Circle C - February 2022 by Peel, Inc.

Volume 19, Number 02

Important Dates in February: Tuesday, February 1, 2022 First half of Annual Dues Assessments Are Mailed to Homeowners Wednesday, February 2, 2021 6:30pm Virtual Meet & Greet of Candidates for the Board of Directors Wednesday, February 2, 2022 Groundhog Day Sunday, February 13, 2022 Super Bowl Sunday Monday, February 14, 2022 Valentine’s Day Thursday, February 17, 2022 Random Acts of Kindness Day Monday, February 21, 2022 Presidents’ Day AISD School Holiday Wednesday, February 23, 2022 6:30pm Circle C HOA Board Meeting

February 2022

www.circlecranch.com

Annual Assessments

CCHOA Board Meeting

Annual assessments for 2022 will be mailed on the 1st of February and are due on March 1st. Ballots and proxies for the election of HOA Board Members will be printed on the back of the assessments, and the election will be held at the virtual Annual Meeting on March 23rd. There are three available options to pay your assessments:

The Circle C HOA Board of Directors usually meets the last Wednesday of the month at 6:30pm. The next scheduled HOA meeting is on Wednesday, February 23, 2022.

• Mail your check to PO Box 163541, Austin, TX 78716 • Make your payment using Bill Pay through your financial institution. • Use the “On-line Payment” option through the Circle C HOA website. (There is a 2% convenience fee for this option.) Payments will NOT be accepted at the HOA Office or in the drop box outside the office. Please do not staple your check to your invoice. Please do not postdate your check. If you have questions regarding your assessment, please contact the financial office at 512-451-9901.

Annual Report to the Membership The 2021 Annual Report to the membership from the Board of Directors will be printed in the March 2022 newsletter. A copy will also be posted on our website and available at the HOA office during the month of March 2022.

Links to the Zoom meetings and meeting agendas may be found at our website at www. circlecranch.com under the “Resources” tab. Homeowners must be logged onto the site to view agendas and find the link to the Zoom meetings. Homeowners may sign up to speak at the meeting by calling the Circle C HOA manager, Karen, at 512-288-8663 or emailing info@circlecranch.info.

HOA Board Member Election & Annual Meeting The HOA Board Member election will be held at the virtual Annual Meeting on March 23rd. More information can be found on the website at www.circlecranch.com under the “Resources” tab. For any questions or concerns, please call our Circle C HOA manager, Karen, at 512-2888663 or email her at info@circlecranch.info.

Electronic Voting The Circle C HOA Board is pleased to offer electronic voting again this year. Those who have provided email addresses will receive an email invitation to vote. If you have not yet Continued on Page 3

Meet Your HOA Board Candidates

February is Black History Month

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Continued on Page 3 Notable Circle C Teenage Circle C Ranch Newsletter - February 2022 Residents Job Seekers PAGE 11

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Circle C Ranch Newsletter February 2022

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provided a valid email address, please visit the HOA website at www. circlecranch.com and click on the “Voter Registration” button. You will need your “unique code” which can be found on your semiannual billing statement. Voting by paper ballot is another option. Election ballots/proxies are located on the back of the semi-annual statements and are due by March 16, 2022. For a replacement absentee ballot/proxy, please email info@circlecranch.info or call 512-288-8663.

In this Issue

HOA Mgmt Office................................. info@circlecranch.info or 512.288.8663 HOA Financial Office................................tgiles@mgilescpa.com or 512.451.9901 Aquatics Director....................................... director@ccswim.net or 512.288.4239 Newsletter Publisher Peel, Inc....................................................advertising@PEELinc.com or 512.263.9181 Circle C Amenities Circle C Avaña Pool.........................................................................512.292.1518 Circle C Café...................................................................................512.288.6058 Circle C CDC..................................................................................512.288.9792 Circle C Swim Center......................................................................512.363.5578 Circle C Community Center Pool....................................................512.301.8259 Grey Rock Golf Course (City Owned/Operated)................................512.288.4297 Grey Rock Tennis Club....................................................................512.301.8685 Circle C Grey Rock Pool..................................................................512.291.8398

Wastewater Averaging

CIRCLE C GATED COMMUNITIES Enclave off Spruce Canyon Spectrum Management...................................Colleen Pritchard, 512.834.3900 Enclave off of La Crosse Relevant Management................................................... Kim Todd, 512.580.4212 Fairways Estates Spectrum Management...................................Colleen Pritchard, 512.834.3900 Park West Goodwin Management...................................Marilyn Childress 512.502.7509 Hillside Estates Real Manage.................................................. Christine Gamache, 866.473.2573 Avana Estates Relevant Management................................................ Kim Todd, 512.580.4212 Muirfield Real Management.......................................... Victoria Escamilla, 866.473.2573

Wastewater averaging is calculated during winter months when outdoor watering is not utilized so most residential water goes directly into the sanitary sewer system. Water used during the averaging period will determine wastewater charges for most customers for the upcoming service year. All outside watering during this averaging period will be included in the wastewater average. It is best to turn off irrigation systems during these months to avoid extra costs.

Russ Hodes ……........………………………….....……President Natalie Placer McClure………………………........Vice President Michael Chu ……………………………………….......Treasurer Trinh Bartlett…………………………………………...Secretary Stephen Bega, Theresa Bastian and Jason Bram—Board Members Contact the Board at: directors@circlecranch.info

Meet Your HOA Board Candidates Read about the candidates running for our HOA Board February is Black History Month What is Black History Month and how can we get involved? Notable Residents – Jennifer Findley Murphy Volunteering as a Big Brother or Big Sister can make a difference in the lives of both the “Littles” and the “Bigs”

The wastewater averaging period for Austin spans 3 consecutive billing periods beginning in mid-November and ending in midMarch. Visit www.austintexas.gov/wastewateraveraging for more information. Lower Your Wastewater Costs To help conserve water in the winter months and lower wastewater average, follow these basic water-saving tips: • Check for leaks in irrigation systems and turn them off for fall and winter months. • Inspect and repair all leaky faucets and toilets. • Wait for full loads to utilize dishwashers or washing machines. • Take shorter showers. Placing a timer in the bathroom helps. • Look for the Watersense label on all new appliances that use water. • Visit WaterWiseAustin.org to learn more water conservation tips and possible rebate programs. Continued on Page 4

City of Austin Solid Waste................................................512.974.1945 Dead Animal Collection....................................................512.974.2000 Abandoned Vehicle............................................................512.974.8119 Pothole Complaints...........................................................512.974.8750 Stop Signs.........................................................................512.457.4885 Street Light Maintenance..................................................................311 Schools Clayton Elementary..................................................512.841.9200 Kiker Elementary......................................................512.414.2584 Mills Elementary.......................................................512.841.2400 Bear Creek Elementary..............................................512.414.0040 Cowan Elementary....................................................512.841.2700 Bailey Middle............................................................512.414.4990 Gorzycki Middle School............................................512.841.8600 Bowie High School...................................................512.414.5247 UTILITY PROVIDERS Electric Pedernales Elec.................................................... 512.219.2602 City of Austin. .................................................................512.494.9400 Texas Gas Service .............................................................800.700.2443 Water City of Austin ........................................................512.972.1000 MidTex Water Company...................................................866.654.7992 Solid Waste City of Austin ...............................................512.974.1945 Post Office Oak Hill Station .............................................800.275.8777 Circle C Ranch Newsletter - February 2022

Around Circle C/Aquatics CIRCLE C AQUATICS NEWS LIFEGUARDS – 2022 Lifeguard classes will start at the end of February! Applicants ages 15 and older can email Amanda at coordinator@ccswim. net for scheduling, pricing, and registration. Lifeguard positions available starting at $15.00/hour. We are also hiring for the front desk and will be looking for swim instructors soon!

ADULT MASTERS SWIMMING – REGISTRATION OPEN Masters Swimming is back! Masters Swimming is an adult technique and conditioning program. Come join Coach Amy and Coach J for a Masters swim workout on Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays from 8a-9:30a and Saturdays from 11a-12p! Email Amanda at coordinator@ccswim.net for registration information. This is for adults of all abilities.

HOURS OF OPERATION - winter 2022 Facility

Schedule Details

SWIM CENTER

OPEN LAP SWIM

JAN 3 - MAR 11 *Lap Swim Only*

Monday-Friday: 6a-9:30a, 4p-8p Saturday: 8a-1p Sunday: Closed

AVAÑA

CLOSED FOR SEASON

GREYROCK

CLOSED FOR SEASON

COMMUNITY CENTER

CLOSED FOR SEASON

At no time will any source be allowed to use the Circle C Ranch Newsletter's contents, or loan said contents, to others in any way, shape or form, nor in any media, website, print, film, e-mail, electrostatic copy, fax, or etc. for the purpose of solicitation, commercial use, or any use for profit, political campaigns, or other self amplification, under penalty of law without written or expressed permission from Peel, Inc. The information in the Circle C Ranch Newsletter is exclusively for the private use of the Circle C HOA and Peel, Inc. DISCLAIMER: The Circle C (HOA) has partnered with Peel, Inc. to publish our monthly newsletter gratis for our residents. We target our content to keep homeowners updated on appropriate Circle C announcements and notices. In addition to the printed version, residents may find past newsletters on the Peel.com website with a search for “Circle C.” However, the most current news and announcements may be found at www.circlecranch.com. Articles herein are intended to offer information that might be of use to our residents and to share current or historical events. We do not provide legal, medical, or expert advice but welcome input from our neighbors with expertise. We would love to hear from you! If any of our residents have an idea for an article or would like to nominate a neighborhood teenager or volunteer for a featured article, please feel free to reach out to our HOA manager at info@circlecranch. info or call 512-288-8663. Please note that, in an effort to not interfere with our advertisers that fund this publication, we may not promote or mention businesses. We also do not publish letters or op-eds because we wish to keep our newsletter factual and neutral. Thank you for being a part of our community.

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Request for Nominations We are always interested in nominations of our wonderful residents for our recurring features below: “Spotlight on a Circle C Teen”—If you know impressive neighborhood teenagers that might be interested in being featured in an article showcasing their accomplishments, please feel free to reach out to us at the contact information below. “Angels Among Us”—Also, if you know extraordinary residents that are changing lives in some way, please reach out to us for consideration in our “Angels Among Us” recurring feature. “Notable Residents”—We would love to feature residents with unique and interesting pasts. Please feel free to reach out to us with nominations of residents whose stories might be of interest to our community. We especially love stories of our veterans.

About our Newsletter The Circle C Homeowners Association (HOA) has partnered with Peel, Inc. to publish our monthly newsletter gratis for our residents. We target our content to keep homeowners updated on appropriate Circle C announcements and notices. In addition to the printed version, residents may find past newsletters on the Peel.com website with a search for “Circle C.” However, the most current news and announcements may be found at https://CircleCRanch.com. Please note that, in an effort not to interfere with our advertisers that fund this publication, we may not promote or mention businesses. We also do not publish letters or op-eds because we wish to keep our newsletter factual and neutral. Thank you for your understanding and for being a part of our community. Articles herein are intended to offer information that might be of use to our residents and to share current or historical events. We do not provide legal, medical, or expert advice but welcome input from our neighbors with expertise. We would love to hear from you!

Inclusivity Our Circle C HOA strives to be inclusive of all our residents. If there is an important religious event or cultural event that our residents wish to see on our newsletter calendar, please contact us at the email addresses below with information about the event along with historical relevance so we may consider adding the event.

Contact Information Our Circle C HOA manager may be reached by email at info@ circlecranch.info or by phone at 512-288-8663. Our newsletter writer may be reached at CCWriter@circlecranch. info. Copyright © 2022 Peel, Inc.

Around Circle C

Meet Your 2022 HOA This year we have 3 open spots for our Circle C HOA Board members and residents have submitted applications. Please read the short biographies they have provided and vote for your 3 candidates of choice. Residents that have provided email addresses will receive an email invitation to vote for their candidates of choice. Otherwise, paper ballots are accepted and may be found on the back of the semiannual assessments mailed to residents on February 1st. Below are our candidates and their submitted biographies. All votes must be submitted by March 16, 2022.

Stephen Bega I grew up in the town of Elgin, Texas – the Sausage Capital of Texas. I graduated from Elgin High School and attended Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas. I then graduated from the University of New Mexico School of Law in Albuquerque. I have been a practicing attorney since 1999. My career brought me to Austin in 2002. I lived and served on the New Villages at Western Oaks HOA from 2004-2008. I served as President of Oak Hill Youth Sports Association and other positions from 20052015. All of my kids were active in youth sports, orchestra, dance, cheer, yearbook and other school activities at Mills, Clayton, Gorzycki and Bowie High School. All of my kids have graduated and are either working or attending college. I now live with my wife Janine La Barbara, and focus on my legal career involving civil cases. On occasion, I enjoy running through the neighborhood. I was appointed to complete the vacancy left by another Board of Director for the Circle C Homeowners Association in July 2021. In my six months on the Board, I have quickly learned the ins and outs of our homeowner’s association and learned about the challenges and needs of our community. I am now immersed into our Copyright © 2022 Peel, Inc.

Board Candidates community and look forward to continuing to help manage and guide our residents.

Mark Blanton I am happy to call Circle C home, along with my wife and our son who is arriving in February. The warm community intermixed with the green spaces and smiling faces of the neighborhood are an excellent center from which we live our lives. I currently employed as a leader at Oracle where I help large enterprises run their operations. This requires the skillsets of understanding complex challenges with multiple stakeholders rapidly, creating teams to meet those challenges and project management to keep the team aligned to stakeholder objectives and project timelines. I believe this expertise would be of a great benefit to the Circle C HOA Board as the Board governs and addresses the challenges of the Community.

Bradley Bush I grew up in south Austin and graduated from Bowie High School. I attended the McCombs School of Business at The University of Texas at Austin where I obtained a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a major in finance and a minor in management information systems. I then obtained a masters degree in business administration from Texas State University – San Marcos. After studying business, I attended the Texas Tech University School of Law and graduated with a doctor of jurisprudence. I have been an attorney since 2007 practicing primarily in the area of civil litigation defense. During this time, I have had the opportunity to work with a lot of amazing individuals and develop skills that I believe

representing my clients to looking out for the best interests of Circle C’s residents.

Kimberly De La Garza Born: Dallas Tx Married: Yes, 17 years Children: 3 Dogs: 1 Undergrad: B.A. English, UT 2000 Post-Grad: J.D., SMU Law, 2003 Astrological Sign: Pisces Career: Real Estate, Banking and Business Attorney, 18 years CC Ranch Resident: 9 years Current Volunteer Work: Nan Clayton Elementary PTA, Executive Board member, 2016- present

David LaChance I have a Master's i n P u b l i c Administration from Texas A&M University. For the first 14 years of my career I worked in Semiconductor in Supply Chain Planning/ Purchasing, IT, Training, and Project Management. Most recently, I have been a project manager with the state for the statewide Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) implementation, business process improvement, numerous infrastructure projects, and large scale tax application build and upgrades. I work with and get consensus from business, security, and IT to schedule, budget, and execute multimillion dollar projects, on time, on budget and to spec. I have lived in Circle C now for 3 years, but have lived in Austin since the early 90s. I would like to serve my neighborhood, neighbors, and Circle C with the experiences that have gotten me where I am in my career.

Circle C Ranch Newsletter - February 2022

Around Circle C

Educating Ourselves is One of The Best Ways to Celebrate This A Little About the National History of Black History Month: Black History Month, also known as African American History Month, began in 1926 originally as just one week—the second week of February—to recognize and celebrate the achievements of Black people in America, but its origins date back farther than that.

(ASNLH) before the exposition ended. The following year, he founded The Journal of Negro History (later renamed The Journal of African American History). The journal was intended to promote the achievements of Black people as Dr. Woodson believed that this would inspire more Black people to achieve successes. After a ten-year successful run of the journal, Dr. Woodson—acting as president and founder of ASNLH—sent a press release, declaring the second week of February in 1926 to be “Negro History Week.” The same week just so happened to be one already celebrated by Black people for over 3 decades at that time as it included the birthdays of two significant men that contributed to the progress of Black people: Abraham Lincoln (February 12) and Fredrick Douglas (February 14).

In 1915—the 50th year after Abraham Lincoln’s death—the City of Chicago hosted a month-long National Half-Century Anniversary Exposition to commemorate the emancipation and progress of African Americans since the end of slavery. The exposition was such a success that up to 12,000 people waited outside the Coliseum for their turns to enter! Having just earned a PhD from Harvard (the second Black man to do so after W. E. B. DuBois), Dr. Carter G. Woodson noted the crowds and realized there was a national interest in the progress of Black people. He wasted no time and formed the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History

A strong believer in education, Dr. Carter G. Woodson supplied posters and other teaching materials to educators, assisting them in promoting “Negro History Week” to children and encouraging them to teach not only about Lincoln and Douglas but about more current day Black people achieving success and making a difference. The interest in celebrating the history and accomplishments of Black people grew each year, and by the 1960s, colleges and universities across the nation lengthened the time frame from one week to a month-long celebration. The month of February was officially declared as “Black History Month” on February 10, 1976, by then-President Gerald Ford, who stated that this was an “opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”

Dr. Carter G. Woodson is now known as the “Father of Black History” in our nation.

A Little About Austin’s Own Black History In 1876, a Methodist minister from Dallas, Reverend George Warren Richardson, moved his formal school for Black youth from Dallas to an East Austin church (now known as Wesley United Methodist Church), offering a formal education to Black children in East Austin. The school was renamed Sam Huston College in 1887 and was chartered in 1910 as a private educational corporation in Texas. On January 17, 1881, Tillotson Collegiate and Normal Institute (chartered in 1877) opened as a formal, coeducational institute of learning for Black people, training future teachers. One hundred students, both boys and girls, were enrolled by the end of the first year. In 1909, the school was renamed Tillotson College, a “normal school” for the training of teachers for the Black community. In 1952, the two schools merged to form Huston-Tillotson College: the only provider of higher education for African Americans in Central Texas until 1954, when the ruling in Brown v. Board of Education declared racial segregation as unconstitutional. While the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) was founded on February 12, 1909 (the 100-year anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birthday), the Austin NAACP branch was formed ten years later, in 1919. “We have a very old branch,” reflects Austin’s NAACP branch President, Nelson Linder, in an interview with us. “The branch opened here in 1919 to address racism, voter suppression, and intimidation. It was very dangerous Continued on Page 10

Circle C Ranch Newsletter February 2022

Around Circle C

Circle C Ranch Newsletter - February 2022

Circle C Ranch Newsletter February 2022

Circle C Ranch Newsletter - February 2022

News You Can Use Continued from Page 6

here. State officials were taking membership lists from them [the NAACP] and shutting branches down.” “We also experienced a lot of tragedy during our formation in 1919,” continues Mr. Linder. “One of our [NAACP] national officers, an Irishman named John Shillady, came here to Austin to address racism and the intimidation tactics of state officials against our members. He was physically attacked by a judge and other city officials when he arrived. He almost lost his life downtown, here in Austin, Texas. He died a year later.” In 1953, two years before Rosa Parks and Claudette Colvin, a Black Austin woman named Myrtle Washington was arrested in Austin for violating the 1945 Jim Crow law by refusing to move to the back of the bus when asked by an Austin Transit Bus Driver to do so. She was represented by the NAACP in Austin. In August 1955, the Austin School Board ordered that racial barriers must be removed at Austin high schools. Governor Allan Shivers responded soon after by issuing a warning to Texas school districts, stating they may be “jeopardizing the funds they are eligible to receive under the Gilmer-Aikin program if integration is prematurely effected.”

Circle C Ranch Newsletter February 2022

In 1956, for the first time, all-white high schools in Austin were integrated by 13 Black high school students: 7 went to Stephen F. Austin, 5 to William B. Travis, and 1 to A. N. McCallum High School. When asked what his greatest dream is, Mr. Linder from the NAACP replies that his hope is to make a small request. Like Dr. Carter G. Woodson (one of his heroes), Mr. Linder asks that we acknowledge our history and include people of color in our history. “All I really hope for is for people to educate themselves on Black people and other people of color, noting the contributions we made for this country. We’ve done so much for this country.” This does seem like a small request. For some reason, however, people don’t want to include us in history books and lessons. Critical Race Theory has become such a controversial topic. We aren’t asking to rewrite history in any way. We just want more facts included and not to be left out. When people understand all the good we’ve done, maybe they will be more understanding.” Sources used in this article are available on request. Please email CCWriter@CircleCRanch.info

Around Circle C

Notable Residents of Circle C The story of Circle C resident, Jennifer Findley Murphy and her work with Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Central Texas. The story of Circle C resident Jennifer Findley Murphy and her work with Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Central Texas. Jennifer’s first job out of college was that of a Match Support Specialist (MSS) at Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Central Texas. (BBBS). “My friend Emma worked there and thought I would be a good fit option for the open position,” she tells us. “We had previously been Capitol Tour Guides together, so the idea of getting to keep working with my best friend was very appealing.” BBBS is an organization founded in 1904 by Ernest Coulter. He had worked as a court clerk in New York and wanted to help children that went through the New York court system, so he started a mentor program, pairing volunteers to serve as caring role models for these children. Two years prior, in 1902, Ernest had organized, New York Children’s Court: Ladies of Charity, then renamed it, Catholic Big Sisters of New York. Ernest wanted to help the boys as well, so in 1904, he matched 39 boys, each with a male volunteer, calling them the Big Brothers. By 1912, the New York Times reported Big Brothers in 26 cities. Inspired by the success of these Big Brothers, Ernest began to tour other cities to speak about this mentor program, teaching others how they could help these children. Gradually, the Catholic Big Sisters charity and the Big Brothers program morphed into one Big Brothers and Big Sisters organization with its first national conference in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 1917. Six years later, in 1923, Theodore Roosevelt, Jr. became the treasurer of the Big Brothers and Big Sisters Federation, and in 1925, two years later, President Calvin Coolidge was named patron of the Big Brothers and Big Sisters Federation. President and Mrs. Franklin D. Roosevelt were named as patrons of the Federation in 1934, and Norman Rockwell created a sketch for the Big Brothers Association. By 1998, BBBS went international. Other U.S. presidents, like Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama, acknowledge the BBBS program and the importance of mentoring others. In 2012, a Youth Outcomes Survey (YOS) Report noted the results for three outcome areas, highlighting the changes in these children’s educational success, avoidance of risky behaviors, and socioemotional competency.

for positive outcomes for children in our community,” she states. “BBBS was FUN! I loved getting to meet and create relationships with so many different people in our community.” Jennifer would visit the homes and schools of the children, getting to know them before matching them with their mentors. “Easily, my favorite part was introducing the children to their ‘Bigs!’” “I would arrive at the child’s home before the Big to go over the process with the families. The children would usually be vibrating with excitement! They would peek out the window, jump around, hide, and scream when the Big finally arrived. The first ‘meet and greet’ was always a good time.” Training the new volunteer mentor was another part of Jennifer’s job that she loved. “Every match is supported throughout the process by an MSS. The MSS checks in with the child, the caregiver, and the volunteer on a regular basis to ensure that the commitment is being met and that the match is developing in a healthy way. Every MSS carries a caseload of matches throughout the relationship.” “There was no shortage of events,” states Jennifer. She helped to start a “Big Talk Network Happy Hour” for volunteers so they could meet one another and share their stories and ideas for helping. BBBS also hosted Lake Days and holiday parties at County Line for their matches and families. Jennifer also experienced drawbacks with her job as well. “When matches just don’t work or fall apart . . . that was always disappointing, especially when either party just stops communicating instead of closing out the match properly.” When that does happen, the enrollment team searches for another fit to match with the child. “Any time you work with children, things will come up that are hard to hear or understand. Honestly, I think my time at BBBS was what really motivated me to engage, professionally, in the fight to protect children. Jennifer distinctly remembers her very first call to a volunteer mentor in 2006. It was to a guy named Dale. He was experiencing troubles with his match, and she thought she had to try to repair it. “I was a brand new, ‘baby MSS’, trying to save the day.” She was told not to worry, however, as Dale was the “nicest guy ever!’” The call did not go well. “I couldn’t even understand him because he was talking so fast!” Her job, along with her first interaction with a volunteer, set her off to a bumpy start. Continued on Page 12

In 2006, Jennifer Findley Murphy, having just graduated from the University of Texas, was hired as a Match Support Specialist BBBS of Central Texas. “My educational background focused on child development, and I have always had a passion Copyright © 2022 Peel, Inc.

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Desi and her Big Sister Jennifer

BBBS held an event at Home Slice Pizza later that year, and Jennifer was placed in charge of running the children’s bouncy castle. Next to her was a dough-throwing station. The guy working it, Jennifer noticed, was “very attractive.”

perfect,” Jennifer states. “They got along so well and had so many similar interests, but unfortunately, that child moved away. It was really sad, but at least they were able to say goodbye to each other and keep in touch for a while.”

That attractive guy turned out to be Dale. “If you’ve met me, you know that I have a tendency to be AWKWARD!” Jennifer emphasizes. Dale approached her and she simply froze. “Dale kept trying to talk to me and I just fumbled all over myself. I also had children flying out of the bouncy house every other minute and I had to catch them and toss them back in.”

Dale’s third match with Desi’s brother Devan turned out to be a great match as well. They went rock-climbing together, played basketball, went out to eat and to the movies, and Dale even took him in an airplane with him. “Dale has a private pilot’s license,” says Jennifer, “so he rented a plane to take Devan for lunch in Brenham. Hands down, that was their favorite activity together!”

The next time Jennifer saw her supervisor, she told her, “I’m going to marry Dale Murphy!” The problem was, Dale didn’t think she liked him.

Dale and his little brother

One of the families on Jennifer’s caseload had children that needed matching. So, Jennifer spoke with their grandmother, Anita, several times. One day, in April 2006, Jennifer had to visit the house to complete some paperwork and Anita told her about her 9-year-old granddaughter, Desiree (Desi), who had two Big Sisters (Bigs) that bailed on her without even saying goodbye. Desi was still sad about it. Jennifer was heartbroken on Desi’s behalf, and even though Jennifer had not met Desi, she states, “I just fell in love with this little girl!” Jennifer returned to her supervisor and immediately requested to be matched with Desi as her Big. “This was not a common situation, but because I hadn’t met her yet, I was approved to volunteer as a match as long as Anita was OK with it.” Anita made Jennifer promise to never abandon Desi. Jennifer proudly tells us, “And I haven’t, to this day!”

Desi and her Big Sister Jennifer

Circle C Ranch Newsletter February 2022

Desi’s siblings, two brothers, were also in the program and one of them needed a new match. Dale Murphy was assigned as a match for one of the brothers. It was his third match. His first Little, it turned out, hadn’t wanted to be in the program and wouldn’t participate, so he was assigned another match. “His second match was

Dale and his Little also joined in activities together with the family, including their Bigs. “We would frequently do group outings, like laser tag or bowling, with all three of the matches in the family.” Jennifer and Dale grew to become friends. One day, the family (Anita, the three Bigs and three Littles) decided to celebrate Christmas by going ice skating together on top of Whole Foods downtown. “I pretended I was WAY worse of a skater than I really was so that maybe Dale would help me. Sure enough, after my first fall, he started holding my hand. Desi’s grandmother LOVED it.” After a few years of friendship (and a little flirting), Jennifer and Dale finally began dating. Eventually, they did get married. As Desi and her brother Devan both aged out of the program by completing high school, their activities with Jennifer and Dale continued. “Every birthday, we would go get sushi together,” explains Jennifer. “We used to go see every Twilight movie together at Alamo Drafthouse. Then, we’d talk about toxic relationships, red flags, stalkers, and why they thought that vampires would sparkle. We have also spent hours over the years talking about the importance of voting and not becoming apathetic. Proud to say she is a voter and lets me know every time she does so that I don’t badger her about it!” Continued on Page 13 Copyright © 2022 Peel, Inc.

her grandmother proud— and she is now applying for jobs. “I’m a reference for her, which has been really fun,” says Jennifer. The two see each other every time Desi returns to Austin and they still talk and text often. “Desi was an amazing kid, a lovely teenager, and is an absolutely glorious young woman! We got along right away, and she has always been someone I have admired. We had our ups and downs at times, like when I wasn’t available to hang as much, or she wasn’t in the mood to talk, but never anything problematic or overly challenging.” Although Jennifer still loves the BBBS organization and is a huge advocate for it, she moved on as well, continuing on her journey to remain a champion for children. “After BBBS, I worked in the shelter at SafePlace (now SAFE) as a Family Advocate. I then joined the fantastic team at The Center for Child Protection as a Senior Forensic Jennifer and Desi at Interviewer. Most recently, I was a Senior Desi's Graduation Victim/Witness Counselor at the Travis County District Attorney’s Office for 7 years. Continued from Page 12 Currently, I have been afforded an incredible After Desi graduated from high school, she and very much needed healing opportunity went to college at the University of North to take a break from the work force and focus Texas. BBBS provides college scholarships to on what I really want to do next.” every child that goes through their program. Jennifer has a message for those considering Their promise to the children starts in middle volunteering with BBBS. school. “I think it’s very important to truly check in “My all-time favorite time spent with Desi with yourself before deciding to volunteer. The was the sleepover we had before she went time commitment is definitely manageable, away to college. It was a long night filled with but if now isn’t the right time, wait until it is. belly laughs and nonsense together.” Kids are very perceptive, and inconsistency Desi was in her early years of college when or abandonment can be detrimental. tragedy struck the family. Her grandmother, The enrollment process is very thorough, a breast cancer survivor, was diagnosed so if you are considering it, call the agency with an additional cancer, lung cancer, that and talk to someone about how the program metastasized to her brain. really looks. “The loss of Desi’s grandmother was, I think, Be honest about your expectations, the hardest thing we all had to endure. It availability, religious/cultural views, etc. was absolutely heartbreaking to lose such a when interviewing. It’s such a fun program fierce and stable fixture in our lives. After the with so many ways to spend time together funeral, we hosted the family here in Vintage that don’t have to involve a great deal of time Place and had a lovely night remembering or money. It’s also a really fun way to get to and honoring this powerful woman. I still go do all the things that you wouldn’t likely hear her voice in my head when I’m trying to do as an adult!” make decisions or I’m doing something she For residents that want to help but aren’t wouldn’t approve of.” sure about the time commitment or if the Desi has since graduated from college—an program is a right fit, one way to get to know accomplishment that would have likely made BBBS and the people involved is to help with Copyright © 2022 Peel, Inc.

their fundraiser, Bowl for Kids’ Sake (BFKS). BFKS is one of Jennifer and Dale’s favorite activities with the program. “Bowl for Kids is a massive fundraiser for BBBS and is SO fun!” Jennifer explains. “If you haven’t done it before, now is the time to sign up! www.BigMentoring.org/ bowl-for-kids/ ” Dale was heavily involved in the fundraising with BFKS for many years. “He would organize hundreds of teams together for them through the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE).” Jennifer ponders for a moment, then has an idea: “Maybe Circle C can form some teams together!” This year’s BFKS is April 22 & 23, 2022. Their phone number is: 512-472-5437. Jennifer is also willing to be contacted for any questions concerning BBBS. Her email is JeniFindley@gmail.com

Bowl For Kids April 22 & 23, 2022 512-472-5437

Circle C Ranch Newsletter - February 2022

TEENAGE JOB SEEKERS Name

Age

Baby Sit

Pet Sit

House Sit

Yard Work

Phone

Abrameit, Kyle.....................17................................. *...................*...................... ...512.999.0337 Aguilar, Jacob........................15................................. *...................*...................... ...619-713-4469 Artigas, Emilio......................17................................. *.......................................... ...512.634.7416 Baird, Olivia.........................15.............. *..................................................................5 12.773.5443 Brauer, Nina .....................15.................................*..................................512.565.4480 Campsmith, Lucy ............14.................................*..................................512-852-9846 Chatelain, Christelle*...........18.............. *................. *.......................................... ...512.963.3218 Cox, Claire*^........................18.............. *................................................. ...........512.644.4550 Cox, Ben*^...........................17.............. *................. *.. ............*.................512.963.9464 Eis, Ella*^.............................15.............. *................. *......................................... ...512.550.3422 Franke, Caroline*^...............15.............. *............................................................. ...512.590.1112 Havranek, Katie...................19.............. *................. *...................*...................... ...512.940.1671 Hoard, Jed*^........................19.............. *................. *...................*...................... ...512.656.0836 Hurd, Palmer........................ 16............. *................. *...................*... .................512.423.0737 Kaplan, Ben........................ 14............ *.................*..................*....................512.296.7548 Lim, Jacy *^..........................19.............. *................. *...................*.................... .. ....512.744.7338 Mahoney, Nicholas*............16.............. *................. *...................*.................... .* ..512.569.1823 Marzani, Jackson..................17.............. *................. *...................*.................... .. ..512-521-2474 McCurdy, Summer*+..........14.............. *...................................... .. ..................832.683.7759 Melsa, Olivia.........................19.............. *................. *...................*...................... ...512.576.9225 Mermis, Ana*^.....................17.............. *................. *...................*...................... ...512.529.7458 Mouw, Ella*..........................19.............. *................. *.......................................... ...512.987.0421 Parker, Mia...........................15................................. *..................................,,.*....512-565-4480 Patterson, Makena...............19.............. *................. *...................... .................512.506.1225 Salazar, Marisa*.....................19.............. *................. *...................*.................... .. ....512.288.9951 Terracina, Grace................... 19............. *................. *................... .* ...................512.988.7471 Terracina, Nicholas..............19................................. *................................................5 12.301.3068 Trautman, Parker.................14................................. *........................................ .. ....512.299.3117

Circle C Ranch Newsletter February 2022

Name

Age

Baby Sit

Pet Sit

House Sit

Yard Work

Phone

Waltuck, Ella........................ 16............. *................. *.. ............*............512.658.4554 Wilson, Jake.......................... 16............. *................. *.. ............*...........*512.695.8278

OTHER SERVICES Name Age

Services

Phone

Aguilar, Jacob......................15.............. .Yardwork & Power Washing............ 619-713-4469 Andrusiank, Sophia............15...................Mother's Helper............................ 512.634.7416 Brauer, Nina........................14.............. .MH/Tutor K-5 all subjects............. ...512.565.4480 Cox, Ben...........................16.........................Tutoring...........................512.963.9464 Hurd, Palmer......................15.......Clarinet/Piano/Math Tutor K-8.. ............512.423.0737 Kissinger, Aspen.............. 19..................... Tutor K-7............................... 512.961.2267 Laird, Caden.....................16...............Powerwash Services.......................5 12.468.7678 Latawa, Pari.......................17...............Tutor K-8th................................. .7 13-972-2217 Mahoney, Nicholas.......... 16... Tutor grades k-5; Beg. Mandarin........... .512.569.1823 Marzani, Jackson..................16..............Pressure Washing Service................ 512-521-2474 Patterson, Makena........... 19...............Tutor Grades K-5.........................512.506.1225 Wilson Jake..................... 16.....................Yard Work.............................. 512.695.8278

Circle C Ranch Newsletter - February 2022

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Circle C Ranch Newsletter February 2022