Here is what is happening in Lakeway.
Art at the Library
During the month of January, local artist Lynn Zwern’s contemporary impressionistic watercolors will be on display in the meeting room of Lake Travis Community Library (1938 Lohmans Crossing).
Citizens Police Academy—registration open NOW
Register NOW for Lakeway Police Department’s 2025 Citizen’s Police Academy, starting on Feb. 25, with classes Tuesday evenings, from 6-9pm, through May 13. The program is a 30-hour block of instruction giving the public a working knowledge of law enforcement and the department’s policies and operational practices. Police officers, supervisors and civilian personnel cover a different area of police work each week. The objective of the Lakeway Citizens Police Academy is building a better understanding between citizens and the police department through education. Class is limited to 30 people, a background check is required, and the program is free of charge. [NOTE: I did this course last spring and recommend it to anyone interested in how the Lakeway Police Dept. works. A plus is that, as an Academy Alum, you will have the opportunity to volunteer for various roles supporting law enforcement.] Go here for more info and to sign up: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1378/Citizens-Police-Academy
Cool, Comms, Collected Workshop Series starts Jan. 22 at the Library.
A series of 5 weekly workshops will start on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 5:30-7:00PM, at Lake Travis Community Library (1938 Lohmans Crossing). FREE event! Open to adults plus kids 5th grade and up, the interactive workshops offer unique inter-generational activities centered around shifting how we interact with fellow classmates, co-workers, and local residents. Skills to be developed include communication, leadership, teamwork, and personal growth. The leader is Lakeway resident Stephanie Threinen, and the schedule is:
- Jan. 22 Curiosity: Never Be Bored Again!
- Feb. 26 The Art of Storytelling
- March 26 Active Listening is a Superpower
- April 23 Popping Bubbles: Collaborative Problem Solving
- May 28 Fire + Ice: Conflict Management
For more information about this series, email Stephanie Threinen at coolcommscollected@gmail.com or go here: https://laketravislibrary.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/cool-comms-collected-5/
Wildfire Prevention begins at home.
Worried about wildfire risk here in Lakeway? Lake Travis Fire and Rescue offers FREE risk assessment of your property. An expert comes and walks the exterior of your home with you, discussing problem areas and solutions, then following up with a written assessment. [I did this a few years back and found it very helpful.] Sign up for your free assessment today by emailing wildfire@ltfr.org In addition, City of Lakeway has a wildfire page with a lot of good info and resources to explore: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/235/Wildfire-Readiness
Special Olympics needs volunteers.
The Special Olympics Texas Winter Games returns to the Lake Travis area Feb. 14-16. If you’re interested in volunteering to help with the events, go here: https://www.sotx.org/become-a-volunteer
Art at City Hall
During January and February, the City Hall Art Gallery (1102 Lohmans Crossing, open 8AM-5PM weekdays) features local artist Guy Burchak. Meet the artist on Tues., Jan. 21, 5:30PM during a reception in the lobby before that evening’s Council meeting. Go here for info on the display and about how to apply to present your own art at this venue: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/2040/City-Hall-Art-Gallery
Garage Sale at LAC—member registration opens Jan. 21
REGISTER early to get a booth at the first Lakeway indoor garage sale of 2025, happening on Sat., March 15, 8AM-noon, at Lakeway Activity Center. LAC members can register starting Jan. 21; cost is $30. Non-members can register starting Feb. 4; cost is $35. For info and registration, go here and click on the Garage Sale tab: https://secure.rec1.com/TX/lakeway-tx/catalog
Council and Mayor applications now accepted
City of Lakeway is now accepting applications from residents to run for Mayor and for Council (3 seats available). These are volunteer/non-salaried positions with a 2-year term. Deadline to file is Feb. 14. Our local election is on May 3. Go here to review the Candidate Packet, including the application needed to apply: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/2227/Candidate-Packet
Mayor Kilgore’s Online Update
The mayor gave a live update on Jan. 15. Go here to watch: https://www.facebook.com/cityoflakeway/videos/1292232385320385
Council Meets on MONDAY, Jan. 27 (delayed from Jan. 21 due to weather), 6:30PM at City Hall.
UPDATE–Meeting moved to Jan. 27 due to weather.
Lakeway Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 21, 6:30pm, at City Hall, will look at a housing development putting 82 homes on 13 acres on Kollmeyer Drive, placing 6 Charter amendments on the ballot, limiting sidewalk use, banning heavy trucks from Flint Rock Road and Serene Hills Drive, calling the City Elections for May 3, and more. Consequential Agenda items include:
ITEM 13: Financial Report
ITEM 14: Citizens Participation for Items NOT on the Agenda
ITEM 15: Update/Discussion as to the Economic Development Committee’s BUY LOCAL Campaign
ITEM 16: Request to change zoning of 13.36 acres located at 15115 Kollmeyer Drive from Agricultural and R-6/SF Residential to Planned Unit Development/PUD, in order to build 82 single family homes. NOTE: Last October, ZAPCO reviewed the developer’s initial plan of 130 homes and voted unanimously to recommend denial of approval. ZAPCO reviewed this second plan for 82 homes on Jan. 5 and voted 4:3 to recommend approval.
ITEM 17: First Reading of ordinance change limiting sidewalk use to pedestrians, bicycles, electric bicycles, and electric personal assistive mobility devices.
ITEM 18: First reading of ordinance making it an offense to operate heavy trucks on Flint Rock Road and Serene Hills Drive, with some exceptions and a fine of $500.
ITEM 23: Discussion and possible action as to 6 proposed City Charter amendments, with new language and some alternate options provided by the City Attorney. NOTE: As discussed at recent Council meetings, the 6 changes Council may place on the May ballot for residents to approve or disapprove are:
- Prop A Eliminating City Treasurer;
- Prop B Eliminating City Building Commission;
- Prop C Eliminating Board of Ethics;
- Prop D Changing how members are appointed to ZAPCO (the only standing Commission/Board left if Prop B and C eliminate CBC and Ethics), as well as how long members serve and how they can be removed, with the primary change being giving each Council Member the power to appoint a ZAPCO member instead of the Mayor appointing all of them subject to Council approval as is now the case. [NOTE: This one has 3 alternate versions, so the City Attorney’s Prop D chart is attached.];
- Prop E Having the City Manager review Police Department policy and procedure changes instead of Council as is now the case; and
- Prop F Allowing the City Manager to live anywhere within Lake Travis Independent School District boundaries, instead of within City of Lakeway as is now the case.
ITEM 24: Ordering a General Election on May 3, to elect the Mayor and 3 Council Members.
ITEM 25: Ordering a Special Election on May 3, to reauthorize a local sales and use tax in the City of Lakeway at the rate of one fourth of one percent (1/4%) to provide revenue for maintenance and repair of municipal streets.
ITEM 26: Ordering a Special Election on May 3, to revise the City Charter.
ITEMS 28/29: Executive Sessions on legal intervention as to West Austin Business Park and on legal issues related to City Center.
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
Check https://www.laketravisdemocrats.com/ for club activities each month.
- CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER. Monthly Meeting: Tue., Jan. 21, 6:30PM at Lakeway Activity Center (105 Cross Creek). Speakers will be Brian Pena (President of the UT Democrats) and Robert Norris (President of Grandparents for Public Schools).
- Banned Book Club: Tue., Jan. 28, 6:30PM at Lake Travis Community Library (1938 Lohmans Crossing). The book is I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou.
Brown Bag Concert Lunch
On Thursday, Jan. 23, from noon-1PM, bring your lunch and drop by the Lakeway Activity Center (105 Cross Creek) to enjoy the Lake Travis Fiddlers. FREE event!
Freaky Friday:The Musical
From Jan. 30 through Feb. 3, at 7PM, Lake Travis Fine Arts presents Disney’s Freaky Friday: The Musical. Location is Lake Travis Performing Arts Center (3324 RR 620 South). Go here for info and tickets: https://www.ltisdschools.org/departments/fine-arts-academic-enrichment
Pave the Way at LAC—deadline is Jan. 31
A commemorative tile in the Lakeway Activity Center courtyard is a great way to honor a loved one, a special occasion or a valued group, even advertise a business. Deadline to order ‘Pave The Way’ tiles this winter is January 31, 2025. Call for info: 512-261-1010.
Black History Month Story Walk
During February, take a walk along City Hall Trail (1102 Lohmans Crossing Rd.) and read about the significant contributions African Americans have made to America, celebrating Black History Month. Exhibit officially opens on Jan. 31.
TexArts Productions
TexArts has 2025 productions scheduled, presented at its NEW theater located in the heart of Lakeway at 1110 Ranch Road 620 South. Go here for details and to buy tickets: https://www.tex-arts.org/upcoming-productions
- Feb. 14-March 2: Tick, Tick … Boom!
- July 11-Aug. 10: Bye Bye Birdie
Brown Bag Concert Lunch
On Thursday, Feb. 13, from noon-1PM, bring your lunch and drop by the Lakeway Activity Center (105 Cross Creek) to enjoy A Capella Texas, offering up world-class harmonies. FREE event!
Austin Symphony tickets make a great VALENTINES Day gift…
TICKETS NOW ON SALE for “A Night with the Austin Symphony Orchestra.” This will be Lakeway’s 5th annual collaborative concert experience featuring members of the Austin Symphony Orchestra and talented musicians with the Lake Travis High School Band and Orchestra. Concert is on Sunday, April 6, 2025, at 4PM, at the Lake Travis Performing Arts Center (3324 Ranch Rd 620 South). Info and tickets here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1960/A-Night-with-the-Austin-Symphony-Orchest
The Odd Couple—tickets on sale Jan. 27 to LAC members
The Lakeway Players present their “female version” of Neil Simon’s classic play The Odd Couple, running Feb. 27-Mar. 1, at Lakeway Activity Center (105 Cross Creek). Tickets go on sale Jan. 27 to LAC members, Feb. 3 for non-members. Bring your own dinner; doors open 6:30PM, with the curtain rising at 7:30PM. Go here for info and tickets: https://www.thelakewayplayers.com/
Sunday Concert Series–SungEun Park on Piano
On Sunday, March 2, 4PM, pianist SungEun Park performs at Lakeway Activity Center (105 Cross Creek). She has extensively performed as a solo pianist and chamber musician throughout Korea, Italy and the United States. FREE event!
Heritage Trail Bus Tours—register NOW to ride in March
Registration is OPEN for the next FREE historical bus tours taking place Friday, March 28 at 10 AM, noon, and 2 PM. Tours begin and end at Lakeway City Hall. Start with a tour of the historic Liebelt Cabin, before boarding a bus (featuring restrooms). Tours covering around 20 historical locations are narrated by a member of the Lakeway Heritage Committee, in about an hour. More info here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1171/Heritage-Trail
SCAM ALERT—Virtual Kidnapping Scam in Lakeway
On Jan. 6, Lakeway police officers were flagged down by a frantic citizen who said he was on the phone with someone who had kidnapped his child and was making demands. Officers were able to determine quickly that the resident’s family members were all safe. According to police, this was a “virtual kidnapping scam,” which is a fraud scheme designed to exploit a parent’s fear for their child’s safety. Very likely, the caller was attempting to obtain monetary benefit. The matter is under investigation. Lakeway residents are reminded to be cautious of unusual phone calls from unknown sources. You can always reach out to the Lakeway Police Department if you receive an unusual, threatening or suspicious phone call by contacting at (512) 261-2800. More info here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/civicalerts.aspx?AID=2005
Need a RIDE? Want to VOLUNTEER to drive seniors?
Chariot is a FREE service providing rides (for medical appointments and grocery shopping) to non-driving folks age 60 and over. Chariothas been operating across Central Texas (including Lakeway!) since 1988. Riders must be mobile to use the service; wheelchairs cannot be accommodated. Mission statement: “Chariot enriches lives and communities by providing transportation and socialization to non-driving seniors, helping them to age in place.” Volunteer drivers, who must be over 21 with a high school diploma or higher plus a valid driver’s license, are critical to Chariot’s success and use their own vehicles. Click this link or call 512-445-5552 for info and to either set up a ride or volunteer as a driver: https://chariot.org/
Daring Mighty Things
There’s a new camera in town. Well, it is in Chile, actually. The Dark Energy Camera (with the cool nickname of DECam), captures stunning images of galaxies that are far, far away. The above image by DECam shows the Antila Cluster, which is about 130 million light-years from Earth. (Image credit: Dark Energy Survey.) Dark Energy Camera captures thousands of galaxies in stunning image 1/6/25 https://www.space.com/the-universe/galaxies/dark-energy-camera-captures-thousands-of-galaxies-in-stunning-image
In the wee hours of Jan. 16, Blue Origin launched its first New Glenn rocket from Cape Canaveral. (Image credit: Miguel J. Rodríguez Carrillo/Getty Images.) The unmanned mission was considered a success after just 12 minutes, when the rocket’s upper stage reached orbit. However, the second step, landing the reusable first stage on a ship in the Atlantic Ocean, failed. Assuming progress over the next couple years, New Glenn’s reusable first stage could compete with SpaceX’s Falcon 9. New Origin is owned by Amazon billionaire Jeff Bezos. And, of course, the New Glenn rocket is named after John Glenn, the first American astronaut to orbit Earth. Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin launches massive New Glenn rocket into orbit on 1st flight 1/17/25 https://www.space.com/space-exploration/launches-spacecraft/jeff-bezos-blue-origin-launches-massive-new-glenn-rocket-into-orbit-on-1st-flight-video
The 7th test flight of Starship was a disaster for SpaceX. Luckily, this was an unmanned flight. The mega-rocket launched from Boca Chica, Texas, late afternoon on Jan. 16, heading eastward. The booster dropped away and returned to the launchpad, where it was caught by two mechanical arms on the launch tower. But, the ship itself soon exploded. Instead of a 1-hour flight (including deploying several dummy satellites) before splashing down into the Indian Ocean, the upper-stage spacecraft abruptly disintegrated into an enormous debris field just 8 minutes after launch. (Image credit: Marcus Haworth, via Reuters.) The FAA had to ground flights and divert aircraft, warning pilots about a “dangerous area for falling debris of rocket Starship.” Dozens of flights diverted, delayed after FAA warned of SpaceX rocket debris 1/16/25 https://www.cnbc.com/2025/01/16/dozens-of-flights-diverted-delayed-after-faa-warned-of-spacex-rocket-debris-.html?campaign_id=4&emc=edit_dk_20250117&instance_id=145001&nl=dealbook®i_id=122311001&segment_id=188511&user_id=85e9340cba19164d75f3915211a487be
With liberty and justice for all … except women.
Texas far-right Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk (shown above) strikes again. (Image Credit: US District Court, N. District of Texas.) His court has long been known as the best place to file ultra-conservative lawsuits. The Amarillo District Judge was blisteringly overruled by the US Supreme Court back in 2024, when it said he erroneously allowed anti-abortion doctors (including a dentist) to bring a case in his court despite their obviously lacking standing to sue. Now, Kacsmaryk is allowing 3 states–Idaho, Kansas and Missouri—to use his court for their attacks against abortion. Kacsmaryk doesn’t bother explaining how those states can sue in a Texas court, instead of using their own courts. They demand the Food and Drug Administration prohibit telehealth prescriptions for abortion drugs, require THREE in-person office visits to a doctor before getting a prescription, and limit pills use to the first 7 weeks of pregnancy (instead of the current 10 weeks). Texas judge says states can revive challenge to abortion pill access nationwide 1/17/25 https://apnews.com/article/abortion-pill-mifepristone-telehealth-weeks-judge-03706a1e95fc7725684be582a00a6700
This clear and informative 3-minute video is something every woman of child-bearing age should watch. If you’re pregnant, here is what you should know about the medical procedures that could save your life, especially if you live in an abortion-ban state. 1/4/25 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=COzhr3EO8bc
In Washington state, a small pilot program has PHARMACISTS prescribing abortion pills. (Image credit: Jackie Molloy for The New York Times.) Other states are preparing to start their own such programs, trying to accommodate not only their own residents’ needs but those of people living in red states with abortion bans. Currently, 40 states allow pharmacists to prescribe some medications, and they are trained to do so. Since states regulate this, federal law cannot directly intervene, even when Washington, DC, is controlled by Republicans. However, Trump’s incoming FDA chief might create regulations allowing only doctors to prescribe mifepristone, the first pill in the two-drug medication abortion regimen. Either way, expect litigation. Abortion Pills Prescribed by Pharmacists Are Newest Effort in Abortion Fight 1/7/25 https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/07/health/abortion-pills-pharmacist-prescribe.html
Back to me….
Hope everyone is ready for the winter interlude that is forecast for Lakeway, starting pretty much now and extending through the coming week. One night dipping below freezing is fine, but we tend to get into trouble when there are several nights in a row like that. Plus–wintry mix is coming our way, so forget about getting on the roads until temps warm up considerably. Lots of helpful info here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/civicalerts.aspx?AID=2013
The wildfire devastation in California is haunting. If you can, consider donating to help the injured animals. Greater Good makes it easy, fast and secure. https://theanimalrescuesite.com/products/urgent-help-pets-injured-by-deadly-wildfires-fundraiser-gtgm?_gl=1*1ffic2d*_gcl_au*OTMwMTM4Mjk1LjE3MzE1MjY4NzU.*_ga*NzM5Mjg5MTkwLjE2OTQwODg5Nzg.*_ga_91Y25D7P28*MTczNzIxMjg0Mi4zNDYuMS4xNzM3MjE2MTAzLjAuMC4w
On Jan. 6, Washington DC had a major snowstorm. (Image credits: Smithsonian National Zoo.) At least a couple new residents were pleased. The Smithsonian’s National Zoo posted this 1-minute video, showing giant pandas Bao Li and Qing Bao playing in the snow. Still acclimating to their new home, the pair makes their public debut to zoo visitors on Jan. 24. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebcCgSRobc4
Here are some photos of our deer herd that I took in the last couple weeks in Old Lakeway.
Coronavirus Update
Covid-19 activity is hard to gauge right now, since CDC charts have not been uniformly updated. On data updated as of Jan. 11, testing showed a slight drop, while deaths were rising. ER visits are only updated as of Jan. 4, showing a plateau then. Hospitalizations show a rise, but that data is from Dec. 28. https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#datatracker-home
As of Jan. 11, national wastewater viral remained at HIGH levels. Texas as a state still tested LOW. https://www.cdc.gov/nwss/index.html
Last fall’s edition of the Covid-19 vaccine is available in local pharmacies. This new vaccine was formulated to work against recent variants, so everyone is urged to get vaccinated. Consider getting it along with your annual flu shot. Check with your doctor or pharmacist for the best timing, if you recently had Covid or recently got vaccinated. If you want to be protected this winter, start here: https://www.heb.com/pharmacy/vaccinations
NYTimes recently published a new article on Covid at this time. Experts predict this winter will see the usual surge of Covid cases. A new variant, called XEC, is causing nearly half of Covid cases in America. Happily, XEC is very similar to the past variants that the current vaccine was designed to fight, so if you get the updated shot you are well protected this winter. Covid symptoms remain much the same: exhaustion, cough, congestion, fever, sore throat, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, shortness of breath, head and body aches, plus loss of the sense of taste or smell. If you have symptoms, experts advise taking a home test; if it is negative but symptoms persist, take a second test in 48 hours. Paxlovid is still the usual treatment for Covid, but doctors have other options now. Covid remains lethal to some patients, and Long Covid still incapacitates many others. What to Know About Covid Right Now 1/15/25 https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/15/well/covid-symptoms-test-vaccine.html