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Welcome September! Labor Day kicks off many exciting days to cheer this month, including the unofficial start of the fall season. September brings us different celebrations and observances, such as the beginning of the school year and football season, and Horseshoe Bay welcomes back all our residents who sought cooler climates during the hotter months. Your return brings the community back to full vibrancy and we are thrilled to have everyone together again.


Although we take a break from having a Board Meeting in August, your HSB POA Board of Directors continue our commitment to enriching our community with valuable knowledge through our Community Education series. Mark your calendars for September 11, when First United Bank will present "Bamboozled by Fraud." In an era where we all run the risk of encountering fraud, understanding how to protect ourselves is more crucial than ever. This seminar promises to be enlightening, offering practical advice and insights to safeguard our personal information and financial assets.


Our efforts to enhance outdoor recreational opportunities persist with the ongoing development of the Slick Rock trails. These enhancements aim to make the trails more accessible and enjoyable, ensuring all community members can experience the natural beauty of our area. We are excited about the progress and positive feedback from residents who have already enjoyed the recent improvements.


We are particularly grateful this month as we have reconciled some legal challenges that had previously impacted our operations at Quail Point. We are delighted to restore this vital core of community activity and we are excited to see many familiar and new faces enjoy the different community pastimes held at Quail Point.

We are aiming to continue to plan and hold fun activities that include our community at large. Looking ahead to October, we have a busy calendar with several exciting events. The Fall Fest & Chili Cook-Off on October 17, which promises fun, food, and friendly competition. Lastly, the month will conclude with the always-popular Trunk or Treat event on October 31. We call on all of you, to get involved in our community, volunteer and help! We are busy creating different volunteer groups that will assist with different tasks. Under the direction of Kathy Overholt, our Clean-Up Volunteer group is looking to enroll active individuals to help us tidy up after our events, please contact Kathy at kmglynn51@yahoo.com  Our Decoration Volunteer Group is looking for volunteers to put their creativity to work, if you are interested, please contact Debbie Beeman at (281) 330-5914. If you are interested in participating in any event, or if you would like to bring your goods as a vendor or chili competitor please contact our Events Chair, Karen Calderon-Schweitzer at (818) 388-9945 or karen@hsbpoa.org Thank you for your continued support and participation in our community activities. We are committed to fostering a vibrant and engaging Horseshoe Bay, and we appreciate each one of you for contributing to our shared community spirit. 


Our September Board Meeting will take place on Wednesday, September 18 at 9:00 AM. After concluding the meeting, there will be a break and your Board of Directors will host a Public Forum. This discussion session will present the opportunity for our community to engage in conversation, ask direct questions and receive clear answers. Since we are in the middle of litigation, we will have legal council assisting in providing responses. As mere volunteers who seek the best for our beloved community, we understand the importance of having this space where our community can expect transparency and understand that the HSB POA Board of Directors has never had any ill will towards the HSB Resort and our Declarant.


Warm regards,


The HSB POA Board



Free Bridge Lessons


Rick Day has graciously volunteered to teach Bridge to all learners, no matter their skill level. This will happen at the Kingsland Senior Center, 351 W Chamberlain St. in Kingsland; reservations or walk-ins are all welcome.


Call Rick at 903-920-2774 for more information.

Chief Jason Graham Reflects on the Evolution of Horseshoe Bay

by Whit Holcomb



In our evolving community of Horseshoe Bay, newly appointed Chief of Police Jason Graham has a unique perspective. Beginning his journey as a patrolman in 2000, recruited by Bill Lane, Jason has climbed every rung on the law enforcement ladder—Sergeant, Investigator, Captain, and Assistant Chief—before assuming the helm as Chief of Police. The Chief is thankful for his amazing mentors: Bill Lane, some Texas Rangers, and then, of course, retired Chief Rocky Wardlow.

 

Jason's connection to Horseshoe Bay stretches back to his childhood vacations when he would visit and fish, a hobby that left a lasting impression and fueled his love for the area. His college years, filled with law courses, sparked an interest in law enforcement, setting him on the path to his current role.

 

Throughout his career, Jason has witnessed the transformative growth of Horseshoe Bay. His tenure has seen not just demographic changes but significant advancements in community infrastructure and law enforcement practices. The recent fiber cable installation to City Hall marks a significant improvement, allowing the department to push modern technologies into the field and enhance their capabilities.

 

"The growth of Horseshoe Bay is inevitable," Jason observes. "It's about growing responsibly and ensuring that our department grows with the community in a way that maintains our core values and safety." His strategy involves technological enhancements and fostering a vigilant community that watches out for each other, a crucial aspect in maintaining the low crime rates we enjoy.

 

While there are no true natives to Horseshoe Bay, Jason is as close as it gets. His long-standing relationship with the area and his deep-seated knowledge and love for the community uniquely position him to lead HSB's police force during this period of rapid growth and transformation.

Fit & Fun with Karen


Board Director Karen Calderon-Schweitzer brings her passion for fitness to Quail Point Lodge with invigorating exercise classes held in the stunning Lake Room. Surrounded by breathtaking views of the lake, these sessions offer a perfect blend of physical activity and relaxation, making it an ideal setting to focus on wellness.


Whether you're looking to boost your energy, improve your flexibility, or simply enjoy the serene environment, Karen's classes provide an opportunity to stay active while soaking in the natural beauty of Horseshoe Bay. Bring your water, mat, and positive energy to this free-to-members class; see the schedule below:

HSB POA Opportunities, Part I

by Rick Overholt

What would you say if we told you that there is an opportunity to participate in a group land deal – for a price you won’t believe?


We are talking about around 100 acres of former ranch land. At least two natural springs and a clear, mile-long spring-fed creek that flows even during droughts, five ponds, a deep shady valley, and bluffs. Wildlife galore includes deer, raccoons, bobcats, foxes, blue herons, beavers, and fish. Wildflowers and paths. Throw in a beautiful lakeside clubhouse and hundreds of old-growth oak trees. 


Congratulations! You are already a vested owner if you are an HSB POA member.


While the POA owns many parcels around HSB, this article will focus on our natural flagship, the 30-acre Slick Rock Creek Greenbelt and trail. 


The decades-old Slick Rock Trail meanders along the west side of Slick Rock Creek, from the campground to the dam behind the stables. Local walkers and their four-legged canine friends have walked it for many years.


Over the past few years, many have been overheard to say, “Wouldn’t it be great to be able to walk back on the other (west) side of the creek?” The west side offered much more shade, some flat areas, and some rather high bluffs. A few curious folks had wandered across on stepping stones. Once on the other side, they were greeted with thick briars and dead branches. Most folks turned around in a few steps. 


Until August of 2023, the west bank of the creek in the Greenbelt was mostly untouched for five decades.


Then a handful of property owners and Hill Country Trekkers bushwhacked a rough trail, sometimes following existing game trails. Just above the Campground at the Hi Mesa low water crossing sat a 6-acre rectangle stretching from the creek up to Hi Mesa. The Slick Rock Spur and Hi Mesa Loop Trails are now inside this rectangle. Then it got really good.


A hidden spring that continued to trickle even during the 2023 drought. A moss waterfall that turns into an actual waterfall after a rain. The path is mainly in the deep shade of a canopy composed of old oaks and ash Juniper. Enough shade that even in August, you can take a cool morning walk after sunrise. Volunteers and the Texas Youth Conservation Corps have improved the path so that many areas can be walked by anyone. If you want to increase your heart rate a little, walk to the top of the Hi Mesa Loop, and if you stand still long enough, you might see a raptor or two soaring below you in the valley. There are visible traces of a Native American Indian kitchen (or midden) along one of the paths.


There’s still much more to do and discover. A few neighbors have been participating as we turn this into a forest garden oasis. We are removing dead cedars and oak debris and keeping the path clear. We are also leaving it much in its natural state, with guidance from our resident retired forest service and archeologist experts. After working (playing?), we head over to Bayside Market for lunch and camaraderie. If you enjoy getting your hands dirty and want to join us sometime, please contact me at rick@hsbpoa.org to let me know that you're interested or have any questions.


If you are simply a nature lover looking for some meditative respite, there are a few well-placed benches formed out of cedar trunks to take in the views and fresh air. The smell of the trees, grass, and earth is like a spa aromatherapy session. The solitude will embrace you.  

Our business directory on the POA website has been recently updated to showcase all of our supporters. This section now provides descriptions, services, and links to the trusted local businesses that support our community, giving you more ways to connect with solutions you can rely on.


Visit the website, or go directly there with hsbpoa.org/business/ and don't forget to grab your annual directory for even more local insights. Supporting these businesses helps keep our community thriving!