News from the Board. Cherry Creek View. Cicada Killers. Dear Neighbors:

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1 July 2011 Volume 7, Number 7 News from the Board Dear Neighbors: Yes, we will be hosting our Fourth of July Parade, followed immediately by a neighborhood breakfast. Everyone, please join us at 9 o clock am on Monday, July 4th by the marquee located in the Cherry Creek Pocket Park (the front park). We will parade through the neighborhood and finish at the Silk Oak Neighborhood Park (the back park at the end of Silk Oak Drive). We will be providing breakfast tacos and beverages. Those of you who cannot make the parade, please come out of your homes when you hear the commotion and give us a cheer and a wave! We also invite all the neighborhood children to decorate their bikes, trikes, wagons and skate boards and join us in this annual event in which we celebrate our National Independence Day. Those of you who aren t able to join our festivities, have a safe and happy Fourth of July. Sincerely, Barbara Statum for the Board Cicada Killers Many people panic when they see large wasps flying low over their yard during the summer. It can be a common sight and if one looks, they will often find holes in the yard or flower beds that are surrounded by small piles of dirt. The wasps are cicada killers and can be considered a beneficial insect. Cicada killers are about 1 ½ inches long with a reddish-brown head and thorax and an abdomen that is black with yellow markings. Wings have a rusty color. Males can be aggressive and buzz near people, but they are unable to sting. Females are capable of stinging but are rarely aggressive towards humans or animals. Females dig burrows in the ground for nesting areas. Females sting cicadas to paralyze them, take the cicada back to the burrow and then lay an egg upon it. When the egg hatches, the larvae feed upon the cicadas provided. Cicada killers usually do not warrant any control methods. They are actually beneficial insects that help to reduce populations of cicadas. If you feel that you must do something to manage them, you can sprinkle insecticidal dust around the opening of the burrow. For more information or help with identification, contact Wizzie Brown, Texas AgriLife Extension Service Program Specialist at Check out my blog at 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 AgriLife Extension Service or the Texas AgriLife Research is implied. Extension programs serve people of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. Copyright 2011 Peel, Inc. Cherry Creek on Brodie Lane Association Newsletter - July

2 Association Info Cherry Creek on Brodie Lane Neighborhood Association Barbara Statum, President Carmen Ramos, Secretary Carla Trautwein, Vice-President Kristyn Brown, Treasurer We invite you to join our neighborhood association. Annual dues are $60. (See application form: CCoBLNA- it's your neighborhood.) Please mail your dues to: Barbara Statum, President CCoBLNA PO Box Austin, Texas Our address for other correspondence: CCoBLNA PO Box Austin, Texas We also have a drop-box attached to our entrance marquee. This is not a US Mail box, so please don t put your utility bill, checks, etc in it. The drop-box is intended to promote feedback to the neighborhood association, and board members check it regularly. Be sure to raise the red flag. CCoBLNA Membership Drive Make your check payable to CCoBLNA $60 for the 2011 calendar year and mail to: CCoBLNA Kristyn Brown, Treasurer PO Box Austin, TX Your name(s):... Address:... City, State, ZIP:... Phone: (h)... (c)...(w)... address:... Do you: Own Rent How long in CCoB: yrs Note: Renters may not be voting members under our by-laws. I am (We are) willing to serve on a committee: Neighborhood Watch / National Night Out Landscaping Sprinkler System Front Entrance Development Occuring on Surrounding Properties Social Events (4th of July, Annual Garage Sale) Communications (Newsletter, Marquee, Website) Become a board member Other:... Suggestions of Issues to be addressed by CCoBLNA: Box Tops for Education Have you seen these in your kitchen and wondered what to do with them? Here is the answer. Clip them off the package and put them in the dropbox at the front entrance marquee! They will then be donated to our local schools to provide much needed money. Each box top is worth ten cents to a neighborhood school. It may not sound like much but if the whole neighborhood saves them, it could add up to big money. Here is a brief history of the Box Top$ program Box Tops has now helped our nation s schools earn over $130 million and includes over 86,000 participating schools. For the first time ever, the program expands to include brands outside of General Mills Years. Over $175 million donations. More than 95,000 Box Tops schools. Box Tops continues its tradition of making a difference for more schools... and more kids... year after year. Box Top$ are collected ALL YEAR LONG, so start clipping and keep clipping! SAVE ME! At no time will any source be allowed to use the Cherry Creek View contents, or loan said contents, to others in anyway, shape or form, nor in any media, website, print, film, , electrostatic copy, fax, or etc. for the purpose of solicitation, commercial use, or any use for profit, political campaigns, or other self amplification, under penalty of law without written or expressed permission from the Cherry Creek on Brodie Lane Neighborhood Association and Peel, Inc. The information in the Cherry Creek View is exclusively for the private use of Cherry Creek on Brodie Lane residents only. 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 notg 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. 2 Cherry Creek on Brodie Lane Association Newsletter - July 2011 Copyright 2011 Peel, Inc.

3 Austin Newcomers Club July Luncheon Austin Newcomers is a social organization dedicated to introducing residents to the Austin Community and giving them the opportunity to meet and make new friends. Join us at our monthly luncheon as well as take the opportunity to learn about and become involved in many varied fun Interest groups. TIME: 11:00 AM Social 12 Noon Luncheon DATE: July 20, 2011 (Reservations required by Thursday, July 14th) For Luncheon Reservations LuncheonDirector@AustinNewcomers.com or Diane Israelson For other Newcomers information visit or call All About the Classical Guitar! The Austin Classical Guitar Society (ACGS) is the largest of its kind in the nation and presents a broad range of programming serving the Central Texas community. ACGS programs include a seven-month International Concert Series, Summer Chamber Concert Series, Community Concert Series (30 free concerts), an Educational Outreach Program reaching nearly 800 students in 15 schools, free guitar lessons for low-income students, groundbreaking curriculum and teaching materials online at GuitarCurriculum.com. It also has a Community Guitarists program with amateur adult ensembles promoting life-long music education. Executive Director, Dr. Matthew Hinsley, will present an engaging talk about the classical guitar in Austin. He will also perform a few selections. Hinsley will talk about the unique characteristics of the classical guitar that make it a powerful ambassador for the fine arts, discuss upcoming events, and entertain the group with music too. Dr. Matthew Hinsley?was trained as a classical guitarist and vocalist at the Interlochen Arts Academy, the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, and the University of Texas at Austin. Beyond performing and scholarly pursuits, Dr. Hinsley has cultivated two primary professional interests: to enhance the way young classical guitarists are trained in America, and to transform the way arts organizations serve our diverse communities. In 2008 his increasingly popular book, Classical Guitar for Young People, was published by EnvisionArts. He recently published his second book Creativity to Community: Arts Nonprofit Success One Coffee at a Time. Local Toll Free Metro Locations. Free Checking Free ATMs Home Equity Loans Home Equity Loans 10 Years Fixed 15 Years Fixed 4.45 %* 4.75 %* Refinancing can mean big savings. Let us help you figure out how much you can save. Contact a loan specialist today at or ext No Closing Costs Austin Telco will pay all standard closing costs for new home equity loans under $100,000 closed at an Austin Telco branch. Commercial Real Estate Loans Austin Telco offers loans to help your business grow and succeed. Contact Jim Howey (ext.7317) or Jim Greenwood (ext. 7379) at or Year Amortization No Prepayment Penalty Automobile Loans Up to 60 Mo. 66 Mo %* 2.99 %* Commercial Real Estate Loans 5 Years Fixed 7 Years Fixed 4.99 %** 5.25 %** *Annual Percentage Rate. All rates are expressed as low as. Actual rate may vary depending on credit qualifications. **Rate applies to 1st lien commercial real estate loans with a loan to value of 80% or less; construction/development loan rates/terms may be vary. Rates and terms are subject to change without notice. Austin Telco Federal Credit Union is federally insured to at least $250,000 per member by the National Credit Union Administration. The perfect church for people who aren t. A Man After God s Own Heart Sunday Morning Series WATCH LIVE services Sunday mornings or view any time at Sunday Morning Schedule 10:00 Worship 8:30 & 11:30 - Bible Life Groups (all ages) Great Hills Baptist Church the radiant church Jollyville Road. Austin, Texas Copyright 2011 Peel, Inc. Cherry Creek on Brodie Lane Association Newsletter - July 2011

4 2011 CCoBLNA Membership Drive During these days of economic uncertainty, it is more important than ever that we do all we can to maintain property values in our neighborhood. Joining your neighborhood association is an easy way for you to do your part for all of us. Annual Meeting: February 26, :30 a.m. at the front park Join us for coffee on Saturday, February 27, as we talk about how 2010 went and discuss plans for One area of concern we have is encouraging neighbors to comply with city ordinances and deed restrictions. Come give us your ideas and input on how we can encourage us all to do our part in maintaining our neighborhood s character and beauty. CCoBNA Use of Funds Communication $ Infrastructure Maintenance $ Landscape $ 2, Social $ Total $ 2, To save postage, you may drop your check and unsealed envelope in the mailbox by the marquee. We will save the envelopes to use again next year. (Membership Drive Form on Page 2) Cherry Creek on Brodie Lane Association Newsletter - July 2011 Copyright 2011 Peel, Inc.

5 Congratulations 9321 Lightwood Loop For Winning our Yard of the Month Award! by the Garden Gals As we walk around the neighborhood, we notice so many wellmanicured yards and then find out that they were Yard of the Month winners within the past couple of years. We think they all deserve the YOM award for their continued effort and for the value they add to the neighborhood. We wish we could award every deserving home, but this month we decided to recognize a newly transformed yard. Congratulations to July s Yard of the Month winner Edna Flores of 9321 Lightwood Loop! Her beautifully maintained yard has splashes of blossoming color sprinkled throughout her lush, green landscape. When walking by Edna s house, we were captivated by the view of a cozy, country stone cottage with a twist of tropical greenery. One enters a world where grand live oaks coexist with a large, sunny palm tree and a scarlet hibiscus plant we could imagine that we were on the beach or in the forest! This wonderful yard has undergone a huge transformation and is the product of a lot of hard work. Edna had to make many changes in order to create the lawn full of vibrant, verdant vegetation we see today. This Yard of the Month winner should also star in her own reality show on HGTV called Extreme Yard Makeovers! Edna is the original owner and built the house in 1994, but at one point, she moved and decided to rent the house for 2 years. Although she had good tenets, they did not take proper care of the lawn. She moved back into the house about a year and a half ago and made the decision to revamp her surroundings. One of Edna s co-workers had landscaping experience and was hired for the yard transformation project. They took on the task of tilling the front yard and laying all new sod. Edna watered every day for the first two weeks and now the grass is well-established. They pulled out most of the original shrubbery because it was damaged or dead and selected new plants suited for shade that would add color and texture to her landscape. They planted vermilion begonias, calla lilies, fern, and elephant ears among other varieties of vegetation. She added two urns filled with topiary hibiscus with beautiful, deep red blooms to dress up the garage and a pretty planter with miniature blush-colored roses at the entrance to the sidewalk. It was very important to Edna to upgrade the yard because she enjoys beautiful scenery and wanted to enjoy coming home to a lush and colorful yard. Thanks to Edna for allowing us to share this with our neighbors. Be sure to take a look at the newsletter online so you can see these photos in color at Select Communities, then Austin, then Cherry Creek on Brodie Ln. to get to the menu of newsletters. You make us look good! A neatly landscaped and well-cared-for yard says a great deal about the homeowner and the entire neighborhood. It says we take pride in our property and in our neighborhood. Well-landscaped properties add to our home values as well. If there is a home in Cherry Creek that you would like to nominate for Yard of the Month, please your suggestion to board@ cherrycreekonbrodie.org or leave your written Yard of the Month address nomination in the front entrance drop box. There is no Yard of the Month during the winter months, December through March. Copyright 2011 Peel, Inc. Cherry Creek on Brodie Lane Association Newsletter - July 2011

6 On July 4, we shoot fireworks, attend picnics, watch parades and otherwise celebrate our nation s independence and the many freedoms we enjoy. But as you go through life, you ll find out how important it is to work towards another type of freedom financial freedom. That s why you need to put strategies in place to help you work towards your own Financial Independence Day. And there s no way to sugar-coat this task, because it will be challenging. In recent years, a combination of factors including depressed housing prices, rising health care costs, frozen or eliminated pension plans and the financial market plunge of 2008 and early 2009 has made it more difficult for many of us to accumulate the resources we ll need to enjoy the retirement lifestyle we ve envisioned. In fact, the average American family faces a 37 percent shortfall in the income they will need in retirement, according to a recent report by consulting firm McKinsey & Company. But now that we ve gotten the bad stuff out of the way, let s turn to the good news: You can do a great deal to work towards financial freedom during your retirement years. Here are some suggestions that can help: Financial Focus Submitted by Matt Smith, Edward Jones Work Toward Your Own Financial Independence Day! Save and invest more. Obviously, the younger you are, the greater the benefit you ll get by increasing your savings and investments. But whatever your age, you ll find that it pays to save and invest more. During difficult economic times, of course, it s not always easy to boost your savings and investments, but try to find ways that are as automatic as possible. For example, whenever you get a raise, increase your 401(k) contributions, which come directly from your paycheck. And whenever you get a windfall, such as a tax refund, try to use part of it for your IRA or another investment account. Rebalance your portfolio. It s always a good idea to periodically rebalance your investments to make sure they are still aligned with your goals and risk tolerance. But it s especially important to rebalance as you get older and you near retirement. At this stage, you ll want to decrease the volatility in your portfolio and lock in what gains you ve achieved, so you may want to move some (but certainly not all) of your more aggressive investments into less volatile ones. Cut down on debts. It s easier said than done, but anything you can do to reduce your debt load will free up money to invest for your retirement. Work diligently to pay off whatever debts you can and examine your lifestyle to find areas in which you can reduce spending. Consider working part-time during retirement. Many Americans are now living longer and enjoying happy, healthy retirements. In fact, the concept of retirement has changed so that it now includes any number of activities including part-time work in a completely different area from one s previous career. If you are willing to do even a little part-time work during your retirement years, you can greatly reduce the financial pressures you may face during this time of your life. The 4th of July comes and goes quickly. So put strategies in place now to help you work towards your own Financial Independence Day. ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS TO YOUR NEIGHBORS Cherry Creek on Brodie Lane Association Newsletter - July 2011 Copyright 2011 Peel, Inc.

7 Help Make Dittmar Pool The Coolest Pool Around As we go into what looks to be an extremely hot summer, some of us are working to provide the City with aerators for Dittmar Pool and other City pools. Proper aeration will help to keep the pool temperature close to the dew point, a pleasant 80 or so degrees, which will be much healthier and more refreshing for users and will save the City money on water and chemicals. It will probably take 2-3 aerators to cool Dittmar Pool, each of which, if we build them ourselves, should cost somewhere around $600 to $800. Without aerators the pool will quickly reach an unhealthy or so degrees. For more information, to donate (or help with fundraising), or to help build the aerators, please contact Keith at or kbell@austin.rr.com. City-wide Masters Swimming program at Dittmar Pool The City of Austin Aquatics Department has partnered with TeamTexas Masters to offer a City-wide Masters Swimming program, including Dittmar Pool, for adult fitness and recreational swimmers, triathletes, and competitive swimmers of all skill levels. Have fun, while improving technique, and enhancing health and fitness. Register through COA Aquatics or for more information call Keith at , Sandy at or COA Aquatics at x 0 or go to TeamTexasMasters.com. Copyright 2011 Peel, Inc. Cherry Creek on Brodie Lane Association Newsletter - July 2011

8 308 Meadowlark St. Lakeway, TX PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID PEEL, INC. CR Cherry Creek on Brodie Lane Association Newsletter - July 2011 Copyright 2011 Peel, Inc.