Harris Branch
The Official Publication of the Harris Branch Residential Property Owners Association Volume 1, Number 5
May 2006
Harris Branch Residential Property Owner’s Association (HBRPOA) Declaration of Election Results April 10, 2006 The first annual election for the Harris Branch Residential Property Owner’s Association Board of Directors took place from March 14 through April 6, 2006. 199 votes were cast, meeting quorum requirements as defined in the HBRPOA by-laws (see By-Laws of Harris Branch Residential Property Owner’s Association – Article II). The winners of the five available positions (in alphabetical order) are: x x x x x
Jeremiah Bentley Shelley Dent Joel Hotchkiss Del Rogers Nellie Wiedenkeller
The election process and ballot collection was supervised by the Nominating Committee established pursuant to HBRPOA by-laws (see By-Laws of Harris Branch Residential Property Owner’s Association – Article III). The Nominating Committee membership included Doka Caudle, Jay Cullender, Don Drago and Vernon Ray. I, the undersigned, certify these election results to be accurate and in compliance with the above referenced HBRPOA bylaws. __Doka Caudle________ ___April 10, 2006_______________ Doka Caudle Date Harris Branch Residential Property Owner’s Association Nominating Committee Copyright © 2006 Peel, Inc.
Harris Branch Residential Property Owners Association Newsletter - May 2006
Harris Branch
HBRPOA Board of Directors
Jeremiah
[email protected] 12100 Kilmartin Ln................................................... 272-4038 Shelley Dent...................................
[email protected] 6004 Speyside Dr...................................................... 791-0343 Joel Hotchkiss .
[email protected] 12012 Kilmartin Ln....................................................278-1110 Del Rogers......................................................
[email protected] 5901 Speyside Dr...................................................... 567-5016 Nellie
[email protected] 6303 Gidleigh Ct....................................................... 272-9468
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Reducing Juvenile Vandalism
by V.A. Ames According to the City of Austin Police website, there were a total of 181 police calls to Harris Branch from September 30, 2004 to March 30, 2005. Ninety of the calls were for the following types of vandalism: 44 burglaries (homes, recreation center, and cars) 30 criminal mischief 14 thefts 1 cruelty to animals 1 graffiti 90 total Considering that only 40% of actual property crimes are reported to the police, there were probably more than 200 incidents of this type in the past 18 months. That’s greater than 20 per month, or nearly one each work day. Many of these incidents are a result of the actions of our neighborhood youngsters, ages 8 to 14. While living in Meadowview the past 12 years, we have witnessed, and notified the police about, young people in this age range shooting at the ducks with an air gun. They have been seen throwing rocks at the ducks and intentionally running over one of the ducks with a bike. We have seen them destroy property, smoke marijuana, and even hide stolen property in the greenbelt area. Recently many of us witnessed neighborhood kids harassing animals, especially around the ponds, destroying the new HOA information boxes, and throwing rocks and debris at houses. Some newly constructed homes had graffiti sprayed on the garage doors an on nearby resident’s fences. We know these actions are being done by a small group of juveniles in Harris Branch. The majority of kids are friendly and well-mannered. With summer vacation soon approaching, however, there is the chance that this type of behavior will increase. Here are suggestions about what we can do to stop the juvenile vandalism: For the parents: • Provide proper supervision for your youngsters when you are not at home. • Know what your children are doing and where they are at all times. • Understand that they can make bad choices. For the rest of us: • Report incidents that you witness to the police • Officer Santiago “Jimmy” Diaz at 974-5918 (email Santiago.diaz@ ci.austin.tx.us) • Or call 311. • If you have access, communicate incidents through the Harris Branch Yahoo email group [see information about joining Yahoo Groups elsewhere in this newsletter] • Take pictures or video of undesired behavior. All of us can try to come up with some ideas for activities that the young people can participate in during the summer. I am sure the Events sub-committee would be eager to hear of activities they could help organize. Harris Branch has been, and can continue to be, a very pleasant place to live. We all need to work towards keeping it that way by lowering the amount of juvenile vandalism that takes place.
Harris Branch Residential Property Owners Association Newsletter - May 2006
Copyright © 2006 Peel, Inc.
Harris Branch
Thank you to our Election Volunteers
The Nominating Committee wishes to formally thank those in the neighborhood that volunteered their assistance in the recent election. Without the help of Joyce Best, Pearl Gonzalez, Donna Kidwell, Christine Miller, Jennifer O’Dell, Mary Helen Oviedo, Becky Parker and all the others that helped hand out flyers, collect ballots or encourage their neighbors to submit ballots, the election could have taken months to complete. In a neighborhood that appears apathetic at times, these volunteers went above and beyond! If you see them in your neighborhood, please take a moment to thank them for their efforts.
Homeowner Association Dues
As a reminder, 2006 Homeowners Association Dues in the amount of $347.83 were due January 31, 2006. Homeowners delinquent in their payments will be assessed a $15.00 late fee each month for payments received after January 31, 2006. Please bring your account current by submitting payment to the following address: Harris Branch Residential Property Owners Association P. O. Box 845364 Dallas, TX 75284-5364
MISD School Board Election On May 13
by Pamela O’Brien On May 13, 2006, there will be a general election for Board of Trustees of Manor ISD. Voters can vote for two school board positions. The six candidates for the two spots are Wendy Hutchinson (incumbent), Ben Arellano, Lyla Moffett, Torris Beasley Sr, David Burgos, and Jody Markert. If you would like more info about the candidates, you can pick up a voting guide at your favorite Austin Public Library or visit the Austin League of Women Voters website (http://www.leaguewv.austin.tx.us/). Early voting will be held from May 1st until May 9th. Manor ISD has joined with Travis County for this election; therefore, there will be many locations to vote early. On May 13th, we will vote at our precinct, 154. Check your newspapers or the Travis county election website (http://www.co.travis.tx.us/ county_clerk/election/) for more information. Manor ISD has over 10,000 registered voters, but less than 1,000 voted in the last election. Harris Branch can make an impact on this election. Let us make a difference. Let us all vote!
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Harris Branch Residential Property Owners Association Newsletter - May 2006
Harris Branch 12-13—AUSTIN: Golden Dragon Acrobats Nearly two dozen acrobats’ spellbinding feats are highlighted in this performance of ancient and contemporary theatrical techniques. The Paramount Theatre. www.austintheatre.org 866/443-8849 12-13—FREDERICKSBURG: Intertribal Pow Wow Celebrates the 160th anniversary of the founding of Fredericksburg. Includes a dance contest, Indian crafts, food and drink. Hours are 5 p.m. to midnight Friday and noon to midnight Saturday. Fort Martin Scott. www. fredericksburgintertribalpowwow.org 830/997-8925 12-14—AUSTIN: Romeo & Juliet Ballet Austin performs at UT’s Bass Concert Hall. www.balletaustin.org 512/476-2163 12-14—BLANCO: Mighty Thomas Carnival Includes a rodeo, dancing, barrel racing, bull riding, cooking competition, crafters, bingo, vendors and live entertainment. Yett Park. www.blancochamber. com 830/833-1442 13—BOERNE: Cibolo Songs & Stories Features Nobuko, classic jazz piano stylings with cello and percussion. Cibolo Nature Center. www.cibolo.org 830/249-4616 13—BRADY: Duffers Scramble Golf Tournament Brady Municipal Golf Course. E-mail:
[email protected] • www.bradytx.com 325/597-3491 13—BURNET: Ol’ Burnet Square Market Days Includes vendors on the square and live entertainment. Square in Burnet. E-mail: info@ burnetchamber.org • www.burnetchamber.org 512/756-6093 13—FREDERICKSBURG: Founders Day Festival Offers artisan demonstrations, blacksmithing, soap making, sheep shearing, spinning, wool dyeing, flint knapping, fence making, corn grinding, quilting, live music and more. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pioneer Museum. www.pioneermuseum.com 830/997-2835 13—GEORGETOWN: Market Day Features arts & crafts, antiques, collectibles and festive foods. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Historic Downtown Georgetown. www.downtowngeorgetownassociation.org 512/868-8675 13—KERRVILLE: Spring Variation Features Kerrville School of Dance and the Performing Art School Classical Ballet from San Antonio. Kathleen C. Cailloux Theater, 910 Main St. 830/896-6116 13—WIMBERLEY: Garden Club Tour Visit about six Wimberley area gardens, featuring xeriscape, herb, vegetable and flower gardens. www.wimberley.org 512/847-7866 13-14—BLANCO: Blanco County Barrel Racing & Bull Riding Youth play day is Friday night. Yett Park. www.blancochamber.com 830/833-4418 14—GRUENE: Gospel Brunch with a Texas Twist — A Special Treat for Mother’s Day Serves up awe-inspiring gospel music with a mouth-watering buffet. Hours are 10:30 a.m. to noon. Gruene Hall. www.gruenehall.com 830/629-5077 or 830/606-1601 19—AUSTIN: Strings Attached with Slaid Cleaves Cleaves has a following as one of America’s most acclaimed singer/songwriters. Shows are 7:30 and 10 p.m. St. David’s Episcopal Church. www. stringsattached.org 512/775-2371 19-21—FREDERICKSBURG: Trade Days Includes more than 300 vendors, five barns, acres of antiques and more, biergarten and music. Hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sunday. Hwy. 290 E. across from Wildseed Farms. E-mail: fbg@ moment.net • www.fbgtradedays.com 830/990-4900 or 210/8464094 20—BLANCO: Blanco Lion’s Club Motorcycle Poker Run Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Motorcycle games begin at 3:30 p.m. Yett Park. www.blancochamber.com 830/833-0995 20—BLANCO: Market Day www.historicblanco.org 830/833-2211 20—KERRVILLE: Celebration of Animals Includes dog walk, animal rescue organizations, miniature horses and more. Louise Hays Park, off Thompson Drive. www.humanesocietyofkerrville.org 830/3673335 20—MASON: Habitat for Humanity Annual Spring Event Includes food, drink, live jazz quintet, silent auction and more. Hours are 6 to 9 p.m. Willow Creek Ranch. 325/347-0634 20—SAN MARCOS: Texas Natural & Western Swing Festival Relax on the banks of the San Marcos River and enjoy the sounds of Texas Western Swing legends. Enjoy food, crafts, fun and plenty of Western Swing entertainment. San Marcos Plaza. www.sanmarcoscharms. com 888/200-5620 20-21—FREDERICKSBURG: Spring Antiques Show Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Gillespie County Fairgrounds, Hwy. 16 S. E-mail:
[email protected] • www. texasantiqueshows.com 830/995-3670 20-21—GRUENE: Old Gruene Market Days More than 100 vendors offer uniquely crafted items, collectibles and packaged Texas foods. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. www.gruenemarketdays. com 830/832-1721 21—GRUENE: 10th Annual KNBT Americana Music Jam Celebrates Americana music and features exceptional artists of the genre. Gruene Hall. www.gruenehall.com 830/629-5077 or 830/606-1601 21—ROUND ROCK: Summer Concert Series Enjoy free live music performed by an up-and-coming band. La Frontera Central Green, intersection of La Frontera Blvd. and Sundance Parkway. www. ci.round-rock.tx.us/parks-rec/concert_series.html 512/218-5540 25—MASON: Country Opry Enjoy old-fashioned live entertainment. Begins at 7:30 p.m. Features the Blackland Farmer, Frankie Miller. Odeon Theater. www.hillbillyhits.com 325/597-2119 26-27—FREDERICKSBURG: Crawfish Festival Enjoy Cajun food and music. Hours are 6 p.m. to midnight Friday and 11 a.m. to midnight Saturday. E-mail:
[email protected] • www.tex-fest.com 830/997-8515 26-28—WIMBERLEY: Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat Musical outdoor drama is based on the Old Testament story of Joseph and his coat of many colors. Emily Ann Theatre, CR 2325. www.emilyann.org 512/847-6969 31-Jun. 18—AUSTIN: Cowboy Noises Jaston Williams of Greater Tuna fame returns with a new cycle of original stories mixed with comedic madness. The State Theatre. www.austintheatre.org 866/4438849
Texas Events has been published with the permission of the Texas Department of Transportation. All events are taken in part from the Texas Events Calendar. All dates for events were correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.
Harris Branch Residential Property Owners Association Newsletter - May 2006
Copyright © 2006 Peel, Inc.
Why Do We Need a School Bond Election?
by Merry Rightmer On Saturday, May 13, Harris Branch residents will have the opportunity to vote to improve education in the face of explosive growth in our school district. Consider the impact on our property values of a school district with the capacity to accommodate all our children in adequate facilities. This bond is split into four propositions to give voters the power to choose. The propositions include: Proposition 1: Building a new elementary school to open in ’07 for $12,829,958. The current elementary schools are more than 400 students above capacity. Even with two elementary schools opening in the fall, the schools will all be above capacity even without the estimated 300 new students next year. The district has already had to add six portables to Bluebonnet Trail Elementary at the cost of $70,000 each. This comes out of the annual budget instead of paying for other important things, like teacher salaries. Proposition 2: Design and land costs for ’08 schools, including an elementary, middle school and expansion the High School to 1800 for $6,219,725. With Manor one of the five fastest growing districts in the state at 39% growth since the last bond election, we need to continue to plan for future schools by purchasing land before costs get even higher and having the schools designed and ready to be built as soon as they are needed. Proposition 3: Expanding the cafeteria and building a new gym at Bluebonnet Trail Elementary (BTE) for $1,396,479. The cafeteria and kitchen at BTE are too small for the number of children, requiring the children start eating lunch by 10:30 in order to get them all fed. The cafeteria will be expanded into the current gym and a new gym will be built. Proposition 4: Building a new stadium, buying new buses and expanding the parking and transportation facilities for $15,448,938. The stadium was built when Manor was a 2A district. Next year, Manor will be a 4A district playing much bigger schools that are all within 20 minutes away, so attendance will be even higher. The new stadium will be a district stadium that can be used by future high schools. There is currently not enough stadium parking, so parking will also be expanded. The transportation facility will be expanded and additional buses that are needed to deal with the continued growth will be purchased. The total cost will be $35,895,000 with an impact of less than $12/month on a homeowner with a $150,000 home or less than the cost of taking the kids to Sonic for dinner. Citizens 65 and older with a homeowner’s exemption will not have any tax increase. Voting for the bond election will take place on Saturday, May 13. Early voting will be held Monday, May 1st through Tuesday, May 9th. Early voting will also be available at Bluebonnet Trail Elementary on May 3rd until 9:00 p.m. If you want more information, you can access the citizen committee website at www.VoteManorSchools.org
Copyright © 2006 Peel, Inc.
Harris Branch
Austin City Council Election On May 13
by Joyce Best Residents of Harris Branch have an opportunity to speak with a loud voice in the upcoming Austin City Council election on April 13. We are a large neighborhood that can have a significant impact on our elected City officials. But that can happen only IF YOU VOTE! If you want to see change in the way the City of Austin maintains our streets, sidewalks and drainage ways, or if you have concerns about public safety and other issues, please vote. In addition to elections for Council members, seven propositions will be on the ballot. Harris Branch residents vote at Bluebonnet Trail Elementary School. The polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on May 13.
CANDIDATES FOR ELECTION ON MAY 13, 2006: For Mayor (presently held by Mayor Will Wynn) Jennifer Gale Danny Thomas Will Wynn For Place 2 (presently held by Council Member Raul Alvarez) Mike Martinez Eliza May Wes Benedict For Place 5 (presently held by Council Member Brewster McCracken) Mark Hopkins Laine Jastram Colin Kalmbacher Brewster McCracken Kedron Jerome Touvell For Place 6 (presently held by Mayor Pro Tem Danny Thomas) Sheryl Cole DeWayne W. Lofton Darrell Pierce
Harris Branch Residential Property Owners Association Newsletter - May 2006
Harris Branch
Yahoo Groups
Did You Know?
Our neighborhood is undergoing many exciting changes as we transition to a homeowner-managed association. You can receive updates on issues important to your neighborhood in-between newsletters by signing up for Harris Branch Yahoo! Group. Members of the group receive meeting agendas and notes and reminders of the twice-monthly Assistance Committee meetings. To sign up for the group, go to groups.yahoo.com and type “Harris Branch” (use the quotation marks) into the Find a Group box. Click on the group name on the next screen, and then click “Join This Group.” You will need to be signed into Yahoo! in order to sign up for the group. A Yahoo! ID is free.
Tears, idle tears? Not quite. In addition to clearing your eyes of dust, hairs and such stuff, your tears contain substances that fight bacteria and proteins that combat eye infection.
The word “telegraph” comes from the Greek words “tele,” which means “afar,” and “graphein,” meaning “to write.”
Suggestions for the Newsletter?
If you have comments or questions about the newsletter, or would like to submit articles or suggest story ideas, please contact Doka Caudle at 512-278-9226 or
[email protected]. Deadline for submitting articles is the 8th of each month for publication in the following month’s newsletter.
When tea is designated “orange pekoe,” the name refers to the size of the leaves rather than the flavor. Orange pekoe are the largest leaves.
The first newspaper advertisement appeared in a French newspaper on October 14, 1612.
At no time will any source be allowed to use the Harris Branch 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 Harris Branch Residential Property Owners Association and Peel, Inc. The information in the newsletter is exclusively for the private use of Harris Branch residents only.
Classified Ads
Personal classifieds (one time sell items, such as a used bike...) run at no charge to Harris Branch residents, limit 30 words, please e-mail
[email protected] Business classifieds (offering a service or product line for profit) are $45, limit 40 words, please contact Peel, Inc. Sales @ 512989-8905 or e-mail
[email protected].
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Harris Branch Residential Property Owners Association Newsletter - May 2006
Copyright © 2006 Peel, Inc.
Harris Branch
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Mother's Day
Memorial Day HOLIDAY
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Harris Branch Residential Property Owners Association Newsletter - May 2006
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