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