dear friends and neighbors, gardening tips… · periodontal disease is the most commonly diagnosed...

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Copyright © 2011 Peel, Inc. The Ranch at Brushy Creek HOA Newsletter - February 2011 1 February 2011 Official Publication of e Ranch at Brushy Creek HOA Volume 3, Issue 2 New Year = New Opportunities! Dear Friends and Neighbors, My name is Angel Carter and I am the Social Committee Chair. I have thoroughly enjoyed organizing events through these last two years, been blessed to be able to meet so many of my neighbors through my role and realized what a passion I have in doing it! I have a wonderful husband who has supported me through making the decision to step up and lead to encouraging me after each and every event, two handsome little boys who have been my motivation and a supportive group of neighbors who have helped me in the success of each one. With my youngest starting pre-school next year I will be ready to move on to my next opportunity. With all that said, I would like to start finding people to help co-chair neighborhood social events throughout the year. You can help organize any one event that interests you or take on more than one if you have a passion for this! Events throughout the year have included the Easter Egg hunt, July 4th Pool Party, Fall Fest, Tour of Lights, Neighborhood Garage Sales. Perhaps you have an event that you think would be of interest to the neighborhood that hasn’t been added to the calendar, I would love to help you organize that! This year we had a resident, Michael Hylton, step up and organize Santa coming through the neighborhood one Saturday morning on a firetruck. He deserves a big round of applause!! Our Easter Egg hunt is scheduled for early April so now is the time to start considering how you can volunteer to help out in your community. If co-chairing seems to daunting of a task I can still get you involved in a behind the scenes or high profile way, as much or as little as you want. Just ask! Email me at [email protected] so we can get you plugged in! Angel Carter Social Committee Chair February Gardening Tips · You may prune your evergreen and summer blooming shrubs, but DO NOT trim spring bloomers – you will be cutting off your spring flowers. · It’s time to clean up your dormant perennials and you may prune your roses at the end of the month. · This is a good month to trim up your crape myrtles. Recommend light pruning for shaping. · Cut back your ornamental grasses to 6”, or so above the ground. This will make for a prettier plant when new growth starts this spring. · If the drought continues, make sure you water your lawn once a month, even though it’s dormant. · REMINDER: If you plan to make major landscape changes, you are required to submit a request to the Architectural Review Committee. Byron Stephens Landscape Committee

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Copyright © 2011 Peel, Inc. The Ranch at Brushy Creek HOA Newsletter - February 2011 1

The BulleTin

February 2011 Official Publication of The Ranch at Brushy Creek hOA Volume 3, issue 2

New Year = New Opportunities!

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

My name is Angel Carter and I am the Social Committee Chair. I have thoroughly enjoyed organizing events through these last two years, been blessed to be able to meet so many of my neighbors through my role and realized what a passion I have in doing it! I have a wonderful husband who has supported me through making the decision to step up and lead to encouraging me after each and every event, two handsome little boys who have been my motivation and a supportive group of neighbors who have helped me in the success of each one.

With my youngest starting pre-school next year I will be ready to move on to my next opportunity. With all that said, I would like to start finding people to help co-chair neighborhood social events throughout the year. You can help organize any one event that interests you or take on more than one if you have a passion for this! Events throughout the year have included the Easter Egg hunt, July 4th Pool Party, Fall Fest, Tour of Lights, Neighborhood Garage Sales. Perhaps you have an event that you think would be of interest to the neighborhood that hasn’t been added to the calendar, I would love to help you organize that! This year we had a resident, Michael Hylton, step up and organize Santa coming through the neighborhood one Saturday morning on a firetruck. He deserves a big round of applause!!

Our Easter Egg hunt is scheduled for early April so now is the time to start considering how you can volunteer to help out in your community. If co-chairing seems to daunting of a task I can still get you involved in a behind the scenes or high profile way, as much or as little as you want. Just ask!

Email me at [email protected] so we can get you plugged in!

Angel CarterSocial Committee Chair

FebruaryGardening Tips

· You may prune your evergreen and summer blooming shrubs, but DO NOT trim spring bloomers – you will be cutting off your spring flowers.

· It’s time to clean up your dormant perennials and you may prune your roses at the end of the month.

· This is a good month to trim up your crape myrtles. Recommend light pruning for shaping.

· Cut back your ornamental grasses to 6”, or so above the ground. This will make for a prettier plant when new growth starts this spring.

· If the drought continues, make sure you water your lawn once a month, even though it’s dormant.

· REMINDER: If you plan to make major landscape changes, you are required to submit a request to the Architectural Review Committee.

Byron StephensLandscape Committee

2 The Ranch at Brushy Creek HOA Newsletter - February 2011 Copyright © 2011 Peel, Inc.

The BulleTin

Board & MaNageMeNtrBC ProPertY MaNager Randy Vogel .................................................... 512-502-7506 ...........................................Randy.Vogel@Goodwintx.com

raNCh at BrushY Creek hoa BoardDerrick Matlock, President [email protected] Stephens, Member [email protected] Contine, Member [email protected] Jimenez, Advisory Member .......... [email protected] Carter, Advisory Member [email protected]

CoMMittee Chairs:Architectural Review Derrick Matlock [email protected]

Landscape Committee Byron Stephens [email protected]

Public Relations Committee Erin Lundie [email protected]

Pool Committee Byron Stephens [email protected]

Social Committee Angel Carter ..................... [email protected]

Neighborhood Watch Vineet Rohatgi [email protected]

Newsletter iNFoEditor Erin Lundie ....................................erin.lundie@gmail.comPublisher Peel, Inc. ...................... www.PEELinc.com, 512-263-9181 [email protected], 512-263-9181

advertisiNg iNFoPlease support the businesses that advertise in The Bulletin. Their advertising dollars make it possible for all Ranch at Brushy 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 at 512-263-9181 or [email protected]. The advertising deadline is the 8th of each month for the following month's newsletter.

(Continued on Page 3)

Pets Corner

By Michael and Debby Hylton

We all know about Valentine’s Day being dedicated to the heart, but did you know that the American Veterinary Medical Association designated February as Pet Dental Health Month? You can be your pet’s favorite Valentine

by Loving their Heart…and…Smile!Dr. Larr y Corry,

president of AVMA explains, “…veterinarians report that

periodontal disease is the most commonly diagnosed problem in dogs and cats.” Veterinary dental expert, Dr. Brook Niemiec reports, “…by the age of two, 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats have some form of periodontal disease. Periodontal infections have been linked to diabetes, heart attacks, strokes, kidney disease and other life threatening disorders. The best way to prevent periodontal disease is by regularly brushing your pet’s teeth and by regularly visiting your veterinarian.”

Dogs don’t often get cavities, but, like humans, plaque build-up, turns to tartar, which can lead to gingivitis, which helps promote bad-breath and may lead to periodontal disease. Untreated infections associated with periodontal disease may damage other organs such as the heart, liver, and kidneys, or lead to other serious health problems. So regularly check your pet’s mouth for any sights or smells of dental danger…if found…get to the vet!

And while you are at the vet, have them check out your pet’s heart. In dogs, “Heartworm” was first identified in the United States in 1847 (1922, in cats). But nowadays, heartworm disease can be found nationwide, and while it is more prevalent in dogs, cats are at risk, as well. In fact, Drs. Foster & Smith report “…disease caused

heartworms is more common than that caused by feline leukemia virus (FeLV) or feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV).”

Heartworm disease can be deadly for both dogs and cats. Even indoor dogs/cats

Copyright © 2011 Peel, Inc. The Ranch at Brushy Creek HOA Newsletter - February 2011 �

The BulleTinPets Corner - (Continued from Cover Page)

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aren’t safe. Have you ever seen a mosquito in your house? Well the icky truth is that a mosquito that bit a dog or cat infected with heartworm, still has worm larvae in their mouth when they bite again, thus infecting the animal’s bloodstream with the little larvae. It’s hard to believe, but microscopic larvae many times smaller than this dot ( . ) can eventually grow to 14 inches long—that’s longer than the edge of this newsletter—and live for years all coiled up in your pet’s heart.

Not EVERY mosquito carries heartworm larvae, but plenty of them do and since we can’t test every mosquito the best way to protect your pets is through a prevention program, using preventive medication, consistent heartworm testing, and reducing mosquitoes as much as possible. Given how dangerous heartworms can be to your pet, just a half-ounce of prevention is worth ten pounds of cure! *See your vet for testing before starting meds.

Sources: www.avma.org and www.peteducation.com

here’s a trivia questioN For kids oF all ages: How many teeth does an adult cat/dog have? (first submitted

correct cat/dog response to Michael Hylton, [email protected] wins a fun cat/dog toy)

thank you for another great Tour of Lights

It was another spectacular showing at our Annual Tour of Lights this last year! The event seemed to double from last year as evidenced by the cookies and treats that were nearly gone before the first trailers were even back! The free hot drinks provided some warmth as neighbors took in lights from around our neighborhood in hay rides. Special thanks to Meritage Homes for allowing us to set up outside their model home. Finally, to all the residents a big THANK YOU for your beautifully decorated homes! I can’t wait to see how you top it next year! -Angel Carter, Social Committee Chair

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� The Ranch at Brushy Creek HOA Newsletter - February 2011 Copyright © 2011 Peel, Inc.

The BulleTin

LIVEin concertsaturday February 26 2011 | 7:00 pmtickets on sale now at www.ghbc.org

THE RADIANT CHURCH | WATCH LIVE services Sunday mornings or view any time at www.ghbc.orgSunday Morning Schedule

9:30 - Blended Worship | 11:00 - Contemporary Worship | 9:30 & 11:00 - Bible Life Groups (all ages)

Great Hills Baptist Church | 10500 Jollyville Road . Austin, Texas 78759 | 512.343.7763

walk / ruN “GET-ER-DONE”

I would like to invite neighbors and friends of The Ranch at Brushy Creek to join me for a weekly walk or run Saturday mornings at 8AM. Bring a friend or workout partner or meet someone new. All levels are welcomed, the more the better.

I have measured several distances for you to choose from or just do your own thing. If you like, park at the swimming pool lot. Meet at the pavilion, by the volleyball court, at between 7:45 and 7:55. We will start at eight so don’t be late.

JohnandJoannaGebhart102Arrowheadtrail2441230john.gebhart@sbcglobal.net

Note: I started running because I like to eat. It hasn’t worked! I am still heavier than I like. It has helped. Loose some of those extra holiday pounds by joining us. - John

2nd annual Reagan Elementary Carnival

Reagan Elementary will be having it’s 2nd Annual Carnival on March 5th, from 11am - 2pm. There will be Food, Games, Bouncies, Pie Eating Contest, Renaissance Costumes, Royal Treasure Box and More....

The Carn iva l ’s theme this year is Reagan Royalty. It is brought to you by the Reagan PTA. If you

have any questions or would like to sponsor a booth please contact Jenn Swanson at [email protected].

Copyright © 2011 Peel, Inc. The Ranch at Brushy Creek HOA Newsletter - February 2011 �

The BulleTin

12920 W. Parmer LaneCedar Park, TX, 78613Phone: 512-410-7774

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Focusing on reading readiness for Children

By Butch Aggen

Many parents look forward to announcing that their child can read, but the truth is children are reading long before they can interpret the pages of the book. As with most things in life, reading requires the proper building blocks before it can begin.

Reading begins with language and how it relates to your child’s world. Creating a language-rich environment will help your child’s vocabulary grow. Language develops with every interaction you have with your child - infants begin by reading their parents’ facial expressions while older children develop their vocabulary by listening and eventually repeating what their parent say. Verbalize your child’s world and he or she will begin to repeat sounds and syllables - be sure to pause, speak and alter conversation style.

A print-rich environment may also help prepare your child for reading by making the connection between your child’s world and the symbols we use to communicate, so make your home an active learning environment. Start labeling household items with pictures and words so your child will learn to associate everyday items with their symbols. Lead by example and let your child see you read often. Teach your child to respect books - while pages will rip and bindings will break; your child will learn that you value books and their content if you set a high expectation for their care.

Remember, it takes many interactions with the alphabet and phonemic awareness for reading skills to develop. While it may be difficult to remain patient, be assured that reading will happen when your child is ready.

the following are easy-to-follow steps for your child when it comes to reading:

Infant to One Year• Play appropriate music; it leads to acute sound discrimination used

later in letter sound discrimination. • Read simple board books with one picture per page, contrasting

colors or simple pictures, and point to the items on each page. • While reading to your child, make faces - it’s fun and your child

will notice subtle differences. • Offer choices and name options. Watch your child’s eyes and hands

for favorites. • Allow your child to point and turn book pages. • Describe everything; name colors, shapes and sizes.Verbalize and

describe your child’s actions (e.g., "That’s the blue ball. Uh-oh, it rolled away. I’ll roll it back to you. You caught it.")

First Steps (12-18 months)• Read longer stories to your child and allow him or her to interact with the

book - pointing, turning pages or even turning the book upside-down. • Name objects as your child points. • Sing and give characters of books funny voices. • Offer opportunities for discrimination. • Talk about the stop light (e.g., red circles mean ’stop,’ green circles mean ’go’).

(Continued on Page 6)

� The Ranch at Brushy Creek HOA Newsletter - February 2011 Copyright © 2011 Peel, Inc.

The BulleTinFocusingonReadingReadiness- (Continued from Page 5)

Candace LambertDesigner / Owner

[email protected]

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HappyValentines Day

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To my neighbors inRanch at Brushy Creek!

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1 mile west of 183 North & 0.1 miles east of Bagdad Rd

• Play with objects that are similar and point out the differences (e.g., cow versus horse, blankets with subtle pattern differences).

• Make noises! Imitate cars, animals and eating sounds during play. • Speak to your child in a normal tone to demonstrate accurate

sound recognition. • Enunciate words of interest like M-M-Mommy. • As syllables start to represent words, such as "juice" and "more," expand

upon them (e.g., "apple juice," "Would you like more apple juice?").

Toddler & Get Set (18-36 months)• Read everything - signs, labels, toys and your child’s name. • Take cues from your child - interested, not interested, read or just

look at the pictures, read more or stop before the end of the story? • Sing and give characters of books funny voices. • Find and point out shapes and symbols in your home or

community. • Recite rhymes and alliterations; pause to allow your child to fill

in the last word or phrase. • Play games such as Candyland® where symbols lead to action (e.g.,

two orange squares on the card means to move two orange spaces).

Preschool (36 months +)• Read words and point to each one as you read it, moving your

finger from left to right, top to bottom.

• While grocery shopping, ask your child to find an item that starts with a certain letter or find a particular cereal. Have these items on your grocery list for comparison.

• While in the park, ask your child to bring you nature items one at a time. Write the word for each item and then write a story with these words.

• Show your child speech in the written form. Ask your child what he or she would like to buy at the grocery store and add it to your grocery list together, write notes to Dad or make "to do" lists.

Pre-Kindergarten (48 months +)• Read with your child. Take turns reading pages, modeling

intonation and punctuation cues. • Make up silly rhymes and alliterations. • Play "Going on a Hike." Start by picking a letter and saying.

"I’m going on a hike and in my back pack I have a ..." Take turns repeating the sentence, naming the previously listed words and adding new word that starts with the chosen letter each time.

• Help your child cut large letters from old magazines. Talk about words that begin with each of these letters.

• Ask your child to get something in the pantry that he or she would not recognize by sight; provide the beginning letter sound of the item and ask him or her to search for it by reading the letters.

• While driving, ask your child to help you find a particular street sign.

Copyright © 2011 Peel, Inc. The Ranch at Brushy Creek HOA Newsletter - February 2011 �

The BulleTin

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.

Atnotimewill any source be allowed to use the The Ranch at Brushy Creek HOA 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 The Ranch at Brushy Creek Home Owners Association and Peel, Inc. The information in the newsletter is exclusively for the private use of The Ranch at Brushy Creek residents only.

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� The Ranch at Brushy Creek HOA Newsletter - February 2011 Copyright © 2011 Peel, Inc.

The BulleTin

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Copyright © 2011 Peel, Inc. The Ranch at Brushy Creek HOA Newsletter - February 2011 �

The BulleTin

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Fitting in Fitness: Making time for exerciseBy Sarah S. Jordan, MS

Finding time for exercise can be an ongoing challenge in our busy lives. We know that exercise will benefit our bodies and minds in many ways and that we should do it. But actually finding the time and making it happen can be difficult.

Here are a few tips to help you fit in fitness in the New Year.

• Remember that any movement is better than none. If you only have 15 minutes each day to go for a power walk, those 15 minutes will equal 105 minutes (almost two hours) by the end of the week, 420 minutes (seven hours) of exercise each month and 91 hours of exercise a year! Small things can add up to big victories over time.

• Find what works for you. For some people, a gym membership is very convenient. For others, it may not be convenient to their location, budget, job, or family. If that is the case, see if your neighborhood has any exercise groups, hire a personal trainer that will come to you, or start your own lunchtime workout group for added camaraderie and accountability.

• Schedule exercise into your week. Workouts are much more likely to happen if we put them in our calendars. Schedule workouts as you would important business meetings or doctor appointments.

• Remember that sometimes, the hardest thing to get is going. Many times, just getting our shoes on and getting out the

door is the hardest part of a workout. Once we are moving, endorphins kick in and we feel great for moving.

• Make use of the early hours. I used to dread getting up at 5:20 every morning. But now I love it, because after I get ready for work, it guarantees me a few minutes to myself before anyone else is awake. Similarly, getting workouts in before the busy day kicks off ensures that they happen, and the day will be better because of it.

• Take the kids along. My baby and I have logged countless hours with the jogging stroller. But I know that if I didn’t take him with me, the majority of those workouts would have never happened. Pack up the kids and remember that pushing the kids will mean more calories burned.

• Don’t give up. If you are not reaching your goals, determine what is not working and create a roadmap to resolve it. Remember that fitness is a lifestyle and it goes through ups and downs, but always benefits us if we persevere.

• Make the time that you do have count. If you have just thirty minutes three days a week, step up the intensity of those workouts to get the most you can for your time. Add intervals and hills, or find a fitness class or DVD that offers a combination of cardio and strength training.

Wishing you a happy and movement

filled 2011!

10 The Ranch at Brushy Creek HOA Newsletter - February 2011 Copyright © 2011 Peel, Inc.

The BulleTinFiNaNCial FoCus

How Will New Tax Rules Affect You? Now that the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010 is law, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with how this new legislation affects you — both as a wage earner and an investor.

Consider these key parts of the new tax laws:

• Income tax rates remain the same. Under previous legislation, tax rates were scheduled to rise in 2011, but the new laws will keep all tax brackets the same.

• Payroll taxes reduced by two percent. Your share of the Social Security payroll tax will drop from 6.2 percent to 4.2 percent for 2011. Consequently, you should see more take-home pay. . You may want to consider investing at least part of this savings in another retirement account, such as an IRA.

• Top capital gains and dividend tax rates stay at 15 percent. The question of what would happen to capital gains and dividend taxes has been of great interest to most investors. For the past several years, the highest capital gains and dividend tax rate has been 15 percent. However, this 15 percent rate was scheduled to expire at the end of 2010; after that, dividends were to be taxed at one’s standard income tax rate, while long-term capital gains would be taxed at 20 percent for anyone above the 15 percent income tax bracket. But due to the new legislation, the highest tax rate for both capital gains and dividends will stay at 15 percent for at least 2011 and 2012.

The capital gains and dividend tax provisions can have significant effects on your investment decisions over the next two years. You now still have a strong incentive to follow a “buy-and-hold” investment strategy, under which you’d earn the favorable 15 percent rate on capital gains

from selling an appreciated asset, such as a stock, that you’ve held at least one year. And the 15 percent rate on dividend taxes will continue to provide you with good reason to seek out those stocks that regularly pay dividends; besides offering an advantageous tax rate, dividends, when reinvested can help build your ownership stake in the dividend-paying investments. (Keep in mind, though, that companies are not obligated to pay dividends and can reduce or discontinue them at any time.)

• Estate tax exemption set at $5 million per person. Under previous tax laws, the estate tax was scheduled to be repealed entirely for 2010 only, and then return in 2011, with an exclusion amount of $1 million and a top tax rate of 55 percent. Under the new legislation, the exclusion amount for 2011 and 2012 is $5 million per person ($10 million for married couples), with a top tax rate of 35 percent. The new law also includes a “portability” provision

which can provide increased flexibility in estate planning between married couples to attain full use of the $10

million exemption. You’ll need to see your tax and legal advisors to determine what, if any, changes you’ll want to make to your estate plans for the next couple of years as these laws will sunset at the end of 2012.

• Gift tax exemption set at $5 million per person. Under previous tax laws, the gift tax

exemption for lifetime gifts was $1 million. The new legislation increases the lifetime gift tax

exemption to $5 million per person. You should work with your tax and legal professionals to

determine whether the new exemption amount provides opportunities for you to consider during the next two years.

As always, changes in tax laws can have a big impact on your financial

future — so stay informed and take the steps you need to keep progressing toward

your goals.

Copyright © 2011 Peel, Inc. The Ranch at Brushy Creek HOA Newsletter - February 2011 11

The BulleTin

Stone Hill clinic now offers comprehensive cardiac care by the specialists of

For appointments, please call (512) 324-4812.

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12 The Ranch at Brushy Creek HOA Newsletter - February 2011 Copyright © 2011 Peel, Inc.

The BulleTin PRSRT STDU.S. POSTAGE

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