July Fourth Parade Thanks to all who participated in our Fourth of July parade. Decorations were wonderful and the kids really seemed to enjoy themselves. Event organizer Gina Crouchet said the kids were all winners in her eyes. Gina has been planning and coordinating the parade for the last four years, and she’s really helped establish the event for our community. She would like to pass the baton to a new person for next year because she feels a new person would bring in new ideas. Anyone interested please contact Gina at 858-4108. She will provide the new event chair with decorations and a budget sheet. A wholehearted thank you goes to Gina for her generous donation of time and effort. For more photos of the parade, visit our neighborhood website at gww.zpgraphic.com.

Rainwater Harvesting Many Goldenwood residents are committed to conservation of our natural resources. Information about alternative sources of water is available from the Texas Water Development Board. Visit them online at www.twdb.state.tx.us. Follow the links to assistance > conservation > alternative_technologies > Rainwater_Harvesting.

Neighborhood History: Driftwood, Texas
The only time most of you stop in Driftwood is on election day to cast your votes at the community center, or perhaps at Christmastime to mail your packages at the post office, thus avoiding the never-ending lines at Oakhill. On one such visit, I asked the postmaster why our postal address was Austin and not Driftwood. He informed me that it should have been, but an original resident of Goldenwood West requested that we have an Austin address.

It was the post office that led to Driftwood’s name which was originally Liberty Hill. Liberty Hill was founded in the 1850s on the banks of Onion Creek, but flooding necessitated a move to higher ground. Once it was resettled, a request was put in for a post office, but there was already a Liberty Hill in the Austin area. Racking his brains for a new name, Jim Howard stared out the window. Noting some driftwood washed up by the flood, he realized that the post office was made of that material. So, in 1885, the little town became Driftwood.

Driftwood was in its heyday during the last quarter of the 19th century, as a supply center for the neighboring ranches. It boasted its post office, two general stores, a barber’s shop, cotton gin, blacksmith’s, and two churches. In 1911, the Baptists decided to change the site of their church. On the eve of the move, a high wind blew the unsecured building to pieces. In true ecumenical fashion, the Methodists graciously allowed their Baptist neighbors to share their building. Methodist services were held on the first and third Sundays, Baptist on the second and fourth, alternating any fifth Sunday in the month. This arrangement remained for almost a century, until the congregations became too large for the quaint little church. The Baptists now have their own building on the road to Hays City.

Driftwood’s population fell to about ten people in 1925, with a resurgence to 100 in the mid-20th century, dropping back to 25 in the 1970s. In the last decade, the rapid increase in development which has made Hays County the fastest growing county in the USA, has once again caused a surge.

In 1905, a school building was erected behind the Methodist church. It was replaced in 1920 and added onto in the 1930s, making room for three teachers. In 1940, the Driftwood school merged with Buda, and the empty building was given to the people of Driftwood as a community center. In 1956, the Driftwood Improvement Club was formed to care for the center, and is now a thriving social institution. It is responsible for Driftwood Heritage Day, held on the last Saturday in September. The club meets at 7 pm on the first Saturday of each month for a potluck supper.

The club attracts members from a diverse spectrum: old-time residents of the neighboring ranches, newcomers in the local subdivisions, and artists and artisans who have settled in the peaceful countryside. It costs fifteen dollars per family per year to join. The next meeting will be the annual ice-cream social on August 7th, a great opportunity to meet the neighbors.
• © 2004 J. Marie Bassett

Board of Trustees News

The Board extends its sincere thanks to Al Vargo, who will be stepping down from the APC following over a year of dedicated service. Eric Russell has been appointed to take his place on the committee. Eric has been attending meetings of the committee for several months to become more familiar with the activities and growth within our community.

Wildlife In an effort to discourage coyotes from moving into our area as neighboring lands are developed, the Board has made arrangements to have traps placed along the border between our subdivision and the former Rutherford ranch area. These traps are not harmful to people but may capture pets such as dogs. Pet owners are reminded to keep their animals in their yards at all times except when they are on a leash. It is also very important that homeowners not leave uneaten pet food out for coyotes and other wildlife to discover. Deer feeding is strongly discouraged because a greater food supply will encourage overpopluation of deer and thus invite more coyotes and otherwise upset the natural balance of our wildlife populations.

Neighborhood Watch One of our residents reported that a chair and four trailer tires were missing from his property. The loss of these items has caused him great inconvenience and distress. All residents are urged to watch over their neighbors’ properties, particularly during these vacation months. Anyone noticing unfamiliar persons should approach the strangers and ask whether they are in need of assistance. Suspicious individuals should be reported to the sheriff’s office immediately. Dial 911 or 512-393-7896 for the information line. Increased vigilance will hopefully give us all a greater sense of unity and security.

Landscaping committee Five residents have accepted the BOT’s invitation to participate in this temporary committee, but additional volunteers are welcome. The purpose of this committee will be to devise a master plan for improving our public areas effectively. Please contact the editor to offer your assistance in this endeavor.

News from the APC

The next APC meeting will be on July 20 at 7:00 pm at the Pavilion. Approval forms for residents considering making alterations or improvements to their property are conveniently located on our neighborhood website. Go to the Resources for Residents page (the white cross symbol). Forms may also be obtained from the Administrator or at an APC meeting. All meetings of the APC are open to the public.

News from the GWW Water Board

The next regular Water Supply Corporation Board meeting will be held July 21, 2004 at 7 pm at the Goldenwood West pavilion.

If anyone sees any suspicious activity concerning the water system please contact ECO Resources, Inc., at 335-7580. Only ECO personnel are authorized to work on the water lines, or flushing valves at the end of cul-de-sacs. Normal activity you might see ECO performing includes checking the water well station daily, reading water meters monthly, flushing the flush valves monthly , and making emergency repairs to the water system as they arise. There are some authorized vendors that have access to the water facility so if you have any doubts please contact Jesse Kennis at ECO Resources, Inc., 335-7580 at anytime.

The water filtration system was substantially complete on June 01, 2004, and in accordance with the contract with the manufacturer the first note payment was made to the manufacturer last month. We will now review the monthly operating expenses for six months, review the costs at the end of the period, and use the actual cost numbers to adjust the water rates accordingly.

The TCEQ recently inspected the filtration system and pointed out a few minor issues that need to be resolved with the contractor that installed the system. These issues will be cleared up in the next 30 days. Otherwise you should be experiencing a dramatic improvement in water quality.

Business Sponsors

Coldwell Banker United, Realtors®Audrey Pudder
Goldenwood West resident for seven years, specializing in Northern Hays County.
Cell 512.925.9720