Heritage Oaks - Georgetown, Texas 78633

MAY SOCIAL: “A NIGHT TO REMEMBER” Friday, MAY 17TH, 2013

LIGHTS! CAMERA! ACTION!On the eve of The Third Annual Chick Flick Costume Social, “Hollywood will Come Alive”. Our very own Heritage Oaks Ballroom will set the scene. Guests will stroll into a red-carpet affair, masquerading as any Star or Character from Stage, Screen, Television, Literature or History and reveal their Alter Egos.

Among the Highlights of the evening will be the Best Costume Contest, the exciting Prizes, the great Entertainment and the delicious Meal. The Chick Flick Group will provide Appetizers, Ham, Rolls, Dessert, Coffee & Tea (BYOB). Our guests will be asked to bring either a Side or a Salad (8 servings).

Social Hour will begin at 5:30pm, with Dinner at 6pm. The cost per person will be $7.00. (Costumes will be optional.)

Reservations should be made with Donna Kirby (240-5448) at 1109 Ft. Davis. (Drop box available). Any checks must be made out to: Heritage Oaks of Georgetown HOA. The deadline is Friday, May 10th.

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Yard of the Month

earL & MaGGIe heUSZeL

4612 Sonora traCe

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New Neighbors

No new neighbors were introduced at the April Golf Social. However, Debbie Cox found these

new baby mockingbirds in a yaupon tree at the side of her house on Riverwalk.

Texas Ranger Scheduled as Distinguished Community Speaker

by Don McCullough

May 1st, on May Day, the Men of Heritage Oaks have invited Texas Ranger Matthew Lindemann as the Distinguished Community Speaker at 10 a.m.

Lindemann is a native of Williamson County and grew up in Bartlett. In his law enforcement career, he served in the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office for five years, in the Texas Highway Patrol for seven years, and has been a Texas Ranger since 1997 to present. He has been stationed in Georgetown since 2002.

The Texas Rangers were formed during the days when Texas was an independent Republic. Rangers were required to furnish their own horses, guns, and tack, and were among the most effective law enforcement agencies against renegade Indian raiders on the Texas frontiers. Over the years their service continued after Texas was accepted into the United States, and they were instrumental in resolving a number of historical events involving desperadoes, the Ku Klux Klan, rustlers, riots and bank robbers.

Ranger Lindemann will present a PowerPoint presentation on the history and crime fighting results of the Texas Rangers. His appearance is conditioned upon his not being called to duty on the day of the presentation.

As always, the Distinguished Community Speaker is presented by the Men of Heritage Oaks as a public service, and is free to all residents.

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WoMen of herItaGe oakS to VISIt arboretUM In

MaYby Beth Packer

The Women of Heritage Oaks (WHO) will be setting off for a very different activity on Thursday, May 16. We are going to the Arboretum in North Austin for two classes and then out for lunch.

Our first stop will be to the Con’ Olio Oils & Vinegars shop for a lesson on all the different types of Olive Oils that the owners, Jeff and Tabatha Conarko ,have had during their travels throughout Europe. These oils are fresh and we will be able to taste the differences. They also sell fresh Balsamic Vinegars and a variety of specialty foods and gifts. Their website is www.conolios.com.

Next door to Con’ Olio is the Savory Spice Shop where the owner, Alicia Phipps, will be awaiting our arrival to talk to our group about the vast selection of herbs and spices that she carries. At this store, you will be able to purchase some of the most unusual spices and herbs that you cannot find at our local grocery stores! To view the website, see northaustin@savoryspiceshop.com

After tasting and smelling the different oils and spices, we are going to lunch at The Cheesecake Factory! There you will find a rather extensive menu that is sure to please everyone. Be sure to save room for a piece of cheesecake!

We will plan on meeting at the clubhouse at 9:10 a.m. to carpool to the Arboretum. We will need volunteer drivers. Please RSVP no later than Sunday, May 12 to Beth Packer’s email bethpacker50@gmail.com or telephone 864-0396. Please indicate if you can drive when you make your reservation. Beth needs to inform the businesses and restaurant of our count of attendees.

Fun at the 4th Annual Golf Socialby Bob Drewitt

On Thursday, April 25th, the HOGGs (Heritage Oaks Golf Gaggle) hosted their fourth annual combined golf and monthly social dinner event. Thirty-nine golfers and 100 residents golfed and dined, respectively, at the Georgetown Country Club (GCC). Logo golf balls were presented to each golfer along with a coupon for merchandise at The Golf Ranch.

Prizes were presented to Bruce Halgren, Michael Cox, and Ken Alford for 1st place; Ollie Ragan, Scott Helm, Clare Sanders, and Joe Ventura for 2nd place; Billy Rowe, Joe Hall, Tom Sopko, and Emcee Bob Drewitt for 3rd place; and Frank Zazula for closest-to-the-pin on #17. A special DLA (Dead A__ Last) Award, courtesy of Mel’s Lonestar Lanes, was presented to Sherri Miller, Bill Vokes, Doug Lowe, and Bob McCormick for obtaining the worst score and encouraging them to take up the sport of bowling in lieu of golf!

Emcee Bob Drewitt presented outgoing Head HOGG, Mike Rawles, with a couple mementos and thanked him for the past year’s stewardship of the HOGGs. We are looking for a volunteer to take on this prestigious position.

Special thanks go to Gary Herzik, Mike Rawles, and Scott Helm for co-chairing and organizing this great, annual event; Mr. Brent Springer, the golf pro and Mr. Jeff Hammeken, head chef, and the entire staff of GCC for hosting us, donating several great prizes and free dinners, and for preparing and serving a fantastic meal and many libations; Mr. Dave Kellerman of Mel’s Lonestar Lanes for, again, donating the DAL bowling packages; and Mr. Dan St.John, owner of Golf Ranch in the Wolf Ranch shopping center for donating $10 off merchandise coupons to each player and for sponsoring the hole-in-one contest. Please patronize all of these GREAT, local businesses - www.georgetowncountryclub.net/; www.melslonestarlanes.com; and, www.golfranchshop.com/.

Contact Gary Herzik if you have any questions about memberships at GCC, and Bob Drewitt about Mel’s or The Golf Ranch.

We look forward to seeing everyone again next year.

(See pages 6 and 15 for pictures.)

Cactus blooming in the Ragan’s yard on Hidden Springs

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Big Bend Trail (4800-4900)/Fort Davis Donna Kirby - 240-5448

Jeanne Mann - 869-1768

Big Bend Trail (5000 to Caprock Canyon)

Carol Peterhans - 948-7366

Sharon Fowler - 943-0067

Big Bend Trail (Caprock Canyon to barricade)

Koreen Tongen - 832-703-9015

Big Springs/Sierra Blanca Loop

Jane Williams - 943-0490

Big Thicket

Teresa Landgraf - 864-9703

Boquilla

Loretta Farrell - 863-7483

Caprock Canyon Trail

Bobbie Mabry - 591-7304

Sherrill McCullough - 240-5582

Coordinator Marie Blom – 240-5364

Hidden Springs Trail/Enchanted Rock Trail Dee Nafarrate – 868-3095

Fern Ragan - 943-9147

Indian Lodge/Heritage Oaks Bend Sue Brown – 943-0185

Alleene Groves - 943-0143

Lost Maples Trail Anne Krishan - 868-0264

Beverly Smith - 591-7062

Palo Duro Canyon Trail

Elaine Miller - 240-4693

Riverwalk Trail

Linda Miller – 240-4261

Judy Johnston – 868-2882

Sonora Trace (4600-4900)/Longhorn Cavern

Chris Huntzinger – 584-5167

Sonora Trace (4900 and above)/Fossil Rim

Tish Veals - 863-4664

Care Team Contacts

NEIGHBORHOOD WATCHCAR KEYS - ALARM

By Pete Boisvert

As an added security measure to your household central alarm system – consider placing your car keys (equipped with a panic button) beside your bed at night. If you hear a suspicious noise outside your home or someone is trying to get in your home, just press the panic button wired to your car. The car’s alarm will be set off, and the horn will sound until you turn it off.

It’s a security alarm system that you probably already have and requires no installation. If your car alarm goes off when someone is trying to break into your house, odds are the intruder won’t stick around. After a few seconds, the neighbors will be looking out their windows to see who is out there and sure enough the criminal won’t want that. Also consider carrying your keys while walking to your car in a parking lot. Your car alarm can provide the same benefit.

It would also be useful for an emergency, such as a heart attack, where you can’t reach a phone. Consider carrying your keys when working outside in case youfall and need help. You can activate the car alarm and then your spouse and/or neighbor will be alerted that there’s a problem.

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HO Resident HonoredHeritage Oaks resident Colin Johnson was named Volunteer of the Year for the Technical Services division of the Georgetown Public Library at the library’s volunteer luncheon held April 24. One volunteer is named annually from each of the two divisions. Collectively the Library uses over 12,000 hours a year of volunteer assistance.

Technical Services is the area of the Library housed out of sight from the public and is responsible for all the materials ordering, receiving and preparation for circulation.

Golf Social Pictures

Billy Rowe, Bob Drewitt, Joe Hall &Tom Sopko

Joe Ventura, Ollie Ragan, Scott Helm & Clare Sanders

Ken Alford, Michael Cox & Bruce Halgren

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Heritage Needle & Thread

N & T Visits Fredericksburgby Marilyn Richards

The Needle & Thread group enjoyed a trip to Fredericksburg for our April meeting. Our first stop was the Wildseed Farm. The wild seeds were at their peak and the colors were amazing. Then we were off to Der Kuchen Laden next, which must be the most stocked kitchen store in Central Texas. Lunch at the Peachtree Tea Room satisfied us all. Our last bit of adventure included strolling down Main Street, the main drag in town. Our carload of travelers included Glenda Deal, our driver, Sandy Cox, Sharon Hedrick, Annie Webb, Anna Lowary, and Marilyn Richards. This group of Needle & Thread members had a great time without even shopping for material or yarn!

Join us in May for:

Heritage Oaks Needle & Thread Swap and Sell Sale

May 13, 201310:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Heritage Oaks Ballroom

Clean out your closets of unwanted Sewing Equipment including machines, tables, attachments, and other paraphernalia.

We’re inviting all Heritage Oaks residents to participate this swap/sale.

Now is the time to thin your stash of fabric, thread, yarn, or any other soft goods relating to sewing, knitting, crocheting or other needle-type hand work.

We’ll have hard goods and soft goods at this event. Let us know if you want to participate, along with a list of what you’re selling or swapping.

By May 1, contact: Marilyn Richards @ 512-864-0831,

Glenda Deal @ 512-943-9460, or Sharon Hedrick @ 512-868-6320

GEORGETOWN Hike & Bike TRAILS

By Pete Boisvert

If you enjoy the great outdoors, wildlife, sunshine and need a little exercise – check out the Georgetown trails. The nearest access to Heritage Oaks is located off DB Woods Road just a short distance behind HEB.

The Georgetown Parks and Recreation Department has nearly 9 miles of outstanding hike and bike trails along the North and South San Gabriel Rivers. On the north side, there’s a one mile lighted concrete trail that goes from San Gabriel Park to Rivery Park with public parking at both locations. On the south side, there is a one mile lighted concrete trail that starts at Walden and College and goes to Blue Hole Park - check out Mother Nature’s pecan trees.

This preserved area is simply beautiful! You can enjoy Nature’s finest as you stroll along pass the Georgetown Country Club and all the way into Downtown Georgetown.

You can step up your appreciation for this beautiful feature and volunteer to help remove invasive trees and shrubs along the trail. Volunteers are needed for weekday work hours and all are welcome. For details email Heather Brewer at: heather.brewer@georgetown.org or call her at (512) 930-6113.

For trail maps contact the Georgetown Parks & Recreation at (512) 930-3595 or stop in at the Visitor’s Center on the Square.

Cyclist riding along the North San Gabriel River

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Entertainment Event: WINE TASTINGThe Entertainment Committee will present a “Flavors Around The World” Wine Tasting Event on Sunday, June 2, 2013. Steve Marquart, the HEB Wine Specialist, will feature 6 wines, 3 reds and 3 whites. We will serve cheeses, crackers, fruit and chocolate pared with each wine so the full flavor can be experienced. Please bring your own wine glass. Doors will open at 4:30 p.m. with the tasting starting at 5 p.m.

The cost of this fun evening is $15.00 per person. Please make your reservations with a check payable to the Heritage Oaks HOA to Jo Rake, 842 Los Maples, 512 943-9136 by Monday, May 27, 2013.

The Entertainment Committee will hopefully present many fun evening events for your enjoyment. We are planning on having one each quarter next year. The next event will be Sunday, October 27, 2013 - “Dancing To The Oldies”. Watch the August and September Nutshell for more information.

On the Mats By Joy Vera

Yoga and the Stress Response Everyone has experienced stress for one reason or another. Stress can be defined as the body’s physiological response to perceived threat or danger. The stress response stimulates a part of the autonomic nervous system known as the sympathetic nervous system, the “flight or fight” system. Hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol are released into the bloodstream. Energy is redirected to the organs and muscles needed for emergency survival, such as the heart and voluntary muscles. Blood pressure rises, heart rate increases, the breath quickens. Blood clots more easily in case you are injured. Blood sugar and lipids increase to fuel the anticipated challenge. Energy is directed away from the digestive and reproductive systems which are not needed for self-defense.

All of this is useful if there is an actual emergency. Sometimes, however, the stress-response system doesn’t switch off once the crisis has passed. Sources of short term or on-going stress can include worries about health, family, finances, caregiving, issues at work, busy social calendars, on and on. When stress is chronic, our health can be adversely affected.

Practicing yoga can be an effective way of dealing with stress. Many of the postures and breathing practices specifically target and stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, the “rest and relax” side of the autonomic nervous system. Stimulation of the parasympathetic nervous system tends to lower heart rate and blood pressure, slow respiration and help the body return to a state of equilibrium. When we move and breathe with awareness as we do in yoga classes, it tends to calm and balance the nervous system.

There are three yoga classes now offered in Heritage Oaks. (See the Activities pages for details.) Joyce Helm and I hope to see you there!

Save the Date

June WHO Event to Feature Fashion Show

Be sure and mark your calenders for June 20, 2013 for the annual WHO Tea Luncheon. This year we are featuring Southern Hippe, Baby Hippe, and Diva Chicks with a style show put on by your fantastic friends and neighbors from Heritage Oaks.

The event will be from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. It will include an on site Mobile Showroom and shopping from Southern Hippe. The cost is only $8.00 for a fantastic luncheon and entertaining show.

Joy Dornbush (612-965-9050) at 823 Lost Maples will be collecting reservations. Hope to see you there.

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bar-b-QUe adVentUre’S LaSt SprInG oUtInGby Scott Helm

For our March BBQ outing, the Men of Heritage Oaks (or MHOOOO) chose Franklin BBQ in Austin as our port of call. Actually, we decided to order in advance and bring it up to Georgetown, since we did not think a bunch of old guys could stand in line for the two hours (average) wait time. Franklin's is relatively new on the Central Texas BBQ scene. It moved into its permanent facility on East 11th Street within the last couple of years. Since that time, it has been the subject of many distinctions, including: Bon Apetit's rating as the best BBQ in the country, 2 appearances in Texas Monthly, and a visit by Anthony Bourdain.

After e-mailing our order in advance, Howie DiBlasi and I arrived at Franklin’s before 10:30 a.m. The order for 24 diners consisted of 17 lbs of brisket, 17 lbs of ribs, 10 lbs of sausage and 2 lbs of turkey--coming to $700. When we arrived, we were greeted by about 100 people already in line for the 11a.m. opening time. One enterprising UT student was seated off to the side with rental chairs for $5. I was a little concerned that I might be mugged for hauling off so much of the highly prized delicacy as I jumped to the front of the line, but all I heard was some rumbling from the crowd.

When we arrived back at the club house, we were met by quite a scene. Bob Drewitt and Geoff Rake were our designated meat slicers and each came with his own kitchen scale to ensure each person got what he had ordered. James Fontenot contributed a pot of “Janet’s Famous Beans” big enough to feed all of us. Ray Dorton brought a ton of potato salad and Pete Vera kicked in a case of Budweiser’s finest. After our arrival with the awaited main course, the group quickly formed a serving line. First stop was the cashier (that would be me), then on to the meat, followed by a stop at the counter for beans, potato salad, etc.

So how was the meat? To be honest, it’s hard to say because it got awful quiet when everyone sat down to eat, but I did hear the drone of numerous “ummm’s.” Personally, I think the brisket is consistently the best. It has just the right amount of “moistness” and it just falls apart without needing a knife. The ribs are great too; but I find it hard to say which ribs are best: Snow’s, City Market in Luling, or Franklin’s. The sausage is good as well, but not as flavorful or spicy as some Elgin sausage I’ve tried. I did have a tiny bit of turkey left over which I brought home to Joyce who deemed it excellent. I am still getting comments from guys who ordered extra meat and have been enjoying it for additional meals.

This trip concludes my spring outings for a while as I’ll be traveling over the next several months. In ourlast 3 tastings, we have been to Snow’s in Lexington, City Market in Luling, and now Franklin BBQ in Austin. These are the holy trinity of BBQ in Central Texas and I would gladly go to any of them again. I have heard that John Mueller (grandson of Louie Mueller) is opening a new place on 6th Street, if he has not already done so (it is at least his 3rd attempt to establish abusiness in Austin). If he is still smoking meat when I get back from traveling, we will have to try his offerings.

Frank Zazula eagerly awaits his serving from Geoff Rake

eat More bbQ!!!

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Women of Heritage Oaks Visit the Vineyard at Florence

by Joyce Helm

Despite threatening skies, cold temperatures, and high winds, the WHO had a convivial group of about 35 women who traveled to The Vineyard at Florence on April 18. Sunshine would have added to our driving pleasure – bluebonnets were out in abundance, but needed more sun to highlight their beauty. The weather also made patio dining a non-issue, but it didn’t dampen our appetites for our indoor lunch and wine-tasting. The food, wine, and conversation was all top-notch.

Marilyn Richards was the lucky winner in a drawing for a bottle of the Vineyard’s Estate wine, which she wisely put out of sight from the eager wine-tasters. Although hardly a shopping mecca, a number of wine bottles did make their way back to Georgetown and at least one box of chocolate truffles was purchased for a deserving husband.

Cindy Fowler, Marilyn Richards, Rose Pace, Gwen Matisziw, Carolyn McCreight, JoAnn

Journey, Sharon Fowler

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MHO Program on Drought Brings Area RainBy Don McCullough

The Men of Heritage Oaks are willing to produce more programs on our area drought IF it will assure regular rains such as the one experienced on program day. The Environmental and Conservation Services Manager for the City of Georgetown, Kathy Ragsdale, presented an outline of the developing rules and regulations for the City to better manage its water resources. Joining her on the program was Georgetown native Tom Catlin, who is with Conserve Texas Water, and who described his electronic regulatory sensing product that attaches to an automatic water sprinkling system to suppress water activation when it determines water is not required.

Ragsdale went into the background of how the State’s water resources are regulated and coordinated by four entities: 1. The Commission on Environmental Quality; 2. Texas Water Quality Board; 3. Water Conservation Advisory Board, and finally; 4. The Local Government Code. Even the Property Codes are woven into the fabric of water regulations. She cited a number of misconceptions surrounding water regulation including: there are no legal restrictions for supervised watering; there are no penalties or enforcement agencies for water usage; there is NO watering on Mondays when the city’s storage tanks are being recharged, then watering can occur three times a week on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday if you live in odd numbered home address, and Wednesday, Friday and Sunday if you live in an even numbered home. She advised that regulatory efforts are gradually being coordinated between districts and that new regulations and rates will be based upon usage amounts.

She displayed several charts projecting the proposed new water rates for Georgetown, described some incentives to cut water use, told of the new meters that constantly electronically monitor water used by each and every resident, and she encouraged drip irrigation and use of soaker hoses instead of automatic sprinkler systems. She said citizens of Georgetown use an average of 1,000 gallons of water per month for which they pay about $1.11. Citizens can now request to be put on Aqua Messenger which will notify them when they exceed 1,000 gallons usage and experience an up-charge per gallon.

Tom Catlin spent his time describing his electronic suppression apparatus that uses a sophisticated coordination of data from the US Geological Survey; the National Weather Service, and the World Meteorological Data System in concert with the Satellite positioning systems pinpointed on a customer’s yard. The device coordinates all this data to determine the necessity of watering. He used the word “evapotranspiration” to describe the mission of this new device. He said the average water bill in GT is $2,700 annually. He reported that SW University experienced a 43% reduction in water usage on their campus using this device. Cost of the device is $350 installed with a $2.50 monthly fee. The return on investment is determined by water savings per year.

At the moment, the City of Georgetown and Conserve Texas Water do not formally work together except in a friendly common effort to conserve water.

Kathy Ragsdale speaks on water rules for Georgetown

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Now Playing

When Dogs Start Playing Post OfficeAn editorial by Don McCullough

Before we have a misunderstanding, let me assure you that I have both owned and loved dogs most of my life. They are devoted companions who love their owners no matter how little sensitivity they might possess. For the most part, dogs are just about perfect until it comes to two things…barking incessantly at nothing, and pooping regularly every day. Complaints of both problems became so frequent and sometimes personal, they are no longer accepted on HO’s Yahoo Mail.

The barking, I am told, can be managed by the owner awarding a “scholarship to obedience school”, or by the purchase of an inexpensive citronella collar that sprays a fine objectionable (and harmless) mist in front of the dog when it barks. The dog soon learns that barking stimulates the objectionable odor and stifles the urge to bark its lungs out every 30 minutes or so. This plan looks good on paper anyway.

We all understand that nature’s call cannot be so easily curtailed for a dog, but the results can be satisfactorily contained in a baggy, and that brings me to the title of this editorial. Guess what was found in early April inside the Ft. Davis post office drop near Caprock Canyon Trail? If you need a hint, it was large, unsightly, and was something unexpected you had to avoid by walking around it. Being a dog lover, I do not blame the dog for this “accident”, I blame the leash-holder for two things: 1. Not pulling the dog out of the post office drop-off when things looked imminent, and 2. not picking up and removing the evidence once it happened. This is another result that looks good inside a paper or plastic baggy disposed of in the resident owner’s home refuse containers or bathrooms. None of these actions are difficult or expensive to accomplish, but they are considerate of resident neighbors picking up their daily mail, and the evidence indicates a great deal about the owner’s lack of sensitivity.

I went to an Estate Sale recently where I read a large yellow sign that said: “If your dog pooped here in days of yore, better watch your step on your own front door.” Retired residents who work long hours in their yards seeking the coveted “HO Yard of the Month” designation, do not appreciate “uninvited decorations” intentionally left on their carefully tended turf by insensitive owners. To coin a phrase, many HO residents are reported to be “mad as heck about these regular deposits and do not intend to take them anymore”. So be a good neighbor and please pick-up pet poop…especially in our busy post office drops where everyone must play Post Office…and where defecation could be considered as a HO-Federal Offense. Don’t allow Mess in Texas.

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Honeybees in the NeighborhoodBy Bev Smith

A few rain showers in February and some warm days in March produced an abundance of wildflowers this spring. With a plentiful supply of nectar, the worker bee population exploded and the hives became overcrowded as they filled with honey. When this happens, the hive grows a new queen and the old queen bee leaves the nest with half the bees in a ‘swarm’.

Several neighbors have seen these swarms hanging from trees in their yards or in the common areas this year. These swarms send out scouts looking for the perfect home. They may find a hollow tree, a wall or attic in a home, a birdhouse or an owl box. Once the new home is located, the swarm moves in and begins to build a new beehive. If their new home is in the wall of your home or in a tree close to your home, youhave a problem.

In March, we found a swarm in our owl house in the backyard. Since I am allergic to stings, we wanted a quick removal and hired Randy Oakley from the Oakley Family Apiaries to remove our hive. Mr. Oakleyand his son came to the house in the evening when the bees were returning to the nest. First, he inspected the hive to determine if they were honeybees or the more aggressive Africanized honeybee. After using a few puffs of smoke to foil the alarm signals the excited bees were sending, they attached screen over the entrance to the nest with caulking. Then, they sawed the bolts holding the box to the tree and removed the entire owl house with about 20 pounds of honey and bees. Once back at their farm, they would let the bees rest for a day, then introduce them to their apiary.

You can find a list of beekeepers in our area that remove and relocate honeybees at: www.BeeRemovalSource.com. Some services are free, others charge from $50 to $125 or higher if the hive is within the walls of your home and would require removal of the sheetrock to access.

Randy Oakley’s son holds the owl house beehive

Oh, Editor, Where Art Thou?There are now more than 300 homes in our Heritage Oaks community and 600 or more residents. So where among all those readers of in a Nutshell is someone willing to assume the role of copy editor?

Thanks to Debbie Cox who has been assisting Janine Alford in proofreading and Jo Rake who has been acting as copy editor as well as doing the time consuming layout puzzle, in a Nutshell has continued to be published for the past few months. How long we can continue without a copy editor is uncertain.

So, Mr. or Ms. Editor, please contact Don McCullough at donmac39@suddenlink.net or 240-5582 to volunteer.

Name BadgesAll residents of Heritage Oaks are urged to purchase a name badge. If you do not have a name badge, please complete an order form available in the clubhouse, and mail it directly to the company “Too Crazy Ladies”. Pin backed badges and magnet backed badges are available.

Name tags make it easy for everyone to put names and faces together. Please wear your name badge to all Heritage Oaks events and activities.

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NEED A REFERRAL? Check the “Referrals” database on the Yahoo

HOA website.The best referrals are the ones that come

from your neighbors and friends so check it out!

Send referrals to Bobbie Mabry at bbmabry@suddenlink.net or call her at 591-7304.

CALLING ALL CRAFT PERSONS

(This includes all women & men who reside in Heritage Oaks community.)

6th Annual Crafts FaireMonday, November 11th, HOA

ClubhouseIf you would like to participate as a vendor, please call Sharon Hedrick (868-6320) or Helen Klenz (240-4140) ASAP! Table places are filling up quickly; once the spots are spoken for, we will then take a waiting list. This year, the Faire is open to all residents of Heritage Oaks for a modest fee of $10.00 per table which is equal to dues paid by members of HOA Needle & Thread club, this year's sponsor.

We hope to see many varied crafts this year by both the ladies and men who live here to provide additional interest in the event! Tell your friends and relatives about the Faire so they can mark their calendars to come and shop since Christmas will be right around the corner. All are welcome!

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More Golf Pictures HO Stampers Attend Salado Retreat

by Marcy Lowe

Creating greeting cards is fun. However, it is even more fun when you do it with 62 other women from all over the country. Women came from Arkansas, Oklahoma, various Texas towns, and even Canada.

In April, Mark, owner of Deadbeat Design stamps, and Lynn, owner of the Stamp Shack Stamp Store in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, organized and taught at the first Stamping Retreat right here in Salado, Texas. Margarita, another instructor, taught mixed media classes, and Lynn’s husband assisted in our many stamping purchases.

Classes were non-stop. New techniques and supplies were introduced, and demonstrated. Mark provided all the stamps used to make the cards. Only his newest stamps were used and were available for purchase.

Stampers also had time to visit “Stamp Salado” and take part in their mini classes. The door prize was won by Anne Krishan, member of the Heritage Oaks Stampers.

Also, attached is the photo of the HO stampers at one of their many classes. They are Anne Krishan, Carol Peterhans, Bobbie Mabry, and Marcy Lowe.

All stampers, who attended, had fun meeting other stampers, sharing ideas, and making new friends. We hope this is the first of many stamping retreats in this area and that Mark, Lynn, and her husband, Chris, and Margarita, will all return next year.

Anne Krishan, Marcy Lowe, Carol Peterhans and Bobbie Mabry

Let Me Help You!

Above - Bill Vokes, Sherri Miller, Bob

McCormick & Doug Lowe

Left - Frank Zazula

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HO Residents at Home and Abroad

Barbara Carter admires the tulips in Holland

Helen and Dennis Klenz do a little Spring planting

Geoff and Jo Rake with group leader Walter Quinones at Copan Ruins, Honduras

Ken and Janine Alford enjoy a cruise toRoatan, Belize and Cozumel on the Crown Princess

Joan Osborn “supports” the tallest building in Dubai, UAE

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I’m Rose Pace, your neighbor in I’m Rose Pace, your neighbor in Heritage Oaks. For 27 years, I Heritage Oaks. For 27 years, I owned Pace Travel, Inc. in Austin. owned Pace Travel, Inc. in Austin. Now I work from my home and would Now I work from my home and would love to help you plan your next trip love to help you plan your next trip or organize a group.or organize a group.

Phone: 512-863-6100 Fax: 888-557-1046

E-mail: rpace@sterlingvacations.com Website: www.SterlingVacations.com

4908 Sonora Trace · Georgetown TX · 78633

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Monthly Clubhouse ActivitiesHappy Hour

Fourth Tuesday 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Bring your favorite beverage and a snack for a fun happy hour together. Contact: Chris and Beth Packer 864-0396, Pete and Valerie Boisvert 943-9863, or Terry and Patsy Blackburn 591-7722.

Monthly SocialSecond Friday 5:30 p.m.

All residents of Heritage Oaks are invited to a monthly themed social event that usually includes a meal, entertainment and time to get to know your neighbors better. Event sponsors are needed for specific months. There is a cost for meals. Contact: Barbara Stillwell 591-7399

Heritage Needle and Thread

Second Monday 10:00 a.m.

All Heritage Oaks stitchers are invited to join us.

This club involves quilting, needlepoint, knitting, crocheting, cross-stitching, embroidery, etc. Learn something new every month. Please bring any projects for “show and tell” to share with the group. Special interest subgroups work on personal and charity projects.

Quilters - Fourth Wednesday 1:00 p.m.

Knit and Crochet - Third Thursday 1:00 p.m.

Contact: Sherrill McCullough at 240-5582.

Ladies Coffee Hour

Second Tuesday 10:00 a.m.

Meet for conversation and coffee. You can even bring a snack. Contact: Teresa Landgraf 864-9703

Heritage Oaks StampersThird Tuesday 10:00 a.m.

New and experienced stampers meet to create personal greeting cards and other printed items. Contact: Marcy Lowe 868-8974

May Bunko

New Date & Time – Saturday, May 25 at 7 p.m.Due to the use of the Clubhouse by an outside

participant, Bunko will be the 4th Saturday in May.

Bunko is a dice game played with multiples of 4 people. Sign-up and information sheets are located in the Clubhouse. Please bring an appetizer or dessert to share and wear your name badge. Cost is $5.00 per person and covers prize money. Contact: Janine Alford 868-3321

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YogaTuesday 3:30 p.m.

Joyce Helm, a YOGAFIT-Certified Instructor, leads a restorative yoga class. It’s geared to men and women and no prior yoga experience is needed. The hour-long class focuses on improving flexibility and balance. Additional benefits of the class include improved posture, increased energy, and stress reduction. Class members are encouraged to progress at their own pace; and regardless of whether you’re an athlete, a retired athlete, a couch potato, or a skeptic, you’re encouraged to come and give yoga a try. The first class is free and mats are provided. Cost is $ 5.00. Contact: Joyce Helm 863-5578

Gentle YogaThursday 3:30 p.m.

Joy Vera, a certified Hatha Yoga instructor, leads a one hour fifteen minute gentle yoga class. The first class is free; subsequent classes are $ 5.00 per class. Some mats, straps, blocks and blankets are available but participants are encouraged to bring their own. Contact: Joy Vera863-4978.

Ponytail CanastaTuesday 1:30 p.m.

Ponytail Canasta is a variation of the original Canasta from the 1950’s. Beginners are welcome. Contact: Teresa Landgraf 864-9703

Party Bridge

Friday 10 a.m.

Seasoned Bridge players are invited to join fellow players for a fun morning. Please sign up ahead in the Clubhouse. Contact: Marilyn Richards 864-0831 or Paul Hooper 863-8977

DominoesWednesday 1:30 p.m.

The national game of Texas is a bidding-type dominoes called “42”. It is similar to bridge, spades, or pinocle. :Shoot the Moon” and “84” are also played. Contact: Dennis Klenz,240-4140

Men of Heritage OaksWednesday 10:00 a.m.

The men of Heritage Oaks are invited to meet for conversation. Contact: James Fontenot 639-1250

Weekly Clubhouse Activities

PokerFriday 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

All Heritage Oaks residents are invited to play “Dealer Choice” poker. The games are friendly and the “cards speak for themselves.” For $5 you receive $5 in chips with all the money returned to the players. Come join us each week for a few hours of excitement. Bring your favorite poker game or deal a game you learned while playing with the Poker Group. Contact: Gary Herzik 863-2418

Mah JonggMonday 1:30 p.m.

Mah Jongg is a game played by four players as individuals, not partners. The goal is to match your hand, played with tiles, to pre-printed hands on a yearly card published by the National Mah Jongg League. If you would like to learn how to play, please join, and we’ll be happy to teach you. Contact: Janine Alford 868-3321

Beginning Bridge

Monday 10:00 a.m.

We do play Bridge, but we also talk about the hands. The goal of the sessions is to practice the game of bridge and learn as much as we can from each other, the mentors, and our bridge books. If you know something about bridge and are interested in learning more, join the beginners. Contact: Marilyn Richards 864-0831 or Paul Hooper 863-8977

Morning YogaFriday 8:15 a.m.

For the early birds, Joyce Helm leads a rise and shine class for all yoga levels. Cost is $ 5.00. Contact: Joyce Helm 863-5578

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Women of Heritage OaksThird Thursday

All the Women of Heritage Oaks are invited to a monthly event that includes a shopping outing, museum tour, movie, meal, or party. Times vary depending on the program. Contact: Barbara Rauch 943-4869, barbararauch@suddenlink.net or Carole DeLange, 832-444-7295, christmas6570@gmail.com

Other Interest Groups

Don’t see a group listed that interests you. Start one!

Just send a message through the Yahoo Groups message board to see if there are others interested in started a group. Then set a date and time to meet. Once you are organized, send meeting notices through the Yahoo Groups site and let the editors of in a Nutshell know the details so your group can be added.

Heritage Oaks Re-Cyclers

Tuesday and Thursday 10:00 a.m. Winter Months

Join your neighbors for some bicycling exercise. Tuesday is a gentle ride around Heritage Oaks. Thursday is a more strenuous ride to selected locations. Interested riders should meet at the Clubhouse with bike, helmet and other appropriate gear. Contact: Chris Packer 864-0396; Pete Boisvert 943-9863.

Heritage Oaks Dinner Groups

All residents of Heritage Oaks are invited to become part of a dinner group. Small groups of 6-10 people meet monthly or every other month at homes in our neighborhood. Dates and times will be determined by the groups, as well as how casual or formal they want the meal to be. As soon as there is a sufficient number of interested people another group will be formed. Contact: Norma Rowe at 868-3838.

Men of Heritage Oaks Bar-B-Que AdventureMonthly or When They Get Hungry for BBQ

The Men of Heritage Oaks are in search of the best BBQ in Central Texas. Using a Texas Monthly article, they are eating their way down the list. All are invited. Get on the e-mail list. Contact: Scott Helm 863-5578

History Study GroupIf you are interested in political and military history,

as well as historical biography, then join like-minded individuals in a discussion group. Contact: Jack Sulsona 869-5675

Chick Flick Night

First Monday Evening

Heritage Oaks ladies meet at an area restaurant for dinner. Then they split up to attend the movie of their choice at a local theater. Contact: Shirley Latham 869-0024 or Darlene Homeier 240-5006 for reservations

Heritage Oaks Golf GaggleMonday or Thursday

The HOGGs play golf every week, weather permitting and generally stop for a BBQ or burger lunch after. All Heritage Oaks golfers are invited to join the group. Get your name on the e-mail list. Contact: Bob Drewitt 240-5678 or Scott Helm 863-5578

Texas Two-Step Dancing

First and Third Monday 2:00 p.m.

Come out for fun, exercise and enjoy getting to know your neighbors. Learn all the Texas dance steps. Beginners are especially welcome. Contact: Jim Hutchinson 809-4088

Other Activities

Community Chorus

Tuesdays at 2 p.m. See Yahoo calendar for dates

All members of Heritage Oaks are invited to join the Community Chorus. Members meet to sing old favorites and three and four part songs for pleasure and possible performance. Contact Jo Rake 943-9136.

SHOW - Single Women of Heirtage Oaks

Third Sunday 4 p.m.

SHOW meets monthly for a social dinner at an area restauranr followed by coffee dessert and converstion at a member’s home. Contact: Rose Pace travelplace@yahoo.com

Fitness CenterThe Fitness Center is available to members 24

hours a day. Members should enter through the Clubhouse south side door. This door should be kept locked at all times. The door has a combination push lock. To open the door, you will need to go to the Yahoo site and get the combination. The combination will change quarterly on January 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31. When the combination is changed, you will be notified by email through the HO Yahoo Group site.

Cardio equipment includes ellipticals, treadmills and cycles. Weight machines include leg and upper body machines. There are also free weights and stretching equipment available.

All residents and their guests must complete a Waiver Form before using the Fitness Center. Forms are available in the Clubhouse office and the Fitness Center. They are also available in the welcoming folder distributed by the Care Team to all new residents.

The Clubhouse The Waiver Form is part of the Fitness Center operating guidelines and rules. Completed Waiver Forms should be deposited in the Clubhouse Office wooden box labeled “Completed Forms” or left in the Waiver Form holder in the Fitness Center. Guests using the Fitness Center must be accompanied by a resident at all times.

If you are the last person to leave the Fitness Center, please assure that the lights, fans, TV’s, etc are turned off and all doors are locked. The Fitness Center thermostat is in a locked box. The temperature has been set at 68 degrees. Do not attempt to change it.

HoursThe Clubhouse is open every day from 9:30 a.m.

through 5:30 p.m. It will be opened and closed daily by a property owner. Please contact Robert Wemheuer at 591-7065 if you are interested in volunteering.

If you have an after hours event, please pick up a front door entrance key from the Social committee. The primary contact is Barbara Stillwell at 591-7399. You may also contact Pat McCutchin at 869-3569. Do not contact the sales office for keys. They are no longer involved.

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The primary method of communicating information to and between homeowners at Heritage Oaks is through the internet. This is the quickest and most economical way. Homeowners are encouraged to use the internet, but basic information is available on the bulletin board in the clubhouse.

Heritage Oaks Yahoo Group

Check out the Heritage Oaks website at finance.groups.yahoo.com/group/heritageoaksgeorgetown/

If you would like to view the entire website and receive and send emails to residents, you must first become a member of Yahoo.com. Go to Yahoo.com and select “Sign Up” in the Sign In box. Complete the form and select “Create My Account”.

Then you must request to become a member of the Heritage Oaks Yahoo Group. Complete a “Request to Be Added to the Yahoo Groups” form that is available in the clubhouse and leave it in the “completed forms” box in the clubhouse.

After you have become a member, there are several options to choose from at the home page. If you are looking for details of an event, you can find them here. Click on Messages to read current messages your fellow home owners have posted. You may add messages of general interest to other members. This Group is not to be used for passing on jokes, offering political commentary, airing neighbor-to-neighbor issues, etc. It is for the mutual benefit of all our residents, so please keep the entire community in mind when posting messages, events, photos, etc.

The files option leads you to “in a Nutshell” copies, Heritage Oaks Homeowner’s Association Documents and Recipes from Heritage Oaks Kitchens. The Photos section includes pictures from past events and activities. You may add your own photos.

The Database section includes a file of referrals to entities reviewed by residents. The “Resident List” includes the name, address, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses of most of the Heritage Oaks homeowners.

If you are not listed and would like to be included, please call Janine Alford at 868-3321 or email her at j9andken1995@yahoo.com. Please provide her with your information and permission to be added to the list.

If you are currently on the list, but if something needs updating, please let her know.

The Heritage Oaks Master Calendar can also be found on the website. You should check it often for updates, changes and additions. If you have any questions about the Master Calendar or would like to add, delete or change an event, please contact Sharon Drewitt at 240-5678 or email sdrewitt@suddenlink.net.

Bulletin Boards

There is a bulletin board located in the hobby/library room in the clubhouse. There are also bulletin boards at each mailbox kiosk. Residents are urged to use this board to post announcements for upcoming Heritage Oaks events and activities. Postings will be removed after the event or activity. There are two bulletin boards located above the water fountains near the restrooms which are used for official notifications and information from the Heritage Oaks Homeowners Association.

“in a Nutshell”The newsletter is published monthly, both elec-

tronically and printed. The newsletter is placed in the files section of the Yahoo Group. To view it online, you must be a member of the heritageoaksgeorgetown Yahoo Group. A message is sent to all members after the monthly posting. Black and white printed copies can be found in the Hobby Room. Please drop 50 cents into the can provided to help cover printing costs.

Those who do not have access to a computer can have it delivered to their homes for an annual fee for printing. Contact Janine Alford 868-3321; j9andken1995@yahoo.com

Every resident is encouraged to write articles and provide photos that would be of interest to the community. Please submit your materials by the 23rd of the month to the copy editor. If you have comments, suggestions or questions please contact the staff:

Copy Editor - Position Vacant

Lay Out Editor - Jo Rake 943-9136; ragland9@suddenlink.net

Advertising - Janine Alford 868-3321; j9andken1995@yahoo.com

Communications

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