w e i v e R
Estates of Russell Creek Estates of
Russell Creek December 2009
Volume 3, Issue 12
Official Publication of The Estates of Russell Creek Homeowners Association
Fannin Tree Farm Extends Special Pricing
To ERC Homeowners Thru Year End
Several more orders for trees have trickled in from ERC homeowners the past two weeks. Fannin Tree Farm has agreed to honor the negotiated group discount for ERC residents through the end of the year per the following: The ERC negotiated group discount is limited to the following variety of trees: Live Oak, Red Oak, Bur Oak, Cedar Elm, Chinese Pistache, Bald Cypress, Pond Cypress, and Crepe Myrtle, per the following pricing: • 3”Caliper $275 • 4” Caliper $390 • 5” Caliper $650 Price includes all freight, installation and one (1) year warranty. To keep costs down and pass on savings to our homeowners, the program has the following requirements: • • • • • • • • • • •
Price includes front yard installation only (back yard installation is subject to additional costs). Trees are selected by Fannin from their farm (bypassing retail lot) based on customer requirements. Homeowners will receive two (2) days advance notice on their individual installation date. Trees are to be installed within the Estates of Russell Creek boundaries. Individual payments must be made to Fannin Tree Farm prior to install (Visa, Master Card, Discover Card accepted). Price includes dig test for each installation to mark utility line location. Fannin does not assume liability for sprinkler damage. Homeowner is responsible for advising Fannin Tree Farm on location of underground sprinkler system and sprinkler heads and assumes responsibility for any sprinkler damage. The ERC Tree Replacement Program is for a limited time only – through December 31, 2009. The timing of ERC’s Tree Replacement Program ensures our residents receive the best selection and largest inventory of trees from Fannin Tree Farm. For more information and to view helpful photos, please see the “ERC Tree Presentation” and “Tree Maintenance” links at www.estatesofrussellcreek.com Contact Brian Jeffries at Fannin Tree Farm at (972) 872-0480, to place your tree order. (Continued on Page 3)
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Timely Tip
For December Gardeners
Winterizing Your Landscape Living in Texas, you never know what to expect from Mother Nature. Being prepared for our extreme weather is the best solution! One simple thing you can do for your landscape plants is to provide a 2 to 3 inch layer of mulch. Mulching is beneficial year round but during the colder periods it provides a layer of insulation for the roots. Secondly, water your landscape well before a cold spell. A drought stressed plant is more susceptible to freeze damage. Thirdly, for more tender plants, purchase frost cloth for extra protection. Remember that many frost tender plants can be damaged even when the temperatures are in the high 30’s. Frost cloth is a fabric which adds 3 to 4 degrees of warmth. Cover the plant completely allowing the edges to come all the way to the ground. That way, we are utilizing the heat which radiates from the ground. This is also a great time to start planning changes or additions to your landscape.
Estates of Russell Creek Homeowner's Association Newsletter - December 2009
Estates of Russell Creek erc board members David Oldani, President....................................972-731-6244 Amy Newell, Vice President..............................972-335-5860 John Dwyer, Secretary.......................................972-377-0246 Jeff Einspahr, Treasurer......................................972-335-5413 Doug Finn, Director.........................................972-712-4655 Sandra Johnson, Director..................................972-712-2337 Robert Simmons, Director................................972-731-9683 Dan Estep (CMA).............................................972-943-2856
newsletter info Editor Geoff Clark.......................
[email protected] ..................................................................... 214-924-7168 Publisher Peel, Inc........................ www.PEELinc.com, 512-263-9181
[email protected], 512-263-9181 Advertising Information Please support the businesses that advertise in the Estates of Russell Creek Review Community Newsletter. Their advertising dollars make it possible for all Estates of Russell 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 @ 512-263-9181 or advertising@ PEELinc.com. The advertising deadline is the 20th 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 Estates of Russell Creek residents, limit 30 words, please
[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
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ERC Classifieds Have any items that you need to get rid of but think someone else could use? Have a useful service to offer your neighbors? Why not place an ad in The Review? Just send the info and a phone to the newsletter editor, and your ad will be run in the newsletter for two issues. Personal classifieds (one time sell items, such as a used bike...) run at no charge to ERC 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 @ 888-687-6444 or
[email protected].
Personal Classifieds FOR SALE- Stanley solid cherry wood desk(61Lx28Wx30H) with 2 matching 2-drawer chests(29Lx 21Wx30H) and 1 matching hutch(29Lx17Wx49H). Set also includes matching waste basket, letter tray, business card holder (all solid wood), deskpad and executive leather chair in cranberry. $1700. Have original receipts(over$3300 new). Call: Karen (214)4155126 FOR SALE- Wood bar with marble top and 2 matching chairs. Bar (70Lx21Wx42H) has a total of 4 upper drawers, 1of which is a cutting board with granite surface. 4 lower cabinets , 3 of which have locks. Chairs are 28Hwith padded seats and swivel capability. Purchased new in 2008 and rarely used. $1100. Call: Karen (214)415-5126
Want to see photographs from the recent events of ERC?
Just log on to our neighborhood website, www. estatesofrussellcreek.com, and click the events icon to see the latest photos of our community events. Also, if you have photos of any of our events that you would like to have posted on our site, please send them to
[email protected] to have them posted.
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Estates of Russell Creek Homeowner's Association Newsletter - December 2009
Copyright © 2009 Peel, Inc.
Estates of Russell Creek The ERC Tree Program
Was A Great Success!
Trees-(Continued from Cover Page) •
A total of 31 trees were purchased by our homeowners from Fannin Tree Farm, with installation planned by the Thanksgiving holiday. Thank you to all of the homeowners who participated in the program or replaced trees through the years and added beauty and value back into their home and neighborhood. Be sure to log on to the ERC website at www.estatesofrussellcreek.com to view Tree Maintenance Tips for newly-installed trees provided by Fannin Tree Farm. The ERC HOA purchased two trees (1 tree for every 15 trees purchased by our homeowners) for a Tree Lottery which took place on Monday, November 9th. All homeowners who participated in the ERC Tree Replacement Program were automatically entered into a random drawing for a free tree.
Contact Board Member Sandra Johnson at (972) 712-2337, or director2@ estatesofrussellcreek.com for additional assistance. We encourage all homeowners with missing, damaged or diseased trees to participate in this program or move forward independently with replacing their trees to be in compliance with your CC&Rs. “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The next best time is now.” ~Chinese Proverb
Congratulations To ERC Tree Lottery Winners! Barry Slotnik Donald Repsher
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Estates of Russell Creek Homeowner's Association Newsletter - December 2009
Estates of Russell Creek YARD OF THE MONTH - OCTOBER & NOVEMBER
8636 Kendall Drive
8416 Lancom Drive
The Landscape Committee has selected 8636 Kendall Drive as the October yard of the month. The yard of Jeff Buttimer & Gloria Hicks utilizes Texas native plants and an organic gardening program for year-round beauty and low maintenance. Jeff and Gloria removed many areas of dead or thin grass along the sidewalk & alley of their corner lot, and placed mulch, stones and native grasses to enhance the beauty of their yard and eliminate erosion and run-off. They also have excellent placement of landscape boulders for a dramatic look.
The Landscaping Committee has selected the yard of Will and Angie Layton as the November Yard of the Month. Located at 8416 Lancome Drive, Will and Angie's yard is beautifully landscaped with native plants, as well as seasonal plantings. They also have a wonderful fountain out front, as well as uniquely placed containers to enhance their yard. Please take some time to drive by to see their wonderful landscaping. The Layton's will receive a $25 gift certificate from Calloway's Nursery, our Yard of the Month sponsor.
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Estates of Russell Creek Homeowner's Association Newsletter - December 2009
Copyright © 2009 Peel, Inc.
Estates of Russell Creek SUPPORTING YOUR STUDENT WHILE LETTING THEM GO Adapted from the National Orientation Director's Association
The college years can be exciting and stressful for both you and your child. They are exciting because your child will be learning to live independently and this allows both of you to explore other parts of your lives. They are stressful because this means that your relationship will change. Some find this process enjoyable; others do not. In order for this transition to be as productive as possible, you will need to be patient, understanding, supportive, and clear and reasonable about your expectations. Listed below are some tips you might find helpful during this process. Tip #1: Don't ask them if they are homesick. While it is true that many students miss being at home, most are so busy in the first weeks of school that they do just fine, as long as nothing reminds them about being away from home. Even if they never bring it up, you can rest assured that they do miss you. If your student is really homesick, encourage them to stick it out for one semester. Tip #2: Write, even if they don't write back. Your student will be exploring and enjoying their independence and this is necessary for their development. Even so, they want to keep family ties and the security that brings. It's nice for them to have things in the mailbox and depressing when it is empty. Still, they may not respond for some time. Don't interpret their silence as rejection. Tip #3: Ask questions (but not too many). First-year students tend to resent interference with their newfound lifestyle, but most want to know that someone is still interested in them. Parental curiosity can be experienced as supportive or alienating depending on the attitudes of the person involved. Honest inquiries that further the parent bond are welcomed. "Pulling rank", "I have a right to know" questions, and hidden agendas should be avoided. Tip #4: Expect change (but not too much). It is natural and inevitable that your student will change over the course of their time here. For some, this change is gradual. For others it is quick and dramatic. This can be quite stressful for all involved. It helps to remember that young adults should be forming their own identities, and that it is counterproductive to try and stop them from doing so. While you may never understand the changes in their social, vocational, and personal choices that may occur in college, it is within your power to accept them. Maturation can be a slow and painful learning process. Please be patient.
The
Tip #5: Don't worry excessively about moody behavior. You might find parenting during the college years to be pretty thankless. Your student may sometimes feel overwhelmed with all that is happening, and they might turn to you in distress. But, you may rarely hear from them when things are going well. You are serving as a "touchstone" for your student, someone they can turn to when they feel the need. Regardless of what they might say, this is very valuable to them. If your student's "bad mood" seems persistent and you have concerns about it, call the staff at the Counseling Center to discuss it further. Tip # 6: Visit (but not too often). Whether they admit it or not, students usually appreciate a visit from their parents. This gives them a chance to connect to both of their "worlds" at once. "Surprise" visits are usually not appreciated because they can feel disrespectful. It is better to wait for planned visits, such as the Family Weekend opportunity. Tip # 7: Avoid the "These are the best years of your life" speech. The college years are full of discovery, inspiration, good times and friends. But they are also marked by indecision, insecurity, disappointment, and mistakes. In all probability your student will learn that college is much more challenging, in every way, than they imagined. Parents who think that college students "have it made” and that they should always perform well and be worry-free are mistaken. Those that accept the highs and lows are providing the kind of support students need most. Tip #8: Communicate your expectations and stay informed. It is entirely appropriate for you to expect reasonable outcomes for your investment. Attendance, decent grades, safe and healthy choices, and signs of increasing responsibility should be evident to you. Negotiate and discuss these with your student, then look for that evidence. If you don’t find it, increase your level of supervision. Tip #9: Trust them. Finding oneself is a difficult enough process without feeling like the people whose opinions you respect most are second-guessing your own second-guessing. One mother wrote her son during his senior year: "I love you and want for you all the things that make you happiest; and I guess you, not I, are the one who knows best what those things are." If you're smart you'll believe it, mean it, and say it now.
Handy Manning
Home Maintenance, Repairs & Improvements
Rick Manning Your Trusted Handyman and Russell Creek Neighbor
Call 214.316.1949 www.thehandymanning.com Plumbing - Carpentry - Electrical Flooring - Painting - Drywall - & More! Copyright © 2009 Peel, Inc.
Estates of Russell Creek Homeowner's Association Newsletter - December 2009
Estates of Russell Creek Food and environmental allergies
Pose Threat to Children
Baylor College of Medicine When introducing your newborn to new foods, be sure to look Although food allergies can be detected early, environmental allergies out for signs of food allergies, said an expert at Baylor College of do not usually occur until after two years of age, said Davis. Medicine. “A child’s immune system needs to be exposed to the environmental “Food allergies can occur in babies as young as six months old,” allergen for at least two seasons before an allergic reaction occurs,” said Dr. Carla Davis, assistant professor of pediatrics - allergy and said Davis. immunology at BCM. Environmental allergies can also be detected through blood tests There are eight foods that cause 90 percent of allergies in kids, or skin tests. Common allergies include grass, weeds, tree, mold, said Davis. These include: cow’s milk, egg, soy beans, wheat, tree cockroaches, cats, dogs, feathers and dust mites. Tree allergies occur nuts, peanuts, fish and shellfish. in the spring, grass allergies are most common in the summer and Davis, who sees patients at Texas Children’s Hospital, emphasizes weed allergies are present in the fall. the importance of introducing one food at a time to infants, so it Treatment for both food and environmental allergies includes is easier to recognize if an infant is having an allergic reaction to a medication and avoiding the allergen. For older children, allergy specific food. shots are an option. “Wait one or two days between foods,” said Davis. Ignoring food allergies can be dangerous to a child, said Davis. Signs of a reaction include allergic skin conditions such as eczema “It can lead to anaphylaxis, a severe reaction that can even lead to and hives. Davis recommends consulting with a pediatrician to death,” said Davis. conduct allergy tests if these symptoms are present. Allergies can be Although anaphylaxis is less common in environmental allergies, detected through skin tests or blood tests. If there are allergies present, Davis emphasizes the importance of treating a child’s allergies and it’s a good idea to consult with a pediatric allergist, said Davis. minimizing their exposure to the allergen.
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Estates of Russell Creek Homeowner's Association Newsletter - December 2009
Copyright © 2009 Peel, Inc.
Estates of Russell Creek
Letters to the Editor
At no time will any source be allowed to use the Estates of Russell Creek Community 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 Estates of Russell Creek Association and Peel, Inc. The information in the newsletter is exclusively for the private use of Estates of Russell Creek residents only.
STOP SPEEDING DOWN OUR STREETS Friday night, November 13, my dog was killed right in front of me. Iopened my front door and our dog shot out to get a rabbit. As I wentafter her, a black SUV came speeding down Pilot Drive and ran over her. Had the SUV not been speeding, perhaps she would still be alive. Whatmade the situation even worse was that the driver never even hit thebrakes - even after running over her. Thank God it was not a child. Shannon Burch
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.
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Estates of Russell Creek Homeowner's Association Newsletter - December 2009
Peel, Inc. Estates of Russell Creek
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE
311 Ranch Road 620 S. Ste 200 Lakeway, TX 78734-4775 www.PEELinc.com
PAID
PEEL, INC.
EC
Pool
Bed/ Bath
Sq. Ft.
List Price
Days On Market
9016 Nolan CT
N
4/2
2,283
210,000
50
8005 Lynores WAY
N
4/4
2,934
279,500
36
8408 Buxton CT
N
4/3
2,909
284,000
94
8105 Strecker LN
N
4/4
3,352
289,900
147
8105 Clayton DR
N
4/4
3,090
294,900
93
3800 Evesham DR
N
4/4
3,543
307,900
99
3813 Blaylock PL
N
5/4
3,621
319,900
70
8116 Strecker LN
Y
4/4
3,376
334,947
73
Active Listings
Sq. Ft.
Original Price
List Price
$/SF
Days On Market
2,633
275,000
275,000
104.44
55
Sq. Ft.
Original Price
Sales Price
$/SF
Days On Market
Property #1
2,557
225,000
211,000
82.52
40
Property #2
3,159
258,000
250,000
79.14
1
Property #3
2,227
230,000
213,500
95.87
88
Property #4
2,959
300,000
290,000
98.01
112
Active—Option In last 30 days 3625 Salford DR Sold In last 30 days
Information on listings provided by NTREIS
The Harker 5-Star Team does more than help you find a house, they help you and your family find a home… a backyard to play in, top ranked schools, convenient shopping, easy access to highways, churches, parks, restaurants— whatever you need to become established in your new community.
5 Star Benefits To You Impeccable, incredible service Professional demeanor with warmth & friendliness Serious preparation followed by a fun presentation Best possible value for your home Totally integrated buying or selling experience To find out more about the Harker 5-Star experience, contact Dan Harker 214-957-1111 or
[email protected]
Estates of Russell Creek Homeowner's Association Newsletter - December 2009
Dan Harker Harker 5 Star Team Keller Williams Realty 214-957-1111
[email protected] Copyright © 2009 Peel, Inc.
