May Ukraine Have Peaceful Skies Again.
Here is what is happening in Lakeway….
Mermaid Day
On Sunday, June 2, 1-3PM, local mermaids and their friends can gather at Lakeway Swim Center to pal around with “real” mermaids from Lake Travis. Come dressed to impress the Mer set, as there will be photos, games, prizes, surprises and lots of swimming. Drop-in pool rates apply (but the activities are free). More info here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1834/Mermaid-Day
New Start Time for Trash and Recycling Pick-Up
Beginning on Monday, June 3, Lakeway residents should have their trash and recycling bins at the curb BY 7AM. The change from 8AM to 7AM is permanent and intended to help sanitation workers do their jobs during the cooler hours of the day. For the non-early birds among us, city ordinance allows bins to be moved to the curb starting at 6PM the evening BEFORE collection day; bins should be off the street and out of view by the evening of collection day. Contact the Solid Waste department at solidwasteclerk@lakeway-tx.gov or 512-314-7514 with questions regarding trash or recycling services.
Take a SURVEY to help shape the 2025 Comprehensive Plan Update, by June 5.
The city is asking Lakeway residents (and others with ties to the city) to take a short survey, about what you consider important as far as shaping and nurturing our home town. DEADLINE is June 5, so don’t delay. The questions are rather interesting, and the format is unusual; plus, a comment box is available to clarify your views. (There were 5 or so questions; it took me 10 minutes to complete.) Go here and click on Community Dialogue 1 Poll to take the survey: https://lakeway-tx.gov/1547/Comprehensive-Plan
Live Oak Tennis Courts TEMPORARILY closed
The Live Oak Tennis Courts (adjacent to the Live Oak Driving Range at 509 Lakeway Dr.) closed on May 24 for resurfacing. The City plans to reopen the courts by June 5. Info here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/877/Live-Oak-Tennis-Courts
Lake Travis Democrats Club
–June 6: The Voucher Scam Live, 6:30PM at the Lakeway Activity Center (105 Cross Creek). This interactive, one-hour presentation covers a critical issue facing public education today–education vouchers. (Don’t be fooled by conservatives now calling vouchers “school choice.” After all, conservatives never REALLY approve of choice. Except maybe FLAG choice—right, Justice Alito?)
—June 25: Banned Book Club 6:30PM at Lake Travis Community Library. The book is They Came For the Schools: One Town’s Fight Over Race and Identity and the New War for America’s Classrooms by Mike Hixenbaugh.
Check https://www.laketravisdemocrats.com/ for details and activities each month.
Summer Activity Guide
Check out Lakeway’s Summer Activity Guide, with lots of fun things for families and kids to do at the Swim Center, Activity Center, and more: https://lakeway-tx.gov/2190/Activity-Guide
Brush Recycling Offered 1st Thursday of Every Month
City of Lakeway offers free yard waste drop off for Lakeway residents the first Thursday of every month, at the Public Works Department (3303 Serene Hills Drive) 7AM-3:30PM. Limit is one pickup truck load of yard waste or up to one 8’X5′ pile. Go here for details, including what is accepted: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/62/Public-Works
TexArts summer productions
June 7-30—Anything Goes.
August 6-25—Motown: A Celebration.
Go here for info and to buy tickets: https://www.tex-arts.org/upcoming-productions
Pirate Day
On Sunday, June 9, 1PM, pirates of all ages are invited to stop by Lakeway Swim Center for giveaways, face painting, and a treasure hunt. Dress for the part, as Jack Sparrow will be there! Daily Swim Center fees apply. More info here: https://lakeway-tx.gov/2005/Pirate-Day
Summer Fun at the Library
Join the fun at Lake Travis Community Library! There are Summer Reading Challenges for kids, teens and adults; pick up a reading log (kids) or punch card (teens and adults) from the library and get a prize when it is completed. Get started at the Summer Reading Kickoff, June 3, 10AM-7PM, with a scavenger hunt, photo booth and games. Plus, the library is hosting hour-long camps for kids, boosting reading skills through crafts, science experiments, writing projects, and more. Camps are 2:30-3:30 on Tuesdays (kids entering kindergarten), Wednesdays (kids entering 1st and 2nd grades), and Thursdays (kids entering 3rd grade and up). Finally, the library has age-appropriate reading lists plus tons of special programs scheduled throughout the summer. More info here: https://laketravislibrary.org/summer-reading-program/
July 4 Parade—REGISTER now to participate or volunteer.
Register to participate in this year’s parade, held on Thursday, July 4. The theme is Symbols of Freedom. Go here for info and to register your float/performance OR to help as a volunteer: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/718/July-4th-Celebration
Artist Registration now OPEN for Cool Arts
This year’s Cool Arts Show and Studio Tour is on Saturday-Sunday, Aug. 24-25, at Lakeway Activity Center and local studios. Go here for info and to register: https://lakeway-tx.gov/1858/Cool-Arts-Show-Studio-Tour
House Watch
If you are traveling over the summer or only occupy your home here part-time, Lakeway Police Department provides a House Watch program, at no charge. Just let them know, and officers will perform close patrols of the address and contact you if anything appears suspicious. Call 512-261-2800 for info and go here to sign up: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1305/House-Watch-Request
Council met on May 20.
RESULTS: All members attended the meeting, all in person.
ITEM 3: Recognition and Honors.
–After 6 years of service on Council, LOUIS MASTRANGELO left the dais.
ITEM 4: Oaths of Office, per election results.
— MATT SHERMAN was sworn in for his first term on Council. Incumbents KELLY BRYNTESON and JENNIFER SZIMANSKI were sworn in for their second term on Council. (Photo credit: City of Lakeway.)
ITEM 5: Appointment of Mayor Pro Tem.
–Council Member GRETCHEN VANCE was sworn in as Mayor Pro Tem.
ITEMS 9-18: Consent Agenda (as augmented by the Agenda Addendum), including new appointments to Zoning and Planning Commission, PUD Review Committee, and Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee.
–UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED
Appointments included: LOUIS MASTRANGELO is named as new member and Chair of ZAPCO. Council Members BYRNTESON AND SZIMANSKI plus ZAPCO Commissioner MASTRANGELO are named to serve along with Mayor KILGORE on PUD Review. The Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee is reconstituted to include: Council Members VANCE and SHERMAN, ZAPCO Commissioners OLSON (serving as Chair) and BERNZOTT, and community residents Patience Aylstock, Rachel Mills, Logan Brown, Josh Cobb, and David Milikan.
ITEM 19: Financial Report.
–Due to taking in more revenue than expected and spending less than expected (largely due to staff vacancies), the city has a positive budget variance of roughly $1.1M.
ITEM 20: Citizens Participation for items NOT on this Agenda.
–No one spoke.
ITEM 21: Resolution creating the Lakeway Teen Court Program.
–Since this program is required by a recent state law prescribing its terms, the presentation by Judge Kathleen Coble was largely informational. After nominal discussion, Council UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED the program.
ITEM 22: WCID #17 Water Conservation Update.
–The GM at WCID #17 reported briefly, noting that Lake Travis now stands at 630’ which is 35’ below normal. He also stated that recent rains should allow avoidance of Stage 3 (NO automatic irrigation) this summer; however, the predicted dry conditions this fall and winter make a difficult 2025 highly likely. He urged continued conservation, noting that WCID #17 does and will continue to shut off consumers who refuse to follow restrictions.
ITEM 23: Amending the Cherry Knoll/Hillsong PUD as to 25.949 acres at 15616 Flint Rock Road (authorizing a fire station instead of commercial and parkland).
–After discussion, where the only expressed concern from Council regarded the 126 homes being leased instead of sold, Council DENIED the requested PUD amendments 4:3 (Kilgore, Vance and Sherman in favor).
ITEM 24: Update on Employee Health Benefits.
–The current provider summarized the last year’s plan use and benefits. Next year’s plan details will be released soon, including a 4% rate reduction. NO ACTION TAKEN.
ITEM 25: Request for $50,000 in Hotel Occupancy Tax Funds, from Lake Travis Youth Association.
— UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED.
ITEM 26: City Center Update from developers Legend Communities and Stratus.
–Stratus failed to show up. The Legend Communities spokesman noted that little visible progress was made in the past year, due to the complexity of designing the lift station for the overall project and having to deal with both Lakeway MUD and WCID #17 on water and sewage issues; he stated that once actual construction of the lift station is approved and begins, the next steps of Main Street construction, stop lights, etc., will follow. NO ACTION TAKEN.
ITEM 27: Ordinance meant to be a first step in reducing collisions on 620 near the hospital and the high school, by authorizing TXDOT to extend the School Zone from just south of Medical Parkway to north of the intersection.
— UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED.
ITEM 28: Discuss Traffic Signal at RM 620 and Pallazza Alto Drive/Flamingo Drive.
–CONSENSUS was that staff should proceed to facilitate this project with TXDOT, since it is needed for public safety, with the city paying as much of the projected $185,000 cost as needed.
ITEM 29: Discuss Alkali-Silica Reactivity (ASR) in Lakeway pools.
–Staff reported that up to 540 Lakeway pools could be affected, given the number of pool permits issued during the apparent time frame of concrete material contamination (roughly 2019-2023). After several resident comments and cursory discussion, NO ACTION WAS TAKEN, but it was noted that a more complete report, along with a proposal to waive permit fees, would appear at an upcoming meeting.
ITEM 30: Discuss Traffic Mitigation and Possible Annexation of Flint Rock Road (67% of which is now outside of Lakeway and managed by Travis County).
–After extensive citizens participation (unanimously requesting action by Council to make this road safer as soon as possible) and discussion, Council UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED 1) having city staff move forward to discuss with Travis County prompt traffic mitigation procedures (including banning large trucks and lowering the speed limit) as well as annexation IF the county is not amenable to the above, as well as 2) having the city spend up to $150,000 to proceed with scored resurfacing at both ends of the road (now within city jurisdiction) AND getting the county’s permission to do the same scored resurfacing on the intervening roadway in its jurisdiction.
ITEMS 31-33: Executive Sessions on 3 items—personnel matters/Zoning and Planning Commission appointments, employee health benefits, and transfer of real property/Sailfish Park.
–NO ACTION TAKEN.
ADJOURNED at 12:34AM.
View the Agenda, Meeting Packet, and/or Presentation (scrolling down to City Council documents) here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/archive.aspx Go here to watch the Council meeting online: https://lakewaytx.new.swagit.com/videos/305804
Daring Mighty Things
The Euclid space telescope was launched into space in 2023, to investigate the “dark universe.” That includes 2 very mysterious elements, dark energy (the placeholder name given to whatever force is causing the expansion of the universe to accelerate), and dark matter (a form of matter that is effectively invisible because it doesn’t interact with light). This takes on new importance when you realize that 95% of the universe’s matter and energy is in the dark domain. Only 5% of the cosmic matter/energy budget is currently understood by scientists. Euclid’s job is probe and image intricacies of the dark universe. The above image shows a spiral galaxy located 30 million light-years from Earth. (Image credit: ESA/Euclid/Euclid Consortium/NASA.) Euclid’s early images are at least 4 times sharper than images taken from ground-based telescopes; covering vast swathes with unrivaled depth, Euclid observes celestial targets in visible light and a near-infrared spectrometer. The Euclid ‘dark universe detective’ telescope has revealed new images of the cosmos — and they are remarkable 5/23/24 https://www.space.com/euclid-space-telescope-new-images-may-23
Boeing’s first crewed launch of its Starliner capsule was originally scheduled for May 6, but that has been bumped repeatedly due to 2 separate helium leaks on different parts of the craft. The June 1 launch was scrubbed at the last minute due to an automatic abort, for reasons unclear so far. The current launch window is noonish on June 2. The mission is to deliver 2 NASA astronauts to the ISS for a week of experiments, then return them to Earth. (Image credit: NASA TV.) Boeing’s Starliner rolls out to pad for June 1 astronaut launch 5/30/24 https://www.space.com/boeing-starliner-rolls-out-launch-pad-second-time-photos
SpaceX is pushing for the 4th test flight (uncrewed) of its gigantic Starship rocket, penciling in June 5 for a launch from its Starbase site in South Texas. The above image shows Starship during a recent fueling test. (Image credit: SpaceX via X.) All test flights to date have been spectacularly explosive, though Elon Musk’s line is that “much was learned” from each flight’s “unplanned sudden disassembly.” Both the FAA and the EPA have investigated the literal fallout from past debacles, and Musk will have to cool his jets on attempt #4 until all regulatory demands are met and authorization for flight is granted. If Starship ever gets on track, NASA hopes it will ferry people and cargo to the moon, Mars and beyond. SpaceX targeting June 5 for 4th test flight of Starship megarocket 5/24/24 https://www.space.com/spacex-targeting-june-5-starship-fourth-test-flight
Heads up! SpaceX is leaving a trail of large and heavy debris worldwide. The latest scorched chunk measured about 3 feet square and was made of shredded carbon fiber with metal bolts and plates. It landed on a hiking trail near Asheville, North Carolina, and has been identified as from SpaceX’s Crew-7 Dragon that flew from the ISS to Florida on March 12. (Image credit: Future/Brett Tingley.) Specifically, the debris is a piece of the craft’s tail section (called the “trunk”), that is routinely jettisoned during re-entry. Previously, it was assumed the trunk would disintegrate in Earth’s atmosphere with any surviving debris being negligibly small. However, the NC hard landing was the 3rd known trunk chunk to be identified lately, with other locations being in Canada and Australia. Space debris from SpaceX Dragon capsule crashed in the North Carolina mountains. 5/29/24 https://www.space.com/space-debris-spacex-crew-7-reentry-north-carolina
With liberty and justice for all … except women.
On May 24, Louisiana put the abortion pills mifepristone and misoprostol on the list of controlled dangerous substances carrying risk of addiction or abuse. After the Republican-controlled legislature passed the law, Republican Governor Jeff Landry signed it immediately. Louisiana, which already bans abortion (including those via medication) in nearly all cases, is the first state to take this step. Now, doctors must get a special license to dispense mifepristone and misoprostol, and the drugs can only be stored in special facilities. Plus, unprescribed possession of the abortion pills is punishable by 1 to 5 five years in prison and fines of up to $5,000. Experts say all this will make medication abortion more difficult or simply unavailable even in cases fitting the state’s narrow exception of saving the mother’s life. Louisiana governor signs bill making abortion drugs controlled dangerous substances 5/24/24 https://www.politico.com/news/2024/05/24/louisiana-governor-abortion-drugs-00159996
It is good to see that not all Texas border towns are nuts. In May, Clarendon’s council unanimously voted down a proposed ordinance banning travel through Clarendon city limits to get an abortion elsewhere, curtail sale and possession of medications linked to abortion, AND block Clarendon residents from getting abortions – no matter where they happen to be in the world. Good call, Clarendon! Located in the Texas Panhandle with 1,700 residents, Clarendon is the first city known to reject becoming a “sanctuary city for the unborn.” At least 52 Texas cities have adopted such ordinances; the national count exceeds 70. The sanctuary city status was pushed in Clarendon, and all over the Teas border territory by anti-abortion pastor Mark Lee Dickson, despite its dubious legality. Even though Clarendon is a deep-red town, its council decided to go about its duty of providing basic municipal services, instead of indulging in political grandstanding. They were also concerned that sanctuary status would be divisive, needlessly converting a national issue into a local controversy. A small Texas town prudently says no to expanding state’s abortion ban 5/17/24 https://www.statesman.com/story/opinion/editorials/2024/05/17/a-texas-town-prudently-says-no-to-expanding-the-states-abortion-ban/73675766007/
However, Amarillo is still mulling an abortion travel ban. After discussion at a May 28 Council meeting, they voted to reconsider the measure at their June 11 meeting. Proponents demand that Council either approve the ban or put it to a vote in November. Also slated for consideration on June 11 is an ordinance modeled after Texas’ own Heartbeat Act, to locally (and completely needlessly) prohibit abortion after 6 weeks and define “unborn child” as created at the moment of conception. As for the abortion travel ban, it would make it illegal to help a person access an abortion outside Texas using local roads and highways. Everyone with a brain understands such a law would be unconstitutional, but in the current political climate that is trumped by the need for far-right performance rhetoric. Other Texas cities that already passed ordinances prohibiting travel through their jurisdictions for an abortion outside the state include Athens, Abilene, Plainview, San Angelo, Odessa, Muenster and Little River-Academy; ditto for the Texas counties of Mitchell, Goliad, Lubbock, Dawson, Cochran and Jack. Despite pressure, Amarillo City Council punts on abortion travel ban petition 5/28/24 https://www.texastribune.org/2024/05/28/amarillo-abortion-travel-ban/
On May 30, the Texas Supreme Court upheld the state’s near-total abortion ban. Twenty Texas women, along with 2 Texas doctors, brought the suit, insisting that women with complicated pregnancies were being denied medically necessary abortions because doctors were unclear on how and when they could act. In addition, they pointed out that the law lacks any reference to the fetus suffering a fatal abnormality being grounds for abortion. First, the court decided the women lacked standing to bring suit against the abortion law that caused them dire harm; it dismissed their anguish and physical injuries as irrelevant. It also found that the law’s “reasonable medical opinion” exception regarding risk to a woman’s life and health withstood constitutional challenge. Finally, the court ruled the law does not—and need not—authorize abortion for a fetus with a fatal abnormality; again—tough luck for the women carrying them. Lower courts had sided with the plaintiffs, but Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton appealed the case to the far-right Texas Supreme Court on order to keep the state’s abortion law harshly strict and yet vague enough to make doctors fear loss of license and jail time when treating pregnant women. Texas Supreme Court rejects challenge to abortion laws 5/30/24 https://www.texastribune.org/2024/05/31/texas-supreme-court-zurawski-abortion/
STILL waiting on the US Supreme Court to rule on 2 important abortion cases, on the use and availability of abortion pills and emergency abortion care for at-risk women. ALSO, waiting to see if UPSIDE DOWN Justice Samuel Alito dares to follow up on his Dobbs decision by writing opinions on the 2 abortion cases. Remember–Justice Alito flew the American flag upside down in his Virginia yard in Jan. of 2021, when doing so symbolized support for Trump’s “Stop the Steal” campaign. BUT—he ALSO flew the Appeal to Heaven flag, carried by insurrectionists on Jan. 6 AND also a symbol of government according to extreme religious fervor, at his beach home in 2023. (In both cases, he says “My wife did it.” Also, Mrs. Alito is a spitter, per the article below. Lovely….) My questions: 1) Do the Alitos have a mountain cabin? 2) If so, what flag is flying THERE? (The above images are courtesy of NY Times.)
—The Alitos, the Neighborhood Clash and the Upside-Down Flag 5/28/24 https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/28/us/justice-alito-neighbors-stop-steal-flag.html
—Excellent 25-minute podcast on the Alitos and their insurrectionist flags: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/28/podcasts/the-daily/the-alitos-and-their-flags.html
A recent article, by longtime SCOTUS expert Adam Liptak, shows the public opinion stats on the pending high court rulings that will be issued any day now (plus rulings recently issued). These include deciding presidential immunity, 2 crucial abortion cases, gun rights, and many other hot-button issues. Remember—the Judicial branch has ZERO enforcement power. If the Executive branch is ticked off at you, it can fine you and put you in jail. The Legislative branch can take away funding and pass new laws to make its point. But, the courts can only deliver opinions, relying on the people’s respect for rule of law, so that we follow their decisions. A lot of Americans are now gleefully acting like rule of law is out-dated. Another subset of Americans is appalled at how out of touch the far-right SCOTUS is now and increasingly resistant to accepting its fiats. And, then there are the unprecedented and myriad ethical scandals that have recently tainted several conservative Justices and brought their morality and impartiality into serious question. So, how far will SCOTUS go on this crucial batch of cases, and will the American public follow? The Major Supreme Court Cases of 2024 UPDATED 5/30/24 https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2024/05/09/us/supreme-court-major-cases-2024.html
Back to me….
Home maintenance is a never-ending adventure, right? I bought an amazing Belkin surge protector AND was able to hook up all my electronics without incident. (So, Texas thunderstorms—do your damnedest.) Also restarted and tested my sprinkler system without incident. A handy neighbor replaced the ceiling light in my garage, again without incident. “Incidents” are never good…. Right now, I have a mystery water leak in the garage that shows every indication of becoming a full-fledged incident of the worst kind.
It is crazy hot and humid, and Texas will stay that way for months. PLEASE, be careful with pets.
My sweet Maxie had her cardio workup recently and ACED it! She was good as gold while getting an echocardiogram and having her blood pressure checked. (Luckily, the patient purring LOUDLY during testing is not a problem.) The specialist found the heart size and structure to be normal. A mild flow obstruction/heart murmur and a slight valve leak are likely from stress/age and previously increased blood pressure (now controlled via a daily pill). So—GREAT NEWS!
More great news—Pandas Are Coming. The long-time contractual loans of pandas to American zoos from China expired in the post-Covid years. Even The National Zoo in DC had to ship its mating pair and their wildly popular cub, Biscuit, back to China in late 2023. Now, the Biden administration has negotiated a new round of panda loans. Mating pair Bao Li (male, shown in the left-hand photo above) and Qing Bao (female, shown in the right-hand photo above), both 2 years old, will arrive at The National Zoo later in 2024. (Photo credits: Roshan Patel, Smithsonian’s National Zoo, and Conservation Biology Institute.) Several other American zoos are currently being considered for panda pairs, including San Diego and Atlanta (which has the only pandas left in the country—a mating pair and their twin cubs—scheduled to return to China soon). The Panda Party is back on as giant pandas will return to Washington’s National Zoo by year’s end 5/29/24 https://apnews.com/article/giant-pandas-washington-zoo-china-764f8016d98c01ab579bdbb6dcc3dd6b
IT IS FAWN SEASON! Please DRIVE CAREFULLY, as newborn fawns are incredibly tiny, fragile, and clueless about roads.
Remember—the vast majority of fawns you see are FINE, just parked in a safe spot and waiting for Mama to return to feed/clean/move the baby to another safe parking spot.
The above image is from our closest fawn expert, Leanne Dupay, a permitted wildlife rehabilitator with Texas Parks & Wildlife. 512-694-1811. (She lives in The Hills.) SAVE THIS INFO IN YOUR PHONE SO YOU HAVE IT WHEN NEEDED.
Enjoy this adorable 2-minute video from Texas Parks and Wildlife, with lots of good tips about fawns: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iUZmdWngGw4&app=desktop
Lots more info (and really cute photos) are on the Fawn page of my blog. It also has several local contacts if you find a fawn (or other wildlife) truly in distress. https://ninawriteorwronginlakeway.com/parked-fawns-injured-deer/
I had a few fawn and doe sightings in the last couple weeks. Here are some of my photos.
Our bucks are living it up these days, completely free of responsibility for nurturing the new fawns and hanging out with their fellows. They LOVE posing for photos. Gotta give the boys some screen time.
Coronavirus Update
Looks like a summer Covid wavelet is coming. As of May 25, the CDC’s Data Tracker shows 2 Covid-19 indicators (test positivity and ER visits) rising; the death rate was still flat. The 4th indicator is hospitalizations; for that, reporting rules have changed, but data as of May 11 showed no change. https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#datatracker-home
Wastewater viral testing (above) shows low levels of Covid nationwide. https://www.cdc.gov/nwss/index.html
Feeling yucky? Wondering if you caught something? Per the following article, Covid tends to cause a high fever (over 100 degrees), as well as upset stomach (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea), body aches, cough with mucus, and debilitating fatigue. On the other hand, allergies and colds usually don’t cause any of those symptoms; instead allergies and colds tend to give you sneezing and stuffy nose, itchy eyes, ears and throat, mild tiredness, and a DRY cough. Take a Covid test if possible, and if it is negative but symptoms remain—test again. Is It Covid, Spring Allergies or a Cold? 5/23/24 https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/23/well/live/allergies-cold-covid-symptoms.html
Anyone interested in Long Covid should read Eric Topol’s latest report, detailing 2 interesting studies. Long Covid at 3 Years 5/30/24 https://erictopol.substack.com/p/long-covid-at-3-years
REMINDER— Over 95% of adults hospitalized in 2023-2024 due to COVID-19 had not gotten the latest vaccine. So, if you never got the updated Covid booster, get it now. Those age 65 and older should get ANOTHER dose of the updated vaccination this spring (if 4 or more months have gone by). Shots are available at local pharmacies.
If you catch Covid, consider taking Paxlovid. It prevents severe illness and death in people at high risk; studies show it is effective in nearly 75% of cases. And “high risk” covers most American adults, including those with depression, obesity, asthma or a history of smoking. Anyone age 50 or older should take Paxlovid, regardless of health status. Lots more good info in this article: I Have Covid. Should I Take Paxlovid? 1/11/24 https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/11/well/covid-paxlovid-treatment.html