www.stonecanyonoa.org April 2014 Volume 9, Issue 4
Official Publication of Stone Canyon Homeowners Association
Neighborhood Newsletter
ANNOUNCEMENTSSpring Garage sale and Bulk Trash Pickup will be scheduled in late April or early May, We will update Facebook, Nextdoor , the
Stone Canyon website with the dates as soon as they have been confirmed.
Art in the Park will be scheduled for a Saturday in May.
Peel Inc, has just informed us this month that they would no longer be assisting us with our newsletter. The board is evaluating other alternatives, with the hope that we will not be without our monthly newsletter for long.
Easter Egg HuntWe will have our annual Easter Egg Hunt this year on Saturday, April 12th.
We’ll meet on the basketball court at Fern Bluff Park located on Park Valley Drive. (egg hunt, hot dogs, bouncy house and face painting will be provided) The hunt will begin promptly at 10:am. If you would like to volunteer to stuff eggs, hide eggs, help serve lunch or monitor the Bouncy house, please contact Laura Kouns at [email protected] or Jessica Stempco at [email protected]. We need all of the help that we can get to pull off this wonderful event.
Stone CanyonSTONE CANYONOwners & Association Management Teamswww.stonecanyonoa.org
STONE CANYON OWNERS ASSOCIATIONBOARD OF DIRECTORS:
COMMITTEE CHAIRSACC Al Maus ............................................. [email protected] Laura Kouns .................................... [email protected] Swimming Pool Open ............................................pool@stonecanyonoa.orgYard of the MonthAmelia Dansby & Cathy Soukup ........ [email protected] Maintenance Al Maus ...........................maintenance@stonecanyonoa.orgLandscape Cathy Soukup ........................................csoukup11@att.netNeighborhood Watch Donna Scoggins [email protected] Judith Horton .................................. [email protected] Neighbor Laura Kouns .................................. [email protected] Ron Kellam ........................ [email protected]
KEY CONTACTS In an attempt to make things easier to find, we have provided
some key contact information for various organizations that you might need to contact. If you have a suggestion for information to add, please contact the web committee.
HOME OWNERS ASSOCIATION: Bob Nardo - Goodwin Management .............. 512-852-7965 .................. 11149 Research Blvd Suite 100, Austin, TX 78759 http://stc.goodwintx.com/ Payment Address: Stone Canyon Owners Association P.O. Box 93447, C/O Goodwin Processing Center Las Vegas, NV 89193-3447Governmental Agencies: Fern Bluff MUD ...........................................512-238-0606 ............... 7320 Wyoming Springs, Round Rock, TX 78681 City of Round Rock .....................................512-218-5400 .............................. 221 East Main Street, Round Rock, TX Williamson County Commissioners Office ...512-248-3238 ........... 400 W. Main St., Ste. 216, Round Rock, TX 78664 Williamson County Constable (Robert Chody) 512-248-3239 ...................211 Commerce Cove, Round Rock, TX 78664 Williamson County Sheriff’s Office (Non-Emergency) .........................................512-943-1300 Williamson County EMS (Non-Emergency) .........................................512-943-1264 Round Rock ISD ......................... (512) 464-5000 ext 1311 ....................Round Rock Avenue, Round Rock, TX 78681Misc. Services: Gas Line Malfunction .... (Business Hours) 1-800-460-3030 ............................................(After Hours) 1-800-817-8090 Street Light Repair - TU Electric ...............1-800-242-9113 Texas Utilities (TXU).................................1-800-368-1398 Southwestern Bell ......................................1-888-294-8433 Time Warner Cable ......................................512-485-5555 Williamson County Road and Bridge ...........512-943-3330
Spring was slow to get here this year. Repeated freezes really caused die-back on many plants that usually aren’t affected. We probably lost some plants that we haven’t lost in years. Before picking out new plants, check the internet to find out what “hardiness zone” they are good in. Even if the plant has frozen, scratch the bark to see if it’s green underneath, it may still bud out. If it scratches brown and is dead, you can cut it to the ground and it may re-sprout from the roots.
Fruit trees and ornamental trees can still be planted with success throughout the month of April. Be sure to stake and mulch them. Building a watering ring around them will help you keep them alive in the heat. Pick varieties recommended for this area by the Ag Extension Services.
Utilize the weather to your advantage now to prepare existing trees for the summer heat by ensuring they are properly nourished and have adequate water supplies. Though it is not advisable to prune trees during bloom or growth cycles, if a tree must be pruned, avoid stressing the tree as much as possible. Never remove more than a third of the foliage or hardwood of any tree and ensure the tree has an ample water source to further protect against stress. A water hose on a slow drip set at the base of the tree trunk is the most effective method to water any tree or shrub to avoid such stress
Now is a great time to plant perennials. The selection of Texas native perennials is tremendous. There is a Texas native for almost any exposure or application. The benefit of using natives is obvious; the plant is already adapted to our climate and soil, which makes it much easier to bring the natural beauty of our surrounding hill country into your yard. Xeriscape doesn’t mean cactus and rocks anymore.
Pay attention to water and light requirements, most native perennials require full sunlight and very little water once established, though some, like many salvia varieties, are shade tolerant as well. Many natives will actually flower more profusely under drought stress conditions and over watering may result in weak spindly growth and reduced flowering. A handful of compost in the bottom of the planting hole can increase the chances of successful establishment when planting perennials.
Some of my favorite natives are Salvias, as mentioned earlier. Specifically, Mexican bush sage, Majestic sage, Mountain Sage,
Cedar Sage, Autumn sage, and the hybrid (non-native) Indigo Spires Sage. In addition to some Salvias doing well in the shade, some other shade performers include Pavonia, Turks Cap, Copper Canyon Daisy, Fall Aster, and Black Eyed Susan.
Another bulletproof native is Lantana. Though often overused in central Texas landscapes, it is no wonder why, blooming throughout the growing season with little to no attention it is the definition of a no fuss perennial. There are many colors and sizes available as well. Good news: most of these natives are deer resistant as well.
Turf - As the turf grows, so does the need for maintenance. Regular mowing is the most obvious way to maintain your turf, but one thing to keep in mind is your mowing height. St. Augustine should be mowed no shorter than 4 inches. The longer the blades, the more shade is applied to the soil surface and the root structure is at or just below the soil surface. This acts as mulch in the sense that is keeps the right amount of moisture and allows the roots and rhizomes to be protected from direct sun.
Bermuda and Zoysia can be successfully maintained at a lower height, but keep in mind that if the height is taken too low too soon, the turf could brown out and going into the summer it may be difficult to reestablish.
You can aerate turf throughout the spring, but again, use caution when applying conventional fertilizers or organic compost while the turf is growing, an overabundance of nutrients while the roots are exposed and new growth is coming out can discolor turf. At this time of the year turf discoloration could also be grubs or another pest, rather than fungal disease. Close inspection may be required.
PLANTS OF THE MONTH: Bigtooth Maple – no more driving to east Texas for colorful fall foliage. Grows slowly but tolerates our poor alkaline soil. It has a great Latin specie name, look it up. Bat-Faced Cuphea – heat hardy plant for full sun, best in baskets at head height so you can look the bats straight in the face
DON’T COMMIT CRAPE MURDER – Pruning of crape myrtles (especially severe pruning) is not only not recommended, but will probably cause the crape to die. Google “Crape Murder” by Dr. Greg Grant at A&M. I know everyone does it BUT IT IS WRONG. You paid a lot for good plants, don’t ruin them.
APRIL GARDENING TIPS By Charles Evans, Director of Operations, ECOSystems Landscape Services
Summer camps come in a wide variety of interests and themes -- from music and sports camps to weight-loss and peace corps camps -- there is a camp for every child who has ever said, “I’m bored.” How do parents sort through them all to find the right one for their child? Dave Ettenberg, co-owner of Camp Shane (a weight-loss camp for kids), recommends that parents consider these six guidelines before registering your child.
1. The Staff What are the camp’s hiring procedures? Do they check references and run complete background checks? Also - many camps hire teens as junior counselors, which can be a wonderful experience for all, but it can cause problems if the camp relies too heavily on this cheaper workforce. It is important that a number of experienced adult staff members are on hand to deal with any problems that may arise. Also, ask to speak to the camp’s director, he or she sets the tone for absolutely everything and will be able to give you an immediate sense of the camp’s culture.
2. Referrals Get them, but get meaningful ones. Don’t make the common mistake of relying solely on the names offered to you by the camp—these are typically hand-selected and will undoubtedly be positive. Instead, try to get five names of families that live within 20 minutes from you to ensure a more random sampling. It’s ideal if you can ask someone you know whose child has attended the camp. If you don’t know anyone personally, ask around in your community, chances are you’ll find people.
3. Healthy Atmosphere If possible, try to visit the camp during the summer while in session to ensure there is an active, “happy” atmosphere, with a non-cliquey and non-threatening environment. It should be a place where your child can find strong support and make lifelong friends. Also, ask about the kind of food that is served at the camp—make sure they provide healthy, balanced meal options. You would be shocked to see what’s on the menus at some “reputable” camps.
4. Marketing Materials Read all marketing materials carefully. If they are sloppy and unimpressive it may reflect how they run the camp. On the flipside, beware of materials that appear super-slick; a surprising
number of camps are now owned by corporations or investors who produce the marketing materials but have zero contact with your child. Look for realistic reflections of the camp and specific information that will give you insight to determine if the camp’s philosophy, people and procedures will create the best experience for your child. Also, make sure to read the fine print; some weight-loss camps in particular advertise insurance reimbursements – but check with your particular carrier, as this is often times not the case.
5. The Facilities Are the buildings in good repair? Has everything been freshly painted? Has the grass been cut? Chances are if they don’t take care the facility, they won’t do such a good job with your child.
6. Kid’s Choice Make sure to keep your child involved with the decision-making process. He or she needs to be comfortable with the camp, or the experience won’t be optimal. Also, does your child want to focus in on a special skill or sport? Be sure to consider his or her specific interests and needs. State-of-the-art athletic fields are great but they won’t do anything for a kid who loves music.
Taking time to research summer camps is key to ensuring a fun, safe, and enriching environment for your children - but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming,” said David. “By focusing your search based on a few key factors and by asking the right questions, you can easily find a great match that suits your child’s particular needs.”
ABOUT CAMP SHANE.For more than 45 years, David Ettenberg’s family has owned and operated Camp
Shane, successfully helping children shed pounds and establish a healthy, confident lifestyle at Camp Shane (www.campshane.com) Currently Camp Shane operates in Georgia, New York, California and Arizona; Camp Shane Texas will open this summer in San Antonio. Kids shed unwanted pounds, gain self-esteem and learn how to live a healthy lifestyle while having a blast. An average weight loss for campers is 10-15 pounds in three weeks; 20-25 pounds in six weeks; and 30-35 pounds in nine weeks. For more overweight campers, it is not unusual to lose more than 50 pounds over the summer. Camp Shane has been featured in all national media, including NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams, 20/20, Oprah, Dr. Phil, MTV and Family Circle.
Choosing a Summer CampBy David Ettenberg, co-owner of Camp Shane
FENCING As you may or may not know there are homes here in Stone
Canyon that are approaching or are over 20 years of age. And some of the fencing is nearly that same age. I know that ours here on Sea Ash is 14 years old.
As our fencing ages we will be needing to repair or replace it. These fences were built with the cheapest materials including the improper use of landscape timbers as posts. Almost of our fencing was built with wooden posts and in many cases these are the first to fail. They rot out at the ground line and then break off. We lost four posts in a wind storm several years ago and two other in the years before that due to rot. One of the next most common things that fails is the cross rails that hold the fence pickets. Many rails were just cheap pine 2” X 4”s full of knots. And the bottom of the pickets tend to rot where ever they touch the ground.
As we make these repairs we need to be aware of the rules set forth by our DCC&Rs and further defined by the ACC Guidelines.
Let’s look at each component one at a time. The posts must be either 4” X 4” cedar posts, 4” X 4” pressure treated posts or 2⅜” galvanized steel posts. As for the horizontal rails they may be any wood. We suggest that they be a rot resistant wood such as any of the evergreen woods or a pressure treated wood. The fence pickets may only be made of cedar in 4 inch or 6 inch widths. Pine pickets are not allowed.
Other requirements that must be met are as follows. All fencing must be 6 feet in height only. All shared fences with a neighbor to the side and or back must be in the good neighbor style. Good neighbor fencing is defined as each section (between posts) alternating the direction the pickets face. One section faces toward you and the next toward your neighbor. Pickets in a section may not alternate within that section. Fencing may not extend beyond the front of the home.
There are other things that the ACC Committee may approve such as wrought iron fencing facing a rear greenbelt area. If you need a variance from some rules please submit an ACC Request Form stating your need for a variance. The Committee will review the request and work with you to come to a decision. When filling out a request, remember that more information is better than less. This will help reduce delays.
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BOBCAT BASHFern Bluff Elementary Invites Us to
Join in on the Fun:Dear Stone Canyon Neighborhood,The Fern Bluff Elementary PTA invites you to join us at our
annual spring carnival – the Bobcat Bash-Bobcats on Safari. This year’s Bash will be on Friday, April 11, at Fern Bluff Elementary School, 4:00pm – 8:00pm. Attractions include a robust silent auction (with over 200 items), games for kids and adults, and food truck vendors, including Stony’s Pizza, Hands Off My Funnel Cake, Kandi’s Kettle Corn, Jack Hates Coffee, and Kona Ice. Please visit the Fern Bluff Elementary PTA website at www.FernBluffPTA.org, and click on the Bobcat Bash tab for more information regarding activities and prices.
Thank you,Fern Bluff Elementary PTA
Gas Station Theft Prevention
NCPC KEEPS AN EYE ON THIS EMERGING CRIME TREND
Recently, there has been increased media coverage across the country regarding theft at gas stations. The unique setting allows thieves to catch their victims by complete surprise — when they are pumping gas or paying their tab inside the station. Most of the time, gas station customers leave their car doors unlocked and items like purses and wallets are often left in plain view. A thief is able to drive up next to the victim’s car, open an unlocked door, and grab any valuables within reach. Then, the thief quickly drives off. It happens in a matter of seconds.
But these thefts can be easily prevented if the appropriate precautions are taken. NCPC and the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia recommends the following tips to prevent citizens from becoming victims of theft at area gas stations.• Pick stations that are well-lit and have video surveillance
cameras at the pump.• Always remove your keys and lock the doors while you are
pumping gas.• Keep valuables out of plain view in your vehicle and lock the
doors even if you are going inside for a moment.• Pay attention to your surroundings.• Don’t let your cell phone distract you.
To read this article or more like it go to http://www.ncpc.org
In previous newsletters, I offered tips on how to hit the forehand groundstroke, the two-handed backhand, the one-handed backhand, the forehand volley, the two handed backhand volley, the serve, the forehand half-volley, the one-handed backhand volley, the overhead “smash”, the forehand service return, the backhand service return, the forehand high volley approach shot, the two handed high volley approach shot, the one-handed high volley approach shot, the forehand lob, the two-handed backhand lob, the one-handed backhand lob and the forehand drop shot.
In this issue, I will offer instructions on how to execute the Backhand Drop Shot. This shot is used when a player is deep on the baseline and returns a short soft ball. The player hitting the drop shop is forcing the opponent to run toward the net. This ball should be hit high enough to clear the net and almost bounce back toward the net. If the player running for the shot can get it on the first bounce, he/she will most likely be off balance and will be forced to commit an error or return for an easy put away volley. In the illustrations, Fernando Velasco, Manager and Director of Tennis at the Grey Rock Tennis Club,
shows the proper technique to execute this stroke. This shot can also be executed from the base line when the opponent is expecting a deep return of a serve.
Step 1: The Back Swing: When Fernando realizes that the ball will landing short and high, he starts his back swing high and compacted. He is using the continental grip and keeping his eyes focused on the flight of the ball. His left hand is holding the throat of the racket.
Step 2: The Point of Contact: Fernando is now ready to perform the drop shot. His eyes are now focused on the point of contact and the face of the racket is angled up to create the underspin on the ball. His goal is to keep his head still. His left hand pulling back to keep the center of gravity in the center and his weight is shifting toward his right foot.
Step 3: The Follow Through: The success of a drop shot is to keep the ball on the strings as long as possible. Fernando is almost “cupping” the ball during the follow through. Fernando’s grip is relaxed and the head of the racket is pointing toward the sky. His left shoulder is almost opening backwards and his eyes are following the path of the ball.
