The Gazette
The Gazette A Newsletter for the Residents of Westminster Glen May 2009
Volume 1, Issue 3
Recent Rains a Boom for Wildflowers, Especially Hardier, Late Bloomers
Photo by Bruce Leander. View in the color pdf online at www.peelinc.com. AUSTIN, Texas — Cooler-than-average temperatures and rain in recent weeks should help bluebonnet blooms last longer while boosting the flowering of late spring bloomers, according to a University of Texas at Austin expert at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. “The rain has an immediate effect on wildflowers blooming early in the season,” said Damon Waitt, the center’s senior botanist. “It also helps with the growth of plants such as Indian blanket that are preparing for a late spring and summer showcase.” The rains in Austin and elsewhere have not yet been enough to dispel the drought that has plagued Central Texas. But pockets of early bloomers such as bluebonnets received enough moisture to put on good shows in some traditional strongholds, such as west of La Grange along Highway 71 in Fayette County, and northeast of there on Highway 105 between Navasota and Montgomery. Bluebonnets and Indian paintbrush are also plentiful off Interstate 45 east of Bristol in Ellis County. Meanwhile, east of San Antonio, good sightings have been made by center staff of Engelmann’s daisy, Texas ragwort, Drummond’s phlox and other early spring bloomers along Highway 123 south of Seguin and Highway 80 north of Nixon. Rain lilies have been sparse near San Antonio due to the infrequent rains, and pink evening primrose hasn’t had the banner year in some places that it did last year. But late spring bloomers look to be luckier. Copyright © 2009 Peel, Inc.
As a result of temperatures and other conditions that benefit their growing season, the upcoming winners will likely include black-eyed Susan, Mexican hat, Indian blanket and plains coreopsis. Like all other native plants, though, seasonal wildflowers have more to overcome than just the drought. “They’re also being challenged by invasive plant species like turnip weed, or bastard cabbage,” Waitt said, noting that he’s spotted large infestations of the Mediterranean invader with highlighter-yellow flowers along most major roadways in Austin. “Certain exotic plants are a concern because they displace plants that naturally occur in Texas without providing ideal wildlife habitat and other benefits of native vegetation.” Waitt is acting board president for the Texas Invasive Plant and Pest Council. His hobbies include knocking the flower heads off bastard cabbage whenever he encounters them on quiet stretches of roadway. He also oversees the Invaders of Texas Citizen Science program and a new program at the Wildflower Center called the Eradicators. Managed by staff members Travis Gallo and Carrie McDonald, the program teaches volunteers to identify and remove invasive plant species in Austin parks in collaboration with the Austin Parks and Recreation Department. To learn more about Eradicators and volunteer opportunities to remove invasive plant species, contact Gallo at tgallo@wildflower. org or 512-232-0116. The Gazette - May 2009
The Gazette mission statement The Gazette, For Westminster Glen The mission of The Gazette is to provide the Westminster Glen Community with one source of local news content that is written by Westminster Glen residents. Our goal is to help build the community by connecting local businesses with residents and residents with relevant neighborhood information. "Be the community."
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Westminster Glen 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 Gazette? 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 Westminster 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
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Artspectations Westminster Glen resident Janine Martens will be exhibiting her art in a four woman show entitled Artspectations at the Austin Art Space located at 7739 Northcross Drive, Suite Q from May 11 to May 23. A wine and cheese reception to meet the artists is planned for May 15th 6-9 pm at the gallery.
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[email protected], 512-263-9181 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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The Gazette 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 – 8:30 am. And a fun happy hour once per month at a beautiful location. Come to a breakfast or call Dorothy Scarborough – President dscarborough5@austin. r r. c o m , 5 1 2 - 5 8 9 3678.
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Welcome to The Gazette A Newsletter for Westminster Glen Residents by Westminster Glen Residents The Gazette is a monthly newsletter mailed to all Westminster Glen residents. Residents, community groups, churches, etc. are welcome to include information about their organizations in the newsletter. If you are involved with a school group, play group, boy scouts, girl scouts, sports activity, social group, etc. and would like to submit an article for The Gazette you can do so by emailing it to
[email protected]. Personal news for the Stork Report, Teenage Job Seekers, recipes, special celebrations, birthday announcements and military service are also welcome.
Our goal is to keep you informed!
14
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The Gazette - May 2009
The Gazette
Texas Events - May 1-31—AUSTIN: Latino Music Month Latino artists showcase diverse genres during performances on the Plaza at City Hall each Friday at noon, as well as other special events throughout the month. www.austinlatinomusic.com 1-31—MASON: Wildflower Country Lanes Drive Maps are available at the Mason Chamber of Commerce. www.masontxcoc. com 325/347-5758 2, 9, 13, 16, 24, 27, 30—BURNET: Devil’s Waterhole Canoe Tour See many of the unique geological and natural features of the and the park. Reservations required. Inks Lake State Park. 512/793-2223 2, 9, 16, 23, 30—BANDERA: Cowboys on Main Includes a Western display in front of the Bandera County Courthouse with strolling musicians on Bandera’s Main Street from 1 to 4 p.m. Downtown Main Street. www.banderacowboycapital.com 800/364-3833 2, 9, 23, 30—SPRING BRANCH: Nature Adventures 101 Explore the wonders of the natural world found in the park, from the bugs flying above the fields to the critters that reside in the beautiful Guadalupe River. Guadalupe River State Park. www. honeycreekfriends.com 830/438-2656 12-17—AUSTIN: Rent Adam Pascal and Anthony Rapp, stars of the original Broadway production and film adaptation of Rent, reprise the roles they made famous in this exciting new tour. Bass Concert Hall. www.broadwayacrossamerica.com 800/731-SHOW 15-Jun. 6—ROUND ROCK: Sordid Lives From the author of Daddy’s Dyin’, Who’s Got the Will?, comes this hilarious tale of loss, love and white-trash etiquette in a small Texas town. Sam Bass Community Theatre. www.sambasstheatre.org 512/244-0440 15-Jun. 14—KERRVILLE: American Watercolor Society 142nd International Exhibition Traveling Show Features a collection of works from the 2009 International Exhibition. Kerr Arts & Cultural Center. www.kacckerrville.com 830/895-2911 16—BOERNE: Art in the Park Focuses on immersion in art and nature. www.ciboloarts.org 16—ROUND ROCK: Round Rock the Boat Regatta Gather your friends, organization or business to create the best boat out of cardboard. Race to compete for awards. Old Settlers Park. www. roundrocktexas.gov/rocktheboat 16—SAN MARCOS: Texas Natural & Western Swing Festival Relax on the banks of the San Marcos River and enjoy the sounds
The Gazette - May 2009
of Texas western swing legends under the starlit sky. San Marcos Plaza. www.toursanmarcos.com 888/200-5620 16-17—FREDERICKSBURG: Lavender Fest Includes lavender vendors, cooking demonstrations, speeches, luncheons, wine tasting and tours, live music and more. Becker Vineyards. www. beckervineyards.com 830/644-2681 16-17—GRUENE: Old Gruene Market Days More than 100 vendors offer uniquely crafted items, collectibles and packaged Texas foods. www.gruenemarketdays.com 830/832-1721 17—GRUENE: 12th 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—KERRVILLE: Heroes All Celebration commences with an F16 fly-by followed by an all-American meal. Includes an outdoor concert and fireworks. Bank of the Hills. www.bankofthehills. com 830/895-2265 21-Jun. 7—KERRVILLE: Kerrville Folk Festival International songwriter’s festival features more than 100 songwriters and their bands. Includes concerts, arts & crafts, kid’s concerts and more. Quiet Valley Ranch. www.kerrvillefolkfestival.com 830/257-3600 or 800/435-8429 21-Jun. 28—KERRVILLE: Annual Kerr County Camp Exhibit Kerr Arts & Cultural Center. www.kacckerrville.com 830/895-2911 21-Jul. 5—KERRVILLE: Southwest Gourd Fine Art Show Juried show features the works of artists from all over the United States. Kerr Arts & Cultural Center. www.kacckerrville.com 830/895-2911 22—KERRVILLE: Wine & Beer Tasting Includes tastings, food, music and dancing. Begins at 6 p.m. River Star Arts & Events Center. www.tacef.com 830/896-5711 22-23—FREDERICKSBURG: Crawfish Festival Enjoy Louisianastyle music and food. Includes a gumbo cook-off, horseshoe and washer pitching, arts & crafts, fun children’s area, face painting and rock wall. Downtown — Market Square. www.tex-fest.com/ crawfish 866/839-3378 22-24—KERRVILLE: Quilt Guild’s Show “A Pigment of My Imagination” Includes quilts, wearable and fiber arts, boutique and vendors. Edington Gymnasium, Schreiner University. www. hillcountryquiltguild.com 830/257-2752 or 830/896-6522 (Continued on Page 5)
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The Gazette Texas Events - (Continued from Page 4) 22-24—KERRVILLE: Texas Masters of Fine Art & Craft Exhibits works by 20 professional artists and craftspeople from across Texas. Y.O. Ranch Resort Hotel. 214/328-6382 23—BLANCO: Learn to Fish Family Fishing Day Children learn basic fishing skills and safety at the river through games, booths and help from fishing experts. Hours are 2 to 4 p.m. Blanco State Park. 830/833-4333 23—BRACKETTVILLE: Kick Off Summer Season Includes four shows a day starting with a live tribute to cowboy music in the cantina, followed by a rip-roaring gunfight in the street. Alamo Village. www.alamovillage.com 830/563-2580 23—KERRVILLE: Kerr Market Days Kerr County Courthouse. www.kerrmarketdays.org 830/895-7962 23—LUCKENBACH: 160th Birthday Enjoy live music and fun. Hwy. 209 www.luckenbachtexas.com 830/997-3224 23—STONEWALL: Blacksmithing at Sauer-Beckman Farm Watch as blacksmiths shape iron. Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site. 830/644-2252 23-24—AUSTIN: Junjua Performance combines martial arts, kung fu and quigong with contortion, acrobatics and dance. The Long Center. www.TheLongCenter.org 512/474-5664 23-25—KERRVILLE: Official Texas State Arts & Crafts Fair River Place Country Club 4207 River Place Boulevard Austin, Texas 78730
Features the work of 200 Texas artists, Texas culinary arts exhibitors, art demonstrations and exhibitions, art activities for youth, entertainment and food. River Star Arts & Events Park. www.theartoftexas.com 830/896-5711 23-25—LAMPASAS: Memorial Golf Classic Hancock Golf Course. 512/556-3202 29-31—BANDERA: Cowboy Capital Rodeo Association Pro Rodeo Enjoy action-packed evenings. Mansfield Park Rodeo Arena. www. banderarodeo.com 830/796-7207 30—BANDERA: Funtier Day Parade Features rodeo cowboys, trail ride groups, antique cars and floats at 11 a.m. Main Street Bandera. www.banderatex.com 800/364-3833 30-31—BANDERA: Bandera County Artists Association Arts & Crafts Show Courthouse Square. www.banderacountyartists.com 830/460-3294 30-31—BLANCO: Texas Outdoor Family Workshop Teaches families basic outdoor skills. Reservations required. Blanco State Park. 512/389-8903 or 830/833-4333 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.
Phone: 512.346.1114 Fax: 512.346.0527 www.riverplaceclub.com
You Are Invited To Our Open House Event Sunday, June 7th from Noon to 4pm
Join us for a Complimentary Lunch buffet at Noon
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followed by 9-Holes of Fabulous Golf. Also enjoy Tennis activities, poolside games with a DJ, and
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we will have a special performance at 1pm by children’s entertainer “Staci Gray”!
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Come see everything River Place has to offer!
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Please call Raquel Hebben, the Membership Director if you would like to receive information regarding Membership, Summer Programs, or to RSVP to our Open House Event! The Dominion Copyright © 2009 Peel, Inc.
Golf Group
River Place • The Dominion • Onion Creek • Twin Creeks The Gazette - May 2009
The Gazette
Great Hills Baptist Church
Summer Activities
Vacation Bible School | June 15-19 Going Beyond - Women’s Conference with Priscilla Shirer | June 26-27 Patriotic Celebration - Both Sunday Services June 28 Children’s Fine Art Workshop | July 6-10 Veggie Tales Day Camp | July 27-31 Middle / High School Camps at Baylor University | July 27-31 Celebrate Recovery | Mondays, 7 pm, 2nd floor of building A Regular Sunday Schedule: 9:30 & 11 am Bible Life Groups for all ages 9:30 am Celebration - Connection Worship Choir & Orchestra 11:00 am Life - Connection Worship Band
10500 Jollyville Road . Austin, TX . 78759 10500 Jollyville Road . Austin, TX . 78759 | www.ghbc.org | 512.343.7763 www.ghbc.org | 512.343.7763 The Gazette - May 2009
Austin History Corner Submitted by Rich Keith
What about Volente? Volente is on Lake Travis and Farm Road 2769. Volente is from the Latin word meaning “to be willing.” A post office was established at Volente in 1886 with Andrew J. Stanford as postmaster. The area was partially submerged by Lake Travis in the 1930s, and residents had to relocate on higher ground. In the 1940s and early 1950s the community was called Dodd City, for a local realtor and restaurant owner, but later in the 1950s the name was changed back to Volente. The community population was estimated at 250 in 1959 and at 400 in 1989. By 1990 Volente had a church, a combination fire hall-community center, several businesses, and the Anderson Mill Museum. Is there a mill at Anderson Mill? Anderson Mill was located on Cypress Creek in northwestern Travis County. It was named for Thomas Anderson, who came to Texas from Virginia in the late 1850s. In the early 1860s he built a mill to make gunpowder for the Confederacy. When the war was over he converted the operation to a gristmill. Farmers came from miles away to have their corn ground, sometimes having to camp near the mill for several days to wait their turn. In the early 1870s Anderson added a cotton gin to his operation. A post office opened at Anderson Mill in 1876 with Anderson as postmaster. In 1884 the community had a population of thirty. The development of steampowered mills and gins gradually forced Anderson out of business. After his death in 1894 his family sold the equipment and moved to Austin. A historical marker was placed near the mill site in 1936. Cedar choppers & deer skinners Journalist Winston Bode described some of the early settlers in the Hill Country as “a proud, independent, robust tribe of transplanted Southerners who came here to flat-cut cedar and burn charcoal.” Locals referred to them as “cedar choppers.” J. Frank Dobie wrote that when he came to Austin in 1914, “the hills were populated by cedar choppers who hauled charcoal to town by wagons. In addition to cooking over live coals, most ironing was done by flatirons heated over charcoal burners.” Burning cedar while green avoids reducing the ash to fine powder and produces a hard char. Men placed several cords of cedar in a kiln or pit, covered it with dirt to shut out air and burned it for two or three days until the coal was ready. The choppers also hauled large cypress logs from the Pedernales River to a sawmill site called Shingle Hill, so named because of the many cedar shingles made there. Hunting in the early days was more a means of survival than a sport. People hunted to put food on the table as well as for income. The deer were plentiful and hunters killed them for hams and saddles and sold the hides as buckskin for clothing and decoration. Sources: B. Varner, Lakeway, the First 25 Years; V. Smyrl, The Handbook of Texas Online; E. Seals, ed., A Legend Collection: Fact and Fantasy. For more information contact Rich Keith at 266-8498 or email
[email protected]. Copyright © 2009 Peel, Inc.
The Gazette
Kidz
Locate the names of eight types of trees. Words can go vertically, horizontally, and diagonally. Do it in less than 3 minutes and you are a Pro!
o r n e r Kidz Crossword Puzzle
Instructions: Match the correct answer with each clue to complete the puzzle.
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© 2007. Feature Exchange
Kidz Maze Mania The baseball team has the wrong directions to the baseball game. Help them get to the field in time for the game.
DOWN
ACROSS Clue 1. Used for hair 3. We love to eat... 6. Flies airplanes 8. Edge or point
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Answer Meals Comb Sharp Pilot
Clue 2. Awake at night 4. Finger sounds 5. Fish bait 7. We salute © 2007. Feature Exchange
Copyright © 2009 Peel, Inc.
Answer Worms Owl Flag Snap © 2007. Feature Exchange
The Gazette - May 2009
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