E-mail Edition                                        Web site: www.balconeswoods.org

April 2003                                                 E-mail: newsletter@balconeswoods.org

Balcones Woods Club, Inc.

11204 Alhambra Drive

Austin, TX 78759

Editor’s Note: Sorry we missed putting out the March edition. Unfortunately, the real job required a lot of overtime last month.

Calendar

April 9       Balcones Woods Operating Committee meeting

April 12    Cleanup Day at Pool

April 13    Easter Egg Hunt

April 17    BWC Women’s Club meeting

April 26    BWC Garage Sale

May 13     Balcones Woods Board of Directors meeting

May 14     Balcones Woods Operating Committee meeting

May 15     Women’s Club Dinner

Hello Neighbor!

One sure sign of spring is that Home Depot's and Lowe's parking lots are full.  This is the time of year many neighbors decide to add that new patio, new shed, new addition, or new deck.  This is just a friendly reminder from the Balcones Woods Board of Directors that all such improvements must comply with Balcones Woods covenants and deed restrictions and be approved through the Balcones Woods Architectural Control Committee.  

One of the benefits of living in a controlled neighborhood like Balcones Woods is the restrictions on appearance and use which keep our neighborhood one of the best-looking in Austin. These restrictions are attached to each lot in Balcones Woods and as such are legally enforceable. As a homeowner or renter in Balcones Woods, you should familiarize yourself with each section of the covenants, conditions, and restrictions. The most common violations include boats, trailers, large sheds, or recreational vehicles stored on the premises; signs other than "For Sale" signs erected on the premises; poorly maintained lawns; major auto repair; dumping of lawn clippings and refuse on the association's property; and commercial enterprises conducted on the premises. Violations should be reported to a member of the Operating Committee or Board of Directors. Each year, dozens of violations are corrected through enforcement procedures followed by the Operating Committee, the Board, and the association's legal counsel. (At the next annual meeting, we will be voting to amend the By-Laws to implement a schedule of fines for violations.)

Please take a few minutes to study the general information about the covenants, conditions and restrictions found in your directory, or, at http://www.balconeswoods.org/bwnaindex.htm.  If you have plans or improvements to present to the Architectural Control Committee, please contact Lorretta Vineyard, Committee Chairperson, at 794-5870.

Thank you,

Balcones Woods Board of Directors

 We will be starting our day at 8:00 AM

BWC Women’s Club

Thursday, April 17  at 7:30

Volunteer Opportunities in Austin!

11323 Alhambra Drive

 372-8443

Annual dues:  $15

We meet on the third Thursday of the month (September through May) from 7:30 until 10:00 (or so) And as always, bring a friend!

Would you like us to add you to the mailing list?

Annual Easter Egg Hunt!

Sunday, April 13--starts at 2:00 p.m. sharp!

Balcones Woods Neighborhood Park (next to the pool)

Children ages 10 and under. Bring your baskets, gather eggs, and meet the Easter Bunny.

Sponsored by the Balcones Woods Women's Club.

Call Sandra Marshall for details:  795-9584

How to Get in the Directory

We are updating the Balcones Woods neighborhood directory.  If you are new to the neighborhood or have information that has changed, please call Sandra Walker at 345-8416 or fill out the directory update form on our web site, www.balconeswoods.org  by May 10.

LCRA brush removal

All,

The LCRA was to begin work March 3 in the easement that runs from

Alhambra to BW Drive.  While the original plan called for the wholesale

removal of brush and trees, as a result of the February 26 meeting, they agreed to do only the most critical work for now while we continue negotiations.

LCRA agreed that their trucks would only remove brush/trees that could come within 20 feet of the power lines.  However, the 20 ft measurement would be

from fully loaded power lines that would sag lower than their current

height.  They will also widen the truck path to 16 ft removing all brush

within that path.  Finally, they will clear all brush away from the base of

the towers within a 10 ft radius of the tower.

While some will still insist this is too much, it does represent a

significant concession by the LCRA from their original plans.  Meanwhile, we

need to develop an adhoc steering committee to continue the negotiations

with the LCRA.  If you are interested, in participating or leading this

committee, please contact us ASAP.

Regards,

BWC Board of Directors

Balcones Woods Babysitting Co-Op

Need a babysitter? We have plenty! Interested in a night out? Need an hour to relax? Join the Balcones Woods Babysitting Co-Op!

Our group is composed of parents in our neighborhood who baby sit for each other. For $5, members receive coupons for 25 hours of babysitting, a copy of our bylaws, and a list of parents willing to babysit. (Every time somebody sits for you, you give them a coupon. If you babysit for somebody, they give you a coupon.)

If you are interested, come to our next meeting. We meet on the last Monday of every month (except holidays) from 7:00 - 8:00 pm.

If you have questions, feel free to contact Liz Carrera via e-mail or call 231-8041.

Meetings

2003 Balcones Woods Board and Operating Committee

Your input and participation are always welcomed and appreciated.

Balcones Woods Meal Circle

We bring food to neighbors in need of a helping hand.  Maybe a neighbor has fallen ill or someone on your street has just had a baby.  The Meal Circle is open to everyone!!!  That includes EVERYONE who would like to cook--and we can always use new cooks. All we need is your e-mail address and you’ll get an e-mail telling you when and who needs help.   If you’re interested in learning more, being on the Meal Circle e-mail list, or know of a family that could use this, visit the web site or write us at mealcircle@balconeswoods.org     Thanks!

Park/Pool Parties

After the pool opens,  parties must be booked through the pool manager.

Our policy is one party at a time, for two hours.  More time will be

allowed if the pool/park is not booked.  The party gets access to the

pool and the park even though they might not want the pool.  A deposit

is required to make sure the area is picked up after the party.  A

signed form and deposit are required at time of booking.

Thank you.  If you have any questions, just let me know.

--Cindy Gilmer         poolpersonnel@balconeswoods.org

Tell a friend about our newsletter and advertising space!

The Balcones Woods printed edition monthly newsletter sells ads.  Approved by the BWC Board, ad rates are 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.

For more information, please contact:
Ray Spivey, c/o Balcones Woods Club, Inc.,  P. O. Box 11560, Austin, TX 78711-1560
day phone 512/476-8463            FAX 512/474-9180         newsletter@balconeswoods.org

Your Neighborhood on the Web

Visit the Balcones Woods 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.

&%##*# Swarming Termites!

Subterranean termites are the most destructive pest of wood in the United States, causing more than $2 billion in damage each year.  Normally termites are beneficial, breaking down wood materials that otherwise would accumulate.  When termites move into homes or other structures, problems ensue.  Termites are not readily discovered by the owner of the structure since their activity is usually carried out behind wallboards, siding or wood trim.

Termites are often confused with ants, especially when they are swarming.  To tell ant swarmers from termite swarmers, there are certain key characteristics that can help in proper identification.  First, look at the antennae.  If the antennae are elbowed, or bent, then the insect is an ant.  If the antennae are straight, the insect is a termite.  Next look at the “waist” area.  Ants have a “wasp waist” that is constricted; termites do not have this constriction.  If the insect still has the wings attached, compare the size and shape of the front and back wings.  Termites have wings of similar size and shape, whereas ant wings are different in size and shape (generally, the hindwing will be smaller).  If the insect has already shed its wings, look for a stub on the thorax (the second/middle body segment).   Both termite and ant swarmers will shed their wings after mating, but only termites have a visible stub from where the wing was attached.

Termite swarmers, ones that have wings and fly (the reproductives), are a good sign that termites are infesting your property.  There are other signs of infestation you can look for, even if you do not have swarmers.  Inspect window sills and cobwebs for shed wings.  Walk around the structure and look for mud tubes going up the foundation, piers or utility entrances.  Examine the building for damaged wood; any wood to soil contact is a potential entry site for termites.  To locate wood that might be damaged, tap wood with a screwdriver.  If the resulting sound is dull and thudding, the wood might need to be probed to determine damage.

Subterranean termite wood damage is usually confined to soft, springwood growth.  Tunnels tend to follow the grain of the wood.  The tunnels are often lined with the same material used to build the shelter tubes, which looks somewhat like mud.  The tunnels might have a spotted appearance from fecal material on the wood surface.  Wood decay can often be confused with termite damage.

A thorough inspection yearly can detect a termite problem and be used to determine if treatment is required; this inspection may be done by the property owner or a professional.  Many termite problems can be prevented in the building stage, by using mechanical alterations or sanitation.  Soil grade as well as porches, sidewalk, patios or breezeway should slope away from the building so that water does not stand next to the structure.  At least two (2) inches of clearance should remain between soil-filled porches or planter boxes and the structure.  This will allow for air circulation as well as easier visual inspection.  All wood to soil contact should be eliminated, including attached fence posts, stair casings, door casings and trellises.  Masonry blocks can be used to raise the wood from the soil or pressured treated wood may be used.  Six (6) to eight (8) inches of foundation should be left exposed for visual inspection.  Any shrubbery or foliage should be planted slightly away from the house, also allowing for visual inspection.  If the structure has a crawl space, make sure that there is good air flow to avoid moisture build up.

There are various methods to control termites if you do not have the chance to start from scratch when building.  There are three basic chemical treatments used for treating termites, these are repellent barriers, non-repellent barriers and baits.  Barrier treatments consist of a trench being dug around the structure and chemical placed in the trench.  Treatment might also include drilling of patios, driveways or even inside floors.  Sometimes a wall injection of termiticide may be required.  Repellent barriers will cause the termites to avoid going through the chemical barrier.  If the barrier is disturbed by landscaping or even cracking of dry, clay soil, termites might be able to find access to the structure.  Non-repellent barriers do no stop termites from accessing the structure.  The termites will move through the barrier, pick up the chemical and die.  Baiting systems require continual monitoring of the stations.  Some bait systems are used as stand alone systems, while others are used in tandem with liquid termiticides.

Be aware that there are also drywood termites found in Texas.  The biology of these termites is very different from the subterranean termites described above and are treated in a different manner.  For more information, contact Wizzie Brown at 512.854.9600.

Termites or Ants?

Termites are often confused with ants, especially when they are swarming.  Certain characteristics can help to distinguish between ant and termite swarmers.  First, look at the antennae.  If the antennae are elbowed, or bent, then the insect is an ant.  If the antennae are straight, the insect is a termite.  Next look at the “waist” area.  Ants have a “wasp waist” that is constricted; termites do not have this constriction.  Compare the size and shape of the front and back wings.  Termites have wings of similar size and shape, whereas ant wings are different in size and shape.  If the insect has already shed its wings, look for a stub on the thorax (the second body segment).   Both termite and ant swarmers will shed their wings after mating, but only termites have a visible stub from where the wing was attached.

A thorough inspection yearly can detect a termite problem and be used to determine if treatment is required.  An inspection may be done by the property owner or a professional.  Inspect window sills and cobwebs for shed wings.  Walk around the structure and look for mud tubes going up the foundation, piers or utility entrances.  Examine the building for damaged wood; any wood to soil contact is a potential entry site for termites.

Family Eldercare

Dear Community Leaders:

Family Eldercare is a non-profit 501 (c) (3), United Way Sponsoring Agency. We have supported the elderly and disabled community for the past twenty (20) years.  Family Eldercare is searching for volunteers to become Guardian Advocate and Bill Payer volunteers to our senior and disabled community members without the support of family or friends.  We are currently searching for 50 volunteers to be matched one-on-one with our clients; visiting them twice each month in a nursing home, group home or thier personal home.  Most volunteers average 4-6 hours per month, and can visit someone in need during the evening or weekends! 

Family Eldercare needs your help locating volunteers!  Volunteers are matched by zip code.  No experience is necessary!  Training is provided!  This is a wonderful experience that can involve the entire family.  Their may be someone in your neighborhood who needs your help!  Please consider sharing this information among your community members, in support of elderly and disabled people in Austin. 

How you can help the elderly and disabled.....................

    - Consider Posting our volunteer opportunities in your next newsletter. 

Thank you in advance for your help!  Please let me know if you need additional information!  I am available for a presentation in your neighborhood!

 Yours in partnership,

Pamela Kinney
Manager of Volunteers
Family Eldercare
(512) 483-3569;  (512) 459-6436 fax

email: pkinney@familyeldercare.org

Family Eldercare

                  Serving older adults, people with disabilities and those who care for them since 1982………………

Volunteer Opportunities

More than 50 elderly or disabled people are waiting for a volunteer just like you!

Guardian Advocate – Volunteers will be matched one-on-one with an elderly or disabled person who has no family support. You will be trained to assist their care manager in advocating that a quality of life is being provided for them.

Bill Payer – Volunteers will assist a frail adult with writing checks, monthly bill paying and balancing their checkbooks.

Please call (512) 483-3569 to find out more information or visit our website: www.familyeldercare.org or send us an email: volunteer@familyeldercare.org.