THE ACORN
Cap’s Tip: To guard
against oak wilt, trim
live oaks only on cold
Jan. or Feb. days.
WINTER 2008
HERITAGE OAKS LANDOWNERS ASSOCIATION
Preserving security, property values and quality of life in Heritage Oaks
Sign of the Times
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
We welcome your letters to the Editor at [email protected].
d I have wanted to write this response
to the article: “Old Sign Deteriorating;
Design Ideas Needed.”
Last week, as I turned into our
subdivision, I saw a lovely grandmother;
helping her precious grandchild climb the
rocks on our “SIGN.” She gently guided
this little one in the childhood joy of
climbing. Her grip was firm and yet she let
this precious little one experience the joy of
the adventure.
My husband Van and I were with
the Jackson family; as they looked at,
speculated over, prayed about and finally,
as a family group bought the 500 acre
ranch upon which our homes now stand.
My husband and I, along with members
of the Jackson family, were in the antique
business at the time.
As you probably know from the research;
which I am sure has been carefully done;
this ranch land has rich Texas History; and
also is part of what many Texans call: “The
Gateway to the Hill country.” Hidden here
among our trees and backyards, lies rich
unwritten history of the Comanche’s, who
called the land from here to Fredericksburg;
“The Land of the Comanche Moon.”
You might enjoy reading Lucia St. Claire
Robson’s book: “Ride the Wind.” As a
writer of historical fiction; Robson tells us
the story of the Comanche’s who wintered
from here to historic Fredericksburg; or you
might want to look up Larry Jackson; now
a prominent Antiques Dealer and expert on
museum quality Belter items in downtown
Fredericksburg; I hear he works with the
Fredericksburg Historical Society to help
keep that beautiful spot alive and vital or
perhaps you would like to talk with Karen
Clark Jackson Winson; world traveler,
business women, entrepreneur, resident of
South Africa and the Texas Hill country.
In the 1980’s; when all of our lives began
to spin with the development of Austin as
an important part of our global economy;
my husband Van went to Washington
with Congressman Jake Pickle; as
General Manager of the Austin Chamber
of Commerce, Van worked to help make
Austin a Customs Port of entry; he and Jake
watched as Westinghouse and Motorola
moved Austin toward what would change
all of our lives; It was a good thing! But
all of us grieved as our tidy world shifted
to the speed which we now watch from the
vantage point of Friedman’s book: “The
World Is Flat.”
As you probably know; from your
research of this ranch’s rich history, two of
the original homesteads were still standing
on the lot my husband and I chose at # 2
Sentinel Hill. We have saved the 150 year
old well and the water trough. We chose to
build in the style of the Fredericksburg Hill
country. Larry Jackson, a gifted designer,
laid out these roads. He helped us design
our home as he worked on his on Carriage
House Lane.
He knew our love of History; we as
teachers of Texas History and life long
students of ALL History, International
Antique and Boat Dealers, and travelers of
the world; all of us collaborated our artistic
skills and Larry executed our design with
the care that he himself used to design his
own home.
When the elder of the Jackson Clan:
L.O. Jackson said; “Why, Heritage Oaks?
As a name for the subdivision.” All of us
laughed! At the time we all prayed and
hoped that this land and our homes would
be just that; part of our rich Texas Heritage:
“That which we leave to our precious
children.”
(Letter continued on page 2)
d Aging is a process we would like to
put on hold but unfortunately we aren’t
granted that privilege. I personally like our
sign, but it is showing its age (something
I definitely identify with!). The structural
condition may look fine from a distance
but when taking a closer look while doing
landscaping or putting up decorations, the
deterioration is evident. It’s not going
to fall down tomorrow but it is time we
start considering a course of action. It is
a wonderful, unique sign that represents
the personality of our neighborhood. Lois
Vahrenkamp has shared a valuable history
of the beginning of Heritage Oaks and we
definitely want to keep this background in
mind when planning for the future. More
than likely restoring the sign will be costly
but possible. One main point mentioned
by several neighbors is that the current
sign is not visible from both directions.
Lois said when the sign was constructed
no one could ever conceive the population
explosion we’re experiencing which has
resulted in heavy traffic on Hwy. 290
from both directions. The dynamics have
definitely changed. Whether a new sign
is constructed or the old one restored,
financing will be something we will
have to address when the time comes.
We’ve been fortunate to have a landscape
architect move into the neighborhood,
Brett Gustafson, who has volunteered to
work with us on a plan. Some preliminary
sketches will be presented to the HOLA
board and members for ideas and
suggestions. The most essential thing is
to not let this project become a point of
dissension in the neighborhood. That’s
why it’s important to get feedback in these
early stages. Lois’s comments are the only
ones received and are highly valued and
appreciated. More viewpoints could help
shape the thinking on this important issue.
Karen Goodin
Entrance Team
Letters: Entrance Sign
(Continued from page 1)
We live in a changing world; As Friedman
says in his book; “The World is Flat” (A brief
history of the 21st century) Note: the book
already revised in 2006; because of the speed
with which our world is spinning us; into the
loss of our rich Texas Ranch Land; and our
past.
The thesis questions must be; “Do we have the
right to throw away ALL that tells our story?”
Our early rock walls carefully restored by some
of you; at great expense; are a testimony to
our need to protect some of that, which gives
character and meaning to the gift we need to
protect; for the generations of the future.
Our entry sign design was purposely executed
to reflect the crumbling homesteads and massive
oaks that the Jackson’s tried to protect as they
worked. They tried to protect that which spoke
of the brave men and women who built their
homes here. And of that early engineer who
traveled here; designed and carefully built the
pyramid shaped rock fences.
We think almost, reverently, about who might
have built and lived in that tiny 1870’s house
that stood on our property until May of 1987.
It fell during a month long torrential rain; along
with our tears; as the Texas Economy broke
under weight of the “ flatting of our world.”
Many residents grieved its loss; as a favorite
“Bluebonnet Photo Op. site” each spring!
Lest I sound bitter; I have written and
illustrated three children’s books; one of
which is called “Change Happens.” You must
know that I understand change happens! My
publisher calls these books; Children’s Self
Help Genre (ages 0-99)
It is my personal hope that some thought and
research will be given to: RESTORATION of
our sign as part of Heritage and NOT just as
a “tiding up task.” We are NOT just another
“slick” subdivision; please allow us the dignity
of our HISTORY!
Respectfully,
Lois Vahrenkamp
Editor’s Note: The condition of the
entrance sign was discussed at the October
2007 HOLA General Meeting, but no
decisions were made except for a request
for members to submit ideas to landscape
architect Bret Gustafson. To clarify, there
are no plans at this time to remove or repair
the existing sign, or construct another sign.
Any such plans will need to be discussed
and approved by a quorum of HOLA’s
members. This issue will be discussed
further at upcoming general meetings.
Your perspective is an important part of the
decision process, and all property owners
of Heritage Oaks are encouraged to be
members of the Landowners Association.
The Best Christmas Party
. . . Ever! by Ellen Humpert
Do you remember in grade school when
your sweet, little, old matronly teacher
would tell your class, “You are the best
class I have ever had!” You don’t believe
it because she says that to every class,
but still, it feels so good to hear. Regarding this year’s HOLA Christmas Gala
this scenario is definitely not the case.
Truly, undoubtedly, absolutely and
with complete certitude this year’s
HOLA Gala, dubbed The Magic of
Christmas Party, held on Dec. 9th at the
Mhoon’s house, was the BEST EVER!
I didn’t get a head count of the children
who watched in amazement and laughed
with glee at the antics of John Maverick
the Magician. I wish I had, the room was
stuffed! Some of the adults took advantage of this time to mingle, but I caught
many, many, many adults thoroughly
engrossed in the performance as well.
Santa arrived right on time. He mentioned to me on his way out that his lap was
sore from all the kids. He added a “Ho!Ho!-Ho!” so I knew he wasn’t complaining.
The weather was perfect too! Clear and chilly.
There
are
many
people
to
thank
for
their
contributions:
Dick & Karen Goodin and Robert
Mitchell for decorating the entrance
and Greg Stowers for providing the
highly readable sign announcing the party.
Kathryn
Ballett,
Denise
Kovar,
Janet Luft, Sheri McIntire, Sally
Mhoon and Raquel Wilson for planning and pulling the whole thing off.
David and Sally Mhoon deserve extra
kudos for hosting the party in their lovely
home. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
And to Matt and Marcia Thayer for
their annual contribution of hot coco and
cider (the real deal, no little packets, but
real chocolate, milk, and love mixed in).
Reggie Warren is most appreciated for his
appearance in red. And to all the neighbors who brought deserts to share and
non-perishable food items for the Dripping Springs Helping Hands Food Pantry.
Now class, raise your hand
if you had fun at the party.
Lighting Contest Winners Welcome, New Neighbours
The judging committee drove through
the streets of Heritage Oaks one beautiful
December 19th evening to search for
winners of the Annual HOLA Lighting
Contest. This years winners are:
1st Place Joel & Linda Reed
32 Long Creek Road
2nd Place Don & Vi Michler
29 Carriage House Lane
3rd Place Stacy & Dana Williams
3 Scarlet Ridge
Congratulations to the winners and thank
you to all Heritage Oaks residents who
took the time to decorate your homes for
the holidays. A special thank you to Cindy
Figer and New Canaan Farms, who
donated many of the items included in the
award baskets.
HOLAWeen
Thank
Yous
Many thanks to Jaysen Maurice and
his numerous wonderful volunteers
who gave of their time and trailers to
take the kids trick-or-treating!
Ann & Tim Heide
36 Laurel Hill (284-8942)
The Heides went above and beyond
the call of duty by hosting HOLAween
2007 within a week of moving into their
new home! Thank you, Heides!
2008
Board
Elected
At the October general membership
meeting, nominees were voted-in to
serve on the 2008 board. The 2007
board would like to thank the nomination
committee, Tom Vandivier, Tim Lulfs,
Pam Strickland, Dave Roberts & Matt
Thayer, for their diligence in soliciting
and identifying volunteers for these key
positions. The 2008 HOLA board officers
are as follows: Matt Thayer (President),
Chuck Fahrenthold (1st Vice President), Ed
Taddia (2nd Vice President), Debbie Tolany
(Secretary) and Lane DeSilva (Treasurer).
We appreciate any support you can
provide the new board as they perform
their duties on behalf of the neighborhood.
PLEASE BE PART OF HOLA IN 2008
Why be a member
of HOLA in 2008?
HOLA is unusual as property owners
associations go: we’re voluntary, inexpensive, loads of fun, effective at getting things done, and famously friendly. We are a group of neighbours that
work together to keep the unique local
character that drew us to Heritage Oaks
in the first place. We think among the
most important of those qualities is the
chance to enjoy real community between neighbours, and protect against
developments that might threaten that.
The
mission
of
the
Heritage Oaks Landowners
Association is to provide
for the general security,
maintenance of property
values, and quality of
life for its residents
and
property
owners.
If you agree with this
mission, please join us!
M e m b e r s h i p
Has
Its
Benefits
While HOLA’s actions benefit the
neighbourhood as a whole, a HOLA
membership includes two additional
benefits that are vitally important:
FOOD & FUN - Catered meals for
the whole family and fun stuff for the
kids at all social events of the year
VOTING PRIVILEGES - Only
HOLA members may vote on issues brought before the membership.
Property owners may cast one vote
per current paid lot membership.
HERITAGE OAKS DIRECTORY UPDATE AND 2008 MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION
Please complete as you would like the next edition of the directory to read. Your information is used only for HOLA purposes and is never shared.
Landowner(s) Name(s)
Street Address
________________________________________________________
_______________________________________ Austin, Texas 78737
Home Phone ___________________ His Cell ___________________
Alt. Phone ___________________ Her Cell ___________________
PLEASE VOLUNTEER ON ONE OF OUR TEAMS
ENTRANCE Maintains entrance landscaping & flags, trims right-of-way
PROPERTY Monitor local developments and oak wilt; choose lighting winners
SAFETY
Operate neighbourhood watch program with County Sheriff
SOCIAL
Plan Easter Egg Hunt, Spring Fling, HOLAWeen, Christmas Gala
COMM.
Maintain website, update directory and publish newsletter
NOMINATE Identify good candidates for board officers annually
BOARD
Serve as an officer (President, 1st VP, 2nd VP, Treasurer, Secretary)
ACC
Approve construction plans that comply with deed restrictions
HIM HER
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PLEASE CHOOSE YOUR MEMBERSHIP LEVEL
Under the provisions of our Bylaws, Heritage Oaks property owners can join HOLA with up to one paid membership per lot owned. Each paid membership entitles the owner(s) to cast one vote at HOLA meetings. Couples
jointly owning a single lot cast their one vote jointly. If you own multiple lots within Heritage Oaks, you may purchase a membership for each lot, and will be entitled to one vote for each paid lot membership.
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SINGLE LOT MEMBERSHIP
MULTIPLE LOT MEMBERSHIP
1 Membership x $75
__ Memberships x $75
=
=
$75
____
Please make your check payable to Heritage Oaks Landowners Association and mail together with
this form to HOLA, PO Box 729, Dripping Springs, TX 78620. Thank you!
LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK ABOUT HOLA
This survey is OPTIONAL but very helpful to HOLA in determining how we’re doing. Thanks!
1. What, if anything, do you think that HOLA does well?
2. In what ways do you think HOLA could improve to better serve its members?
3. If you are NOT joining HOLA or renewing your membership this year, why is that?