Circle C - November 2022 by Peel, Inc.

Volume 19, Number 11

November 2022

www.circlecranch.com

November news & Announcements Important Dates for Nov/DEC: Tuesday, November 1, 2022 Día de los Muertos / All Saints Day Saturday & Sunday, November 5–6 Austin Studio Tour @ Circle C Weekend #1 Sunday, November 6, 2022 Daylight Savings Ends – Set Clocks Back One Hour Tuesday, November 8, 2022 Election Day – Circle C Community Center Is a Voting Location Friday, November 11, 2022 Veterans Day: To Our Circle C Veterans, Thank You for Your Service Saturday & Sunday, November 12–13 Austin Studio Tour @ Circle C Weekend #2 Thursday, November 24, 2022 8am - First Annual Official Circle C Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot & Kids Mile Run! Powered by the Circle C Run Club. Registration is required and all are welcome. For more info, visit www.CircleC.run The Circle C Office is closed from November 23–25 Wednesday, November 30, 2022 6:30pm–8:30pm – Circle C HOA Board Meeting at the Community Center, available via Zoom. Check Email for Link or Visit www.circlecranch.com. Copyright © 2022 Peel, Inc.

for keeping Circle C one of the best-looking neighborhoods in town! Easements, Greenbelts, Common Areas, and City of Austin Drainage Areas:

Upcoming Events Saturday, December 3, 2022 10am–1pm Kid’s Holiday Party Sunday, December 18, 2022 Hanukkah Begins Sunday, December 25, 2022 Christmas Day Monday, December 26, 2022 Kwanzaa Begins Sunday, December 31, 2022 New Year’s Eve

Reminders for Homeowners & Residents: Holiday Lights & Décor: This is a friendly reminder that holiday lights and décor should not be installed until the week before Thanksgiving and must be removed no later than January 15th. Trash, Recycling & Composting Carts: Please remember to pull all trash, recycle, and composting carts back to behind your fence and keep lawns and properties clean and free of miscellaneous items. Thank you

All easements, greenbelts, and City of Austin drainage areas are regulated and vegetated by the city. Homeowners and/or residents that backup to these may not access these areas directly to or from backyards without permission and are not permitted to add any type of structure (fences, gates, sheds, walls, trails, or buildings) to the common areas, drainage areas, easements and/or greenbelts. If these rules are violated, residents and/ or homeowners will be held responsible for all costs to return the land to its original condition. Do I have to submit plans for improvements and/or additions to my home? All improvements such as changes in landscaping, paint color (including repainting your house), roofing color, decks, patio covers, pools, play equipment, change in fencing or any other structures must be submitted to the Architectural Control Committee. You may submit your project online or download an application form as well as the guidelines and feeschedule on our website at www. circlecranch.com under the “ACC” tab

CCHOA Board Meetings: The Circle C HOA Board of Directors meets the last Wednesday of the month at 6:30pm. The next scheduled meeting is Wednesday, November 30, 2022, and this will be the last meeting for the 2022 year. Continued on page 3 Circle C Ranch Newsletter - November 2022

Circle C Ranch Newsletter - November 2022

Announcements - Continued from Cover

Meetings are held at the HOA Community Center and attendance for homeowners is available via ZOOM. Links to the meeting and agendas may be found on the 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 emailing info@circlecranch.info.

Looking for HOA Board Candidates: Our Circle C HOA Board has 2 openings available for our March 2023 election. The HOA Board Nomination Committee is calling for nominations for the open board positions. This process is open to all current members and elected candidates will serve a 3-year term beginning in March 2023. To complete a candidate questionnaire form or for more information about the HOA board election, officer roles, and/or state statutes regulation requisitions, please visit our www.circlecranch.com website. Look for the “Stay Connected” tab on the top and click on “News and Announcements.”

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. 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!

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 of 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. 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.

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 512.363.5578 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.....................................Krystal Fernandez, 512.834.3900 Enclave off of La Crosse Relevant Management................................................... Kim Todd, 512.580.4212 Fairways Estates Spectrum Management.....................................Krystal Fernandez, 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

Open Position.................................................................. President Stephen Bega............................................................ Vice-President David La Chance............................................................. Treasurer Trinh Bartlett................................................................... Secretary Russ Hodes, Jason Bram, & 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 - November 2022

Around Circle C

Circle C Ranch Newsletter - November 2022

Around Circle C

Circle C Ranch Newsletter - November 2022

Around Circle C Slow Down for Sandy Signs Most residents have noticed signs popping up around the neighborhood requesting drivers to “Slow Down for Sandy.” These signs were the brainchild of a relatively new Circle C resident Christine Olson, a local artist who moved to Circle C in January 2022. Christine hopes the signs will “serve as a reminder to slow down,” in honor of Sandy Nielsen, the Circle C resident tragically killed by a hit-and-run driver on the morning of August 18, 2022. “There is no reason to have the speed limit on residential streets set at 30mph. Austin has the option of 25mph, even for wider roads, and I hope that happens so we can get folks to stop treating streets—like South Bay Lane—as a racetrack!” Christine did not know Sandy but saw the emergency response vehicles on the morning of the incident. “Sandy was someone I wish I would have known,” laments Christine. “Sandy and [her husband] Milt have lived in Circle C for many years. . . Neighbors describe them as folks who opened their doors to friends and neighbors to bring them together. Friends from their church just love them so much.” “When I heard this happened and heard some of the sad details, I immediately thought we should do ‘Slow Down for Sandy’ lawn signs,” says Christine. She had remembered a Chicago community making signs for a 4-year-old little girl who had been hit by a car that failed to stop for a “STOP” sign in 2006. Little Maya and her brother had spent the afternoon together with their mom at the Lincoln Park Zoo and all three were crossing a quiet street when they were struck by the car. All three were hit, but Maya was caught underneath the car and dragged. She did not survive. As in Sandy’s case, the driver had fled the scene, but witnesses and neighbors worked with police officers to help find the driver. Maya’s two grandmothers began a “Stop for Maya” campaign to emphasize pedestrian safety and organized walks on the day of her death. 6

Circle C Ranch Newsletter - November 2022

Christine has helped other communities she’s lived in and wanted to do something for Sandy, so she sprang into action. “I feel like it’s important to connect when dealing with something so challenging to endure,” she explains. She texted with a neighbor, researched sign makers, and reached out to Sandy’s family for permission.

roads as locations to: A) lower speed limits, B) drive slower, C) make complete stops, and D) hang up the phone. Unfortunately, the police have indicated that the driver was on his cellphone. I hope this will be a wake-up call to teach our kids and ourselves that your phone can wait. Put it in the back

“They were—and are—touched by the signs and the love from the whole community. It is very nice to support them,” she states. “Sandy and Milt were Texas A&M fans, so we chose maroon and white colors to shine for them.” A special thanks goes out to Circle C’s James and Melissa Diorio, owners of CC West Printing, who donated 100 signs and discounted an additional 100 signs to help bring awareness. “It would be wonderful to get others to join this effort and lead committees to coordinate with the city, transportation department and police to make our streets safer,” Christine states. “South Bay isn’t the only street that needs an adjustment and I hope we will look at more intersections and Copyright © 2022 Peel, Inc.

Around Circle C Continued from Page 6

of the trunk so you can’t pick it up if you are addicted to the phone. Consciously make the decision to keep your phone off.” Christine declined to share a picture of herself because she said, “I don’t want this to be about me.” Instead, she sent a picture of the back of Sandy and her husband Milt walking together on the street a few weeks before the incident. Photo credit goes to Kristyne Blackburn. “Sandy was a human being,” says Christine, “she could have been any of us. I wish that a tragic incident wasn’t the reason this was started, and I am thankful the community is embracing the idea of slowing down.”

Thanksgiving Day! November 24th | 8:00am 5k Fun Run/Walk | 1 mile kid’s run (around 8:45) Join your neighbors and friends for a morning of healthy activity and tons of fun! This is a family friendly fun run - everyone is welcome. Registration required. The Turkey Trot will start at the Circle C Community Center (7817 La Crosse Ave) and continues along La Crosse Ave until the second entrance of Park West. Runners/Walkers will turn around and travel back on LaCrosse to the Community Center. Please avoid parking on La Crosse Ave. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash at all times. NO BIKES OR SCOOTERS ALLOWED, strollers will start at the back.

Email organizer Ana Bosada (anaalvear@ yahoo.com) with any questions or concerns. Registration Circle C Turkey Trot and Kids Mile (eventdog.com)

Circle C Ranch Newsletter - November 2022

Recycling in Austin, Texas taken to Austin’s Recycle and Reuse Drop-Off Center at 2514 Business Center Dr., Austin, TX 78744. Appointments must be made, but there are often same-day appointments available. Visit www.austintexas.gov/dropoff to schedule Why the Confusion? a drop-off or call 512-974-4343 for more A quick online search will not help because information. each and every city is different and some -No plastic bags accept what others cannot, depending on their individual sorting machinery. So, online -No plastic straws articles and information discussing what can or -No plastic wrap or film cannot be recycled pertain only to individual locations and depend on the machinery used -No bubble wraps there. And, as machinery is replaced, the items -No packaging air pillows (used in packing) we are able to recycle will continue to change. Our HEB on Slaughter and Escarpment does So, articles pertaining specifically to Austin accept the above items and has 2 locations written even last year might contradict with outside their entrances: one outside the produce what is now acceptable. section and the other at the pharmacy side Many people seem confused about which items can be recycled and which items cannot be recycled. This is understandable because conflicting information is abundant.

Take the detested black plastic, for example. No, literally. Austin now takes black plastic! Many reliable online websites state that black plastic, like the small trays used for alreadyprepared foods or the mushroom containers used by grocery stores, cannot be detected by sorting machines and are therefore not accepted in recyclable bins. (More on that later.) However, Austin is now one of the few places that accepts black plastic in our recyclable bins. Not bags, though. No plastic bags in our bins, please. They clog the machines and can take them out of service for hours.

entrance of the store.

Also, visit bagandfilmrecycling.org to find other stores that will accept the above items for recycling. The other option is to place these in the trash, but they do end up in landfills or possibly in the oceans, and plastic bags and straws one of the biggest threats to wildlife today.

Austin Resource Recovery—a City of Austin department completely dedicated to “transform waste into resources while keeping our community clean”—are the ones that What CAN Go Into Our Blue Recycling Bins? distribute and pick up our blue bins, and they -Hard Plastic (please remove all metal lids and have set a goal to reach zero waste by 2040. separate) Austin uses sorting machines known as -Paper products (including magazines/ “single-stream.” In this process, all solid items newspapers, non-foil wrapping paper, glossy are placed in one large cart, and the machine paper, junk mail, and cardboard [broken down uses a combination of weights, magnets, air, to 2’x2’, please]). and infrared to sort them. Plastic bags and straws are flimsy enough to get caught in the -Glass (please remove and separate all lids) machines during this process, possibly shutting -Metal (including foil that is clean of food them down for hours while people have to products, rolled in a ball if possible) stop the process and clean out the machines. What is All the Fuss About Black Plastic? This is a problem and costs not only time but money as well, and the city is considering fines Black plastic is the bane in the world of plastics, mostly because it is recycled plastic made from for those that do not comply. electrical equipment waste (e-waste). While What Cannot Go Into Our Blue Recycling recycled materials are typically applauded, Bins?The following items may never be placed those made from e-waste can be dangerous in our blue recycling bins, but most may be 8

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because electronics typically contain toxic substances (like bromine) and heavy metals (like lead, chromium, cadmium, or mercury) – substances that have been linked to cancer, thyroid issues, reproductive problems, developmental disorders, and diabetes. These toxic chemicals can leach into our food, particularly when warmed or heated. So, black plastic spatulas, coffee stirrers, hot cup lids, and microwaveable trays are the most toxic. A 2018 University of Plymouth study discovered that in 40% of black plastic toys, utensils, thermoses, plasticware, and cocktail stirrers; the levels of these toxic chemicals sometimes reached up to 30 times the levels that are considered safe. Black plastic cannot be properly sorted by many recycling sorting machines because the deep black color used in the electronics stems from a pigment additive known as carbon black that can elude the infrared sensors used in the sorting machines. For this reason, most city recyclable bins will not take black plastic. While Austin may now accept black plastic items in our blue bins, given the above information, it may be best to substitute any black plastic food items with clear plastic or paper products when possible. What Can We Do to Help? For starters, gather your electronics that you no longer use and take them to our Circle C Community Center on Saturday, October 22, 2022, from 10am–2pm for recycling. Also, the items listed above that are not allowed in our blue recycling bins can be detrimental to our sorting machines, with plastic bags and straws being the most destructive. Unfortunately, in Circle C, many neighbors continue to place plastic bags in their recycle bins, like the one in this picture. Please feel free to share information and resources to help educate others. We can work together to take care of our city and our planet. Sources: City of Austin. Homepage for Austin Resource Recovery. Accessed August 11, 2022. https://www.austintexas.gov/ department/austin-resource-recovery Continued on Page 13

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News You Can Use Continued from Page 8

Turner, Andrew. “Black Plastics: Linear and Circular Economies, Hazardous Additives and Marine Pollution.” Environmental International Volume 117 (August 2018): 308–318, h t t p s : / / w w w. s c i e n c e d i r e c t . c o m / s c i e n c e / a r t i c l e / p i i / S0160412018302125 A Little More Green. “Myths, Rumors, Confusion: Recycling in Austin.” July 29, 2019. https://alittlemore.green/myths-rumorsconfusion-recycling-in-austin/ Plaine Products. “Why You May Want to Avoid Black Plastic.” Blog post. Accessed August 11, 2022. https://www.plaineproducts.com/ why-you-may-want-to-avoid-black-plastic

Quirky, Old–Austin Things to do in November

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.

After a long summer with record-breaking temperatures, autumn’s arrival finally delivers to Austin a respite! Our recent enjoyable weather now beckons us all to finally venture outside again, and Austin offers several fun locations. If you are looking for familyfriendly things to do in Austin, below are some quirky, fun activities for families to enjoy together.

1.Catherdral of Junk

Once featured in a Spy Kids movie and again in an advertisement for Bank of America (which paid residuals for several months), Vince Hannemann’s Cathedral of Junk is just about the most quintessential “Austin” that a venue can get. This backyard structure began in 1989 as a few sculptures that eventually merged into a 3-story piece of mixed-media art in a southwest Austin neighborhood. When Vince arrived in Austin, it was still a sleepy little town Continued on Page 14

Circle C Ranch Newsletter - November 2022

News You Can Use consisting of mostly artists and musicians. An artist since the age of 16, Vince fit right in. As his backyard sculptures grew, word spread, and visitors began to arrive, some bringing gifts of more “junk” for his backyard artwork. His mom dubbed his work the “Cathedral of Junk,” and the name stuck. Soon, Vince’s backyard became an Austin icon. When the City of Austin declared the artwork in violation of code in 2010, word spread throughout Austin. Soon after, “hundreds of people showed up to offer support,” Vince says. Among those offers included several attorneys, architects, and an engineer. Longtime Austinites stood strong behind this art and, after 7 long months filled with testing and more testing, negotiations, and discussions, the artwork was declared structurally sound; the permit was granted. In today’s world, where Austin feels like it loses its old “weird” personality a little more with each new skyrise that pops up overnight, go and see Vince’s Cathedral of Junk. Climb the structure and explore the living museum. Take some bug spray and a lunch and sit together with your family at the picnic table in the very back of the yard, and play “I Spy” because it’s fun. And it’s Austin. And the Cathedral of Junk is one of the last few survivors in keeping Austin weird. Visitors are now by appointment only and donations are appreciated. Please call Vince at the below number to arrange a time. Vince enjoys Lone Star beer, by the way. Cathedral of Junk 4422 Lareina Drive Austin, TX 512-299-7413

2. Pioneer Farms Venture northeast a little to discover one of Austin’s oldest, and we do mean oldest, venues still in existence. Centuries ago, the land now recognized as Pioneer Farms was originally inhabited by the Native American Tonkawa Tribe. In 1844, Texas Army Ranger Lt. James O. Rice, an original settler of Austin, claimed the territory as part of 1,280 acres of “virgin land.” In 1852, the land became part of a 2,000-acre farm belonging to Frank and Harriett Bachman Jourdan and was tended to by their 8 children and 9 enslaved people. In 1956, the Jourdan grandchildren, Laura and Eugene Giles, donated much of the farmland to the Heritage Society of Austin with the intention of creating a park to honor Austin’s settlers.

Since 1956, Pioneer Farms continues to exist as a living history museum, complete with six restored homes (dating from 1844 to 1899), a general store, an historic dance hall, a blacksmith shop, a collection of historic carriages, and a Scarborough Farm with animals–along with 90 wooded acres to explore. Visitors to Pioneer Farms will likely be greeted by knowledgeable, costumed volunteers that assist guests as they step back in time to the 1800s. Expect to spend 1–2+ hours during the visit, depending on the level of interest in history. Upcoming special events for November and December: Nov.12 (Sat.) 10–11:30am: Archery Class on a certified archery range where Tonkawa Indian bowman hunted. Nov. 12 & 13 (Sat. & Sun.) 10am–3:30pm: 2-Day Blacksmithing Fundamentals 1.0 Class @ historic Village Smithy.. Nov. 19 & 20 (Sat & Sun) 10am¬–¬¬3:30pm: 2-Day Blacksmithing Fundamentals 2.0 Class Dec. 3 (Sat.) 10am–12noon: Crafting with Nature Class for ages 4–10. Nature discovery hike and craft-making Dec. 3 & 4 (Sat. & Sun.) 10am–3:30pm: 2-Day Blacksmithing Fundamentals 1.0 Class Dec. 10 (Sat.) 10–11:30am: Archery Class for all ages Dec. 10 (Sat.) 10am–12noon: Crafting with Nature Class for ages 4–10 Dec. 10 & 11 (Sat. & Sun.) 10am–3:30pm: 2-Day Blacksmithing Fundamentals 1.0 Class Pioneer Farms is open to the public on Thursday–Sunday from 10am-5pm, with an admission cutoff at 1pm. Admission prices are $8 for adults and $6 for seniors (65+) and/or children (3–17years). Children 2 years and younger are free. Tickets may be purchased via cash or credit card from the Sprinkle General Store by the front gate. For previously reserved, private tours containing 15 or more people, guided history tours are available from Tuesday–Friday. Admission prices for groups of 20 or more people are $5 per person. To make reservations in advance, please email Info@PioneerFarms.org. Pioneer Farms is closed on Mondays and the last two weeks of each year. Private programs, special events, and nighttime shows (such as Halloween, Christmas, and Easter shows) often have higher admission prices and do not accept discounted coupons. Pets other than service dogs are not permitted. Pioneer Farms 1400 Pioneer Farms Drive Austin, TX 78754 512-837-1215

3. The Broken Spoke While the family-friendly Broken Spoke is technically not outdoors (OK, maybe not outdoors at all), it gets a pass here because it is Continued on Page 15 14

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News You Can Use Continued from Page 14

so quirky and so Austin that we could not do this article without including it. With pop-up high rises commandeering our old Austin and expanding into our south of the river territory, a small and stubborn honky-tonk still stands proudly beneath their shadows and doesn’t plan to go anywhere. Hand-built in 1964 by then 25-year-old James White after receiving an honorable discharge from the United States Army, the rustic wooden structure has since attracted musicians like Dolly Parton, George Strait, Willie Nelson, Marcia Ball, Harry Connick, Jr., The Chicks (formerly known as the Dixie Chicks), Kris Kristofferson, and so many more. Garth Brooks once said, “If all the honky-tonks were like this one when I played them, I would have never left!”

Take your kids, your dogs, and grandparents to the 17-acre Texas Hill Country Olive Company in Drippings Springs, eat lunch from their gourmet bistro under a shaded patio with water bowls for the dogs, or take the olive mill tour and extra virgin 101 class and learn how to tell when olive oil is truly extra virgin olive oil (EVO). (Hint: EVO is the least processed, so it retains the natural vitamins and antioxidants. It should therefore have more flavor and a stronger smell. If the oil is bland, it is likely more processed or has not been stored properly. If it smells or tastes like grass, nuts, or fruit and is slightly bitter or peppery, then it has likely retained the vitamins and antioxidants that help fight diseases. Also, the olives should be crushed within 24 hours of harvest and stored in a dark glass, not plastic, bottle.)

When the Broken Spoke first opened as a restaurant with a dancehall attached in 1964, its location was almost a mile outside the city limits. The restaurant is open from 6-8pm on Tuesday–Saturday with free live music, although they politely request patrons to please tip the musicians. While their chicken-fried steak (featured on Food Network & voted “Best Chicken-Fried Steak” by the Austin American Statesmen) is certainly popular, they also provide good barbecue, burgers, and Mexican food. Desserts include peach cobbler or brownies with Blue Bell ice cream. The dance hall opens at 7:15pm on Tuesday–Saturday, with closing hours varying depending on the day. Dance lessons with instructor Terri White are taught on Wednesday–Saturday from 8-9pm for $10/ person. They fill up quickly, so sign up by 7:30pm. Terri teaches the traditional two-step, Western Swing, and the Cotton-Eyed Joe (the only line dance allowed on the floor). Private lessons are also available. “Kids are always allowed,” the owners state on social media sites, reiterating that they are an “all-ages venue,” although kids must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. The Broken Spoke also has a museum and “Tourist Trap” store that is currently closed for renovations. The Broken Spoke 3210 S. Lamar Blvd. Austin TX 78704 512-442-6189

4. Texas Hill Country Olive Company Orchard Tours

“We love to educate people about our premium extra virgin olive oil grown right here in our own amazing state of Texas!” states the Gambini family, the owners of the only certified organic olive orchard in Texas. The orchard originally began as a second choice to 3rdgeneration Italian immigrant John Gambini’s dream of owning his own vineyard in Texas. Unfortunately, it seemed that many others had the same dream, and almost overnight, the Texas Hill Country became inundated with wineries. By 2008, over 160 wineries had sprung up in Texas and John’s dream felt less like it would become a reality. So, during the 2008 Thanksgiving weekend, when John read an article about Texas farmers experimenting with different varieties of olive trees in the Hill Country, his interest was piqued. John’s family discussed the pros and cons of becoming a pioneer in a new industry versus competing in an already saturated one. They looked at land in Dripping Springs, where the limestone soil provided the right amount of drainage necessary to keep the roots of the olive trees dry. (Gardeners take note: Olive trees do not like their roots to stay wet, so they prefer gritty, rocky soil.) The sunny slopes provided the right amount of light and a breeze to help pollinate the varieties that needed pollinating (like the high-fruit-producing Pendolino olive trees from California). Within a month, the family had purchased their land and two months later, in March of 2009, their olive trees Continued on Page 16

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News You Can Use Continued from Page 15

were planted. The next year, the Texas Hill Country Olive Oil Company was the first in the state to win medals. Unfortunately, the Texas Hill Country Olive Oil Company orchard took a hit with the 2020 Texas “Snowpocalypse,” but it is working to recover. Visits from families are most helpful and appreciated. “Our olive orchard features a Tuscan-inspired mill house, a stateof-the-art Italian olive press, and a large tasting room,” states Cara Gambini. “Come enjoy complimentary tastings of our awardwinning olive oils and balsamic vinegars. We encourage people to come out and find a nice quiet spot to enjoy the beautiful orchard and Hill Country views!”

Admission Prices: $14 for adults (13+); $10 for children (5–12yrs.); $10 for veterans, military, & seniors; and free admission for children under 5 Texas Memorial Museum and Miniature Golf 1710 N Farm to Market 1626 Buda, Texas 78610 512-312-4207

Open from 10am–5pm every day of the week. Texas Hill Country Olive Company Orchard and Bistro 2530 W Fitzhugh Rd. Dripping Springs, TX 78620 512-607-6512 5.Texas Memorial Mini-Golf and Museum In honor of Veterans Day this month, we’ve included a quirky family-run and family-friendly activity that exists partly to honor veterans. Although the “world’s first military museum and miniature golf course” combination is neither technically “old” nor “Austin,” its originality and eclectic personality has all the traits that fit oldAustin icons. The Texas Memorial Mini-Golf and Museum sits on 1.5 acres of land directly beside Buda’s FM1626 road. The golf course consists of 18 holes, with each consecutive hole featuring World War II events in chronological order. Prior to the opening of the location, McKinney stated in a KXAN article that “each hole will meet Texas education guidelines for social studies and geography.” Each of the 18 holes is or will be dedicated to a living or fallen veteran of WWII, the Korean War, or the Vietnam War, and nominations from community members are encouraged. Veterans from all branches of the military will be honored. A rose garden acts as a living memorial to honor women veterans.

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.

The golf course connects to a museum with memorabilia, a 9-hole mini golf course, and an airplane that kids and families are welcome to tour. Their website declares “hours of family fun and education,” and a portion of the museum is dedicated space for events and/or birthday or office/work parties. Three tables are provided along with cameo tablecloths and benches, and an additional table for cakes. Brian McKinney’s late grandfather was a WWII veteran and the idea for this business came to Brian through a dream. “Our mission is to honor the living and past war veterans, in Buda, Texas, and beyond in a unique environment that will engage, entertain, and educate people of all ages and nationalities,” explains owner Brian McKinney on the business website. Open Friday, Saturday, & Sunday only. Hours vary. Closed Monday–Thursday but available for private rentals. 16

Circle C Ranch Newsletter - November 2022

News You Can Use Name

Age

Baby Sit

Pet Sit

House Sit

TEENAGE JOB SEEKERS 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 Boreing, Brielle.................. 16.............*................*.................*.................. .......5 12.809.7900 Campsmith, Lucy ............14.................................*..................................512.852.9846 Cox, Claire*^........................19.............. *................................................. ...........512.644.4550 Cox, Ben*^...........................17.............. *................. *.. ............*.................512.963.9464 Devers-Hertz, Darwin.........15.............. *................. *.. ............*.................512.963.9464 Fletcher, Cole.......................13................................. *...................*.................... .* ..432-634-0767 Fletcher, Hudson.................15................................. *...................*.................... .* ..432-634-0767 Franke, Caroline*^...............16.............. *............................................................. ...512.590.1112 Hayes, Daphne.....................14.............. *................. *...................*...................... ...512.810.6885 Hoard, Jed*^........................19.............. *................. *...................*...................... ...512.656.0836 Hurd, Palmer........................ 16............. *................. *...................*... .................512.423.0737 Kaplan, Ben........................ 15............ *.................*..................*....................512.296.7548 Mahoney, Nicholas*............17.............. *................. *...................*.................... .* ..512.569.1823 Marzani, Jackson..................17.............. *................. *...................*.................... .. ..512-521-2474 McCurdy, Summer*+..........15.............. *...................................... .. ..................832.683.7759 Mermis, Ana*^.....................18.............. *................. *...................*...................... ...512.529.7458 Parker, Mia...........................16................................. *..................................,,.*....512-565-4480 Terracina, Grace................... 19............. *................. *................... .* ...................512.988.7471 Trautman, Parker.................15................................. *........................................ .. ....512.299.3117

* -- CPR Training + -- Red Cross Certified ^ -- First Aid

Circle C Ranch Newsletter - November 2022

Name

Age

Baby Sit

Pet Sit

House Sit

Yard Work

Phone

Waltuck, Ella........................ 16............. *................. *.. ............*............512.658.4554 Wilson, Jake.......................... 17............. *................. *.. ............*...........*512.695.8278

OTHER SERVICES Name Age

Services

Phone

Aguilar, Jacob......................15.............. .Yardwork & Power Washing............ 619-713-4469 Andrusiank, Sophia............16...................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 Fletcher, Cole......................13.............. .Lift/Move Furniture Boxes etc.......... 432-634-0767 Fletcher, Hudson................13.............. .Lift/Move Furniture Boxes etc.......... 432-634-0767 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..................... 17.....................Yard Work.............................. 512.695.8278

Circle C Ranch Newsletter - November 2022

PO Box 1148 Round Rock, Texas 78680

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Circle C Ranch Newsletter - November 2022