Travis Country West - July 2014

Copyright © 2014 Peel, Inc. Travis Country West Homeowner's Association Newsletter - July 2014 1

Travis Country West

Official Publication of Travis Country West Community

Volume 9, Number 7 July 2014

TCW Neighborhood NeWsTCW Neighborhood NeWs

Fit and Fun: Health Tips for You and Your ChildrenGetting fit and staying fit can be a fun process. That’s true for

individuals, and it’s especially true for families.Fitness is an important topic, especially when your daily routine

involves a lot of sitting, whether at work, at school, or at home in front of a computer or TV screen.

The habits that we learn as children are often the habits we carry into adulthood. As parents, we can help our children build healthy habits and find new, fun ways to motivate ourselves and our children to get active.

Below are some ideas for getting off the couch and having some fun while getting fit:

• Take an active vacation: It’s tempting every day to think of your vacation as a time to sit and relax. But isn’t that what your body does everyday? Instead, you can plan a trip that includes hiking, biking, skiing, and other activities that the whole family can do together.

• Visit a local park: It doesn’t have to take a whole day, but you could spend a few hours playing at a park. Take a ball (football or soccer), a Frisbee, or a hacky sack, and play. You can invite some friends to join you, too. And remember: It’s not just about the kids moving around – it’s your time, too!

• Hold a block party: Call your neighbors, and block off the closest cul-de-sac for a get together that includes fun and active games. From freeze tag and relay races to hide-and-seek and kickball, there are hundreds of activities to choose from that are fun for everyone.

• Go for a hike: Find a local area where you and your family can go and hike for a few miles. Spend time outdoors, and enjoy what nature has to offer while you all get fit!

For more ideas about fun activities, visit the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance’s Web site at: www.aahperd.com.

The Goal: Be instrumental in encouraging children to develop the good habit of moving through space, nurturing their physical power, and getting fit.

For more information about healthy activities, contact your health care provider or your Concentra health specialist. For more information on the importance of fitness for children, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Web site at:

2 Travis Country West Homeowners Association Newsletter - July 2014 Copyright © 2014 Peel, Inc.

Travis Country West

CITY OF AUSTIN CONTACT NUMBERSDead Animal Pick up ............................................... 947-9400Abandoned Vehicle ................................................... 280-0075Pothole Repair .......................................................... 974-8750Street Light Outage .................................................. 505-7617

NEWSLETTER PUBLISHERPeel, Inc. ...........................www.PEELinc.com, 512-263-9181Editor - Pat Muntz ................................ [email protected] [email protected], 512-263-9181

IMPORTANT NUMBERS

Please support the businesses that advertise in the Travis Country West Community Newsletter. Their advertising dollars make it possible for all Travis Country West 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 [email protected]. The advertising deadline is the 8th of each month for the following month's newsletter.

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Twelve Top Travel Tips When Traveling

with Your PetTraveling with your pet can be fun and rewarding – especially

when you’re prepared. In addition to the pet travel “basics” (safely restraining your pet, allowing adequate time for potty breaks, bringing comforting items from home, and so on), several additional simple practices can help make every trip easier and more pleasant for both you and your pet.

1. Schedule a veterinarian visit to insure overall health and current vaccinations. Ask for a health certificate and vaccination records, especially if you’re traveling out of state.

2. Make sure your pet’s identification tags are up-to-date and legible. Also, be sure his rabies tag and vaccinations are current.

3. Include your destination address and/or phone number on your pet’s tags and cage/crate (if applicable).

4. Remember to pack water to prevent dehydration. To help insure convenient feedings bring along a collapsible food bowl.

5. Pack all medications and supplements to avoid missed doses.6. Pack a first aid kit to insure readiness in the event of an injury

or medical emergency.7. Exercise your pet prior to departure. A tired pet is typically

much more amenable to travel. Also, bring a lead or harness to allow exercise during pit stops.

8. Feed your pet at least four hours prior to departure to prevent car sickness. If the trip is long, feed a smaller amount that normal at least two hours before you leave.

9. Use a travel remedy, if necessary. If your pet is extremely anxious about travel, try a soothing non-prescription calming product.

10. Trim toenails to prevent snags and injury, especially if your pet will travel in a cage or crate.

11. Cover your car seats to keep them clean and free of hair shed on your trip.

12. Know your travel rules and restrictions, especially if you will travel on an airplane.


Travis Country West

ARE YOU SMARTER THAN A BURGLAR?According to a recent Washington Post article, Anatomy of a

Burglar, a home burglary takes place every 14.6 seconds in the U.S. The upside, if there is one, to such an alarming statistic is that plenty of data has been collected to help us understand how these criminals operate. Since knowing your enemy is half the battle, let’s take a moment to get to know our average residential burglar, shall we?

• The typical house burglar is a male under the age of 25 who lives or works in the area.

• He does most of his work between 10 am and 3 pm.• He spends an average of 8 to 12 minutes inside your home.• He wants to spend no more than 60 seconds breaking into

your home• Of course, he’ll take longer if he has a nice place to hide.• He is particularly attracted to homes that look neglected, hidden

or unoccupied.• His first stop is usually the master bedroom where most people

keep their valuables.• He rarely goes in the kitchen or in kids’ rooms.• He looks for cash, jewelry, electronics, silver, guns and other

items that are easy to transport and sell.• His average take per burglary is $1,725.• His most common mode of entry is through the front door

(34%), followed by a front window (23%) and backdoor (22%).• Sometimes, he’ll carry a clipboard. Or, he might dress like a lawn

guy carrying a rake. He does his best to NOT look like a crook. • Many times he will knock on the door or ring the doorbell to

see if you’re home before entering. If you answer the door, he’ll just say he got the wrong address and move on to the next house.

• The two things a burglar hates most are loud dogs and nosy friendly neighbors.

Now that we’ve become better acquainted with our would-be burglar, we can use this knowledge to arm ourselves by implementing ways to make his job harder. Some tips to consider:

• Get to know your neighbors. Watchful eyes and ears are your best defense against unwanted intruders.

• Keep trees and shrubs around your home trimmed for visibility. • Install motion sensor lights near front and rear entry doors• Keep your doorbell in working order. You don’t want to be

surprised by an intruder who thinks he’s entering an empty house. • Keep up the appearance of a normal routine while away on

vacation. Ask a neighbor or friend to put out your garbage bins, and pick up newspapers, mail, flyers or anything that would indicate you’re not at home.

• Don’t announce your vacation plans on social media sites or to strangers in public.

• If you have an attached garage, secure the door by disabling the automatic opener and locking the door before you go away on a trip.

• Secure sliding glass doors with a dowel or metal rod.• If you keep valuables in a home safe, considering keeping the

safe in your kitchen where burglars are less likely to go.• If you store tools and/or valuables in an outdoor storage shed,

secure the doors and windows with a deadbolt if possible. • Keep valuables out of sight from anyone looking in your

windows.• Perform an assessment of your home’s security. Consider how

you would break in to your own home if you locked your keys inside. Secure those weak spots.

• A loud dog, regardless of size, can serve as a formidable alarm system.

• Consider investing in a home security system and post plenty of warning signs and window decals, which serve as highly effective deterrents on their own.

When it comes to home security it’s important to implement a variety of protective measures rather than relying on just one. Taking

multiple precautions works cumulatively to slow down a burglar’s progress while exposing

him to ever increasing risk and ultimately deterring or thwarting his efforts.

We are fortunate to live in such a safe community, but as we enter into peak

burglary season in this growing city of ours, let’s take extra precautions to secure our

homes and keep those bad guys from targeting our happy hood.


Travis Country West

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1. Oatmeal - Great source of soluble fiber and slow-digesting carbohydratesthat will keep blood sugar and insulin in check so fat burning can stay high.

2. Eggs - A form of well-absorbed protein, healthy fats and Vitamin D (found in the egg yolk). Eggs also contain lecithin, which promotes healthy liver function, thereby helping the body to burn fat.

3. Salmon - High in omega-3 fatty acids, salmon reduces inflammation in the body and lowers LDL and triglyceride levels while raising good HDL levels. Salmon also has a beneficial effect on leptin (hunger hormone) levels in the body, which means it helps to suppress your appetite.

4. Nuts - Another source of fiber and rich in omega-3s, these fats help to regulate blood sugar and protect the heart and the immune system.

5. Grapefruit & Berries - These fruits contain slow-digesting carbs and are rich in fat-fighting fiber. Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and blackberries all are loaded with soluble fiber and antioxidants that protect blood vessels and promote healthy blood flow.

10 POWERHOUSE FOODS THAT WILL HELP YOU BURN FATMarissa Balch - CPT, Nutrition Coach -Texas Fit Chicks Boot Camp

6. Avocado - It’s got fat, yes, but the good kind! The monounsaturated fats found in avocado are burned readily for fuel during exercise and actually encourage fat burning. Good source of fiber and antioxidants.

7. Leafy Greens - Broccoli, specifically, is a fibrous carb that can make you feel full quickly—one reason why it’s a great food for getting lean. Broccoli also contains phytochemicals that can help enhance fat loss.

8. Cinnamon - Helps to reduce blood sugar levels, which in turn prevents the body from storing sugar as fat. Add it to your oatmeal and yogurt to enhance flavor without adding calories.

9. Green Tea - Drink this! Not only is green tea packed with antioxidants, it also contains catechins, a phytochemical that helps speed up metabolism and burn more fat.

10. Beans & Legumes - Great sources of protein and they normalize insulin levels and help keep your blood sugar steady throughout the day. Black beans, Garbanzo beans, red beans and lentils are all great to incorporate into your diet.


Travis Country West

The Modern Game: The Forehand Approach Shot

By USPTA/PTR Master Professional Fernando Velasco

TENNISTIPS

In previous newsletters, I offered tips on how to execute the basic strokes for players who are just beginning to play tennis or who want to resume playing.

I am now offering suggestions on how to play the “modern” game mostly geared towards players who are happy with hitting the ball over the net and controlling the point with consistency. These players may be already playing for leagues or in tournaments and are looking for more “weapons” on the court.

In this issue, I will offer instructions on how to execute the Top Forehand Approach Shot. This shot is used when an opponent hits a soft shot that has bounced high over the net. The player will take advantage and will charge to the net, thus hitting with top spin high over the net and hit with power. When the ball hits the court, it will take a big hop, forcing the opponent to fall back close to the fence, or to hit the ball on the rise. This shot can be used as a “winner” or as an “approach shot.”

In the illustrations, Christian Smith, one of the top players of the Grey Rock Tennis Academy, shows the proper technique to execute this stroke. Christian is coached by the Director of the Tennis Academy, Darin Pleasant.

Step 1: The Back Swing: When Christian sees the opportunity, he makes a quick turn of his upper body and takes the racket high and back. The head of the racket is now at shoulder height, his shoulders are turned, the left hand in front of his body for balance. He has loaded his right hip to help him drive his weight forward. His grip is relaxed and his wrist is “laid back” to allow maximum

point of contact.Step 2: The Point of Contact: The success of a top spin shot

is keeping the ball on the strings going from low to high in a 30 degree angle and accelerating the racket head around the outside of the ball. Christian started the swing high and “looped” it to allow the head of the racket to drop down. He will be brushing around the outside of the ball as he makes contact with it. His right shoulder is almost opening and his weight has now been shifted toward the front.

Step 3: The Follow Through: In order to get maximum control and power, Christian is keeping his left arm in front as he extends through the shot. He has “snapped” his left wrist and has the head of the racket facing down. His weight is in the process of shifting forward.

Step 4: The Finish: Christian’s upper body acceleration forced his head of the racket to “wrap around” his left hip, thus creating the most power and topspin on the ball. His legs are already in position to move forward the net for a volley.

Step 5: The Ready Position: Once Christian hits the ball, he must get ready to volley if the ball was not a “winner”. By the smile on his face, his forehand approach shot was successful and is waiting for an easy return to “kill” the next shot. His knees are slightly flexed, he is in a good athletic stance and his eyes are focused on the oncoming ball.

Look in the next Newsletter for: “The Modern Game: The Backhand Approach Shot”


Travis Country West

Submit your news at:www.peelinc.com

SWING Networking GroupPromote your business with local independent

business owners. SWING (South west Austin Inclusive Networking Group) has been meeting every Thursday morning from 8AM to 9:30AM at the Waterloo Ice House on Escarpment for 8 years.

We have no dues, no initiation fees, we don’t take attendance. Just pay for your own breakfast. The more often you show up the better we get to know you. We are an inclusive group, we will enjoy competition. So, bring your business cards and a good attitude and let’s get to know you.

If you want more information, contact Liz Jensen at 512-301-6966 or [email protected] or Peter Berardino (The King of SWING) at 512-695-2334 or [email protected].


Travis Country WestAt no time will any source be allowed to use TCW Neighborhood News' 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 TCW Neighborhood News is exclusively for the private use of the Travis Country West HOA and Peel, Inc.

DISCLAIMER: Articles and ads in this newsletter express the opinions of their authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Peel, Inc. or its employees. Peel, Inc. is not responsible for the accuracy of any facts stated in articles submitted by others. The publisher also assumes no responsibility for the advertising content with this publication. All warranties and representations made in the advertising content are solely that of the advertiser and any such claims regarding its content should be taken up with the advertiser.* The publisher assumes no liability with regard to its advertisers for misprints or failure to place advertising in this publication except for the actual cost of such advertising.* Although every effort is taken to avoid mistakes and/or misprints, the publisher assumes no responsibility for any errors of information or typographical mistakes, except as limited to the cost of advertising as stated above or in the case of misinformation, a printed retraction/correction.* Under no circumstances shall the publisher be held liable for incidental or consequential damages, inconvenience, loss of business or services, or any other liabilities from failure to publish, or from failure to publish in a timely manner, except as limited to liabilities stated above.

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Travis Country West

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For property info call:

512.872.6083

Search for homes: austin.homecity.com

Right Now in Travis Country West... Homes on the Market: 100 homes Avg Sales Price: $501,774 Avg Days on Market: 49.88 days

Partnering to make real estate the way it’s supposed to be.

Everett Financial, INC. D/B/A Supreme Lending(NMLS ID #2129) at 14801 Quorum Dr., #300, Dallas, TX 75254. 877-350-5225. Copyright © 2014. All rights reserved. This is not an offer to enter into an agreement. Not all customers will qualify. Information, rates, and programs are subject to change without prior notice. All products are subject to credit and property approval. Not all products are available in all states. Other restrictions and limitations may apply. Supreme Lending is not affiliated with any government agency. Supreme Lending is required to disclose the following license information: Texas-SML Mortgage Banker Registration Residential Mortgage Loan Originator. For all other licenses, visit http://www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org/.

For Mortgage Info Call:Jason Lewis Senior Loan OfficerP: 512.279.1134NMLS #207770jasonlewis.supremelending.com3420 Executive Center Dr. #300 Austin, TX 78731

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Travis Country West - July 2014