lake pointe
Lake Pointe
January 2009
Volume 2, Issue 1
MESSENGER
A Newsletter for the Residents of Lake Pointe on Lake Austin
Signed, Sealed, And Delivered: Travis County Tax Bills For 2008 Should Be In Your Hands! If you own property in Travis County, chances are you already received a 2008 property tax bill. And if you are among the 114,497 homeowners who escrow through a mortgage company or lending institution, don’t worry the mortgage company probably received the bill and will pay your property taxes. But you might want to check to be sure. “All taxpayers or their mortgage companies should have received their bills,” said Travis County Tax Collector Nelda Wells Spears. “Especially for owners of multiple properties, this is the time of year to make sure you have received all bills.” Spears said many taxpayers want the advantage of federal tax deductions that require paid taxes by the end of the year. Any payment postmarked by December 31 will be recorded as a December payment and the receipt issued will show the same. “Some taxpayers believe that if they do not receive a bill, they are not liable for tax payment,” Spears said. “Taxpayers are responsible for requesting a tax bill if they do not receive one.” Spears said anyone who needs a tax bill can download a copy at www. traviscountytax.org or call (512)-854-9473 to request a mailed copy. Over the past several weeks, 258,543 bills hit mailboxes, Spears said. Seniors and disabled taxpayers may take advantage of a special provision in the law that allows for installment payments. Last year 2,427 persons participated in the program. She urged taxpayers to call (512)-854 9473 for details on what the law allows for seniors and disabled persons. “If you can’t pay all of your tax bill, please call or come in and make arrangements,” Spears recommended. “Taxpayers will find it much cheaper to contact us than to wait for our office to contact them.” The deadline to pay 2008 property taxes is February 2, 2009. Those who want a tax receipt showing payment in calendar year 2008 must make payment on or before the last day of the current calendar year. The Travis County Tax Office main location is 5501 Airport Boulevard, between Koenig Lane and 53½ Street. The office opens at 7:30 a.m. and Copyright © 2009 Peel, Inc.
closes at 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Drive-through service and two deposit boxes for non-cash payment are available. Satellite offices offer convenience to those in East Austin, Oak Hill, Pflugerville and near Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. All satellite offices open at 8:00 am and close at 5:00 pm. East Austin – 4705 Heflin Lane at Springdale and MLK Blvd (drive through service) Oak Hill Office – 8656 Highway 71W Building B, second floor Pflugerville Office – 15822 Foothill Farms Loop (drive through service) Southeast Office – 4011 McKinney Falls Parkway (drive through service) Call (512) 854-9473 for assistance at all locations. See Graphic of Average Tax Amount http://www.traviscountytax.org/pdfs/081204.pdf See Tax Office Vital Statistics http://www.traviscountytax.org/pdfs/081204.pdf
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Lake Pointe IMPORTANT NUMBERS
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Travis County Sheriff Emergency.......................................................................... 911 Non-Emergency......................................................... 974-0845 After Hours................................................................ 854-4316
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[email protected], 512-263-9181 Lake Pointe Messenger is a private publication published by Peel, Inc. It is not sanctioned by any homeowners association or organization, nor is it subject to the approval of any homeowners association or organization, nor is it intended, nor implied to replace any publication that may be published by or on behalf of any homeowners association or organization. At no time will any source be allowed to use Lake Pointe Messenger contents, or loan said contents, to others in anyway, 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 newsletter is exclusively for the private use of 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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Lake Pointe Messenger - January 2009
Flat Fee listiNg OPtiONs Buyer reBate PrOgraM* Office #: 512-249-6299 Mobile #: 512-740-2300
Nicole Peel
Broker/Owner
www.Vallurerealty.com *see website for rebate guidelines. rebate is subject to client consent. Copyright © 2009 Peel, Inc.
lake pointe Teenage Job Seekers Name Age
Baby Pet Sit Sit
House Yard Computer Sit Work Lessons Phone
Karas, Nicholas........ 15.................................................... •.... 263-8078
*-CPR Training
+-First Aid Training
Not Available Online Attention Teenagers
The Teenage Job Seekers listing service is offered free of charge to all Lake Pointe teenagers seeking work. Submit your name and information to
[email protected] by the 9th of the month!
Classified Ads
Personal classifieds (one time sell items, such as a used bike...) run at no charge to Lake Pointe residents, limit 30 words, please e-mail
[email protected] Business classifieds (offering a service or product line for profit) are $50, limit 40 words, please contact Peel, Inc. Sales Office @ 512-263-9181 or
[email protected]. Serving Lakeway, The Hills, Flintrock, Alta Vista, Bee Cave and Steiner Ranch.
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www.lakehillsmontessori.com Lake Pointe Messenger - January 2009
Lake Pointe BowlSubmitted forby Connie Kids’ Sake Anderson It’s almost time to lace up your bowling shoes, don your Mardi Gras attire, and roll a strike to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Texas (BBBS). For more than 25 years, Bowl For Kids’ Sake (BFKS) has been Big Brothers Big Sisters’ largest annual fundraiser. To thank participants for their contributions, BBBS hosts a free, fun-filled bowling party with team prizes! The 2009 Mardi Gras themed celebration (PG rated) will be held at Highland Lanes on February 27th, 28th, and March 1st. Big Brothers Big Sisters mission is “to help children reach their potential through professionally supported, one-to-one relationships.” This year BBBS of Central Texas has served more than 1,500 children and has been “ranked among the top five [agencies] in the country!” This success wouldn’t be possible without community support, especially that of BFKS participants. “One hundred percent of the proceeds support the recruitment and screening of volunteers, and the professional support staff that check in with each child, parent, and volunteer on a regular basis.” Come learn more about BFKS at the official Kick-Off Party Monday, January 19th at Trudy’s North Star, 8820 Burnet Rd, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. There will be door prizes, games, trivia,
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fundraising tips, and team registration. Be sure to brush up on your bowling and Mardi Gras knowledge! If you’re unable to attend the kick-off party, there are several ways to be a part of Bowl For Kids’ Sake. Gather your friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers to form a team of five (maximum) or register individually at http://austinbown.kintera. org. The registration deadline is February 19th. There are also corporate sponsorship opportunities and group/ industry bowling sessions listed on the website. For more information about BFKS or the Kick-Off Party, contact Meghan Jones by phone at 512-4725437 or email at meghan@ bbbscentraltx. org.
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Primrose School of Bee Cave 3801 Juniper Trace | Austin, TX 78738 __school_name__ __school_name_1__ | __phone_1__ 512-263-0388 School Name Call 1.800.PRIMROSE or visit www.primroseschools.com to |in__phone_2__ __school_amount__ the __city_1__ area! __address__ | __school_name_2__ __city__,schools __state__ __zip__ | __phone__ Address | City, State Zip | Phone find your neighborhood Primrose School. Primrose School of Four Points __school_name_3__ | __phone_3__ __website__ 6606 Sitio del Rio Blvd. | Austin, TX 78730 512-795-9101
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Each Primrose School is privately owned and operated. Primrose Schools and The Leader in Educational Child Care are trademarks of Primrose School Franchising Company. ©2008 PSFC. All rights reserved.
Lake Pointe Messenger - January 2009
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Nature Watch
lake pointe
by Jim and Lynne Weber
The Cunning Coyote Although the coyote has been (and continues to be) one of the most persecuted mammals in human history, this is largely due to the common misconceptions and myths that surround the species. Add the fact that they are a highly intelligent animal with keen senses of hearing, sight, and smell, and you can easily see why they are the subject of such scrutiny. About the size of a small German shepherd, the coyote weighs an average of 25 to 40 pounds, with long, slender legs, a bushy tail with a black tip, and large ears that are held erect. While its coat can vary, it is usually grey or buff-colored and its snout is long and slender. A strong swimmer, the coyote characteristically runs with its tail down, instead of horizontally like foxes or up like wolves and dogs. Primarily
nocturnal and very opportunistic, coyotes will eat almost anything, but in Texas they prefer rabbits, rodents, and insects. Because coyotes can utilize many different food sources and humans have all but exterminated its main predator, the wolf, coyotes have rapidly spread to all parts of the country, including urban and suburban areas. Considered monogamous with pairs living together for several years, coyotes are usually shy and elusive, but are frequently seen individually, in pairs, or in small groups, especially when near food. A family group, more commonly known as a pack, consists of the parents, their pups, and, occasionally, the previous year’s pups. Male and female coyotes pair up, establish a territory, and breed from mid-January to early March. Normally (Continued on Page 6)
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Lake Pointe Messenger - January 2009
Lake Pointe Lake Pointe Senior Citizens Potluck Luncheons Meet every third Friday of each month. When: 11:30am to 1:00pm Where: At the Lake Pointe Club House
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Nature Watch - (Continued from Page 5) utilizing a natural cavity or a den dug by another mammal, they will make the necessary renovations by excavating multiple escape tunnels linked to the surface. After a gestation period of 63 to 65 days, a litter of five to seven pups is born. During the weeks following the birth, the male will bring food to the family, but the female will not allow him inside the den. Coyotes normally may live from 10 to 12 years. It is easy to get the impression that an area is overflowing with coyotes when one hears a family’s howls. It reality, there are probably only 2-6 individuals in a pack! While some people may find it a bit unnerving, coyotes use howling as a means of communication to tell non-family members to stay out of their territory, to locate one another within their territory, to distract other coyotes away from young pups, and as a means for older pups to practice mimicking their parents. Due to misconceptions and fears about coyotes, many people don’t recognize the beneficial aspects that coyotes contribute to our ecosystem. Predators, such as the coyote, serve a valuable function in keeping prey species in balance with their habitat. Populations of small animals, such as rodents and insects, could increase out of control without predators. Coyotes can reduce the number of small animals that homeowners and gardeners consider as pests. While coyotes may change ecological balances of predator and prey species somewhat, they will not eliminate other species from the environment. Many scavenger animals, such as foxes and vultures, benefit from
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Helpful Articles
Whenever you reach out to a young child, be mindful not to pull or jerk his or her hands or arms. A quick tug of a toddler’s arm can easily result in a slip or subluxation (partial dislocation) of an elbow bone. This is called “nursemaid’s elbow” or pulled elbow. Nursemaid’s elbow most commonly occurs in kids 1 to 3 years old, though infants and older kids can experience it, too. In younger children, the ligaments (bands of muscle that hold bones together) are loose and bones are not yet fully developed, making it easy for them to slip in and out of place. As kids get older, however, their ligaments tighten, bones enlarge and harden, and the risk of nursemaid’s elbow significantly decreases. Causes of Nursemaid’s Elbow The elbow joint connects the humerus (upper arm bone) to the radius and ulna (lower arm bones). The rounded tip of the radius (the radial head) is surrounded by a ligament that is sometimes loose in kids. If not tight enough, the ligament may slip over the radial head if a small amount of pressure is applied. This causes the bones to move out of place, or subluxate. Any of the following can cause a subluxation: • Jerking a child's arm. Pulling a toddler along while walking or quickly grabbing his or her hand can jerk the arm, resulting in slipping of thte radial head. Use caution when taking a child by the hand. • Pulling a child up by the hands. Pulling on hands or forearms can put stress on the elbows. Never pick up a toddler or infant by the hands or wrists. Lifting under the armpits is the safest way to lift a child. • Swinging a toddler by the arms. Any type of swinging by holding the hands or wrists can strain the elbow joint and Copyright © 2009 Peel, Inc.
should be avoided. Breaking a fall with the arm. The natural response to falling is outstretching an arm for protection. The elbow can overextend during this type of injury, resulting in a slip of the radial head. • Rolling over in an awkward way. Sometimes rolling over in a crib, bed, or on the floor can cause nursemaid’s elbow in infants and very young children. When Your Child Is Injured A child with nursemaid’s elbow will probably not look outwardly injured because the subluxation does not cause the arm to twist or bend awkwardly. However, a child may exhibit warning signs that should signal a red flag to parents. Here’s what to look for: • The child refuses to use an arm. A child will not be able to use the injured arm without pain. Therefore, the arm is usually kept in a fixed, straight position or with a slight bend in the elbow. • Use of the arm is painful. Toddlers may tell you the forearm hurts, or they may cry or shout out in pain if you touch it. This doesn’t necessarily indicate a case of nursemaid’s elbow. Fractures and bruises will hurt, too. You’ll just know something isn’t right and a doctor needs to check it out. Contact your doctor if you suspect a case of nursemaid’s elbow. Do not attempt to put the bone back into place yourself. Timely treatment by a medical professional can ease pain and reduce the risk of further complications. At the Doctor’s Office If your family doctor is not able to treat nursemaid’s elbow, an orthopedic specialist may provide care. A doctor at a local emergency department can also see your child. The doctor will first determine whether •
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your child has nursemaid’s elbow. The arm and shoulder will be felt to make sure there’s no swelling or other abnormality, which could point to a fracture instead. If no swelling is present, the doctor will attempt to manually push the radial head back into place. The medical term for this is reduction. Your child may be given some medicine for anxiety relief before the reduction, but anesthesia is not needed. The procedure is very quick and takes only a few seconds. A child is usually asked to sit on a parent’s lap while the doctor attempts to reduce the elbow. During this procedure, the arm is taken from a straight position and quickly bent upwards. The doctor will listen and feel for a “pop” or “click” sound, indicating the bones are back in place. A child may experience a moment of pain in the elbow at the time of the reduction. After treatment, most kids have full use of the arm within 5 to 10 minutes. Some cases may require more than one try to successfully reduce the elbow. Occasionally, a child may not use the arm after the reduction for a brief time, fearing it will be painful. If discomfort continues, the doctor may put the arm in a sling and recommend acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain relief. Kids who’ve had nursemaid’s elbow are at risk of a recurrence, so it’s important to be careful when picking up your child or holding hands. Never jerk, swing, or tug on a young child’s hands or arms. Reviewed by: Kate M. Cronan, MD Date reviewed: October 2008 This information was provided by KidsHealth, one of the largest resources online for medically reviewed health information written for parents, kids, and teens. For more articles like this one, visit www.KidsHealth.org or www.TeensHealth. org. ©1995-2006. The Nemours Foundation Lake Pointe Messenger - January 2009
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