Long Canyon Gazette April 2010 Volume 3, Issue 4 COUNTY SEEKS TO REGISTER THOSE AGED 18-25: Challenge 10,000 Is Here! Only 29% of young Travis County citizens age 18-25 are registered to vote and officials aim to change that fact starting today. Challenge 10,000 seeks to collaborate with individuals and groups for the purpose of increasing voter registration among young adults. The goal is 10,000 new voters by October 4, 2010 which is the deadline to register for voting in the November election. The low rate among young adults stands in stark contrast to the overall voter registration rate for Travis County: 95%. I encourage all young adults to register and vote, and to make sure their friends do the same, said Nelda Wells Spears, Voter Registrar. Voter registration connects the individual to government decision making in a unique way; I believe young voters desire equal participation but need encouragement to get registered and vote. Over the next six months, several voter registration drives associated with festivals and other events will target young adults. Other efforts will focus on institutionalizing voter registration in organizations and places popular with young adults. Challenge 10,000 invites all to download a PARTICIPATION KIT from www.traviscountytax.org/govotersvdr.do Participants can increase their effectiveness as volunteers by signing up as a Volunteer Deputy Registrar or VDR. VDRs receive training to register a citizen to vote and accept the application on behalf of the Voter Registrar. VDRs increase effectiveness by catching errors and making sure the application gets to the voter registrars office quickly. Applying to be a voter requires citizenship, age 18, residency in Travis County and a drivers license or social security number. Applications are on display throughout the county at many post offices, public libraries, grocery stores and online at www. traviscountytax.org. Upon receipt of a completed application, the voter receives a voter certificate by mail within 30 days. Voters who believe they have registered but are unsure may check their voter registration status online at www.traviscountytax.org The most common error, an outdated residence address, can be corrected easily online if the move was within Travis County at https://www. texasonline.state.tx.us/tolapp/sos/sosacmanager Others may update address, name or any other part of the voter record by simply completing an application. For assistance with the Challenge 10,000 effort or any other question regarding voter registration, contact the help line at 854-9473 or click on www.traviscountytax.org FACT SHEET 1. # OF REGISTERED VOTERS IN TRAVIS COUNTY = 587,151 2. # OF REGISTERED VOTERS IN TRAVIS COUNTY AGE 18-25 = 78,885 3. # OF VOLUNTEER DEPUTY REGISTRARS IN TRAVIS COUNTY = 788 4. EVENTS SCHEDULED FOR VOTER DRIVES: - Galindo Health Fair / Galindo Elementary March 26, 2010 - St. James 5K Run / March 27, 2010 - Turfcats Home Opener / April 12, 2010 - Cinco de Mayo Celebration / Univision / May 2, 2010 - Asian Pacific American Heritage Month Celebration / May 14, 2010 5. PARTICIPANTS IN CHALLENGE 10,000: AnotherOptionProduction UTVotes Organizing for America Austin Community College Men of Distinction Copyright 2010 Peel, Inc. Long Canyon Gazette - April 2010 1
Newsletter Info Newsletter Publisher Peel, Inc... www.peelinc.com, 512-263-9181 Article Submissions... longcanyon@peelinc.com Advertising...advertising@PEELinc.com, 512-263-9181 Advertising Information Please support the businesses that advertise in the Long Canyon Gazette. Their advertising dollars make it possible for all Long Canyon residents to receive the monthly newsletter at no charge. No homeowners association funds are used to produce or mail the newsletters. If you would like to support the newsletter by advertising, please contact our sales office at 512-263-9181 or advertising@peelinc.com. The advertising deadline is the 8th of each month for the following month's newsletter. Classified ads Personal classifieds (one time sell items, such as a used bike...) run at no charge to Long Canyon residents, limit 30 words, please e-mail longcanyon@peelinc.com 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 advertising@peelinc.com. Long Canyon Stork Report Congratulations! Let us help celebrate... email info on the arrival of your little one to longcanyon@peelinc.com. Do You Have Reason to Celebrate? We want to hear from you! Email longcanyon@peelinc. com to let the community know! 512.302.5555 WWW.ATFCU.ORG REFINANCE YOUR EXISTING AUTO LOAN W I T H AU S T I N T E L C O we HAve some of the lowest new vehicle rates in the country HOME EQUITY LOANS Plus no closing costs** 10 year fixed 15 year fixed 20 year fixed 5.09%* 5.39%* 5.89%* AUTO LOANS new vehicle 24 MONTHS 36 MONTHS 48 MONTHS 60 MONTHS 66 MONTHS 72 MONTHS used or refinance 60 to 66 MONTHS 72 MONTHS 2.75%* 2.95%* 3.05%* 3.15%* 3.25%* 3.95%* 3.45%* 3.95%* COMM. REAL ESTATE LOANS 20 yr. AmortiZAtion/no Pre-Pmt. PenAlty 5 year fixed 7 year fixed 10 year fixed 5.49%*** 5.69%*** 5.99%*** MONEY MARKET ACCOUNT minimum daily balance of $2,000 required $25,000 to $74,999 1.06%**** $75,000 to $124,999 1.16%**** $125,000 And Above 1.36%**** JUMBO CERTIFICATE OF DEPOSIT minimum deposit of $95,000 required 6 months 12 months 24 months 1.36%**** 1.61%**** 2.07%**** *AnnuAl PercentAge rate. All rates Are expressed As low As. ActuAl rate may vary depending on credit qualifications. **Austin telco will PAy All standard closing costs on Home equity loans below $100k. AdditionAl non-standard fees will be the responsibility of the member. ***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 different. no Pre-PAyment PenAlty. ****AnnuAl PercentAge yield. PenAlties for early withdrawal may APPly. All APr s, APy s And terms Are subject to change without notice. PleAse call for details. this credit union is federally insured to At least $250,000 Per member by the national credit union AdministrAtion. 16 AUSTIN METRO LOCATIONS FREE CHECKING FREE BUSINESS CHECKING SECOND CHANCE CHECKING 250+ FREE ATMs Offering 3 Convenient Austin Locations! www.childrenscenterofaustin.com One Month s Tuition FREE Schedule a tour for details. please present coupon at time of enrollment one discount per family 2 Long Canyon Gazette - April 2010 Copyright 2010 Peel, Inc.
Wildflower Center Events In April long canyon Nature Nights: Butterflies Friday, April 2 Learn about these important Texas pollinators and the food they need through guided hikes, and butterfly identification, 6 to 9 p.m. Book Signing - Saturday, April 3 Nathan Jensen signs his new children s book, Rattlesnake Rules, 1 to 3 p.m. and Jerry Wehrmund signs Soil More than Just Dirt, 1 to 4 p.m. Second Annual Wildflower Center Egg Hunt - Easter Sunday, April 4, Noon to 1 p.m. Spring Plant Sale & Gardening Festival April 9-11 Members Sale, 1 to 7 p.m. Friday, April 9. Public Sale, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, April 10 and 11 Jean Andrews Lecture Wednesday, April 14 In the auditorium, 7 p.m. Book Signing in the Store - Saturday, April 17 Jan Wrede signs Trees, Shrubs & Vines of the Texas Hill Country noon to 3 p.m. Native Plant Spring Symposium: The State of Texas Trees Saturday, April 24 This one-day meeting will focus on urban native tree programs, state conservation initiatives and individual species. Sponsored by the Native Plant Society of Texas and the Wildflower Center. Register at www.wildflower.org. Earth Day Weekend - Saturday, April 24 Lance Allred sings Enchanted Rock 1 to 4 p.m. dro w n i ng i s p r e v en ta bl e WATER SAFTEY WALK Sunday April 25th - Austin, Texas LEARN MORE & VOLUNTEER AT: WWW.COLINSHOPE.ORG Copyright 2010 Peel, Inc. Long Canyon Gazette - April 2010
AUSTIN CURRENTS Bluebonnet Photo Time Many families return to the same spot each year to take family pictures in the bluebonnets which spring up all over Central Texas. Bluebonnets are some of the first flowers to open; when the bluebonnets come out, you know that winter is effectively over and spring is coming fast. The State of Texas plants seeds along our highways so that many can enjoy the blooms. The strength of bluebonnet blooms is in part based on how much rain was received in the fall, and to a lesser extent the rain over the early spring time. Some of the better places to see carpets of bluebonnets are along Lake Buchanan, especially along RR 2341 and Graphite Mine Rd. A closer trip is just going to Burnet, and looking along TX 29. Or head out TX 71 toward Johnson City. Be sure to park well off the roadway for safety and do not enter private property without prior written permission. If you want to get great pictures, I recommend either staying really low or shooting from above. Staying low concentrates the bluebonnet s color in the back of your subjects, but can include distracting features such as fences and power lines. When shooting from a point above and in front of your subjects, you can make them seem to float in a pool of bluebonnets because there is nothing else in the picture but them and the flowers. Early and late are best, but if you must take pictures during the middle of the day, try using a flash to fill in the shadows under your subjects noses, chin and eyes. - Submitted by Rich Keith Long Canyon Gazette - April 2010 Copyright 2010 Peel, Inc.
Health Briefs Talking To Your Family Could Heal Your Heart Heart trouble doesn t always mean chest pain. That s why cardiologists at Baylor College of Medicine say knowing your cardiac risk factors and your family medical history could save your life. Cardiac trouble comes in a wide range of symptoms, said Dr. Hamid Afshar, assistant professor of medicine at BCM. We have to listen to what our body is saying and know our family history of heart disease. Possible symptoms include discomfort or pain in the chest, shoulders, arm or even jaw, Afshar said. Symptoms can also include palpitations, lightheadedness or fatigue because of lack of oxygen being pumped throughout the body. Sometimes these symptoms can be caused by something unrelated to the heart, like a pulled muscle, but if you have cardiac risk factors and experience any of the wide range of symptoms, it is a sign that you need to see a doctor. Cardiac risk factors include family history of heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, high triglyceride levels and smoking. Treating and recognizing symptoms early is important and can help prevent a major cardiac event. Getting The Ink From Under Your Skin People often get tattoos in memory of loved ones, as a sign of rebellion or just to be cool. They don t always think about the health risks or the fact that they may one day regret their decision. If not done properly, the most common health risks are scarring, allergic reactions, and Hepatitis C, said Dr. Ramsey Markus, an assistant professor of dermatology and director of the dermatology laser center at Baylor College of Medicine. Allergic reactions are particularly bothersome as they are often chronic, itchy and difficult to treat. There s no cure for Hepatitis C, which is a liver disease caused by the Hepatitis C virus. Infections can occur in new tattoos, so be sure to follow the after-care recommendations. Removing a tattoo is often more expensive than getting it in the first place. Dermatologists at Baylor College of Medicine use one of the safest and fastest tattoo removal lasers available. The treatment takes a few minutes depending on the size and color of the tattoo. The number of sessions depends on the color of the ink, its density and how deep the tattoo is placed. Before getting a tattoo, people should think about whether or not it s worth it in the long run, Markus said. Pain In The Neck May Be A Thing Of The Past Getting rid of a pain in the neck is usually easier said than done. Patients who suffer from muscle pain don t always find immediate and lasting relief; however, a new treatment option may be the solution. According to experts at Baylor College of Medicine, injecting Botulinum toxin into trigger points in the muscle may offer longer lasting relief for patients suffering from muscle pain in the back or neck that is due to muscle spasms. This treatment used in conjunction with physical therapy can help loosen the muscles and provide relief for several months, said Dr. Benoy Benny, assistant professor of physical medicine and rehabilitation and director of the spine, sports and pain program at BCM. Many patients suffering with this type of pain have tried several treatment options, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, physical therapy and trigger point injections with a local anesthetic. Those who felt short-term relief from the trigger point injections may find that Botulinum toxin injections provide the same relief for a longer period of time, said Benny. Botulinum toxin injections can last for as many as three months for some and can be repeated if necessary. Over time, the frequency of the injections can be reduced as the patient continues with physical therapy. Asthma Can Be Controlled, Not Cured Medications and lifestyle changes help manage asthma, but they will not actually cure it, according to an expert at Baylor College of Medicine. Asthma affects about 24 million people in the United States and has a higher prevalence in the inner city population, said Dr. Nicola Hanania, associate professor of medicine at BCM. Treatment for asthma depends on its severity and incorporates anti-inflammatory medications and lifestyle changes. You have to control the environment and irritants to which you are exposed, said Hanania. This includes controlling indoor allergens such as dust mites and mold as well as exposure to second hand smoke. Although asthma symptoms may not be as apparent when medication and lifestyle changes are incorporated, asthma is not actually cured. If medication or lifestyle changes are stopped, signs of poor control will appear. These include exacerbations and an increased use of an inhaler. This can lead to emergency room visits, hospitalizations and sometimes even death. Hanania suggests proper education about asthma, including the use of inhaler devices, avoiding exposure to irritants, taking medications and monitoring asthma on a daily basis. He also emphasizes having an action plan and knowing when to get help or when to go to the emergency room. Copyright 2010 Peel, Inc. Long Canyon Gazette - April 2010
long canyon Austin Newcomers Club April 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 of the varied fun Interest groups. Time: 11:00 AM Social - 12 Noon Luncheon Date: April 21, 2010 (Reservations required by Thursday, April 15th) Location: Green Pastures Restaurant 811 W Live Oak Street, Austin, 78704 Luncheon Cost: $20 per person For Luncheon Reservations email: LuncheonDirector@AustinNewcomers.com or contact Marilyn Amey, 473-0118 For other Newcomers information visit www.austinnewcomers.com or call 512-314-5100 April Program: Jed Cecil - Art of Whistling Centuries ago, when an orchestra was short an instrument, they called in a trained whistler to whistle the part of that instrument. That art of whistling is seeing a revival, and we will have with us, Jed Ceci such a trained whistler. He ll tell us stories about whistling, and as he said, he ll whistle for his lunch. What a fascinating program this will be! Jed began to study piano at age four, viola at eleven, orchestral conducting at fifteen, and went on to study at the Juilliard School. There followed a long and winding road encompassing diverse careers, one as Executive Director of the Abilene Philharmonic Orchestra. His performances have included Nashville s Woman s Musicale, and the BACHanalia Festival for the last five years. The Cape Cod Repertory Theater has used Jed s recordings. In March, Jed will be back in Nashville, performing with the Nashville Symphony Orchestra. He made his Austin art whistling debut at the University of Texas Lamp program last year. This will be such an unusual and delightful program. Please join us! CUSTOM HOME & FURNITURE DESIGN, INC. RICK INGRAM TRCC 23724 Mob: 806-773-3396 Home: 806-385-5531 ringram@academicplanet.com C. IN E, 9 33 OM 79 L H 25 XAS RA E 19D, TE NE EA SINCFIEL FU IELD AR TTLE G IN RV SE 0. P.O Long Canyon Gazette - April 2010 BO X 91 TH E LIT ST 3 EA 50 TL EF 5T H. ST LI PAY AND SAVE, INC. 1804 HALL AVEN UE LITTL EFIEL D, TX 79339 Copyright 2010 Peel, Inc.
At no time will any source be allowed to use the Long Canyon Gazette 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 Long Canyon Gazette is exclusively for the private use of the Long Canyon 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. COME SEE EVERYTHING MEMBERSHIP HAS TO OFFER Golf, Tennis, Fitness, Social & Dining WHAT WILL YOUR KIDS DO THIS SUMMER? Join the Fun During our 10 Weeks of Camp! Camps are Offered June thru August Our Programs include: Sports Camp Tot Camp Group & Private Swim Lessons Golf & Tennis Camps Tap Ballet Hip Hop Karate *Membership is Not Required to Attend Camps! Visit us online to view our 2010 Summer Programs! Please call Raquel Hebben, the Membership Director if you would like to Receive Information Regarding Membership or Summer Camps! 4207 River Place Boulevard Austin, Texas 78730 Phone: 512.346.1114 Fax: 512.346.0527 www.riverplaceclub.com Copyright 2010 Peel, Inc. Long Canyon Gazette - April 2010
long Peel, Inc. canyon 311 Ranch Road 620 S. Ste 200 Lakeway, TX 78734-4775 www.peelinc.com PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID PEEL, INC. LY Advertise Here CAll 512.263.9181 for more info www.peelinc.com Long Canyon Gazette - April 2010 Copyright 2010 Peel, Inc.