August 2002

Calendar

August 26 HPBC/ Quarries meeting (story below)

September 10 BWC Board of Directors Meeting (details below)

September 11 Operating Committee Meeting (details below)

September 28 Annual Casino Party for adults (story below)

Bridge Club

The BW Bridge Club is looking for new members to start our next season. There are two groups to choose from (or choose both!):

Bridge Club: Third Monday at 7:00 p.m. (for individual players)

Partners Club: Second Saturday at 7:30 p.m. (partners only)

Both groups are "just for fun" and welcome beginners as well as more experienced players. For more information or to sign up, contact Sally Sassen (ssassen@austin.rr.com) or call 346-2140.

A special thanks to Jennifer and David Reck for donating a huge freezer to the pool. It was much needed!

Blue Wave- Champions

Four Years in A Row!

The Blue Wave at the U.T. Swim Center during practice for the Championship Meet...thanks to Ryan Rivette for the picture.

It was another banner year for the Balcones Woods Blue Wave Swim Team. “Considering all the changes in the team’s membership it was a tremendous year”, said Zack Rivette, co-meet director. “Each year, the other teams question how we do it. It is no big secret - our team just works harder,” he said. Our greatest appreciation goes to team president Karol Korte, head coach David Gass, and coaches Huddie Murray, Carol Imperial, and Meghen Murray. “If I were to credit the success of the team to anything, I would say that it is the continuous support that the neighborhood gives the swim team,” Huddie Murray added. “We have continuity, and people who care about each other all year round. Each family contributes to the success of the swim team by giving of their time each season. Because the parents cover all the extra details, the coaches are able to coach. It’s a win-win situation.”

The senior swimmers were also a great inspiration to the rest of the team. We wish them all the best!

High Point winners for the Championship Meet, which was held at University of Texas Swimming Center on June 22, were:

6 and under boys - 2^nd place - Eric Abernathy

8 and under girls - 1^st place - Sydney Torabi

8 and under girls - 3^rd place - Savannah Pearce

8 and under boys - 2^nd place - Joey Reynolds

10 and under girls - 2^nd place - Shelby Kiser

10 and under boys - 1^st place - Timmy Murray

10 and under boys - 2^nd place - Austin Walker

12 and under girls - 3^rd place - Jane Maher

12 and under boys - 1^st place - Jake Reynolds

14 and under girls - 1^st place - Lesley Murray

14 and under boys - (tie) 2^nd place - Ryan Rivette

15-18 girls (tie)- 3^rd place - Julia Murray

15-18 boys (tie)- 1^st place - Geoff Grunska and Peter Murray

Also, there were three league records each set by Jake Reynolds and Lesley Murray (both were in 50 freestyle, 100 Individual Medley, and 50 Butterfly), as well as records set by the 13-14 Boys 200 Medley Relay and the 15-18 Boys Medley Relay. Shelby Kiser set a new record in the 9-10 girls 25 yards Breaststroke.

The team also raised over $3000 in the Red Cross Swim-a-Cross this year. Half of the money supports the Red Cross, and the remainder goes back to the team.

New Pool Hours

The new pool hours are: Monday through Thursday: 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Friday and Saturday: 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Sunday: Noon to 9:00 p.m.

While you’re there…

Please check the lost and found at the pool because we give everything away to Goodwill at the end of August. We have lots of towels, clothing, chairs, and toys.

We need your feedback for next year!

Please submit any ideas for next year’s pool season. Hours, parties, ice cream, anything! You can send them via email to cindy@balcones.com or by mail: Cindy Gilmer, 4001 Galacia Drive, Austin, TX 78759.

Viva Las Vegas

Don't forget the upcoming Annual Casino Party for adults on September 28 from 7:00-10:00 p.m. Balcones Woods will provide the main dish, beer, margaritas, and sodas. Please bring an appetizer, side dish, or dessert to share.

Also, we need dealers to help with the Black Jack tables. Casino Knights will train you that night right before the party. Anyone interested in helping out can call Jodi at 338-9498.

Our Party Donors (be sure to acknowledge their support by supporting them)

Manuel's Academy Chuy's Outback Steakhouse

La Madeleine Grady's American Grill Krispy Kreme

Kwik Kar Oil & Lube Rock-A-Bye Baby Kids

Arbor Car Wash Jamba Juice Zio's Italian Kitchen

HEB Brick Oven Restaurant Great Harvest Bread Co.

Crime Prevention=

Everyone’s Participation

On August 6, our neighbors participated in the 19th Annual National Night Out. “Balcones Woods had excellent participation,” said Annette Bohne, who helped organize the events. “We had seven official neighborhood parties, maybe more unofficial ones.” National Night Out is designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness, generate support and participation in crime efforts, and strengthen neighborhood spirit and police community relations. “We appreciate everyone who organized parties on their street,” Annette said.

Earlier, in July, neighbors on Santa Cruz drive reported that their son’s car had been vandalized. Thieves broke out the back window and stole the car stereo.

Events like National Night Out help us all protect our neighborhood.

Newsletter to start selling ads

The Balcones Woods printed edition monthly newsletter has started selling ads for the upcoming August issue. Approved by the BWC Board, ad rates will be as follows:

Display Ad Dimensions and Rates

· Full page 7 3/4" wide x 10” deep $100 per issue

· 1/2 page 7 3/4” wide x 5” deep $ 60 per issue
(horizontal only)

· 1/4 page 3 3/4” wide x 5” deep $ 40 per issue

· Business card size ad $ 20 per issue

All ad copy is subject to approval by the publisher, and no political ads will be accepted.

Space reservations for display ads are due by the 20th of the month prior to publication, with the camera-ready art due by the 1st. If dates fall on a weekend or holiday, deadlines will be on the following business day. As space is limited, placement is on a first come, first served basis.

For more information, please contact:
Ray Spivey, c/o Balcones Woods Club, Inc., 11204 Alhambra Drive, Austin, TX 78759
phone 512/338-4971 FAX 512/474-9180 newsletter@balconeswoods.org

Balcones Woods Online

Visit your neighborhood web site at www.balconeswoods.org. It’s very user-friendly and full of news and updates. Please e-mail us with your suggestions, news, and comments at webmaster@balconeswoods.org.

Your Neighborhood Association

The BWC Board of Directors meets next on September 10 at 7:30 p.m. The Operating Committee is scheduled to meet September 11 at 7:00 p.m.

These open meetings are held at Seton NW Hospital on the Third Floor, Conference Room A. Please feel free to attend, and check www.balconeswoods.org for updates. We are always looking for volunteers.

For a list of Board of Directors and Operating Committee members, please see:

www.balconeswoods.org/bwc/Volunteers/Board%20and%20Operating%20Committee.html.

Quarries Update

The Hyde Park Baptist Church-Five Neighborhoods Coordinating Committee (HPBC) will meet next on August 26.

Construction Update

Tom Terry, our neighborhood representative, met with Bob Liverman of HPBC and agreed on the following:

HPBC is going to build a wood fence running along Balcones Woods Dr. from a ways past the dead-end barricade at the south towards Mopac up to the 1^st house on the north/east side of the street. The fence will be set-back 10 feet for the City easement. They have agreed to place big boulders, closely spaced, 10 feet behind the barricade from their fence around behind the barricade to the big trees that grow along Calle Verde.

The Balcones Woods Homeowners can landscape this area further if we choose. We decided against boulders along Balcones Woods Drive, outside the fence because HPBC is committed to maintaining the fence, should it need repair, and, we feel the landscaping will be much more attractive than rocks.

This represents quite a concession to our neighborhood beyond the original agreement, and we should be appreciative to HPBC. If anyone has a problem or suggestions, please let me know soon.

I wish to express my appreciation to Bob Liverman and to Max, his father-in-law/business partner, and to HPBC for their continued willingness

to go the ‘extra mile’ to work with the neighborhoods. And, to you folks in Balcones Woods for your understanding of the situation and your helpful input.

Regards, Tom Terry

Balcones Woods Contact

tomkterry@hotmail.com

(phone during day is 459-6820).

Are you new to the neighborhood? We have BWC care packages for new neighbors. But we don’t always know when someone new moves in. Please call Nikki, 502-8726.

Would you like to be listed in the Balcones Woods directory? You can enter your listing online at: http://www.balconeswoods.org/DirectoryUpdate.htm

Want to know about that Police chase and helicopters and lights last week????

Join the Neighborhoood Group Email list!

Visit the Balcones Woods Group Page at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/balconeswoods. You can sign-in or subscribe.

Learn about City of Austin Zoning Codes

http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/codec/zoningcc.htm

Texas Star Chorus of Sweet Adelines International, a barbershop harmony organization for women, is looking for new members in Austin. Women and girls of all ages who enjoy singing are invited to attend any rehearsal on Tuesdays at Parmer Lane Baptist Church from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. or our special Guest Night on Tuesday, October 15^th at 7p.m. at the same location.

"Musical knowledge isn't necessary to sing with this chorus," says Director Pat Oliver. "Any woman of average singing ability, with or without vocal training, will find a part that fits her voice range."
The chorus provides a community service, offering its talent for entertainment at civic events and charitable functions, in addition to promoting harmony and friendship among women.

Celebrating more than 55 years of barbershop harmony, Sweet Adelines International has a membership of 30,000 women around the world. The organization is dedicated to educating its members in the art of singing four-part harmony, barbershop style, and has as its motto "Harmonize the World."

For more information contact Gail at 339-8893 or geltgroth@att.net or visit their web site at www.texasstarchorus.org

Safe Walk to School gets students, parents ready for class

Getting ready for school means more than buying books and backpacks.

City and school officials used a fun event on August 17 to drive home the serious message that parents and children together have a responsibility for ensuring no one gets hurt as they walk or ride their bikes or scooters to school.

As preparation for school starting next week, Mayor Gus Garcia, School Board President Doyle Valdez and Austin School Superintendent Pat Forgione urged parents and children to discuss what hazards might lie en route for children as they travel to and from school.

For the 17th year, a Safe Walk to School event jump-started the City’s Child Safety Program school season. This year’s event at Pickle Elementary School in Northeast Austin included various City departments and Austin Independent School District and Capital Metro representatives sponsoring a variety of safety-related demonstrations.

Rhonda Bolick from the City’s Child Safety Program, along with the dignitaries, led a parade of children safely across the crosswalk at Wheatley and Blessing avenues.

The children and parents were given a Top 10 list of safety measures:

Don't cross in the middle of the street. Go to the intersection or the crosswalk to cross the street.
Stop, look and listen. Drivers don't always stop for you at a crosswalk or green/walk light. Look for cars and make sure it's safe before you cross the street.
Look in all directions when you cross the street.

Look left.
Look in front of you.
Look right.
Look over your shoulder.
Look back to the left again.

Then keep looking as you cross the street

Never run or dash across the street. See if any cars are coming, and then walk across the street.
See and be seen. Look at the driver and make sure the driver sees you.
Cross with the crossing guard at school crosswalks.
Always walk at least an arm's length away from the edge of the street.
Walk your bike across the street.
Roller blades and skateboards are not allowed in the crosswalk.
Never walk along or play on the railroad tracks. A train cannot stop quickly for you!

Officials asked parents to review routes to school and to remind children not to talk to strangers who approach or be lured by a driver that is asking for directions. Parents should tell their children to tell a crossing guard about anyone bothering them.

The mission of the Child Safety Program is to provide a safe pedestrian and bike environment for Austin’s students en route to and from school. To help achieve this goal, the City of Austin’s Child Safety Program will provide 160 crossing guards at 150 locations throughout the City of Austin this school year. For the past two school years, there were no injuries in school zones throughout Austin.

Also, the program offers a popular free training program about safe street-crossing procedures to elementary schools, daycare centers and neighborhood associations. The Don’t Kid With Safety program trained more than 16,000 children last year. For more information, call (512) 974-5633.

Contact:
Chris Moore, City of Austin Child Safety Coordinator, (512) 974-7273