The Caddie
The Caddie
August 2008
Volume 2, Issue 8
Official Publication of the Forest Creek Homeowners Association
FAST Frogs – 2008 Austin Aquatics League Champions! The FAST Frogs may be the newest team to join the Austin Aquatics League, but they have proved they can compete with the more established teams. After a loss to the Westover Wild Orcas, the FAST Frogs posted wins in their next 3 meets. On June 7th, the FAST Frogs traveled to the Twin Creeks Country Club to compete against the Texas Twisters. This marked the first win of the season for the FAST Frogs. Swimmers from both teams had the opportunity to cheer on relays composed of their parents and coaches during the half-time break. On June 14th, the FAST Frogs hosted the Balcones Woods Blue Wave. The win over the Blue Wave was especially exciting, because they were the league champions last year! In the final dual meet of the season, the FAST Frogs traveled to the Great Hills Country Club to compete against the Gators. The FAST Frogs won the meet, but the Great Hills Gators had an Olympic Trials Qualifier competing for them in the girls 15-18 age group. Good luck to Maddie Tarantolo in her quest for the Olympics!
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The most exciting meet of the year, though, was the AAL Championship Meet held at the University of Texas Swim Center. All five teams that make up the AAL met for the invitational meet on June 29th. In a meet that would not be decided until the final event, the FAST Frogs prevailed over the other four teams to win their first ever AAL Championship. Individually, the FAST Frogs took home 11 of the 48 High Point Trophies. (The High Point Trophies are present to the top three scorers in each age group, boys and girls.) The FAST Frogs also set 6 new League records and 21 new team records. Our little tadpoles were doing great things too! Of the original 30 tadpoles, 18 graduated to Frog status, although not all of them chose to compete in the meets. We are very proud of these swimmers and hope they will be back next year swimming FAST! The Frogs celebrated a great season with a trip to Rock –n- River on June 22nd and an end of year banquet held at the Forest Creek Park on June 30th. We want to congratulate all of our swimmers for a great season and look forward to seeing them back in the pool next spring!
Neighborhood Watch News The Neighborhood Watch organization for Forest Creek has definitely seen more active and involved times thanks to the dedication and organization of the prior chairman Alan Aguais, so there are some large shoes to fill. A HUGE thanks to Alan for setting up the organization with its current contacts and processes! With the upcoming “National Night Out” on August 5th, I would like to invite anyone looking for an impactful area to volunteer in Forest Creek to sign up for involvement in the Neighborhood Watch committee. Communication is the foundation of a successful “watch” organization, so please make sure you register your email address on the website, or at the national night out table. We will have a laptop there ready to collect or update email addresses. Currently, the email list in use for such communication is the general mailing list for the neighborhood. We are looking to revive or re-implement the block captain program that will more formally keep watchful eyes in each logical area. More information to come at National Night Out. National Night Out: Tuesday, August 5th Where: Forest Creek Park Time: 6PM – 8PM Activities: We will have representatives from local fire and police organizations, a jumping castle, snow-cones, hot dogs, and all our neighbors! It’s a great time to meet others in the neighborhood and get information on FC neighborhood activities. A big thank you to the FC Event Planning committee for helping plan a great event. Contact: Justin Jackson, jbjacks@austin. rr.com
Forest Creek Homeowner's Association Newsletter - August 2008
The Caddie Contact Information Board of Directors/Community Contacts President Kate Walters-Beetley.......
[email protected] Vice-President Keith
[email protected] Treasurer/Amenities Tom Vaughan................................
[email protected] Secretary Chris Gaidsick..............................cgaidsick@forestcreekhoa.org Committee/Landscaping Asad Salahuddin.......................
[email protected] Website TBD.............................................................................................. Caddie Contact Juliet Burnette......................................jwburnette@hotmail.com Property Management Contacts Property Manager......................................... Phyllis Star-Johnson PS Property Management
[email protected] 512/251-6122
Pool Update – July 2008
As we are about 2 months into our pool season, things are working relatively well. We have had some issues with the gates at the pool working properly, and the Board is looking into a new system that will meet the needs of the community for years to come. As always, if there are any residents in the community that own a business that specializes in access control systems, please contact the Board immediately so that we can consider you for the job. Another issue that has come up in recent weeks are the waivers. Though we allowed someone who had not signed a waiver to do so at the pool, we are no longer allowing this. The reason is two-fold: One, it has been two months since we opened the pool and that is more than enough time to have taken care of getting a signed waiver to the Property office. Two, non-residents are aware of the “system” and are signing waivers everytime they show up to gain access to the pool. A few of the Board members have witnessed this. Please make sure that everyone entering the pool uses a key. Don’t let tailgaters through unless you are 100% certain they are residents. Please also remember that nobody under 15 is allowed in the pool without an adult. Thank you to all the residents for following the pool rules and making this a great swim year. Forest Creek HOA Board
Newsletter Information
Editor Juliet
[email protected] Publisher Peel, Inc.......................... www.PEELinc.com, 512-989-8905 Advertising.........
[email protected], 512-989-8905 At no time will any source be allowed to use The Caddie 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 Forest Creek Homeowner's Association and Peel, Inc. The information in the newsletter is exclusively for the private use of Forest Creek Homeowner's Association residents only.
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. Forest Creek Homeowner's Association Newsletter - August 2008
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Forest Creek Ladies Coffee
Thursday, August 28th 8:30am – 10:00am (come-n-go) 3607 Carnousty Cove For more info, contact Wendi Baird at 255-6140 or
[email protected]
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Copyright © 2008 Peel, Inc.
You’re Invited… Ladies Coffee
The Forest Creek Events Planning Committee is hosting a Ladies Coffee on Thursday, August 28th. Our neighborhood has grown by leaps and bounds this past year and this is the perfect opportunity to meet your neighbors, new and old. We plan to make this a monthly event and will have a sign-up sheet available for those who wish to host a future coffee in their home.
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Packing school lunches day after day can be a tedious and seemingly endless chore. But with over 53 million American children eating school lunches every day, the real burden is on Mother Earth. In fact, the average American student produces over 67 pounds of trash each year from school lunches! Just follow these easy steps and you’ll have a healthy child AND you’ll be saving the Planet: Step 1: The Container: Your child’s lunch bag or box can be an expression of their personality and their concern for the planet. Keep it green by using a reusable container that will last for years. There are some great options out there that will even make kids excited to pack their own lunch. Check out Built NY’s award winning lunch tote that opens into a placemat and insulates food and drink separately. Or try Lap Top Lunches, a Bento Box style container that holds food in 5 separate compartments. Both are available at Reusable Bags, a resource for eco-friendly bags of all kinds. Step 2: The Packaging: Although those little individually wrapped snack packs seem so convenient, they create mountains of waste and use up valuable resources. Try buying in bulk and put food in reusable containers. Send kids off with a refillable water bottle. Keep a few informal pieces of silverware and cloth napkins on hand to throw into the lunch box. If you must use throw away materials, wrap food in biodegradable wax paper or tin foil…but just make sure to recycle it! Step 3: The Food: Try to buy local, organic and sustainable food. To keep kids healthy all year long, freeze fruits and veggies in the summer. Step 4: The Eternal Struggle: Getting kids to eat their lunch. Probably the biggest blow to the environment is wasted food. All the energy and resources used to get food from a seed to your child’s lunch box will be wasted if it ends up in the trash. To get your kids to eat, encourage them to help pick out and prepare their own lunch. Sandwiches can get boring, so pack a little variety into their meals. Here are some crowd pleasers they’re bound to like: • Cut up fruit • Rolled cold cuts or cheese • Cut up veggies with dip • Homemade popcorn • Trail mix • Dried mangos (they taste just like fruit roll–ups!) Step 5: Skip the School Cafeteria: Always pack a lunch to ensure your kids are getting nutritious and sustainable food. Preparing lunch together is a great opportunity to teach your kids about their environmental impact and show them how they can make a real difference. And fortunately for us, what’s good for the planet is good for your kids, too.
Back to School Splash Party
Join us at the Forest Creek Park on Sunday, August 24th from 2-4pm for a splashing good time. We’ll have snow cones and a water slide to keep the kids cool!
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Back to School -
The Caddie
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Each Primrose School is privately owned and operated. Primrose Schools and The Leader in Educational Child Care are trademarks of Primrose School Franchising Company. ©2008 PSFC. All rights reserved.
Forest Creek Homeowner's Association Newsletter - August 2008
The Caddie
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The challenge challenge is is to to fill fill every every row row across, across, every every column column down, down, and and every every The 3x3 box with the digits 1 through 9. Each 1 through 9 digit must appear 3x3 box with the digits 1 through 9. Each 1 through 9 digit must appear only once once in in each each row row across, across, each each column column down, down, and and each each 3x3 3x3 box. box. only
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KS GREEN & COMPANY Tr e e E x p e r t s Owner &
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Attention Teenagers
The Teenage Job Seekers listing service is offered free of charge to all Forest Creek teenagers seeking work. Submit your name and information to
[email protected] by the 9th of the month!
Classified Ads
Personal classifieds (one time sell items, such as a used bike...) run at no charge to Forest Creek residents, limit 30 words, please e-mail
[email protected] Business classifieds (offering a service or product line for profit) are $50, limit 40 words, please contact Peel, Inc. Sales Office @ 512-989-8905 or
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Forest Creek Homeowner's Association Newsletter - August 2008
Advertising Information
Please support the businesses that advertise in The Caddie. Their advertising dollars make it possible for all Forest Creek residents to receive the monthly newsletter at no charge. No homeowners association funds are used to produce or mail the newsletters. If you would like to support the newsletter by advertising, please contact our sales office at 512-989-8905 or advertising@ PEELinc.com. The advertising deadline is the 10th of each month for the following month's newsletter. Copyright © 2008 Peel, Inc.
Family Volunteering: Doing Good Together
Submitted by Wendi Baird During a recent camping trip, my children were shocked to see the amount of trash left along the river bank following a long holiday weekend. “Didn’t the people see the empty trash cans,” asked my daughter with all the childlike wisdom of an eight year old. As we looked downstream, we noticed a lone Park Ranger walking along the banks with a trash bag picking up all the empty cans and other garbage left behind by the holiday revelers. I saw the light bulbs go off simultaneously in my kids’ minds … “Mom, can we go back to our camper and get some trash bags to help, too?” To be honest, my first thought as a mom was that I didn’t want my children touching all that germ-infested garbage. But then I realized what a great learning opportunity this could be. Here was a problem, and it was one that we could work together as a family to remedy. So after walking along the river banks, filling up two trash bags with garbage, we finally caught up to the Park Ranger downstream. Although he was very appreciative of the help, he was quite surprised by our efforts. “You shouldn’t have to do this,” he said. “It isn’t your trash or your responsibility to pick it up”. I don’t know what was more disappointing that morning – the fact that this beautiful park was strewn with garbage (while empty trash cans sit in plain site) or the surprise shown by the Park Ranger that someone would voluntarily help pick up the garbage. It seems that the phrase “That’s not in my job description” has become a common mantra today. I firmly believe that one way to combat the selfish and materialistic attitudes prevalent in our society is through Family Volunteering. It’s one thing to tell our children that we need to help others. But actually doing volunteer projects together as a family instills life lessons that won’t be readily abandoned later in life. According to the website www.DoingGoodTogether.org, family volunteering “is a hands-on way to teach children the values of kindness, compassion, tolerance, community responsibility and good citizenship.” The website is full of ideas for family volunteer projects. One of my favorites is one that even the youngest children can do. Create a “Giving Box” from an old coffee can or shoe box. Let your children decorate it and then place it in a prominent location in your home. Encourage your children to fill it with any loose change they find. Then as the Holiday Season approaches, let your children help choose where the money will be donated. For example, they could use the money to buy a toy to donate to Blue Santa or to buy canned goods to donate to the local food pantry. Our children still talk about that family experience of picking up trash along the Frio River. It was gratifying to all of us to see how clean the riverbank looked after spending just a few minutes helping that lone park ranger. But, more importantly, it reinforced to us as parents that it’s one thing to teach your children something, but the impact is far greater when you show them!
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The Caddie
Resident Feedback
We’ve all heard the phrase, “charity begins at home,” but the truth is, a lot of things begin at home, or should, anyway. One of the most important is becoming a law-abiding citizen. Once again this year, I encountered neighbors shooting fireworks here in Forest Creek. I’m sure all those folks think it’s just good clean fun – a tradition. But it’s against the law, and against our HOA Restrictions. It seems ironic to me that anyone would choose to celebrate the birth of our nation, and those who have fought and died for our country, by participating in dangerous and illegal activities. What do you do for Memorial Day, drag race? And this is not the only offense many of us commit. Not a day goes by that I’m not passed by someone speeding home through the neighborhood at well above the 30 mph limit. These are not cut-through drivers – they turn onto streets where we only get neighborhood traffic. The fact that everyone who lives here knows how many kids we have out and about makes this behavior particularly egregious. These small daily offenses, committed close to home, many times with our children watching or riding along, are actually the worst. The next time you press on the accelerator, or feel like popping a few firecrackers in front of the house, remember that it’s no little thing; of all places, this is the most important place to obey the law – because you live here.
Forest Creek Animal Hospital
Clifford H. Peck, D.V.M. Amber Breclaw, D.V.M. Amy Kunze, D.V.M. 2715 Red Bud Lane Round Rock, TX 78664
512.238.PETS [7387] Monday-Friday 7-7 Saturday 8-12
- Full Service Animal Hospital - Boarding - Grooming - Vaccines - Dentals and other preventative care - Surgical facilities Forest Creek Homeowner's Association Newsletter - August 2008
The Caddie
Forest Golf Club 2008 Forest Creek AnnualCreek Golf Memberships Golf Membership ……………………....…… $150 / Month Unlimited Golf - 7 Days a Week – $17.50 Cart Fee Required to Ride
Weekday Golf Membership …………..…. $100 / Month Senior Golf Membership (60+)………….... $75 / Month Unlimited Golf on Non-Holiday Weekdays or after Noon on Weekends - $17.50 Cart Fee Required to Ride Unlimited cart usage option may be added for $175 per month per individual annual golf member. Add Player Development Program for $25 per month for an individual or $50 per month for a couple or family. All programs require an annual contract with first and last month due at signing and monthly billing by credit card.
Individual Player Development ………….... $39 / Month Family Player Development ………..…….... $79 / Month Unlimited range balls daily anytime the driving range is open for usage ~ ~ Free clinics several times each week conducted by PGA Professionals Golf w/ cart for $17.50 daily after 4:00 pm March – October; after 2:00 pm November - February Contact the Golf Shop or Visit www.forestcreek.com for 2008 annual program details and great daily fee golf rates Outstanding course conditions, friendly service and a convenient location – Nothing better than Forest Creek !
Check Out the New Forest Creek Grill & Event Center The perfect neighborhood spot for breakfast, a casual lunch or your next private party. Eat in or grab a bite from our menu to go. Check our online calendar for monthly family night special events & buffets.
512-388-2874 Forest Creek Homeowner's Association Newsletter - August 2008
www.forestcreek.com Copyright © 2008 Peel, Inc.
The Caddie
August Landscaping Submitted by Ron Kerwin
August is a great month to stay inside and make your plans for this fall’s plantings. Browse the catalogs for ideas and bulbs to order now to plant in November and December for next spring’s display. If you are going to work in the lawn or garden, plan it around the early morning or evening in the cooler hours. Drink plenty of water to keep from dehydrating. The July heat may have already taken its toll on your annuals. If they are beyond help, pull them out and replace them with more heat tolerant varieties. If they are okay but overgrown, you can trim back your annuals and perennials by 1/3 to 1/2 to get better flowering in the fall. You can also trim off the dead or damaged canes and the errant chutes from your roses to enhance the fall blooms. Fertilize your roses right after you prune, as this application is very important. Do NOT trim flowering shrubs, like Indian Hawthorns, after July or you will probably trim off the buds (look like berries) that would provide the flowers next year. Rework your beds to prepare them for fall plantings of flowers or vegetables. Bury in the compost materials and add the mulch on top. They will be ready for planting when it is time. You can fertilize your lawns this month with a 3-1-2 ratio 50% slow release nitrogen fertilizer. This is a good fertilizer for your shrubs and flowerbeds too. The heat stresses all our lawns, shrubs etc. We will probably not get much rain so we will have to water with irrigation systems or drag around sprinklers to keep everything from burning up. 1 inch of water per week should be enough. Do not water in mid-day, as most of it will simply evaporate prior to getting into the ground. Irrigate in the early morning if possible. Water deeply, not frequently. Watering in the evening can lead to plant diseases. Maintain the water in the soil of your beds more effectively by having a good thick layer of mulch. Most every month I comment on the benefits of thick mulch but it is a topic worth repeating, as its benefits are many. If your property is in need of new sod, it can be put in now with no problems as long as you water it properly. With new sod, you do not have to suffer with mud in the fall and winter.
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Forest Creek Homeowner's Association Newsletter - August 2008
The Caddie
Tennis Tips
Submitted by Fernando Velasco
Watch for Dehydration - Avoid Heat Stress by:
Chicken Apple Salad
Ingredients
• 1 cup cubed chicken • 2 cups shredded cabbage • 1/3 cup chopped celery • Juice of one lemon • 3/4 cup mayonnaise • 1 cup cubed apple, do not peel • 1 cup coarsely chopped pecans
Directions Combine first 6 ingredients in large mixing bowl. Add just enough mayonnaise to moisten. Cover and chill at least 1 hr. before serving. Note: Small can crushed pineapple(drained) can also be added.
If you would like to submit YOUR recipe email it to
[email protected].
• • • •
Schedule practice time in the morning and late afternoons. Wear light-colored clothes with breathable material. Wear white hat to protect face, skull and neck Drink 18-20 oz of fluid two or three hours before your match, then again another 8-10 oz ten to twenty minutes before match. • During play, drink 8-10 oz every ten to twenty minutes (during changeovers.) • If you have heat cramps, stretch the muscle, and take rehydration drinks with glucose and electrolytes. • If you feel light-headed and think you might faint, lower your head or lay down on your back with your feet up. It would be a good idea to stop playing and to sit down in a cool area. • Take two coolers on the court. One full of ice and water to drink and one with ice only with a towel. Between games, soak your towel in the cooler and refresh your face, neck and wrists. Enjoy your tennis games and stay “cool”
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Forest Creek Homeowner's Association Newsletter - August 2008
Copyright © 2008 Peel, Inc.
(NAPSA)-Ah, the signs of summer: leisurely afternoons, melting ice cream and the scent of freshly mown grass. For many people, it’s time to enjoy the splendors of the outdoors-and one great way to do so is with a festive picnic. Whether planning a romantic twosome at dusk or a family reunion for 30, the following tips can help make such a gathering a success: Picnic Packing They’re trendy, they’re fun and they’re easy to find: Picnic baskets come in many different styles and sizes, from traditional wicker to insulated backpacks with separate compartments for silverware, stemware and plates. Wine and cheese totes come in handy for a romantic walk on the beach or an evening concert in the park. Splurge on a generous-sized ice chest for longer trips, but for shorter hauls, store-bought Styrofoam coolers work just as well. Summer Specialties Eating outdoors opens up a wonderful world of good taste and great memories. For
The “Perfect” Picnic
Summertime picnics provide plenty of atmosphere-and opportunity for creative cuisine. an elegant outdoor concert or a day of waves, sun and sand, consider grilling center-cut, bone-in ham steaks paired with fresh summer produce. Ham steaks-premium cut steaks taken from the leanest center of the ham-are a convenient choice for picnic-goers who want to add a spark to any picnic dish. The versatility and convenience of ham steaks also make them easy to dice and toss into pasta salads or shred into strips for ham and havarti cheese tortilla wraps. On
The Caddie each tortilla, arrange layers of ham strips topped with cheese, honey Dijon mustard and tomatoes and roll up for a light and easy summer meal that can be made ahead of time and frozen until needed. Safety Tips Don’t forget to keep food safety in mind when planning and packing for picnics. Foods cooked ahead should be chilled thoroughly in the refrigerator and transferred directly into the cooler. To keep foods cooler longer, use icepacks rather than ice cubes, or freeze individually packaged drinks to keep foods cold during travel. Remember, storing coolers in the shade and away from direct sunlight will also help keep foods as cool as possible. And don’t forget to replenish the ice once it melts. Just about any meal seems to taste better when enjoyed outdoors, but planning the perfect picnic shouldn’t be a burden. Make life easier by jotting down a quick checklist of all the picnic essentials, including sunscreen and bug spray. Once everything’s checked off, don’t forget the most important item for the picnic: fun!
Marianne Iamele
ABR GRI
Residential & Relocation Consultant Serving Forest Creek Since 1995 � � � �
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Marianne Iamele, Realtor® Licensed in Texas 789-5775 Cell
[email protected] Visit http://www.Come2RoundRock.com Copyright © 2008 Peel, Inc.
Forest Creek Homeowner's Association Newsletter - August 2008
The Caddie WORK OUT CHRONIC FATIGUE Chronic fatigue is more than just feeling tired all the time. For those who suffer from this mysterious syndrome, it can be a constant battle simply to get out of bed in the morning. Symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) include unexplained fatigue lasting 30 days or more; flu-like symptoms such as a sore throat, generalized muscle pains, head-aches and swollen lymph nodes; diffi-culty concentrating and sensitivity to bright light. CFS was dubbed the yuppie flu in the ‘80s and, despite the fact that it has been recognized as a legitimate, often debilitating illness, it is still met with scorn and disbelief. There is no cure for CFS. For some people, it simply goes away, while others are debilitated by it for many years. Because the cause is largely unexplainable, treatment for CFS focuses primarily on relieving symptoms.
symptoms had disappeared; another seven said that their symptoms had improved.
LOW BLOOD PRESSURE CAN BRING YOU DOWN One of the latest theories proposed to explain CFS is that individuals who suffer from this condition also may have extremely low blood pressure. Researchers at Johns Hopkins University found that 22 of 23 CFS patients also had a disorder called neurally mediated hypotension (NMH). People with NMH get dizzy from standing up too quickly or from standing for extended periods of time, signaling that not enough blood is reaching the brain. When treated for NMH for six months (either with medication or by increasing salt and fluid intake), nine of the 22 CFS patients said that all or nearly all of their CFS
Some researchers think so. A recent review of existing research on CFS explored the possibility of using physical activity programs to treat this puzzling condition. The findings are intriguing, if not conclusive. Many people with CFS claim that they are too tired to exercise. Measurements of strength, exercise capacity and muscle function, however, suggest that CFS patients are not much weaker than the controls (people without CFS) they are compared to in research studies. This suggests that their capacity to exercise is greater than they may perceive. But telling someone who feels unable to get out of bed to exercise is probably an exercise in futility.
A NOVEL APPROACH But what about those who have normal blood pressure, but still fight persistent fatigue? Here’s an interesting proposition: Is it possible to treat chronic fatigue with exercise?
10 Forest Creek Homeowner's Association Newsletter - August 2008
EXERCISE FOR ENERGY Still, physicians such as Dr. Neil Gordon, author of Chronic Fatigue: Your Complete Exercise Guide, view exercise as a form of medication and an integral part of rehabilitation from CFS. Exercise programs for people with CFS are not much different than any other comprehensive exercise program: Cardiovascular, strengthening and range-of-motion training should all be addressed. The primary difference is the pace and degree of progression: CFS patients need time to build their strength and adapt to the increased demands of exercise. And, as with any other physical condition, CFS patients should consult with their physicians before beginning an exercise program. EXERCISE YOUR OPTIONS People with CFS feel limited by their condition to enjoy the benefits of an active life. But as anyone who exercises will tell you, expending energy brings about increased energy in return. The same may hold true for individuals who are plagued by the unexplained tiredness of CFS.
Reprinted with permission from the American Council on Exercise
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Teen Drivers: Accidents Waiting For A Place to Happen?
Submitted by Victor Thompson “Mom, where are the car keys?” Your • Restrict the number of passengers. teen can’t wait to start driving. But I know Nearly two-thirds of teen passenger deaths how worried you must be about your child occur when the driver is also a teen. Teen getting behind the wheel of a car. Although friends in the car may distract a novice the number of auto-accident injuries and driver. And sometimes peer passengers fatalities among drivers between ages 15 encourage recklessness in a normally and 20 is falling, accidents are still the safe young driver. Limit the number of leading cause of death for that age group. passengers your teen may have in the car. The good news: You can take steps to help • Choose safer wheels. That flashy red sports car or cool SUV may be your teen’s keep your young driver safer: • Limit night driving. Most fatal accidents dream machine, but think “safety” when involving young drivers occur between 9 shopping for a vehicle, and look for one p.m. and midnight. Night driving requires with protective features. For example, more skill than driving in daylight, and midsize cars typically withstand crashes young drivers may be more prone to better than small ones, and many newer distraction, carelessness or fatigue when models hold up better in crashes than driving after dark. Let your teen get plenty older ones. Newer cars also offer improved of daytime-driving experience before you safety features such as airbags and antilock brakes. allow nighttime driving.
Did You Know?
The first known use of O.K. was in the New York New Era in 1840 as part of a name: The Democratic O.K. Club. O.K. was an abbreviation for Old Kinderhook, a nickname for future president Martin Van Buren. Kinderhook, New York, was Van Buren’s birthplace.
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HOW TO TRAVEL LIGHT AND BE A “HAPPY TRAVELER”
Submitted by Marina Byrum Your carry-on bag could be the solution to some of the summer wrinkle anyway. It’s a good idea to separate undergarments and socks into one ziptravel season’s likely woes — including checked baggage fees on American Airlines and possibly other carriers — but it also has the top plastic bag, tech gear such as cords and batteries into another, potential to cause headaches. You don’t want to find a rumpled mess and toiletries all in yet another. (Any liquid needs to be stored in a when you arrive at your destination or spend your vacation shivering see-through bag.) or sweating because you weren’t ready for the weather. Since you may be asked to open carry-on bags during a security It is possible to pack fashionable clothes in an efficient way. Some check at the airport, things will go much more smoothly if items are tips from the pros: organized. Otherwise, everything can spill out, which can be both inconvenient and embarrassing. CHOOSE A GOOD BAG Carry-on bags tend to be treated more gently than checked bags so Some travel experts recommend a standard rectangular-shaped there is an opportunity to choose more of a fashion-forward bag than bag with wheels for business trips because clothes are less likely to basic black. Plus, using a bright colored bag, or one with graphic become wrinkled. For recreational travel, however, soft-sided duffel print, will make it easy to find your bag in the overcrowded overhead bags are better. bins. One way to pack play clothes to fit into space more economically is Also, be mindful of your airline’s size limit for carry-on bags. to roll them and stuff them into a bag like cigarettes into a cigarette American’s, for example, is 45 linear inches (heigh plus length plus box. But if you’re using the rectangular-shaped bag, it’s good to use width). Zip-lock plastic baggies, which come in 1 and 2-Quart sizes, as well as 1 gallon and 2 gallon sizes. Simply lay your garment or garments WHAT TO PACK To minimize the number of garments you have to pack and unpack, inside the bag, then as you zip it shut, squeeze as much air as possible out of the bag. Voila! Your bag/garment is flat as a pancake and choose a neutral color palette — maybe blue and tan, maybe black and takes up practically no space. And best of all, clothes do not tend to white — and then stick with it for the trip. By limiting the number of wrinkle using this method - unless they are fabrics that are prone to (Continued on Page 14) d for this a e. n o i t Men off servic ply. p $100 rictions a Some
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The Caddie Crossword Puzzle
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ACROSS 1. Curse 5. Glasses 9. Charge card 10. Japanese dish 11. Pear type 12. Type of alcohol 13. Mete out 15. Deer relative 16. Mountains 18. Sin 21. Fawn's mom 22. Rain shoe 26. Angry 28. Sole 29. Whoop 30. A spinning toy (2 wds.) 31. Plateau 32. Former magistrate of Venice
DOWN 1. Baby's "ball" 2. Famous cookies 3. Loch __ monster 4. Levy 5. Jag 6. Direct 7. Animal kingdom division 8. Soft materials 10. Member of an American Indian people 14. Dancer Rogers 17. Put more ammunition in 18. Abhorrence 19. Skill 20. Heroic actions 23. Upon 24. Slug 25. Publicity 27. Drink © 2007. Feature Exchange
ACROSS 1. Curse 5. Glasses 9. Charge card 10. Japanese dish 11. Pear type 12. Type of alcohol 13. Mete out 15. Deer relative 16. Mountains 18. Sin 21. Fawn's mom 22. Rain shoe 26. Angry 28. Sole 29. Whoop 30. A spinning toy (2 wds.) 31. Plateau 32. Former magistrate of Venice
DOWN 1. Baby's "ball" 2. Famous cookies 3. Loch __ monster 4. Levy 5. Jag 6. Direct 7. Animal kingdom division 8. Soft materials 10. Member of an American Indian people 14. Dancer Rogers 17. Put more ammunition in ABC is Austin’s premier-no-doubt-about-it-best-there-is-why18. Abhorrence bother-calling-anyone-else-full service lawn company. Whether 19. Skill it’s weeds in the spring, fire ants in the summer or leaves in 20. Heroic actions 23. Upon the fall, ABC will leave your husband plenty of fairway time. 24. Slug For lawn care, call ABC today. 25. Publicity 27. Drink
If the Only Tall Grass Your Husband Is Concerned With Is On the 18th Green…
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Forest Creek Homeowner's Association Newsletter - August 2008 13
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How To - (Continued from Page 12) colors and patterns, everything matches and there’s no need for that extra sweater to go with the lime green skirt. To keep your wardrobe from being too boring, pack colorful scarves or cute belts, which take up very little room in a bag. Jersey fabrics, as well as washable silks and athletic fabrics, usually pack flat and travel well, according to Susan Foster, author of a book entitled “Smart Packing” (See website at http://www.smartpacking. com/) . She recently became sold on The Limited’s new travel suit, made in a polyester-wool-and-Lycra blend, because it has a slimmer, more modern cut than most travel-specific clothes. Check Travel Smith and Magellan’s for travel-friendly wardrobes also. (Both have online shopping sites available.) The layered look is always works well, with enough T-shirts, camisoles or shells for each day, but only one sweater and light, water-resistant jacket to go on top. Toiletries tend to take up a lot of room and liquid products are also subject to the 3-ounce security rule, so it might be a good time to move toward dry products, such as a stick deodorant and mineral cover-up makeup. It’s also a good idea to pack shampoo with a builtin conditioner and moisturizer with SPF. Some business travelers are forgoing the toiletry hassle altogether, ordering travel-size products (see http://www.minimus.biz) to be waiting for them at their hotel.
WHAT TO LEAVE HOME
A different outfit for every day is the worst strategy because you might need different shoes, a different handbag and different accessories for each one. Instead, switch out only the pieces that other people notice. Change the tops, scarves, etc., but who’ll notice which black pants I’m wearing today? Jeans might be the basis for many vacationers’ wardrobes, but they really aren’t practical, because they’re too bulky, can’t effectively be washed in the sink and take too long to dry. Too many shoes are the downfall of many packers. Women shouldn’t travel with more than three pairs, says Foster, and men, simply because their shoes have a larger profile in the suitcase, shouldn’t have more than two. For most trips,I try to get by with a comfortable pair of walking shoes and a pair of dressier shoes for dinner. So why not become a “happy traveler”, by cutting down on the bulk and weight of your luggage and making it your goal to cut back on baggage charges and hassles by being a smart packer?
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14 Forest Creek Homeowner's Association Newsletter - August 2008
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Meet Devion
Devion, who turned 6 years old in July, has been in foster care four years. While Devion loved the gifts he received for his birthday, the greatest gift he could get is a forever family. He said “it doesn’t matter what type of family, just a forever family”. Devion is with wonderful foster parents who spend a tremendous amount of time helping the children to overcome trauma, heal and grow. Devion has flourished in their home!
Here is a paragraph from the foster mom: Devion came to our home just before his 4th birthday. Upon coming to our home Devion quickly became our “Peanut” because he was so tiny for his age. Our little Peanut is growing and thriving and has grown 6 inches in two years. Devion’s only little in physical size. He is convinced he is the biggest kid around and that he can do anything anyone else can do. This little man lights up any room he enters with his smile and personality. Devion loves attending church and enjoys singing in the children’s choir. While he has difficulty playing independently, Devion loves to do almost anything outside. He loves to swim, ride bikes & scooters, play baseball, basketball & football and has even recently tried to water ski! Devion has played 4 seasons of t-ball and one season of basketball since living in our home and loves telling everyone about it. Devion has attended a full year of Head Start and kindergarten but will need to repeat kindergarten this fall. While Devion has wonderful gross motor skills he struggles with his fine motor skills. He also has some speech delays. Devion receives speech and occupational therapy at school and through Easter Seals. While Devion has made much progress emotionally he continues to receive weekly therapy [therapy is important for children who transition through the foster care system]. Devion is very loving and affectionate. He enjoys being with others and would do well in a loving, structured, active home with one or two other children. He is definitely quite the little ham. To learn more about Devion or the adoption process, contact Tracy Eilers at the Adoption Coalition of Texas, 512-301-2825 - www.adoptioncoalitiontx.org Copyright © 2008 Peel, Inc.
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