Author: Nina Davis

May Ukraine Have Peaceful Skies Again.

This blog STARTS with a special section dedicated to the upcoming Lakeway Local Election.  This is critical to our city, so it gets top billing.  I wish it were more upbeat, but all the pleasant Lakeway doings are covered here, as usual, just under the Election section.

May 4 LOCAL ELECTION

Well, it is that time.  Lakeway’s LOCAL ELECTION is looming, so for the next few blogs it gets a section of its own.

Early voting starts April 22, with Election Day on Saturday, May 4.

There are 3 things going on during this election—3 Council seats get filled, a $22MIL Parks bond gets voted up or down, and 2 Lake Travis ISD Board seats get filled.

COUNCIL

Three Council seats are open.  Four candidates are running.  The 3 getting the most votes will win. WATCH FUTURE BLOGS for updates on the candidates, info on forums, links to media Q&As, etc.

In past election cycles, this blog featured candidate bios and questionnaires, and my comments remained objective until just prior to voting when I added my own opinions.  That isn’t possible this time, when we have fewer decent candidates than seats that will be filled regardless. Worse—one of the candidates would be a disastrous choice.. 

I am not the only resident who watches city government like a hawk, but we are a small group.  Believe me when I say that Council meetings since the last 2 elections have been painful to watch; due to the inexperience, lack of decorum, and obvious fealty to special interests displayed by certain members, Council barely functions at this time. 

Of the 4 candidates running, Matt Sherman is far and away the best choice.  Matt is a bright and driven advocate for Lakeway, plus he already has experience in high-level city matters (see below).  Kelly Brynteson and Jennifer Szimanski being re-elected is all but a given, since no one ran to replace them.  Electing Chris Levy would be catastrophic, tipping Council over to complete mayhem and a body that serves developers, special interests and Lakeway’s elite, at the cost of the rest of us—the home owners and businesses that fund the city and do our best to practice decency, fairness and transparency, along with the volunteers who have served Lakeway for decades. (Much more on Mr. Levy follows, below.)

Matt Sherman is a 5-year Lakeway resident living in The Preserve.  He now serves as Chair of the Comprehensive Plan Committee, as well as a Commissioner on the Zoning and Planning Commission.  (Image credit: Matt Sherman for Council.)  His campaign website and Facebook page have considerable informative content and are here:  https://www.mattshermanforlakeway.com/  https://www.facebook.com/mattshermanforlakeway

Kelly Brynteson is a 16-year Lakeway resident living in Flintrock, currently seeking a second term. (Image credit: City of Lakeway.)  Her Facebook page and official bio are here: https://www.facebook.com/kellyforlakeway https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/2007/Councilmember-Kelly-Brynteson

Jennifer Szimanski is a 12-year Lakeway resident living in Rough Hollow, currently seeking a second term. (Image credit: City of Lakeway.) Her Facebook page and official bio are here: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077428167465 https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/2006/Councilmember-Jennifer-Szimanski

Chris Levy is a 16-year Lakeway resident living in Old Lakeway.  This candidate has ZERO experience serving the city in any capacity.  He has a campaign website and a campaign Facebook page but makes them accessible only to his friends–everyone else is blocked.  So, he isn’t interested in informing voters or attracting new supporters.  Imagine how that attitude would translate to City Hall were he to win.…  With that kind of opaque and insulated campaign, we could forget about transparency in government, right?

So, now I’m going to tell you a story.  It is so weird, you’ll know it is true.

Back in 2017, a group of Lakeway residents living in the oldest part of town, near the Inn and Airpark where Lakeway’s residences were first built, decided to ask the city to officially designate the area as “Old Lakeway.”  They wanted to recognize the historical significance of the First 300—those homes built back in the 1960s, as well as the other lovely older homes in that area–and honor their historical significance and charm.  The result is seen today in the “Old Lakeway” plaques (shown above) attached to street signs in the heart to Lakeway.

But, someone really HATED this idea.  He lived within the designated area and went to an early resident meeting discussing the project.  Things got ugly, confrontational even, when the good folks there didn’t agree with him.  He stomped out and continued arguing with someone in the parking lot, then got in his car and muttered invectives to himself before (still recording) calling a pal to vent, in a most unneighborly fashion.  (He mentioned to his pal that he had recorded everything.) 

At some point, he uploaded the ENTIRE recording (over an hour) to YouTube.  Much later, he removed it, but it had already been downloaded by 1 or more Lakeway residents.  Now, the full recording and a transcript of the most shocking segment are circulating. 

I pulled out some of his comments to his pal on the phone.  They are full of hate toward his neighbors, making fun of them for being older folks and denigrating their homes as %$@#holes.  It is all below, directly from the recording he made and uploaded, for whatever bizarre reason….  I have heard all the recordings.  I decided not to upload them here, because they feature and identify other people, who didn’t know they were being recorded.  It will all be widely available, soon enough.

Unfortunately, I happen to know this individual and recognize his voice as well as his deplorable attitude.  I already knew that Chris Levy is not someone I want at City Hall making decisions for Lakeway.  Soon, all residents need to make a decision on that, and vote accordingly.  Consider how he treated his close neighbors and decide whether you want someone with his attitude on Council, controlling your city. 

One last thing.  Levy is already playing the victim here, whining that he has changed since 2017.  Don’t buy it.  The guy on the recordings is the same guy who for many years and TO THIS DAY causes trouble wherever he can–on social media, in the polling place parking lot, in court suing the city, on and on.  In my experience, he is mean, he is a bully, he oozes grievance and entitlement, and there is nothing that he won’t do to get his way.  All that makes Chris Levy Lakeway’s worst nightmare. 

In his own words:

CHRIS LEVY: “I went to this meeting, what they did was they took this first development neighborhood in Lakeway, right? And this group of people who own these 1971, pre-71 homes, you know, like the least valuable homes in Lakeway. And they created this thing called Old Lakeway. They got the city to let them put signs up in our neighborhood that now declare our neighborhood as Old Lakeway. And so they have also come up with this concept called the Lakeway 300, which are basically the first 300 homes built in Lakeway, pre-April 71. They’re the least valuable homes in Lakeway, these 300 homes.”

CHRIS LEVY: “And dude, I got to tell you, a lot of my rich neighbors, we’re thinking about getting a lawyer and suing this guy.”

CHRIS LEVY: “And I have it all recorded. I’ll let you listen to it. I’ll send you the file because, dude, they jumped on me with knives when I started to point out what they were doing was going to be… They basically hate rich people and they hate our generation and they hate Rough Hollow. They hate The Hills and they hate new homes. And basically, because they all own these $300,000 shithole homes that are 46 years old, they don’t want people building new homes around them. But what they don’t realize is the new homes are what make their homes valuable.”

CHRIS LEVY: “Yeah. There were 22 people there. Half of them were senior citizens.”

PARKS BOND

Lakeway Council voted unanimously at its Feb. 5 meeting to put a $22MIL parks bond on the May ballot. 

In summary, the funds would be used on 5 of our parks.  Our long-time favorite recreational areas, City Park and the Swim Center, would get much-needed renovations and upgrades, so they can serve the city’s growing population well into the future.  The Activity Center would get minor updates.  The Live Oak Tennis Courts would be expanded.  Finally, brand new Butler Park in Rough Hollow would be built from the ground up, providing families on that side of town with a wide variety of conveniently located recreational opportunities.  See the chart above for a breakdown per park.

The $22MIL bond will add about $100 to the annual property tax bill on a home valued around $750K (the average here).

I see this as a legacy—what current residents will leave for our kids, grandkids, and all future residents of Lakeway. I moved here in 2009, but I have read and heard about all the kerfuffle that accompanied creation of City Park, Hamilton Greenbelt, the Activity Center, the Swim Center, etc.  People ranted that each of those was TOO MUCH MONEY, NOT NEEDED, CRAZY OVERREACH, blah, blah, blah. And yet, now that we have these amazing amenities, they are used and beloved by an enormous number of residents. They play a large part in making Lakeway a wonderful place to live. Can anyone really imagine Lakeway WITHOUT the Greenbelts? WITHOUT the Activity Center? WITHOUT City Park?  For me, that would be a sadly depleted Lakeway.  I’m willing to pay a little more in property taxes, to refresh and expand our parkland legacy and enrich Lakeway’s future.

The city has gathered info on the bond here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/2162/2024-Parks-Bond

LTISD School Board Election

There are 2 contested seats this year.  Incumbents Lauren White  https://www.facebook.com/laurenwhiteforlaketravis  and Phillip Davis https://www.facebook.com/Vote4PhillipDavis  are seeking another term. Both are supported by Lake Travis Voices for Progress, in order to block the far-right Lake Travis Families PAC from controlling all 7 seats on the Board.

Phillip Davis and Lauren White both OPPOSE book banning; they are the ONLY Board members who voted AGAINST banning books in actions taken by LTISD to date.  They OPPOSE school vouchers.  They are fighting for literacy, instead of wasting money on political stunts, and they are working to keep our tax dollars in Lake Travis ISD. 

If you agree these things are vital, VOTE to Re-Elect Lauren White and Phillip Davis.  Even better—SUPPORT them so they can continue fighting for our kids.  (Their opponents are being showered with money from Lake Travis Families PAC, just like in the last couple elections.)  Here is a link with more info, videos AND the fundraiser hosted by Lake Travis Voices for Progress so you can easily make a donation: https://www.betterunite.com/ltv4p-2024ltisdschoolboardelection?fbclid=IwAR1qDom7gIn1a7wuLvBwhNRoNoiCWVCHjEkXdmkMHU7u-e2WQv5-T2VGpDc

Here is what ELSE is happening in Lakeway…. 

Art at the Library

During March, the meeting room at Lake Travis Community Library (1938 Lohmans Crossing) showcases Women in Photography.  Celebrating Women’s History Month with Lakeway Arts District, the exhibit features local photographers whose work speaks to the female experience and explores themes of equality, voting rights, health, beauty, motherhood, and more.

Lake Travis Democrats Club     

March 19: Monthly Meeting, 6:30PM.  NOTE: To accommodate more people, this meeting has been MOVED TO THE LA QUINTA HOTEL (1943 Medical Drive, near HEB).  Speaker is Wendy Davis: the former State Senator and warrior for Texas women’s health and reproductive rights discusses her new role at Planned Parenthood Texas Votes.

Check https://www.laketravisdemocrats.com/ for details and more activities each month. 

Become a Democratic Precinct Chair! 

If you can spare a few hours per month, you can really make a difference in 2024—a HUGE election year! The Travis County Democratic Party will train you, and you will have a support system from local precinct chairs in our Super Precinct. There are 6 local precincts that need a chair:  

• 293 (Bee Cave).
• 364 (Falconhead West, Majestic Hills, Serene Hills, Fox Creek Estates, La Capana goes over to LTHS).
• 365 (North side of Hwy 71 near Lake Travis Middle School includes Bee creek Vistas, Bowden, Travis Settlement, Crosswind).
• 370 (Buffalo Gap west of 620 and East side of 620 including Cardinal Hills Estates, Apache Shores, Yacht Harbor).
• 371 (North Lakeway 620 near Randall’s The Vistas of Lakeway, Travis Oak Trails, Cardinal Hills, Arbolago. Borders Kollmeyer).
• 374 (North Lakeway, Hurst Creek Road area).

If you live in one of the above areas, contact Carrie Jones at P362@traviscountydemocrats.org  to learn more.

Kid Camps—Spring Break AND Summer—at Lakeway Activity Center.

Sign up NOW, as camps fill up fast.  Go Here and click on the Youth Camps tab: www.lakeway-tx.gov/catalog

EGGSTRAVAGANZA

On Saturday, March 23, bring the tots to City Park for this FREE annual event featuring egg hunts for every age group, prizes, vendors, petting zoo, bubble station, chalk art, face painting, and more.  Starts at 2PM, with age-limited hunts starting every 15 minutes.  Be sure to be present and ready to go for your child’s age-matched group.  More info here: https://lakeway-tx.gov/717/Eggstravaganza

ArtWalk–Artist registration deadline EXTENDED TO March 24.

Deadline for local artists to apply has been extended to March 24.  Register to participate here: https://lakeway-tx.gov/2129/ArtWalk

April 19-21, City of Lakeway and its Arts Committee will bring us the FIRST ANNUAL ARTWALK!  The FREE event will showcase art, music, food, community and culture in Lakeway, taking place in the Hamilton Greenbelt, Hurst Creek Sculpture Garden, and various local art studios.  It will feature vocal, dance and instrumental performers, along with those in the culinary arts and visual arts and crafts.

Household Hazardous Waste Day

On Wednesday, March 27, from 9:30AM-12:30PM, FREE drop-off for hazardous items is available to residents of Lakeway, Bee Cave and The Hills, plus customers of WCID 17, Hurst Creek MUD, and Lakeway MUD.  Bring photo ID or water bill to show eligibility.  Location is Lake Travis Regional Reuse & Recycling Center (3207 Neidhardt Dr.).  RESERVATIONS are required.  Items MUST be in original labeled containers.  Paint accepted per household is limited to 30 one-gallon containers.  Check here for lists of accepted items and DISALLOWED items AND to make your reservation:  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0C44ACA728A1F4C07-48253369-household#/

Garage Sale at Lakeway Activity Center

The next community garage sale is Saturday, April 6 from 8AM to noon.  Admission is FREE, but in the LAC lobby you can drop off non-perishable/canned food items, as well as pet food, to be donated to local food banks and charities.  You can also donate new or gently used children’s books, for the Free Little Books bin at the entrance. Want to sell stuff?  Booths are 10’X10’ and include a 6’ x 3’ foot table and 2 chairs.  LAC members pay $30 per booth; Non-Members pay $35 per booth (starting March 12).  Call 512-261-1010 for info.  See booth locations and register online registration here (in the Garage Sale tab): https://secure.rec1.com/TX/lakeway-tx/catalog

Solar Eclipse

Lakeway is hosting an outside viewing party, on Monday, April 8, 1PM in the Activity Center parking lot.   Go here for info: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/2081/Solar-Eclipse

Austin is right on the edge, but Lakeway is well inside the totality corridor for the April 8 total solar eclipse.  At about 1:30PM on April 8, Lakeway will have over 3 minutes of total darkness, as the moon passes across the sun.  (Image credit: GreatAmericanEclipse.com.)  Total solar eclipse April 2024: 10 of the biggest cities within in the path of totality 1/2/ 24 https://www.space.com/total-solar-eclipse10-of-biggest-cities-in-path-of-totality-april-8-2024

Beautify Lakeway for EARTH DAY

Volunteer to plant flowers at the Lakeway Swim Center, on Monday, April 22. 11AM.  Everything you need will be provided, plus snacks.  Go here for full info and to register: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1838/Earth-Day

$1,000 Scholarships for Lakeway Seniors

Waste Connections again offers $1,000 Scholarships to eligible high school seniors whose parent/guardian is a customer in good standing of trash and recycling services with the City of Lakeway.  Deadline for essays and applications is April 22.  Go here for full info on eligibility and how to apply: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1993/Waste-Connections-Scholarship

Looking for a way to help locally? Consider 12:31.

12:31 is a LOCAL, registered, 501(c)(3), serving students and families within LTISD. (Tax ID number–EIN: 88-2279325.)  With over 7,000 members, it was created by Mike Dahlhauser. Mission statement:

We believe that people aren’t meant to go through life alone.

We believe that communities are stronger when they work together for the collective good.

We believe that communities thrive when all the members of the community feel cared for, included, and valued.

By providing tangible opportunities for members of the community to get involved, and connected to those around them, we create an environment that fosters meaningful connections, and genuine relationships.

Through various programs and initiatives, and through general community outreach, we are able to mobilize the community as a whole, to meet the needs of the individual. Go here to join the Facebook group and see what you can do for our community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/twelve31

Spirit of Freedom Monument

Lakeway Veterans who served in official periods of armed conflict like the Vietnam War or Gulf War can have their names included on the Spirit of Freedom Monument located in Lakeway Heritage Park.  Applications are now being accepted for additions to the monument for recognition on Veterans Day in 2024.  Deadline to apply is July 5, 2024.  The fee ranges from $325-$425.  Call 512-314-7530 or go here for info and a link to the application: https://lakeway-tx.gov/97/Heritage-Center-Park

Council met on March 4. 

Six members attended the meeting, all in person.  Councilmember Szimanski was absent.  RESULTS:

–ITEM 3:  Appointing Kathleen Coble as Associate Municipal Judge. APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY.

–ITEM 5:  Lakeway MUD Update. NO ACTION TAKEN.  [But the water situation is dire for this summer and fall; expect ALL Lakeway area MUDs to move to Stage 3 and possibly Stage 4, with LITTLE OR NO OUTSIDE IRRIGATION allowed.]

–ITEM 6:  Parks Plan Update, related to the Parks Bond on the May ballot. NO ACTION TAKEN. [See attached image as to features changes in the 5 parks, with current estimated costs at $21,993,427.]

–ITEM 7:  License Plate Recognition (LPR) Draft Policy. After a presentation from Police Chief Koen and some discussion, Council APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY an LPR Pilot Program (using existing vehicle cameras plus static cameras to be obtained) to begin as soon as possible, with performance review (as to cost, utility, data privacy, etc.) at the regular meeting in December of 2024.

–ITEM 8:  Discussion of Appointment Procedures for Zoning and Planning Commission Members. [Actually, the Agenda’s heading for this item was misleading.  Councilmember O’Brien’s report, in the Meeting Packet, never mentioned Zoning and Planning and stated his demand that ALL COMMITTEES, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS be reconstituted as to membership, not just ZAPCO.  So, this covers Arts, Heritage, Wildlife, etc., everything that volunteers are now handling for Lakeway.] WITHDRAWN prior to the meeting by Councilmember O’Brien. [Watch for this disingenuous item to show up on the agenda for the next Council meeting.]

–Addendum ITEM A.1: Awarding Contract for Comprehensive Plan. After discussion, Council APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY awarding the contract to Lionheart Places (budgeted amount is $250,000).

ADJOURNED at 8:23PM.

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/298963

Council next meets on March 18.

About a week prior, the Agenda will be posted here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/archive.aspx

State of the City Address

If you missed the City Manager’s March 7 event, go here to watch the recording:  https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/2166/State-of-The-City-Address

Daring Mighty Things

Originally, astronauts “did it in their spacesuits.”  Now, bathroom amenities in space are pretty impressive.  Everything you want to know—and possibly more—is in this article.  (Image credit: Daisy Dobrijevic produced in Canva.)   How do astronauts use the bathroom in space? 3/4/24 https://www.space.com/how-do-astronauts-go-to-bathroom-in-space-toilet-guide

NASA wants YOU.  Well, it wants you IF you can meet their astronaut qualifications: 1–US citizen; 2– Master’s degree in a STEM field; 3—Minimum of 3 years related professional experience after degree completion; and 4—Able to successfully complete the NASA long-duration flight astronaut physical.  This new class of astronauts will fly to the moon and on to Mars.  Don’t dawdle; deadline to apply is April 2. (Image credit: NASA TV.)  Fly me to the moon: NASA accepting astronaut application 3/6/24 https://www.space.com/nasa-astronaut-recruitment-moon-mars-2024

Last week, off the coast of San Diego, Artemis astronauts practiced splashdown procedures with NASA crew and Navy crew members. (Image credit: U.S. Navy/Petty Officer 2nd Class Connor Burns.)  The Underway Recovery Test 11 ran over several days and included helicopters, rescue divers, a military ship and hundreds of people united to practice getting the astronauts safely out of the water upon return to Earth.  A crewed Artemis 2 mission is scheduled to lift off for the moon in fall of 2025.  Get to the choppa! Artemis 2 moon astronauts practice splashdown with U.S. Navy 2/29/24 https://www.space.com/artemis-2-astronauts-splashdown-us-navy-nasa

IT LIVES! Japan’s lunar lander is resting on its nose after an awkward landfall in February, but it survived the 2-week long lunar night.  Jaxa’s handlers report current communications, both back to Earth and with its 2 mini-rovers, which are scurrying around up there.  (Image Credit: ZAXA/TOMY Company/Sony Group Corp./Doshisha.)  It’s alive! JAXA’s SLIM moon lander sends home new photos after surviving frigid lunar night 2/26/24 https://www.space.com/japan-slim-moon-lander-wakeup-lunar-night

“Good night, Odie.”  Odysseus, the Intuitive Machines craft that toppled over after its Feb. 22 soft-landing on the moon, struggled to survive with damaged antennas and a misaligned solar array.  (Selfie Image credit: Intuitive Machines via X.)  Called “Odie” by its handlers, the robotic lander shut down on Feb. 29 as the dark and frigid lunar night hit its location.  They hope Odie is merely napping and will try to wake the robot when lunar noon rolls around mid-March.  Goodnight, Odysseus. Intuitive Machines’ private moon lander goes offline — but could it rise again? 2/29/24 https://www.space.com/intuitive-machines-odysseus-moon-lander-shuts-down

Musk gets spanked—again—by the FAA.  SpaceX’s Starship and Super Heavy booster are designed to be the world’s most powerful rocket, capable of hauling up to 165 tons (150 metric tons) into orbit. NASA has picked Starship to land its next astronauts on the moon in the Artemis 3 mission in 2026.  But, first, SpaceX must successfully launch an uncrewed Starship on at least a near-orbital flight, something its first two test flights in 2023 spectacularly failed to do. As a result of the second explosive failure, the FAA’s mishap investigation required Space-X to make 17 corrective actions for before its next launch; those actions include 10 fixes on the 165-foot-tall starship vehicle and seven on the Super Heavy booster. To date, those have not been completed.  Last week, the gleaming, stainless-steel Starship rocket and its Super Heavy booster were filled with more than 10 million pounds of liquid methane and liquid oxygen propellant during the recent launch dress rehearsal, performed at SpaceX’s Starbase facility near Boca Chica Beach in southern Texas.  But, actual flight awaits FAA approval. Musk says he will have a Go For Launch by March 14.  We’ll see. (Image credit: SpaceX)  SpaceX fuels up massive Starship megarocket in test for 3rd launch 3/4/24  https://www.space.com/spacex-fuels-starship-megarocket-ahead–of-3rd-test-launch

With liberty and justice for all … except women.   

Ooh-la-la!  Want to be guaranteed the right to make your own decisions about reproductive health?  Move to France.  Last week, France became the first nation in the world to include a guaranteed right to abortion access in its Constitution.  As stated by the Prime Minister: “Your body belongs to you and no one has the right to control it in your stead.”  Lawmakers voted overwhelmingly for the amendment, 780-72, in response to concerns about the bizarre loss of rights in America.  So, no French equivalent of Justices Alito, Thomas, Gorsuch, Kavanaugh, Roberts and Barrett can persecute women.  (Image Credit: Reuters.)  French lawmakers make abortion a constitutional right  3/4/24 https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/french-lawmakers-hold-vote-make-abortion-constitutional-right-2024-03-04/

Oklahoma legislators are threatening to pass a bill establishing a database of all residents getting abortions.  Doctors would be required to supply the information to the state, in violation of the usual medical confidentiality, or face fines and loss of license.  In addition, the bill would ban contraceptive options including IUDs and Plan B.  The state already outlaws all abortions except when necessary to save the life of the mother, without exceptions for rape or incest.  Oklahoma Pols Want a Database of Everyone Who Has an Abortion 2/20/24 https://www.thedailybeast.com/oklahoma-pols-want-a-database-of-everyone-who-has-an-abortion

We know the horrors women now face when trying to obtain an abortion for medical reasons.  After nearly 2 years without Constitutional protection for women to make decisions regarding their own bodies, their doctors are in an impossible situation.  State laws often give fetuses—even those with no chance of survival—priority over their at-risk mothers.  Women diagnosed with aggressive cancer while pregnant cannot receive life-saving chemotherapy.  Doctors and hospital who intervene risk dire legal consequences. Their States Banned Abortion. Doctors Now Say They Can’t Give Women Potentially Lifesaving Care 2/26/24 https://www.propublica.org/article/abortion-doctor-decisions-hospital-committee

NOT IN TEXAS, of course.  But, the 2 largest pharmacy chains in the US will start dispensing the abortion pill mifepristone in March.  CVS and Walgreens make the medication available in stores in a handful of states at first (New York, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, California and Illinois), gradually expanding to other states where abortion remains legal. They will NOT be providing the medication by mail.  CVS and Walgreens will start selling the abortion pill mifepristone  3/1/24 https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/03/health/abortion-pill-cvs-walgreens-pharmacies.html

UPDATE on Alabama’s Supreme Court declaration in February that fertilized eggs are children, for legal purposes, fulfilling fears that the Dobbs abortion decision doomed in vitro fertilization. The last blog noted the above decision, which caused fertility clinics in Alabama to shut down immediately.  Last week, the Alabama legislature hastily passed a bill aimed at protecting in vitro fertilization patients and providers from legal liability.  However, the new law does not address the issue of personhood that is at the heart of the court decision, causing the effort to fall short of providing the legal protection needed to resume care.  Plus, REPUBLICANS IN THE US CONGRESS HAVE A PENDING BILL THAT WOULD ESTABLISH PERSONHOOD AT CONCEPTION, NATIONWIDE, AS WELL AS BANNING ALL METHODS OF CONTRACEPTION.  So, don’t believe a word they say.  Alabama governor signs IVF protection bill into law, but experts say it will take more work to protect fertility services 3/7/24 https://www.cnn.com/2024/03/06/us/alabama-ivf-fertility-protection/index.html

Back to me….

I’ve been sick, apparently catching poll plague while working Early Voting at LAC in the Primary Election.  One day I feel pretty good, then the next day I crash.  I’ve tested negative for Covid multiple times so I guess it is just a nasty cold.  FYI—check your medicine chest.  I haven’t been sick in ages, since before Covid times, so all my cold meds were expired—and not by months, by YEARS. 

The cats are all on nursing duty.  Tulip is Chief Care Provider, of course, running the show.  Senior Cat Maxie is Supervisor, and Junior Cat Peanut is Candystriper.

I haven’t felt up to long walks lately, but here are a few new deer photos.  In most of the shots, you can really see the roughed-up coats they sport this time of year.

Coronavirus  Update

The winter surge (WHAT winter???)  continues to recede.  As of Feb. 17, the New York Times correlated the CDC’s statistics for the US.  Across the country, a daily average of 4,774 people were being hospitalized for lab-confirmed Covid-19, which is a 7% DROP from 2 weeks ago. Total hospitalizations for lab-confirmed Covid-19 sank by 14% over that time to 19,456 Americans. https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/us/covid-cases.html

The CDC recently relaxed its Covid-19 guidelines, removing the instruction about isolating for 5 days after a positive test.  Instead, you can return to daily activities as long as you have gone 24 hours without a fever (and without taking anti-fever meds) and your symptoms are improving.  This also applies to flu and RSV, and the CDC hopes the simplification will further overall compliance.  Because you may well be contagious, you are urged to minimize risk to others by limiting close contact, wearing well-fitted masks, improving indoor air quality, and practicing good hygiene (washing hands and covering coughs and sneezes)—all for the 5 days you would have been in isolation under the old guidelines.  (See the article listed below for more info.)

Americans age 65 and older should get ANOTHER dose of the updated vaccination this spring.  This is the case EVEN if you got the shot last fall when it came out (if 4 or more months have gone by).  The recommendation is based on the fact that most—by far—serious hospitalizations and deaths from Covid these days are seen in those age 65 and up.  Another dose will help protect those at high risk. (See the article listed below for more info.)

REMINDER—ANYONE who never got the updated Covid booster should get it now.  Shots are available at local pharmacies.  But, if you do 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

Recent Covid-19 Articles

—CDC shortens 5-day COVID isolation, updates guidance on masks and testing in new 2024 recommendations 3/1/24 https://www.cbsnews.com/news/cdc-covid-recommendations-isolation-masks-tests/

—Older U.S. adults should get another COVID-19 shot, health officials recommend 2/28/24 https://www.npr.org/2024/02/28/1234749300/older-us-adults-covid-vaccine

—Your 2024 Guide to Covid Symptoms and Treatment 2/26/24 https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/26/well/covid-symptoms-treatment.html

Be brave like Ukraine.

Loss of 2 charismatic underdogs

Speaking of brave….  Last week, we lost Alexei Navalny and Flaco. 

Obviously, I am not equating the two deaths, much less their lives. One was a renown Russian dissident murdered by a despot, and the other was an oddball owl who escaped from Central Park Zoo and flew into the side of a building after a year of freedom.  But, both were courageous.  Both were charismatic underdogs; we instinctively rooted for them to succeed, somehow.  Both grabbed our attention and made our hearts soar from afar.  Both met predictably tragic ends, suddenly and too soon.  Their loss hurts, and now the world is an uglier place.  (Image credits: Yale.edu and Getty Images.)

Here is what’s happening in Lakeway…. 

PRIMARY ELECTION—Early Voting Ends March 1.

Early Voting started on Feb. 20 and runs through March 1, with Election Day on March 5.  Lakeway’s closest polling place is the Activity Center (105 Cross Creek).  Need info on your ballot choices?  The League of Women Voters has a great guide; just click on FIND WHAT’S ON TOUR BALLOT, here: https://www.vote411.org/

Lakeway’s Own Police Officer/Animal Protection Officer Needs Our Help.

Andrea Greig, one of our police officers since 2005 and now our Animal Protection Officer, is currently fighting a very tough form of cancer. She is always there for Lakeway–helping people, their pets and our wildlife with endless energy, compassion and devotion. Now, if you can, please be there for her and donate to a GoFundMe account, helping cover her medical expenses. Here is the link for info and donations:  https://www.gofundme.com/f/4q2ytg-help-andrea-kick-cancers-butt

Lake Travis Democrats Club     

Feb. 27: Banned Book Club, 6:30PM at Lake Travis Community Library (1938 Lohmans Crossing).  Book is: Me and Earl and the Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews (which LTISD may ban in 2024).

March 19: Monthly Meeting, 6:30PM.  NOTE: To accommodate more people, this meeting has been MOVED TO THE LA QUINTA HOTEL (1943 Medical Drive, near HEB).  Speaker is Wendy Davis.  The former State Senator and Warrior for TX Women’s Health and Reproductive Rights discusses her new role at Planned Parenthood Texas Votes.

Check https://www.laketravisdemocrats.com/ for details and more activities each month. 

Lakeway WANTS You. And not in a good way….

Warrant Roundup starts March 1, when Lakeway PD will focus on locating people with outstanding warrants for the City of Lakeway.  BUT, now through Feb. 29, the city will provide amnesty for those individuals resolving outstanding warrants. Contact Lakeway Municipal Court at 512-314-7560 option 8, email court@lakeway-tx.gov  or visit the Lakeway Justice Center (104 Cross Creek, 2nd floor) to get things settled before March 1, when offenders are subject to arrest. Go here to check the active warrant list for your name and for more info: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/civicalerts.aspx?AID=1844

Lakeway Council Election

Yes, ANOTHER election is on the horizon.

Early voting for our local election starts April 22, with Election Day on May 4.

Three Council seats are open.  Four candidates are running.  The 3 getting the most votes will win. WATCH FUTURE BLOGS for updates on the candidates, info on forums, links to media Q&As, etc.

Matt Sherman is a 5-year Lakeway resident living in The Preserve.  He now serves as Chair of the Comprehensive Plan Committee, as well as a Commissioner on the Zoning and Planning Commission.  Here is his campaign website: https://www.mattshermanforlakeway.com/

Kelly Brynteson is a 16-year Lakeway resident living in Flintrock, currently seeking a second term.  This is her 2022 campaign site, though I don’t see any current updates: https://kellyforlakeway.com/home

Jennifer Szimanski is a 12-year Lakeway resident living in Rough Hollow, currently seeking a second term. This is her 2022 campaign site, though I don’t see any current updates: https://www.jenniferforlakeway.com/

Chris Levy is a 16-year Lakeway resident living in Old Lakeway.  (More on THAT later….) Currently, his campaign website link sparks a security warning, so here is his campaign’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556480009185

In addition, Council at its Feb. 5 meeting unanimously voted to put a $22MIL parks bond on the May ballot.  The city has gathered info on the bond here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/2162/2024-Parks-Bond

Finally, there will be contested races on the May Ballot for Lake Travis ISD Board seats.

For past Council elections, I posted Q&As here on the blog.  If you have questions for the Council candidates, email me at macwestie99@gmail.com and I might use them.

Garage Sale at Lakeway Activity Center

The next community garage sale is Saturday, March 2 from 8AM to noon.  Admission is FREE, but in the LAC lobby you can drop off non-perishable/canned food items, as well as pet food, to be donated to local food banks and charities.  You can also donate new or gently used children’s books, for the Free Little Books bin at the entrance. Want to sell stuff?  Booths are 10’X10’ and include a 6’ x 3’ foot table and 2 chairs.  LAC members pay $30 per booth; Non-Members pay $35 per booth.  Call 512-261-1010 for info.  See booth locations and register online registration here (in the Garage Sale tab): https://secure.rec1.com/TX/lakeway-tx/catalog

A Night with the Austin Symphony Orchestra

LAST CALL!  This 4^th annual concert is set for Sunday, March 3, 4PM, at Lake Travis Performing Arts Center (3324 Ranch Rd 620 S).  Members of the Austin Symphony Orchestra and student musicians with Lake Travis High School will collaborate on one stage. Symphony Maestro Peter Bay will conduct with participation by Anna Macias, director of orchestras for Lake Travis High School, and Richard Hicks, director of bands for Lake Travis High School.  Tickets:$60/$40/$20.  OR–the VIP package is $200 (4 tickets, VIP Buffet Dinner on Saturday, March 2 with the chance to meet the musicians, Maestro Peter Bay and other dignitaries).  Go here for info and tickets: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1960/A-Night-with-the-Austin-Symphony-Orchest

Lakeway’s State of the City Meeting

On Thursday, March 7, 6-7PM, at City Hall, bring your questions and concerns and join fellow residents and city staff for a community meeting.  City Manager Joseph Molis will give a presentation on how the City of Lakeway operates, as well as the latest updates from Lakeway City Council and staff.  The various city departments will be on hand, as well.  The meeting will also be broadcast live on the city’s site https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1062/Videos—Meetings-Events  AND on its Facebook Channel https://www.facebook.com/cityoflakeway .  Plus, it will be available for viewing later.

ArtWalk–Artist registration deadline is March 10.

Deadline for local artists to apply is March 10.  Register to participate here: https://lakeway-tx.gov/2129/ArtWalk

April 19-21, City of Lakeway and its Arts Committee will bring us the FIRST ANNUAL ARTWALK!  The FREE event will showcase art, music, food, community and culture in Lakeway, taking place in the Hamilton Greenbelt, Hurst Creek Sculpture Garden, and various local art studios.  It will feature vocal, dance and instrumental performers, along with those in the culinary arts and visual arts and crafts.

Kid Camps—Spring Break AND Summer—at Lakeway Activity Center.

Sign up NOW, as camps fill up fast.  Go Here and click on the Youth Camps tab: www.lakeway-tx.gov/catalog

EGGSTRAVAGANZA

On Saturday, March 23, bring the tots to City Park for this FREE annual event featuring egg hunts for every age group, prizes, vendors, petting zoo, bubble station, chalk art, face painting, and more.  Starts at 2PM, with age-limited hunts starting every 15 minutes.  Be sure to be present and ready to go for your child’s age-matched group.  More info here: https://lakeway-tx.gov/717/Eggstravaganza

Get your LIBRARY TOTE BAG 

Support Lake Travis Community Library AND score a great tote bag.  (Image Credit: Friends of the Library.)  A $15 donation at the Friends of the Library Bookstore gets you a cool tote bag, with the funds going to support the library’s second location in Spicewood.  For info on the new location and the MANY donation opportunities available, go here: https://laketravislibrary.org/fundraising/

Mayor Kilgore’s Facebook Update

On Feb. 15, the mayor gave a 14-minute live update on current city matters.  Go here to watch:  https://www.facebook.com/cityoflakeway/videos/295819423176526

Council met on Feb. 20. 

Initially, six members attended the meeting in person, with Mayor Pro Tem Mastrangelo presiding.  Mayor Kilgore was traveling but joined via video conference in the latter half of the meeting.  RESULTS:

–ITEM 8 (within the Consent Agenda):  Awarding Lakeway’s trash and recycling collection contract to Waste Connection, which provided the lower of 2 bids received.  NOTE: While services remain largely the same, the new contract will raise resident cost by roughly 20%, per the staff report.

The ENTIRE Consent Agenda was UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED, 6:0, including ITEM 8.

–ITEM 13: Financial Report.

REVENUES were down $1MIL from projections.  EXPENDITURES were down $480K from projections.

–ITEM 14: Citizens Participation for items NOT on the Agenda.

ONE person spoke.

–ITEM 15: Amending an existing PUD Agreement for 22 acres and another adjacent 3 acres at 15617 Flint Rock Road and known as Hillsong Development, to substitute a fire station for a commercial building and a park on the 3-acre tract, with other changes overall.

After an Executive Session and considerable discussion on the dais, it became clear Council would approve most of the request but would NOT agree to remove previous litigation’s Settlement Agreement from the PUD terms (which seems related to the developer wanting to lease the proposed 126 homes, instead of selling them).  At this point, the developer abruptly WITHDREW the requested amendment in full.  So, no fire station there, for now.

–ITEM 16: Discussion of amending the ordinances to regulate Game Rooms/Arcades.  Suggestions include limiting these businesses to a total of 3 within city limits.  In addition, they would not be allowed within 1,500 feet of each other or of a school, place of worship or residential neighborhood.

After another Executive Session, Council UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED (7:0, with Mayor Kilgore participating via video link, through the end of the meeting) to send this issue to ZAPCO for review.

–ITEM 17: Amending the ordinances to simplify review of special use permits for short term rental of condos and single-family homes.

UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED that staff will handle short-term rental applications as to BOTH condos and single-family homes, with no hearings before ZAPCO or Council (adding a more detailed definition as to condo).

–ITEM 18: Amending the ordinances to allow street-facing garages for GUI (Government, Utility, Institutional) uses or zoning district.

UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED.

–ITEM 19: Amending the ordinances to allow Recreational Off-Highway Vehicles (ROVs), Neighborhood Electric Vehicles (NEVs), and Utility Vehicles (UTVs) to operate on Lakeway’s public roads under the same rules as golf carts.

UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED.  Go here for info and photos of the vehicle ALLOWED and PROHIBITED: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/2033/Golf-Cart-Use

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/297951

ADJOURNED at 9:18PM.

Daring Mighty Things

Coincidence or causally related?  As shown above, two powerful solar flares erupted from the sun late on Feb. 21 and early on Feb. 22.  (Image credit: NASA/SDO.)  Following the solar flares, cellular outages were reported throughout the US.  Powerful twin solar flares erupt from sun as cell phone outages spike across US  2/22/24 https://www.space.com/sun-2-solar-flares-february-22-2024-cell-phone-outages

An American spacecraft has landed on the moon, for the first time in over 50 years.  On Feb. 22, the lander Odysseus touched down on the moon’s surface, near the south pole.  (Image credit: Intuitive Machines/NASA/X.)  Odysseus was created by Intuitive Machines of Houston, making it the very first PRIVATELY built spacecraft to land on the moon.  Within hours, Intuitive Machines reported that the craft was upright, in good condition, and sending data to Earth.  BUT—an update late on Feb. 23 reported that after landing the craft flopped over onto its side, resulting in damage and antennas pointed the wrong way; at best, this will limit transmittal of data back to Earth.  Odysseus is loaded with a wide variety of scientific experiments, many designed to help with the coming Artemis moon explorations.  However, the craft will only operate for 7 lunar days of sunlight; it will not survive the bitter cold of the coming 2-week long lunar night.  Intuitive Machines lands on moon in nail-biting descent of private Odysseus lander, a 1st for US since 1972  2/22/24  https://www.space.com/intuitive-machines-odysseus-private-moon-landing-success

Get ready for the April 8 total eclipse here in Lakeway with this easy to follow guide on how to take great photos of the event on your phone.  (Image credit: Getty Images.) How to photograph a solar eclipse with a smartphone 2024 — 8 tips from an expert 2/16/24  https://www.space.com/how-to-photograph-a-solar-eclipse-with-a-smartphone

NASA released photos showing the partially completed interior of the Orion capsule that will take 4 astronauts to the moon in 2025, on the Artemis 2 mission. (Image credit: NASA.)  Get a sneak peek inside the Artemis 2 spacecraft that will fly astronauts to the moon for the 1st time in 50 years 2/17/24 https://www.space.com/artemis-2-orion-spacecraft-look-inside-photos

Russia seems to be going the way of the scariest sci-fi sagas.  US intelligence indicates Russia is developing a space-based nuclear weapon designed to disable or destroy satellites.   Add to that the even more unnerving revelation that America as of now has no defense to such a system.  Satellites now regulate everything from communications to transportation, as well as monitoring nuclear weapons activity worldwide. (Image credit: Roscosmos.)  Russian plans for space-based nuclear weapon to target satellites spark concern in US Congress 2/15/24 https://www.space.com/russia-space-nuclear-weapon-us-congress

Above is Hoag’s Object, which was discovered by astronomer Arthur Hoag in 1950.  Its outer ring is dominated by bright blue stars, with a central core of older red stars, and a mysterious dark gap in between. Experts still aren’t sure if this is 1 galaxy or 2, and they don’t understand why it is perfectly round or even how it came to be.  (Image Credit: NASA, ESA, Hubble; Processing: Benoit Blanco.)  Check out this government site to see daily space-related images, with understandable explanations:  https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/astropix.html

With liberty and justice for all … except women.   

A recent independent study of over 6,000 patients from three providers of abortion via telehealth has released data.  It found medication abortion prescribed via telehealth to be safe and effective, supporting the FDA’s approval that is now under attack by the far-right in the US Supreme Court.  Abortion pills that patients got via telehealth and the mail are safe, study finds 2/15/24 https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2024/02/15/1231652715/abortion-pill-telehealth-supreme-court-safe-study-mifepristone

Six states–Massachusetts, Washington, Colorado, Vermont, New York and California—have enacted telemedicine abortion shield laws.  These new laws, as yet untested in the courts, protect doctors, nurse practitioners and midwives licensed in those six states, as they prescribe and send abortion pills to patients in nearly 2 dozen US states (including Texas, of course) currently banning or sharply restricting abortion.  Providers in these 6 states have provided abortion access to thousands of women living in abortion states, particularly low-income patients and others finding travel difficult. The laws in the 6 states specify that their officials and agencies will NOT cooperate with another state’s efforts to investigate or penalize these care providers.  This is the opposite of usual interstate practices like extradition, honoring subpoenas and sharing data.  After Dobbs, medication abortion quickly became the only option for many women nationwide.  While abortion pills can be ordered from other countries, the roundabout mailing process often causes weeks-long delays that take patients past the 12-week safety limit.  Abortion states are livid over what they see as interference by other states, and legal action is inevitable; attorneys are just watching for the right case.  As to medication abortion generally, the US Supreme Court will hear oral argument on March 26 for an existing case (coming from Texas, of course) seeking to bar the mailing of abortion pills and to require in-person doctor visits instead of telemedicine.  Abortion Shield Laws: A New War Between the States 2/22/24  https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/22/health/abortion-shield-laws-telemedicine.html

Far-right Republicans, including several plotting attack points for a second Trump term, are pushing the Comstock Act as a means of immediately enforcing a total abortion ban NATIONWIDE.  Dormant since 1873 but still on the federal books, the Comstock Act criminalizes shipment of any and all materials used for abortion.  That includes the medications used for most abortions today.  Trump Allies Plan New Sweeping Abortion Restrictions 2/27/24 https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/17/us/politics/trump-allies-abortion-restrictions.html

Anti-abortion zealots aren’t satisfied with restrictions as enacted by legislators.  Stripping away 50 years of Constitutional protection isn’t enough.  They demand that women everywhere be forced to give birth, regardless of how they became pregnant and no matter how dire the consequences.  One way they are doing this is via local ordinance.  Across the country, 67 cities and 7counties have passed “sanctuary cities for the unborn” ordinances.  There, local laws ban abortions. The means vary; some block shipment of drugs used to perform an abortion, while others punish performing or aiding in an abortion on their residents.  Texas—of course—leads the way in sanctuary city methodology.  Lubbock declared itself a sanctuary city in 2021.  Amarillo is currently debating such an ordinance.  ‘Abolished from coast to coast’: Anti-abortion movement looks to cities as target for bans 2/9/24 https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2024/02/09/cities-targeted-local-abortion-bans-post-roe/72086544007/

Not surprisingly, disabled Texans are finding it especially difficult to navigate the extremely limited abortion options now available.  In many cases, they find extensive travel overwhelming.  Often, they have never traveled.  Some require special help with physical issues; some have medical conditions that pose additional travel complications (one example being kidney patients on dialysis). Disabled Texans face more barriers to accessing abortion 2/20/24 https://www.texastribune.org/2024/02/20/texas-abortion-disabled/

The Alabama Supreme Court held last week that embryos created during the in vitro fertilization process are “children.” This was a wrongful death case, with IVF couples suing over the accidental loss of stored embryos.  Since the US Supreme Court’s 2022 decision ending the federal right to abortion, advocates have been concerned about the effect on fertility medicine, families that take advantage of it, doctors who provide it, and companies that support it. Currently, there are over 1.5 million frozen embryos in the US, most of which–for many different reasons–patients will never implant and bring to term.  If frozen fertilized eggs (mere clumps of cells) are legally defined as children—elevating biblical over scientific terminology as to the beginning of life–fertility clinics will not be able to operate, and millions of Americans will no longer be able to pursue this route to bearing children.  In fact, several fertility clinics, including the University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital, have already paused IVF programs, pending investigation into whether they can operate without being prosecuted criminally or facing punitive damages.  Suppliers and 3^rd parties such as shipping companies, have also cut ties to IVF businesses in the state.  There is some indication the Alabama legislature may act to provide protection for fertility facilities.  Alabama Supreme Court rules frozen embryos are ‘children’ under state law 2/20/24 https://www.politico.com/news/2024/02/20/alabama-supreme-court-embryos-ivf-00142338

SCOTUS members continue to voice hostility to personal freedoms.  Our rights to marry who we please, use contraception, and much more could soon be lost, just as Roe v. Wade was dismantled by the ultra conservatives now controlling the US Supreme Court.  Justice Samuel Alito recently repeated his Dobbs statement that there is nothing in the Constitution protecting same-sex marriage.  Justice Clarence Thomas stated the same in Dobbs, and the 3 newest Conservatives installed on the high court have not demurred publicly.  Likely, they are just waiting for the right case to be presented.  Sam Alito Launches Broadside Against Marriage Equality in Homophobic Juror Case 2/20/24  https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2024/02/sam-alito-marriage-equality-homophobic-juror-scotus.html

Back to me….

The cats are catching up on their zzzs.

I’m busy, busy, busy.  I’ve been catching up on routine medical stuff I let slip lately.  Plus, I’m a poll worker for Early Voting—always interesting!

Is our winter over?  I had to weed my backyard in January, and now in February my cats have already started their spring shed.  Ridiculous!  If spring is showing up this early, the least it can do is BRING RAIN.

The deer remain shy and aloof, but here are a few recent photos–mostly bucks.

Coronavirus  Update

Good news–the winter surge DOES seem to be in retreat.  The last blog passed along dropping infection numbers BUT noted that a change in reporting rules could be responsible for that.  Another 2 weeks out under the new rules (showing only lab-confirmed cases as opposed to suspected cases), the numbers are STILL dropping, so Covid cases really ARE trending downward.

As of Feb. 3, the New York Times correlated the CDC’s statistics for the US.  Across the country, a daily average of 5261 people were being hospitalized for lab-confirmed Covid-19, which is a 9% DROP from 2 weeks ago. Total hospitalizations for lab-confirmed Covid-19 sank by 20% over that time to 22,665 Americans. https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/us/covid-cases.html

REMINDER—If you still haven’t gotten the updated Covid booster, get it now.  Shots are available at local pharmacies. 

But, if you do 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

Long Covid is getting a lot of attention lately, which is a very good thing.  (Image Credit: Eric Topol/Ground Truths.)  Several studies were recently concluded, and experts are writing up results, making connections to other maladies, and proposing treatments.  See the articles listed below for full info.

Recent Covid-19 Articles

—Clues to a better understanding of chronic fatigue syndrome emerge from major study 2/23/24  https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2024/02/23/1232794456/clues-to-a-better-understanding-of-chronic-fatigue-syndrome-emerge-from-major-st

—Towards Solving the Long Covid Puzzle 2/22/24 https://erictopol.substack.com/p/towards-solving-the-long-covid-puzzle

—Could Long Covid Be the Senate’s Bipartisan Cause? 2/18/24 https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/18/opinion/long-covid-research-funding.html

—How Protected Am I Against the Covid Variant JN.1? 2/6/24 https://www.everydayhealth.com/coronavirus/updated-covid-vaccine-offers-strong-protection-against-dominant-jn-1-variant/

May Ukraine Have Peaceful Skies Again.

Here is what’s happening in Lakeway…. 

Art at the Library

During February, the pen and ink drawings of local artist Jack Williams will be shown in Lake Travis Community Library’s meeting room during February. He specializes in the old buildings and churches of Southern Louisiana. Everyone is invited to an artist demonstration on Wednesday, Feb. 21, at 2PM.

Love Letters on Valentines Day

For Valentines Day, treat yourself to Love Letters, a timeless love story of romance blooming through old-fashioned letter-writing.  Presented at 8PM on Feb. 14 by the Lakeway Players as a Benefit Gala, at Lakeway Activity Center.  Each $50 ticket includes a $30 charitable contribution.  Doors open at 6:30PM for a Silent Auction, light bites, drinks, and desserts, with live music by Presley Grace.  Info and tickets here: https://www.thelakewayplayers.com/home.html

Brown Bag Lunch Series is BACK in 2024! 

On Thursday, Feb. 15, noon-1PM, bring your lunch to Lakeway Activity Center (105 Cross Creek) and enjoy music from Lake Travis High School Fiddlers.  Free event!  More info here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/932/Brown-Bag-Luncheon-Concert-Series

Lake Travis Democrats Club     

Feb. 17: Phone Banking with Dem Friends, 4PM at Travis County Community Library (1938 Lohmans Crossing).  Join like-minded volunteers to energize Democrats in western Travis County and help turn Texas BLUE! Sip some wine, nibble on snacks, and call local voters to remind them to vote in the March Democratic Primary. This event is organized by TCDP’s Western Travis Democrats with support from Lake Travis Democrats, Lake Travis Voices for Progress, and Tuscan Village Voters. Just click on this link to sign up for a fun and productive adventure in phone banking! https://forms.gle/nDzYbKp3qprEYMkV7

Feb. 20: Monthly Meeting, 6:30PM at Lakeway Activity Center (105 Cross Creek).  Speaker is Joshua Blank, a polling specialist and Director of Research for the Texas Politics Project, College of Liberal Arts at the University of Texas at Austin.

Feb. 27: Banned Book Club, 6:30PM atTravis County Community Library (1938 Lohmans Crossing).  Book is: Me and Earl and the Dying Girl,by Jesse Andrews (which LTISD may ban in 2024).

March 7: Happy Hour, 5:30PM at the Meridan 98 (in the Sonesta Hotel at the Hill Country Galleria).

March 19: Monthly Meeting, 6:30PM at Lakeway Activity Center (105 Cross Creek).  Speaker is Wendy Davis Former Texas Representative and now the senior adviser to Planned Parenthood Texas Votes, which serves as Planned Parenthood’s political fundraising and advocacy arm. 

Check https://www.laketravisdemocrats.com/ for details and more activities each month. 

PRIMARY ELECTION—Early Voting starts Feb. 20.

2024 brings FOUR election cycles—primary, county/local (Lakeway has a $22MIL parks bond AND 3 Council seats on the ballot in May—see item below), primary run-off (in late May), and general (including US President, in November).  So, brace yourself for a year of political sign clutter and social media mayhem.

First up is the Primary Election, for state and national offices.  Early Voting starts on Feb. 20, with Election Day on March 5.  Enter your address on this Texas Tribune site for your personal voter’s guide, showing the primary races you can vote in, plus everything you need to know about voting in this election.  Here’s how to vote in Texas’ March 5 primary elections 1/15/24 https://www.texastribune.org/2024/01/15/texas-voting-primary-2024/

Lakeway Council Election

Three Council seats are open.  Two incumbents, Kelly Brynteson (16-year Lakeway resident living in Flintrock) and Jennifer Szimanski (12-year Lakeway resident living in Rough Hollow), have filed to run for a second term.  (The third incumbent, Louis Mastrangelo, has served 3 consecutive terms and so is ineligible this time.)  Matt Sherman (5-year Lakeway resident living in The Preserve) has also filed to run in this election, along with Chris Levy (16-year Lakeway resident living in Old Lakeway).  The candidate filing period ends Feb. 16.  Early voting starts April 22, with Election Day on May 4.

In addition, Council at its Feb. 5 meeting unanimously voted to put a $22MIL parks bond on the May ballot. 

Lakeway WANTS You. And not in a good way….

Warrant Roundup starts March 1, when Lakeway PD will focus on locating people with outstanding warrants for the City of Lakeway.  BUT, now through Feb. 29, the city will provide amnesty for those individuals resolving outstanding warrants. Contact Lakeway Municipal Court at 512-314-7560 option 8, email court@lakeway-tx.gov  or visit the Lakeway Justice Center (104 Cross Creek, 2nd floor) to get things settled before March 1, when offenders are subject to arrest. Go here to check the active warrant list for your name and for more info: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/civicalerts.aspx?AID=1844

Garage Sale at Lakeway Activity Center

The next community garage sale is Saturday, March 2 from 8AM to noon.  Admission is FREE, but in the LAC lobby you can drop off non-perishable/canned food items, as well as pet food, to be donated to local food banks and charities.  You can also donate new or gently used children’s books, for the Free Little Books bin at the entrance. Want to sell stuff?  Booths are 10’X10’ and include a 6’ x 3’ foot table and 2 chairs.  LAC members pay $30 per booth and can reserve a space starting Feb. 1; Non-Members pay $35 per booth and can reserve a space starting Feb. 13.  Call 512-261-1010 for info.  See booth locations and register online registration here (in the Garage Sale tab): https://secure.rec1.com/TX/lakeway-tx/catalog

A Night with the Austin Symphony Orchestra

Tickets are the perfect VALENTINES DAY GIFT!  This 4^th annual concert is set for Sunday, March 3, 4PM, at Lake Travis Performing Arts Center (3324 Ranch Rd 620 S).  Members of the Austin Symphony Orchestra and student musicians with Lake Travis High School will collaborate on one stage. Symphony Maestro Peter Bay will conduct with participation by Anna Macias, director of orchestras for Lake Travis High School, and Richard Hicks, director of bands for Lake Travis High School.  Tickets:$60/$40/$20.  OR–the VIP package is $200 (4 tickets, VIP Buffet Dinner on Saturday, March 2 with the chance to meet the musicians, Maestro Peter Bay and other dignitaries).  Go here for info and tickets:  https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1960/A-Night-with-the-Austin-Symphony-Orchest

Lakeway’s State of the City Meeting

On Thursday, March 7, 6-7PM, at City Hall, bring your questions and concerns and join fellow residents and city staff for a community meeting.  City Manager Joseph Molis will give a presentation on how the City of Lakeway operates, as well as the latest updates from Lakeway City Council and staff.  The various city departments will be on hand, as well.  The meeting will also be broadcast live on the city’s site https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1062/Videos—Meetings-Events  AND on its Facebook Channel https://www.facebook.com/cityoflakeway .  Plus, it will be available for viewing later.

ArtWalk–Artist registration deadline is March 10.

April 19-21, City of Lakeway and its Arts Committee will bring us the FIRST ANNUAL ARTWALK!  The FREE event will showcase art, music, food, community and culture in Lakeway, taking place in the Hamilton Greenbelt, Hurst Creek Sculpture Garden, and various local art studios.  It will feature vocal, dance and instrumental performers, along with those in the culinary arts and visual arts and crafts.

Deadline for local artists to apply is March 10.  Register to participate here: https://lakeway-tx.gov/2129/ArtWalk

EGGSTRAVAGANZA

On Saturday, March 23, bring the tots to City Park for this FREE annual event featuring egg hunts for every age group, prizes, vendors, petting zoo, bubble station, chalk art, face painting, and more.  Starts at 2PM, with age-limited hunts starting every 15 minutes.  Be sure to be present and ready to go for your child’s age-matched group.  More info here: https://lakeway-tx.gov/717/Eggstravaganza

Get your LIBRARY TOTE BAG

Support Lake Travis Community Library AND score a great tote bag.  (Image Credit: Friends of the Library.)  A $15 donation at the Friends of the Library Bookstore gets you a cool tote bag, with the funds going to support the library’s second location in Spicewood.  For info on the new location and the MANY donation opportunities available, go here: https://laketravislibrary.org/fundraising/

Lakeway is HIRING

Open positions include Swim Instructor, Lifeguard, Head Lifeguard, Facility Attendant, Bailiff, 9-1-1 Operator, and Police Officer. Go here for info and to apply: https://tx-lakeway.civicplushrms.com/CareerPortal/Jobs.aspx

Council met on Feb. 5. 

All 7 members attended the meeting, all in person.  RESULTS:

The ENTIRE Consent Agenda was APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY.  [NOTE: Louis Mastrangelo was designated by Mayor Kilgore as Charter Committee Chair.]

ITEM 10: Ordinance calling an election on May 4 for 3 Council seats (estimated election cost of $45,000). 

APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY.

ITEM 11: Ordinance calling a bond election (Proposition A) on May 4 for parks projects in the maximum amount of $19,500,000.  [Per staff, this would raise the tax bill on the average Lakeway home by $8/month ($96/year). Benefiting parks projects would be prioritized in this order: Rough Hollow/Butler Park, Swim Center, City Park, Activity Center, and Live Oak Tennis Park.] 

APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY but with the maximum bond amount increased to $22MIL (largely due to staff revealing that an error in past planning estimates resulted in Swim Center upgrades being under-estimated by $2MIL). 

ITEM 12: Revising the ordinance as to where elections will be held (Room A vs. Room F in the Activity Center).

After considerable rigamarole, confusion and recriminations, Council VOTED UNANIMOUSLY to have Election Day Presidential election voting in LAC’s Room A, with all other voting events in Room F.

ADDENDUM ITEM A.1: Authorization to permit a fundraiser for Lakeway Police Department.

After discussion, Council UNANIMOUSLY agreed that city staff can assist the Lakeway Police Foundation in planning a charity golf tournament for this June, with net funds generated to be donated to the city and divided among the police department’s Wellness and Meals program, victim services and public safety.

ADJOURNED at 8:32PM.

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/296501

Next Council Meeting—Feb. 20.

Agenda will be posted the week prior: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/archive.aspx

Daring Mighty Things

Humanity screwed up coping with climate change SO BADLY that scientists are now seriously proposing that a beach umbrella the size of Argentina be hoisted between Earth and the Sun, to give us some shade.  Sure, what could go wrong….  (Image credit: Technion Israel Institute of Technology and Asher Space Research Institute.)  Could a Giant Parasol in Outer Space Help Solve the Climate Crisis? 2/2/24 https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/02/climate/sun-shade-climate-geoengineering.html

Back in January, astronaut Marcus Wandt was working in space, aboard the International Space Station.  His assignment was controlling Bert, a four-legged robot that resembles a dog.  Robots have been controlled from space before, but this was the first time the robot had LEGS, instead of wheels.  (Image credit: DLR–CC BY-NC-ND 3.0.)  Navigating on legs means Bert can more easily climb steep terrain and explore cramped caves, a big plus on planets like Mars.  ISS astronaut controls Bert the dog-like robot on Earth during simulated Mars mission 1/29/24  https://www.space.com/iss-robot-experiment-bert-robot-dog

The above image shows Pluto’s true colors, as seen by the human eye.  Mostly brown with striking variations and highlights, the far-out body lost its one-of-9 PLANET distinction back in 2006 and has since been termed a dwarf planet.  (Image credit: NASA, JHU APL, SwRI, with processing by Alex Parke.)  The robotic probe New Horizons sped close by Pluto in 2015, and experts have been analyzing the returned images ever since.  Check out this government site to see daily space-related images, with understandable explanations:  https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/astropix.html

It woke up!  Japan’s lunar lander belly-flopped on its descent, landing on its nose in January. (Image credit: JAXA.)  It promptly powered down, apparently from sheer mortification.  But, a couple weeks passed, and the sun’s rays reached its power array, causing the lander to wake up and begin its work of surveying the area, like nothing was amiss and it MEANT to land heels up.  The upended lander is expected to function during the full 2 weeks of the current lunar day.  In addition, its 2 tiny robotic companions are exploring the area and sending back photos.  Japan’s upside-down SLIM moon lander wakes up on lunar surface and snaps new photos 1/29/24 https://www.space.com/japan-slim-moon-lander-awake-after-hibernation

The above image shows the Carina Nebula, 8,500 light-years away, where stars are forming, dying, and leaving behind gorgeous dusty filaments.  (Image Credit & Copyright: Carlos Taylor.)  Check out this government site to see daily space-related images, with understandable explanations:  https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/astropix.html

With liberty and justice for all … except women.   

Last week, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court forcefully sidestepped the Dobbs decision, declaring that abortion restrictions amount to sex-based discrimination and so are presumptively unconstitutional.  The decision spurned Dobbs in two ways. First, it held that laws regulating a woman’s body discriminate on the basis of sex. And second, the majority explained that rooting women’s rights in the past is, itself, a form of sex discrimination, perpetuating misogynistic beliefs about gender inequality by judicial decree.  This new and smartly researched ruling signals a possible path for reasserting abortion rights.  The Pennsylvania Supreme Court just issued a crushing rebuttal of Justice Alito 1/30/24  https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2024/01/pennsylvania-supreme-court-dobbs-sam-alito-abortion.html

This recent Tribune article does a good job of reviewing Texas’ latest efforts to control women and ban ALL abortions—by restricting travel outside the state.  After Dobbs, when Texas immediately enacted its bounty-style abortion ban, many women went to abortion clinics in nearby states. Four Texas counties and a handful of cities in Texas have now passed local ordinances that prohibit using county roads to transport someone out of state to get an abortion.  Abortion laws aside, the right to free travel is protected by the US Constitution.  (Of course, for 50 years, we thought that was the case for reproductive care….)  As the article notes, similar tactics are being used against families with transgender children, seeking medical care that Texas has outlawed. Texas conservatives test how far they can extend abortion and gender-transition restrictions beyond state lines 2/9/24 https://www.texastribune.org/2024/02/09/texas-abortion-transgender-care-outside-state-borders/

Back to me….

Well, I went from footloose and sleeping in to over-scheduled in record time.  I’m training for a couple upcoming jobs.  First, I will be a Poll Worker for all 11 days of Early Voting during the Primary Election.  Then, I will do a part-time stint at a temp job (which is PERFECT, as I refuse to commit to anything more than that).  I’m also wrapping up a year as Prez of my HOA, while digging in on Get Out the Vote activities as Dem Precinct Chair for a large chunk of Lakeway.  Plus, I have a weekly seminar that runs through May.  Of course, my MAIN job remains pampering my 3 demanding, adorable, and absolutely perfect kitties (shown above)….

TA-DAH!  Tulip FINALLY went from perching ON TOP OF IT, to crouching uneasily inside, to napping happily in the fancy new kitty bed that Santa brought.  Tulip is the trail-blazer in all things around here, so Maxie and Peanut are sure to follow her lead. See the progression below.

The deer are still elusive, but here are a few shots I got recently.

Coronavirus  Update

The winter surge might be in retreat.  Or, it might not.  Case stats dropped sharply over the last couple weeks, which seemed like great news–until I saw this notice posted above the charts:

The map of current hospitalizations now shows only patients with lab confirmed Covid cases because many hospitals no longer report counts of suspected Covid patients.

So, the rules changed between reporting periods, meaning we can’t assume infection rates dropped much or at all.

As of Jan. 20, the New York Times correlated the CDC’s statistics for the US.  Across the country, a daily average of 5,755 people were being hospitalized for LAB-CONFIRMED Covid-19, which is a 23% DROP over 2 weeks ago (when SUSPECTED cases were included). Total hospitalizations for LAB-CONFIRMED Covid-19 sank by 15% over that time (when SUSPECTED cases were included), to 28,193 Americans. As noted, the numbers are being calculated more stringently now, which accounts for at least some of the drop.  Next time, the numbers should tell a more accurate story.  https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/us/covid-cases.html

If anyone needs proof of ageism, Covid-19 provides it.  Per the article below: “In the last week of 2023 and the first two weeks of 2024 alone, 4,810 people 65 and older lost their lives to Covid — a group that would fill more than 10 large airliners — according to data provided by the CDC. But the alarm that would attend plane crashes is notably absent. (During the same period, the flu killed an additional 1,201 seniors, and RSV killed 126.)”  Thousands of seniors are still dying of Covid-19. Do we not care anymore?  2/8/24 https://www.cnn.com/2024/02/08/health/aging-discrimation-kff-partner-wellness/index.html

REMINDER—If you still haven’t gotten the updated Covid booster, get it now.  Shots are available at local pharmacies. 

But, if you do 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

Recent Covid-19 Articles

—Thousands of seniors are still dying of Covid-19. Do we not care anymore?  2/8/24 https://www.cnn.com/2024/02/08/health/aging-discrimation-kff-partner-wellness/index.html

—New Report Raises Concerns About Long Covid in Children 2/7/24 https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/07/well/live/long-covid-children.html

—COVID-19 behind thousands of excess US deaths, analysis shows 2/7/24 https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/covid-19/covid-19-behind-thousands-excess-us-deaths-analysis-shows

Be brave like Ukraine.

Here is what’s happening in Lakeway…. 

Lakeway’s Own Police Officer/Animal Protection Officer Needs Our Help.

Andrea Greig, one of our police officers since 2005 and now our Animal Protection Officer, is currently fighting a very tough form of cancer. She is always there for Lakeway–helping people, their pets and our wildlife with endless energy, compassion and devotion. Now, if you can, please be there for her and donate to a GoFundMe account, helping cover her medical expenses. Here is the link for info and donations:  https://www.gofundme.com/f/4q2ytg-help-andrea-kick-cancers-butt

CPR Class at the Library

On Tuesday, Jan. 30, 10:30AM-12:30PM, VIK Complete Care and Republic EMS will present an American Heart Association CPR class at Lake Travis Community Library (1938 Lohmans Crossing).  It covers CPR and choking in infants, children, and adults, plus using an AED (automated external defibrillator).  Must be 12 years of age or older. Those who successfully complete the class get a 2-year AHA Heartsaver Certification; the class does not satisfy certification requirements for healthcare providers.  Call 512-263-2885 for info or help registering; this registration link (after clicking on the link, scroll down and click on GOING) works best from home computers:  https://laketravislibrary.org/event/cpr/

Oak Trimming Season ENDS Jan. 31.

Oak pruning is a violation of Lakeway ordinance February through June, due to higher likelihood then of spreading Oak Wilt. Trimming Oaks is ONLY allowed July-January.  When trimming, pruning seal must be applied within 10 minutes to all cuts on all Oak trees. More info here:  https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1059/Oak-Pruning-Schedule

Art at the Library

The pen and ink drawings of local artist Jack Williams will be shown in Lake Travis Community Library’s meeting room during February. He specializes in the old buildings and churches of Southern Louisiana. Everyone is invited to a reception on Saturday, Feb. 10, 2-3:30PM, as well as an artist demonstration on Wednesday, Feb. 21, at 2PM.

Lake Travis Democrats Club     

Feb 1: Happy Hour, 5:30PM at the Meridan 98 (in the Sonesta Hotel at the Hill Country Galleria).  

Feb. 20: Monthly Meeting, 6:30PM at Lakeway Activity Center (105 Cross Creek).  Speaker is Joshua Blank, a polling specialist and Director of Research for the Texas Politics Project, College of Liberal Arts at the University of Texas at Austin.

Feb. 27: Banned Book Club, 6:30PM at Travis County Community Library (1938 Lohmans Crossing).  Book is: Me and Earl and the Dying Girl,by Jesse Andrews (which LTISD may ban in 2024).

March 7: Happy Hour, 5:30PM at the Meridan 98 (in the Sonesta Hotel at the Hill Country Galleria).

March 19: Monthly Meeting, 6:30PM at Lakeway Activity Center (105 Cross Creek).  Speaker is Wendy Davis Former Texas Representative and now the senior adviser to Planned Parenthood Texas Votes, which serves as Planned Parenthood’s political fundraising and advocacy arm. 

Check https://www.laketravisdemocrats.com/ for details on Happy Hour, Movie Night, Book Club, and more activities each month.  Also, watch for fun opportunities to volunteer for block-walking, phone-banking and more efforts to TURN TEXAS BLUE in 2024!

Million Dollar Quartet

TexARTS Theatre presents Million Dollar Quartet, through Feb. 11, 7:30PM.  Back on Dec. 4, 1956, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley came together at Sun Records in Memphis, resulting in one of the greatest jam sessions ever. The show features a rousing score of rock ‘n’ roll, gospel, country, and R&B performed by world-class actors and musicians.  Tickets ($45-$75) and info here:  https://www.tex-arts.org/our-season

The Addams Family: The Musical

Feb. 1, Feb. 2, Feb. 3, and Feb. 5 at 7PM, Lake Travis High School Fine Arts will present a comical original story celebrating the wackiness of every family.  Tickets are $15-20, with performances at Lake Travis Performing Arts Center (3324 RM 620 S.).  Go here for info and tickets: https://www.ltisdschools.org/Domain/32

Masterpiece Concert 

On Sunday, Feb. 4, 4PM, enjoy the classical music of Schubert and Dvorak performed by Andrew and Sari Pierce, Sandy Yamamoto, Nick Hammel, and Colette Valentine. Another FREE EVENT at the Lakeway Activity Center (105 Cross Creek).  More info here:  https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1862/Sunday-Afternoon-Concert-Series

Love Letters on Valentines Day

For Valentines Day, treat yourself to Love Letters, a timeless love story of romance blooming through old-fashioned letter-writing.  Presented at 8PM on Feb. 14 by the Lakeway Players as a Benefit Gala, at Lakeway Activity Center.  Each $50 ticket includes a $30 charitable contribution.  Doors open at 6:30PM for a Silent Auction, light bites, drinks, and desserts, with live music by Presley Grace.  Info and tickets here: https://www.thelakewayplayers.com/home.html

Brown Bag Lunch Series is BACK in 2024! 

On Thursday, Feb. 15, noon-1PM, bring your lunch to Lakeway Activity Center (105 Cross Creek) and enjoy music from Lake Travis High School Fiddlers.  Free event!  More info here:  https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/932/Brown-Bag-Luncheon-Concert-Series

PRIMARY ELECTION voting starts Feb. 20.

2024 brings FOUR election cycles—primary, county/local (3 Lakeway Council seats are up for grabs in early May—see item below), primary run-off (in late May), and general (including US President, in November).  So, brace yourself for a year of political sign clutter (already popping up!) and social media mayhem (pretty much constant these days….).  

First up is the Primary Election, for state and national offices.  Early Voting starts on Feb. 20, with Election Day on March 5.  Enter your address on this Texas Tribune site for your personal voter’s guide, showing the primary races you can vote in, plus everything you need to know about voting in this election.  Here’s how to vote in Texas’ March 5 primary elections 1/15/24 https://www.texastribune.org/2024/01/15/texas-voting-primary-2024/

Lakeway Council Election

Three Council seats are open.  Two incumbents, Kelly Brynteson (16-year Lakeway resident living in Flintrock) and Jennifer Szimanski (12-year Lakeway resident living in Rough Hollow), have filed to run for another term.  (The third incumbent, Louis Mastrangelo, has served 3 consecutive terms and so is ineligible this time.)  Matt Sherman (5-year Lakeway resident living in The Preserve) has also filed to run in this election.  The candidate filing period ends Feb. 16.  Early voting starts April 22, with Election Day on May 4.

Lakeway WANTS You. And not in a good way….

Warrant Roundup starts March 1, when Lakeway PD will focus on locating people with outstanding warrants for the City of Lakeway.  BUT, now through Feb. 29, the city will provide amnesty for those individuals resolving outstanding warrants. Contact Lakeway Municipal Court at 512-314-7560 option 8, email court@lakeway-tx.gov  or visit the Lakeway Justice Center (104 Cross Creek, 2nd floor) to get things settled before March 1, when offenders are subject to arrest. Go here to check the active warrant list for your name and for more info: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/civicalerts.aspx?AID=1844

A Night with the Austin Symphony Orchestra

Tickets are the perfect VALENTINES DAY GIFT!  This 4^th annual concert is set for Sunday, March 3, 4PM, at Lake Travis Performing Arts Center (3324 Ranch Rd 620 S).  Members of the Austin Symphony Orchestra and student musicians with Lake Travis High School will collaborate on one stage. Symphony Maestro Peter Bay will conduct with participation by Anna Macias, director of orchestras for Lake Travis High School, and Richard Hicks, director of bands for Lake Travis High School.  Tickets:$60/$40/$20.  OR–the VIP package is $200 (4 tickets, VIP Buffet Dinner on Saturday, March 2 with the chance to meet the musicians, Maestro Peter Bay and other dignitaries).  Go here for info and tickets:  https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1960/A-Night-with-the-Austin-Symphony-Orchest

ArtWalk coming in April

April 19-21, City of Lakeway and its Arts Committee will bring us the FIRST ANNUAL ARTWALK!  The FREE event will showcase art, music, food, community and culture in Lakeway, taking place in the Hamilton Greenbelt, Hurst Creek Sculpture Garden, and various local art studios.  It will feature vocal, dance and instrumental performers, along with those in the culinary arts and visual arts and crafts.

Deadline for local artists to apply is March 10.  Register to participate here: https://lakeway-tx.gov/2129/ArtWalk

$1,000 Scholarships for Lakeway Seniors

Waste Connections again offers $1,000 Scholarships to eligible high school seniors whose parent/guardian is a customer in good standing of trash and recycling services with the City of Lakeway.  Deadline for essays and applications is April 22.  Go here for full info on eligibility and how to apply: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1993/Waste-Connections-Scholarship

Council met on Jan. 16. 

RESULTS:

Mayor Kilgore inserted an opportunity near the start of the meeting for Citizen’s Participation on items not on the agenda.  No one spoke.

ITEM 10: Introduction of Officer Elianna Vela.  She is Lakeway’s newest POLICE OFFICER.

ITEM 11:  Financial Report.  REVENUES are $40K under projections, and EXPENDITURES are $350K under projections.

ITEM 12:   Presentation from Emergency Services District 8.  Chief TONY HADEN discussed Pedernales Fire Dept., whose territory includes Rough Hollow. 

ITEM 13:  Community Survey Results. Communications Director JARROD WISE provided highlights of results seen from last November’s survey, which had roughly 2,400 responses.  [Watch Item 13 on the video for specifics.]

ITEM 14:  Parks Bond Discussion/Parks and Rec Strategic Plan.  After considerable discussion, Council trimmed some items and AGREED to cap the Parks Bond (previously $24MIL) at $19.5MIL, asking staff to use that budget to revise the various park proposals, with projects prioritized in this order: 1) Rough Hollow’s Butler Park (with the splashpad removed)–$2.85MIL; 2) Swim Center (with no Surf Pool and a modified Lazy River)–$4.9MIL; 3) City Park (without the $1.9 requested for a new Activity Center)–$9MIL; 4) existing Activity Center; and 5) Live Oak Tennis Courts (with the pickleball court removed).  Council will review this again at its Feb. 5 Special Meeting, likely making a final decision on a Parks Bond for the November ballot.

ITEM 15:  Parks and Rec Reservation System Update.  Council AGREED that the proposed new reservations software ($40K initial cost plus $27K annual fee) was reasonable, initiating budget approval.

ITEM 16: Special Use Permit to allow Spinners Sweepstakes to continue operating an arcade at 107 RR 620 South.  After an abrupt break and then going into Executive Session to obtain legal advice, Council APPROVED for 1 year 5:2 (Kilgore and Mastrangelo against).

ITEM 17: Special Use Permit to allow the owner of 214 Capri to operate a short-term rental.  UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED.

ITEM 18: Discussion of changes to the city’s permit process for special uses and short-term rentals.  After discussion, Council AGREED for staff to draft ordinance language allowing the BDS Director to review and decide short-term rental requests for condos, and ZAPCO to review and decide short-term rental requests for single-family homes (with Council approval no longer required for either).  ZAPCO and then Council will vote on the proposed changes in upcoming meetings.

ITEM 19: An ordinance revising street cut procedures by utility companies, in order to facilitate upcoming installation of internet cable/microtrenching.  UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED.

ITEM 20: Discussion of the Polling Location at Lakeway Activity Center.  After considerable and lively discussion, Council VOTED 4:3 (Kilgore, Brynteson and Forton against) to have staff draft an ordinance change, so that Election Day voting would be held in Room A but Early Voting would be held in Room F.  [It was unclear if Room A would host Election Day for ALL elections or only for Presidential Elections and possibly contested ISD elections.  Also, Council seemed to decide against a formal space survey, in favor of the City Manager documenting the staff’s fruitless search within Lakeway for any viable voting location aside from the Activity Center.]

ADJOURNED: 12:09AM

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://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1062/Videos—Meetings-Events

Next Council Meeting—Feb. 5.

Agenda will be posted the week prior: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/archive.aspx

Garage Sale at Lakeway Activity Center

The next community garage sale is Saturday, March 2 from 8AM to noon.  Admission is FREE, but in the LAC lobby you can drop off non-perishable/canned food items, as well as pet food, to be donated to local food banks and charities.  You can also donate new or gently used children’s books, for the Free Little Books bin at the entrance. Want to sell stuff?  Booths are 10’X10’ and include a 6’ x 3’ foot table and 2 chairs.  LAC members pay $30 per booth and can reserve a space starting Feb. 1; Non-Members pay $35 per booth and can reserve a space starting Feb. 13.  Call 512-261-1010 for info.  See booth locations and register online registration here (in the Garage Sale tab): https://secure.rec1.com/TX/lakeway-tx/catalog

Daring Mighty Things  

Rest in peace, Ginny.  Ingenuity, the mini-chopper whose original 30-day mission included just a handful of test flights over Mars, miraculously completed 72 flights across nearly 3 years.  Nicknamed Ginny by NASA handlers, her last flight was on Jan. 18, when she suffered a damaged rotor such that she could no longer fly.  As her companion rover Perseverance continues to explore Mars, Ingenuity has been left behind.  Weighing just 4 pounds, Ingenuity was only meant to test the possibility of flight in the ultra-thin atmosphere of Mars.  Accomplishing that handily, the craft was re-tasked by NASA to assist in planning Perseverance’s exploratory path by ascending and beaming back to Earth footage of upcoming terrain.  In all, Ingenuity flew over 129 miles and was aloft more than 11 minutes.  She was such a success that 2 similar choppers will soon be sent to Mars, to assist in packaging surface samples to be returned to Earth.  Future generations of helicopters will explore Mars and beyond, thanks to Ingenuity.  (Image credits: NASA.) NASA’s Mars helicopter Ingenuity has flown its last flight after suffering rotor damage 1/25/24 https://www.space.com/nasa-ingenuity-mars-helicopter-mission-ends

SpaceX’s Boca Chica Spaceport facility in the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas has elbowed its way into the territory of 10 threatened or endangered species, including the ocelot, aplomado falcon, and Kemp’s Ridley Sea turtle. The launch site is surrounded by national wildlife refuge land and state park land. These protected areas and species are bombarded by sound waves, explosion blasts, wildfires, and hails of debris from the site during launch activity. Defenders of Wildlife created a 6-minute video showing the area, its natural inhabitants—human and otherwise–and the effect of SpaceX’s blast-offs there.  (The text below the video itself includes the video’s transcript.)  Small Cats vs. Big Rockets  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ztREVSbtUg

In what may be a related issue, SpaceX has proposed a land swap with Texas Parks and Wildlife, so its launch facilities can be enlarged.  It isn’t clear if this would protect endangered species or reduce damage done to vulnerable areas; Elon Musk may just want to do even more damage to the area.  SpaceX wants to expand Starship launch site with a Texas land swap 1/22/24  https://www.space.com/spacex-starship-launch-activities-texas-land-swap

The newly released film I.S.S. was NOT shot on the International Space Station.  The above images show the movie version at the top compared to the real thing on the bottom; the main difference is that the actual ISS is FAR more cluttered than the film version.  (Image Credit: (Bleecker Street/NASA.)  Keep that in mind when watching the movie, and consider whether it all being recreated for film is more or less impressive.  Plus, the actors had to fake zero gravity….  This site has a cool 2-minute trailer: ‘I.S.S.’ filmmakers recreate ISS to ground thriller in realistic setting  http://www.collectspace.com/news/news-011924a-i.s.s.-movie-recreates-space-station.html

The above image from 2019, taken in Iceland, shows a gigantic dragon-shaped aurora.  (Image Credit & Copyright: Jingyi Zhang & Wang Zheng.)  The aurora was caused when a hole in the Sun’s corona expelled charged particles into a solar wind.  Some of those particles struck Earth’s atmosphere, exciting atoms to emit light—and creating the gorgeous color-show.  The good news is that in 2024 the Sun will generate a high number of prominences, filaments, sunspots, and large active regions, as it heads toward solar maximum in 2025.  So, more dramatic auroras are likely coming our way.  Check out this government site to see daily space-related images, with understandable explanations https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/astropix.html

Japan became the 5^th nation to land successfully (as opposed to crash-landing) on the moon, when last week its uncrewed craft soft-landed on the surface.  Due to malfunction of its solar panels, the craft very soon stopped communication, presumably permanently.  This article has gorgeous illustrations showing 60 years of moon landings.  (Image Credit: NYTimes.) Racing to Land, or Crash, on the Moon updated 1-19-24 https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/08/22/science/moon-landing-crashes.html

Following up on Japan’s troubled moon landing (see above item), it turns out the craft landed UPSIDE DOWN and ON ITS NOSE, instead of on its 4 landing pads.  (Image credit: JAXA/Takara Tomy/Sony Group Corporation/Doshisha University.)  The lander remains non-communicative, but the mission is not a complete loss; 2 mini rovers aboard the lander deployed and are exploring the moon’s surface.  One is the size of a tennis ball and took the above image of its troubled companion.  Japan’s SLIM moon lander photographed on the lunar surface — on its nose 1/25/24  https://www.space.com/japan-slim-moon-lander-photo-lunar-surface

The above image was recently sent to Earth by the interstellar Webb Telescope.  It shows N79, a star-forming region of the Large Magellanic Cloud, which is a satellite galaxy of our Milky Way. (Image credit: ESA/Webb, NASA & CSA, O. Nayak, M. Meixner.)  Nearby star factory shines in stunning James Webb Space Telescope photo 1/23/24  https://www.space.com/star-factory-n79-james-webb-space-telescope-photo

With liberty and justice for all … except women.   

SCOTUS continues to ponder the 2023 Texas court ruling banning mifepristone, the drug used for medication abortions in the US.  Last week, the Biden administration filed its Supreme Court brief, arguing that restricting access—such as stopping mailing of the pills–would harm women across the country.  In her brief for the Justice Dept., Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar wrote: “The loss of access to mifepristone would be damaging for women and healthcare providers around the nation. … For many patients, mifepristone is the best method to lawfully terminate their early pregnancies. They may choose mifepristone over surgical abortion because of medical necessity, a desire for privacy, or past trauma.”  Prelogar also pointed out that the FDA approvals were supported not just by scientific studies but also by “decades of safe use of mifepristone by millions of women in the United States and around the world.”  Oral arguments will be held in early spring, with a ruling expected by the end of June.  Abortion pill restrictions would be ‘damaging for women,’ Biden admin tells Supreme Court 1/23/24 https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/supreme-court/abortion-pill-restrictions-filing-justice-department-supreme-court-rcna135255

More births in Texas, especially by Hispanics and teens.  Since Roe v. Wade was struck down and SCOTUS stripped women of their Constitutional right to control their own medical care, women in Texas are having more babies.  The state immediately enacted a 6-week abortion ban, and the fertility rate in Texas rose for the first time since 2014.  In 2022, Texas women had 16,000 more babies than in 2021, a 2% increase overall.  Hispanic women age 25-44 had an 8% jump, the largest increase.  In addition, Texas teenagers had a 0.4% birth rate increase, reversing the long-time trend of teen pregnancy significantly decreasing each year.  Hispanic and teen fertility rates increase after abortion restrictions 1/26/24 https://www.texastribune.org/2024/01/26/texas-abortion-fertility-rate-increase/

Also, of course, more BIRTHS FROM RAPES in Texas.  Since June of 2022, when Roe v. Wade was overturned, more than 26,000 Texans got pregnant via rape.  In Texas, the current abortion ban has NO EXCEPTION FOR RAPE.  Texans have had 26,000 rape-related pregnancies since Roe v. Wade was overturned, study finds  https://www.statesman.com/story/news/state/2024/01/25/texas-rape-statistics-pregnancies-roe-v-wade-overturned-abortion-ban/72339212007/

Back to me….

Tulip has progressed from sitting ON TOP of the new kitty bed to actually climbing inside.  Still no catnaps in there, though.

I’m very much enjoying my gainful unemployment.  For February, I signed up for a seminar, and also as a Poll Worker for Early Voting in the Primary Election.  So far, daily yoga plus several long overdue home and internet projects have kept me busy.  And, I’m loving the US National Figure Skating Championships, watching while bundled up on the couch with all 3 cats snuggled in as well.  Life is very good….

Thanks to a week of bitter cold, followed by a week of drizzle and fog, my morning walks have been curtailed.  Even when I went looking, spotting deer in the mist was a challenge.  But, I got a few photos, including a group of amiable bucks (who have been AWOL for months) chewing their cuds under the trees and some moody shots of does lounging around in a foggy wooded lot.

Coronavirus  Update

The winter surge worsens.  As of Jan. 6, the New York Times correlated the CDC’s statistics for the US, showing another big increase.  Across the country, a daily average of 7,660 people were being hospitalized for Covid-19, which is a 21% RISE over 2 weeks. Total hospitalizations rose by 29% over that time, to 20,397 Americans.  https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/us/covid-cases.html

REMINDER—If you still haven’t gotten the updated Covid booster, get it now.  Shots are available at local pharmacies. 

But, if you do 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

Recent Covid-19 Articles

—Eric Topol interviews Jonathan Howard, author of We Want Them Infected 1/25/24 https://erictopol.substack.com/p/jonathan-howard-author-of-we-want

—Why many more people are lining up for a flu shot than a Covid vaccine 1/22/24 https://www.statnews.com/2024/01/22/flu-vaccine-demand-covid-vaccine/

—In a break with CDC, California quietly changed its Covid isolation guidelines–People in California no longer need to stay home if they’re symptom-free. Oregon implemented the same guidance in May.  1/19/24  https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/california-changed-covid-isolation-guidelines-differ-cdc-rcna134696

—Could long Covid’s signs of immune dysregulation in the blood lead to a diagnostic test? 1/18/24 https://www.statnews.com/2024/01/18/long-covid-new-research-blood-samples-show-immunity-link/

May Ukraine Have Peaceful Skies Again

Here is what’s happening in Lakeway…. 

HARD FREEZE COMING TO LAKEWAY.

PREPARE NOW–a hard freeze is coming to Lakeway/Travis County.  Looks like it will start Saturday night, 1/13/24.  Prepare for 3-4 days and nights of temps going and staying well below freezing.  (Image Credit—Weather Underground.)

–Wrap outdoor spigots and pipes.  Turn OFF sprinklers.  Cover vulnerable plants.

–BRING IN ALL PETS, and keep them inside.

–Drip faucets indoors that are on exterior walls.  Open cabinet doors to allow heat to reach plumbing pipes in kitchen and bathrooms.

–Schools and businesses may shut down. 

–Be ready with food, water, medications, etc., so you can stay home if the roads are treacherous.  ICE IS FORECAST FOR SUNDAY NIGHT AND MONDAY.

–Have supplies (batteries, power banks, flashlights, water, ready to eat food items, blankets, firewood, etc.) and a plan of action ready in case power is lost. 

–Fill bathtubs with water in case needed for flushing toilets.

–Think back to the big snow and the ice storm we had in recent winters.  Do NOW what you can to prepare, so you and your family make it through better this time.

–Check with neighbors who are elderly or just new to the area, to be sure they know what is coming and are in good shape.

FREE Daily ONLINE Yoga Sessions the Entire Month of January

It is NOT TOO LATE.  Recover from the holiday madness and ease into 2024 with online yoga on YOUR schedule. Yoga instructor Adriene Mishler lives in Austin; she hosts a thriving online community, and every January she offers 30 FREE daily yoga sessions that people can access on their own schedule. No need to complete this in January!  Watch the videos on YouTube, as and when you have the time–morning, night, daily, binge on weekends, start next month, whatever works for you. (Image credit: Adriene Mishler.)  I have done this every January for several years now, and IT IS FABULOUS!  Sign up here—completely FREE:  https://do.yogawithadriene.com/flow

Art at City Hall

During January and February, local artist Gale Threinen has her creations on display in the Lakeway City Hall lobby/gallery.  Artist’s Reception is on Jan. 16, 5-6:30PM.  Local artists interested in displaying at City Hall should check here for info: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/2040/City-Hall-Art-Gallery

Art at Lake Travis Community Library

During January, local artist Sofia Besondy’s artwork will be on display in the library meeting room.  Her “Point of View” collection consists of 30 pieces of abstract art.  There will be an artist reception and demonstration on Jan. 20, 2-3:30PM.

Lakeway’s Own Police Officer/Animal Protection Officer Needs Your Help

Andrea Greig, one of our police officers since 2005 and now our Animal Protection Officer, is currently fighting a very tough form of cancer. She is always there for Lakeway–helping people, their pets and our wildlife with endless energy, compassion and devotion. Now, if you can, please be there for her and donate to a GoFundMe account, helping cover her medical expenses. Here is the link for info and donations:  https://www.gofundme.com/f/4q2ytg-help-andrea-kick-cancers-butt

Oak Trimming Season ENDS Jan. 31.

Oak pruning is a violation of Lakeway ordinance February through June, due to higher likelihood then of spreading Oak Wilt. Trimming Oaks is allowed July-January.  When trimming, pruning seal must be applied within 10 minutes to all cuts on all Oak trees. More info here:  https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1059/Oak-Pruning-Schedule

Lake Travis Democrats Club     

Jan. 16: Monthly Meeting, 6:30PM at Lakeway Activity Center (105 Cross Creek).  Speaker will be State Representative James Talarico, who serves on the Texas House of Representatives’ Public Education Committee, Calendars Committee, and Juvenile Justice and Family Issues Committee.  (NOTE: Wendy Davis had to reschedule to the MARCH meeting—see below.) All are invited to attend.

Jan. 23: Banned Book Club, 6:30PM at Lake Travis Community Library (1938 Lohmans Crossing Rd).  The book is Demon Copperheadby Barbara Kingsolver.

Feb 1: Happy Hour, 5:30 at the Meridan 98 (in the Sonesta Hotel at the Hill Country Galleria).   

Feb. 20: Monthly Meeting, 6:30PM at Lakeway Activity Center (105 Cross Creek).  Speaker is Joshua Blank, a polling specialist and Director of Research for the Texas Politics Project, College of Liberal Arts at the University of Texas at Austin.

March 19: Monthly Meeting, 6:30PM at Lakeway Activity Center (105 Cross Creek).  Speaker is Wendy Davis Former Texas Representative and now the senior adviser to Planned Parenthood Texas Votes, which serves as Planned Parenthood’s political fundraising and advocacy arm. 

Check https://www.laketravisdemocrats.com/ for activities each month.

Brown Bag Lunch Series is BACK in 2024! 

On Thursday, Jan. 18, noon-1PM, bring your lunch to Lakeway Activity Center (105 Cross Creek) and enjoy LATIN DANCING from Esquina Tango.  Free event!  (Save the date for the next Brown Bag Lunch—Lake Travis Fiddlers will perform on Feb. 15.)  More info here:  https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/932/Brown-Bag-Luncheon-Concert-Series

Million Dollar Quartet

TexARTS Theatre presents Million Dollar Quartet, Jan. 19-Feb. 11, 7:30PM.  Back on Dec. 4, 1956, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley came together at Sun Records in Memphis, resulting in one of the greatest jam sessions ever. The show features a score of rock ‘n’ roll, gospel, country, and R&B performed by world-class actors and musicians.  Tickets ($45-$75) and info here: https://www.tex-arts.org/our-season

GIVE BLOOD 

The next blood drive at Lakeway Activity Center (105 Cross Creek) is on Saturday, Jan. 20, 8AM-noon. The event is always well organized, clean and friendly.  You will be done and out the door in under 30 minutes. It is an important cause and helps countless people. Plus—FREE JUICE AND COOKIES!  While walk-ins are welcome, those with appointments have priority. You can see upcoming dates and make an appointment to donate by entering your zip code here:  https://weareblood.org/donor/schedule/

Heritage Trail Bus Tours

Tours are on Friday, Jan. 26, at 9:15AM, 11:15AM, and 1:15PM, leaving from Lakeway City Hall.  As of Jan. 13, the 2 later tours are full, but there are seats available on the 9:15AM tour.  Go here for info and to reserve your seat:  https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1171/Heritage-Trail

The Addams Family: The Musical

Feb. 1, Feb. 2, Feb. 3, and Feb. 5 at 7PM, Lake Travis High School Fine Arts will present a comical original story celebrating the wackiness of every family.  Tickets are $15-20, with performances at Lake Travis Performing Arts Center (3324 RM 620 S.).  Go here for info and tickets: https://www.ltisdschools.org/Domain/32

Masterpiece Concert 

On Sunday, Feb. 4, 4PM, enjoy the classical music of Schubert and Dvorak performed by Andrew and Sari Pierce, Sandy Yamamoto, Nick Hammel, and Colette Valentine. Another FREE EVENT at the Lakeway Activity Center (105 Cross Creek).  More info here:  https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1862/Sunday-Afternoon-Concert-Series

$1,000 Scholarships for Lakeway Seniors

Waste Connections again offers $1,000 Scholarships to eligible high school seniors whose parent/guardian is a customer in good standing of trash and recycling services with the City of Lakeway.  Deadline for essays and applications is April 22.  Go here for full info on eligibility and how to apply: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1993/Waste-Connections-Scholarship

Lakeway WANTS You. And not in a good way….

Warrant Roundup starts March 1, when Lakeway PD will focus on locating people with outstanding warrants for the City of Lakeway.  BUT, now through Feb. 29, the city will provide amnesty for those individuals resolving outstanding warrants. Contact Lakeway Municipal Court at (512) 314-7560 option 8, email court@lakeway-tx.gov  or visit the Lakeway Justice Center (104 Cross Creek, 2nd floor) to get things settled before March 1, when offenders are subject to arrest. Go here to check the active warrant list for your name and for more info: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/civicalerts.aspx?AID=1844

Looking for a way to help locally? Consider 12:31.

12:31 is a LOCAL, registered, 501(c)(3), serving students and families within LTISD. (Tax ID number–EIN: 88-2279325.)  With over 7,000 members, it was created by Mike Dahlhauser. Mission statement:

We believe that people aren’t meant to go through life alone.

We believe that communities are stronger when they work together for the collective good.

We believe that communities thrive when all the members of the community feel cared for, included, and valued.

By providing tangible opportunities for members of the community to get involved, and connected to those around them, we create an environment that fosters meaningful connections, and genuine relationships.

Through various programs and initiatives, and through general community outreach, we are able to mobilize the community as a whole, to meet the needs of the individual.

Go here to join the Facebook group and see what you can do for our community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/twelve31

PRIMARY ELECTION coming soon

Sorry, but brace yourself for a year of political sign clutter and social media mayhem.  2024 brings FOUR election cycles—primary, county and local (3 Lakeway Council seats are up for grabs in May), primary run-off, and general (including US President, in November).  First up is the Primary Election, for state and national offices.  Early Voting starts on Feb. 20, with Election Day on March 5.  Enter your address on this Texas Tribune site, to get your sample ballot, showing the primary races you can vote in.  Here’s your Texas 2024 March primary ballot 1/8/24 https://apps.texastribune.org/features/2024/march-2024-primary-ballot/

Mayor Kilgore’s Facebook Update

The mayor gave a live update on Jan. 11, with 18 minutes of Lakeway news.  Go here to watch:  https://www.facebook.com/cityoflakeway/videos/1417077595900112

Lake Travis found to be a hot zone for toxic algae.  Dog owners beware….

Per the article: “Austin’s bodies of water are some of the biggest breeding grounds for toxic algae in the country, a recent report suggests. BlueGreen Water Technologies, a water bodies preservation company, released a report in September that listed Lady Bird Lake, Lake Austin and Lake Travis as being hot zones for toxic algae blooms. The lakes are the only bodies of water in Texas mentioned in the report.” …  “The algae can be harmful to humans and deadly to pets if ingested, especially by dogs that lick it off their coats after swimming. In 2021, several dogs became sick or died after contact with algae in Lake Travis.” … “For dogs, blue-green algae can be deadly within a matter of hours or days after exposure. Symptoms can include excessive salivation, vomiting, fatigue, staggered walking, difficulty breathing, convulsions and liver failure.”  Lady Bird Lake, Lake Austin, Lake Travis among lakes with worst toxic algae blooms in U.S. 12/30/23 https://www.statesman.com/story/news/local/2023/12/29/austin-lakes-toxic-algae-lake-travis-lake-austin-lady-bird-lake-rankings-usa/72056776007/

Council meets on Tuesday, Jan. 16, 6:30PM, at City Hall (because Monday is a holiday).

Consequential Agenda items include:   

ITEM 10:  Introduction of Officer Elianna Vela.

ITEM 11:  Financial Report. 

ITEM 12:  Presentation from Emergency Services District 8. 

ITEM 13:  Community Survey Results. 

ITEM 14:  Parks Bond Discussion/Parks and Rec Strategic Plan. 

ITEM 15:  Parks and Rec Reservation System Update. 

ITEM 16:  Special Use Permit to allow Spinners Sweepstakes to continue operating an arcade at 107 RR 620 South.

ITEM 17:  Special Use Permit to allow the owner of 214 Capri to operate a short-term rental. 

ITEM 18:  Discussion of changes to the city’s permit process for special uses and short-term rentals.

ITEM 19:  An ordinance revising street cut procedures by utility companies, in order to facilitate upcoming installation of internet cable/microtrenching.

ITEM 20:  Discussion of the Polling Location at Lakeway Activity Center.

ITEM 21:  Citizens Participation for Items NOT on the Agenda. 

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 (live or later):  https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1062/Videos—Meetings-Events

Garage Sale at Lakeway Activity Center

The next community garage sale is Saturday, March 2 from 8AM to noon.  Admission is FREE, but in the LAC lobby you can drop off non-perishable/canned food items, as well as pet food, to be donated to local food banks and charities.  You can also donate new or gently used children’s books, for the Free Little Books bin at the entrance. Want to sell stuff?  Booths are 10’X10’ and include a 6’ x 3’ foot table and 2 chairs.  LAC members pay $30 per booth and can reserve a space starting Feb. 1; Non-Members pay $35 per booth and can reserve a space starting Feb. 13.  Call 512-261-1010 for info.  Visit www.lakeway-tx.gov/catalog See booth locations and register online registration here (in the garage sale tab): https://secure.rec1.com/TX/lakeway-tx/catalog

Lake Travis Community Library’s Capital Campaign for the new WEST LOCATION

Our library is expanding, having purchased property at 21209 State HWY. 71. (Image credit: Ascension Architecture.)  The building there (formerly Pizzeria Casa Nostra) needs renovating. In order to reach a fundraising goal of $1M, several naming opportunities are available.  Honor a loved one while supporting literacy in our community, starting at $1,000 (for a table) and running all the way up to $150,000 (for an entire area). Go here for complete info and to donate:  https://laketravislibrary.org/fundraising/

Daring Mighty Things  

Austin is right on the edge, but Lakeway is well inside the totality corridor for the April 8 total solar eclipse.  At about 1:30PM on April 8, Lakeway will have over 3 minutes of total darkness, as the moon passes across the sun.  (Image credits: GreatAmericanEclipse.com.)  SO—GET YOUR ECLIPSE GLASSES NOW!  Total solar eclipse April 2024: 10 of the biggest cities within in the path of totality 1/2/ 24 https://www.space.com/total-solar-eclipse10-of-biggest-cities-in-path-of-totality-april-8-2024

Gunpowder, ozone, burnt meat—those are ways astronauts describe how space smells.  (Image credit: NASA Johnson Space Center.)  Of course, it’s complicated.  There is no air in space, and astronauts can’t just open a hatch and sniff.  What does space smell like? 1/8/24 https://www.space.com/what-does-space-smell-like

Happily, the space exploration teams of America and Russia are still able to work together.  (Image Credit: NASA.) They have agreed to keep transporting astronauts and cosmonauts to and from the ISS, through at least 2025. NASA and Russia will keep launching each other’s astronauts to ISS 1/2/24 https://www.space.com/nasa-russia-astronaut-launches-iss-2025

The crewed Artemis missions to the moon have been postponed by nearly a year, skipping 2024.  NASA recently announced that Artemis 2 won’t orbit the moon until Sept. of 2025, and Artemis 3 won’t land on the moon until Sept. of 2026.  (Image credit: Artemis 1–NASA.)  Why the delay?  Space exploration is hard and dangerous….  Astronauts won’t walk on the moon until 2026 after NASA delays next 2 Artemis missions 1/9/24 https://www.space.com/nasa-artemis-2-moon-mission-delay-september-2025

With liberty and justice for all … except women.   

A lot of American women are playing it safe and planning ahead, ordering abortion pills through the mail, just in case they need them later.  Called advance provisioning, this used to be relatively rare.  Now, just 1 dispensary (a Netherlands-based nonprofit that provides access to abortion medications via telehealth), reports over 48,000 American advance provision requests from Sept. of 2021 to April of 2023. The women requesting the pills were more likely to be white, age 30 or older, and live in an urban area.  More nonpregnant women are requesting abortion pills to have on hand 1/2/24 https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/nonpregnant-women-are-requesting-abortion-pills-hand-rcna131914

The US Supreme Court recently agreed to review Idaho’s strict abortion ban, specifically the provision that punishes doctors who perform the procedure in emergency situations.  Idaho was sued by the federal government, which claims the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) requires patients receive appropriate emergency room care. EMTALA applies to any hospital that receives federal funding via the Medicare program.  While SCOTUS agreed to take the case, don’t assume that is a good thing; it lifted the lower court’s hold on the Idaho law, placing pregnant women at risk during the many months of review and indicating the high court will uphold the full abortion ban.  Supreme Court allows Idaho to enforce abortion law against emergency room doctors ahead of hearing case 1/5/24  https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/supreme-court/supreme-court-allows-idaho-enforce-abortion-law-emergency-room-doctors-rcna127244

EMTALA was struck down in Texas.  Well, of course it was….  This is the federal law requiring patients receive appropriate emergency room care, including pregnant women ungently needing an abortion.  The hard-right 5^th Circuit Appeals Court recently ruled that the law, somehow, just doesn’t apply to pregnant patients.  Emergency rooms not required to perform life-saving abortions, federal appeals court rules 1/2/24 https://www.texastribune.org/2024/01/02/texas-abortion-fifth-circuit/

Back to me….

So, I celebrated New Years by exiting my job (after a 2-week notice, of course), and it was TOTALLY the right decision!  I am still decompressing but really enjoying having a loose schedule with tons of free time.  I call it my gainful unemployment. The cats seem happy to have me home full-time, as well.  Life is good….

Speaking of which—GREAT football game last week, with Michigan winning the national championship.  GO BLUE!

I’m feeling fine, but right now, just about everyone seems to be in some stage of not feeling well, right?  Sick with something, getting over something, or coming down with something. This Statesman article has good and current info from 3 local doctors on the 3 likeliest bad guys—Covid, flu (there is an A version and a B version) and RSV—including the symptoms of each, how to avoid them, and what to do when you or a family member is sick.  Here are some interesting quotes from the article:

–Respiratory viruses are circulating en masse across Central Texas, from severe cases of the flu to COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (aka RSV) and even some strep.

–The most common thing circulating now is COVID-19, followed by flu A and then some RSV.

— We are in a spike currently, fueled by holiday travel and gatherings.

— The flu is definitely worse this year.

— People can have flu and COVID-19 or RSV at the same time. They can also get flu A, get better and then contract flu B.

— Anyone with cold-like symptoms of a runny nose, cough, sore throat, body ache should be tested for COVID-19 and flu.

–All these respiratory illnesses can lead to a secondary infection like bronchitis or pneumonia.

–Doctors have seen people who have flu look sicker and feel sicker than people with COVID-19. Flu tends to come on very quickly and to cause a high fever and body aches.

–COVID-19 tends to be milder. COVID-19 patients think they have cedar fever or another allergy. They are surprised when the COVID-19 test comes back positive.

–People with RSV often are wheezing or suffer difficulty breathing. RSV can take weeks for the cough to go away. Look out for secondary infections in the ears and sinuses, and possibly pneumonia weeks later.

–Stay home if you are sick.

–Get vaccinated.

–Wash your hands.

–It never hurts to wear a mask in crowded spaces.

Read the entire article here: Seems like COVID, flu cases are on the rise in Texas? You’re right. What you need to know. 1/10/24 https://www.statesman.com/story/news/healthcare/2024/01/10/covid-cases-flu-season-austin-texas-vaccine-symptoms-test-treatment/72160346007/

Our gorgeous deer are still playing hide and seek, but I managed to get a few photos of does on my recent walks.

Coronavirus  Update

The winter surge continues.  As of Dec. 23, the New York Times correlated the CDC’s statistics for the US, showing another big increase.  Across the country, a daily average of 6,301 people were being hospitalized for Covid-19, which is a 20% RISE over 2 weeks. Total hospitalizations rose by 18% over that time.  https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/us/covid-cases.html

REMINDER—If you haven’t gotten the updated Covid booster this fall, now is the time to do so.  Shots are available at local pharmacies. 

PLUS, if you do get 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.  Even those experiencing mild symptoms should take it; Paxlovid is intended for people with mild or moderate symptoms.  Take it early, within five days of developing symptoms.  And, finish the full 5-day course, to eradicate the virus.  If you are concerned about rebound infection—that often happens with Covid, Paxlovid or not.  Usually, the 2ndary illness is very mild and short, as your immune system bounces back into action.  Finally, Paxlovid is FREE for people on Medicare or Medicaid; most insurance covers it, and those without insurance can get it free through a patient assistance program.  Lots more info in the Jan. 11 article below.

Recent Covid-19 Articles

—I Have Covid. Should I Take Paxlovid? 1/11/24 https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/11/well/covid-paxlovid-treatment.html

—Seems like COVID, flu cases are on the rise in Texas? You’re right. What you need to know. 1/10/24  https://www.statesman.com/story/news/healthcare/2024/01/10/covid-cases-flu-season-austin-texas-vaccine-symptoms-test-treatment/72160346007/

—We Are in a Big Covid Wave. But Just How Big? 1/10/24 https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/10/upshot/covid-pandemic-wave.html

—Paxlovid Cuts Covid Death Risk. But Those Who Need It Are Not Taking It. 1/4/24 https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/04/health/paxlovid-covid-treatment.html

—Hydroxychloroquine could have caused 17,000 deaths during Covid, study finds 1/4/24 https://www.politico.eu/article/hydroxychloroquine-could-have-caused-17000-deaths-during-covid-study-finds/

—Covid Has Resurged, but Scientists See a Diminished Threat 1/3/24 https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/03/health/covid-masks-vaccinations.html

PLEASE, may 2024 be less eventful than recent years, with peace breaking out instead of war in Ukraine, in the Middle East, and in the American political arena.

Here is what’s happening in Lakeway…. 

Christmas Tree Recycling 

Lakeway residents have TWO options. Email solidwasteclerk@lakeway-tx.gov  with questions. 

1—Weekdays Dec. 27 through Jan. 5, 7AM-3:30PM, drop off your holiday tree at Public Works, 3303 Serene Hills Drive.  (Public Works is closed that Saturday and Sunday.) Remove decorations, lights and tree stands.

2– Waste Connections will also pick-up trees during normal trash service through Jan. 19. BUT, trees must be cut into 3-4’ sections. Remove decorations, lights and tree stands.

Ice Skating at The Galleria

Now through Jan. 15, enjoy ice skating Texas-style at Hill Country Galleria (12700 Hill Country Blvd.).  Rink is outdoors, and hours vary.  Cost is $15 for 1 hour, including skate rental; on Tuesdays, cost is just $10.  MUST PURCHASE TICKETS ONLINE.  Go here to check hours and buy tickets: https://www.beecavetexas.gov/residents/culture/events___activities/rink

FREE Daily ONLINE Yoga Sessions the Entire Month of January

Recover from the holiday madness and ease into 2024 with online yoga on YOUR schedule. Yoga instructor Adriene Mishler lives in Austin; she hosts a thriving online community, and every January she offers FREE daily yoga sessions that people can access on their own schedule. Watch the videos on YouTube, as and when you have the time– morning, night, daily, binge on weekends, whatever works for you. (Image credit: Adriene Mishler.)  Kick off/orientation drops on Jan. 1.  Daily sessions start on Jan. 2. (I have done this every January for several years now, and IT IS FABULOUS!)  SIGN UP HERE—Completely FREE: https://do.yogawithadriene.com/flow

Art at Lake Travis Community Library

During January, local artist Sofia Besondy’s artwork will be on display in the library meeting room.  Her “Point of View” collection consists of 30 pieces of abstract art.  There will be an artist reception and demonstration on Jan. 20, 2-3:30PM.

Human Trafficking Awareness Event

On Thursday, Jan. 11, 6-7PM, Lake Travis ISD and Texas Department of Family and Protective Services will host a community event on human trafficking, including how to protect individuals and how to spot the signs. FREE event at the Lake Travis ISD Educational Development Center located (607 RR 620 North). 

Lakeway’s Own Police Officer/Animal Protection Officer Needs Your Help

Andrea Greig, one of our police officers since 2005 and now our Animal Protection Officer, is currently fighting a very tough form of cancer. She is always there for Lakeway–helping people, their pets and our wildlife with endless energy, compassion and devotion. Now, if you can, please be there for her and donate to a GoFundMe account, helping cover her medical expenses. Here is the link for info and donations:  https://www.gofundme.com/f/4q2ytg-help-andrea-kick-cancers-butt

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

Oak Trimming Season ENDS SOON

Oak pruning is a violation of Lakeway ordinance February through June, due to higher likelihood then of spreading Oak Wilt. Trimming Oaks is allowed July-January.  When trimming, pruning seal must be applied within 10 minutes to all cuts on all Oak trees. More info here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1059/Oak-Pruning-Schedule

Lake Travis Democrats Club    

Jan. 16: Monthly Meeting, 6:30PM at Lakeway Activity Center (105 Cross Creek).  Speaker will be State Representative James Talarico, who serves on the Texas House of Representatives’ Public Education Committee, Calendars Committee, and Juvenile Justice and Family Issues Committee.   (NOTE: Wendy Davis had to reschedule to the MARCH meeting.) All are invited to attend.  Check https://www.laketravisdemocrats.com/ for activities each month.

Brown Bag Lunch Series is BACK in 2024! 

On Thursday, Jan. 18, noon-1PM, bring your lunch to Lakeway Activity Center (105 Cross Creek) and enjoy LATIN DANCING from Esquina Tango.  Free event!  (Save the date for the next Brown Bag Lunch—Lake Travis Fiddlers will perform on Feb. 15.)  More info here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/932/Brown-Bag-Luncheon-Concert-Series

Million Dollar Quartet

TexARTS Theatre presents Million Dollar Quartet, Jan. 19-Feb. 11, 7:30PM.  Back on Dec. 4, 1956, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley came together at Sun Records in Memphis, resulting in one of the greatest jam sessions ever. The show features a score of rock ‘n’ roll, gospel, country, and R&B performed by world-class actors and musicians.  Tickets ($45-$75) and info here: https://www.tex-arts.org/our-season

GIVE BLOOD 

The next blood drive at Lakeway Activity Center (105 Cross Creek) is on Saturday, Jan. 20, 8AM-noon. The event is always well organized, clean and friendly.  You will be done and out the door in under 30 minutes. It is an important cause and helps countless people. Plus—FREE JUICE AND COOKIES!  While walk-ins are welcome, those with appointments have priority. You can see upcoming dates and make an appointment to donate by entering your zip code here– https://weareblood.org/donor/schedule/

Heritage Trail Bus Tours

Tours are on Friday, Jan. 26, at 9:15AM, 11:15AM, and 1:15PM, leaving from Lakeway City Hall.  These popular tours fill up fast, so make reservations NOW.  Go here for info and to sign up: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1171/Heritage-Trail

The Addams Family: The Musical

Feb. 1, Feb. 2, Feb. 3, and Feb. 5 at 7PM, Lake Travis High School Fine Arts will present a comical original story celebrating the wackiness of every family.  Tickets are $15-20, with performances at Lake Travis Performing Arts Center (3324 RM 620 S.).  Go here for info and tickets: https://www.ltisdschools.org/Domain/32

Masterpiece Concert 

On Sunday, Feb. 4, 4PM, enjoy the classical music of Schubert and Dvorak performed by Andrew and Sari Pierce, Sandy Yamamoto, Nick Hammel, and Colette Valentine. Another FREE EVENT at the Lakeway Activity Center (105 Cross Creek).  More info here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1862/Sunday-Afternoon-Concert-Series

Lakeway is HIRING. 

Open positions include 2 administrative assistants (1 for Activity Center and 1 for Police Department), facility attendant, 911 operator, victims service specialist, police officer, and an associate municipal court judge. Go here for info and to apply: https://tx-lakeway.civicplushrms.com/CareerPortal/Jobs.aspx

Council met on Dec. 18.

RESULTS: 6 members attended the meeting, all in person.  Council Member Vance was absent. 

ITEM 9:  Financial Report.  As of Nov. 30 and 2 months into the fiscal year, REVENUE was $20K over projections, while EXPENDITURES were $400K under projections. 

ITEM 13:  Report on Winter Storm Mara, from the Emergency Management Coordinator.  FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) is on track to refund the city for 75% of its storm-related expenditures.  Total spent was nearly $1,900,000. Significant funds have already been received from FEMA, with the balance expected soon.  Mayor Kilgore credited the massive refund to the efforts and expertise of the city’s Emergency Management Coordinator, Waheeda Yousofzoy, who recently received national accreditation. 

ITEM 14:  Request for Hotel Occupancy Tax Funds by 3 area hotels (Lakeway Resort and Spa–$150,000; Springhill Suites–$25,000; La Quinta–$13,000), to be used for advertising and promotion. UNANIMOUSLY approved. 

ITEM 15:  Revising the ordinances to remove the deer trapping provision, as surveys show the herd is not expanding despite no trapping for the last 5 years.  (The prohibition against feeding the deer remains in place.)  UNANIMOUSLY approved. 

ITEM 16: Parks bond discussion.  SEE image above for current proposal.  Cost to fully fund all 8 proposed projects would be over $28MIL. Staff estimates that the average Lakeway home’s property tax bill would be increased $13/month by a $28MIL bond.  After the recent Parks Town Hall and subsequent feedback, staff’s priority list for projects has changed, with Rough Hollow’s Butler Park at the top and the Live Oak Tennis and Pickleball Courts at the bottom; the pickleball part of that project has generated considerable negative feedback on noise, traffic and light pollution in the adjacent residential area. Some Council members suggested individual bonds for each project, so voters can choose; however, the resulting small bonds would increase the overall cost of lending, so 1 or 2 large bonds would be more economical.  Some members suggested cost cuts (delaying 1 or more projects, cutting pricey items like the Swim Center’s Flow Rider and Lazy River, etc.) and getting the bond down to roughly $20MIL.  NO ACTION TAKEN.  Staff was directed to provide more info, for further discussion at the January Council meeting. 

ITEM 17: Special Use Permit to operate an arcade at Spinners Sweepstakes, 107 RR 620 S, Ste. 110.  POSTPONED until the January Council meeting, so staff can gather info as to sales taxes paid (if any) and previous permit requests (if any) by this business.

 ITEM 19: Re-zoning 14.866 acres at Hwy. 71 and Bee Creek Road from C-1 (Office/Retail) to PUD (Planned Unit Development), specifically for a pharmacy, medical offices and 135 car condos.  UNANIMOUSLY approved.

ITEM 20: Revising the ordinances as to hours allowed for construction, early concrete pours and power tool usage.  APPROVED 5:1 (Kilgore against) changing construction start time from 8AM to 7AM Monday-Friday only and allowing staff to authorize early concrete pours for residential as well as commercial property.  (Council refused to change power tool start time, including on golf courses and in parks, from 7AM to 6:30AM.) 

ITEM 21 Discussion of amending the golf cart ordinance to include other vehicles. After discussion, staff was directed to draft language amending the golf cart ordinance to include certain other vehicles (but likely excluding ATVs and UTVs) for a first reading at the January Council meeting.

 ITEM 22: Discussion of microtrenching (related to Google Fiber and also Spectrum). After discussion resolving several complicating issues, staff was directed to continue negotiations with the providers. 

ADJOURNED at 10:58PM. 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/291651

Daring Mighty Things  

The US government website Astronomy Picture of the Day/APOD displayed the above image on Christmas Day.  It captures the setting crescent moon framing Monviso mountain, towering behind the Basilica of Superga, in Piemonte, Italy.  (Image Credit & Copyright: Valerio Minato.)  It took 6 years for the photographer to get the angle and timing just right, with clear weather.  Check out APOD’s website for a new space-related image every day.  https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/astropix.html

The moon put on a real show, with December 26’s full moon known as “The Cold Moon.”  The above shot was taken over the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey.  (Image credit: Cemal Yurttas/Anadol/Getty.)  Lots more full moon views are in this article.  See December’s Full Cold Moon shine in the sky like a Christmas ornament 12/27/23 https://www.space.com/full-cold-moon-december-2023-photos

Cat videos are now, officially, everywhere.  A video starring an orange tabby named Taters was recently beamed to Earth from NASA’s Psyche spacecraft.  The video travelled 19 million miles in just 101 seconds, successfully testing a new technology known as a flight laser transceiver.  Psyche launched on Oct. 13 atop a SpaceX Falcon heavy rocket and is on its way to an asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.  NASA laser-beams adorable cat video to Earth from 19 million miles away 12/19/23 https://www.space.com/nasa-laser-taters-cat-video-19-million-miles-away

Elon Musk is threatening to launch a third Starship test flight, after 2 tries in 2023 that exploded in short order. The FAA, which issues launch permits, is still investigating the “mishap” of the second flight; a new permit won’t be issued until that investigation is concluded and corrective actions taken. In the meantime, the giant rocket is stacked on Space-X’s South Texas launchpad. (Image credit: SpaceX.)  SpaceX gearing up for 3rd Starship flight 12/18/23 https://www.space.com/spacex-starship-third-flight-testing-photos

2023 was a big year for planet Earth. Review what the most amazing images from space revealed. (Image credit: NASA.)  10 dramatic discoveries about Earth from 2023 12/27/23 https://www.space.com/planet-earth-from-space-in-2023

With liberty and justice for all … except women.

On Dec. 19, the all-male Amarillo City Council considered an abortion travel ban.  It was the third time the group discussed a proposed ordinance designed to block access to Colorado and New Mexico, two states where a Texas woman could legally obtain an abortion. Legal experts call such rules unconstitutional.  Instead of physically blocking interstate travel with barriers at the border, the ordinance would outlaw using Amarillo’s roads to transport a pregnant person for an abortion in another state; Texans could sue for damages anyone who “aids and abets” such transportation, which local residents decry as turning neighbor against neighbor.  More practical criticisms include concern about the negative effect on local businesses and dislike of government overreach.  To date, Odessa and 5 Texas counties (Lubbock, Cochran, Mitchell, Goliad, and Dawson) have passed abortion travel bans.  No decision was reached at the December meeting, and the Amarillo City Council will continue discussion in January.  Amarillo City Council says it needs more time to debate abortion travel ban 12/19/23 https://www.texastribune.org/2023/12/19/amarillo-texas-abortion-travel-ban-vote/

Back to me….

All 3 of my girls had birthdays in December.  Here are Maxie, Tulip and Peanut living large.

Then, Santa brought them a mid-century mod style bed.  All 3 cats are all still in the “sitting on top this weird thing” phase.  Maybe someone will actually start sleeping INSIDE it next year.

Rut season is winding down.  I’m seeing fewer deer on my morning walks; they always get scarce in winter, staying in treed areas, greenbelts, etc. instead of hanging out on the golf courses and in our yards.

Here are some of my photos of our precious herd–all does.  The December shots are on top, with several unposted shots from the fall below.

Coronavirus  Update

As of Dec. 9, the New York Times correlated the CDC’s statistics for the US, showing another increase.  Across the country, a daily average of 5,261 people were being hospitalized for Covid-19, which is a 17% RISE over 2 weeks. Total hospitalizations rose by 15% over that time. The winter surge is expected to continue due to holiday travel and gathering.  https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/us/covid-cases.html

As of mid-December, just 2 variants–JN.1 and HV.1–were responsible for over half of Covid cases in the US.  And, JN.1 alone caused the lion’s share—44% of cases.  This is a big change from the last couple years, when a dozen or more variants were active.  Still, the 2 dominant variants are from the Omicron strain we have been dealing with since 2021.  Happily, the latest Covid-19 vaccines protect against these new variants, as far as serious infections and death.

REMINDER—If you haven’t gotten the updated Covid booster, now is the time to do so.  Shots are available at local pharmacies.

Recent Covid-19 Articles

—What to know about the new Covid variants 12/27/23  https://www.nytimes.com/article/covid-variant.html

—Covid numbers are rising again. Here’s how to protect your family this holiday season. 12/22/23  https://www.msnbc.com/opinion/msnbc-opinion/covid-19-vaccine-christmas-rcna130530

—The Most Common COVID Symptoms Doctors Are Seeing This Holiday Season 12/20/23  https://www.huffpost.com/entry/covid-symptoms-doctors-winter_l_6582f87ae4b085747d67e8c9

—A Covid Update 12/16/23  https://erictopol.substack.com/p/a-covid-update

MERRY CHRISTMAS to all!  And, a prayer for the gift of peace in Ukraine.

Here is what’s happening in Lakeway….

Trail of Lights

Nightly until Jan. 1, from 6PM to midnight, enjoy Lakeway’s own Trail of Lights.  The self-guided Christmas lights trail runs below City Hall (corner of Sailmaster and Lohman’s).  Parking is available at the adjacent Lakeway Activity Center (105 Cross Creek).  FREE event.  Info here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/721/Trail-of-Lights

Letters to Santa 

Kids can use the SPECIAL DELIVERY mailbox located at the Lakeway Activity Center (105 Cross Creek) to send their XMAS wish lists to the Big Guy.  One of Santa’s Helpers will respond to letters dropped off early AND with name and address printed legibly.  (Parents wanting letters returned as keepsakes can stop by LAC in January.)

Ice Skating at The Galleria

Now through Jan. 15, enjoy ice skating Texas-style at Hill Country Galleria (12700 Hill Country Blvd.).  Rink is outdoors, and hours vary.  Cost is $15 for 1 hour, including skate rental; on Tuesdays, cost is just $10.  MUST PURCHASE TICKETS ONLINE.  Go here to check hours and buy tickets: https://www.beecavetexas.gov/residents/culture/events___activities/rink

Council meets on Monday, Dec. 18, 6:30PM, at City Hall.

Consequential Agenda items include:  

ITEM 8:  Financial Report.

ITEM 9:  Citizen’s Participation for Items NOT on the Agenda.

ITEM 12:  Report on Winter Storm Mara, from the Emergency Management Coordinator.

ITEM 13:  Request for Hotel Occupancy Tax Funds by 3 area hotels (Lakeway Resort and Spa–$150,000; Springhill Suites–$25,000; La Quinta–$15,000), to be used for advertising and promotion.

ITEM 14:  Revising the ordinances to remove the deer trapping provision, as surveys show the herd is not expanding despite no trapping for the last 5 years.  (The prohibition against feeding the deer remains in place.)

ITEM 15: Parks bond discussion (likely $20-30MIL bond on the 2024 ballot).

ITEM 16: Special Use Permit to continue operating an arcade at Spinners Sweepstakes, 107 RR 620 S, Ste. 110.

ITEM 18: Re-zoning 14.866 acres at Hwy. 71 and Bee Creek Road from C-1 (Office/Retail) to PUD (Planned Unit Development), specifically for a pharmacy, medical offices and 135 car condos.

ITEM 19: Revising the ordinances as to hours allowed for construction, early concrete pours and power tool usage.

ITEM 20: Discussion of amending the golf cart ordinance to include other vehicles.

ITEM 22: Discussion of microtrenching (related to Google Fiber). 

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 (live or later): https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1062/Videos—Meetings-Events

Lake Travis Democrats Club     

CHRISTMAS PARTY–Join local Dems to celebrate the holidays and gear up to GO BIG in 2024!  The party is on Tuesday, Dec. 19, 6PM, at the La Quinta in Lakeway.  Advance tickets are available at the DISCOUNTED Early Bird price of $25; in addition to a taco dinner with a dessert buffet, there will be a silent auction, entertainment, and a donation bar. Avoid paying MORE AT THE DOOR, and go here today to get your tickets: https://www.laketravisdemocrats.com/event-details/holiday-party-1

Jan. 16, 2024 Meeting: Speaker will be former Texas Representative Wendy Davis.  She is now the senior adviser to Planned Parenthood Texas Votes, which serves as Planned Parenthood’s political fundraising and advocacy arm.  All are invited to attend, 6:30PM, Lakeway Activity Center (105 Cross Creek).

Check https://www.laketravisdemocrats.com/ for updates. 

Lakeway Names Top Volunteers and Community Partner.

At a recent banquet, City of Lakeway recognized top volunteers and Community Partner:

Top Community Partner–Lake Travis Fire Rescue.

Volunteer of the Year–Vickie Taylor, Chair for the Lakeway Heritage Committee.

Unsung Hero–Janet Wright, Chair for the Lakeway Arts Committee.

Lifetime Achievement–Al Purcell, Volunteer Reserve officer for the City of Lakeway Police Department for over 25 years. More info and photos here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/civicalerts.aspx?AID=1834

Mayor Kilgore’s Facebook Update

The mayor gave a 9-minute live update on Dec. 14.  Go here to watch: https://www.facebook.com/cityoflakeway/videos/1619980581872185

2024 SYMPHONY TICKETS on sale NOW

“A Night with the Austin Symphony Orchestra” concert with LTISD high school musicians is set for Sunday, March 3, 2024, at 4PM.

SANTA’S hot tip for a great gift: Early Bird tickets are on sale NOW–$50 / $30 / $15.  The VIP package is $200 (4 tickets, VIP Buffet Dinner on Saturday, March 2 where you will have the chance to meet the musicians, Maestro Peter Bay and other dignitaries). Go here for info: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1960/A-Night-with-the-Austin-Symphony-Orchest

Lake Travis Community Library’s Capital Campaign for the new WEST LOCATION

Our library is expanding, having purchased property at 21209 State HWY. 71. (Image credit: Ascension Architecture.)  The building there (formerly Pizzeria Casa Nostra) needs renovating. In order to reach a fundraising goal of $1M, several naming opportunities are available.  Honor a loved one while supporting literacy in our community, starting at $1,000 (for a table) and running all the way up to $150,000 (for an entire area). Go here for complete info and to donate: https://laketravislibrary.org/fundraising/

House Watch

If you are traveling over the holidays 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

Polar Bear Plunge

On Friday, Dec. 29, 9-10AM, brave the elements to usher out 2023 at Lakeway Swim Center (3103 Lakeway Blvd.).  Take a brisk ride down the big slide and warm up with hot chocolate and snacks.  FREE EVENT.  Participants must be at least 48 inches tall. The first 20 participants get a free Lakeway towel.  The Lakeway Polar Bear will be there!

FREE Daily ONLINE Yoga Sessions the Entire Month of January

Give yourself the gift of yoga!  This is a great way to recover from the holiday madness and gear up for 2024. Yoga instructor Adriene Mishler lives in Austin; she hosts a thriving online community, and every January she offers FREE daily yoga sessions that people can access on their own schedule. Watch the videos on YouTube, as and when you have the time– morning, night, daily, binge on weekends, whatever works for you.   You will get a downloadable calendar with video length times to support you on your journey.  (Image credit: Yoga with Adriene.)  Kick off/orientation drops on Jan. 1.  Daily sessions start on Jan. 2. (I have done this every January for several years now, and IT IS FABULOUS!)  SIGN UP HERE—Completely FREE: https://do.yogawithadriene.com/flow

Million Dollar Quartet

TexARTS Theatre presents Million Dollar Quartet, Jan. 19-Feb. 11, 7:30PM.  Back on Dec. 4, 1956, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley came together at Sun Records in Memphis, resulting in one of the greatest jam sessions ever. The show features a score of rock ‘n’ roll, gospel, country, and R&B performed by world-class actors and musicians.  Tickets ($45-$75) and info here: https://www.tex-arts.org/our-season

Heritage Trail Bus Tours

Tours are on Friday, Jan. 26, at 9:15AM, 11:15AM, and 1:15PM, leaving from Lakeway City Hall.  These popular tours fill up fast, so make reservations NOW.  Go here for info and to sign up: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1171/Heritage-Trail

Daring Mighty Things

On Dec. 6, astronauts orbiting Earth celebrated 25 years of existence for their vehicle, the International Space Station. Since 1998, the ISS expanded from 2 to 6 bedrooms, hosted 273 individuals from 21 countries, had 270 spacewalks, and completed countless experiments.   But, after 25 years, the ISS is considered antiquated, and NASA intends to retire it by 2030. Plans are underway for several commercial replacements to be operated by private companies, with NASA as a customer. When the time comes, the ISS will be deorbited—steered into Earth’s atmosphere to burn up. (Image credit: NASA.)  The ISS just turned 25, and NASA is getting ready for the end 12/7/23 https://www.space.com/international-space-station-25th-anniversary-nasa-planning-end

NASA has an identity crisis.  Or, maybe just 2 sides to its personality.  Its original logo was a blue disc (representing the planets), white stars, a white orbital path (symbolizing spacecraft) and a red vector (representing aeronautics).  Some considered this complex logo messy, like a bowl of spaghetti.—hence, it was called the meatball.  In 1975, the meatball was replaced by the worm—a sleek, tubular design consisting solely of those 4 iconic letters flowing in neon red. Lately, the meatball has come back in style, though the worm remains in place for many items and locations.  (Image credits: NASA.) NASA dedicates giant ‘worm,’ honors logo designer Richard Danne 11/7/23 https://www.space.com/nasa-worm-logo-designer-richard-danne-honor

In spring of 2024, the US Mint will release a $1 commemorative coin honoring the Saturn 5 rocket that took Apollo flights to the moon.  Each state has a commemorative coin, and this one represents Alabama; Huntsville, Alabama, is the home of NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, where the rocket was designed and built. Today, a Saturn 5 rocket remains on display at Huntsville’s US Space and Rocket Center.  (Image credits: U.S. Mint; EverGreene.)  Saturn V moon rocket art revealed for 2024 American Innovation $1 coin 12/14/23 https://www.space.com/saturn-v-moon-rocket-alabama-innovation-2024-coin-design

With liberty and justice for all … except women.   

THAT SINGLE STAR ON THE TEXAS FLAG IS ACTUALLY A REVIEW.

Egregious case in point:

Over the last couple weeks, one Texas woman’s personal tragedy played out in court, revealing that cruelty really is the point for Texas Republicans determined to control women and their reproductive choices.  Kate Cox, already mother of 2, found out at 20 weeks that her 3^rd pregnancy was doomed due to a rare chromosomal abnormality.  Her doctors advised an abortion in order to protect her health and future fertility; however, the supposed exceptions to the Texas abortion ban are vague and do not clearly cover medical situations like this.  Instead, the law threatens doctors with long prison sentences, huge fines and loss of license to practice medicine.  Family members paying for the abortion or transporting a woman to the procedure can be prosecuted.  Seeking clarity, Cox filed a lawsuit, asking for a ruling allowing her to have an abortion.  A district court agreed, but AG Ken Paxton immediately appealed, putting her doctors, hospital and the Cox family on notice that he would prosecute them all. Within hours, the Texas Supreme Court vacated the lower court’s ruling while it considered Paxton’s appeal.  Days passed before that court—composed of all Republicans—held Cox was not covered by any exception to the abortion ban, requiring her to complete the pregnancy.  By then, Cox’s condition had deteriorated, and she left the state to obtain an emergency abortion elsewhere.  Her attorney said what most women suspected all along: “They never meant the medical exemption to mean anything at all.”

–Texas Supreme Court blocks order allowing abortion; woman who sought it leaves state 12/11/23 https://www.texastribune.org/2023/12/11/texas-abortion-lawsuit-kate-cox/

–The Daily 31-minute podcast: The Woman who Fought the Texas Abortion banhttps://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/14/podcasts/the-daily/texas-abortion-ban.html

Yet another Texas atrocity, now advancing to SCOTUS:

Remember the Amarillo District Court judge (and Trump appointee) who last spring suspended the FDA’s 2000 approval of mifepristone?  (That is one of the drugs used in medication abortions, up to 10 weeks.) The 5^th Circuit upheld most of his ruling, but the drug has remained available pending appeal to the US Supreme Court.  SCOTUS finally acted, agreeing to hear the case, with a decision likely coming next June.  Currently, more than half the abortions in the US are via this medication, a procedure proven safe over the last 20 years.  In the 22 states banning abortion since Roe fell, getting pills via a medical teleconference and mailed from out of state may be the only practical solution.  At issue is the original FDA approval of the drug, as well as more recent administrative rules streamlining the process by allowing telemed visits and mail order delivery. SCOTUS should first consider standing, since the case was brought by several doctors who claim to be concerned they would be asked to treat future patients with bad results from taking mifepristone.  So, in addition to shameless forum-shopping by seeking out that ultra-conservative Amarillo judge with a history of anti-abortion rulings, these plaintiffs have no past or current harm to remedy and therefore lack standing to sue at all.  Supreme Court to hear abortion pill case 12/13/23  https://www.npr.org/2023/12/13/1218332935/mifepristone-abortion-pill-supreme-court

Back to me….

I got packages wrapped and mailed and the house decorated.  It gets harder every year, somehow….  But, so pretty.  Even the cats are being good, though I dare not put any presents under the tree—that would just be too tempting.

Rut season continues.  Senior does preside over groups made up of their offspring from last spring and recent years.  Bucks wander around trying to look important. 

Here are some of my recent photos of our precious herd.

Coronavirus  Update

As of Nov. 25, the New York Times correlated the CDC’s statistics for the US, showing another rise.  Across the country, a daily average of 4,493 people were being hospitalized for Covid-19, which is a 10% RISE over 2 weeks. Total hospitalizations rose by 11% over that time. So, we are experiencing the usual winter surge of Covid, though it remains mild (so far).  https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/us/covid-cases.html

REMINDER—If you haven’t gotten the updated Covid booster this fall, now is the time to do so.  This will protect you and your family during holiday gathering and traveling. Shots are available at local pharmacies.

There’s a new variant in town, called JN.1, and it is taking over fast. In October, it was discovered in Europe, where it rapidly became established. Now heading for global dominance, JN.1 is blamed for rising death rates in Scandinavia.  In the US, current national wastewater analysis shows JN.1 as highly active, especially in the eastern and midwestern states. Experts predict JN.1 becoming the dominant strain in the US soon. Also, JN.1 is already evolving, adding a spike mutation. The good news is that testing shows the updated booster vaccine works well against JN.1.  So—GET VACCINATED!

Recent Covid-19 Articles

—1,374 Days: My Life with Long Covid  12/14/23  https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/12/14/opinion/my-life-with-long-covid.html

–Reporting on Long Covid Taught Me to Be a Better Journalist  12/11/23  https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/11/opinion/long-covid-reporting-lessons.html

–From a detour to global dominance: The rise of the JN.1 variant  12/5/23  https://erictopol.substack.com/p/from-a-detour-to-global-dominance?utm_source=profile&utm_medium=reader2

May Ukraine have Joy and Peace this Holiday Season.

Here is what’s happening in Lakeway…. 

Ho, Ho, Ho–Scroll down for Christmas fun!

Ice Skating at The Galleria

Now through Jan. 15, enjoy ice skating Texas-style at Hill Country Galleria (12700 Hill Country Blvd.).  Rink is outdoors, and hours vary.  Cost is $15 for 1 hour, including skate rental; on Tuesdays, cost is just $10.  MUST PURCHASE TICKETS ONLINE.  Go here to check hours and buy tickets: https://www.beecavetexas.gov/residents/culture/events___activities/rink

Israel-Hamas War Discussion at the Library

On Monday, Dec. 4, 7PM, Lake Travis Community Library (1938 Lohmans Crossing) will host an informative discussion on the Israel-Hamas war with Gabriel Noronha.  Currently, he serves as Executive Director of Polaris National Security, and he is a fellow at the Jewish Institute for National Security of America.  Previously, Noronha served as Special Advisor for the Iran Action Group at the U.S. Department of State and worked as the Special Assistant for the Senate Armed Services Committee under Chairmen John McCain and Jim Inhofe.

Menorah Lighting

Each evening from Dec. 7-15, at 5:30PM, residents are invited to attend the Menorah Lighting, outside the front lobby of City Hall (1102 Lohmans Crossing). 

Garden Club Mixer

On Thursday, Dec.7, 10:30-NOON, the Lakeway Garden Club hosts a mixer at the Lake Travis Community Library (1938 Lohmans Crossing).  Discuss waterwise gardening, native plants, and creating bountiful vegetable gardens.  FREE, with everyone welcome.  More info here: https://lakewaygardenclub.com/

Lakeway Parks Town Hall

On Thursday, Dec. 7, 6:30-8:30PM, Lakeway’s Parks and Rec Dept. presents a Town Hall at the Activity Center.  Details will be provided on the several parks projects being considered for development throughout the city.  Come to ask questions and provide feedback, helping select the projects included in a parks bond to be voted on in 2024. Proposed parks projects include:

–Butler (Rough Hollow) Park –Hurst Creek Greenbelt –Lakeway Activity Center –Lakeway City Park

–Lakeway Swim Center –Live Oak Tennis Courts & Park –North Lakeway Greenbelt –Smith Greenbelt 

Lake Travis Democrats Club     

CHRISTMAS Party is on Dec. 19. See below in the Christmas listings!

SAVE THE DATE–Jan. 16, 2024 Meeting: Speaker will be former Texas Representative Wendy Davis.  She is now the senior adviser to Planned Parenthood Texas Votes, which serves as Planned Parenthood’s political fundraising and advocacy arm.  All are invited to attend, 6:30PM, Lakeway Activity Center (105 Cross Creek).

Check https://www.laketravisdemocrats.com/ for updates. 

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

OAK TRIMMING Season

Oak pruning is a violation of Lakeway ordinance February through June, due to higher likelihood then of spreading Oak Wilt. Trimming Oaks is allowed July-January.  But, when trimming, pruning seal must be applied within 10 minutes to all cuts on all Oak trees. More info here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1059/Oak-Pruning-Schedule

Lakeway is HIRING

Open positions include Activity Center Maintenance Worker, Swim Center Assistant Manager, 9-1-1 Dispatcher, and Police Officer. Go here for info and to apply: https://tx-lakeway.civicplushrms.com/CareerPortal/Jobs.aspx

Christmas Happenings

Trail of Lights

From Dec. 1-Jan. 1, 6PM to midnight, enjoy Lakeway’s own Trail of Lights.  The self-guided Christmas lights trail runs below City Hall (corner of Sailmaster and Lohman’s).  Parking is available at the adjacent Lakeway Activity Center (105 Cross Creek).  FREE event.  Info here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/721/Trail-of-Lights

SingAlong Family Christmas Show

On Sunday, Dec. 3, attend either show, at 2PM and at 4PM, at Lakeway Activity Center (105 Cross Creek). The event is FREE WITH DONATION of an unwrapped gift – especially sports equipment and dolls – for a child up to age 17. These gifts will be distributed to qualified area families by LTlov Green Santa Program volunteers.  More info here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/Calendar.aspx?EID=4783&month=12&year=2023&day=3&calType=0

Letters to Santa 

Starting Dec. 4, kids can use the SPECIAL DELIVERY mailbox located at the Lakeway Activity Center (105 Cross Creek) to send their XMAS wish lists to the Big Guy.  One of Santa’s Helpers will respond to letters dropped off early AND with name and address printed legibly.  (Parents wanting letters returned as keepsakes can stop by LAC in January.)

Grinch Movie 

On Friday, Dec. 8, 6-8PM, watch the classic Dr. Seuss Grinch movie on the jumbo screen at Activity Center parking lot. Plus–games, vendors, hot chocolate, and see the Grinch himself. 

Nutcracker Dances 

On Sunday, Dec. 10, 4-5PM, Lakeway Arts Committee presents a FREE performance of excerpts from the Nutcracker Ballet.by Metamorphosis Dance, at Lakeway Activity Center (105 Cross Creek).  More info here as the date approaches: https://lakewayartsdistrict.com/event/arts-in-the-afternoon-metamorphosis-dance-nutcracker/?instance_id=4555&_gl=1*gbb77s*_up*MQ..*_ga*MTIwMzYzNTczMy4xNjk2NjA3Nzc5*_ga_VZNV0ZBQKG*MTY5NjYwNzc3OC4xLjEuMTY5NjYwNzkzOS4wLjAuMA

Christmas at the Library

On Tuesday, Dec. 12, 6:30PM, Lake Travis Community Library (1938 Lohmans Crossing) hosts its holiday celebration.  Stop by for carols, crafts, refreshments and a VERY SPECIAL GUEST. Ho, Ho, Ho….

Lake Travis Democrats Club CHRISTMAS PARTY  

Join local Dems to celebrate the holidays and gear up to GO BIG in 2024!  The party will be on Tuesday, Dec. 19, 6PM, at the La Quinta in Lakeway.  Tickets are available NOW at the DISCOUNTED Early Bird price of $25; in addition to a taco dinner with a dessert buffet, there will be a silent auction, entertainment, and a donation bar. Avoid paying MORE AT THE DOOR, and go here today to get your tickets: https://www.laketravisdemocrats.com/event-details/holiday-party-1

More Lakeway events….

Polar Bear Plunge

On Friday, Dec. 29, 9-10AM, brave the elements to usher out 2023 at Lakeway Swim Center (3103 Lakeway Blvd.).  Take a brisk ride down the big slide and warm up with hot chocolate and snacks.  FREE EVENT.  The Lakeway Polar Bear will be there!

Million Dollar Quartet

TexARTS Theatre (1110 RM 620 S.) presents Million Dollar Quartet, Jan. 19-Feb. 11, 7:30PM.  Back on Dec. 4, 1956, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley came together at Sun Records in Memphis, resulting in one of the greatest jam sessions ever. The show features a score of rock ‘n’ roll, gospel, country, and R&B performed by world-class actors and musicians.  Tickets ($45-$75) and info here: https://www.tex-arts.org/our-season

Heritage Trail Bus Tours coming in January 

Tours are on Friday, Jan. 26, 2024, at 9:15AM, 11:15AM, and 1:15PM, leaving from Lakeway City Hall.  These popular tours fill up fast, so make reservations NOW.  Got here for info and to sign up: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1171/Heritage-Trail

Council met on Monday, Nov. 20.

RESULTS: All members attended the meeting, all in person.  

ITEM 11:  Financial Report–REVENUE: $128K under estimate. EXPENDITURES: $100K under estimate.

ITEM 12: Citizens Participation for items not on the agenda–Some of Lakeway’s youngest residents asked officials to protect the environment, and provide safe facilities for mountain biking.

ITEM 13: Request by Special Olympics for $300,000 in Hotel Occupancy Tax funds–UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED. 

ITEM 14: Presentation on sales tax by Economic Development Committee–CONSENSUS was for EDC to provide more details on sales tax the city receives from internet sales and refine its report before presenting to local groups, plus Council will actively support continuation of state policy that internet sales tax goes to the delivery municipality (as opposed to the point of sale municipality).

ITEM 15: Presentation on fiber service by Google Fiber–CONSENSUS was city staff will continue working with Google Fiber on the viability of this project, with Council likely making a decision at the December meeting.

ITEM 16: Presentation on license plate readers by Police Chief Koen–CONSENSUS was Chief Koen will move forward investigating options as well as drafting policies for data use and storage and creating a pilot program to test how the system works in practice, and city staff will look at possible limits on data access/sharing to address privacy concerns.

ITEM 17: Discussion of the appointment of Zoning and Planning Commission members–APPROVED 6:1 (Szimanski against) that the City Attorney will research the matter and provide a legal opinion on whether Council can change the City Charter by ordinance, instead of presenting the issue to voters (as has always been done but is not possible until 2025), without violating the Texas constitution.  Likely, a ruling by the Attorney General’s office will also be needed. 

Normally, for such a bizarre development, I would present an explanation here.  But, despite attending the meeting, making a citizen’s comment, and watching the video the next day, I have absolutely no rational explanation for what happened. Council Members O’Brien, Forton and Szimanski insist that the City Charter’s rules governing committee appointments be changed, immediately and as to ALL committees (not only ZAPCO, despite the wording of this agenda item).  No reason was provided. They simply feel entitled to place their own appointees on all committees, even if the result of this abrupt change of policy is that the committees the Charter says are staffed by the Mayor—Arts, Heritage, Wildlife, Building Commission, ZAPCO–are disbanded, then reconstituted with all new members, right in the middle of Mayor Kilgore’s current term of office.  For those wanting THAT explained, all I can suggest is watching the video yourself.  And, best of luck….

ITEM 18: Discussion of parks bond–NO ACTION TAKEN, just general discussion.  Staff was not yet able to provide individual pricing for the various major items in each project, which Council requested at the last meeting.  Funding sources were discussed, aside from a bond, along with bond strategies.  Council looked forward to having more data on resident preferences after the Dec. 7 Parks Town Hall.

ITEM 19: Discussion of new contracts for solid waste and recycling collection in 2024. (Current trash and recycling contract ends March of 2024.)–CONSENSUS was staff will proceed with soliciting and evaluating bids, the plan being presenting the best bid to Council in February.

ITEM 21: Executive Session on City Manager, Municipal Judges, Municipal Prosecutor, City Attorney–1: UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED an amended addendum to City Manager Molis’ contract as to salary, new Lakeway address, and vehicle (per executive session agreement). 2—PASSED 4:3 (Szimanski, O’Brien, Forton against) appointment of Michele Locke as Presiding Judge.

ITEM 22: Executive Session on purchase, exchange, sale, value of Sailfish Park–NO ACTION TAKEN.

ADJOURNED 12:14AM. 

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/281580

Daring Mighty Things  

Situated in the Galactic Center 26,000 light years from Earth, Sagittarius C is a prime star-forming region with over 500,000 stars glittering across a blueish glowing backdrop.  (Image credit: NASA/ESA/CSA/STScI/Samuel Crowe/UVA.)  The new Webb telescope’s detailed images provide fresh info to astronomers worldwide.  James Webb Space Telescope sees major star factory near the Milky Way’s black hole 11/21/23  https://www.space.com/star-factory-galactic-center-james-webb-space-telescope

Astronaut Loral O’Hara’s family sent her turkey-themed socks for Thanksgiving, and she wore them while celebrating the holiday on the International Space Station.  The above image (credit: NASA/X) shows her in the socks, perching at the cupola window of the ISS with a Russian Soyuz spacecraft outside, all suspended over Earth. NASA astronaut celebrates Thanksgiving on ISS with turkey socks, Earth views 11/24/23 https://www.space.com/nasa-astronaut-iss-thanksgiving-turkey-socks

China’s space station is called Tiangong, which means  “Heavenly Palace.”  (Image credit: CMSE.)  The first module was launched  to low-Earth orbit in 2021.  Now complete with 3 connected modules, the 80-foot (55-meter) long station weighs 77 tons and is about 20% as large as the ISS.  It is typically home to  3 taikonauts (Chinese astronauts)  at a time, who conduct science experiments and space walks similar to the work done on the ISS.  China plans to add 3 more modules and double its size.  China releases 1st images of complete Tiangong space station 11/29/23 https://www.space.com/china-tiangong-space-station-shenzhou-16-photos

With liberty and justice for all … except women.   

Last week, the Texas Supreme Court heard oral arguments in a case challenging the state’s abortion ban.  (Image credit: Leila Saidane/The Texas Tribune.) Back in August, a District judge ruled that the state’s near-total abortion ban should not apply to medically complicated pregnancies; the state appealed that ruling, putting it on hold.  At issue is the exception to save the mother’s life.  Doctors performing abortions outside that exception are subject to large fines, loss of medical license and years in prison; as a result, many doctors and hospitals have refused to provide abortions, even in dire cases.  Several women and doctors filed this case, demanding clarification as to when an abortion is medically allowed.  Many of the plaintiffs were carrying wanted pregnancies that endangered their health or had no chance of viability outside of the womb. Two of them carried twins, with one developing a condition that endangered the other.  Similar suits are pending in TN, ID and OK.  The Texas Supreme Court ruling could come at any time, or as late as June.  Regardless of how this conservative court rules, the case will be appealed to the US Supreme Court.  Go here to watch a video of the Nov. 28 oral arguments in State of Texas v. Zurawski, as the AG’s office and plaintiffs’ counsel appeared before the Texas Supreme Court.  About 40 minutes long, it is largely questions from the justices and answers–or obvious evasions–by counsel, showing what is at stake here and how the court seems to be leaning.  The level of discourse is nowhere near that of US Supreme Court orals, but it is illuminating nonetheless. https://www.texasbarcle.com/cle/SCPlayer5.asp?sCaseNo=23-0629 Go here for an article on the Nov. 28 oral arguments. Texas Supreme Court considers abortion challenge 11/28/23 https://www.texastribune.org/2023/11/28/texas-supreme-court-abortion/

The stats are in, more than 1 year after the ultra-conservative US Supreme Court struck down Roe v. Wade’s 50 years of protection for reproductive freedom. Birth numbers INCREASED in all 13 states that banned abortion after Dobbs. Roughly 25% of women who might otherwise have chosen abortion did not do so.  Young, poor and minority women were most affected, particularly those living far from a state allowing abortion.  Texas had the largest increase in births, followed by Mississippi; both require long-distance travel for legal abortion.  Missouri showed the smallest increase in birth rate, likely due to easy abortion access in nearby Illinois.  Access to medication abortion pills from overseas was also relevant; records show few pills were mailed to Texas, likely to due to aggressive campaigns there touting the pills as illegal.  So, as expected, births increased in the 13 states that banned abortion, as the government forced women to reproduce.  BUT, nationwide, the rate of ABORTIONS also increased since Dobbs.  This seems to be due to the Biden administration’s response to Dobbs.  It set new rules allowing abortion pills to be prescribed via telemedicine, as a safe and easier alternative to a surgical procedure even in states allowing abortion.  This raised awareness of medication abortion as a possibility, bolstering telemed consults, insurance coverage, and more. So, overall, Dobbs and the far-right Supreme Court’s destruction of abortion rights under the Constitution resulted in MORE abortions in the US. Go here for a 25-minute podcast on all this: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/29/podcasts/the-daily/dobbs-abortions-roe.html

Back to me….  

I’m thrilled that Maxie, my dainty yet indomitable cat who turns 17 this month, got a good report at her vet check-up last week.  The recent chilly nights have resulted in my idea of a good time—all 3 girls bundled up with a blanket, keeping me warm as we doze on the couch.

BONUS—I got all my fall cleaning done right before Christmas decorating season hits.

Just had to share the above gem, which pairs the perfect quote with an adorable image. (Credit: The Dalai Lama and All God’s Creatures shelter in Beaumont. TX.)  It reminds me to be grateful that, after decades of barbaric and expensive killing, Lakeway no longer culls our deer herd (not since 2018). And, annual surveys show the number of deer is at a very manageable level AND gradually decreasing on its own, as our healthy and happy herd regulates itself.

Rut season continues.  Senior does preside over groups made up of their offspring from last spring and recent years.  Big bucks wander around trying to look important.  Here are some recent photos of our wonderful herd, starting with a young buck born last spring.

The Coronavirus   

As of Nov. 11, the New York Times correlated the CDC’s statistics for the US, showing a small uptick.  Across the country, a daily average of 4,089 people were being hospitalized for Covid-19, which is a 5% RISE over 2 weeks.  But, total hospitalizations only rose by 1% over that time. https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/us/covid-cases.html

REMINDER—If you haven’t gotten the updated Covid booster this fall, now is the time to do so.  This will protect you and your family during Christmas gathering and traveling. Shots are available at local pharmacies.

FREE TEST KITS are again available, from the feds.  Just go here and enter your name and mailing address to have 4 test kits sent to you, free of charge: https://www.covid.gov/tests

Recent Covid-19 Articles

—U.S. will again offer free at-home Covid tests starting Monday Nov. 27  11/21/23  https://www.cnbc.com/2023/09/20/us-will-again-offer-free-at-home-covid-tests-starting-monday.html

—Omicron, Now 2 Years Old, Is Not Done With Us Yet 11/21/22 https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/21/science/covid-omicron-variant.html

Here is what’s happening in Lakeway….

2024 SYMPHONY TICKETS on sale NOW

“A Night with the Austin Symphony Orchestra” concert with LTISD high school musicians is set for Sunday, March 3, 2024, at 4PM.

SANTA’S hot tip for a great gift: Early Bird tickets are on sale NOW–$50 / $30 / $15.  The VIP package is $200 (4 tickets, VIP Buffet Dinner on Saturday, March 2 where you will have the chance to meet the musicians, Maestro Peter Bay and other dignitaries).

Go here for info: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1960/A-Night-with-the-Austin-Symphony-Orchest

Artist Reception at Lakeway City Hall

On Monday, Nov. 20, 5:30-6:30PM, enjoy local art and light refreshments in the lobby/art gallery of City Hall (1102 Lohmans Crossing Rd.).  The local artist featured in November and December is Gordon Philipson.

Council meets Monday, Nov. 20, 6:30pm, at City Hall.

Consequential Agenda items include:  

ITEM 11:  Financial Report. 

ITEM 12: Citizens Participation for items not on the agenda. 

ITEM 13: Request by Special Olympics for $300,000 in Hotel Occupancy Tax funds. 

ITEM 14: Presentation on sales tax by Economic Development Committee. 

ITEM 15: Presentation on fiber service by Google Fiber. 

ITEM 16: Presentation on license plate readers by Police Chief Koen. 

ITEM 17: Discussion of the appointment of Zoning and Planning Commission members. 

ITEM 18: Discussion of parks bond. 

ITEM 19: Discussion of new contracts for solid waste and recycling collection in 2024. 

ITEM 21: Executive Session on City Manager, Municipal Judges, Municipal Prosecutor, and/or City Attorney.

ITEM 22: Executive Session on purchase, exchange, sale, value of Sailfish Park. 

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 (live or later): https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1062/Videos—Meetings-Events

Street Paving in November

Lakeway’s Public Works Department will be overseeing asphalt paving work on several local roadways in late November, weather permitting. Expect minor delays on and around the following streets:

Starting NOV. 20—Gebron Drive, Mettle Drive, Parker Bend, Kohler Trail, Strader Circle.

Starting  NOV. 27—Rocket, Medalist.

Lake Travis Democrats Club     

Nov. 28: Banned Book Club, 6:30PM at Lake Travis Community Library.This month’s book isCity of Thieves by David Benioff.

Movie Night: To Be Determined. Check https://www.laketravisdemocrats.com/ for updates.

CHRISTMAS Party: Join local Dems to celebrate the holidays and gear up to GO BIG in 2024!  The party will be on Tuesday, Dec. 19, 6PM, at the La Quinta in Lakeway.  BUT–tickets are available NOW at the DISCOUNTED Early Bird price of $25; in addition to a taco dinner with a dessert bar, there will be a silent auction, entertainment, and a donation bar.  Go here today to get your tickets: https://www.laketravisdemocrats.com/event-details/holiday-party-1

SAVE THE DATE: Jan. 16, 2024 Meeting: Speaker will be former Texas Representative Wendy Davis.  She is now the senior adviser to Planned Parenthood Texas Votes, which serves as Planned Parenthood’s political fundraising and advocacy arm.  All are invited to attend, 6:30PM, Lakeway Activity Center (105 Cross Creek).

TexArts Academy Series Productions

This Lakeway arts powerhouse produces a series of musical productions featuring its youngest performers.  Go here for info and tickets: https://www.tex-arts.org/our-season

Dec. 1-2: The Lightening Thief (grades 5-7) Dec. 8-10: Xanadu Jr. (grades 8-12)

Garden Club Mixer

On Thursday, Dec.7, 10:30-NOON, the Lakeway Garden Club hosts a mixer at the Lake Travis Community Library (1938 Lohmans Crossing).  Discuss waterwise gardening, native plants, and creating bountiful vegetable gardens.  FREE, with everyone welcome.  More info here: https://lakewaygardenclub.com/

Lakeway Parks Town Hall

On Thursday, Dec. 7, 6:30-8:30PM, Parks and Rec Dept. will present a Town Hall at the Activity Center.  Details will be provided on the several parks projects being considered for development throughout the city.  Come to ask questions and provide feedback, to help select the projects included in a parks bond to be voted on in 2024.

House Watch

If you are traveling over the holidays 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

Mayor Kilgore’s Facebook Update

The mayor gave a live update on Nov. 16.  Go here to watch: https://www.facebook.com/cityoflakeway/videos/3536489156599680

Engage and Heal Foundation

A local group is promoting mental health awareness, especially among our youth. Its mission is to erase the stigma and encourage conversations around mental health.  Foundation President Amelia Floyd and Vice President Tom Kilgore team up for a powerhouse presentation at area groups of all types; contact them via the site below to speak at YOUR upcoming meeting.

REMEMBER, the national SUICIDE/CRISIS hotline is now 988.  Call or text 988, 24/7/365. Consider joining/donating to this Foundation, because it is doing much-needed work right here in our community.  More Foundation info here: https://engageandheal.org/

Grandparents for Public Schools

A new and NON-PARTISAN local group is advocating for our public schools.  Members “of a certain age” are concerned about their grandkids’ education and are lobbying for the Texas Legislature to:

– Fully Fund Our Public Schools.
– Increase the Basic Allotment Per Student.
– Raise Teacher Pay.
– Reject Deceptive Voucher Schemes. More info here on how to get involved and make a difference for ALL of the school children in Texas: http://grandparentsforpublicschools.org/home.html

Nov. 7 Election RESULTS

PASSED–Lake Travis ISD bond package for $143 MILLION to fund expansion and upgrade of athletic facilities.

PASSED–Travis County Bond package.  Proposition A is $233 MILLION for roads.  Proposition B is $276 MILLION for parks. 

PASSED, all EXCEPT #13 which would have extended the age of serving judges–14 Propositions to Amend the Texas Constitution. 

Council met on Nov. 6.

RESULTS: All members attended the meeting, all in person.  

ITEM 5:  Parks Strategic Plan and Funding Discussion—8 proposed projects, costing nearly $29MIL, to be further explored at a Dec. 7 Town Hall.  NO ACTION WAS TAKEN.  All 8 proposed projects were reviewed in detail. (See the chart image, plus the Meeting Packet for full details.)  The City’s bond expert also provided info on putting a parks bond on the ballot in May or November of 2024, as well as the impact on the city’s tax rate. Staff was asked to provide details on each project, including cost of individual features in the projects and how the public rated the various projects in 2022. The bond expert was asked for more info, as well. 

ITEM 6: Comprehensive Plan Update (with funding of $250K).  NO ACTION WAS TAKEN.  The Mayor and Council Members provided input to the Comprehensive Plan Committee by answering 4 questions (Your vision for Lakeway?  How to improve the 2020 Comp Plan?  Goals for the update?  What does a Comp Plan update SUCCESS look like?)  Most committee members were in attendance and introduced themselves.  The committee’s work is expected to take 1-2 years.

ITEM 7: Revising the ordinances as to temporary signs/banners in commercial districts (so that government entities cluding schools, MUDs, and churches can display 2 temporary banners on their property to advertise special events). PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

ITEM 8: Discussion on creating a Youth Council.  NO ACTION WAS TAKEN.  Council Member Vance suggested the city create an advisory group of middle/high school students, in order to get input from the next generation of local leaders.  The consensus was to move forward with this idea.

ITEM 9: Executive Session on certain city employees: City Manager, City Attorney, Municipal Judges, and Municipal Prosecutor.  After adjourning into Executive Session at 10:02PM, Council returned at 12:10AM and UNANIMOUSLY approved the City Manager’s evaluation and compensation as discussed (in executive session).

 ADJOURNED at 12:11AM.

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/280317

Christmas Happenings

LTlov: Green Santa

Drop off donations at the Lake Travis Community Library (1938 Lohmans Crossing) by November 27th.  Green Santa provides gifts and toys to local Lake Travis children and families in need.  Suggestions include sports equipment, dolls, puzzles and games, gift cards, toddler toys, and art supplies. Cash donations are encouraged; payment can be made via check, credit card or Venmo.  Go here for several more drop off locations in/near Lakeway and for payment info: https://ltlov.org/

Lights On!

On Friday, Dec. 1, from 6-8PM, join all of Lakeway’s elvesfor the FIRST lighting of the Trail of Lights behind City Hall.  There will be food, games, and live Bluegrass music.  The fun will start in the parking lot at City Hall (corner of Sailmaster and Lohman’s), with Reindeer Games, cookie decorating and a marshmallow roast.  FREE event, but consider bringing a donation of non-perishable food items to benefit Lake Travis Crisis Ministries.  Santa and Mrs. Claus will be nearby to fire up the Trail of Lights display and chat with the good little boys and girls of Lakeway. No pets, please. Bicycles, scooters, skateboards and motorized vehicles are not permitted on the trail.  Event parking is available at the adjacent Lakeway Activity Center (105 Cross Creek).  Info here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1427/Lights-On

Trail of Lights

From Dec. 1-Jan. 1, 6PM to midnight, enjoy Lakeway’s own Trail of Lights.  The self-guided Christmas lights trail runs behind City Hall (corner of Sailmaster and Lohman’s).  Parking is available at the adjacent Lakeway Activity Center (105 Cross Creek).  FREE event.  Info here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/721/Trail-of-Lights

SingAlong Family Christmas Show

On Sunday, Dec. 3, attend either show, at 2P and at 4PM, at Lakeway Activity Center (105 Cross Creek)  The event is FREE WITH DONATION of an unwrapped gift – especially sports equipment and dolls – for a child up to age 17. These gifts will be distributed to qualified area families by LTlov Green Santa Program volunteers.  More info here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/Calendar.aspx?EID=4783&month=12&year=2023&day=3&calType=0

Grinch Movie

On Friday, Dec. 8, 6-8PM, watch the classic Dr. Seuss Grinch movie on the jumbo screen, at City Hall parking lot (corner of Sailmaster and Lohman’s). Plus–games, vendors, hot chocolate and see the Grinch himself. 

Nutcracker Dances

On Sunday, Dec. 10, 4-5PM, Lakeway Arts Committee presents a FREE performance of excerpts from the Nutcracker Ballet.by Metamorphosis Dance, at Lakeway Activity Center (105 Cross Creek).  More info here as the date approaches: https://lakewayartsdistrict.com/event/arts-in-the-afternoon-metamorphosis-dance-nutcracker/?instance_id=4555&_gl=1*gbb77s*_up*MQ..*_ga*MTIwMzYzNTczMy4xNjk2NjA3Nzc5*_ga_VZNV0ZBQKG*MTY5NjYwNzc3OC4xLjEuMTY5NjYwNzkzOS4wLjAuMA

Heritage Trail Bus Tours coming in January

Tours are on Friday, Jan. 26, 2024, at 9:15AM, 11:15AM, and 1:15PM, leaving from Lakeway City Hall.  These popular tours fill up fast, so make reservations NOW.  Got here for info and to sign up: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1171/Heritage-Trail

Daring Mighty Things 

With the US and several other countries pushing hard toward long-term, even permanent, expeditions to the moon, Mars and beyond, maybe it is time to study human reproduction in space.  (Image credit: George Wylesol.)  To date, there is little to no data on sex without gravity; weightlessness sounds fun but without a stable up and down, things could get …  frustrating.  And, how would gestation proceed in space?  What about delivering a baby?  How would it learn to walk and grow to maturity?  It isn’t just gravity issues—what about radiation out there in the black, without the protection of Earth’s atmosphere?  Space Billionaires Should Spend More Time Thinking About Sex  11/5/23 https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/05/opinion/space-billionaires-sex.html

The above image, taken Nov. 7, shows a stunning aurora borealis dancing over an iceberg off the coast of Greenland. (Image credit: Dennis Lehtonen.) 

The annual Leonid meteor shower is at its peak the weekend of Nov. 18, but it continues until Dec. 2.  (Image credit: Guy Ottewell.)  Leonid meteor shower: All you need to know in 2023 11/17/23  https://earthsky.org/astronomy-essentials/everything-you-need-to-know-leonid-meteor-shower/

“Rapid unscheduled disassembly.”  Also known as “ka-boom.”  After a disastrous initial test flight last spring, SpaceX finally got clearance from the FAA (and US Fish and Wildlife) for a 2^nd unmanned shot for its massive Starship.  Early on Nov. 18, Starship launched from South Texas.  (Image credit: SpaceX.)  However, the rocket’s massive Super Heavy booster soon exploded, with the upper-stage vehicle itself detonating before reaching its target altitude.  While the 1^st flight exploded within seconds of launch, flight #2 lasted about 6 minutes, which SpaceX calls a success.  The FAA, on the other hand, immediately launched an investigation. No word yet if Fish and Wildlife will be having another serious chat with Elon Musk….  SpaceX Starship megarocket launches on 2nd-ever test flight, explodes in ‘rapid unscheduled disassembly 11/18/23 https://www.space.com/spacex-starship-second-test-flight-launch-explodes

On Nov. 10, a Russian cargo ship docked to the International Space Station fired its engines for a 5 minute burn. The resulting jolt caused the sprawling yet fragile ISS to sail out of the away of a cloud of incoming space debris, tracked by NASA.  Highspeed debris could damage exterior equipment and puncture the walls of the football field-sized ISS, with catastrophic results. With an ever-increasing amount of junk caught in orbit around Earth, these maneuvers are happening more frequently each year.  (Image credit: NASA.) International Space Station dodges orbital debris hours before SpaceX cargo ship’s arrival 11/10/23 https://www.space.com/international-space-station-space-debris-spacex-dragon-spacecraft-arrival

Oops…. On Nov. 1, during a 7-hour spacewalk to accomplish several exterior repairs and adjustments, astronauts lost track of a tool bag, which drifted away.  (The tool bag is visible dead center of the right-hand photo above.) More space debris….  (Image credits—NASA.)  Two Astronauts Lost a Tool Bag in Space. It’s Not Alone. 11/13/23 https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/13/science/space/nasa-lost-tool-bag-spacewalk.html

Click on the link below to watch NASA’s one-minute time-lapse video, showing creation of the rocket boosters that will send astronauts to the moon in 2024.  (Image credit: NASA.)  Watch NASA build Artemis 2 astronaut moon rocket boosters ahead of 2024 launch 11/5/23  https://www.space.com/nasa-artemis-2-moon-rocket-booster-build-launch-work

The European Space Agency has a new robotic telescope in space.  Launched last July, it is sending home stunning images.  The above shot highlights the Perseus Galaxy Cluster, which is over 250 million lightyears away.  The background includes over 100,000 galaxies, that are up to 10 billion lightyears out.  (Image credit: ESA, Euclid Consortium, NASA; Processing: Jean-Charles Cuillandre, CEA Paris-Saclay & Giovani Anselmi.)  Euclid Telescope Dazzles With Detailed First Images of Our Universe 11/7/23  https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/07/science/euclid-telescope-photos.html

With liberty and justice for all … except women.

The Nov. 7 elections included abortion measures in 2 states. In BOTH–red-leaning Ohio and blue-leaning Virginia–residents voted for abortion access and reproductive freedom.  In Ohio, voters overwhelmingly passed a constitutional amendment keeping abortion legal until roughly 23 weeks of pregnancy.  In Virginia, Republicans tried to gain full control of the state legislature by running their candidates on a 15-week abortion ban; instead, voters demanded better, bolstering the Democratic majority in the state Senate AND flipping the state House blue.  Since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, all 7 states voting on the issue have chosen to protect or expand abortion rights.

Back to me….  

I took some time off and had a forever friend visit from Michigan.  We did day-trips around the Hill Country, which was a ton of fun.  BONUS–we got a BIG head-start on our Christmas shopping….

Remember the panda born at The National Zoo in 2020?  Watching live cam and videos of little Xiao (AKA Biscuit) helped a lot of people get through the pandemic, and I included updates here in the blog for his first year and beyond.  He is now a big boy and, along with both parents, recently returned to China.  All pandas in American zoos, including those born here, still belong to China and were only on loan to us; per existing treaty, they are all going back to China.  (As of now, the Atlanta Zoo still has 4 pandas, but they are leaving soon.)  The National Zoo’s panda program is ending after more than 50 years as China looks elsewhere 11/7/23 https://www.cnn.com/2023/11/08/world/panda-diplomacy-us-china/index.html

The good news is that “panda diplomacy” may not be over after all.  Recent negotiations between the US and China on international issues have softened, as indicated by a tentative offer from China made this week to loan pandas to the US again soon.  Take heart, it looks like China could send new pandas to the US 11/16/23 https://apnews.com/article/xi-jinping-pandas-apec-94420197473c4152d6a2ce054c725873

Our deer herd is still sharply divided, thanks to rut season.  The does and their youngsters born in the last couple years hang out together in clusters.  And, the odd buck struts around in solitary splendor. 

Here are some recent photos of our herd.

The Coronavirus   

As of Oct. 28, the New York Times correlated the CDC’s statistics for the US, showing just the slightest uptick.  Across the country, a daily average of 3,871 people were being hospitalized for Covid-19, which is a 2% RISE over 2 weeks.  But, TOTAL hospitalizations DROPPED 4% over that time. https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/us/covid-cases.html

Recent Covid-19 Articles

–“People aren’t thinking about us”: How new ban on COVID-19 vaccine mandates impacts medically-vulnerable Texans 11/13/23 https://www.texastribune.org/2023/11/13/texas-disabled-covid-vaccine-ban/

–Can’t Think, Can’t Remember: More Americans Say They’re in a Cognitive Fog—LONG COVID as major cause 11/13/23 https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/13/upshot/long-covid-disability.html

–I Just Got Over Covid but Still Feel Awful 11/7/23 https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/07/well/covid-symptoms-sick.html

–Some Covid Vaccines Are Still Hard to Find 11/6/23 https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/06/well/live/covid-vaccines-novavax.html

May Ukraine Have Peaceful Skies Again.

Here is what’s happening in Lakeway…. 

Council meets Monday, Nov. 6

Lakeway Special Council Meeting on Monday, November 6, 6:30pm, at City Hall. 

Consequential Agenda items include:  

ITEM 5:  Parks Strategic Plan and Funding Discussion—8 proposed projects, costing nearly $29MIL, to be further explored at a Dec. 7 Town Hall. 

ITEM 6: Comprehensive Plan Update (with funding of $250K). 

ITEM 7: Revising the ordinances as to temporary signs/banners in commercial districts. 

ITEM 8: Discussion on creating a Youth Council. 

ITEM 9: Executive Session on certain city employees: City Manager, City Attorney, Municipal Judges, and Municipal Prosecutor. 

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 (live or later): https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1062/Videos—Meetings-Events

Election Day: Tuesday, Nov. 7

LOCAL VOTING LOCATIONS:

Lakeway Activity Center (105 Cross Creek), Lake Travis ISD Education Development Center (607 RM 620 N.), Bee Cave City Hall (4000 Galleria Parkway). 

BALLOT ITEMS:

— Lake Travis ISD bond package for $143 MILLION to fund expansion and upgrade of athletic facilities for the existing middle and high school campuses as well as the district’s second high school.  This Community Impact article has details: https://communityimpact.com/austin/lake-travis-westlake/education/2023/08/30/lake-travis-isd-bond-election-to-determine-future-of-district-athletic-facilities/ 

—Travis County Bond package.  Proposition A is $233 MILLION for roads.  Proposition B is $276 MILLION for parks. This Community Impact article has details: https://communityimpact.com/austin/central-austin/government/2023/08/17/travis-county-residents-to-vote-on-5095m-bond-package-for-roads-parks-this-november/ 

—14 Propositions to Amend the Texas Constitution. This Texas Tribune article has good info on all 14 propositions: https://www.texastribune.org/2023/09/15/texas-constitutional-amendment-voter-guide/

Puzzle Exchange

On Saturday, Nov. 11, 10:30-11:30AM, take your gently used jigsaw puzzles to Lake Travis Community Library and swap them for other puzzles that are new to you.

Lakeway’s Veterans Day Observance

On Saturday, Nov. 11, at 11 AM, Lakeway gathers at Lake Travis Performing Arts Center (3324 RR 620 South) to honor military veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces.  Hosted by Mayor Kilgore, the ceremony will feature patriotic music and remarks by guest speaker T. “Jerry” Curtis, COL (R) USAF.  More info here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1426/Veterans-Day-Ceremony

TexArts Academy Series Productions

This Lakeway arts powerhouse produces a series of musical productions featuring its youngest performers.  Go here for info and tickets: https://www.tex-arts.org/our-season

Nov. 11-12:  Finding Nemo Kids (grades 1-4)

Dec. 1-2: The Lightening Thief (grades 5-7)

Dec. 8-10: Xanadu Jr. (grades 8-12)

Lake Travis Democrats Club     

CHRISTMAS Party: Join local Dems to celebrate the holidays and gear up to GO BIG in 2024!  The party will be on Tuesday, Dec. 19, 6PM, at the La Quinta in Lakeway.  BUT–tickets are available NOW at the DISCOUNTED Early Bird price of $25; in addition to a taco dinner, there will be a silent auction, entertainment, and a donation bar.  Go here today to get your tickets: https://www.laketravisdemocrats.com/event-details/holiday-party-1

Nov. 14: Monthly Meeting, 6:30PM at Lakeway Activity Center.  (Yes, that is a week early, to avoid the busy Thanksgiving week.)  The speaker will be Texas House Representative James Talarico.

Nov. 28: Banned Book Club, 6:30PM at Lake Travis Community Library. This month’s book is City of Thieves by David Benioff. 

Movie Night: To Be Determined. Check https://www.laketravisdemocrats.com/ for updates.

Happy Hour: Cancelled for December.  But, the event will return to The Sonesta’s Meridian 98 bar in early January.

2024 SYMPHONY TICKETS for sale starting Nov. 15

A Night With The Austin Symphony Orchestra” concert with LTISD high school musicians is set for Sunday, March 3, 2024, at 4PM.

SANTA’S hot tip for a great Christmas gift: Early Bird tickets go on sale Wed., Nov. 15 at $50 / $30 / $15.  The VIP package is $200 (4 tickets, VIP Buffet Dinner on Saturday, March 2 where you will have the chance to meet the musicians, Maestro Peter Bay and other dignitaries).

Go here for info: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1960/A-Night-with-the-Austin-Symphony-Orchest

DONATE BLOOD

The next blood drive at Lakeway Activity Center is on Saturday, Nov. 18, 8AM-noon.  The event is always well organized, clean and friendly.  You will be done and out the door in 30 minutes. It is an important cause and helps countless people, ESPECIALLY NEEDED OVER THE HOLIDAYS. Plus—FREE JUICE AND COOKIES!

While walk-ins are welcome, those with appointments have priority. You can see upcoming dates and make an appointment to donate by entering your zip code here– https://weareblood.org/donor/schedule/

Artist Reception at Lakeway City Hall

On Monday, Nov. 20, 5:30-6:30PM, enjoy local art and light refreshments in the lobby/art gallery of City Hall (1102 Lohmans Crossing Rd.).  The local artist featured in November and December is Gordon Philipson.

Christmas Happenings

Lights On!

On Friday, Dec. 1, from 6-8PM, join all of Lakeway’s elves for the FIRST lighting of the Trail of Lights behind City Hall.  There will be food, games, and live Bluegrass music.  The fun will start in the parking lot at City Hall (corner of Sailmaster and Lohman’s), with Reindeer Games, cookie decorating and a marshmallow roast.  FREE event, but consider bringing a donation of non-perishable food items to benefit Lake Travis Crisis Ministries.  Santa and Mrs. Claus will be nearby to fire up the Trail of Lights display and chat with the good little boys and girls of Lakeway. No pets, please.  Bicycles, scooters, skateboards and motorized vehicles are not permitted on the trail.  Event parking is available at the adjacent Lakeway Activity Center (105 Cross Creek).  Info here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1427/Lights-On

Trail of Lights

From Dec. 1-Jan. 1, 6PM to midnight, enjoy Lakeway’s own Trail of Lights.  The self-guided Christmas lights trail runs behind City Hall (corner of Sailmaster and Lohman’s).  Parking is available at the adjacent Lakeway Activity Center (105 Cross Creek).  FREE event.  Info here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/721/Trail-of-Lights

Sing Along’s Family Christmas Show

On Sunday, Dec. 3, attend either show, at 2P and at 4PM, at Lakeway Activity Center (105 Cross Creek)  The event is FREE WITH DONATION of an unwrapped gift – especially sports equipment and dolls – for a child up to age 17. These gifts will be distributed to qualified area families by LTlov Green Santa Program volunteers.  More info here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/Calendar.aspx?EID=4783&month=12&year=2023&day=3&calType=0

Grinch Movie

On Friday, Dec. 8, 6-8PM, watch the classic Dr. Seuss Grinch movie on the jumbo screen, at City Hall parking lot (corner of Sailmaster and Lohman’s). Plus–games, vendors, hot chocolate and see the Grinch himself. 

Nutcracker Dances

On Sunday, Dec. 10, 4-5PM, Lakeway Arts Committee presents a FREE performance of excerpts from the Nutcracker Ballet.by Metamorphosis Dance, at Lakeway Activity Center (105 Cross Creek).  More info here as the date approaches: https://lakewayartsdistrict.com/event/arts-in-the-afternoon-metamorphosis-dance-nutcracker/?instance_id=4555&_gl=1*gbb77s*_up*MQ..*_ga*MTIwMzYzNTczMy4xNjk2NjA3Nzc5*_ga_VZNV0ZBQKG*MTY5NjYwNzc3OC4xLjEuMTY5NjYwNzkzOS4wLjAuMA

Daring Mighty Things 

Read up on the features visible in the night sky during all of November. (Image credit: Future.)  Night sky, November 2023: What you can see tonight  11/1/23 https://www.space.com/16149-night-sky.html

Space Perspective will soon be ferrying tourists 19 miles up into the atmosphere.  The Spaceship Neptune capsule holds 8 people and is carried aloft by balloons in a 6-hour flight.  In order to help justify the $125K ticket price,  the company is promoting its “space spa bathroom … featuring enhanced sound and odor control.”  (Image credit: Space Perspective.)  Space Perspective unveils ‘Space Spa’ restroom for balloon tourist flights 10/22/23 https://www.space.com/space-perspective-unveils-spaceship-neptune-restroom-images

The FAA has finally cleared SpaceX to launch its Spaceship again, after multiple malfunctions on its inaugural (and, happily, with no crew aboard) test flight from a South Texas launch pad last spring. But, another federal agency is still holding up the next unmanned test flight.  In order to prevent a repeat of the damage caused by the high-combustion launch and the massive hail of debris from the very messy self-destruct detonation, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is requiring Space X to complete an updated Biological Assessment under the Endangered Species Act. (Image credit: SpaceX via Twitter.)  FAA wraps up safety review of SpaceX’s huge Starship rocket 10/31/23 https://www.space.com/faa-finishes-spacex-starship-safety-review

With liberty and justice for all … except women   

The Nov. 7 elections include abortion measures in 2 states. Since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade last year, abortion rights prevailed with voters in all 6 states—both red and blue—with abortion on the ballot.  In red-leaning Ohio, there is a ballot measure amending the state’s Constitution to provide the right for every person to “make and carry out one’s own reproductive decisions” before a fetus is viable outside the womb (usually around 23 or 24 weeks of pregnancy).  In blue-leaning Virginia, the proposal is a 15-week abortion ban with exceptions for rape, incest and the life (but not health) of the mother.  Voting on Abortions 11/2/23 https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/02/briefing/abortion-access-ohio-vote.html

Conservatives are trying various strategies to keep abortion initiatives off the ballot. Failing that, they are resorting to dirty tricks. Voters in at Least 10 States Are Trying to Protect Abortion Rights. GOP Officials Are Throwing Up Roadblocks. 10/24/23 https://www.propublica.org/article/abortion-rights-ballot-initiatives-state-law

Women drove across several states to reach open clinics or they navigated the telemedicine process to obtain abortion pills.  One way or the other, the abortion rate did NOT decrease in the year after Roe fell. In fact, it rose very slightly.  (Image credit: WeCount.)  Despite State Bans, Legal Abortions Didn’t Fall Nationwide in Year After Dobbs 10/24/23  https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/24/upshot/abortion-numbers-dobbs.html

Back to me….  

My new passport arrived, and I’m having some work done around the house.  Plus, I’m planning a little vacation and doing an inordinate amount of retail therapy.  Finally, loving the cooler temps and–finally–RAIN!

Our deer love the chilly days and even the rain.  This year’s fawns are all grown up, just slightly shorter and thinner than the adults; of course, the boys just have wee nubs for antlers now.  The does and the youngsters stick together, with bucks stomping around singly, due to rut season.

Here are some recent photos of our herd.

The Coronavirus   

As of Oct. 14, the New York Times correlated the CDC’s statistics for the US, showing the summer numbers continuing to fall.  Across the country, a daily average of 3,827 people were being hospitalized for Covid-19, which is a 12% DROP over 2 weeks.  https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/us/covid-cases.html

Recent Covid-19 Articles 

—A new Covid variant has become dominant amid slow uptake of the updated shots 10/27/23 https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/new-covid-variant-dominant-slow-vaccine-uptake-rcna122361

—Vaccine data shows rates for latest COVID-19 booster is ‘abysmal’, only 7 percent of U.S. adults with shot  10/27/23  https://www.pbs.org/newshour/health/vaccine-data-shows-rates-for-latest-covid-19-booster-is-abysmal-only-7-percent-of-u-s-adults-with-shot

—It’s Covid Season. What Are the New Rules for Staying Safe? 10/25/23  https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/25/well/live/covid-symptoms-testing-treatment.html