Circle C - July 2021

Volume 18, Number 07

July 2021

www.circlecranch.com

News & Announcements Important Dates in July: Thursday, July 1 2021 National Postal Worker Day Friday, July 2 2021 Anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 Saturday, July 3, 2021 4th of July Parade (Swim Center Plaza) Sunday, July 4 2021 National Independence Day. HOA offices are closed.

Monday, July 12, 2021 Large Brush Collection Sunday, July 18 2021 National Ice Cream Day Wednesday, July 28, 2021 CCHOA Online Board Meeting HOA Dues Mailed in July The 2n semi-annual assessments are mailed the first week of July and are due on August 1st. There are three available options available for paying dues.

• Mail a check to PO Box 163541 Austin, Texas 78716 • Use Bill Pay through a trusted financial institution • Use the “on-line payment” option on the Circle C HOA website.

NOTE: Payments will NOT be accepted at the HOA office or in the drop box outside the office. Please do not staple your check to your invoice or postdate your check. If you have a question regarding your assessment, please contact the financial office at 512-451-9901.

CCHOA Board Meeting The Circle C HOA Board of Directors meets the last Wednesday of the month at 6:30pm. The next scheduled meeting is Wednesday, July 28 via ZOOM. Links to the ZOOM meetings and meeting agendas may be found at www. circlecranch.com website under the “Resource” tab. Homeowners must be logged onto the site to view agendas and find the link to the ZOOM meetings.

Homeowners may sign up to speak at the meeting by calling the HOA manager at 512-288-8663 or emailing info@circlecranch.info.

Fireworks Reminder: Please keep in mind that many U.S. Veterans, children, babies, and animals are severely frightened or traumatized by fireworks. The unexpectedly loud Copyright © 2021 Peel, Inc.

bursts can affect the nervous systems, sometimes causing heart palpitations.

For veterans, the sounds resemble gunshots and can trigger PTSD. The City of Austin does not allow individuals without a permit to use fireworks within the city limits. Those found in violation could be fined over $500 and possibly charged with arson (if property is damaged) or assault (if a person is injured).

As per their website, the “City of Austin has adopted an ordinance forbidding the storage, use, and handling of fireworks within the City of Austin. The Austin Fire Department has aggressively sought compliance with this ordinance.”

For non-emergency fireworks violations, the city asks that residents call 311.

Police will then be dispatched. For emergencies only, call 911.

Persons responsible for starting fires from using fireworks will be “vigorously prosecuted”.

For more info, visit https://austintexas.gov/faq/what-does-city-do-enforcefireworks-ordinance City of Austin Large Brush Collection Large Brush Collection starts July 12th. All large brush needs to be at the curb in front of your house by 6:30am on the first day of the collection. All large brush needs to be stacked loosely along the curb in one row, not more than 15 feet across and no higher than 4 feet. Tree trunks more than 8 inches in diameter should be 3-feet long or less. To prevent damage to your property, keep items 5 feet away from your trash cart, fences or walls, water meter, telephone connection boxes and parked cars. Do not place any items under low-hanging tree limbs or power lines.

City of Austin Bulk Pick-up The Bulk Pick-up scheduleis split into two sections for Circle C. The first section is all the homes South of Slaughter Lane. The first bulk pick-up is scheduled for August 2nd. If you live North of Slaughter Lane, your scheduled bulk pick-up date is August 30th.

Bulk items need to be placed at the curb in front of your house by 6:30am on the first day of collection. Separate your items into three piles, metal items, passenger car tires and non-metal items. Because these piles are collected by different trucks, they may be collected at different times throughout the week.

For more information on what is accepted and not accepted, visit the City of Austin website at https://www.austintexas.gov/bulk.

Watering Restrictions: Please visit your water providers website to view current watering restrictions.

City of Austin: http://www.austintexas.gov/department/watering-restrictions Midtex: (South West Water Company): https://swwc.com/texas/drought Circle C Ranch Newsletter - July 2021

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Circle C Ranch Newsletter July 2021

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After many years of serving on the Circle C HOA Board, AE Martin stepped down from his position due to personal reasons.

We would like to thank AE for selflessly volunteering much of his time to devote to our neighborhood and for returning to serve a few times when we did not have enough people to run for the board.

At the May Board meeting, the Board of Directors discussed AE Martin’s vacant board seat and appointed Stephen Bega to serve out the remainder of his term.

Stephen is a civil defense lawyer that also works with HOA litigation.

In past years, he has lived in the New Villages at Western Oaks, where he served on the HOA Board from 2004-2008. He also has served as President and other board positions of the Oak Hill Youth Sports Association during the years of 2005-2015.

At the January HOA Board Candidate Meet and Greet, Stephen stated, “I’ve served on other boards. I’m a former VP of New Villages of Western Oaks. As board members, we sometimes have to be willing to make unpopular decisions. I have had to dip into the rainy-day funds before, so I understand why it’s important to have a reserve.”

What does Stephen like most about living in our neighborhood? At the February HOA Board Candidate Meet and Greet, he mentioned: “The advantages of living here is that we can stay right in our neighborhood and take care of so many of our needs. We have so many amenities!”

Originally from Elgin, Texas, the “sausage capital of Texas”, Stephen graduated from Elgin High School, then moved to San Antonio, Texas to attend Trinity University. He earned his law degree at the University School of Law in Albuquerque.

“My career brought me to Austin in 2002,” he stated on his candidate form. “My kids were active in youth sports, orchestra, dance, cheer, yearbook, and other school activities at Mills, Clayton, Gorzycki, and Bowie High School. All of my kids have graduated and are now attending college.”

He now lives in Circle C with his wife, Janine La Barbara, and enjoys walking or running through the neighborhood.

What are his thoughts about serving on the Circle C HOA Board?

“Circle C is the biggest HOA in Austin!” He mentioned at the February HOA Board Candidate Meet and Greet. “We can’t be stuck in a rut.

We need to be willing to change, to listen, and to reach out to others.”

“I want to let more people know what is going on behind closed doors,” he continued. “What should we be doing to help residents more?”

Stephen will serve the remainder of AE Martin’s term on the board, ending in March 2022.

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HOA Mgmt Office................................. info@circlecranch.info or 512.288.8663 HOA Financial Office................................tgiles@mgilescpa.com or 512.451.9901 Aquatics Director....................................... director@ccswim.net or 512.288.4239 Newsletter Publisher Peel, Inc....................................................advertising@PEELinc.com or 512.263.9181 Circle C Amenities Circle C Avaña Pool.........................................................................512.292.1518 Circle C Café...................................................................................512.288.6058 Circle C CDC..................................................................................512.288.9792 Circle C Swim Center......................................................................512.288.6057 Circle C Community Center Pool....................................................512.301.8259 Grey Rock Golf Course (City Owned/Operated)................................512.288.4297 Grey Rock Tennis Club....................................................................512.301.8685 Circle C Grey Rock Pool..................................................................512.291.8398

CIRCLE C GATED COMMUNITIES Enclave off Spruce Canyon Spectrum Management...................................Colleen Pritchard, 512.834.3900 Enclave off of La Crosse Relevant Management................................................... Kim Todd, 512.580.4212 Fairways Estates Spectrum Management...................................Colleen Pritchard, 512.834.3900 Park West Goodwin Management...................................Marilyn Childress 512.502.7509 Hillside Estates Real Manage.................................................. Christine Gamache, 866.473.2573 Hillside Estates........................ Christine Gamache, HILESTAT@CiraMail.com Avana Estates Relevant Management................................................ Kim Todd, 512.580.4212 Muirfield Real Management.......................................... Victoria Escamilla, 866.473.2573

Russ Hodes ……........………………………….....……President Natalie Placer McClure………………………........Vice President Michael Chu ……………………………………….......Treasurer Trinh Bartlett………………………………………………Secretary Theresa Bastian and Jason Bram—Board Members Contact the Board at: directors@circlecranch.info City of Austin Solid Waste................................................512.974.1945 Dead Animal Collection....................................................512.974.2000 Abandoned Vehicle............................................................512.974.8119 Pothole Complaints...........................................................512.974.8750 Stop Signs.........................................................................512.457.4885 Street Light Maintenance..................................................................311 Schools

Clayton Elementary..................................................512.841.9200

Kiker Elementary......................................................512.414.2584

Mills Elementary.......................................................512.841.2400

Bear Creek Elementary..............................................512.414.0040

Cowan Elementary....................................................512.841.2700

Bailey Middle............................................................512.414.4990

Gorzycki Middle School............................................512.841.8600

Bowie High School...................................................512.414.5247 UTILITY PROVIDERS Electric Pedernales Elec.................................................... 512.219.2602 City of Austin. .................................................................512.494.9400 Texas Gas Service .............................................................800.700.2443 Water City of Austin ........................................................512.972.1000 MidTex Water Company...................................................866.654.7992 Solid Waste City of Austin ...............................................512.974.1945 Post Office Oak Hill Station .............................................800.275.8777 Circle C Ranch Newsletter - July 2021

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The Real Reason for Proof of Residency at our Circle C Pools

Why does our HOA require proof of residency (PoR) for our Circle C pools this year?

Well, for starters, it wasn’t this year that the proof of residency requirement was established.

“The current PoR requirements were instated in late 2018 and we began enforcing these policies in 2019,” states Brody McKinley, the Circle C Aquatics Director.

So, why did the Circle C HOA start requiring proof of residency in 2018 then?

Brody responds: “With over 18,000 residents in our membership system, we were seeing an exponential increase in the number of individuals in our system that were not actually residents of Circle C.” Wait. Rewind. Did he just say that we have over 18,000 members of the Circle C Pools? That’s a heck of a lot of people.

With over 18,000 people, if one person brings two friends, and their neighbor brings two friends . . . well, then the pools fill up, and not necessarily with residents.

Brody continues, “We were hitting capacity limits and resident entry was restricted. The PoR Policy is to help ensure that only Circle C residents are in the system and have full access to the facilities.”

With such a large neighborhood, this process can be slow, however.

Combine that with a pandemic and a shutdown of the pools for over a year. . . and that’s why it’s 2021 already and the aquatics team is still working on the PoR compliances.

Brody concurs. “With so many residents in the community, and the difficulties brought on by the pandemic during this transition, it is definitely a slow process to get everyone over into compliance with the PoR requirements.”

The good news is that progress is being made. “So far, over 10,000 residents have submitted PoR and are fully in compliance with the PoR requirements.”

More good news. With this PoR requirement, the pools are not yet reaching capacity, so they are not having to turn down any qualified residents to the pools.

“While there are capacity limits in place, on average we are currently not seeing attendance reaching those capacity limits. There has been plenty of space at the facilities so far, but that will likely change as we see warmer summer days.” Brody continues, “We still recommend, especially on weekends, that residents call ahead to ensure there is space available before visiting one of our facilities. We are continuing to assess our operations as we move through the summer, and with that, some of our policies will continue to change and be updated. Any changes will be posted to the Circle C Aquatics Facebook page, our website at www.ccswim.net, and sent out via blast email by the HOA.” Resident Identification Forms may also be found on the www.ccswim. net website.

So, this PoR process actually started in 2019?

Yes. “Through 2019, all new memberships [new residents] fell under the new PoR requirements and submitted PoR as part of their application process to receive pool access. We also started the process of switching all previously entered members over to be in compliance with the PoR requirements.”

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Circle C Ranch Newsletter July 2021

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Circle C residents are fortunate enough to have a variety of activities and options for entertainment, d e n t a l c a re , h e a l t h care, shipping needs, dry cleaners, movies, hair and nail salons, dance studios, banking, shipping options, schools, and other services right within our own neighborhood. These are just some of the benefits of living in a wellplanned community.

One service that several Circle C residents have lately inquired about, however, is the question of how best to help aging parents. What are the options for a balance between juggling our own busy lives and providing the most fitting care for aging parents?

Russ Hodes, a Circle C resident and HOA Board member has recently done some research on senior care options for a family member and has been kind enough to share some of his information with us. For an initial search on places in close proximity, Russ recommends using websites like Caring.com where a zip code or an address can be entered, and the website provides a list of options, complete with customer reviews, dollar sign ratings, details, and pictures of care site choices in the vicinity.

Types of senior living care may be grouped into four main categories: I. Independent Living Seniors that are able to care for themselves but prefer living with less responsibilities would be in this category and have multiple options.

In-Home Caregiving is perhaps the most desirable choice for many seniors because it is the easiest transition. With in-home care, seniors may remain in their own house or apartment and continue their normal activities of daily living (ADLs) with only minor alterations. They may receive services like regular house cleanings, lawn care, food delivery, activities coordinators, etc. Minor home modifications like bathroom grab bars or wheelchair ramps might help to maintain independent living. Nonprofit organizations such as Capitol City Village (www.

CapitolCityVillage.org) offer services for seniors like transportation and social activities (coffee hours, yoga, book clubs, happy hours, etc.) and referrals for handypersons such as plumbers and electricians. Annual fees for these organizations can range from $100 to $800 depending on income levels.

Retirement Communities are another choice for independent s e n i o r s . K issing Tree i n San Marcos, for example, is a 55+ Planned Community complete with resort-style pools, indoor lap pools, pickleball courts, bocce ball courts, ageappropriate fitness centers, horseshoe pits, hike and bike trails, demonstration kitchens, regular craft beer events, potluck events, cafés, bars, and clubs or classes for all types of activities ranging from art to poker. Homes in Kissing Tree range from $200k to $700k depending on size. While Kissing Tree is close to us and convenient, Copyright © 2021 Peel, Inc.

the most well-known retirement community in the United States—and arguably the most fun—is The Villages in Florida, where the social activities are so plentiful, several documentaries have been produced about the 55+ community maintaining the highest rate of sexually transmitted diseases in the nation!

Independent Living Apartments are another alternative for seniors.

Some only offer apartments with no dining or shopping options, while others are near shops and restaurants/bars or have dining options within the facilities. Here in Circle C (Greyrock area), we have ArborView apartments (prices start at $1513/mo. for residents 62+) that offers a resort-style pool and activities, but residents must rely on cars or driving services for eating or shopping establishments. Other independent living apartments within our vicinity that offer dining options and transportation or laundry assistance include Brookdale Beckett Meadows on Beckett and Legacy Oaks on Highway 290 (across from the ACC campus). Both facilities offer independent living choices, memory care units, and assisted living care so that residents may more easily transition from independent care to more intensive care without having to relocate. Both Legacy Oaks and Brookdale Beckett Meadows encourage visitors, and Legacy Oaks allows pets.

With a growing aging population, independent and assisted living choices for seniors are a fast-growing field. Russ informs us that the newest independent living apartments in Austin are Affinity at Southpark Meadows (prices begin at $1495/mo. for residents 55+ years). Affinity offers a fitness center, dog park, dog wash spa, indoor salt-water pool and spa, game rooms, and a pub, among other amenities.

Also, within walking distance are plenty of restaurants, shops, and activities.

The crème de la crème for senior living choices in Austin is, of course, the 38-acre Querencia at Barton Creek. Querencia has a 100% guarantee of happiness. After one year of living onsite, if a resident is not fully satisfied, he or she may move out and be refunded the entire amount paid for both lodging and food. Residences range from independent villas to all types of assisted living options when needed. All food, lodging, and activities are included in the $3742/month fee and Querencia will never ask someone to leave due to inability to pay. However, the downside is that there is a $400,000 “buy in” that is 100% refundable. This is to cover any costs needed for living if funding should run out. The waitlist is long with a $10,000 deposit for placement.

II. Assisted Living Assisted living facilities offer more services to seniors who are not as independent. While there are places that specialize in assisted living, most of the senior care centers have transitioned to Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) so that seniors may remain in the same location but receive more care as the need increases. Most of the above-mentioned places offer a variety of living options from independent living to assisted living, and some offer even more care, such as memory care or skilled nursing facilities (also called nursing homes). Generally, social workers will alert the families of seniors when it is time to change the type of care needed.

III. Memory Care Memory care places cater to seniors with brain injuries or those diagnosed with Dementia or Alzheimer’s. In an effort to keep the seniors safe from wandering and potentially harming themselves, memory care units generally do not allow their patients to leave the facilities, although visitors are usually welcomed and encouraged.

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News You Can Use

Continued from Page 5 Visiting loved ones in memory care can often be a difficult experience because many do not realize that they suffer from memory loss. Russ informs us that West Oaks on Davis Lane is a recently opened place that offers group-led activities, like music and gardening. Physicians visit on a regular basis, and a nurse as well as a social worker are onsite.

IV. Nursing Home / Skilled Nursing Facility Nursing homes are for people that require more around-the-clock care. They are “closer to a hospital setting,” Russ states. “Patients in nursing homes often have significant disabilities, need frequent medical treatments, and constant care. Nursing homes have very stringent requirements and regular inspections because patients are entirely dependent on the staff.”

Russ would like to notify us that, “the prices at these facilities vary a great deal, but generally speaking, the more care you need, the higher the cost.” Some of the facilities actually charge by the day, so it is best to double check now that your more senior loved ones do have insurance policies that cover memory care or skilled nursing care.

In closing, Russ states, “It’s ideal to keep your loved ones at home as much as possible and many homes in Circle C Ranch include a private suite. Respite care, hospice and home health care are wonderful options, when you can find them. Fortunately for us, good senior living facilities are close by. You can expect to visit frequently, which may be more important than any other feature or service.”

The return of the Circle C HOA Food Trailer Nights have reinstated much-needed community gatherings to our lives, complete with neighbors, friends, families, good food, refreshing drinks, and live music. After more than a year of isolation, it can feel like the light has suddenly turned back on. A monthly buzz generating from the corner of La Crosse Avenue and Spruce Canyon Drive can once again be heard a mile or two away, and the energy is once again felt throughout our community. We are back.

Among lively conversations of neighbors that possibly have not seen each other in over a year, among tight hugs that linger slightly longer than normal, among coolers filled with ice and cans or bottles being passed to friends, one may notice a charismatic guy in his late 30s dancing up a storm. This man will be found wherever the music flows and he will resonate with every beat. If music could have a moving visual representation, it would look like Leo dancing.

Naturally, children cannot help but run to this magnetic spirit to join in on the fun. They want to be a part of his energy. Leo welcomes them all. He sports a few dynamic moves and the children mimic him. Soon, everyone is smiling and laughing and moving.

“Leo is fabulous,” gushes a mother of three children while watching him interact with the kids.

After the Food Trailer Night, videos of Leo leading the kids in dances circulated in the Circle C Facebook groups. We knew then that we needed to include an article about Leo in the next Circle C Newsletter.

“They call you ‘fabulous’!” we tell him when requesting the interview. With a slight chuckle, Leo responds, “They are not wrong. I am fabulous!”

By now, many residents know Leo—or at least know of him—but few people realize that he is also a resident of Circle C. Leo lives in Vintage Place, where a good portion of the creatives in our neighborhood tend to reside. “I’m an artist,” Leo explains. “I feel very comfortable in Vintage Place. The homes are so nice there and the people are welcoming. They are all about families. It feels like I’ve finally found my home. My real home.”

Leo’s childhood and past lodgings were not so fabulous, however. His path sort of resembles the hero’s journey.

“My childhood was sort of tough,” he explains. “I lived in a rough neighborhood and my mom worked as a librarian. There was nobody to watch me at home, so she brought me to the library. I had to be very quiet and sit at a table with a book. That was when I discovered books.”

“When I was 8 or 9, my parents split, and my mom moved us from Illinois to Austin, Texas. This was during my last two months of 5th grade. Those kids were not so welcoming.

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Circle C Ranch Newsletter - July 2021

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Circle C Spotlight Continued from Page 6 I was bullied a lot. I was too young to know that I was gay back then, but those kids somehow did. And they beat me because of it.”

“I missed my dad. For years, I had no idea that he had moved here too, only a block away!”

When he was in high school, Leo decided to try a dance class. He attended Reagan High School (now renamed Northeast Early College High School).

“My first dance teacher was a woman named Allison Lay Popov at Reagan High. She taught me to overcome my inhibitions and crawl out of my shell. She was accepting of me. The love I wasn’t getting at home, I got from her. Teachers can make such a difference in so many lives.

Sometimes they are the best thing that could ever happen to a kid and they might never even know it.”

Allison Lay Popov noticed that Leo picked up the moves easily and encouraged him to dance some solos. Leo soon became captain of the dance team and was the first male ever in Austin to be on the All-City Dance Team and the All-State Dance Team. “After high school, I wanted to go to college for dance, but I stayed home and worked to help support my mom.”

After high school, Leo continued with dance lessons. “I went to Atomic Dance Factory until it closed down. Then I went to Tapestry here in south Austin. One day, my old high school [Reagan] asked me to compose a dance and teach it to 23 kids. It was my first experience as a dance teacher, and I loved it. They surprised me by paying me $500 for two hours. After that, I was hooked. I wanted to be a dance teacher.”

Leo began teaching for Tapestry, the Joyce Willett School of Dance, the Dance Zone, Jackie’s, and the Dance Studio. He first taught Street Jazz and Hip-Hop. Now his repertoire also includes Break Dancing, Tango, Salsa, Hawaiian, Jazz, and Ballet.

He stayed with his mom, helping her financially, until around the year 2005 when he moved to Circle C. “At first it was very hard to live here.

I didn’t have a car and there was no bus route. Circle C is not set up for somebody from the poor side of life.”

Leo would take the bus from the city to the Oak Hill area and walk the rest of the way to Circle C. “Back then there were no businesses or shops here in the C. It was all just houses and land. Our neighborhood has grown so much since then. The businesses are nice, but they did take away some of the beauty.

Still, it’s nice to have a bus stop right in front of the HEB. It helps the people who don’t have cars.” Leo now drives a Mustang convertible.

Although his face lights up the room with a big, bright smile when he agrees that he is, indeed, “fabulous,” Leo remains humble about his accomplishments. It was only while searching online for his past dance experience that we discovered the following mention of Leo by the Round Rock Repertory Dance Center: “Leo became one of the top Hip-Hop Choreographers in Austin and was deemed the best in Austin by Fox 7 News in 2004. Leo has choreographed 1st place award-winning dances for high schools such as Stony Point, Reagan, and Eastside Memorial High School. Leo has danced the roles of both Russian and Arabian Dancer in the Nutcracker.”

He teaches all types of dance and enjoys most types of music. “I’m not 8

Circle C Ranch Newsletter July 2021

much of a rap person but I can always improvise and dance along with it.” When we ask why he doesn’t like rap, Leo explains, “I teach kids, so I don’t like listening to the cuss words in rap. I don’t want to get hooked on a song and start singing it when I’m around kids. I only allow myself to listen to rap when I’m on vacation for at least a week so I can get the music out of my head before I return home.”

Leo works also as a District Manager for Austin Pool Pros. One day in 2017, he was checking on the progress of a pool in the Oak Park neighborhood and stumbled upon an event organized by HelloNabr.

He couldn’t help but stop and join in the fun. Jed (John Ed) from HelloNabr approached Leo and asked him to work with them. “We could really use you on our team,” implored Jed. Leo didn’t hesitate.

“HelloNabr is one of the first companies I’ve worked with that always pushes us to do better. They always want to improve. I find myself working harder and harder.”

Speaking of hard work . . . In addition to his job as a District Manager for Austin Pool Pros and dancing for HelloNabr; Leo also works as a fitness instructor for Lifetime Fitness, a delivery driver for Favor, and a nanny for a few neighborhood families.

He juggles all this with gratitude and a smile.

“People sometimes tell me that I’m annoyingly happy,” he confesses. “But I work at being happy. I try to not allow negativity to creep up. Instead, I focus on becoming a better person and working harder.”

We ask how Leo’s parents are doing now.

He giggles. “My parents now live together. Not as a couple, but as companions in the same house. We have a much tighter connection now.”

What does Leo like best about living in Austin?

“Most of all, I love the Zilker Park Trail of Lights. All of those little lights working together to brighten the dark night . . . they are beautiful.

Last year [2020] we got to drive through, so I took my convertible. It was like being in a dream. Besides the Zilker Trail of Lights, I also love the food here. I love to eat, especially BBQ. Austin has a ton of good BBQ places.”

What does Leo like best about living in Circle C? “I love Vintage Place! But when I go to the Food Trailer Nights, I realize that we are a small part of so much more. This is a big community of all types of people. And they are so nice.”

What does Leo like best about Food Trailer Nights?

“The feeling of such a large community getting together to sit and drink with old friends while meeting new friends. We get to listen and dance to live music while we get to choose from several good food options to eat.

And not only is it FREE to attend, but it all happens right here in our own ‘hood. We don’t even have to leave our community. Instead—the food, the live music, the local breweries—they all come here for us. For Circle C.” Soon Leo plans to start a weekly community dance event for fitness on Saturday mornings, where one can burn up to 525 calories in one hour. “You can work out with me in the mornings and earn an extra drink on Saturday night,” he playfully teases. Classes will be $25/ person and will likely be held in the Community Center parking lot or outside, near Clayton Elementary School. Leo can be found on Venmo @ The-Fabulous-Leo. Because, of course, he is fabulous!

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Circle C Ranch Newsletter - July 2021

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Circle C Ranch Newsletter July 2021

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Around Circle C

Wildflower Notes

Here’s what’s likely to be blooming, fruiting or setting seed in Central Texas this time of year. Look for these native plants around town and perhaps in your own backyard!

Dayflower (Commelina erecta) It is hard to deny the fascinating allure of dayflowers. Whether you see Mickey Mouse, an alien face or something else entirely in the two prominent blue petals and appendagelike reproductive parts of Commelina erecta blooms, they beg to be looked at closely. And you better do it when you see one, because these fleeting beauties only appear for one day (hence the name). Thankfully, dayflowers make up for transience with many buds per plant that graciously unfold over a few days.

Grow them in mass for a bed of soft green foliage sprinkled with cool cerulean color. This comely, bird-attracting perennial can become invasive, so be sure to keep your mass planting no more massive than desired. Its ephemeral blooms — which are typically more blue than the similar, purplish flowers of false dayflower (Tinantia anomala) — are in season from May through October.

Velvetweed (Oenothera curtiflora) Leggy, awkward, unremarkable — but with an understated beauty you only notice once you get to know them. Think we’re talking about the protagonist in an up-and-coming young adult drama? Nope. Velvetweed fits this bill too. An annually blooming member of the evening primrose family, it might be easy to miss in an overgrown patch, but once you take a moment to appreciate its delicate, blush-colored flowers and fuzzy stems and leaves, there truly is much to love. Found in Texas and many states beyond, Oenothera curtiflora can grow to 6 feet tall; ironically, it’s specific epithet means “short flowers” but refers to the diminutive blooms rather than the plant itself. Velvetweed makes its home in wetlands, roadsides and disturbed areas, where it can blend in among other growth. Look for curving tips loaded with pink-tinged, unopened buds and soft foliage just waiting for a friendly touch.

Find these plants at the Wildflower Center and learn more about them at wildflower.org/plants-main.

Submitted by Amy McCullough, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Photography by Joseph Marcus (dayflower) and Norman G. Flaigg (velvetweed)

Be Like Lady Bird Join us Saturday, July 24, as we celebrate Lady Bird Johnson with a day of FREE ADMISSION. Enjoy garden tours, children’s activities in the Family Garden, and special exhibits in our air-conditioned Great Hall. More info at wildflower.org/events.

Give at wildflower.org/donate and become a member at wildflower.org/join.

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Around Circle C Mosquitoes are out in masses and since they are capable of disease transmission, it is important that you protect yourself when spending time outside. Of course, you can wear long pants and a long-sleeved shirt in light colors to reduce the number of mosquitoes that can reach your skin when outside, but this is not always the option people choose with temperatures on the rise. Another option to protect yourself is repellent.

Repellent should only be applied to clothing and exposed skin; do not apply repellent underneath clothing! If you want to apply repellent to your face, spray your hands with repellent and rub it onto your face. Do not spray repellent directly into your face or near eyes or mouth. Make sure to apply repellent outdoors.

Do not allow children to handle repellents and seek advice from a physician regarding insect repellent use for children under two years of age. Wash hands before eating, smoking, or using the restroom.

To reduce disease transmission from mosquitoes, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends using a product registered with the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) containing one of the following active ingredients: DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE), para-methane-diol (PMD), or 2-undecanone.

DEET, also known N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide or N, N-diemethylbenzamide, was developed by the U.S. Army in 1946 to protect soldiers in insect-infested areas. Pesticides containing DEET have been used by the public since 1957. Products containing DEET should not be used on children younger than 2 months of age (read the label and check with your pediatrician if you have questions). DEET has a slight odor and may have a greasy feel to some people. It may damage plastic, rubber, vinyl, or synthetic fabrics. DEET may be irritating to the eyes and skin for some people and comes in a wide variety of concentrations, so choose one that will work best for your situation.

Picaridin was first made in the 1980’s and resembles a natural compound called piperine (which is found in plants used to produce black pepper). Picaridin has been used in Europe and Australia for many years but has only been in the U.S. since 2005.

Picaridin is non-greasy and odorless.

IR-3535, or 3-[N-Butyl-N- acetyl]-aminopropionic acid, ethyl ester, was developed in the mid- 1970’s and became registered for use in the U.S. in 1999. It is registered as a biopesticide by the EPA because it is functionally identical to a naturally occurring substance (an amino acid). It may dissolve or damage plastics and may be irritating to the eyes.

Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) and PMD (para-menthane-3,8diol) are essentially the same thing; PMD is the synthesized (lab created) version of oil of lemon eucalyptus. “Pure” or “essential” oil of lemon eucalyptus is not labeled as a repellent and has not 12

Circle C Ranch Newsletter July 2021

undergone testing and should not be used as a repellent product.

OLE/PMD has been on the market in the U.S. since 2002. OLE/ PMD should not be used on children younger than 3 years of age.

The natural product (OLE) has known allergens within it while the synthetic version (PMD) has less of a risk to allergens. This product is classified as a biopesticide. OLE/PMD has a varying range of residual, some offering about 20 minutes of protection while other products may last up to two hours.

The product 2-undecanone is also known as methyl nonyl ketone or IBI-246. It is a colorless oil that can either be produced synthetically or extracted from plants such as rue, cloves, ginger, strawberries, or wild grown tomatoes. This product is fairly new.

Many factors play into how long a repellent will last for a person. Some of these are: • The concentration (or percent of active ingredient) of the product. You can find the percentage on the product label.

• Person’s attractiveness. Some people are more attractive to mosquitoes than others (and no scientific research has proven that it is because of eating garlic, taking vitamin B, using tobacco products, etc.). A person’s genetic code plays a large part on what makes a person so attractive to mosquitoes.

• Frequency and uniformity of application. In other words, how often is the repellent applied and how good of coverage did you get?

• Activity level of the person. The more active the person is, the more sweat they produce which can cause the repellent to wash off the surface of the skin.

As a word of caution, there are products that combine sunscreen and insect repellent. The CDC recommends that if you need sunscreen and repellent, that you choose two separate products.

Sunscreen should be applied more often than repellents.

For more information or help with identification, contact Wizzie Brown, Texas AgriLife Extension Service Program Specialist at 512.854.9600. Check out my blog at www.urbanipm.blogspot.com The information given herein is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names is made with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service or the Texas A&M AgriLife Research is implied.

The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service provides equal access in its programs, activities, education and employment, without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation or gender identity.

Copyright © 2021 Peel, Inc.

a killer of a wasp

by Jim and Lynne Weber What are those large, solitary wasps we see flying around our yards from late June to September? Often referred to as the Cicada Killer or Cicada Wasp (Sphecius speciosus), this native species occurs in the eastern and midwestern U.S. regions, southwards through Texas into Mexico and Central America.

Cicada killers are so named since they prey on cicadas and provision their nests with them. While large and intimidating, they offer a measure of natural control on cicada populations. They benefit our native plants by pollinating flowers and protecting trees from the numerous cicadas that feed on their roots and foliage.

Cicada killers are robust wasps up to 2 inches long, with amber wings and black to reddish-brown abdomens with yellow stripes. The females are somewhat larger than the males, and both are among the largest wasps in the U.S. These solitary wasps have a very unusual and interesting lifecycle. Females are commonly seen skimming around areas with sparse vegetation for nesting sites, burrowing a tunnel, 10 to 20 inches deep, in dry or bare soil. In digging a burrow, she will dislodge the soil with her jaws, and using her hind legs that are equipped with special spines, push the loose soil behind her as she backs out of the burrow.

The female cicada killer proceeds to capture cicadas, sometimes even in flight, paralyzing them with her venomous sting. She places the cicadas beneath her, grasping them with her legs, and either flies or drags her prey, which is twice her weight, into her burrow. After placing a few cicadas in her nest, she begins to lay her eggs. Females can predetermine the sex of the egg, and she lays multiple male eggs on a single cicada. But each female egg is given 2 or 3 cicadas, as females are larger, require more food, and more females are needed to create new generations. Eggs are always laid under the left or right second leg of the cicada.

The female then closes the burrow with dirt, as the eggs hatch in a few days, but the larvae take some time to mature, feeding on cicadas as they overwinter in their burrow, not emerging as adults until the following spring.

Adult male cicada killers emerge in spring before the females, defending the territory around their emergence hole and searching Copyright © 2021 Peel, Inc.

Nature Watch Cicada Killer

for females. They typically perch on the ground, flying up to attack any rival males. Once females emerge, mating occurs, and the males die shortly after. Females live long enough to dig and provision their nests, and die after laying all of their eggs.

Cicada killer wasps are not aggressive toward humans and rarely sting unless provoked by grasping them roughly, accidentally stepping on them, or if caught in clothing. Only the females have stingers, and while males will actively defend their perching areas against other males near nesting sites, they have no stingers. Both males and females have large jaws, but they are not known to grasp human skin and bite. If swatted at, they will just fly away rather than attack. They are simply focused on cicadas or other cicada killers!

Send your nature-related questions to naturewatch@austin. rr.com and we’ll do our best to answer them. If you enjoy reading these articles, check out our books, Nature Watch Austin, Nature Watch Big Bend, and Native Host Plants for Texas Butterflies (all published by Texas A&M University Press), and our blog at naturewatchaustin.blogspot.com.

Circle C Ranch Newsletter - July 2021

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TEENAGE JOB SEEKERS

Name

Baby Pet House Yard Age Sit Sit Sit Work Phone

Abrameit, Kyle....................17................................*..................*................... .512.999.0337 Aguilar, Jacob......................15................................*..................*................... .619-713-4469 Artigas, Emilio....................16................................*...................................... .512.634.7416 Baird, Olivia........................14............. *........................................................ .512.773.5443 Blackburn, Danielle*+^......19............. *.................*..................*................... .512.623.9994 Brauer, Nina ....................15...............................*..................................512.565.4480 Campsmith, Lily*^.............18............. *.................*...................................... .512.852.9846 Campsmith, Trey*^............19................................*...................................... .512.852.9846 Chatelain, Christelle*.........17............. *.................*...................................... .512.963.3218 Cox, Claire*^......................18............. *.......................................................512.644.4550 Cox, Ben*^.........................16............. *.................*................*.................512.963.9464 Eis, Ella*^............................15............. *.................*........................................512.550.3422 Franke, Caroline*^.............15............. *........................................................ .512.590.1112 Hahn, Griffin......................18...................................................*................... .*512.706.5626 Havranek, Katie..................19............. *.................*..................*................... .512.940.1671 Hoard, Jed*^.......................18............. *.................*..................*................... .512.656.0836 Hurd, Palmer...................... 15............. *.................*..................*....................512.423.0737 Kaplan, Ben...................... 14.............*................*................ *....................512.296.7548 Lim, Jacy *^........................18............. *.................*..................*................... .512.744.7338 Mahoney, Nathaniel...........19............. *.................*..................*................... .* 512.569.8339 Mahoney, Nicholas*...........15............. *.................*..................*................... .* 512.569.1823 Marzani, Jackson.................16............. *.................*..................*................... .. 512-521-2474 McCurdy, Summer*+.........14............. *.......................................................832.683.7759 Melsa, Olivia.......................19............. *.................*..................*................... .512.576.9225 Mermis, Ana*^...................17............. *.................*..................*................... .512.529.7458 Mouw, Ella*........................19............. *.................*...................................... .512.987.0421 Patterson, Makena..............19............. *.................*......................................512.506.1225 Rudolph, Courtney............ 18............. *.................*..................*....................512.743.0224 Salazar, Marisa*...................19............. *.................*..................*................... .512.288.9951 Sugrue, Michael.................. 18............. *.................*..................*....................773.706.2829 Terracina, Grace.................. 19............. *.................*.....................*...................512.988.7471 Terracina, Nicholas.............19................................*...................................... .512.301.3068 Trautman, Parker................13................................*...................................... .512.299.3117 Waltuck, Ella....................... 15............. *.................*.. ............*............512.658.4554 Waltuck, Ella....................... 15............. *.................*.. ............*............512.658.4554 Wilson, Kai......................... 17............. *.................*.. ............*...........*512.695.8278

OTHER SERVICES

Name Age Services Phone Aguilar, Jacob......................15.............. .Yardwork & Power Washing............ 619-713-4469 Andrusiank, Sophia............14...................Mother's Helper..........................5 1 2 . 6 3 4 . 7 4 1 6 Brauer, Nina......................14..................Mother's Helper.........................5 1 2 . 5 6 5 . 4 4 8 0 Cox, Ben...........................16.........................Tutoring..........................512.963.9464 Hurd, Palmer......................15.......Clarinet/Piano/Math Tutor K-8.. . . . . . . . 5 1 2 . 4 2 3 . 0 7 3 7 Kissinger, Aspen.............. 19..................... Tutor K-7..................................512.961.2267 Laird, Caden.....................16...............Powerwash Services.......................5 1 2 . 4 6 8 . 7 6 7 8 L a t a w a , Pa r i . . . . . . . . . . 1 6 . . . . . . . . . . . Tu t o r K - 8 t h . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 1 3 . 9 7 2 . 2 2 1 7 Mahoney, Nathaniel........ 18..............Tutor up to 11th Grade.. ..512.569.8339 Mahoney, Nicholas.......... 15... Tutor grades k-5; Beg. Mandarin.............. 512.569.1823 Marzani, Jackson..................16..............Pressure Washing Service................. .. 512-521-2474 Patterson, Makena........... 19...............Tutor Grades K-5...........................512.506.1225 Weller, Karsten.................... 19...............SAT Math Tutoring.................... 512-920-7479 Wilson Kai...................... 17............... Tutor Grades K-5...........................512.695.8278

NOT AVAILABLE ONLINE

* -- CPR Training + -- Red Cross Certified ^ -- First Aid At no time will any source be allowed to use the Circle C Ranch Newsletter's contents, or loan said contents, to others in any way, 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 Peel, Inc. The information in the Circle C Ranch Newsletter is exclusively for the private use of the Circle C HOA and Peel, Inc. 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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Circle C Ranch Newsletter July 2021

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Circle C Ranch Newsletter - July 2021

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Circle C Ranch Newsletter July 2021

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