Gracywoods

We should never forget . . .

2012-02-02T21:05:00.001-06:00

Hi, neighbors!

Several of us are going to the tax office this Saturday (2/4/12) at 10:00 a.m. to be trained and sworn-in as official Deputy Voter Registrars. The training takes no more than an hour and costs nothing. Some of us plan on meeting at the St. Johns Church Parking lot (Braker @ Parkfield) at 9:15 a.m. People wishing to carpool, can meet there. Or simply motor yourself to the County Tax Office at 5501 Airport Blvd, Austin 78751. Ms. Cheryl Reese, with the Voter Registration office has graciously agreed to provide a special Saturday training session for several North Austin Neighborhoods. I am not asking you to sign up or make a commitment or RSVP. However, if you have been looking for a way to make a difference, this could be a start.

Why don't you come? There is plenty of room for more - and you will become an official Deputy Voter Registrar.

The Gracywoods Neighborhood Association, which includes the residents in North Park Estates, plans to sponsor one voter registration event-- on President's Day, Monday Feb. 20th. Personally, I plan to assist anyone who would like to register to vote… at my job, my church, my art class, my book club, amongst my family and my friends. If I can help just one person to register and vote, I will consider myself well paid for that hour.

During my own lifetime I have seen Americans change the fundamentals of their society in terms of civil rights, minority rights, and women's rights. We should never forget that we influence our government. Our vote is our message. Our involvement in the process is our message.

This isn't the year to complain. This is the year to stand up. Please join your neighbors, invite your friends and let us all start doing something.

Thank you!

Janet Fulk
President -2012
Gracywoods Neighborhood Association

##

Annual Holiday Pot Luck Dinner - Dec. 3, 2011

2011-11-27T17:08:00.001-06:00

You are cordially invited to the

Gracywoods Neighborhood Association

Annual Holiday Pot Luck Dinner

this Saturday.

Join us to

celebrate another great year in Gracywoods.

Come celebrate with us at our

annual Holiday Pot Luck Dinner -

and bring a neighbor.

Bring your favorite appetizers, side dish, or desserts to share.

GWNA will provide roasted chicken, ham, lemonade, ice tea, coffee and the paper goods.

Saturday

12/03/2011
6:30 to 10:00 p.m.

St. Albert Catholic Church

Parish Hall
12041 Bittern Hollow

(corner with Metric Blvd.)
Austin, Texas 78758

Happy Holidays!

Neighborhood-wide Garage Sale - Saturday

2011-10-27T11:27:00.000-05:00

Come shop in Gracywoods on Saturday, October 29th - 25 Families will have garage sales - one day only!

Find us north of Braker between Lamar and Metric. Look for the yellow signs.

Garage Sales at these addresses:

12023 Lincolnshire Dr.

12029 Lincolnshire Dr.

11928 Bittern Hollow

11907 Cherie Dr.

11606 Barchetta Dr.

11710 Barchetta Dr.

11831 Carshalton Dr.

11832 Carshalton Dr.

11706 Drayton Dr.

1102 Huntridge Dr.

11816 Eubank Dr.

11805 Eubank Dr.

1300 Monica

1400 Monica

1000 North Bend Dr.

1711 Prairie Hen Cove

11400 Titian Dr.

11703 Lochridge

11103 Bending Bough Trail

1778 Cricket Hollow Dr.

1104 Rebecca Dr.

1811 Rainy Meadows

1804 Rainy Meadows

Reflections/Walnut Crk I

11922 Sky West

Neighborhood Garage Sale - October 29th

2011-10-19T21:55:00.001-05:00

Back by popular demand, Gracywoods Neighborhood Association will sponsor a neighborhood-wide garage sale.

Like in years past, GWNA will advertise your garage sale address and post signs through the neighborhood to help publicize this event.

Residents who are interested in participating in this fall's event and being included in the advertising, please contact our chairperson Barbi Brightwell, at barbibright@yahoo.com as soon as possible.

A $3 donation per garage sale address is requested to cover the costs of the newspaper ads.

For any other questions, please email us at info@gracywoods.org.

Thank you!

Block Parties Tonight - Oct. 4th

2011-10-04T15:00:00.001-05:00

Find a block party near you, meet your neighbors and make some new friends.

Please bring a chair, a drink and a snack to share.

Help us make Gracywoods / North Park Estates a safer place - get to know your neighbors.

Block Party Locations (Host) & Invited Streets:

12014 Lincolnshire (Bennett) = Lincolnshire, Garnaas, Elvas
11702 Barchetta (Skibbie) = Barchetta | Swearingen
1201 Knollpark Circle (Guthrie) = Knollpark | Knoll Park Cir
11900 Cherie Dr (Morgans & neighbors) = Cherie
1708 Kimmerling Ln (Karli) = Kimmerling | Rickem | Braewood | Meadowfire
1701 Pheasant Roost (Glass) = Pheasant Roost | Prairie Hen Cir | Prairie Hen Cv | Prairie Hen Ln | Woodwind
1907 Rainy Meadows (Rudig) = Rainy Meadows | Tallowfield | Heatherglen | Prairie Knoll | Lochridge
11706 Drayton (Neely) = Drayton Dr, Knoll Park Dr
1610 Charlois (Patsy) = Charlois, Guernsey, Holstein, Jersey
1012 Huntridge (Botello) = Huntridge | Huntridge Cir | Silbury | Rebecca | Minda Dr | Minda Cir
1106 Gemini (Seller) = Circle Bend | Titian | North Bend to Eubank | Austin Park | Gemini | Space | Apollo
840 North Bend (Rice) = North Bend (from Eubanks to Lamar) | Titian Dr | Satellite | Orbit | Albury Cove
11822 Eubank (Weed) = Eubanks | Silbury | Huntridge

Have fun!

Francoise Luca
President, Gracywoods Neighborhood Association
president@gracywoods.org

#

Block Parties - Tuesday - Neighborhood Night Out

2011-10-03T19:50:00.001-05:00

Come join us for National Night Out on Tuesday, October 4^th at a block party near you!

Gracywoods will be hosting 12 block parties throughout the neighborhood as part of this city-wide event. Come meet your neighbors and learn about our area's neighborhood watch – GracyWatch.

Tuesday, Oct 4^4h we will be serving up snacks from 6-8p. Find a party near you and make some new friends.
Please bring a chair, a drink and a snack to share.

Come make some new friends, and help us make Gracywoods / North Park Estates a safer place. Look for the yard signs at these locations.

Block Party Locations (Host & Invited Streets):

11702 Barchetta (Skibbie) = Barchetta | Swearingen
1201 Knollpark Circle = Knollpark | Knoll Park Cir
11900 Cherie Dr (Morgans & neighbors) = Cherie
1609 Kimmerling Ln (Karli) = Kimmerling | Rickem | Braewood | Meadowfire
1701 Pheasant Roost (Glass) = Pheasant Roost |
Prairie Hen Cir | Prairie Hen Cv | Prairie Hen Ln | Woodwind
1907 Rainy Meadows (Rudig) = Rainy Meadows | Tallowfield | Heatherglen | Prairie Knoll | Lochridge
1012 Huntridge (Botello) = Huntridge | Huntridge Cir | Silbury | Rebecca | Minda Dr | Minda Cir
11503 Circle Bend Dr (Fulk) = Circle Bend | Titian | North Bend to Eubank | Austin Park | Gemini | Space | Apollo
840 North Bend (Rice) = North Bend (from Eubanks to Lamar) | Titian Dr | Satellite | Orbit | Albury Cove
11822 Eubank
11706 Drayton (Neely) = Drayton Dr, Knoll Park Dr
1610 Charlois (Patsy) = cjarp;aos. Guernsey, Holstein, Jersey

See you Tuesday!

Francoise Luca

President, Gracywoods Neighborhood Association

president@gracywoods.org

City's Watershed Dept. will speak at GWNA meeting

2011-09-03T10:58:00.001-05:00

GWNA invites you to a special September. meeting

Join us
Tuesday, September 6nd at 7:00 p.m.
at
Brentwood Oaks Church of Christ
11908 North Lamar Boulevard
(just north of Ross' Cafe)

SEPTEMBER MEETING AGENDA

Austin APD - Crime Stats

Presentation by the City' Watershed Department

on

Erosion in Gracywoods & North Park Estates
and Park Mowing

National Neighborhood Night Out

Erosion and Park Issues

There are areas of Gracywoods that are facing severe erosion problems. To address these concerns we have invited the City of Austin, Watershed Protection Department staff to come and make a presentation about the problems our neighborhood and parks are experiencing.

Special Presentation at our GWNA meeting

Sept. 6th at 7:00p

by the City of Austin's Watershed Protection Department

Angela Gallardo, Conservation Program Coordinator

Staryn Wagner, Environmental Scientist Associate

will present important information about the creek erosion problems and how mowing affects these.

We invite all residents to attend, and especially those residents with properties adjacent to creek or drainage areas.

These City of Austin experts will also discuss the creeks and the mowing contracts of our area parks. They will be coordinating the mowing with the parks department, based on the consensus established from Gracywoods Neighborhood Association members.

This is a very important meeting, because the City will be presenting information on our options of services from the City, as well as on volunteer opportunities to support the park system, and they will educate us on how the volunteer process works with the City of Austin and the best way to gather support across City departments. From this meeting's discussion and outcome, Watershed will work with the Parks Department to establish the mowing criteria for our area.

We are very fortunate to have these experts come to meet and speak with us.
Please make plans to attend this meeting.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tour of North Central Health Clinic

Monday, September 19th
6:00 p.m.

The Gracywoods Neighborhood Association has arranged a special tour of the new North Central Health Clinic on Braker Lane, prior to its granding opening later this month

Only one private GWNA tour will be offered. You are welcome to attend, even if you did not RSVP through the survey. Please meet the group at the front entrance of the building (facing Velocity) by 6:00 p.m.

More information on the center can be found at: http://www.communitycaretx.org/north_central_health_center.html
and
http://www.traviscountyhd.org/north_central_health_center_project.html

#

Tour of the North Central Health Clinic

2011-08-28T10:47:00.001-05:00

The Gracywoods Neighborhood Association has arranged a special tour of the new North Central Health Clinic on Braker Lane.

Only one tour will be offered.

The date will be chosen by the results of the attached poll.

To attend this special tour please RSVP by going to the attached link. (Survey format).

https://app.icontact.com/icp/sub/survey/start?sid=1343&cid=176761

Proposed tour dates:

Monday, September 19th at 6:00 p.m.

Tuesday, September 20th at 6:00 p.m

Thank you,

Francoise Luca

President, Gracywoods Neighborhood Association

August GWNA Meeting

2011-08-01T23:53:00.001-05:00

GWNA invites you to our August meeting

Join us

Tuesday, August 2nd

at 7:00 p.m. at
Brentwood Oaks Church of Christ
11908 North Lamar Boulevard
(just north of Ross' Cafe)

Free parking, interesting topics and good neighbors.

AUGUST MEETING AGENDA

Fire Ban

Park Mowing & Maintenance

Erosion of Creek Banks

Back to School Supply Drive

Constable's Boundaries

National Neighborhood Night Out

We will be discussing an upcoming "Special Meeting" with City of Austin Watershed Protection Department about our area's erosion problems. The Park's Department will also be invited, as we craft a Gracywood community-wide plan for the care of our creeks and parks. Please join us.

Special Meeting on Wednesday, July 20th

2011-07-18T10:51:00.001-05:00

The Gracywoods Neighborhood Association

Invites you to a Special Business Community Meeting

July 20,2011

7:00-8:30 p.m.

Pok-E-Joe's

2121 Parmer Lane

North Austin business owners, residents and community stakeholders are cordially invited to attend a special meeting to discuss the future of North Austin.

New Solutions to Old Problems

Growth, traffic, crime, panhandling, infrastructure, and many other concerns face every business owner and resident in North Austin. Come share your vision for North Austin and help us create a better future for our families and businesses.

This special meeting is sponsored by the North Austin Coalition of Neighborhoods and its members.

Come meet your neighbors, business peers and join in on some interesting conversations.

See you there!

Francoise Luca

President,

Gracywoods Neighborhood Association

North Austin Coalition of Neighborhoods

NACN is a grass-roots coalition of neighborhoods in 78758 and 7853 working to create community-led change, mentor communities and business development and fix neighborhood issues in our area.
Visit: www.lovenorthaustin.com

July Monthly Meeting Tonight

2011-07-05T17:26:00.001-05:00

Join us for our monthly meeting of the Gracywoods Neighborhood Association.

July 5th at 7:00 p.m.

Brentwood Church of Christ - Chapel

11908 North Lamar Boulevard
Austin, TX 78753

Agenda:

Neighborhood Watch Updates

Park Vision Committe

Fall programs

See you there.

Francoise Luca

President@gracywoods.org

Parade starts at 9a on Monday

2011-07-01T21:56:00.001-05:00

Gather at 8:30a to decorate bikes, stollers and wagons.

Monday - 4th of July Parade

2011-07-01T21:31:00.001-05:00

Join us for Gracywood's 4th of July Parade

Monday, July 4th, 2011

9 am - Bittern Hollow entry to greenbelt (at the water fountain)

Come decorate your non-motorized bikes, strollers and wagons in American colors.

9:30 am - Parade along park path towards Parkfield and back to water fountain

APD will also be presenting "Bike safety tips".

10 am - Live Music, awards, iced watermelon, cupcakes and mingling

* * * Cupcake Contest * * *

Bring decorated cupcakes to share and for judging.

Bring a neighbor, chairs, and your red, white and blue spirit!

JOIN US

To volunteer contact: Bill Glass 836-3330

* * * * * * NO FIREWORKS * * * * * *

Vote on Saturday

2011-05-13T20:53:00.001-05:00

Saturday, May 14th is the election day for Austin City Council. The ballot is very simple. There are only three races on the ballot and no other decisions to make.

Here is the sample ballot:

Place 1, Austin City Council

__ Josiah James Ingalls

__ Chris Riley

__ Roger Chan

__ Norman Jacobson

Place 3, Austin City Council

__ Kathie Tovo

__ Michael "Max" Nofziger

__ Kris Bailey

__ Randi Shade

Place 4, Austin City Council

__ Laura Morrison

__ Eric J. Rangel

__ K. Toby Ryan Hill

You must vote in your precinct on Saturday. Here are the most likely locations for the Gracywoods area. You can also go on-line for more precinct locations:

http://www.co.travis.tx.us/county_clerk/election/20110514/polls.asp

258	McBee Elem. School
	1001 West Braker Ln.
263	United Christian Church
	3500 West Parmer Ln.
266	Senior Activity Center
	2874 Shoal Crest Ave.
267	Great Hills Baptist Church
	10500 Jollyville Rd.
268	Grant AME Worship Center
	1701 Kramer Ln.
108	Copperfield Elem. School
	12135 Thompkins Dr.
109	Parmer Ln. Elem. School
	1806 Parmer Ln.
110	River Oaks Elem. School
	12401 Scofield Farms Dr.
111	Westview Middle School
	1805 Scofield Ln.
112	Dessau Elem. School
	1501 Dessau Ridge Ln.

Please exercise your right and privilege to vote.

P.S. More people attended the Capital 10K marathon than are expected to vote on Saturday. This is a sad statistic. Gracywoods and North Austin, let's make a difference!

Francoise Luca

President, Gracywoods Neighborhood Association

You are invited to our Spring Fling

2011-05-06T17:46:00.001-05:00

May 7th - this Saturday

GWNA Spring Fling & and Potluck Dinner

What: Pot Luck Dinner in the park

Who: Neighbors in Gracywoods, Walnut Creek NA, Quail Hollow and apartment communities along Metric Blvd., families, friends and guests

When: Saturday, May 7th 6:30p - 8:30p

Where: By the water fountain in the North Star greenbelt. Bittern Hollow entrance of the greenbelt - under the power lines - next to the water fountain. (same as 4th of July parade)

Why: Meet great people. Enjoy tasty treats. Learn some dance steps from GWNA resident and dance instructor David Cantu, who will be demonstrating the two-step and the swing and giving us lessons!

Bring: A dish (cover dish, appetizers, chips/snacks or dessert) enough for about 6-8 people to share.

* * Bring a folding chair or blanket and drink. (No alcohol, please.)

* * Lemonade, tea, paper plates and utensils will be provided.

If you don't cook, no worries, store bought goodies are fine . . . or just come - watch and meet some fun people. Your presence is our treat.

For questions or to volunteer to help, please email us at president@gracywoods.org.

See you there!

May Meeting & Early Voting

2011-05-02T10:40:00.001-05:00

Tuesday, May 3rd - Gracywoods Neighborhood Association Monthly Meeting

Join us

Tuesday, May 3rd at 7:00 p.m. at
Brentwood Oaks Church of Christ
11908 North Lamar Boulevard
(just north of Ross' Cafe)
Free parking, interesting topics and good neighbors.

MAY MEETING AGENDA

Spring Fling- Dance in the Park – May 7th

May 14th Elections

4th of July Parade

Crime Watch

EARLY VOTING HAS BEGUN

Austin will hold local city elections on Saturday, May 14^th ;

Early voting is between May 2^nd- May 10^{th -}At the Asian Shopping Center on North Lamar

This year's election will be for Place 1, 3 and 4. Candidates are:

Place 1: Chris Riley; Josiah Ingalls, Roger Chan, Norman Jacobson
Place 3: Randi Shade; Katie Tovo, Max Nofziger, Kris Bailey,
Place 4: Laura Morrison, Eric Rangel, Toby Ryan

Vote today!

Need a ride to early voting? Email us at: president@gracywoods.org

For more information contact the Travis County Elections Division at (512) 238-VOTE (238-8683).

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

I VOTE tee shirts & yard signs

Remember those red tee shirts GWNA made for the protest rally? They're back!

We will have a few red tee-shirts available for $10 each. We will also take orders if we don't have your size. (Cash or Check), to order email president@gracywoods.org

and now . . .

Red & White "I Vote" yard signs

A limited number of yard signs are now available. Please pick one up at the neighborhood meeting. (A suggested donation of $3 per sign would be appreciated from non-GWNA members.)

To place orders please contact us at: president@gracywoods.org

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Why Should I Vote in Local Elections?

The decisions of city, county, school board, and community college officials, local officials, affect your daily life probably more than state and federal officials. They are the people who

· decide tax rates

· decide to build infrastructure like roads, sewage systems, and electrical lines

· determine new building codes

· decide zoning issues

· fund police and fire departments

· develop and maintain parkland

· fund economic programs for small businesses and industries that create jobs and revenue

· determine environmental policy (water, air, land)

· determine how to get rid of your trash

· help protect your neighborhood from crime and vandalism

· provide health and human services

· provide clean drinking water, water to clean, and water to grow your plants

· provide rules and enforcement to make sure you remain healthy in public environments

· decide the quality of education and workforce training

Who Are These Locally Elected Officials

and What Do They Do?

COUNTY

Travis County Commissioners Court (County Judge, 4 Precinct Commissioners)

Chief policy-making and administrative branch of county government: sets tax rate, determines fees for many county services, determines how collected revenues are distributed to provide county services

Travis County District Judges (17)

Preside over criminal (felony level) and civil cases

Travis County Courts at Law Judges (8)

Preside over criminal (misdemeanor level) and civil cases

Travis County Justices of the Peace (5)

Preside over criminal (Class C misdemeanor level) and civil cases (where amount in dispute is less than $200)

Travis County Probate Judge (1)

Presides over probate cases

Travis County Sheriff

Law enforcement within the county

Travis County Constables (5)

Serve arrest warrants, enforce all state and local laws (may arrest those in violation of those laws)

Travis County District Attorney

Prosecutes felony criminal cases

Travis County Attorney

Prosecutes misdemeanor criminal cases

Travis County Clerk

Tracks and maintains criminal misdemeanor, civil and probate records

Organizes and holds city, county, AISD, ACC, federal, state elections

Issues and maintains marriage licenses

Maintains and posts County Commissioners' Court meeting minutes

Travis County Tax Asessor-Collector

Assess, collect and disburse property taxes

Travis County Treasurer

Provides for the safekeeping of all county funds, chief custodian of county finances

Receives, accounts for, and disburses all money belonging to the county

Paying agent/registrar for county registered bonds

Processes cash bail bond checks and juror payments

CITY

City Council

Mayor (at large)

Council Members (6 places, all at large)

Determines property tax rate to support city services and city budget

Decides city ordinances (taxes, zoning, solid waste management, code compliance, etc.)

Oversees Austin Police and Fire Departments

Hires City Manager

EDUCATION

Austin Indendent School District

Board of Trustees (6 district members, 1 at large member)

Determines property tax rate to support public schools

Hires superintendent and sets strategic goals for school district

Austin Community College

Board of Trustees (9 district members)

Determines property tax rate to support ACC

Hires president and sets strategic goals for community college district

Prepared by North Austin Coalition of Neighborhoods, April 2011.

Contact: Ann Teich, Vice President of North Austin Civic Association, annteich@austin.rr.com.

Candidates Forum - tonight

2011-04-26T07:40:00.001-05:00

You are invited to attend . . .

Who: The North Austin Coalition of Neighborhoods (NACN)

What: Candidates Forum on North Austin specific issues

When: Tuesday, April 26, 2011

6:30 p.m. doors open – "Meet and Greet" with Candidates

7:00 – 8:35 p.m. Candidates Forum for North Austin

Where: Lanier High School, 1201 Payton Gin Road, Austin, TX

Why: North Austin has specific needs in the areas of crime, panhandling, traffic and neighborhood infrastructure, and expects City leadership to address these concerns with cost effective, sustainable and compassionate solutions.

Background:

All candidates have been invited. The following are scheduled to attend.

Place 1: Chris Riley (incumbent), Josiah Ingalls

Roger Chan and Norman Jacobson were invited but have chosen not to attend.

Place 3: Randi Shade (incumbent), Kris Bailey, Max Nofziger, Kathy Tovo

Place 4: Laura Morrison (incumbent), Eric Rangel

Toby Ryan was invited but has chosen not to attend.

The questions for this forum are specific to North Austin concerns and have been compiled from over 150 responses to the survey that was published in February by NACN.

This forum is a joint effort of the member neighborhood associations in North Austin Coalition of Neighborhoods. It will be moderated by the president of Gracywoods Neighborhood Association, Francoise Luca.

NACN members: North Austin Civic Association, Walnut Creek Neighborhood Association, North Creek / Georgian Acres Neighborhood Association, Quail Hollow Neighborhood Association, Mockingbird Hill Neighborhood Association, Gracywoods / North Park Estates Neighborhood Association

NACN is a a grass-roots coalition of neighborhoods in 78758 and 78753 working to create community-led change, mentor businesses and communities, and fix neighborhood issues in our area. More details on the NACN three year plan can be found at: http://northaustin.weebly.com/nacn---thinking-forward.html or visit: http://www.main.org/nacn/

It's My Park Day - Saturday, March 5th

2011-03-04T09:12:00.001-06:00

Tomorrow - Saturday, March 5th we need you to help us Mulch!

It's My Park Day!

We will gather at 9:00a at the entrance to the North Star Green Belt on Bittern Hollow.

(This is one block north of Parkfield and Bittern Hollow. The same place we have the 4th of July Parade - under the power lines and next to the water fountain). Volunteers will split up into groups to mulch, trim and spruce up our green belt.

This is an annual event sponsored by the City of Austin, Parks and Recreation department and the Park Foundation.

Just come out and have some fun for a few hours on Saturday morning. Bring the kids . . . not your pets . . . and join us to do a little spring cleaning in our greenbelt.

We have a job for everyone. We need volunteers to pass out supplies and food, as well as volunteers to mulch, paint and clean-up trash. There are small tasks for everyone and great fun and fellowship too!

GWNA will provide some of the basic supplies and light refreshments. We encourage volunteers to bring their own work gloves, shovels and hand clippers, if possible. Be sure to mark your tools with your name. We could also use a couple of volunteers with pick-up trucks to help haul mulch and supplies.

Please call Bill Glass, 836-3330, if you can help out or have any questions.

This is a fun way to meet neighbors and help our environment. Family groups, youth groups and scouts are welcome to come earn service hours, and afterwards, enjoy some Double Dave Pizza !

Thanks for all your support !

Francoise Luca

President,

Gracywoods Neighborhood Association

March GWNA Meeting - Tuesday

2011-02-27T22:16:00.001-06:00

Join us on Tuesday, March 1st at 7:00 p.m. at

Brentwood Oaks Church of Christ - (look for our green sign)

11908 North Lamar Boulevard

for our monthy meeting of the Gracywoods Neighborhood Association.

Main Topics:

* * Crime Watch * *

It's My Park Day! - Saturday, March 5th

Please stop by and meet your neighbors and help us make this a great year.

See you there,

Francoise Luca

President, GWNA

president@gracywoods.org

Got questions for City Council

2011-02-13T23:52:00.001-06:00

The North Austin Coalition of Neighborhoods (NACN) has created a survey to gather your questions for the upcoming City Council candidates.

NACN invites you to take this short survey by clicking on this link:

https://app.icontact.com/icp/sub/survey/start?sid=1297&cid=176761

NACN will be hosting a "Candidates Forum" later this spring, and they are inviting all of North Austin to submit questions and to attend.

Thank you for participating in the survey!

8:00? 8:25? 8:40? Find a flick in no time
with theYahoo! Search movie showtime shortcut.

February Association Meeting

2011-01-31T16:22:00.001-06:00

Join us on Tuesday, February 1st at 7:00 p.m. at

Brentwood Oaks Church of Christ - (in the Chapel)

11908 North Lamar Boulevard

for our monthy meeting of the Gracywoods Neighborhood Association.

Meet your neighbors and help us plan for a great 2011.

See you there,

Francoise Luca

President, GWNA

president@gracywoods.org

CRIME ALERT: Mail Thefts & Car Break-in's

2011-01-25T08:42:00.001-06:00

This crime alert is real.

Our friends in the Walnut Creek Neighborhood (IH35 to Lamar, north of Braker) are reporting increased criminal activity this last weekend.

Car Break-in's:

This weekend 16 cars from just 10 properties in a one mile area of Walnut Creek were broken into. In most cases, the windows were smashed and GPS, electronics and other valuables were stolen. Please read the previous post for ways to protect your vehicles and property!

Mail Thefts:

Suspicious persons are driving the neighborhood taking out-going mail and mail left overnight. Items taken are Netflix movies, government checks and outgoing mail with out-going checks. Please pick up your mail everyday. Do not leave mail in your mail box over night. Consider sending out mail at the post office or other secure location.

Call 911 if you see any suspicious activity.

ALERT: Recent Car Break-in

2011-01-09T21:55:00.001-06:00

Take, Lock, and Hide . . . so Your Car is Safe

ü Always lock your car, even when you will be gone a few seconds. Don't leave any window open or even cracked open, including vent/wing windows and sunroofs.Set any alarm or anti-theft device. If you have one, use it!

ü Unload your valuables immediately, including your phone and garage remote. Do not store valuables in your car any longer than necessary, and certainly never overnight.

ü Take anything that might tempt a thief: loose coins, docking station, loose cables, CD. f you have an after-market stereo/CD-player with a removable faceplate, remove it. Without the faceplate, the unit is less attractive/useful to many thieves, and harder to "fence". If the unit can be pulled, pull it!

ü Opportunity. Stop and double-check before you step away from your car. Did you miss anything that might tell a thief to take a second look? Remember without a clear prize in sight, a locked and possibly alarmed car will likely be bypassed for an easier "target of opportunity".

ü Also, APD is advising us that its a good idea to back your car into the drive, especially if its an SUV, so the back window is against the garage, and to mount motion-detector lights above your garage.

January 4th - GWNA 1st meeting of 2011

2011-01-02T23:30:00.001-06:00

Happy New Year!

On behalf of the Gracywoods Neighborhood Association we wish you and yours the a happy, healthy and prosperous new year!

Join us on Tuesday, January 4th at 7:00 p.m. at

Brentwood Oaks Church of Christ - (in the Chapel)

11908 North Lamar Boulevard

for our January meeting of the Gracywoods Neighborhood Association.

Meet your GWNA officers and members, and help us plan for a great 2011.

See you there,

Francoise Luca

President, GWNA

president@gracywoods.org

November General Meeting

2010-11-01T18:46:00.001-05:00

Please Vote on Tuesday!

Early voter turnout in Austin has been positive. County election officials estimate about 22.54% of Austin voters participated in early voting. Precinct counts are not yet available. (Our goal for the Gracywood precincts was to turn out 50% or our registered voters. It can still happen.)

Gracywoods Neighborhood Association - November Meeting

The Gracywoods Neighborhood Association will be hosting our regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, November 2^nd at 7:00 at the Brentwood Oaks Church of Christ, 11908 N. Lamar Blvd.

This will be our last business meeting of the year. We will elect officers for 2011. Please visit our "Friends of Gracywoods" Yahoo Group files for a meeting agenda and the minutes from our last meeting. (See File Folders)

All our GWNA meetings are open to the public, and all are welcome to attend. The first 30 minutes of this meeting will be reserved for GWNA business. (Reports, NNO update, and election of officers.)

At about 7:30 p.m. Alan Graham, President of Mobile Loaves and Fish, and City of Austin staff will present more information about the proposed Homeless RV Park. The meeting will be conducted in a town hall fashion. Anyone with questions or comments may sign-up to speak for 2 minutes. You may also submit your questions prior to the meeting by sending us an email to: president@gracywoods.org.

We will post the minutes from this meeting and the notes from the Town Hall meeting for those who can not attend.

We look forward to a positive, productive and respectful meeting.

Thank you,

Francoise Luca

President, Gracywoods Neighborhood Association

www.gracywoods.org

Homeless Resources in Austin

2010-10-21T10:45:00.001-05:00

There are several resources for the homeless in Austin to find temporary and/or permanent shelter. It is important that the community be aware of these different strategies and the resources available to address the problems of the homeless in Austin.

Here are some programs to look at as we continue our dialog on homeless services and issues in North Austin.

http://www.integralcare.org/

http://www.austinhomeless.org/

http://www.lifeworksaustin.org/site/c.jqLSIXOBKpF/b.1504599/k.F339/LifeWorks__Austin_Texas__Shelter_for_Homeless_Children.htm

http://www.austinstreet.org/

http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/housing/helpful_links.htm

No excuse

2010-10-18T16:51:00.001-05:00

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Voting in Austin is so easy!

You can vote by mail. You can vote early. You can vote on Election Day.

And yet our voter turnout is miserable. Why?

What's a legitimate excuse for not voting?

What about, "I don't have a ride."

No problem. Gracywoods has volunteers who will drive you to the polls for early voting or on Election Day. Just email us at info@gracywoods.org.

Or another common excuse is: "I don't have time."

Really? Are you so busy, you will not have time to make it to the bank, the grocery store, or church in the next two weeks? Are you totally booked between Monday, October 18, 2010 and Friday, October 29th, Monday – Saturday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., or on Sunday, noon and 6:00 p.m.

Surely, you can spare 5 minutes to run into a polling place and cast your ballot. There will be no lines, I assure you!

How about this excuse? "I'll be out of town."

Ok, you can call (512) 238-VOTE to request a ballot by mail before you "leave town". Or download an application at: http://www.co.travis.tx.us/county_clerk/election/pdfs/app_ballot_by_mail.pdf

Here are the best excuses. "I am not political" or "I don't care who wins."

That's okay. You don't have to care about the taxes you pay, how your tax dollars are spent, or our roads or traffic, or healthcare or the environment. When you don't vote, you let a few voters who do care, determine how your money is spent and what kind of education your children or grandchildren will receive.

Fellow Americans, we really need to get over the excuses and just do it!

I challenge Gracywoods' precincts number 258, 268, and 218 to turn out and vote. Let's shoot for 50% voter turnout. I know you are laughing at this number, but why?

Voting is free.
Voting is convenient.
Voting is important.
Voting is our constitutional right.
Voting is a duty of free people. (Even Americans!)

Surely, at least 50% of Gracywoods residents can find 5 minutes over the next two weeks to vote!

Just do it. Vote early.

Show our City Council, County Commissioners and State Representative that North Austin is paying attention and engaged.

For more information on Voting in Travis County visit: http://www.co.travis.tx.us/county_clerk/election/

Important announcement:

On Tuesday, November 2nd at 7:00 p.m. at Brentwood Oaks Church of Christ, we will be hosting our monthly neighborhood meeting. Our special guest will be Alan Graham, president of Mobile Fish and Loaves, and City of Austin staff. We will be discussing the proposed Homeless RV Park near The Domain.

Join us to discuss homeless issues in North Austin and what services will be provided by Mobile Fish and Loaves.

Francoise Luca
President, Gracywoods Neighborhood Association
president@gracywoods.org

Celebrate National Neighborhood Night Out - Gracywood Style

2010-10-04T00:13:00.001-05:00

Come join us for National Night Out on Tuesday, October 5^th at a block party near you!

Gracywoods will be hosting 18 block parties throughout the neighborhood as part of this city-wide event. Come meet your neighbors and learn about our area's neighborhood watch – GracyWatch.

Tuesday, Oct 5^th we will be serving up hot dogs from 6-8p. Please bring a chair, a drink and a snack to share. Enter our drawing for a $50 Lowes gift card and a free GWNA membership. Come make some new friends, and help us make Gracywoods / North Park Estates a safer place. Look for the yard signs at these locations:

Block Party Locations (Host & Invited Streets):

11702 Barchetta = Barchetta | Swearingen
11818 Carshalton = Carshalton | Hyacinth | Doonsebury
11707 Knollpark = Drayton Dr | Drayton Cir | Knoll Park Dr
1205 Knollpark Cr = Knollpark | Knoll Park Cir
11900 Cherie Dr = Cherie
1402 Gorham St = Gorham | Lance
1609 Kimmerling Ln = Kimmerling | Rickem | Braewood | Meadowfire
12014 Lincolnshire Dr. = Lincolnshire | Garnaas
1701 Pheasant Roost = Pheasant Roost | Prairie Hen Cir | Prairie Hen Cv | Prairie Hen Ln | Woodwind
1907 Rainy Meadows = Rainy Meadows | Tallowfield | Heatherglen | Prairie Knoll | Lochridge
Gracywoods Nursing Home II (on Bittern Hollow across from church) = Rosethorn | Snowfinch | Snowgoose
1215 Gemini = Gemini | Sterling Hill | Knoll Park | Parkfield
1012 Huntridge = Huntridge | Huntridge Cir | Silbury | Rebecca | Minda Dr | Minda Cir
1008 Gemini = (East of Austin Park) Gemini | Space Lane | Apollo
11503 Circle Bend Dr = Circle Bend | Titian | North Bend to Eubank | Austin Park
840 North Bend = North Bend (from Eubanks to Lamar) | Titian Dr | Satellite | Orbit | Albury Cove
St. John's Episcopal Church = Parkfield | Braker | Bittern Hollow | Quail Hollow Neighborhood
Space Circle (@ Baldimar's)

See you Tuesday! ! !

Francoise Luca
President, Gracywoods Neighborhood Association
president@gracywoods.org

Crime Statistic for the area

2010-08-04T00:34:00.001-05:00

Please call 311 or 911 to report suspicious activities or emergencies.

July 2010

Offense	9-Jun	10-Jun	9-Jul	10-Jul
Aggravated Assault with Deadly Weapon	2	0	1	1
Assault	4	4	0	3
Sexual Assault	0	0	0	0
Assault with Injury	3	10	6	12
Burglary of Residence	3	10	4	12
Burglary other	0	0	0	1
Burglary Vehicle	9	7	13	18
Criminal Mischief	10	4	4	11
Drug Possession	0	0	0	0
Family Disturbance	10	9	13	9
Gang Activities	0	0	0	0
Other	37	37	43	30
Theft	3	2	5	6

Source: www.KrimeLabb.org

To join our Gracywood's Neighborhood Watch or to receive more area Watch information, please email us your name and phone number to:

info@gracywoods.org. We will invite you to our GracyWatch yahoo group.

Thanks for being a good neighbor.

Francoise Luca

President

Gracywoods Neighborhood Association

August General Meeting

2010-08-02T15:11:00.001-05:00

Important Meeting Tomorrow:

Tuesday, August 3rd at 7 p.m.

Brentwood Oaks Church of Christ

11908 North Lamar

"in the Chapel"

Join us to discuss crime, safety, and the future of our neighborhood.

Bring a neighbor.

Help us keep our neighborhood safe

2010-07-12T10:05:00.001-05:00

Neighborhood safety depends on all of us.

Please stay alert, report suspicious activity to 911 and participate in our Neighborhood Watch!

For information on the GracyWatch program for your block, contact us at info@gracywoods.org

The following is a summary of the area's recent crime statistics.

Offense	May-09	May-10	Jun-09	Jun-10
Aggravated Assault with Deadly Weapon	2	2	2	0
Assault	1	0	4	4
Sexual Assault	0	0	0	0
Assault with Injury	4	7	3	10
Burglary of Residence	1	7	3	10
Burglary other	0	0	0	0
Burglary Vehicle	10	11	9	7
Criminal Mischief	5	6	10	4
Drug Possession	3	1	0	0
Family Disturbance	8	7	10	9
Gang Activities	0	0	0	0
Other	34	42	37	37
Theft	3	5	3	2

Gracywoods Crime Stats

2010-07-12T09:50:00.001-05:00

Neighborhood safety depends on all of us.

Please stay alert, report suspicious activity to 911 and participate in our Neighborhood Watch!

For information on the GracyWatch program for your block, contact us at info@gracywoods.org

The following is a summary of the area's recent crime statistics.

Offense May 2009 May 2010 June 2009 June 2010

Aggravated Assault with Deadly Weapon 2 2 2 0

Assault 1 0 4 4

Sexual Assault 0 0 0 0

Assault with Injury 4 7 3 10

Burglary of Residence 1 7 3 10

Burglary other 0 0 0 0

Burglary Vehicle 10 11 9 7

Criminal Mischief 5 6 10 4

Drug Possession 3 1 0 0

Family Disturbance 8 7 10 9

Gang Activities 0 0 0 0

Other 34 42 37 37

Theft 3 5 3 2

Source: www.KrimeLabb.com and compiled by your GracyWatch.

Gracywood's 4th of July Parade

2010-06-28T13:02:00.001-05:00

Join us for

Gracywood's 4th of July Parade

Saturday, July 3rd, 2010

9:00 am - Bittern Hollow entry to greenbelt (at the water fountain)

Come decorate your non-motorized bikes, strollers and wagons in American colors.

9:30 am - Parade along park path towards Parkfield and back to water fountain

10:00 am - Live Music, awards, iced watermelon, cupcakes and mingling

Cupcake Contest: Bring decorated cupcakes to share and for judging.

Bring a neighbor, chairs, and your red, white and blue spirit!

To volunteer contact: Bill Glass 836-3330

2nd Annual Gracywoods 4th of July Parade

2010-06-28T11:02:00.001-05:00

Join us for

Gracywood's 4th of July Parade

Saturday, July 3rd, 2010

8:30 am - Bittern Hollow entry to greenbelt (at the water fountain)

Come decorate your non-motorized bikes, strollers and wagons in American colors.

9:00 am - Parade along park path towards Parkfield and back to water fountain

9:30 am - Live Music, awards, iced watermelon, cupcakes and mingling

Cupcake Contest: Bring decorated cupcakes to share and for judging.

Bring a neighbor, chairs, and your red, white and blue spirit!

To volunteer contact: Bill Glass 836-3330

GWNA Monthly Meeting - Tuesday, June 1st @ 7:00 p

2010-05-31T22:34:00.000-05:00

Join us for the June meeting of the

Gracywoods Neighborhood Association

Tuesday, June 1st

Brentwood Oaks Church of Christ

Family Life Center - Bldg. A

11908 North Lamar, Austin, TX 78753

7:00 p.m.

We will vote on our new By-laws and Articles of Incorporation for Gracywoods Neighborhood Association. We are modifying these two important documents to become a non-profit organization.

We will also have pictures of the preliminary site plan for the new North Central Community Clinic, to be built by
Central Health (formerly Travis County Health District).

We will also start our planning for the

Second Annual Gracywoods

4th of July Parade

(Tentatively scheduled for Saturday, July 3rd, 9a.m.)

Come meet your neighbors and share your concerns for our neighborhood.

Bring a neighbor.

GracyWatch Notice

2010-05-26T09:28:00.001-05:00

Stay Alert.

Crime spikes in the summer months

We must stay vigilant.

We must call 911 for any suspicious activity

How do we stop crime in our neighborhood this summer?

1. Harden your house. Your sliding glass door should have either a lock or a pole at the bottom to prevent it from sliding when you are not home. If your sliding glass door is on backwards, install a pin in the top metal rail to prevent the doors from sliding.

2. Deadbolts screws: Change the screws on your deadbolt plate. The plate on the doorframe, where your deadbolt catches, is your home's weak spot. Most homes in our neighborhood had plates that were installed with short screws. Remove the short screws and put in longer screws, at least 6 inches, these hold the plate to the stud around the door. If you do not replace these screws, it will take a thief about 10 seconds to smash in your door. The screws cost about a dollar - the cheapest insurance against break-ins you can get.

3. Don't be a target: Don't make your house a target when you are gone for a while. Unplug the garage door opener, make sure neighbors are aware you are gone, and have a trusted person pick up mail and newspaper. Don't call to have services stopped - you have no idea who can see that list!

4. Be suspicious. Criminals are lazy and they will go to a different neighborhood if we make it difficult to score in our neighborhood. Criminals work in teams to observe who is not paying attention to their belongings. When you see strangers in your area, stop them and ask questions – or call 911. Get an incident number and send us a description of your situation and incident number to info@gracywoods.org

5. Daytime vigil: Be extra vigilant between 8 am and 12 noon. That is the main time that we have problems with crime in the summer months.

6. Do the five. Get to know your neighbor on either side of you and the three across the street from you. These are your 'five'. Get their phone numbers (work, home, cell numbers.) Watch their homes, pick up newspapers and flyers on the door. If they are going to be away a while, park your car in their drive. Turn your/their lights on at night or use stagged timers through out the house to turn on and off lights and radios when you are away. (Tune radio to talk-news stations.)

United We Stand.

Join your neighborhood watch program.

Call your Austin Police Dept. district rep with extra information about past incidents.

http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/police/helpfulnum.htm

Neighborhood Wide Garage - Saturday, May 22nd 8:00a - 3:00p

2010-05-21T17:19:00.002-05:00

Come shop our neighborhood for special treasures.

11400 Titian Drive

11901 Swearingen Drive, #83

11800 Swearingen Drive: Women's clothes, TV's, kitchen appliances

1301 Monica Drive: Jewelry, accessories, household items, construction materials

11085 Eubanks: Lot's of furniture, headboard, doors, books, clothing and chandeliers

1804 Rainy Meadows: Mens clothes, household items, end table, bookcase

840 North Bend: Vintage dresser, children items, household items

1202 Knoll Park Circle: Dining room set, other furniture, household items

1108 Gemini Dr: Golf clubs, Pelican boat, aquariums, doors, chairs, children clothes & toys

1604 Kimmerling Lane: clothes, jeans, leather vest, baby toys, strollers, furniture, facepainting for kids

Great deals from great neighbors.

Last Call for Garage Sale participants for Satuday May 22

2010-05-21T00:43:00.001-05:00

The GWNA + NPENA wide Garage Sale will be held this Saturday, May 22nd starting at 8a.

If you are interested in participating and having your name included on this website and Craigslist, please follow these instructions.

Please Email president@gracywoods.org - by noon on Friday, May21st, only if you intend to participate.

1.) Change the subject line of your email to:

YES= (add your street address),

2.) in the body of the email,

please provide your name and phone number (Saturday morning) just in case I need to call you on Saturday morning.

3.) and finally, please tell me what you are selling (books, furniture, baby clothes, etc), I will post this info next to your address. (Last week we got a lot of requests for tools, sports equipment, jewelry, baby clothes and books.)

We will put out some Garage Sales signs - however, please put out as many signs as like.

Thanks you for participating.

Francoise Luca

President

Gracywoods Neighborhood Association

Tonight: You are invited to a community meeting for North Austin

2010-05-19T09:14:00.001-05:00

Special Community-Wide Meeting for North Austin

May 19th - 7:00p
Austin Revival Center

305 Deen Street

(one block south of Lamar & Peyton Gin - Deen street only runs between Georgian and Lamar)

6:30p Doors will be open for a 'meet and greet'

7-8:00p Meeting

We know that a lot of people in North Austin continue to be frustrated with crime and the problems in our community, so we are holding a special community meeting on May 19th. We will be talking openly about North Austin's problems and what can be done to fix our main issues:

* I-35 corridor of crime

* Lack of urban planning when areas of North Austin were annexed

* big city issues of urban growth and crime

We will also talk about how these problems are adversely affecting Austin's future.

Please come if:

** You are worried about the crime and problems that plagues North Austin neighborhoods.

** You are worried about Austin's I-35 corridor of crime and how it might be affecting you.

** You live above or below North Austin, and you are worried these problems could spread into your neighborhoods.

** You care about the future of Austin and want to support North Austin in finding solutions.

** You want to send a strong message to the City and County that you support our community's efforts to insist things must change. We have invited many people from the City and County to come to this meeting and we've had quite a few folks who are promising to be there.

Our promise: There will be NO volunteer sign-up sheets, or donation cans at this meeting. The only thing we are asking is that you pass this info along, and invite your friends and neighbors to this meeting. We really need everybody who cares about North Austin to be there.

The Gracywoods Neighborhood Association is one of six neighborhoods that will be participating in this meeting. We encourage you to come, meet some neighbors and share your concerns.

May 15th Spring Fling - Pot Luck Dinner Postponed

2010-05-15T15:47:00.001-05:00

Attention:

Due to the uncertainity of the weather today, we are postponing the "Spring Fling - Pot Luck Dinner" this evening.

Please check back here next week for the new date.

Update: Neighborhood-wide Garage Sale

Since some folks didn't open up for a garage sale today, so we will hold a neighborhood wide garage sale next Saturday from 8a-2p.

If you would like to be included in the advertising (address posted on the website), please email us at: president@gracywoods.org

Include your name, address and the kinds of items you have for sale.

(example: baby clothes, tools, electronics, furniture)

Thanks,

Francoise Luca

President, Gracywoods Neighborhood Association

GRACYWOODS' BIG WEEKEND! - UPDATED!!

2010-05-12T10:46:00.003-05:00

Weather Permitting

Saturday, May 15th

(Rain Date – May 22^nd)

Gracywoods + North Park Estates Neighborhood Association

Annual Garage Sales

1607 Garnaas Dr.

12023 Lincolnshire Dr.

1604 Kimmberling

1804 Rainy Meadows

1811 Rainy Meadows

11610 Bittern Hollow

1601 Kathy Lynn Ct.

1105 Huntridge Circle

11610 Parkfield

1301 Monica Street

1201 Doonesbury Dr.

11805 Eubanks Dr.

11400 Titan Dr.

1006 Huntridge

11703 Lochridge

840 North Bend Drive

11800 Swearingen Dr.

1113 Gemini Dr.

1108 Gemini Dr.

Donate to:

The St. Vincent dePaul Thrift Store

Saturday, May 15th

1:00 to 4:00pm

A donation truck will be parked in the St. Albert the Great Catholic Church parking lot on Bittern Hollow/Metric, accepting donations of usable clothing, household items and furniture.

Tax receipts will be given.

* * Please check this site on Saturday afternoon for weather updates on this event.* *

Spring Fling

Potluck & Dance in the Park

Saturday - May 15th

6:00pm – 8:30pm

Greenbelt at Bittern Hollow

Come join your neighbors for

a first-of-its kind event!

Bring a covered dish, sandwiches, snacks or a dessert to serve about 6-8 persons.

GWNA will provide the drinks and paper items.

Please invite one neighbor to join us!

We are rolling out the dance floor (literally) to celebrate our community. Don't worry if you can't dance - instructors will teach us the moves. No worries, if you don't like to dance - just enjoy the fun, good food and our park.

Everyone is welcome!

Dance floor by: American Party Rentals

Dance instruction by: David Cantu

Info Contact: Kate Stewart at kate.stewart@ironscaffold.com

May Meeting

2010-05-03T22:38:00.001-05:00

GWNA May Meeting

Tuesday, May 4th
7:00 PM

Brentwood Oaks Church of Christ, Bldg. A (in the church)
11908 North Lamar, Austin, TX 78753

Please join us and bring a neighbor, so we can build a stronger and safer community.

♥ Bring a neighbor and get a prize ♥

Join us!

Email questions to: president@gracywoods.org

Spring Fling! - POSTPONED

2010-04-15T22:15:00.001-05:00

UPDATE: The SPRING FLING HAS BEEN POSTPONED DUE TO WEATHER

Join us for

the
Gracywoods Neighborhood Association
First Annual
Spring Fling!

The When:
Saturday, April 17
6:00 – 9:00 pm

The Where:
North Star Green Belt @ Bittern Hollow

The What:
A Pot Luck dinner - Bring a dish to serve 6-8 people (appetizers, snacks, stews & chili, casseroles, desserts...)

Plus: Free dance instruction (Come watch and learn!)

Bring a chair or blanket
Presented by the Gracywoods Neighborhood Association
For more details, call 289-2920.

It's My Park Day: March 6, 9am 'till 2pm

2010-01-18T21:14:00.005-06:00

UPDATE: Click here to sign up!

Its time once again to do the necessary maintenance on our neighborhood's living room - the greenbelt! As you know, PARD doesn't have the budget to maintain our greenbelt, so its up to us as a neighborhood to pull together and make our park spaces clean and safe for everyone.

We will have a table for volunteers to sign in and help at Tallowfield Ln, at the Metric Blvd end of the greenbelt and the event will be from 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM. We will not cancel unless there is constant and heavy rain that day - yes, we have slogged through the occasional rain shower before!

This year we will be doing a creek clean up, so if you have kids this will be an easy (if slightly muddy) way to teach them about how to take care of the environment and giving back to their community.

We are also looking for donations of crepe myrtles, as well people willing to temporarily loan tools and wheel barrels and ladders. Please make sure all your equipment is labeled with your phone number - and thank you to the neighbor who couldn't come last year, but sent their tools anyway! That was an inspired way to help us out!

More info can be found here:

http://www.austinparks.org/itsmypark.html

The sign up link should be up soon. Last year, the sign up for our park was closed prematurely, so please contact us at info@gracywoods.org if you have any questions, or you need help to sign up a group.

Also, we may need prep or follow up work done, so if you are interested in helping us with this, please drop us an email - it helps to know who can pinch hit for the little stuff!

Special thanks to Taurus Dog Training on Metric Blvd (512-832-1012, metric@taurusdogtraining.com) and to AGR Tree Service (512-663-7794, ausgr@grandecom.net) for being our sponsors for this event.

Don't Let the Train Catch You: A Press Release from Capital Metro

2009-11-11T17:17:00.001-06:00

MetroRail trains to begin afternoon/evening testing Nov. 16

Faster, more frequent trains prompt another call to safety for motorists and pedestrians

Austin, Texas, November 11, 2009 – Capital MetroRail trains will shift to afternoon/evening testing beginning on Nov. 16. MetroRail trains will be out on the line from 3 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, testing the tentative afternoon schedule for MetroRail service in real-time conditions. The testing also gives DMU train engineers additional practice operating the train at night.

During this testing, freight trains will run from 9 p.m. each evening until 2 p.m. the next day.

MetroRail trains will be traveling at full operating speeds, nearly twice as fast as freight trains. Additionally, train activity will increase significantly.

For these reasons, motorists, cyclists and pedestrians are encouraged to always expect a train, and to stay off the tracks.

Capital Metro is contacting schools and neighborhoods adjacent to the line to inform students and parents, erecting rail safety signs at grade crossings, and working with rail safety advocates in the community to assist the agency in spreading the message.

For the past three years, Capital Metro has worked closely with neighborhoods, schools, community organizations and the Austin Police Department to raise awareness about train safety in advance of the safe arrival of Capital MetroRail in Central Texas . Police will be ticketing motorists who park on the tracks or within 15 feet of the railroad crossing arms.

Learn more about rail safety at http://allsystemsgo.capmetro.org/capital-metrorail-safety.shtml.

John-Michael V. Cortez
512.436.0250

Special Neighborhood Meeting - Tuesday, October 20

2009-10-15T08:16:00.002-05:00

At our regular meeting last Monday, October 5th, at the Walnut Creek Baptist Church on North Lamar, residents voted to accept the offer of Austin Energy to remove the seven (7) live oak trees in the North Star Green Belt, contingent upon GWNA committee reaching an agreement about a mitigation plan.

The oaks are located in the North Star Greenbelt near Swearingen. A mitigation plan would include a landscaping design, plantings, and irrigation.

On Tuesday, 10/20, the GWNA committee will meet with the Austin Energy Forester to discuss mitigation plan requirements and options. The public is invited to attend. Walnut Creek Baptist Church Hall (north Lamar) at 7pm.

THIS IS AN OPEN MEETING. ALL RESIDENTS ARE INVITED TO ATTEND.

Background on the Trees to be Removed

There are seven live oak trees in the greenbelt between Swearingen and Bittern Hollow that were severely trimmed this summer. This greenbelt area is owned by Austin Energy. They also own a set of power lines running down the middle of the greenbelt. Austin Energy is responsible for the safety of these power lines, and for trimming the trees to a safe clearance distance from the power lines. Four years ago, neighborhood representatives and Austin Energy signed an agreement stating these trees would be trimmed every four years, and offering to remove and replace these seven oak trees for smaller native trees sometime in the future.

Recently, Austin Energy received several complaints about the agreed trimming project. GWNA was approached to review this situation and decide if the community wanted to continue having these trees trimmed every four years, or to have the trees removed now and replaced with other height appropriate native trees.

(Please do not call Austin Energy. They will be attending the meeting.)

Gracywoods Picnic!

2009-09-22T19:48:00.003-05:00

Tuesday, Oct 6, 2009

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
11701 Tallow Field Dr

Join your neighbors for a potluck dinner in the park

This is an annual, nation-wide event designed to promote neighborhood safety

Where: From Braker Ln, go North on Metric Blvd, turn Right on Gold Wing Dr (2^nd Right). The park is at the end of that block.

Who: Neighbors of all ages, APD officers, firefighters, EMS officials

Why: To encourage a safer community and get to know your neighbors

Bring: Your favorite dish and a chair or blanket. Or, bring a cooler of drinks in lieu of a dish. (If you’re unable to make a dish, please come anyway!)

Print this Flyer for your Fridge or for a Friend!

You'll Love a Parade

2009-06-25T13:21:00.001-05:00

You are invited to the First Annual Gracywoods 4th of July Parade!

8:30 a.m. - Registration
Sign in at Bittern Hollow entry to the North Star greenbelt (11737 Bittern Hollow, near the drinking fountain). We will help you decorate your non-motorized bikes, strollers and wagons. Or bring your wagons pre-decorated. Prizes will be awarded for the best Red, White and Blue decorations. Please bring decorated cupcakes to share. Prizes for best-looking cupcakes.

9:00 a.m. - Parade
We will march along park path towards Parkfield and back to the water fountain (About 15 minutes)

9:30 a.m. - Awards & Refreshments
Awards for costumes, decorations and decorated cupcakes. Refreshments for all. Come enjoy iced watermelons, soda floats, cupcakes and mingling.

For information or to volunteer, contact Bill Glass 836-3330, wlglass@sbcglobal.net

Every Dog Has Its Day

2009-06-14T19:35:00.002-05:00

Coming up on Thursday, June 25, Rattan Creek Park (just down Parmer Ln) will be host to a Dog Fair, sponsored by the nearby Crossroads Community Church. Contests of skill and appearance are scheduled, and a veterinarian and a trainer will be on-site to take questions. The fun starts at 6:30 in the evening, so come on out and don't forget the little ones, both four- and two-legged.

Take Our Park Survey, Please!

2009-05-10T23:47:00.003-05:00

The Parks and Recreation Department is in the process of gathering input across the city to create "Comprehensive Plans" for respective greenbelts and park within communities. A survey for the North Star greenbelt and Gracywoods Park is on-line and the neighborhood association would appreciate your taking a few minutes to participate and have your voice heard.

You might be surprised to learn there are greenbelts and parks within the city that do not have walking paths, a drinking fountain, no Mutt Mitt dispensers, no trash cans, no more than one park bench, no workout equipment, street parking, no picnic tables or shaded pavilions and literally only two trees. You might also be surprised to learn that those neighborhoods or communities do not want anything other than what they currently have. Sometimes we lose sight; we have a tremendous amount to be grateful for to have such a nice greenbelt and park so close by that have many amenities, wildlife, trees and irrigation to water those trees. We have individuals, a neighborhood association and a neighborhood garden club all of who take pride in what we do have and when they are able, volunteer their time to help the neighborhood association and community continue to be good stewards of the greenbelt and parks in our area.

The North Star comprehensive plan will reflect the vision of our community and could include additional amenities, structures or other ideas that you include with your survey responses. Add anything you want to see (shade coverings over park benches that have no mature trees nearby, plant or tree identification markers, kiosks, a dog park, a plaque to dedicate a tree, bench or bridge, a succulent garden - add anything you think of). Keep in mind the fact that submitting an idea does not guarantee that it will become part of the plan. All community input will be provided to PARD; they will review it, look at the viability of the submittal and provide us with a draft for the community to review and approve before the plan is solidified. Cost and maintenance will be big factors in what the Parks department agrees to fund and support from Gracywoods input.

Your engagement is important; please take a few minutes to participate in this survey.

Warblers in the 'Woods

2009-05-07T13:34:00.000-05:00

Over on his blog, GracyWILD, Dr Nazor has penned a piece about that most controversial of Austin avians, the Golden-cheeked Warbler, featuring fine photographs of the fowl as it rested in his pecan tree.

Volunteers Wanted for GWNA's First-Ever Fourth of July Parade!

2009-05-01T20:49:00.004-05:00

That’s right, GWNA, will be presenting our first annual Fourth of July Parade. We need volunteers to help organized and produce this family-oriented event. Flags, food, fun and new friends are guaranteed. If you would like to help make this event happen, please contact us at events@gracywoods.org.

The Monthly Meeting is Nigh!

2009-04-28T11:09:00.003-05:00

Come out to Walnut Creek Baptist Church this Tuesday, May the 5th for the monthly general meeting. Running from 7pm until 8:30, learn about and discuss the business of our neighborhood and hear our Austin Police Department District Representative speak. All are welcome, so we hope to see you there!

The Ground Floor

2009-04-08T22:37:00.000-05:00

If you've been on the fence about joining up with the happenin'est neighborhood association between Austin Park Ln and Burnet Rd, there's never been a better time. This site is not the only aspect that's being born anew. This is an excellent jumping-on point, as there is much going on in this part of town, and GWNA is taking an active role in shaping it.

The inclusion of residents along Gracy Farms Ln west of Metric Blvd is giving us a seat at the table as the future of development between here and US 183 is decided. We'll soon be asking the membership for their opinions about how the city might improve the North Star Greenbelt. There's even talk of a parade that needs organizing, and who doesn't love a parade?

Click on the Membership link to the left to learn how to get in on the action.

The Times, They Are A-Changin'

2009-04-07T23:37:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the next step in the evolution of gracywoods.org! This is the Gracywoods Home blog, which, as you can see, makes its home nestled into the homepage here. This will be the place where important notices are posted, new content is highlighted and any and all can discuss these goings-on (if they keep it civil). Watch this space for ways to enjoy your community and to help make it an even better place to live.