Circle C - May 2022 by Peel, Inc.

Volume 19, Number 05

May 2022

www.circlecranch.com

may news & Announcements Important Dates for April 2022 Sunday, May 1, 2022 May Day—Celebrations are thrown to honor spring in the Northern Hemisphere

Circle C Pool and Office Hours: Circle C Pool Hours are dependent on our staffing. To maintain our normal hours of operation,145 lifeguards are needed, and, at the time of this writing, the Circle C Aquatics Department is short-staffed by 100 lifeguards. Front office staff are also needed. We are hiring—from teens to seniors!

Wednesday, May 4, 2022: International Firefighters Day National Bike to School Day

Circle C Ranch pay for lifeguards starts at $15/hr and offers flexible hours. Online applications are available at cc.ninjagig.com. Please help spread the word.

Thursday, May 5, 2022 Cinco de Mayo – Celebration of Mexican victory over the French at Battle of Puebla

CCHOA Board Meeting:

Saturday, May 7, 2022 Texas Constitutional Amendment Election – You can vote at the Community Center Sunday, May 8, 2022 Mother’s Day Friday, May 13, 2022 Food Trailer Night – 5:00pm – 8:00pm Saturday, May 14, 2022 World Migratory Bird Day Wednesday, May 25, 2022 Circle C HOA Board Meeting via Zoom Friday, May 27, 2022 Last day of classes for AISD Monday, May 30, 2022 Memorial Day--HOA Office is closed

The Circle C HOA Board of Directors meeting is Wednesday, May 25, 2022, at 6:30pm via Zoom. Links to the Zoom meetings and the agendas may be found on the www.circlecranch.com website 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 HOA manager at 512-288-8663 or by emailing info@circlecranch.info.

In This Issue: The Importance of Lifeguards o May is National Drowning Prevention Month. o Read about why lifeguards at our pools are important. International Firefighters Day o Let’s celebrate our neighborhood firefighters on May 4, International Firefighters Day. Lights Out Texas! o Please help keep migrating birds alive by honoring the “Lights Out Texas” initiative and turn all outside lights off from April through June 15. Continued on Page 3

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Announcements - Continued from Cover

Blast Emails: Are you receiving the blast emails from the CCHOA? If not, you are probably not yet registered. If you would like to register, visit the www.circlecranch.com website and click on the member log-in at the top right corner of the page. The link will direct you to register and create a username and password. Once registered, you should receive occasional blast emails, access the member directory and other documents reserved for residents only.

Watering Restrictions: Please visit your water providers website to view current watering restrictions. City of Austin: http://www.austintexas.gov/department/ watering-restrictions Midtex: (South West Water Company): https://swwc.com/texas/ drought

Irrigation After Heavy Rains: Circle C has multiple City of Austin watershed retention ponds that capture storm water and reuse that water to irrigate the surrounding landscape. Because of this, it is very common to see water being sprayed after a heavy rain or storm. Rest assured; this is not city water being wasted. Instead, it is the repurposing of rainwater spread further into the landscape to prevent stagnant water buildup in the watershed. This procedure also helps to cut down on the number of mosquitos in summer months.

Requests 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 stories. 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.

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. Continued on Page 4

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

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

Theresa Bastian................................................................. President Stephen Bega............................................................ Vice-President David La Chance............................................................. Treasurer Trinh Bartlett................................................................... Secretary Russ Hodes, Jason Braum, & Kimberly De La Garza........Board Members Contact the Board at: directors@circlecranch.info 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 - May 2022

Around Circle C Announcements - Continued from page 3

About Our Newsletter:

Inclusivity:

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.

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.

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.

The Circle C Homeowners Association Annual Meeting was held on Wednesday, March 23rd via Zoom. We were able to meet our quorum requirement and with an overall quorum of 33.53%. Thank you to everyone who voted, submitted a proxy or quorum proxy. There were three open board seats up for election; congratulations to Stephen Bega, Kimberly De La Garza and David Lachance who were each elected to three-year terms! Check the official HOA website, www.circlecranch.com to see the PowerPoint slides and other information from the Annual Meeting listed in the Resource Center, click on the Resources tab on the main menu.

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!

Annual Meeting Recap

Continued on Page 5

Circle C Ranch Newsletter - May 2022

Announcements - Continued from page 4

New Board of Directors & Officers Named The CCHOA Board of Directors congratulates Stephen Bega on his re-election and newly elected Kimberly De La Garza and David Lachance. New officers of the association were named at the March Board Meeting and they are: Theresa Bastian – President Stephen Bega – Vice President David Lachance – Treasurer Trinh Bartlett – Secretary Jason Bram, Kimberly De La Garza and Russ Hodes. Board Members

Food Trailer Night & Rock & Restock Join us on Friday, May 13th from 5pm-8pm at the Community Center (Corner of Spruce Canyon and La Crosse) for good food, fun, activities and great company! Please remember glass is not permitted. We encourage neighbors to walk or ride to the party but ask that scooters, bikes, skateboards, etc not be ridden through the parking lot for the safety of those in attendance. Get all the details for the Food Trailers, Bands and more @www. HelloCircleC.com.

First ½ of Annual Assessment is now past due! Have you paid your assessment dues yet? They were due on March 1st. Remaining current with these dues allows residents access to the neighborhood amenities like the pools and the Community Center. All financial question should be directed to the financial office. If you did not receive a HOA assessment in the mail or cannot find your copy, please contact the Financial Office at 512-4519901 or via email at tgiles@mgilescpa.com. As a reminder, there are 3 available options to pay for assessments: • Mail your check to PO Box 163541, Austin, TX 78716. • Make your payment using Bill Pay through your financial institution (your account number is your property address). • Use the “On-line Payment” option at www.circlecranch.com 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. Copyright © 2022 Peel, Inc.

Circle C Ranch Newsletter - May 2022

Around Circle C 2022 UIL Choir Contest (Gorzycki MS Choir Results) After a choir's concert performance, choirs are also required to sight-sing a piece of music they have never seen before. They receive 6 minutes to chant and audiate the piece of music without singing. At the end of the six minutes, students are then allowed to sing the piece of music without any audible help from their director. After this is completed, students receive two more minutes to go over what needs to be fixed before singing it one more time without any audible help from the director.

For UIL Choir Contest, choirs are required to perform three song selections from the State UIL Prescribed Music Lists. Song selections are chosen by each school's director based on a school's size and whether or not a group is non-varsity, varsity, tenor-bass, treble, or a mixed choir. One of those song selections must also be a cappella.

Circle C Ranch Newsletter - May 2022

Choirs must receive a majority of superior scores (one's) from all six judges to receive a Sweepstakes trophy. This is the highest honor any choir may receive. On Thursday, March 31, Grace Notes (advanced girls choir) from Gorzycki MS went to Region 18 UIL Choir Contest at the AISD PAC and received this honor with glowing comments from their judges. Mr. Heckler, their director, is very proud of all of these students' hard work and accomplishments this year. This was the first time in three years that the Gorzycki MS Choir was finally able to compete in UIL Choir Contest due to complications related to COVID. What a way to start again!

Circle C Aquatics News Now Hiring for the 2022 Season

The Child Development Center is GROWING!

Lifeguard classes are now happening! Applicants ages 15 and older can email Amanda at coordinator@ccswim.net for scheduling, pricing, & registration. Lifeguard positions start at $15.00 per hour. We are also hiring positions for Front Desk and Swim Instructors. Visit www.circlecranch.com/apply to apply online.

Hours of Operation Our Spring hours for the Swim Center begin on March 12, 2022. Seasonal pools will reopen in May 2022.

Our new school will be opening just a hop, skip and a jump down LaCrosse Ave from our current building. The new building, CDC East, will be opening on August 15, 2022. Renovations have already begun on the interior of the building to get it ready for the upcoming school year. Our designer is working on plans for our new playgrounds and renderings will be available soon! To follow our progress, please visit our website under the “New Campus” tab at the top or https://thechilddevelopmentcenter. org/newschool/ The CDC East Campus will be an actual extension to our current CDC West Campus and will continue to follow the mission and vision of The Child Development Center preschool. Both campuses will continue with the same dynamic curriculum and NAEYC accreditation that we currently have. Each campus will have a mix of new and current CDC teachers and administrators. CDC East will serve infants through Pre-K.

Year-Round Youth Swimming – Open Enrollment Our year-round youth group swimming team, Circle C Select, is currently accepting new and returning swimmers. For more information on our swim team, including information on how to enroll, please visit www.circlecranch.com/select.

Adult Masters Swimming – Registration Open Masters Swimming is back! Masters Swimming is an adult technique and conditioning program. This program will help you learn how to swim faster and with less effort, in a fun, group environment. This is for adults of all abilities. Come join Coach Amy and Coach J for a Masters swim workout on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 8a-9:30a, and on Saturdays, 11a-12p. For more information, or to register, visit www.circlecranch. com/masters

Opening a second building has been a dream for many years! We are thrilled to offer quality early childhood education to many more families in our neighborhood! If you are interested in learning more about The Child Development Center or to join our waitlist, please visit our website www.thechilddevelopmentcenter.org or email Jennifer at jelegonye@circleccdc.org. You can also call us at 512-288-9792.

Teenage Job Seekers! Do you know a teenager who would like to earn some extra money? Babysitting, house sitting, pet sitting, yard work, & tutoring are just a few of the tasks that teen job seekers have been requesting. If you or someone you know is interested in being added to the list, please submit their name, number, contact information, and job interests to reservations@circlecranch. info. The information is published in the printed, hard copy of the monthly newsletter and is never accessible in the online edition. For questions or to get further information, please contact the Community Coordinator at the email above or call 512-288-8663. Circle C Ranch Newsletter - May 2022

Around Circle C

The Importance of Lifeguards Do we really need lifeguards at all of our pools? This question arises regularly among Circle C-ers, particularly in springtime before schools are out for summer. The answer lies not only in insurance regulations (because we have 2 pools that require lifeguards per state law), but also in the safety of our residents: both children and adults. Circle C Ranch has 4 pools—and approximately 18,000 residents. That’s a LOT of people. “We have heavy-use facilities that see over 80,000 entries each year,” states our Circle C Aquatics Director, Brody McKinley. “When you are dealing with that many people, there is always a higher chance of a rescue or first aid incident.” The Circle C pools alone average 25 water rescues each year and approximately 45 first aid incidents per year, according to Brody. That’s 25 swimmers—mainly kids—that need saving each year. Twenty-five lives that could have been lost, were it not for our lifeguards. Stop and think about that for a moment. Those kids could be your next-door neighbors, kids you might often see walking their dogs each day, or even your own kids. Imagine, if you will, a common poolside scenario: It’s a hot summer day and a Circle C parent brings his/her kids— and maybe a couple of those kids’ friends—to the neighborhood swimming pool. The kids see the cool water and rush to jump in. The parent understands the risks of drowning and continues to keep a vigilant eye on the kids in the water. After some time, an old friend/neighbor of this parent approaches him/her to say hello and catch up on news for a bit. While conversing, the responsible parent continues to carefully watch the kids but stops every so often to quickly make eye contact with their friend. At this point, the kids have been at the pool for a while and are beginning to calm down a little, thank goodness. They are much less of a worry than when they first arrived. The problem with this scenario is that calmer kids in the water are likely to be the ones struggling. While children may look peaceful treading the water, they could likely be using their last remaining energy on moving their arms and legs to keep their mouth above the water. What does drowning look like? Most often, by the time a child is drowning, there is very little visible movement above the water. If there is any splashing for help, it is very brief, only a few seconds, as the body automatically 8

Circle C Ranch Newsletter - May 2022

conserves energy to move arms laterally to keep the head above water. Drowning children often look like they are simply floating with their heads essentially motionless atop the water. Below the surface, however, their arms and legs work hard to keep them above the water so they may try to breathe. Most drowning children simply don’t have the energy or ability to splash or cry for help. “With the incidents at our facilities, the children slipped under the water silently and struggled below the surface of the water,” explains Brody. “There was no noise to indicate anything was wrong. Warning signs that a child is about to become a drowning victim include having their head tilted back, body in a vertical position, struggling below the surface of the water, unable to make any forward or upward progress.” Parents—and even lifeguards—can easily miss the signs of drowning in children. In June of 2008, for example, four-yearold Colin Holst entered the zero-entry depth level of the outdoor pool at Lifetime Fitness on South Mopac—just 4 miles from Circle C—while both his mother and her friend sat in lounge chairs beside him, watching him and his sister play in the shallow water. In a matter of mere minutes, Colin traveled from the zeroentry depth level to the 3’6” deep area where a mushroom splash attraction apparently blocked his view for a little more than 6 minutes. For the first few seconds, Colin did splash in distress, but it was brief, and outdoor surveillance cameras show that his drowning took approximately 6 minutes and 35 seconds before he was discovered motionless and pulled from the water. “Drowning children can only struggle on the surface of water for an average of 20 to 60 seconds before submersion occurs,” states Mario Vittone for SpotTheDrowningChild.com—a website dedicated to educating lifeguards and the public about signs of drowning The website also utilizes statistics to deliver a chilling message: “Of the approximately 750 children who will drown next year, about 375 of them will do so within 25 yards of a parent or other adult. In ten percent of those drownings, the adult will actually watch them do it, having no idea it is happening.” The 4 steps of drowning: While death by drowning is not instantaneous, the process—a form of suffocation—happens quickly. 1. The first step of the suffocation occurs when water enters the lungs. The drowning victim is caught by surprise and goes into a state of shock. The body becomes vertical and the victim Continued on Page 12

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Around Circle C

Circle C Ranch Newsletter - May 2022

Around Circle C

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Around Circle C Continued from Page 8

struggles to breath. This stage lasts less than 2 minutes (for kids it is usually less than 60 seconds) and is the only time when fear hits and splashing might occur. 2. As a self-defense mechanism, the small flap of tissue (epiglottis) that acts as a lid to keep the windpipe safe from food and water suddenly shuts tight. Unfortunately, this also prevents the victim from breathing or making any sounds. Without the ability to take in air, the victim suffers silently and without much movement until he or she passes out in the water. 3. Without oxygen to the brain or heart, the victim moves to a state of hypoxia (lack of oxygen) and may experience hypoxic convulsions (involuntary jerking, like with a seizure). The body may also turn blue. 4. Brain damage occurs and the heart does not have oxygen to pump to the organs; therefore, the circulation system shuts down and the victim experiences cardiac arrest. Because the body’s oxygen has been replaced with water, the body becomes heavier than water and sinks. When any of the above stages occur but the victim does not die, the drowning is considered a nonfatal drowning. Nonfatal drownings are of great concern because of the amount of permanent brain damage that can occur during those minutes when the victim is without oxygen. Nonfatal drownings and the “Arm’s Reach” rule: Because Circle C has cameras around our pools, Brody and his Aquatics Team use the footage from drowning saves for training purposes, “so our lifeguards can learn what to look for and how quickly this can happen,” says Karen Hibpshman, Circle C HOA Manager. Although, watching the camera footage from those incidents at the Circle C pools can be difficult to process. Karen shakes her head slowly as her voice lowers, “It’s the worst feeling in the world.” 12

Circle C Ranch Newsletter - May 2022

In the summer of 2015, there were 2 nonfatal drowning incidents within a close time frame at the Circle C pools. The first child went to Dell Children’s Hospital in an ambulance, but the second set of parents declined the ambulance. After those scares, the rules for young children at the pools toughened and the “Arm’s Reach” rule became strictly enforced. Parents of younger children must now remain within arm’s reach of their young swimmers. If this does not happen and if the child needs saving, the entire family may not use the pool for 30 days. Why Training Matters: Knowing what to look for and how to act quickly are crucial to saving a drowning victim. A few seconds of hesitation can make the difference in whether the child lives or dies. Many parents are unfamiliar with the signs of drowning, and this is why Brody takes his own and his lifeguards’ training seriously. As he strives to properly train our lifeguards, Brody maintains several certifications of his own in instructional training and pool management. Brody’s safety and instructional certifications include: •

American Red Cross certifications at the Instructor Level for Lifeguard Instructing (LGI),

•

First Aid Instructor

•

Lifeguard Instructor Trainer (LGIT)

•

C P R / A E D In s t r u c t o r f o r t h e Professional Rescuer

•

Administering Emergency Oxygen Instructor

•

Blood Borne Pathogen Response Instructor

•

Water Safety Instructor Trainer (WSIT)

•

Certified Pool Operator (CPO)

•

Certified Open Water Diver (SCUBA)

Lifeguards are a layer of protection: When a young child’s parent—along with 7 on-duty lifeguards at a Lifetime Fitness pool—can miss a child drowning, it becomes clear just how important proper training and quick responses matter to the lives of our family members. “There are layers of protection that lower the risks of drowning and injuries: lifeguards, parent supervision, swim lessons, life jackets . . . etc.,” explains Brody. All those layers must work in conjunction to help keep our children safe. While some communities don’t see a problem with a “No Lifeguard on Duty” approach to pools, our Circle C HOA is reluctant to go backwards. As Brody explains, “A lot of facilities that aren’t required to have lifeguards don’t do it because of the management, staffing, or financial requirements that are needed to start a lifeguarding program.” “We have lifeguards, we have the programs in place, we have the financial resources to do so, therefore it would be irresponsible and negligent of us not to provide this additional level of safety to all of our facilities.” If it takes a village to raise a child; it also takes several people to keep our children safe. Let’s not remove the best trained rescuers at our pools. It seems that—at least an average of 25 of us (and our respective families) per year do need lifeguards after all.

Circle C Ranch Newsletter - May 2022

Around Circle C SOUTH WEST AUSTIN TOASTMASTERS ANNOUNCEMENT If you're looking to improve your public speaking skills, develop personal leadership, and meet some interesting folks from our hood, check out the South West Austin Toastmasters (SWAT). The club meets every Wednesday at 6:30 pm. While current meetings are on Zoom, SWAT plans to resume hybrid in-person and virtual meetings at the Circle C Community Center later this spring. For more information on SWAT, or if you're interested in joining, please contact us through our website at https://southwestaustin. toastmastersclubs.org/

FREE, FUN FAMILY WORKSHOP FOR CONNECTION & FLOW Saturday, May 14, 2022 from 4:00pm-4:45pm at Circle C Community Center For kids ages 5-12 & their parent(s) Come join us for a unique workshop for families that combines mindfulness, movement, and social-emotional learning. Fun parent-child activities & tools will deepen family cooperation, communication, and connection and can be easily applied at home. Activities will be fun, light, and easy movement for kids and parents alike! This workshop will be led by: • Sensei Jonathan Hewitt, author of the award-winning book, Life Ki-do Parenting: Tools to Raise Happy Confident Kids from the Inside Out and Founder of Life Ki-do Martial Arts, Parenting & Life Education • Sensei Deven Penn, Lead Life Ki-do Instructor. This event is FREE but you must register for the event. For more information and to register, visit https://www.lifekido. com/free-family-workshop

TEENAGE JOB SEEKERS Name

Age

Baby Sit

Pet Sit

House Sit

Yard Work

Phone

Abrameit, Kyle.....................19................................. *...................*...................... ...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*^...............16.............. *............................................................. ...512.590.1112 Havranek, Katie...................19.............. *................. *...................*...................... ...512.940.1671 Hayes, Daphne.....................14.............. *................. *...................*...................... ...512.810.6885 Hoard, Jed*^........................19.............. *................. *...................*...................... ...512.656.0836 Hurd, Palmer........................ 16............. *................. *...................*... .................512.423.0737 Kaplan, Ben........................ 15............ *.................*..................*....................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 Mermis, Ana*^.....................18.............. *................. *...................*...................... ...512.529.7458 Mouw, Ella*..........................19.............. *................. *.......................................... ...512.987.0421 Parker, Mia...........................15................................. *..................................,,.*....512-565-4480 Terracina, Grace................... 19............. *................. *................... .* ...................512.988.7471 Trautman, Parker.................14................................. *........................................ .. ....512.299.3117

Circle C Ranch Newsletter - May 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 Hayes, Daphne...................14.............. .Dog Walk, Poop Scoop Yard.......... .. 512.810.6885 Hurd, Palmer......................15.......Clarinet/Piano/Math Tutor K-8.. ............512.423.0737 Laird, Caden.....................17...............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 Wilson Jake..................... 16.....................Yard Work.............................. 512.695.8278

International Firefighters’ Day - May 4 thank you cards, letters, and drawings— especially from children—are station favorites.

Austin Fire Station 43 On May 4, 1999, International Firefighters Day’ (IFFD) was inaugurated (see history below). In honor of this day, the Circle C Homeowners Association would like to acknowledge our neighborhood firefighters, fire specialists, lieutenants, and the captain at Austin Fire Station 43. For residents wishing to honor our firefighters at 11401 Escarpment Blvd. in 78739, we have been told that handmade

Monetar y gifts over $15 are not allowed and may not be accepted. Also, homemade foods—while appreciated— are discouraged for safety reasons. Acceptable gift ideas: • Call the station at 512-974-0043 around 1pm (when the new shift arrives) and ask what favorite foods the current crew likes. Ordering delivery food from a local restaurant often serves as a welcome surprise for our firefighters. • The firefighters at Station 43 take turns cooking for each other, so items like cooking utensils, supplies, and even fun recipe books with healthy & easy cooking ideas are welcome.

Other Ways to Show Appreciation: • Letters/emails/cards. Often, when a rescue occurs, first responders are left to wonder how the people and/or animals are doing after the incident. They truly care. Sending a thanks with an update on the progress and success of those rescued tends to touch their hearts the most. If a firefighter (or any first responder) has ever helped you, please reach out to say that you are doing well, even if it is years later; especially if it is years later • Many stations are low on supplies. Ask firefighters which supplies are needed at the station and start a fundraiser or a drive for the specific supplies requested.

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Around Circle C Continued from page 15

• One of the most important ways to show appreciation is to do everything possible in our homes and work areas to prevent fires.

bathroom and can easily catch nearby towels, cabinets, and other items on fire. 7. Replace incandescent lights with LED lights.

A few suggestions from Austin Fire Station 43 include:

8. Be sure to clean the lint behind clothes dryers.

1. Hot water heaters must be stored alone. Clear all items from their surroundings.

• Another way to honor our firefighters is to pin red and blue ribbons to clothing on May 4th (IFFD) or to decorate front yards or schools with red and blue ribbons.

2. Remove all gasoline cans from inside the house and garage. (Store them in a shed if they must be stored at home.) 3. The A/C unit must be kept alone with at least a 3-feet clearance. 4. Replace smoke detectors as needed. Don’t delay. FYI, 10-year batteries are now available and recommended. 5. NEVER leave cooking food unattended. Most structural fires begin in the kitchen. 6. NEVER leave candles unattended. Candles are often left flickering in the

Circle C Ranch Newsletter - May 2022

History of International Firefighters Day: International Firefighters Day began on May 4, 1999, from the efforts of a grief-stricken volunteer lieutenant and firefighter, Julie Jane (“JJ”) Edmondson, in Australia. Five volunteer firefighters (Matthew Armstrong, Chris Evans, Stuart Davidson, Jason Thomas, and Garry Vredeveldt) from the Geelong West Fire Brigade close to Edmondson’s town were

called for backup in fighting a bushfire in the nearby township of Linton, Victoria, Australia on December 2, 1998. They jumped into the company’s truck to head to Linton, driving upwind to ensure safety from the flames. Unfortunately, the direction of the wind changed suddenly, and the flames reached toward the truck, soon engulfing the truck and killing all firefighters inside. This incident inspired new safety operating procedures for the volunteer South Australian Country Fire Service (CFS). Now, a Dead Man Zone, an area near a bushfire ranging from under 100m (328’) to over 1 km (3281’) that could burn if the wind changes direction is established around bushfires. Why May 4th? Less than a month after the tragedy, Edmondson made a New Year’s Resolution

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with a written promise to “organise an internationally recognised symbol of support and respect for ALL firefighters and a date for which this could be co-ordinated world wide.”

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She searched for a date that would be appropriate for firefighters worldwide. This proved more difficult than she expected because fire seasons are not the same across the globe. After much discussion with firefighters “from ALL over the world,” Edmondson ultimately chose May 4, 1999 (5 months after the loss of the 5 firefighters).

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“The date was linked to the feast day of St Florian. St Florian (the patron saint of all firefighters) was the first known commander of one firefighting squad in the Roman Empire. He lost his life, as well as those of his colleagues, for protecting the same humane ideas which firefighters all over the world share even today.” Edmondson further explained that St. Florian’s day had been recognized worldwide for more than 150 years in Europe, and most European countries celebrate the day as a “Day of Fire Service.” Why Red & Blue Ribbons on IFFD?

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,

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.

When the 5 volunteer firefighters died so suddenly on December 2, 1998, the community and Country Fire Authority in Victoria began to wear red ribbons as a sign of respect and honor for the five lost firefighters and their families. A month later, in planning an IFFD, Edmondson wrote to firefighters worldwide, asking what symbols, date, and meanings should be associated with the day. “The response [was] loud, positive and immediate with crews as far away as the USA adopting to wear this symbol as well at that time.” The red ribbon worn immediately after the tragic incident made sense and acted as a symbol for fire. Blue was chosen to accompany the red ribbon for IFFD, both because blue symbolizes water and because red and blue are internationally recognized as emergency service colors. So, this IFFD, reach out to our neighborhood fire station by calling them at 512-974-0043 to acknowledge and thank them for risking their lives to keep our community safe. Wrap red and blue ribbons around your trees or porches to show support. Also, please help spread awareness by utilizing social media to thank firefighters internationally with tags such as #InternationalFirefightersDay. Copyright © 2022 Peel, Inc.

Circle C Ranch Newsletter - May 2022

Around Circle C

Lights Out Texas! Migratory birds tend to fly their long distances at higher altitudes—from 500 feet high (for songbirds) up to 37,000 feet high (for vultures and geese)—often soaring up and down and using the change in density to gain natural lift and glide more. This saves much-needed energy for the long travel. However, with climate change and higher winds, many of these birds are flying lower to the earth and this uses more energy. Many of our migratory birds are dying.

Did you know that the ruby-throated hummingbird (pictured above) as well as—according to former First Lady Laura Bush— "hundreds of millions of migrating birds” travel either through or to Texas this spring and summer? The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department states that, “of the 615 species of birds documented in Texas, 54% of them are NearcticNeotropical migratory birds [seeking latitudes in Central and South America for breeding in mild winters and summers]. Texas is important to these migrants and these migrants are important to Texas.” Unfortunately for these birds (and, consequently to us humans), Texas has large cities such as Dallas, Houston, and—now—Austin that create a lot of light pollution. Migratory birds can travel up to 16,000 miles, taking up to 533 hours to reach their destination. Hummingbirds are the smallest migrating birds (weighing only 1/8 of an ounce) and they fly the 600-mile journey nonstop twice a year. These tiny birds are superstars. Migratory birds use the earth’s magnetism and the sun and moon to guide them back to the very same place where they spent that season a year before. So that hummingbird that you in your garden is likely the very same one you see every year. By the time these migratory birds arrive, however, they are physically exhausted and can be a bit disoriented (wouldn’t you be after 533 hours of travel?). Because of their long distance and hours of travel, they have to fly at night, so light pollution can therefore cause confusion in these tired birds, particularly at the end of their journey. It’s common to discover dead birds near to their homes soon after they finally reach their destinations. We lose many of our migratory birds to collisions with lit buildings.

Circle C Ranch Newsletter - May 2022

Chicago is the most dangerous US city for migratory birds, followed by Dallas and then Houston. With Austin’s growth rate and new high rises popping up every time we turn around, Austin may soon follow. What can we do to help save our birds? Lights out Texas is a campaign to educate, spread awareness, and ask all residents and businesses to turn and keep off all nonessential lights from 11pm–6am during the fall and the spring/ early summer seasons to help reduce migratory bird mortality. The full spring migration is now, from March 1–June 15. (The most crucial spring migration period is now—from April 22–May.) During these times, please: •

Shut all blinds and curtains at night to reduce light escaping from windows

•

Use only smaller, task lighting rather than overhead lighting

•

Ask your businesses, places of work, and shopping centers to turn off their outside lights from 11pm–6am.

•

Do not use exterior landscape lighting (if needed, switch to motion detection mode)

•

Do not use floodlights

•

Do not illuminate plants or fountains inside (the birds may try to reach them and collide with a window)

•

Do not aim lighting up toward treetops or the sky

In the words of our former First Lady, Laura Bush, “Every Texan can participate in protecting our feathered friends by simply turning off their lights at night . . . Taking action now is vital because every spring and fall, between a third and a quarter of all birds migrating at night through the United States travel through Texas.” Let’s try to do our part to cohabitate with these essential beings on our earth.

Circle C Ranch Newsletter - May 2022

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Circle C Ranch Newsletter - May 2022