saturday March 12th to Sunday March 13th, 2022

Hold the date and register to attend one of the neighborhood most popular events: Camping on The Ranch! The Steiner Ranch HOA Events Planning Committee is hosting the popular event, just minutes from home but an adventure away. When: Saturday March 12th starting at 5:00pm to Sunday March 13th at 10:00am Where: Towne Square Community Fields The entire family is invited. Pull out your tents and sleeping bags, join your family and friends for a great evening outdoors. Registration for this event is required –visit the Steiner Ranch events Facebook page or scan the QR code. (Pictures were taken at Camping on the Ranch in 2019 & 2020) 12

Ranch Record - February 2022

Turkey Trot Raises Record Donation for Community First! Village

The Steiner Ranch community was able to donate $6,360 to Community First! Village thanks to record participation in the 2021 Turkey Trot, hosted on Thanksgiving morning by the Steiner Ranch Events Committee and Austin Christian Fellowship. Hundreds of runners of all ages came out to enjoy the 5K and kids' fun run. As in previous years, runners enjoyed personalizing their bibs and used them to express their gratitude for all their blessings. Aattendees visited with their friends and neighbors while enjoying live music from Texas Law Band and complimentary coffee, hot chocolate, and cookies, taking group pictures and kicking off the morning of a wonderful Thanksgiving.

The check was presented on January 20th to Kourtney Harris, Relationship Officer for Mobile Loaves & Fishes, the founding organization of Community First! Village, a housing project in Austin for those experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity. Special thanks to Austin Christian Fellowship, our Turkey Trot partnering sponsor & Julie Washington, ACF Children's Pastor, for the fantastic support. Thank you to all the other event sponsors: Allgood Chiropractic and Family Wellness Center, Four Points Pop Warner, Suds Deluxe, Austin Diagnostic Clinic - Steiner Ranch, Randalls Albertsons Companies, and Cellucor. Heartfelt thanks to Lake Travis Fire & Rescue and Precinct 2 Constable for their participation and ongoing support and to the many volunteers who donated their time on Thanksgiving morning. Because of them, this event was a SUCCESS! CO-SPONSORS

EVENT SPONSORS

OTHER SPONSORS

Ranch Record - February 2022

Thanks to our Volunteers For Helping Keep Steiner Ranch Beautiful! The Steiner Ranch Event Planning Committee hosted another “Love Where You Live” event in line with the City’s “Keep Austin Beautiful” campaign on Saturday, January 22nd, 2022. Volunteers from Hill Country YMSL as well as Canyon Ridge NJHS, VHS, NHS students and many Steiner Ranch residents came out to pick up trash on roads throughout the neighborhood. Cleaning efforts extended from the two main entrances at FM 620 all the way down Quinlan Park Road and Steiner Ranch Boulevard, including Towne Square Park, Bella Mar, John Simpson Park. Thank you, volunteers, and committee members, for supporting your community!

PREPARING YOUR IRRIGATION SYSTEM FOR THE WINTER Information provided by WCID17

Most residents in Central Texas irrigate their landscapes at least every few weeks through the winter months, and if the weather is dry, this winter will be no exception. Normal Texas weather conditions should not cause the need for irrigation systems to be drained or turned off at the backflow device, however, YOU SHOULD TURN OFF YOUR SYSTEM AT THE CONTROLLER WHEN FREEZING TEMPERATURES ARE FORECAST to make sure the system will not try to run during a freeze. If the system runs, it could cause layers of ice to form on your plants and damage them. Residents who have systems equipped with above ground backflow prevention (Reduced Pressure Zone devices [RPZ]) must make sure equipment is protected from freezing. Most people know that the side pipes need to be wrapped with insulation, however, the valve itself is located in the center, and is susceptible to freezing also. Because these devices drain water from the bottom of the valve and therefore cannot be fully wrapped, the best way to protect them is with an open bottom RPZ insulated pouch which simply slips over the top of the entire device and attaches to the ground with some small stakes. Adding a layer of mulch around the base of the pouch will help seal off wind. For additional protection, an insulated box can be placed over the pouched device with another layer of mulch at the base. These pouches and artificial backflow enclosures can be made or purchased locally. Insulating boxes may also be purchased in the form of various decorative faux rocks which can be left in place year round. With this system in place, your RPZ valve is protected from freezing weather and can operate normally whenever you run your irrigation system. If you don’t have an insulated pouch or box and freezing weather is predicted, turn off your irrigation system and lightly wrap your RPZ in an old towel or blanket. (Tightly wrapping the blanket eliminates the air gap between the blanket/towel and the device and leaves the device vulnerable to cold wind.) Use tape or string to tie the towels or blanket in place. When the weather warms up and you are ready to irrigate again, remove the blanket. It is important to remember not to block the drain port at the bottom of the device when you are irrigating.

Backflow, Pipe Insulation: High Quality Backflow Insulation Protection Bags Offer Unbeatable Value! Perfect for Backflow Valves, Water Well Heads, Irrigation Valves Etc 14

Ranch Record - February 2022

Community Activities & Events

Ranch Record - February 2022

Community Activities & Events Programs Spotlight Austin Arts Academy

Young at Heart

Expand Your Child’s Creative Journey Register TODAY at AustinArtsAcademy.com - formerly Trevelise Musique Classes held Thursdays 9 am - 12 pm at Bella Mar Community Center Children love to play. What many parents forget is the valuable learning experiences that playtime creates. Imagine a setting where you can nurture your child’s ability to learn, create, and grow through play-based activities. That’s the journey we have created at Austin Arts Academy. During our three-hour preschool classes at Bella Mar Community Center, our teachers provide an integrated approach to learning that brings out children’s natural music, art, and dance abilities. Kiddy Keys, Prodigies, Leap ‘n Learn, and our own Austin Arts Academy curriculum will expand your child’s creative journey. MUSIC - KiddyKeys uses the keyboard to encourage self-expression, and to teach music theory concepts and appreciation through games, storybooks, and hands-on experience. Prodigies uses colors, hand signs, and other fun strategies to teach rhythm, pitch, musical notes and more! These curriculums help children gain confidence as they learn the foundational principles of music, all while they interact with other kids their age. Classes include color coded bells, boom whackers, keyboards and glockenspiels. Students learn the pitches and names of notes of famous songs like “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” and “Fur Elise.” Every week also includes a different life lesson built into the curriculum. Students take home worksheets and coloring sheets, and can participate in monthly practice challenges. DANCE - Leap ‘n Learn offers an effective, safe, progressive, and developmentally appropriate dance program. Whether it’s creative movement or beginning ballet dance moves, the program teaches technique as well as the meaning behind the French words we use for different movements. Students use their imagination pretending they’re a fish swimming to different algae stations where they learn a new balancing skill or movement. Cross-body movements are also taught every week, scientifically proven to be critical to a young child’s developing brain. Dancer etiquette is important and students are proud when awarded at the end of every class. Take-home coloring sheets each week reinforce the new concepts learned in class. ART - The Austin Arts Academy Art curriculum uses story-time with beautifully themed music to encourage art creations. Our teacher reads a carefully chosen book each week, then facilitates an art project around the topic and life lesson of the book. This may include painting and working with other art materials that encourage creative thinking and aims to improve motor skills and problem solving. In the story, “The Rainbow Fish,” by Marcus Pfister, the fish is hesitant to give away any of his shimmering scales, but in the end he receives the most joy from sharing his shiny gift with others. The painting activity connected to this book allows students to share their shiny gift of art with others and see the joy that it sparks. We are honored to share these play-based learning opportunities with you and encourage you to expand your child’s creative journey. While the classes are separated into categories, aspects of each overlap to create a well-rounded approach to learning, giving your child an arts-immersion head start today! Submitted By Rebekah Trevelise, Owner of Austin Arts Academy, formerly Trevelise Musique Written by Melissa Wolken, Contributing Writer at Austin Arts Academy 16

Ranch Record - February 2022

YAH December Wine Social 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.

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 Copyright © 2022 Peel, Inc.

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:

STEINER STARS SUMMER SWIM TEAM!

Hey Stars! It’s almost time to sign up for the most fun summer league in all of Texas! The Steiner Stars swim team wants YOU to come join us in the pool this summer for the most fun you’ll have all year. Our teams are 450 of your friends and neighbors aged 5-17. 2022 will be our 21st season swimming with the Northwest Swim Circuit, a competitive Summer League where swimmers compete against 12 local teams. Our swimmers range from beginners to experts and our dedicated team of coaches have tons of experience getting your kids comfortable in the water and ready for competition. The only requirement is swimmers must be able to swim the length of the 25 yard pool. The season runs from May through mid-July. We split the team in two to fit in the pool. Red team practices in the mornings and Blue team practices in the afternoons. Swim meets are normally held on Saturday mornings, and we hope to get as close to normal as possible, but schedules may still be affected by the ongoing pandemic. Swimmers with qualifying times can compete in the circuit-wide Invitational Meet held in July. Our emphasis is on building strong swimmers and having fun doing it. Please go to www.steinerstars.org to get more info about the team and how to register. Be sure to check out our videos to get a glimpse of what awaits you! Residents must be in good standing with the HOA to register and agree to volunteer requirements to participate in the league. Space in each age group is limited. Swimmers must be 5 years or older by May 1, 2022, to participate. Returning Family Registration will begin online starting Saturday March 5. New Family Registration will be online April 9. All details will be announced on the Stars Webpage: www.steinerstars.org.

Adult Programs • Tennis • Tai Chi • Camp Gladiator • Master Swimming • High Fitness • Community Yoga

Children’s Programs • Lonestar Soccer • Nitro Swimming • Neighborhood Sports • Gold Stars Swimming • Sportball • Tap~N~Toe • Tennis • Austin Arts Academy

For more info, contact Desirre Ghebremicael at desirre.ghebremicael@grandmanors.com

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

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 © 2022 Peel, Inc.

Ranch Record - February 2022

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

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. 18

Ranch Record - February 2022

PO Box 1148 Round Rock, Texas 78680

Ranch Record - February 2022

Steiner Ranch - February 2022

Articles inside

Community Compliance Reminders

Prevent Oak Wilt - Don't Prune Oaks Feb 1st-June 30th

Solid Waste Disposal, Recycling, and Compost Update