Welcome August!

Despite the blessing of a rainy day, the Independence Day celebration weekend in Horseshoe Bay was a joyful shared time with family, friends, and neighbors. A special appreciation to all the volunteers and sponsors. While we missed the parade (and the showcasing of the dynamic float decorations), members enjoyed the food (thanks, City, Resort, Business Alliance) and program saluting our first responders. The heartbreaking experiences of others, however, dominated most of the month of July as physical and prayerful needs for victims of the flooding events continue. HSBay POA stepped in to provide for a collection site of identified donation needs, and all were proud of the spirit of care shown by neighbors and volunteers. Our members provided tremendous financial, tangible, and hands-on assistance.

For continued support, please contact Elyse at Elyse@ArkofHighlandLakes.org (325-423-3662) to assist with family intake needs or visit www.arkofhighlandlakes.org for other support options.



The Amendment to the Declarations proposed to update the guiding document of our POA to reflect the recent lawsuit resolution of funding and responsibilities that exceeded the required approval passing level for votes. Of the 790 cast ballots, over 80% voted in favor of the declarant's fee title votes to support the passage of the resolution documentation. This balloting made no changes; instead, this Amendment approval served to consolidate language for already existing, legally binding requirements of the POA and the declarant.

The coming month is usually the lowest population time for our community, as visitors head home and residents head for cooler temperature experiences. This is a great time to take advantage of less crowded restaurants here in Horseshoe Bay open to all (non-resort members included) at the Waterfront and J’s (hotel). The sales tax from all commercial businesses in our city help to offset the maintenance of roads.

Board News

The Board of Directors for the POA do not hold an August meeting as they, too, take time for family and vacations. They will return in September to establish the budget for the new fiscal year, which will begin on October 1^st.

Check out the website calendar as all activities (exercise, bingo, social games) continue to welcome members' use of their clubhouse, Quail Point. We will head into September ready for new educational workshops and POA events as we welcome our members home.

Sharon Penny - A Voice, a Heart, and a Helping Hand

If you attended our Independence Day celebration this year, you likely heard the warm, soaring voice of Sharon Penny as she sang the National Anthem and later performed with the Bluebonnet Chorale during the Patriotic Program. However, Sharon's contributions to Horseshoe Bay extend far beyond the stage—she's one of the community's most dedicated volunteers and a compassionate force behind the scenes.

Sharon moved to Horseshoe Bay from Topeka, Kansas, in 1997, following the loss of her husband, and chose to be closer to her parents and family. "I found HSB to be a beautiful community with friendly, committed folks," she shared. Her commitment to community service became evident early on—Sharon served as a Trustee on the Llano County ISD School Board for three years and became a regular performer with the Hill Country Community Theater, appearing in nineteen plays and talent shows.

Today, Sharon is deeply involved in her church community, participating in choir, Bible study, and several committees. She also enjoys golfing with friends in Blue Lake's Friday scrambles.

One of Sharon's most impactful roles is as a longtime volunteer for the Tele-Care program, a wellness check service offered through the HSB Fire Department. "Tele-Care is a much-needed organization," she explains. "It provides peace of mind for residents who live alone. If something's wrong, someone knows."

The residents call into the volunteers at the Fire Department Monday through Friday, between 8:00 and 8:30 a.m. Weekend calls are available by request. If a resident can't be reached, the fire department can use a secure lockbox key (provided during signup) to perform a welfare check. Sharon was invited into the program by the late Maris Lynn Long, a friend she met through the theater.

In addition to her Tele-Care service, Sharon provides hands-on help to many residents. "I've been a caregiver for 15 years," she says. "I help with driving, cooking, visiting, light housekeeping, and I'm also a small pet sitter."

Sharon Penny is the kind of neighbor who makes Horseshoe Bay feel like home, whether she's lifting spirits with her voice or simply checking in on someone who needs a friend. 

The City of Horseshoe Bay will begin its annual street sealcoating project on August 5 and continue through September 10. Streets west of Bay West Boulevard heading North, including side streets, will be impacted. Each affected street will close for two days between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Residents will receive advance notice with a schedule and instructions. For more details about traffic management, emergency access, and waste collection please go to www.horseshoe-bay-tx.gov/streets.

🚗 How Texas Roads Are Planned, Funded, and Built by TxDOT

We are excited to announce our August Community Education Series, featuring a special presentation by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) on Wednesday, August 13, at 3:00 PM in the Lake Room at Quail Point Lodge. This is a rare opportunity to hear directly from the experts responsible for the roadways we all depend on every day.

This engaging and interactive seminar offers a behind-the-scenes look at how transportation projects are conceived, prioritized, and executed throughout the state of Texas. The TxDOT team will walk us through the full scope of long-range project planning, offer insights into current statewide infrastructure efforts, and break down local and regional projects that directly impact our community.

Highlights will include updates and planning details for:

• US 281 at RM 1431
• The Wirtz Dam Road Bridge project
• US 281 at SH 71
• Major interchange work in the Austin metro area

Whether you're concerned about congestion, curious about the future of Hill Country transportation, or simply want to gain a deeper understanding of how TxDOT influences our travels, this seminar is for you.

🛣 Join us for this eye-opening event and get your questions answered by the professionals who plan, design, and build Texas roadways. All Horseshoe Bay residents and members of the neighboring community are welcome. RSVP by replying to this email or calling the office.

Flood Relief Fueled by POA, Resort & City

On Thursday, July 17, the Quail Point Lodge parking lot became the heart of Horseshoe Bay’s giving spirit. Led by POA Board Director Bryce Harris, a powerful community effort came together to support local families devastated by the flooding on the July 4 weekend.

Bryce coordinated a multi-faceted donation drive that not only gathered much-needed supplies but also brought people together in the most Texas way possible—around a smoker. Volunteers and donors were treated to delicious smoked sausage links, personally prepared and served by Bryce himself. The sizzling gesture wasn’t just about good food; it was about goodwill and gratitude for those stepping up to help others.

Thanks to Bryce’s leadership, the Resort of Horseshoe Bay jumped in to provide a large truck for hauling donated goods. And haul it did—the truck was filled to the brim with cleaning supplies, hygiene products, gift cards, and more. The outpouring was so strong that three additional truckloads were delivered alongside it.

In total, $4,500 in cash and gift cards was collected, and all donations were sent directly to the Ark of the Highland Lakes. This trusted local organization has been working firsthand with flood victims to provide essential relief.

“This was a coming together of the POA, the Resort with the truck and help, and the City of Horseshoe Bay for helping spread the message,” Bryce said. “And then the community gave so much. This was everybody who made this successful.”

It truly was a team effort, with neighbors supporting one another and local organizations uniting for a common cause. The POA is proud to recognize Bryce Harris for his leadership and hands-on dedication. We also thank every single resident who donated, volunteered, or helped spread the word. You made a difference.

Find your calm

Join guided meditation classes led by Barbara Morrison on the first and third Wednesdays of August at 10:00 AM in the Lake Room. These one-hour classes are free for all POA members and offer a peaceful midweek reset. Whether you're new to meditation or a seasoned practitioner, Barbara’s gentle guidance will help you slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with the present moment.

Meditation has been shown to reduce stress, improve focus, and promote overall well-being. These sessions are a perfect way to step away from the noise and give your mind a well-deserved break. No experience is necessary; just bring a willingness to pause and be still.