THE OUTLOOK
NEWS FOR THE RESIDENTS OF THE DOMINION
VOLUME VII ISSUE III
March 2015
Fertilizing (To Do or Not To Do) Often I read “peer” sales literature stating late winter and early spring is the time to “feed” your plants. Really? By way of analogy, let us consider that advice. Does it mean when you are excruciatingly hungry, it’s time to stuff a half pound of supplemental vitamins down your throat versus a half-pound cheeseburger? If so, then it appears to me that they have minimal understanding of plant needs and when needed. The only true plant food is made by the plant itself with the help of water and sunshine; vitamins and minerals (fertilizer) can enhance the plant’s natural abilities. Another “painful” misinterpretation to me is the archaic, cropraising and agricultural originating designator that any bag of fertilizer with the three macro nutrients (N,P,K) is a “complete” fertilizer. The inclusion of macro nutrients, which we need more quantity than any other nutrients, does not fill out a plant diet any better than if you or I were to only eat carbs, protein, and fats. The vitamins and minerals in fruits, vegetables, etc. are extremely important in so many aspects of maintaining one’s health. Plants also have secondary nutrients (moderate levels needed of Mg & Ca) plus there are seven essential elements or micro-nutrients that tend to be most notably deficient; basically, these are unavailable due to clay soil which is rather prevalent in our area; iron and manganese are at top of the list. So here is some practical info and advice. Mulch all of your leaves and grass clippings as they provide nutrients. A mulching mower driven slowly with several passes and sharp blades does
Copyright © 2015 Peel, Inc.
a great job of helping Mother Nature replenish the nutrients needed. Reframe from using anything that is a “weed & feed” topping! Synthetic junk wreaks havoc on your plants and wallet in the long term. Briefly, synthetic products that rhyme with “scotts” turn into salts after they do their thing. These salts slowly sterilize your soil – i.e.: kill the beneficial bacteria, microorganism, nematodes, and mycorrhizae that make up the natural plant life-cycle. When the cycle is broken, you have to spend money on more fertilizer, more herbicides, more insecticides, and eventually more on a new turf. I highly recommend you use organic or natural products only or at least mostly. For significantly shallow topsoil, it is best to put a four way mix soil down every year in appropriate areas at a rate of 1/3rd of an inch. Use a topsoil turf-dressing when less is needed; you must mix in some compost into this application equal to 15-20% of the total application. Feel that urge to use a fertilizer on your turf? Try Medina Hasta Lawn. Do you have plants that tend to have yellow leaves? Or, don’t fight off bugs well? Are generally stressed? Find the micronutrient product that works best from among these suggested manufacturers: Medina, Espoma, Fertilome, Natures Way, Watson Farms, Ladybug to name a few. Next month, oak wilt and community response to it will be the primary topic. Any questions or comments on this article, or previous articles, send to
[email protected].
The Outlook - March 2015
1
THE OUTLOOK IMPORTANT NUMBERS
Sudoku The challenge is to fill every row across, every column down, and every 3x3 box with the digits 1 through 9. Each 1 through 9 digit must appear only once in each row across, each column down, and each 3x3 box.
SUDOKU
Fire....................................................................................... 911 Ambulance........................................................................... 911 Police Dept – Non-Emergency.............................210-207-7273 Fire Dept – Non-Emergency................................210-207-7744
DOMINION SECURITY
Crossword Puzzle
Chief of Security..................................................210-268-9932 Main Gate................................ 210-698-2997 or 210-698-2998 North Gate...........................................................210-698-7812 South Gate............................... 210-698-5323 or 210-698-0041
CITY
City Customer Service..........................................210-207-6400 Solid Waste (Trash)..............................................210-207-6428
OTHER NUMBERS
Cedar Elm Postal Office.......................................210-641-0248
NEWSLETTER PUBLISHER
Peel, Inc...............................................................512-263-9181 Advertising............................................
[email protected]
MISSION STATEMENT The Outlook, For The Dominion
The mission of The Outlook is to provide The Dominion Community with one source of local news content that is written by Dominion residents. Our goal is to help build the community by connecting local businesses with residents and residents with relevant neighborhood information.
"Be the community."
ADVERTISING INFO Please support the advertisers that make The Outlook possible. If you would like to support the newsletter by advertising, please contact our sales office at 888-687-6444 or
[email protected]. The advertising deadline is the 8th of the month prior to the issue.
ARTICLE INFO The Outlook is mailed monthly to all Dominion residents. Residents, community groups, churches, etc. are welcome to include information about their organizations in the newsletter. Personal news for the Stork Report, Teenage Job Seekers, recipes, special celebrations, and birthday announcements are also welcome. To submit an article for The Outlook, please email it to
[email protected]. The deadline is the 20th of the month prior to the issue. 2
The Outlook - March 2015
View answers online at www.peelinc.com DOWN ACROSS 1. Incline 1. Tack 2. Change 5. Giant 3. Small particle 9. Philippine dish with marinated 4. Compass point chicken or pork 5. Night bird 11. Journalist's question 6. Body snatcher 12. Tiny insects 7. Cultivate 13. Cut of beef 8. Volcano 14. School group 10. Change into bone 15. South 16. Musical productions 17. United States 18. Canadian prov. 18. Bottle need 19. Palladium (abbr.) 20. Upset 20. Many 22. Cow's chow 21. Perfect 23. Year (abbr.) 22. Captain (abbr.) 24. Computer makers 24. Institution (abbr.) 27. Brews 25. Swain 29. Sleep disorder 26. African country 31. Parent teacher groups 28. Fast plane 32. Strong rope fiber 30. Pastry 33. Bend 34. Decorative needle case © 2006. Feature Exchange
EMERGENCY NUMBERS EMERGENCY................................................................911
Sudoku
2007. every Feature column, Exchange and The goal is to fill in the grid so that every©row, every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 through 9. Each digit may appear only once in each row, each column, and each 3x3 box.
TRINITY GLEN ROSE GROUNDWATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT WATER CONSERVATION AUDIT Trinity Glen Rose Groundwater Conservation District (TGRGCD) would like to ask for your continued help in reducing demand on groundwater resources. We offer a free on-site consultation to identify problems areas that could be resulting in higher water usage to home or business owners © 2006. residing within our District. Following theFeature visit,Exchange we offer recommendations to help reduce water usage both inside and outside the home and a “goody” bag full of conservationrelated items, including a hose timer, moisture meter, and low-flow showerhead. Please contact us at 210-698-1155 with questions, or to schedule a free in-home audit! To learn more about Trinity Glen Rose Groundwater Conservation District, please visit us at www.trinityglenrose. com. Copyright © 2015 Peel, Inc.
THE OUTLOOK
Copyright © 2015 Peel, Inc.
The Outlook - March 2015
3
THE OUTLOOK
Apple Cake
• 3 medium apples, peeled & thinly • 1 tablespoon baking powder sliced • 1 teaspoon salt • 1/4 Cup plus 1 tablespoon sugar • 4 eggs, beaten • 1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons • 1 cup vegetable oil cinnamon • 1/4 cup orange juice • 3 cups flour • 1 tablespoon vanilla • 2 cups sugar Combine first 3 ingredients, tossing well. Set aside. Combine flour, 2 cups sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Combine next 4 ingredients; add to flour mixture, mixing well. Pour 1/3 of batter into a greased and floured 10 inch tube pan. Top with half of the thinly sliced apples, leaving a 1/2” margin around center and sides. Repeat layering, ending with batter on top. Bake at 350° for 1 hour or until a wooden pick comes out clean. Cool in pan 10-15 minutes; then remove from pan. Let cool completely. Sprinkle with powdered sugar, if desired.
4
The Outlook - March 2015
Copyright © 2015 Peel, Inc.
THE OUTLOOK
100% Waterfront Living Whether you’re an avid sportsman, an adventurous family, or just prefer a laid back way of life, The Reserve at St. Charles Bay offers an abundance of choices. This gated, 100% waterfront island community boasts bayfront homesites with optimal views, canal front homesites with lakes spanning over 300 feet and charming canal front cottages that embody the relaxed coastal lifestyle. Each homesite can have either its own boat dock or access to a private pier slip, and homeowners enjoy the use of a resort-style pool, kayak club & fishing pier.
TOUR TODAY!
• Limited Bayfront Homesites from the $400’s • Canal Front Homesites from the $200’s • Canal Front Cottages from the $600’s
W ORLD C LASS FISHING, HUNTING
BAYFRONT POOL & S WIM C ENTER
L IGHTED BOARDWALK & PIER
R O C K P O RT, T X
S t C h a r l e sB a y. c o m
0
1.800.277.9780
Hal Jones Development reserves the right to make changes without notice. No guarantee is made that the proposed features will be constructed, or that if constructed, will be of the number and type described. These materials shall not constitute an offer in any state where prior registration is required. Void where prohibited by law. For unimproved lots at The Reserve at Lake Travis, obtain the property report required by federal law and read it before signing anything. No federal agency has judged the merits or value, if any, of these properties. WARNING: THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF REAL ESTATE HAS NOT INSPECTED, EXAMINED, OR QUALIFIED THIS OFFERING.
Copyright © 2015 Peel, Inc.
The Outlook - March 2015
5
THE OUTLOOK A DESCENT OF WOODPECKERS
NATUREWATCH by Jim and Lynne Weber
Known for creeping up tree trunks and drilling into wood to nest and find food, woodpeckers are arboreal birds having a ver tical posture, rounded wings, a chisel-shaped bill, short legs with strong claws, and stiff tail feathers. These features enable them to climb, prey on insects, and feed on nuts and fruits. A woodpecker uses its tail for support as it moves up a tree trunk. Stiff, pointed Ladder-backed Woodpecker tail feathers reinforced with (adult male) longitudinal ridges also have small barbs that curve inward towards the tree, allowing the bird to use its tail as a brace. Its feet are ‘zygodactyl’, meaning two toes facing forward and two toes facing backward, which helps support it when clinging to vertical surfaces. While all woodpecker bills are chisel-shaped, differences in curvature are based on the hardness of the species of wood it excavates as well as the hammering force it uses. Tongues are also specialized in that they are barbed, sticky, and extremely long for the bird’s head, which reduces the amount of excavation required for foraging. One of the most common and noticeable species of woodpecker in our area is the Ladder-backed Woodpecker (Picoides scalaris), which has a black and white barred back, spotted sides, and a face marked with black lines. The males also sport an extensive reddish crown, while the female’s crown is black. While it can nest in several types of trees, it most often nests in tall cactus in the Golden-fronted Woodpecker western part of the state, giving (adult male) it the old name of ‘cactus woodpecker.’ Ladder-backed woodpeckers
6
The Outlook - March 2015
feed on beetle larvae from small trees, but will also eat prickly pear cactus fruits (tunas) and forage on the ground for insects. When gleaning for insects in trees, the larger male probes and pecks on trunks and larger limbs with his stouter bill, while the female more often concentrates on gleaning bark surfaces on higher branches and outer twigs. The Golden-fronted Woodpecker (Melanerpes aurifrons) also has a black and white barred back, but a creamy white to pale yellow breast, a golden orange nape, and a small red cap on the male. A bird found west of the Balcones Escarpment, in flight they show white wing patches, a white rump, and a black tail, often calling as the glide from tree to tree. Red-bellied Woodpecker (adult They feed on insects, nuts female) (especially pecans), berries, acorns, and a wide variety of other food items, and only sometimes cache food in bark crevices. East of the Balcones Escarpment, the Red-bellied Woodpecker (Merlanerpes carolinus) has a similarly patterned black and white barred back, barred central tail feathers, and a namesake small reddish patch or tinge on the belly that is often hard to spot. The males have a solid red crown and nape, while the females only have a red nape. Common in open woodlands, suburban areas, and parks, these woodpeckers are often seen hitching along branches and tree trunks, sometimes wedging large nuts into bark crevices and whacking them into manageable pieces using their pointed beaks. All woodpecker species use simple calls and drumming against tree trunks to communicate. While the drumming is not a sure-fire way to identify a particular species, it can help you locate an individual bird, and maybe even a flock or descent of woodpeckers! Send your nature-related questions to naturewatch@austin. rr.com and we’ll do our best to answer them. Check out our blog at naturewatchaustin.blogspot.com if you enjoy reading these articles!
Copyright © 2015 Peel, Inc.
THER OUTLOOK ES NO RSEP ENR W VA TA O SR I E N TH RVGWTIO KIN E ATBRTANS G HO IOE KI F LI NAKNGOR DA S F YS O R
Copyright © 2015 Peel, Inc.
The Outlook - March 2015
7
THE OUTLOOK
FITNESSCORNER
THE CORE OF THE MATTER
We’ve all been trained to work our “abs” to look thinner and because everyone is supposed to do crunches! But the truth is our core is so critical to our entire body’s health, performance and level of pain and the abs are just a component of a larger, sophisticated piece made up of also the glutes, hips, sides and back muscles (think spinal stabilizers). And a strong core isn’t just so we can look good, but it’s instrumental to our balance, how we move, sit and more. Pain in the back and other body parts could be a warning sign that key stabilizer muscles are imbalanced, inflexible or unconditioned to do their job well. In this modern society where many of us sit for prolonged periods for work, school or in flight, it is crucial that we’re aware of our core’s role in everything we do and that we work hard to maximize its strength now and as we age. A flexible and strong core is necessary for: • Less injury and pain overall • Better day to day life performance (shoveling, carrying groceries, navigating slippery terrain) • Improved athletic performance and efficiency • Balance • Looking tighter • Posture The absolute best way to get a strong core is through full body, functional fitness that trains the core to work well in conjunction with the entire body. Crunches will give you abdominal endurance and some strength in the front region, but planks, Pilates, loaded squats, kettlebells and other exercises introducing instability and imbalance will get the job done much more efficiently and effectively as they work the entire core (and they are likely more fun, too!). If you have questions about how to get on the right track, do some research and work with a trainer who will design a plan that is right for you. To your core health!
Crossword Puzzle
Crossword Puzzle CROSSWORD PUZZLE Crossword Puzzle
ACROSS ACROSS 1. Extremity Extremity 1. ACROSS 4. Nun's Nun's headwear 4. 1. Charge headwear 10. Men's Men's neckwear neckwear 10. 5. Syrian bishop Asian nation nation 11. Asian 9. 12. Against Limited (abbr.) (abbr.) Limited 10.13.Landing Serf Serf 11.14.Leaves Flower Flower 12.16.Boom Poem Poembox 13.17. Allure Monetary Monetary unit unit 15.18. African Atomic number Atomicantelope number Paid 16.20. Polite 20. Paid (abbr.) (abbr.) Package label 18.22. Leafy green 22. Package label Punching 21.26. Marry 26. Punching tool tool Esc 29. Esc 22.29. Esophagus Fine 31. Fine 26.31. Woken 33. Modern Modern 28.33. Goad 34. Cat mystery writer Cat of mystery 29.34. Type tooth writer Braun Braun 30.35.Refer Lingerie 35. Lingerie 31.36. Posttraumatic stress Elevate 36. Elevate disorder 37. Sign language Sign language 32.37. Sieve
DOWN DOWN Referencebook book 1.1.DOWN Reference Swanky 2.2.1. Swanky Nativity scene piece Award 3.3.Award 2. Competition at the Greek Marry 4.4.Marry games son Abraham's 5.5.Abraham's son 3. Capital Mr..'swife wifeof the Ukraine 6.6.Mr..'s 7.7.4. El __ ElSymbol __(Texas (Texascity) city) 5. Expression of surprise 8.8.Precede Precede Emblem 9.9.6. Women's magazine Women's magazine 7. Pickle juice 15. Brim 15. Brim 19. Football Conference (abbr.) 8.American A ball out of bounds (2 wds.) 19. American Football Conference (abbr.) 21. Coffee order 10. Twistshop violently 21. Coffee shop order 23. Ballroom 14. Ripper dancing 23. Ballroom dancing 24. Aromas 24. Aromas 17. Strums 25. Particular 25. Particular style 18. Slough style 26. American Civil Liberties 26. Civil LibertiesUnion Union(abbr.) (abbr.) 19.American Ross ___, philanthropist 27. Lash 27. 20.Lash Gods 28. Lounge 28. Lounge Brand ofbysandwich cookie 30.23. Delivered post 30. Delivered by post 24. Seaweed substance 32. Roman three 32. three 25.Roman Cabana Feature Exchange 27. Blue©©2007. 2007. Feature Exchange
View answers online at www.peelinc.com
© 2006. Feature Exchange
Renee Geist, Renegade Inside Out Solutions, reneelgeist@gmail. com, www.facebook.com/ReniosRenee, 512.461.6114 8
The Outlook - March 2015
Copyright © 2015 Peel, Inc.
THE OUTLOOK
Copyright © 2015 Peel, Inc.
The Outlook - March 2015
9
THE OUTLOOK
TENNIS TIPS
By USPTA/PTR Master Professional Fernando Velasco
The Modern Game: “The Overhead from the Baseline” In previous newsletters, I offered tips on how to execute the basic strokes for players who are just beginning to play tennis or who want to resume playing. I am now offering suggestions on how to play the “modern” game mostly geared towards players who are happy with hitting the ball over the net and controlling the point with consistency. These players may already be playing for leagues or in tournaments and are looking for more “weapons” on the court. In this issue, I will offer instructions on how to execute “The Overhead from the Baseline.” This shot is used when an opponent gives the player a deep lob and it lands back on the baseline and it has enough height to be able to get on top of the ball for an overhead “smash.” In the illustrations, Fernando Velasco, Director of Tennis and teacher at The Grey Rock Tennis Club, shows the proper technique to execute this stroke. Velasco is presently ranked #1 in Singles and Doubles in the USTA Men’s 70 Division in Texas, and #15 in Singles
and #7 and #11 in Doubles in the US. Step 1: The Back Swing: When Fernando sees the opportunity, he makes a quick turn of his upper body and takes the racket high and back. The head of the racket is now at shoulder height, his shoulders are turned, and his eyes are focused on the incoming ball. His left arm is high and his finger is pointing to the incoming ball. His weight is in his back foot and his grip is in the same position as a serve. Step 2: The Point of Contact: The acceleration of the head of the racket began from the back is now making contact on the upper part of the ball. Fernando is keeping his head still and his eyes are focused on the point of contact, not on the target. His wrist started relaxed, but will “snap” upon contact with the ball. Step 3 and 4: The Follow Through: The success of an overhead from the baseline is to extend the follow through as long as possible. Different from the serve, Fernando will aim high of over the net and hope for the ball to land as close to the opponent’s baseline as possible. His weight is now forward ready to react to the opponent’s return.
Look in the next Newsletter for: “Tips on how to start children playing tennis” 10
The Outlook - March 2015
Copyright © 2015 Peel, Inc.
THE OUTLOOK
Your Community at Your Fingertips Download the Peel, Inc. App Available for Your iPhone and iPad
5:23 pm 5:23 pm
www.peelinc.com
512.263.9181
Copyright © 2015 Peel, Inc.
The Outlook - March 2015
11
THE OUTLOOK
Attention KIDS: Send Us Your Masterpiece! Color the drawing below and mail the finished artwork to us at: Peel, Inc. - Kids Club 308 Meadowlark St Lakeway, TX 78734-4717 We will select the top few and post their artwork on our Facebook Page - Facebook.com/PeelInc. DUE: March 31st
Be sure to include the following so we can let you know! Name: _______________________________ (first name, last initial)
Age:________________
DM 12
The Outlook - March 2015
Copyright © 2015 Peel, Inc.
Chait Consignment Ad.qxp_Layout 1 2/2/15 8:40 PM Page 1
THE OUTLOOK
CONSIGN NOW AT I.M. CHAIT
SOLD FOR $43,750
SOLD FOR $350,000
SOLD FOR $158,600
SOLD FOR $223,000
I.M. CHAIT GALLERY/AUCTIONEERS CAN ACHIEVE TOP PRICES FOR YOUR TREASURES! With $10 million+ in annual sales, a 20,000 sq. ft. facility and auction room in Beverly Hills, and a schedule of 20+ auctions per year, I.M. Chait has the knowledge and expertise to market your entire estate, collection or single item of value to our global client list of more than 100,000 potential bidders. Although large enough to attract bidders worldwide and achieve record-setting prices, we pride ourselves in the caring, personalized service and attention we provide to each of our clients. Family owned and operated since its inception in 1969, I.M. Chait is consistently referred to as the premier boutique auction house in Beverly Hills. Let us show you why. We welcome your call or email.
SOLD FOR $170,800
SOLD FOR $219,600
SOLD FOR $57,300
SOLD FOR $67,100
We have a representative in your area. Please contact Scott Sorensen at 323.715.3235 or
[email protected] for a complimentary, no-obligation evaluation of your of your items. For more information please visit www.chait.com 9330 Civic Center Drive • Beverly Hills, CA 90210 +1.310.285.0182 •
[email protected]
Copyright © 2015 Peel, Inc.
The Outlook - March 2015
13
THE OUTLOOK WANTED: Looking for a small year-round hunting lease for my small family of four. Turkey, deer and/or hogs. Preferably within two hours of Austin. Bow hunter and hunter education certified. I’m wanting to continue teaching my children about outdoor education and spending quality time with them outdoors. 512-589-5471.
ROTARY CLUB OF FAIR OAKS RANCH
meets weekly at noon at the Fair Oaks Ranch Golf and Country Club. The Rotary Club facilitates the Meals On wheels service for the City and surroundsand is always looking for folks who need that service. Fran Driskell
[email protected] | 210-414-1981
At no time will any source be allowed to use The Outlook 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 Peel, Inc. The information in The Outlook is exclusively for the private use of Peel, Inc. 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. * The Dominion HOA does not endorse any of the advertisers contained in The Outlook.
Submit your news at: www.peelinc.com 14
The Outlook - March 2015
Copyright © 2015 Peel, Inc.
THE OUTLOOK
MrMr Plumber Plumber San Antonio’s San Antonio’s Water Authority
Water Authority
Mr. Plumberʼs License #M9582
Mr. Plumberʼs License #M9582
Water Heaters • Slab Foundation Leaks Water Heaters • Slab Foundation Water Softeners • Plumbing RepairsLeaks Water Softeners • Plumbing Repairs Water Conditioning Water Conditioning
(86% OF ALL PLUMBING CALLS ARE DUE TO HARD WATER!)
(86% OF ALL PLUMBING CALLS ARE DUE TO HARD WATER!)
Do You Have Do You Have HARD WATER? HARD WATER?
Does Your Water Does Your Softener Water Softener Need A TUNE-UP? Need A TUNE-UP?
CALL US US TODAY! CALL TODAY!
WE OFFER FINANCING
210.418.2250 210.418.2250 mrplumber.com mrplumber.com
Water Softener Tune Up
Water Softener Tune Up $179) for $129 (Value: for $129 (Value: $179)
210.418.2250
210.418.2250
Copyright © 2015 Peel, Inc.
The Outlook - March 2015
15
THE OUTLOOK 308 Meadowlark St. Lakeway, TX 78734-4717
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
PEEL, INC.
DM
16
The Outlook - March 2015
Copyright © 2015 Peel, Inc.
