THe Lakewood Leader
Lakewood Leader August 2009
Volume 3, Issue 8
News for The Residents of Lakewood
Travel Tips Submitted by Marina Byrum
If you plan to travel this year, you should be able to take advantage of the many bargains that are available. With the stock market wavering and the economy slowing, most cruise lines, tour operators and hoteliers are feeling the pinch as travelers cut back on vacation spending. The good news is that this is a great time to travel, as prices for almost everything are being slashed by as much as 75% off normal pricing. Many seven-night cruises are available for about $1,000.00 per couple, based on an inside cabin (no window or porthole). Hotels are cutting their rates also; with some offering 4th and 5th nights free; or discounts as high as 60% off the normal rack rates. Whereas cruise lines have always offered discounts to those who book six months or more ahead; now they are discounting even more. Carnival Cruise Lines, for example, now offers an Early Saver Fare that offers about a 45% discount; with the caveat that your deposit is nonrefundable. They also offer an optional insurance policy that would recover your deposit if you need to cancel for any covered reason; i.e., accident, illness or death in the immediate family. Planning a vacation has never been easier; and it’s doubtful we will ever see it cheaper. That is, unless the economy continues to slide. As we enter the month of July, there is still plenty of availability for the rest of the summer; something that has not been true in summers past. So take advantage of the deep discounts if you can; and remember that no matter where you go, just take care to enjoy the journey. Have a fun, safe summer.
Copyright © 2009 Peel, Inc.
Your Home’s Air Conditioning Efficiency Submitted by Robert Lee
Over the previous six months there has been more discussion on Air Conditioning efficiency and home efficiency than any other time in recent years! Since manufacturers, local utilities and the Federal Government are offering rebates people have a better understanding of SEER and EER (efficiency ratings) of air conditioners. Overall this is a good thing, but it only addresses half of the problem! The air distribution system (air ducts) are the other half of the equation and have nothing to do with the published SEER or EER ratings! The only way to know if your system is even close to running at capacity is to test it after it is installed so that the entire system, including the ductwork, is tested. Have you spent good money on a new system but still have hot spots, cold spots or uncomfortable rooms; or maybe you haven’t seen your energy bills reduced? Are you thinking about taking advantage of the Federal Rebate by purchasing new high efficient equipment? If your answer is yes to any of these questions then please think about the whole system! Efficient new equipment on old, inefficient ducts is a recipe for discomfort, or worse, failure! Call to have a certified professional test your entire system today; stop throwing money away every month and have a more comfortable, and efficient, home.
Go Green Go Paperless Sign up to receive The Lakewood Leader in your inbox. Visit PEELinc.com for details. The Lakewood Leader - August 2009
The Lakewood Leader Newsletter info Newsletter Publisher Peel, Inc......................www.PEELinc.com, 512-263-9181 Article Submissions.......................
[email protected] Advertising...............................
[email protected] Newsletter Article Submissions Interested in submitting an article? You can do so by emailing
[email protected] or by going to http://www. peelinc.com/articleSubmit.php. All news must be received by the 9th of the month prior to the issue. So if you are involved with a school group, scouts, sports etc – please submit your articles for the Lakewood Leader. Personal news for the Stork Report, Teenage Job Seekers, special celebrations and military service are also welcome.
Advertising info Please support the businesses that advertise in The Lakewood Leader. Their advertising dollars make it possible for all Lakewood residents to receive the monthly newsletter at no charge. If you would like to support the newsletter by advertising, please contact our sales office at 512-263-9181 or
[email protected]. The advertising deadline is the 10th of each month for the following month's newsletter.
Classified Ads Personal classifieds (one time sell items, such as a used bike...) run at no charge to Lakewood 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 @ 512-263-9181 or
[email protected].
Not Available Online
REMEMBER, PLEASE: Austin leash laws require all dogs to be on a leash when off the owner’s premises.
CONTRIBUTORS NEEDED Volunteer to be the Editor of your newsletter
disclaimer The Lakewood Leader is a private publication published by Peel, Inc. It is not sanctioned by any homeowners association or organization, nor is it subject to the approval of any homeowners association or organization, nor is it intended, nor implied to replace any publication that may be published by or on behalf of any homeowners association or organization. At no time will any source be allowed to use the Lakewood Leader 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 newsletter is exclusively for the private use of Peel, Inc.
The Lakewood Leader - August 2009
Call 1-888-687-6444 for more information. Copyright © 2009 Peel, Inc.
THe Lakewood Leader August Events at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Sign up for the Fall Session of Go Native U Learn about garden design, plant selection, installation, maintenance and pest management starting in September. For information and registration, check www.wildflower.org The Origami Diva - Through October 4 Joan Son’s intricate installation of origami, “Natural Rhythm” features birds and plants. In the McDermott Learning Center Held over—Texas Society of Sculptors Exhibit - Through August 31 This popular exhibit features additional sculptures in the gardens. August is Butterfly Month! - Saturday and Sunday, August 1 and 2 A 15 percent discount on butterfly books, gift or apparel. Pre-Fall Seed Sale - Saturday and Sunday, August 15 and 16 Save 20 percent on all wildflower seed purchases this weekend in the store. Sales Tax Free Days - Friday, Saturday and Sunday, August 21 through 23 At the store--no tax on apparel purchases up to $100.
We recommend an even higher level of protection this summer. Great Hills Baptist Church Sunday Schedule:
9:30 & 11 am - Bible Life Groups (all ages) 9:30 am - Celebration-Connection (Worship Choir & Orchestra)
11:00 am - Life-Connection (Worship Band)
Classes Beginning September 20: Hot Topics
Topics include: teen purity, empty-nesters, financial stability, parenting for greatness, defending your faith
Soul Mates
For couples who are newlywed, engaged, or seriously dating 10500 Jollyville Road . Austin, TX . 78759 | www.ghbc.org | 512.343.7763 Copyright © 2009 Peel, Inc.
The Lakewood Leader - August 2009
The Lakewood Leader Three Business Networking Groups in the Area Are you looking to grow your business in 2009? If so, you might be interested in a few of the business networking groups in the area. There are a few to choose from: Steiner Ranch Referrals BNI Group Meetings are on Thursday mornings from 8:00 to 9:30 at Thai Harmony in Steiner Ranch. Visitors are welcome! If you are interested in visiting a meeting please contact Mark Taylor at marktaylor@ actioncoach.com for more information or visit www.BNIAustin.com. Four Points BNI Meetings are on Wednesday at lunch from 11:30 to 1:00 at the River Place Country Club. Visitors are welcome! If you are interested in visiting a meeting please contact Amy Oehler at Amy@Lending360. net or visit www.BNIAustin.com. factSheet_ad_half.pdf 6/25/2009 2:24:33 PM
Host an Exchange Student–
A Business Referral Group Made Fun Networking Northwest Austin is expanding its member base of businesses in our area. NWNWA members build close business and personal relationships. We believe in business by referrals and having a limited member base (not duplicating professions), so you will not see your competitors here. We have a caring, positive, involved group of people who not only wish to build their business, but also want to build the strength of our networking group. NWNWA meets on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday at Waterloo Ice House, 360 & FM 2222 from 7:00 am – 8:30am. And a fun happy hour once per month at a beautiful location. Come to a breakfast or call Dorothy Scarborough – President
[email protected], 512-589-3678.
Experience another culture without the cost of travel!
Submitted by Katie Robinson iE International Student Exchange is seeking host homes for high school exchange students from Germany and other nations. We are seeking couples, singles, or families who are willing to open their home to one special exchange student for 6 weeks or for the entire 2009-2010 school year. You will be amazed to find what you gain from the experience, as well as what you give: the chance for one international student to have a lifechanging encounter. This is a great opportunity to connect with someone from another culture! All you need to host is a spare bed and an open heart! Contact Katie Robinson, Local Coordinator for Austin - 512-538-8080 or k.leigh.
[email protected].
For more information, check out our website at
www.colinshope.org Increasing water safety awareness and standards
DROWNING CAN STILL OCCUR EVEN IF YOU KNOW HOW TO SWIM
FACTS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT DROWNING C
DROWNING WILL AFFECT YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW
M
Drowning is the leading cause of unintentional injury-related death in children ages 1-4
Y
CM
MY
NO ONE is “drown proof” – no matter their level of swimming ability.
Falls, entrapments, and injuries lead to drowning regardless of swimming level.
CY
CMY
1
K
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
Drowning is the 2nd leading cause of unintentional injury-related death ages 1-14.
A majority of people overestimate their own and their child’s ability to swim, especially in a panic event.
DROWNING IS QUICK AND SILENT 2min
Drowning occurs in as little as 2 minutes.
4min
Irreversible brain damage occurs in as little as 4 minutes.
5min
Most children are out of sight or missing for less than 5 minutes and usually in the presence of 1 or both parents.
6min
Most children die who are submerged for as little as 6-10 minutes.
Children who drown do not scream, splash, or struggle. They silently slip beneath the water, even with adults & lifeguards present.
The Lakewood Leader - August 2009
Copyright © 2009 Peel, Inc.
THe Lakewood Leader
Meet Johnathan
STEVE’S PLUMBING REPAIR
DOB: 10/1997 Johnathan is an affectionate child who loves to give and receive hugs. He loves trains, building with Legos and cardboard boxes. He also enjoys going on outings and watching cartoons, especially Scooby-Doo. His favorite food is pizza. He has been diagnosed with an Autistic Spectrum Disorder which requires therapy. He is not able to communicate as easily as other children his age, which can be very frustrating for him. He has made tremendous progress in foster care and has a strong desire to please the adults around him. Johnathan requires a high level of supervision due to his activity level and his social skills. Johnathan’s foster mom describes him as a “lovable child” and a “good kid.”
water pressure problems sewer & drain service fiber optic drain line inspections free estimates satisfaction guaranteed
Master License: M-17531
Steve Brougher 276-7476 1106 West Koenig Lane
Advertise Your Business Here 888-687-6444
For more information about adoption in general or Johnathon, please contact the Adoption Coalition of Texas at
[email protected].
WE WANT TO HELP YOUR FAMILY HAVE A BETTER FINANCIAL FUTURE!
F4?A>E8344G?4AC8=BCAD2C8>=C> :83B>50;;064B0=3018;8C84B 5`]c^aS[W^`WdObSO\R^`WdObSZSaa]\aT]` QVWZR`S\O\RORcZbaOag]c\UOa$[]\bVa]ZR :Saa]\abVObTWbg]c`aQVSRcZS
· Start saving for retirement · Begin funding your child’s education · Possibly cut your life insurance cost · Lower your monthy cash outlay · Take advantage of immediate opportunities in sales marketing
3f^S`WS\QSR^ObWS\bO\R^OaaW]\ObSW\ab`cQb]`a
5>D=3431HF>A;3A42>A37>;34AB >;H=0;270=B
20;;C>30H5>AH>DA5A44BF8<B:8;;4E0;D0C8>=
$ ! # ' %$%! 0DBC8=
$ ! !(% %"#$ 30;;0B
fff 8P]2a^RZTaBfX\BRW^^[ R^\ Copyright © 2009 Peel, Inc.
Local Representative Rich Keith 2900B N. Quinlan Park Rd., #331 Austin, Tx 78732 C: (512) 632-0162
Securities Offered By PFS Investments Inc. Home Office: 3120 Breckinridge Blvd. • Duluth, Georgia 30199 Regional Office: 174 S. Guadalupe St., Ste #200 San Marcos, Tx 78666 • (512) 396-7371
The Lakewood Leader - August 2009
The Lakewood Leader The Science of Grocery Shopping Submitted by Kelly Bruneman, Certified Nutrition Specialist
The grocery store can be a scary place! All those isles filled with grocery goodness! What is healthy and what isn’t? How do you know where to start and what to buy? Follow these simple rules to ensure that you get the most out of your grocery shopping experience: • STAY TO THE OUTSIDE - Most everything you need is on the perimeter of the store. Your produce, meats, and dairy cases are all on the outside. The isles are where the boxed and processed foods reside. • ORGANIC…IS IT WORTH IT? - Not all things are necessary to buy organic. The following produce list is often referred to as the “Dirty Dozen” because they contain the highest levels of pesticides. THE DIRTY DOZEN: Peaches, Apples, Sweet Bell Peppers, Celery, Nectarines, Strawberries, Cherries, Pears, Grapes (Imported), Spinach, Lettuce, Potatoes. THE LEAST CONTIMATED: Onions, Avocado, Sweet Corn (Frozen), Pineapples, Mango, Asparagus, Sweet Peas (Frozen), Kiwi Fruit, Bananas, Cabbage, Broccoli, Papaya.
Beef, Poultry, and Dairy are also worth the organic price because they are produced without growth hormones and antibiotics. Currently the USDA has not developed organic certification standards for seafood. REMEMBER: buying organic foods that aren’t good for you doesn’t make them healthy!! • BUY FROZEN - Frozen fruits and vegetables are often flash frozen locking in nutrients better than canned foods. - Frozen fish and chicken is also flash frozen at the source locking in nutrients and making them convenient alternatives to store in your freezer. • DON’T BE AN IMPULSE BUYER - Make a list according to how your grocery store is laid out and STICK TO IT! If ice cream isn’t on your list, don’t go down the ice cream aisle. - Don’t go to the grocery store when you are tired, hungry or irritable. This almost always leads to impulse buys. (Continued on Page 7)
Dr. Michael S. Lifshen Board Certified Family Physician
Lakewood Homeowner (FU ZPVSLJET #BDLUP4DIPPMBOE 4QPSUTQIZTJDBMT
Extended hours: Evening and Saturday
912 Capital of Texas Highway, South (between Bee Caves Rd. & Lost Creek Blvd.)
Call 306-8360 for an appointment
www.capitalfamilypractice.com
The Lakewood Leader - August 2009
Copyright © 2009 Peel, Inc.
THe Lakewood Leader The Science of Grocery Shopping- (Continued from Page 6) - If possible, don’t take the kids! Grocery stores target impulse buyers and almost all kids are impulse buyers! - Don’t get distracted at the checkout line. As you are waiting to check out grocery stores stock the racks with tempting candy bars and sodas. Don’t be fooled! If you think you might give in bring in water with you and pop a piece of sugar free gum! Or flip through the latest gossip magazine until it is your turn to pay. - If you don’t buy the junk food, you won’t have it in the house! • CHECK OUT THE LABEL - THE FDA requires that all ingredients be listed in descending order of predominance by weight. Try to pick foods that have a short ingredient list that don’t have many artificial ingredients. - Look for foods that have ingredients that you can pronounce - Choose foods that are “real”. Examples are 100% fruit juice or 100% whole-grain items with as little processing and as few additives as possible. If you want more salt or sugar, add it yourself. Finally, just take a deep breath and go for it! You are in control and remember if you don’t buy it; it won’t find its way into your house!
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.
WWW.ATFCU.ORG
512.302.5555
You Can Join!
www.childrenscenterofaustin.com
Membership is open to anyone in the 5 County Metro Area
New Locations Coming Soon in Round Rock & Pflugerville
We Offer 3 Convenient Austin Locations!
FREE BUSINESS & PERSONAL CHECKING 250+ FREE ATMs ACROSS TEXAS
COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE LOANS
HOME EQUITY LOANS
4.89 5.19 5.69 %
%
APR*
APR*
15 YEARS
10 YEARS
%
APR*
20 YEARS
plus no closing costs**
UP TO 60 MONTHS
%
APR*
66 MONTHS
APR*
72 MONTHS
1
1.86 2.07 2.42 %
APY ****
APY ****
12 MONTHS
24 MONTHS
regular - minimum deposit of $1000 required
1
limit one per family
Copyright © 2009 Peel, Inc.
%
***
15 YEARS
1.31 1.51 1.76 %
APY ****
$25,000 TO $74,999
%
APY ****
$75,000 TO $124,999
%
APY ****
$125,000 AND ABOVE
minimum daily balance of $2000 required
CERTIFICATE OF DEPOSIT
6 MONTHS
10 YEARS
MONEY MARKET
%
new or used
%
***
***
20 year amortization/no pre-payment penalty
3.69 3.89 4.29 APR*
%
%
5 YEARS
AUTO LOANS
%
5.75 5.95 6.20
%
APY ****
CERTIFICATE OF DEPOSIT2
1.96 2.27 2.57 %
APY ****
6 MONTHS
%
APY ****
12 MONTHS
%
APY ****
24 MONTHS
jumbo - minimum deposit of $95000 required
2
15 AUSTIN METRO LOCATIONS The Lakewood Leader - August 2009
Peel, Lakewood Inc. The Leader 311 Ranch Road 620 S. Ste 200 Lakeway, TX 78734-4775 www.PEELinc.com
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
PEEL, INC.
LK
The Lakewood Leader - August 2009
Copyright © 2009 Peel, Inc.
