Chapel Dulcinea The beautiful structure perched on the rim of the hillside to the northeast of Crystal Hills Drive is the most visible building belonging to the Wizard Academy, our new neighbor to the north. The administration of the Academy warmly encourages area residents to visit the open-air chapel often and enjoy the opportunity for peace and reflection it provides. The small wedding chapel is open to the public, unless of course a wedding is in progress, and the site is a perfect place to stroll in the evenings for a spectacular view. Turn left at the Academy entrance between GWW and Goldenwood, left at the wooden cabin, and park in the parking area. Follow the walking path north to the chapel. •Editor

Neighborhood History: The State Flower

One of the weighty issues before the State Legislature this session was the selection of an official state cooking implement. It appears that the Dutch oven will have an easy passage. The same cannot be said for the choice of Texas’s state flower.

In 1901, there were three main contenders for the title, each being heatedly debated by those for and against. The “white rose of commerce,” the ripe cotton boll, was the choice of Phil Clement of Mills. A man who would later become the vice-president of the United States, Jack Nance Garner of Uvalde, felt the ubiquitous prickly-pear cactus flower would be much more appropriate. His defense of the spiny specimen earned him the nickname that would stick for the rest of his days, “Cactus Jack.” John Green of Cuero championed a flower that did not receive universal approbation. It was the bluebonnet.

The bluebonnet was likened to an old woman’s bonnet. Stockmen thought it bloated the cattle. It was referred to as buffalo clover. Mexicans called it “el conejo”, the rabbit, because the white tip looked like a rabbit’s tail bobbing along. The botanical name of the bluebonnet is Lupinus, meaning wolflike, as it was thought the flower stole nutrients from the land. The reverse is actually true; it is a legume which nourishes poor soil.

The National Society of Colonial Dames of America in the State of Texas came to the rescue of the beleaguered flower. They brought a painting by Mode Walker of a bowl of bluebonnets and pink evening primroses into the Capitol. “A deep silence reigned for an instant. Then deafening applause fairly shook the old walls.” And so the state flower of Texas, approved on March 5, 1901, by Governor Joseph D. Sayers, was “Lupinus subcarnosus (generally known as buffalo clover or blue bonnet).”

It soon became apparent that this was not the most attractive of the state’s six species known at the time. That distinction went to Lupinus texensis. After years of argument, a resolution was passed on March 8, 1971, that added, “any other variety of Bluebonnet not heretofore recorded.” This means that we can now include several colored varieties that have been isolated in nature and propagated, including a maroon one for the Texas Aggies!

This is not the end of the story. On May 25, 1995, the prickly pear cactus (genus Opuntia), was designated the state plant of Texas. The hordes of people who have their photographs taken sitting among the bluebonnets every spring are probably very thankful that the “Cactus Jack’s” candidate did not prevail in 1901! •©2005 J. Marie Bassett

Pavilion Landscaping Having completed months of research and planning, the GWW Landscape Committee will be initiating the first phase of its plan for landscaping our common areas this fall, with the improvement of the area immediately around the pavilion. Plantings will include shrubs and perennial, flowering natives which are draught tolerant, low maintenance and proven resistant even to our voracious and indiscriminate GWW deer. A master plan for the area will be on display at the Fourth of July neighborhood event, and members will be on hand to discuss the plan.

Due to the significant expense of replastering the pool in February, the BOT was only able to allot a modest fund for the initiation of the plan this calendar year, with more to be budgeted in future years. The committee members’ eagerness to realize their vision for GWW has inspired them to invite POA members who share their excitement to make donations in order to accelerate the project. Recognition of donors will include a certificate, notices in this newsletter and on the GWW website, or placement of a permanent plaque into the landscape, depending on the level of giving. A donor form may be found on the last page of this newsletter.

An exciting by-product of the landscape design process is the creation of a wonderful list of native plants which perform well in our neighborhood. This valuable resource will be posted on our website this summer. Visit the website often for information on area plants and animals. Follow the link at the top of the page for “Plants and animals” (the golden leaf button).• Editor

Hoedown Fund-raiser for New Children’s Medical Center On Sunday, May 29th, the Nutty Brown Café will host Bama’s Backyard Hoedown from 5 to 9 pm, with proceeds benefiting the new Dell Children’s Medical Center of Central Texas. The family-friendly event, sponsored by KASE 101 and the Southwest Austin Circle of Friends, will feature live music and children’s entertainment, including a moonwalk, face painting and clowns. A suggested donation of $5 per adult and $2 per child will benefit the new children’s medical center. The evening will be highlighted by contests and giveaways, including T-shirts, gift certificates and passes to theme parks. Representatives from the Children’s Medical Center Foundation of Central Texas will be on hand to provide information on the Dell Children’s Medical Center of Central Texas, scheduled to open in spring 2007, and provide information on membership in the Circle of Friends, a volunteer group that raises funds for the Foundation. The Nutty Brown Café is located at 12225 Highway 290 West between Oak Hill and Dripping Springs. www.nuttybrown.com • Mindy Russell

New Home Warranties The Texas Residential Construction Commission has announced that, effective June 1, 2005, all residential builders and remodelers must provide limited warranties and meet adopted building and performance standards for each home construction project. The warranty periods are:

• One year for workmanship and materials;
• Two years for plumbing, electrical, heating and air-conditioning delivery systems;
• Ten years for major structural components of the home; and
• Ten years for the warranty of habitability.

These warranties and standards will play an important role when disputes between a homeowner and a builder/remodeler arise. For more information, go to: www.trcc.state.tx.us/links/consum_serv_index.htm• Editor

Deer Country Drivers: Be Careful In the January 21 issue of Lone Star Outdoor News, TPW Game Warden Dale Moses warns that Fall and Spring may be times of heightened danger to motorists for collisions with deer. Moses says “During the fall, most of the deer collisions we’ve had seem to be the bucks being hit as they chased a doe.” In the Spring the bucks “... could be chasing a yearling that was born late in the year and is just coming into estrus,” Moses theorized.

Advice to motorists includes the following (excerpted from a longer list):

• DO NOT RELY ON DEVICES such as deer whistles, deer fences and reflectors to deter deer. These devices have not been proven to reduce deer-vehicle collisions.

• IF YOUR VEHICLE STRIKES A DEER, DO NOT TOUCH THE ANIMAL. The frightened and wounded animal could hurt you or itself. If the deer is blocking the roadway and poses a danger to other motorists, you should call law enforcement. Contact your insurance agent or company representative to report any damage to your car. Collision with a deer or animals is covered under the comprehensive portion of automobile policies.

Read the full article at: www.lonestaroutdoornews.com/issues.asp. The article appears on page 9 of the LSON newsletter.
• Editor

Board of Trustees News

Fourth of July parade and picnic BOT member Lisa Boyer has generously agreed to coordinate our neighborhood’s celebration this year, and she urgently requests some help from residents to pull it all together. The event will include a parade down Westview trail followed by a potluck social at the pavilion. Please contact Lisa at 858-1707 to offer ideas, assistance or donations for this fun neighborhood tradition.

Pool replastering complete The crumbling and damaged plaster lining of our pool has been completely replaced, and lights and leaks have been repaired in plenty of time for the summer swimming season. Thanks to our administrator for overseeing this major project.

Coyote sightings Please report any coyote sightings to the GWW Administrator at 894-0650.

News from the APC

Spring Yard Recognition The APC has selected Burt and Tena Jebousek, 16506 Westview Trail, to receive their spring recognition for most beautiful yard. Features of the Jebousek’s yard especially commended are their use of native, water conserving plants. Congratulations Burt and Tena.

The next meeting of the APC is scheduled for Tuesday, June 21 at 7 pm at the pavilion.

News from the GWW Water Board

The GWW Water Board welcomes new members John Anderson and Carroll Campbell, elected to the Board in last month’s election.

The next meeting is tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, June 1 at 7 pm at 16218 Crystal Hill Drive, however there is a possibility for this date to change. Please call the GWW Administrator at 894-0650 to verify time and location.

Business Sponsors

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

For a list of important telephone numbers, and detailed information about area churches, visit the GWW website at gww.zpgraphic.com and click on the 911 button at the top of the page.