May/June 2020
COMMUNITY VOICE HOW EXERCISING WITH YOUR DOG benefits you both
w o N y l l a i c Espe
Dog people are fitter people, according to the feel-good experts at Men’s Health, which have named Austin as one of the most adventurous cities in the United States. Having a dog leads you to clock an average of five hours of walking every week, and just 15 minutes of petting and playing with your dog leads to a dramatic drop in levels of the stress hormone cortisol, a key contributor to heart disease and other health risks, according to Men’s Health. Considering our current situation, we need ways to reduce stress and tension – what better way than to get outdoors. Even if you don’t have a dog, exercising in general is a great way to get fresh air, release some of that stress hormone and help put a new perspective on the day.
Here are six more great reasons to start exercising with your dog: Motivation. Most people say they walk for their dog’s benefit, but it’s actually a win-win activity for everyone. When reminded about the health benefits of walking their dogs, people increased their walks from an average of 10 minutes to 80 minutes per week.
of vigorous exercise each day. You’ll find that your dog is an eager workout partner who never complains or cancels. Anti-anxiety. Exercise is an effective antidote for anxiety in dogs, which can lead to attention-seeking and destructive behaviors, such as tearing up the house or destroying items. Slow down aging. Keeping your dog physically and mentally active can help ward off age-related afflictions but be sure to check with your vet first to determine the appropriate level of exercise for your aging dog. Watch for signs of stiffness and soreness after intense exercising. They could be signs that you need to reduce the amount of exercise or find a less stressful activity. Healthy joints. Regular exercise helps your dog maintain joint health and overall fitness. Exercise also stimulates his mind and teaches social skills. If your dog learns how to play well at the dog park, that can translate into better behavior in other places as well.
Reduce unwanted barking. An inactive dog is a bored dog, and that can lead to frequent barking, which isn’t peaceful for anyone. Working breeds such as border collies and German shepherds especially need to have “jobs” to do. Give your dog her daily fix of exercise and let her channel that energy into a healthy activity. She’ll reward you by being calm and happy.
With more than 700 acres of parks, trails and natural open spaces, Sweetwater is heaven for dogs and their people. Get out and explore! If you haven’t had the time to enjoy the trails and open space in Sweetwater, take this opportunity – say hello to those you pass, but remember to maintain social distance. We will get through this together, dogs and all!
Strengthen your bond. Dogs are loyal and loving by nature and exercising with your best friend can strengthen that bond even further, and even increase obedience. Depending on your dog’s age, size and health, experts generally recommend 30-45 minutes
If you don’t have a dog, consider adopting a loveable furry family member from Highland Lakes Canine Rescue, one of our nonprofit community partners, or one of the other local organizations in the Austin area.
INSIDE
News from Newland: Better Days Ahead are just over our Hill Country Horizon
Local Eateries Offering Pick Up, CommunityTake Voice Out May/June 2020 | 1 & Delivery
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently
ASKED QUESTIONS 1
When will the Pools re-open?
2
When will the Fitness Center and Overlook Club open?
News from Newland BETTER DAYS ARE JUST OVER OUR
Hill Country Horizon
Once Travis County lifts restrictions on gatherings which currently stands as no more than 10 people and staying 6 feet away from each other then the pools can be opened.
Once Travis County lifts restrictions on gatherings.
3
Which Amenities are open?
Sport Court, Volleyball Court, Trails, Play Grounds, Soccer Field and Event Field with restrictions in place of no more than 10 people and staying 6 feet away from each other with no group play.
4
Can we invite Food Trucks into the community?
That would be creating a gathering which is currently not allowed.
5
At Sweetwater, our Hill Country sunrises and sunsets are so wonderful, we created a special park where our residents can sit and enjoy them.
getting groceries and other essential items. And encouraging sidewalk messages from the wisest among us, our kids.
As surely as the sun rises, better days lie just over the horizon. We’ll all come out of this stronger and even more connected, because we see it every day here at Sweetwater.
We realize and understand that these are unprecedented times, but we want you to know we’re here for you. While our team is also doing things a bit different, we will continue to take pride in the community and making Sweetwater the best place to live. Because now more than ever, we want to share the Sweetwater spirit.
We’ve seen neighborly “hellos” along the trails, socially distant but full of warmth. Kind hearts reaching out to those who may need help or assistance
Community Sponsors
How can we recognize our high school seniors?
A parade in the community is being planned for Saturday May 23rd with more info to follow.
visitcompletecare.com/ er-locations/lakeway/
luvbraces.com
SWEETWATERLIFE.COM provides additional information in regards to Sweetwater.
#STAYSAFE #INTHISTOGETHER 2 | Community Voice May/June 2020
oneillspools.com
f45training.com
themusicianswoodshed.com
tutordoctor.com/lakeway
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
Contact Shelly Livingston, Lifestyle Coordinator, at 737.717.0305, or sweetwaterlifestyle@goodwintx.com for details.
FACES OF SWEETWATER | RESIDENT PROFILE for about 10 years. Will grew up in Northern California, and LV grew up on Long Island, NY.
Q: How did you come to live at Sweetwater? A: A lot of my friends and family live here or nearby. Q: What are your favorite things about the community? A: I love having neighbors, the amenities, hiking trails, being close to everything. There are too many awesome things to choose just one!
Will & LV Johns Q: Where are you from originally? A: Tough question, we have lived all over the U.S. Will was in the Marine Corps, but we have been in Austin
Q: Tell us about your family. A: We have been married for 11 years and have one son who is in the 3rd grade. Will works in personal security. LV was a prior gym owner and wine importer for the last 10 years. She recently was looking for more work/life
balance so she now works for a Cyber Security start-up. We enjoy taking vacations, hiking, playing lacrosse, going to Disney, and friends! Q: Favorite local place to go out on a date? A: SP Brazilian Steak House in Lakeway!! Sooooo good! Q: Can you share something very few people know about you? A: LV has coached girls lacrosse since 2005. She has one conference championship in Carlsbad California and has taken her Austin team to State two years in a row! She is also an avid fitness lover! Will and his team won a division football championship in Northern California. He also loves video games. Mason, their son, LOVES legos and all things building and engineering. We are also Auburn Fans! War Eagle!
LOCAL EATERIES | PICK UP, CURBSIDE &/OR DELIVERY La Cabana Mexican Grill
Casa Nostra Pizzeria
Angel’s Ice House
21103 State Highway 71 W, Spicewood, (512) 264-0916
21209 State Highway 71, Spicewood, (512) 387-7775, www.pizzeriacasanostra.com
21815 State Highway 71 W, Spicewood, (512) 264-3777, www.angelsicehouse.com
Opie’s BBQ
Willie’s Burgers & BBQ
Reunion 19
9504 E State Highway 71, Spicewood (830) 693-8660, www. opiesbarbecue.com
21018 State Highway 71 W, Spicewood (512) 264-8866
1700 East 2nd Street, Austin www.reunion19atx.com Community Voice May/June 2020 | 3
THINGS TO DO | VIRTUAL ACTIVITIES Camp Gladiator
The Musician’s Woodshed
Online Magic Show
Online Virtual Classes To Join, email: shelbybowden@campgladiator.com www.campgladiator.com
Free Online Lessons www.themusicianswoodshed.com
Live, Interactive Magic Show james@jamesthemagician.com www.jamesthemagician.com
Treaty Oak’s “Quaranstream”
Thinkery at Home
Live Music Stream with cocktail and BBQ discussions and demonstrations Saturdays at 6:00pm thru 5/23 @TreatyOak on Facebook & Instagram
Online Learning Activities + Story Time on Facebook Live M-F at 10:00 am & Design Challenge on Instagram Tues/Thurs thinkeryaustin.org/thinkery-at-home
M AY / J U N E 2 0 2 0 C O M M U N I T Y E V E N T C A L E N D A R S
MAY 23
Graduation “Drive-By”, 10:00 am
*Events subject to change, see www.SweetwaterLife.com
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Association Contact Tom O’Grady, Community Manager 17921 Sweetwater Club Circle Austin, TX 78738 Cell: 737-717-0305.
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.