Jan/Feb 2020
COMMUNITY VOICE
4 ways TO BE A GREAT NEIGHBOR AT SWEETWATER “We love our neighbors” is one thing we hear often from Sweetwater residents, when asked why they would recommend new homes to friends and family in this Austin and Hill Country area master-planned community. For most of us, being a great neighbor comes naturally, but even the most considerate among us might appreciate these four tips for being a good neighbor.
Share information. Residents describe Sweetwater as a very friendly and welcoming community. One of the best ways to make new neighbors feel welcome is to share information, including trusted service providers such as house cleaners, dog walkers, babysitters and lawn care services. Ditto for great local restaurants, grocery stores, state parks and unique places to shop.
Invite neighbors over. Sweetwater offers many events and activities where neighbors can get to know each other, from big shindigs to movie nights and various educational classes at the Sweetwater Club. There are also community groups, like the book club. To build community on an even more personal level, invite a new neighbor over, and even include some more established neighbors you haven’t gotten to know yet. When you’re hosting any kind of gathering, keep the noise at a reasonable level, and make sure your guests don’t block neighbors’ driveways.
INSIDE
Maintain your curb appeal. One of the benefits of living in a master-planned community like Sweetwater is the careful planning and the HOA, which works to maintain high aesthetic standards even long after new home construction and development are completed. To be a great neighbor, go the extra mile and maintain your yard and home in top shape.
Clean up after your pet. Sweetwater is paradise for dogs and their people, with miles of trails and open space. For convenience, pet waste bags and trashcans are provided at regular intervals along the trails. Wherever you are walking your dog, please make sure to clean up after them, and don’t place the bag in someone else’s trashcan. Dogs who bark a lot and run loose outside can also be “bones” of contention, so please be considerate.
News from Newland: Love Dogs, Live a Longer Life
Frequently Asked Questions
Things to Do Around Town
Community Voice Jan/Feb 2020 | 1
Frequently
News from Newland
ASKED QUESTIONS 1
Can we rent the new Overlook Club & Pool?
The Overlook Club Amenity is a Common Area and not for rent. Sweetwater Residents cannot be excluded from sharing access to the Amenity.
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How can I find out about Community Events?
The Marquee on Pedernales Summit Parkway, SweetwaterLife.com, and our weekly E-Blast.
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What if my Amenity Access Fob does not work?
You can contact amenityaccess@goodwintx.com to have it re-activated.
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How can I pay my quarterly HOA Assessments?
You can set up payment through your personal bank account. Request a Coupon Book goodwintx.com. Set up autopay at SweetwaterLife.com.
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I want to make changes to the exterior of my house and my yard. Do I need HOA approval?
NGER
LIVE A LO
Being a dog person could extend your life, with a 24% reduction for death from any cause, according to a new study published in “Circulation,” a journal of the American Heart Association.
That’s especially true for people who live in a community like Sweetwater, with more than 700 acres of parks, trails and natural open space that encourage residents to get out and enjoy the life-extending benefits of exercise with their dogs. “Our analysis found that having a dog is actually protector against dying of any cause,” said Dr. Caroline Kramer, an endocrinologist with Mount Sinai Hospital and lead author of the study. The landmark meta-analysis looked at 10 studies published in the past 70 years, with data from more than 3 million participants in the United States and other countries. The analysis concluded that dog owners were likely to live longer than people without dogs, with dog owners enjoying a 24% risk reduction for death from any
cause. People with heart problems had an even greater benefit, with a 31% reduced risk. A big part of the life-saving benefit was traced to the increased physical activity that comes from owning a dog. Walking a dog 20 to 30 minutes a day helps people meet the AHA’s recommended 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week. Dogs also help people manage stress and decrease feelings of loneliness and isolation, the study concluded. A separate study published in “Circulation” found that people who owned dogs had better outcomes after suffering a heart attack or stroke. Other studies have suggested that people with dogs have a better cholesterol profile and lower blood pressure. Learn more about Sweetwater’s trails and open spaces that offer a piece of Hill Country heaven for dogs and people by visiting the website at www.sweetwaterliving.com.
Community Sponsors
heartandsoldaustin.com
oneillspools.com
f45training.com
Yes, you can submit an Architectural Review Application at SweetwaterLife.com.
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I have questions regarding my water usage. Who do I contact?
Crossroads Utility Services - Crossroadsus.com or 512-246-1400.
SWEETWATERLIFE.COM provides additional information in regards to Sweetwater.
cwaddill@metlife.com cooperwaddill.metlife.com
eaacro.com
themusicianswoodshed.com
Sponsorship Has its Perks: • Business information/flyer displayed on SweetwaterLife.com website, and Sweetwater Residence Life Facebook page* • Display business information within the Sweetwater Clubhouse* • Logo and contact information rotated in Sweetwater Community Voice newsletter* • Promote your business in our ‘Welcome to Sweetwater’ Bags provided at new resident orientation • Opportunities to promote your business at Community Association events. Also, an opportunity to offer an exclusive activity to the residents in the Sweetwater Clubhouse (approved by the Community Association)* *Business must provide logo / info / flyer
2 | Community Voice Jan/Feb 2020
Contact Shelly Livingston, Lifestyle Coordinator, at 737.717.0305, or sweetwaterlifestyle@goodwintx.com for details.
FACES OF SWEETWATER | RESIDENT PROFILE Q: Where are you from originally? A: Sondra is orginally from Indianapolis and Daniel is from Duvall, Washington. Q: How did you come to live at Sweetwater? A: We were interested in purchasing a home in the Bee Cave / Lakeway area and stumbled across the Sweetwater neighborhood and fell in love with everything it has to offer. Q: What are your favorite things about the community? A: We love the Galleria shopping within minutes, access to Lake Travis is nearby, and all the community amenities including the gym and pools! Q: Tell us about your family. A: We are a young couple with three curious cats. Daniel owns two local
companies and is working on a third startup. Sondra works in software development at Charles Schwab at the Domain. Q: Favorite local place to go out on a date? A: We love discovering new restaurants and bars. We recently discovered Cafe Blue and Tony C’s at the Galleria. Q: What surprised you about living here? A: The number of hiking trails in the neighborhood and all of the amenities. Q: Can you share something very few people know about you?
Sondra Kinder & Daniel Bus
A: One of Daniel’s current companies is one he started in 7th grade. Sondra is self-taught in Agile software development.
AROUND TOWN | THINGS TO DO Ice Skating on the Plaza
Austin Boat & Travel Trailer Show
Elgin Polar Bear Plunge
January 3 - 5, Austin Convention Center www.austinboatshow.com
January 4, Morris Park and Pool, Elgin www.elgintx.com
Get Fit 2020!
MLK March, Festival, and Food Drive
Wimberley Art and Soul
January 12, Ballet Austin www.balletaustin.org/dance-fitness/get-fit
January 20, MLK Statue at UT Austin www.mlkcelebration.com
Open through January 21st Whole Foods Market 525 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX, www.wholefoodsmarket.com/ store/event/ice-skating-plaza-1
January 24 - 26, Wimberley Valley Chamber of Commerce, wimberleyartandsoul.com Community Voice Jan/Feb 2020 | 3
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2020 COMMUNITY EVENT CALENDAR JANUARY 11
Cross Roads Guest Mike Morin, 9:00am - 9:30 am, Clubhouse
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Men’s Poker Night, 7:00 pm - 10:30pm, Clubhouse
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Pet Health & Adopt Me Day! 10:00 am - 11:30 am, Events Lawn/ Clubhouse
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Men’s Corn Hole Competition 7:00 pm - 10:30 pm, Pavilion
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FEBRUARY 15
Casino Night, 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm, Clubhouse
*Events subject to change, see www.SweetwaterLife.com
Association Contact Tom O’Grady, Community Manager 17921 Sweetwater Club Circle Austin, TX 78738 Cell: 737-802-4533
Watch for updates on upcoming events, community association news, new builder information and more. Between e-newsletters, stay connected to our community by visiting www.SweetwaterLife.com.
NEW Office Hours
Please send weekly requests to sweetwatermanager@goodwintx.com
M-F
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.