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Highland Park West Balcones Area

The

HPWBANA

Volume 3, Number 12

December 2007

www.hpwbana.org

HPWBANA Member Peter Rauch Wins Marathon

2008,

Here We Come!

 The new HPWBANA Board Members are geared up and excited about the upcoming year in our neighborhood.  Our goals include building membership, expanding and improving events, improving our communication networks throughout the neighborhood, and serving you, the neighbors, in the best way possible. Please plan to attend a board meeting or two in 2008!  Contact any board member if you have an idea or concern to share.  And don’t forget to volunteer to help! Let’s make our Neighborhood The Best It Can Be! Carolyn Robinson HPWBANA President

October Meeting Highlights

On October 24, the board held its monthly meeting. The meeting focused on introducing new board members to the board committees and planning the events, projects and meetings for the coming year. Board meetings are held the fourth Wednesday of every month at 7pm at the Yarborough Library on Hancock. Neighbors are encouraged to attend and present any ideas or concerns they may have. We look forward to seeing you at our next meeting!

Don't want to wait for the mail? View the current issue of the Highland Park West Balcones Area Neighborhood Newsletter on the 1st day of each month at www.PEELinc.com Copyright © 2007 Peel, Inc.

News

Highland Park West neighbor and local marathon racer Peter Rauch finished first place in the fifth annual Marathon 2 Marathon race near Big Bend Texas on October 13.  With a time of 2 hours and 53 minutes, Rauch finished 20 minutes ahead of the next runner and set a new course record, beating the old one by more than four minutes.  “It was warm and windy, but at least we had altitude,” says Rauch of the marathon, which begins on US Highway 90 near Alpine, TX, and finishes 26.2 miles later in Marathon, TX.  “In spite of the conditions, it’s a friendly event under some of the prettiest skies in Texas.”   An experienced marathoner, Rauch prepared for the race by running up to 80 miles per week often taking advantage of the hilly terrain in our neighborhood.  When he’s not running, Rauch serves as president of the Gazelle Foundation, a newly founded non-profit that is working to provide water wells in Burundi, Africa.    Way to go Peter! Thanks for representing the neighborhood so well!  

Peter Rauch, HPWBANA member, won the M2M marathon Dino PitOctober Under12Construction in Marathon, TX on with a course record-setting time of 2 hours, 53 minutes.

Highland Park West Balcones Area Neighborhood Association Newsletter - December 2007 

Highland Park West Balcones Area Helpful Phone Numbers

Austin Citywide Information Center.................974-2000 or 311 Emergency Police.................................................................. 911 Non-emergency Police (coyote sighting, etc.)....................... 311 Social Services (during work hours)...................................... 211 Dana Munguia, Senior Patrol Officer...........................974-5440 David Crowder Jr., Senior Police Officer .................... 974-5545 Wildlife Rescue 24 Hour Hot Line .......................210-698-1709

HPWBANA Board Meetings Please attend our next monthly meetings: Wednesday, January 23, 2007 Yarborough Library 2200 Hancock Drive 7:00-8:30 pm

2007 HPWBANA Board of Directors

President - Carolyn [email protected], 302-5417 Vice-President Treasurer - Krista Saeger.......... [email protected], 380-9062 Secretary - Andrea [email protected], 302-4294 Tonianne Soster................................. [email protected], 825-3773 Frances Allen......................................................... [email protected] Trey Blundell............................................ [email protected] Eric Hansen................................................................... [email protected] Newsletter Editor- Andrea [email protected]

Please visit the neighborhood association website at hpwbana.org to learn more about our wonderful business sponsors. The HPWBANA Board meets on the 4th Monday of each month except December. Meetings are held from 7:00 – 8:45 p.m. at the Yarborough Library, 2200 Hancock Drive. All neighbors are invited to attend. www.hpwbana.org HWPBANA is bordered on the north by 2222, on the south by 35th St., on the west by Mt. Bonnell Rd., and on the east by MoPac and by Bull Creek Rd. between Hancock Dr. and 45th St. Mail your membership dues to HPWBANA, P.O. Box 26101, Austin, Texas 78755

Advertising Information

Please support the businesses that advertise in the HPWBANA Newsletter. Their advertising dollars make it possible for all residents to receive a newsletter at no charge. No neighborhood association funds are used to produce or mail the newsletters. If you would like to support the newsletter by advertising, please contact Peel, Inc. Sales Office at 512-989-8905 or advertising@ PEELinc.com for ad information and pricing.

DISCLAIMER: Articles and ads in this newsletter express the opinions of their authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Peel, Inc. or its employees. Peel, Inc. is not responsible for the accuracy of any facts stated in articles submitted by others. The publisher also assumes no responsibility for the advertising content with this publication. All warranties and representations made in the advertising content are solely that of the advertiser and any such claims regarding its content should be taken up with the advertiser. * The publisher assumes no liability with regard to its advertisers for misprints or failure to place advertising in this publication except for the actual cost of such advertising. * Although every effort is taken to avoid mistakes and/or misprints, the publisher assumes no responsibility for any errors of information or typographical mistakes, except as limited to the cost of advertising as stated above or in the case of misinformation, a printed retraction/correction. * Under no circumstances shall the publisher be held liable for incidental or consequential damages, inconvenience, loss of business or services, or any other liabilities from failure to publish, or from failure to publish in a timely manner, except as limited to liabilities stated above. 

At no time will any source be allowed to use the HPWBANA Newsletter contents, or loan said contents, to others in anyway, 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 the HPWBANA and Peel, Inc. The information in the HPWBANA Newsletter is exclusively for the private use of HPWBANA Neighborhood residents only.

Classified Ads

Business classifieds (offering a service or product line for profit) are $50, limit 40 words, please contact Peel, Inc. Sales office at 512-989-8905 or [email protected].

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Highland Park West Balcones Area Neighborhood Association Newsletter - December 2007

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Highland Park West Balcones Area Kids “Dug” the Annual Meeting

October was a busy month for the HPWBANA board. We started October with the unveiling of the Dino Dig at the Annual Meeting. Neighborhood children participated in the “grand opening” of the new sandbox at Perry Park by digging for dinosaur treasures and unearthing the dino bones. The meeting also resulted in the election of the new board. After official business, the neighbors enjoyed hot dogs and a nice evening at the park. If you are interested in becoming more involved in your neighborhood or want to help with events like this, please email HPWBANA board president Carolyn Robinson at carrob99@ hotmail.com.

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Highland Park West Balcones Area Neighborhood Association Newsletter - December 2007 

Highland Park West Balcones Area Highland Park Elementary Needs Our Help

In recent weeks Highland Park Elementary School has been subjected to various acts of vandalism.  The school staff asks that parents and neighbors help keep an eye on the campus, especially on the weekends. Should you see any questionable behavior, please contact Crimestoppers at 499-TIPS and be sure to notify the school’s office staff at 414-2090.  By the way, if a tip leads to an arrest the tipster can earn up to a five hundred dollar reward! Highland Park Elementary staff thanks all the neighbors for helping to protect the campus and keep the neighborhood safe.



Highland Park West Balcones Area Neighborhood Association Newsletter - December 2007

Copyright © 2007 Peel, Inc.

Highland Park West Balcones Area Holiday Hazards for Your Pet

As the holidays approach and the festivities begin, it is important to take stock of our holiday decorations to ensure that all remains safe for our furry friends. --Ribbon, especially curling ribbon, can be very dangerous to pets. Animals, most notably cats, enjoy eating this ribbon, which can result in a serious intestinal blockage. The same is true of that bright, shiny tinsel. --Decoration Hooks/Ornaments. Animals are curious and love to investigate anything by putting it in their mouth. Broken ornaments and hooks can cause trauma to the gastrointestinal tract of your animal if ingested. --Christmas Tree Water can be filled with chemical preservatives or simply be stagnant and cause an animal to get an upset stomach. --Holiday plants can cause of a variety of issues if ingested. Some can be highly toxic while others may result in nothing more than an upset stomach. Best to keep them all out of the reach of your cats and/or dogs. By paying special attention to these potential hazards, you can make sure that your pet’s holiday is happy and safe.

Samantha Wilson shows off her costume at the Annual Neighborhood Meeting.

“A year ago, I was on 14 pills a day, had Type II diabetes, sleep apnea, and asthma. Not any more!” Billie Crumley, St. David’s Weight Loss Surgery Patient

Life reshaped. To free yourself. Body & mind. Obesity can be a heavy weight to bear, not just physically but emotionally as well. Worse, this disease results in long lasting health problems. As a certified Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence, St. David’s can help you reshape your life toward a healthier lifestyle. From weight loss surgery to regular follow up visits with your surgeon, dietitian, psychologist, exercise physiologist, and support group, St. David’s Bariatric Center is with you until the weight is over. Monthly Seminars 6:30-8:00 p.m. at St. David’s Medical Center:

Monday, December 3 Thursday, December 6 Billie Crumley before her surgery.

To register for one of the free seminars or for other seminar dates, call: 512-544-LIFE (5433)

Bariatric Center 900 East 30th Street, Suite 202 Austin, Texas 78705 www.StDavids.com

Copyright © 2007 Peel, Inc.

Highland Park West Balcones Area Neighborhood Association Newsletter - December 2007 

Highland Park West Balcones Area HPWBANA Yahoo Listserv Interested in getting emails about what is going on in the neighborhood? Join our HPWBANA yahoo listserv: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/hpwbana/ Just click on the Join this Group button and follow instructions. A yahoo login and password setup is involved so you control how and where you get emails. Question about getting started? Contact our listserv moderator Marvin Smith at [email protected]

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2-1-1: Another Resource for Information We all know that 9-1-1 is the number to call in case of emergencies. And many of us know that we can call 3-1-1 for non emergency issues such as loose dogs, potholes and traffic signal malfunctions. But did you know that there is now a number to call for help with information and referrals for health and human services needs? 2-1-1 is a help line that has a comprehensive community resource database of local services that provide assistance with health care, employment, educational, legal, housing, counseling, and transportation needs, and much more. Now, you don’t have to worry about navigating the maze of community service agencies, 2-1-1 can do it for you. --Want the location of the nearest library? --Looking for information on a support group for cancer patients? --Need help for an elderly parent that is homebound and needs someone to take him/her grocery shopping? --Want options for affordable counseling services? --Looking for assistance for a relative out of state? 2-1-1 can help! Begun in 2003, 2-1-1 is a free, statewide network that currently is in operation in 50 percent of the state. In South Central Texas (which includes Austin and Travis County), the United Way Capital Area has been designated as the local call center. 2-1-1 is available 24 hours a day and 7 days a week and information is also available online. This service is available to anyone looking for information or assistance to identify the services best suited to meet his or her needs. So the next time you are unsure who to call, remember: 9-1-1 for emergency purposes only 3-1-1 for non-emergency issues 2-1-1 for health and human service information

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Highland Park West Balcones Area Neighborhood Association Newsletter - December 2007

Copyright © 2007 Peel, Inc.

Highland Park West Balcones Area City Program Helps Keep Neighborhood Cool

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Neighbors may have recently noticed a bevy of yellow flags scattered on lawns throughout the neighborhood. If you have one in your yard, you may be eligible for a free tree from the City! Austin Energy is partnering with TreeFolks and the City of Austin’s NeighborWoods program to plant 3,000 trees this fiscal year along public rights of way to increase shading in neighborhoods and reduce energy bills while beautifying the community. The effort is part of the City of Austin’s Urban Heat Island Mitigation initiative, designed to reduce the heat in urban areas caused by concrete, buildings, and loss of tree cover. The tree plantings along right of ways are aimed at shading streets and reducing the heat absorbed by the dark pavement. It is estimated that the “urban heat island effect” causes urbanized areas to be 3 to 9 degrees hotter than surrounding rural areas, leading to increased energy bills and more dependence on fossil fuels to create electricity.

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The NeighborWoods program provides trees to residents for free in neighborhoods that are determined through aerial photographs and visual inspections to need more trees. Residents mail in a reply card left at their door agreeing to plant the trees in designated locations identified by the program that provide optimum shading and are away from utility lines. Residents also agree to water the trees for two years to help them get established. The program has distributed more than 20,000 trees since 1994 and its trees have had an overall survival rate of about 80%. TreeFolks, a non-profit organization dedicated to public tree plantings, is contracting with Austin Energy to coordinate six delivery cycles of 500 trees each cycle between November and March. The organization also will provide all administrative duties such as identifying locations to plant the trees, processing reply cards and distributing tree planting literature to residents. For more information about the program, call 443-5323.

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Highland Park West Balcones Area Neighborhood Association Newsletter - December 2007 

Highland Park West Balcones Area

GOURMET I TA L I A N

BRUNCH Join us Sundays from 11- 3 and take a stroll through our Villagio where our Chefs are preparing a gourmet Italian feast right in front of you. Taste as many as you like. . . Baked Fontina & Egg Strata, Belgian Waffles, Poached Eggs Fiorentina, Custom Made Omelets, French Toast, Fruit Scones, Cherry Strudel . . . Just to name a few! Plus our traditional gourmet Italian lunch selections!

Board Member Vacancy Creates Volunteer Opportunity

A board member position has recently become available on the HPWBANA board. If you have considered taking a more active role in community affairs and are a current member of HPWBANA, consider volunteering to serve on the Board. Serving on the board has many benefits. First, you become more knowledgeable about issues facing the entire neighborhood. Also, it sets a good example for your children. By serving on the board, you show them that good communities do not “just happen” –they are built. Join us to continue building this neighborhood! Board members serve two year terms and agree to attend monthly board meetings. If you would like to volunteer or find out more, or if you would like to suggest the name of someone you believe would be a good candidate, contact Nadene Morning, president or Carolyn Robinson, vice president.

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Highland Park West Balcones Area Neighborhood Association Newsletter - December 2007

Copyright © 2007 Peel, Inc.

Highland Park West Balcones Area Austin Real Estate: Boom or Bust?

By Ben Friedman Despite what you hear in the media, real estate is still going strong in Austin, TX.  Particularly in Central Austin and our neighborhood, Highland Park West.  Market Stats for our general area (1B in Realtor terms) that might be of interest to you:   • Current (active) Listings in 1B: 135 • Total Listings in 1B over last 30 days: 200 • Days on the Market (year to date): 74 days (13% less than 2006 or 85 days) • Current Solds over last 30 days: 30 • Average Sales Price (year to date):  $704,000 (13% increase over 2006 or $621,750) • Average Cost / Sq. Ft:  $313   It would appear from these stats that homes in Highland Park West are selling for more in less time.  We all know we live in a great neighborhood and would never want to see values go down.  It also shows that our economy is heading in the right direction and bucking the general trends around the US.  Hang on to that home--it’s an asset! Mortgage news in the media is also doom and gloom with no positive messages.  The fact is many financial institutions are taking a beating from the sub-prime bets they made in the past.  This is true.  Unfortunately, this is all we hear.  What they don’t tell you is that 1) Rates are still at historic lows, 2) Loan programs are still available for the 1st time homebuyer needing 100% financing to the ultra wealthy that can’t prove income, 3) It’s never too late to educate yourself and understand your home finances & options to leverage your home no matter what income level you happen to fall into.     Ben Friedman is a HPWBANA neighbor and Board Member.

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Highland Park West Balcones Area Neighborhood Association Newsletter - December 2007 

Highland Park West Balcones Area

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Highland Park West Balcones Area Neighborhood Association Newsletter - December 2007

Copyright © 2007 Peel, Inc.

Highland Park West Balcones Area It’s Never Too Early Support HPWBANA with your Membership for 2008! It’s important for neighbors to join and stay active in HPWBANA. A growing membership makes us a stronger force with the City of Austin and allows us undertake projects that directly contribute to the quality of life in our neighborhood: Movies in Perry Park July 4th Parade and Picnic Neighborhood Beautification Efforts Spring Easter Egg Hunt Involvement in City Planning & Zoning Issues Focal Point for MoNAC We need your support! Please renew your membership for 2008 or become a new member of HPWBANA today. Send $15 for a Family membership of $10 for a Single-Member Household membership (only one adult in household) to: HPWBANA, PO Box 26101, Austin, TX 78755 Name _______________________________ Name of Second Adult ________________________

Reminder – January is HPWBANA dues renewal month.

Address _________________________________________________________________________ Home Phone _________________________ Email _______________________________________ Questions about membership? Please contact Krista Saeger at 380-9062 or via email at [email protected]

Copyright © 2007 Peel, Inc.

Highland Park West Balcones Area Neighborhood Association Newsletter - December 2007 11

Highland Park West Balcones Area

Peel, Inc.

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Highland Park West Balcones Area Neighborhood Association Newsletter - December 2007

HP

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