WESTCREEK NEIGHBORHOOD
WestcreekNeighborhood Neighborhood Westcreek Volume 2, Issue 1 January, 2006 - Published Monthly for our Westcreek Neighbors
T IN ON A SA SS OSCO IC AI TA IO Log on at westcreekna.org
OFFICERS ELECTED AT DECEMBER QUARTERLY MEETING developed property would end up being only 9.4 acres of the parcel, with 669 parking spaces available. The area is currently zoned for LO (light office) and GR (general retail). They are asking for neighborhood support as they go to the City for a change in the zoning variance to accept “self-improvement businesses”, such as Alicia, Ben and Jan look pleased about their reelection. their health club and spa. Lifetime Fitness is working with all the Three officers were elected at the December neighborhoods around the area to make sure 12th Westcreek Neighborhood Association they are a good fit and keep as much of the meeting. The open slots were Vice President, natural trees and landscaping as possible. Treasurer and Member-at-Large, Position 3. There will be natural barriers of 25 feet and All three current WNA Executive Committee 15 feet from the Bannockburn neighborhood members in those positions left their names on the ballot for another two-year term. and the Convict Hill Road area, respectively. There were no other nominations, and the They are also building a retention pond vote was unanimous for Alicia Ortiz to serve behind the facility and will recycle the water another term as Vice President, Jan Boswell onto the property. The building itself has been designed as Treasurer and Ben Coughran as Memberusing natural Texas limestone accents at-Large, Position 3. All WNA Executive and Acme brick, utilizing materials from Committee terms are staggered and a person Central Texas and the Dallas area. No actual may serve no longer than two terms in any rates for membership were quoted at press one position. time (range could be from $49 to $59 for a LIFETIME FITNESS single, around $79 for a couple, in a family Also on the agenda was a presentation from situation, the first two children over the age Lifetime Fitness by Mr. Parham Javaheri, of 12 would have to pay, but adding more the Development Manager. The new family children in a family would be free.) fitness center is slated to go onto the 34 acres The current schedule for permit deadlines near Mopac and Convict Hill on the SE is early February and if all goes well, side of Mopac. Many items were discussed, construction would start in the late spring such as traffic entry into the facility (only or early summer. Projected completion date from Mopac), how large the facility will is around June, 2007. be (proposed up to 111,000 square feet) The facility will include a full gym (for and the landscaping of the surrounding basketball or volleyball), a rock climbing area (they are working with the Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center). The actual (Continued on Page 3) Copyright © 2005 Peel, Inc.
Christie Gaderson wins the December Quarterly Meeting door prize: a Westcreek tote bag, cap and a pretty Christmas tree potholder. Have fun cooking, Christie!
Mr. Parham Javaheri, the Development Manager of Lifetime Fitness, makes his presentation.
Hmmm. Looks like they’re all getting ready for their “sentence” of two full years, no parole.
Westcreek Neighborhood Association Newsletter - January 2006 1
WESTCREEK NEIGHBORHOOD WNA CONTACTS WNA website ........................................... http:westcreekna.org Write to us at: WNA; P.O. Box 91373; Austin, TX 78719-1373 President Bob Shrader
[email protected], 892-1768 Vice President Alicia Ortiz
[email protected], 892-4733 Treasurer Jan Boswell
[email protected], 892-3786 Secretary Judy Jefferson ..........................
[email protected], 892-1105 Ex-President Kim Sherman ..........
[email protected], 468-4387 Member-at-Large & OHAN Representative Ben Coughran ............................
[email protected], 892-5364 Member-at-Large & Newsletter Editor Karen Gregory
[email protected], 899-1292 Enhancement Committee Chair (Yard of the Month) Clara Oliver
[email protected], 899-1938
City Contact Call 311 to report any City-related problem. It operates 24/7. Report a non-emergency crime, barking dogs, speeding problems, zoning violations, blocked sidewalks, etc.
(Officers Elected - continued from page 1) wall, two swimming pools (one indoor and one outdoor), a full weight and workout floor, child care area with computers, gym and play area, family changing rooms, spa area (massages, nails, and hair salon), a restaurant and a pool-side snack bar. Lifetime Fitness currently operates 46 locations in the United States. For more information, log on to www.lifetimefitness.com OTHER ITEMS Bob Shrader, President of the WNA, then said a few words about the SW Austin area neighborhood planning and how important it is to participate with the planning of our own neighborhood for the future. Sandy Baldridge (Secretary for Oak Hill Neighborhood Assocation — OHAN) handed out copies of the “Petition to Amend the City of Austin Charter to add the “Open Goverment Online” Amendment, which this organization will read and summarize for our residents at a later date. HOLIDAY CHEER The meeting was then adjourned, and all attendees partook of tasty cookies and cider and exchanged a little Holiday Cheer
View the Westcreek Neighborhood Newsletter each month online at www.PEELinc.com
Sara Castillo, GRI
REALTOR® 512-423-6917
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Westcreek Neighborhood Association Newsletter - January 2006
Winter Special $59.95 per system. 512-928-2470 Over 30 Years of Experience Expires 01/31/06 Visit us on the web @ www.rmmechanical.com
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More banks to locate in the Westcreek area Residents of Westcreek will have many more banking choices in the immediate area when construction of shopping centers at Loop 1 and William Cannon Drive is completed by sometime next year. Regions Bank is locating a facility in the Cannon Crossing Shopping Center at the Northeast Corner of the intersection. Construction is nearing conclusion for a Colonial Bank in the shopping center adjacent to Randalls. The Shops at Arbor Trails, now under construction, will be the home for branch facilities for Wells Fargo Bank and Hibernia Bank. Both of those banks will front William Cannon Drive. The new banks will be in addition to the two existing bank branches in the Randalls shopping center and the BankAmerica facility on the opposite side of the subdivision on Westgate Drive. While we’ll have a diverse menu of banks to choose from, so far there’s little news about family-style restaurants that might locate in the new shopping centers. In supporting a zoning change request for The Shops at the Arbor Trails, neighborhood leaders voiced a desire that an emphasis be placed on acquiring several sit-down type restaurants – long in short supply in our area – as tenants. Several nearby fast-food restaurants have been announced or recently opened, including Long John Silvers, Scooter’s Coffeehouse, Whataburger and Taco Cabana. William Chaffe, who is a partner with Cardinal-Paragon, the Dallas-based developer of The Shops at Arbor Trails and the Randalls shopping center, recently told the Austin AmericanStatesman that Village Inn restaurant has signed an agreement to locate in The Shops at Arbor Trails. Village Inn is a family-dining restaurant chain with more than 220 locations throughout the Rocky Mountain region, Midwest, Southwest and Florida. At a meeting with neighborhood leaders several months ago, Chaffe said the developer would attempt to attract locally-owned businesses, including good restaurants, to supplement the center’s anchor Costco. At the time of this newsletter deadline, Chaffe was unavailable to answer questions about other restaurants planned for The Shops at Arbor Trails. The Costco store is scheduled to open sometime next summer. The Staubach Company, based in Dallas, is handling leasing for the sites in The Shops at Arbor Trails.
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WESTCREEK NEIGHBORHOOD January WNA Calendar January 1 January 2 January 3 January 5 January 9 January 11 January 16 January 17
January 24 January 25
New Year’s Day AISD Staff Development AISD Classes Resume WNA Newsletter Copy Deadline Recycling Pickup Day; CAMPO, 6 p.m. OHAN meeting, 7 – 9 p.m. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday WNA Executive Committee Meeting, 7 p.m., Will Hampton Branch Library, Convict Hill Road; UT Spring Classes Begin Recycling Pickup Day Austin Neighborhoods Council, 7 p.m., Austin Energy Building, 721 Barton Springs Road.
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Westcreek Neighborhood Association Newsletter - January 2006 3
WESTCREEK NEIGHBORHOOD
2-1-1
Maybe 2-1-1 Can Help You or Someone You Know
2-1-1 is the number to call when you don’t know whom to call. “It is the number people should call when they aren’t sure where to turn for help,” says Albert Hawkins, Texas Health and Human Services Commissioner. “No matter where you live in Texas, you can call 2-1-1 and find information about resources in your local community. Whether you need help finding food or housing, childcare, crisis counseling or substance abuse treatment, one number is all you need to know.” 2-1-1 Texas is a free, confidential information and referral line answered by nationally certified specialists 24 hours a day, seven days a week. When callers dial 2-1-1, they are connected to area information centers in their region. These trained experts have access to the most comprehensive database of community-based organizations, government agencies and nonprofits that exist in Texas. Information can be provided in almost any language including Spanish. 2-1-1 Texas is also included in Texas Governor Rick Perry’s Homeland Security strategy as a tool for sharing information and mobilizing resources during local, statewide or national disasters. The Sept. 11 terrorist attacks created one of the greatest challenges community information and referral providers ever experienced. Immediately after the attacks, calls increased dramatically to community organizations as families looked for missing loved ones, people were stranded at airports, and the public needed counseling services to cope. 2-1-1 Texas is just that, for Texas. Covering Area Information Centers in 25 regions throughout the state, any citizen of Texas can call this number when they aren’t sure where to turn for help! You can also visit the United Way Capital Area “Get Help 2-1-1 Texas” website at: http://www.unitedwaycapitalarea.org/gethelp/ index.cfm The website gives you access to an extensive database for finding support services covering a wide range of needs.
PATTON ELEMENTARY NEWS
Submitted by Rachelle Vega Patton’s PTA Publicity Committee Chair INVENT AUSTIN SCIENCE FAIR WINNERS Patton Elementary recently sent a dozen young scientists to AISD’s “Invent Austin” Science Fair. Each of these Patton 5th graders were 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners in their campus science fair and then advanced to the regional event. Congratulations to “Invent Austin” winners Devin Brown (3rd place), Cash Owen (2nd place) and Thomas Massad (1st place). ANNUAL ARTS DAY Friday, December 2 was a busy and exciting day at Patton Elementary. The school celebrated its annual “Arts Day”, organized by Sydney Stuart and the Arts Day committee. Staff and committee members are to be commended for the fabulous event, which allowed students exposure to various forms of art expressed through performance. The audiences were treated to Japanese rhythm from Austin Taiko, dancing by Southwest Native American Dancers, onstage theater from Second Youth theater, and a lunchtime concert with Joe McDermott and Sara Hickman, among other acts. BACK TO SCHOOL IN 2006 The first day of school for AISD students in the new year is Tuesday, January 3, 2006. Remember to drive carefully near bus stops or when you see students walking in the neighborhood, and always obey speed zones and traffic rules near the schools. Happy New Year from Patton Elementary! If you have any news you’d like to share with Rachelle, please call here at 288-8325 or email her at
[email protected]
One of our many well-fed furry Westcreek residents.
KELLY PEEL Sales Manager
P.O. Box 886 200 E. Waylon Jennings Blvd. Littlefield, Texas 79339
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Westcreek Neighborhood Association Newsletter - January 2006
PH. 512-589-5471 Fax 800-687-6444
[email protected]
PH. 806-385-6444 Fax 806-385-5234
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WESTCREEK NEIGHBORHOOD
Newsletters 101: Connecting with Your Customers and Prospects By Kaylee Kolditz
A newsletter can be an amazing tool for developing relationships with existing clients and building new business. Using a newsletter, you can establish your company as the expert in your given field. The goal is to provide enough information about relevant issues to spark your readers’ interest so that prospects will contact you to find out if you can assist their company. For existing clients, the newsletter serves to reinforce that you are a valuable asset to their business and to remind them of the services or products you offer. To determine content ask yourself these questions: 1. Who is my audience? 2. What are the needs of that audience? 3. Which of these needs can my company address through our products and/or services? Then write about issues related to the needs you identified in question 3. Content Development Your approach to content development is key to truly delivering value to your audience. Develop (or purchase) articles that relate to what you offer (make sure you can fill the need the article addresses) but without delivering a sales pitch. Make articles informative so that they are truly worth your readers’ time, but don’t make them so comprehensive that readers can effectively fulfill their needs without using your company. And, don’t share information that promotes your competitors. Content can be gathered from a variety of resources. Keep in mind that unless your articles are completely original (researched and written by
you, your staff or a contract writer/agency), you need to give credit to the source (and get permission to reprint, if required). If you are compiling information from various sources, include a list or footnote where appropriate. This sign of integrity will gain the respect of your readers. Although information distribution is the goal, limited self-promotion is ok. In fact, you should include some self-promotion and be obvious about it. Your readers know you are doing it, so be honest with your approach. Include a section for a featured product or special offer. Make the offer available only to newsletter readers so that they have an additional incentive to get and read your newsletter. Alternative Approaches If you just don’t have the time or money right now to create a newsletter program there are alternatives. One approach is to co-sponsor a newsletter with a business that complements (not competes with) your business. Advertising in a newsletter can also get your business noticed and will involve less work on your end than developing your own publication. While your only responsibility will be the ad, the newsletter provides the valuable content readers are interested in. Whichever approach you take, I believe that you’ll find that newsletters are an effective tool for spreading the word about your business. Kaylee Kolditz is a marketing coach and copywriter specializing in helping small businesses create revenue-generating marketing programs. For more information, contact her at
[email protected] or visit http://www.kayleeskoaching.com.
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Westcreek Neighborhood Association Newsletter - January 2006 5
WESTCREEK NEIGHBORHOOD
Recipe Of The Month Joan Lunden’s Chicken Tortilla Soup
In a large saucepan, saute: -1 chopped medium onion (about 1 cup) and -2 minced garlic cloves (about 2 tsps) -2 tbsps vegetable oil over low heat for 5 minutes until onion is softened. Add: -one 4 ounce can green chilés -- chopped, -a 15-ounce can Italian-style stewed tomatoes (chopped and with their own juice), -4 cups chicken broth, -1 tsp lemon pepper, -2 tsps Worcestershire sauce, -1 tsp chili powder, -1 tsp ground cumin and -1/2 tsp hot sauce. Simmer for 20 minutes.
In a small bowl, combine 4 tbsp flour with 1/2 cup water and whisk into soup. Bring the soup back to a boil and simmer for 5 minutes. Add 1 pound cooked skinless boneless chicken breasts, cut into small cubes. Simmer for 5 minutes. Stir in 1/3 cup non-fat sour cream, salt, and pepper to taste. Tortilla chips make a great garnish, they are easy to make, low in fat and delicious. Cut 4 store-bought corn tortillas into 1/4 inch strips. Lay them on a baking sheet with nonstick vegetable oil spray. Bake in a 400 degree oven for 10 minutes or until they are lightly toasted and crispy. Sprinkle lightly with salt if desired. Garnish strips across the top of the finished soup with fresh coriander.
Emerald Garden Tips - December Wood flowering trees – forsythia, spirea — take cuttings to force the blooms Force bulbs Promptly plant living Christmas trees Good time to plant trees, shrubs, perennials Plant pansies, snapdragons, alyssum – any winter plant will handle a light freeze – cover to protect plants
At no time will any source be allowed to use the Westcreek Neighborhood 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 Westcreek Neighborhood Association and Peel Inc. The information in the Westcreek Neighborhood Newsletter is exclusively for the private use of Westcreek residents only.
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Westcreek Neighborhood Association Newsletter - January 2006
Copyright © 2005 Peel, Inc.
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Westcreek Neighborhood Association Newsletter - January 2006 7
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Printing & Publishing
Thank You to all of our 2005 Austin Advertisers! • A & B Carpet Cleaning and Restorations • Abilio Munoz, M.D. • Absolute Pest Management • Allure Imports • All Weather Services • Alpine Cleaning Service • Amy’s Ice Cream • Anne Derfler, Independent Beauty Consultant, Mary Kay • Austin’s Park and Pizza • Austin Adventure Boot Camp for Women • Austin Counseling and Wellness • Austin Federal Credit Union • Austin Programmers Group - APG • Austin Regional Clinic • AustinReps - Bob and Melinda McKenna • Austin Service Company • Beauty Emporium • Ben Sutterfield • Body Business Fitness • Brenda Davis • Calusio Creativity Center • Candice Rudolph • Cedar Hills Dental • Cedar Park Dance Company • Cedar Park Florist • Centex Premier Events • Charity Partners of Austin • Chase Bank • Chick-fil-A: South Austin • Chisholm Trail Pediatrics • Chooby-Doos • Christ The King Presbyterian Church
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Westcreek Neighborhood Association Newsletter - January 2006
• Kitty Fowler - Realty World, John Horton and Associates • Lenard Fein • Liberty Hill Eye Associates • Living PHD • Liz Gentry • Margaritas • Mark Moore • Mary Liu • Mary Lynne Gibbs • Mary Parker • Mathnasium • Matt Horne, DDS • Matt Trlica, CPA • Mayfair Cleaning • Medela • Megan Daves • Melissa Mayer - LandAmerica • Michael’s Hair Co. • Necessary Objects • North Austin Pediatrics • Once Upon A Family • PakMail - William Cannon • PakMail - Windsor Road • Patti Johnson • Physfit • Pink Bubble Scrapbooking • Pip Savage • Postmark’d • Pressed 4 Time • Read’s Automotive • Rennae Hess • RM Mechanical, Inc. • Robin Bond Interiors • Rowing Dock • Sabrina Jordan - Independent Beauty Consultant, Mary Kay
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Salon Bali Sara Castillo Scott Hearne Seattle’s Best Coffee SETON Healthcare Network Shoal Creek Nursery Simply Suzi Southern Painting St. Gabriel’s Catholic School Star of Texas Veterinary Hospital Stephanie Johnson Stephanie Pugh Stor Self Storage Stratus Properties Suzanne Burnes Photography Team Circle C Texas Disposal Systems Texas Health & Life Insurance - Mike D’Alessandro Texas Media Systems The Hills Fitness Center Tony Hair Design Top Dog Poop Scoopers Total Care Total Speed & Fitness Treescape Tree Service University Federal Credit Union US Nails Vaughan Financial Mortgage Group Webb Roofing Wells Fargo Banking Westlake Detail Westlake Plastic Surgery Whitfield Photography ZK Mortgage
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