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Lake Travis Westlake Edition VOLUME 14, ISSUE 9 OCT. 24 NOV. 17, 2023
‘Last chance’ to preserve green space
Travis County leaders are seeking to acquire land near Hamilton Pool, Lake Travis, Cow Creek and others before more natural land is used for development or prices in ate.
COURTESY TRAVIS COUNTY PARKS COMMUNITY IMPACT
Travis County’s $509M bond aims to improve roads and parks, acquire parkland to protect as green space
protect as green space. “This is our last chance to do a large-scale acqui- sition of land,” said John Langmore, the chair of the Travis County bond committee.
complexes for kids and buying up parcels of land to protect green space. While calling a bond election is a regular process for the county, local leaders said this one is di erent. As more golf courses and large-scale develop- ments take up land near Lake Travis, leaders are seeking to purchase over $200 million of land to
BY KATY MCAFEE
Travis County’s largest bond package in history will appear on the ballot Nov. 7. The $509 million bond is focused on making roads more pedestrian friendly, constructing miles of new trails along two creeks, adding new sports
CONTINUED ON 28
Also in this issue
Impacts: Grill on Tex Mex opens in Lakeway (Page 6)
Government: Travis County approves budget, tax rate (Page 9)
Education: Eanes ISD police to use electric vehicles (Page 14)
Dining: Carmela’s serves authentic Italian in Lakeway (Page 33)
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
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LAKE TRAVIS - WESTLAKE EDITION
WHO YOU WORK WITH MATTERS
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Compass is a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Photos may be virtually staged or digitally enhanced and may not reflect actual property conditions.
4
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
About Community Impact
Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched Community Impact in 2005, and the company is still locally owned today with editions across Texas. Our mission is to provide trusted news and local information that everyone gets. Our vision is to build communities of informed citizens and thriving businesses through the collaboration of a passionate team. Our purpose is to be a light for our readers, customers, partners and each other by living out our core values of Faith, Passion, Quality, Innovation and Integrity.
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Reporters Brittany Anderson Elle Bent Amanda Cutshall Zara Flores Kameryn Griesser Sierra Martin Katy McAfee Haley McLeod Hannah Norton Brooke Sjoberg Ben Thompson Amira Van Leeuwen Zacharia Washington Chloe Young Graphic Designers Alissa Foss Gloria Gonzalez Roger Ibanez Melissa Johnson Sabrina Musachia Brendan Rodriguez
Lauren Itz General Manager
April Kelley Editor
Joseph Veloz Copy Editors Adrian Gandara Beth Marshall Kasey Salisbury Account Executive Jacqueline Harris Senior Managing Editor Matt Stephens Art Production Manager Rachal Elliott
Travis Baker Publisher
Correction: Volume 14, Issue 8 On page 7, an inaccurate description of the menu at Hudson’s on the Bend ran on their Impact. The menu for the restaurant under its new management will feature a more approachable, modern, upscale dining experience.
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LAKE TRAVIS WESTLAKE EDITION
Impacts
620
DOUBLE DOME RD.
LAKE TRAVIS
RIVER PLACE BLVD.
Now open
1
10
620
2222
4
STEINER RANCH BLVD.
8
7
Lakeway
BEE CREEK SPUR
EMMA LONG PARK
BEE CREEK RD.
3
5
COMMONS FORD RANCH
71
4 Easterseals Little Lonestar Academy Easterseals Little Lonestar Academy offers developmentally appropriate curricula, experiences and activities designed for optimal growth for children of all abilities ages 6 weeks to 6 years. Little Lonestar Academy classrooms are staffed by professionals in the fields of education, behavior analysis and child development. • Opened Oct. 9 • 107 RM 620, Ste. 300, Lakeway • www.easterseals.com
West Lake Hills
N. CUERNAVACA DR.
VISTA RIDGE
360
HILL COUNTY BLVD.
B
2
Rollingwood
HAMILTON POOL RD.
71
Bee Cave
9
BARTON CREEK HABITAT PRESERVE
6
MAP NOT TO SCALE
N TM; © 2023 COMMUNITY IMPACT CO. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
MOPAC
Flourish Physical Therapy & Fitness Dr. Alexandra Murphy, a Spicewood-based physical therapist, established a private practice offering virtual, mobile and in-person care to Central Texas residents. • Opened Aug. 14 • www.alexandramurphy.net
training group fitness workouts for all fitness levels. • Opened Sept. 29 • 12801 Hill Country Blvd., Ste. C1-115, Bee Cave • www.rumbleboxinggym.com 3 Winston’s A new neighborhood hangout called Winston’s offers breakfast and lunch items, such as toasts, acai bowls and juices. The dinner menu features wood-fired pizzas, beer and wine. The business also has an outdoor patio featuring picnic tables, a playground and turf for kids while featuring views of the Texas Hill Country. • Opened Aug. 26 • 4900 Bee Creek Road, Ste. 205, Spicewood • www.winstonsatx.com
Now open
71
1 Lakeway Auto Spa Lakeway Auto Spa offers car detailing, waxing and protective paint coating. The auto spa is locally owned by Michael Mondelli, a military veteran with over 15 years of experience in the auto industry. • Opened Aug. 15 • 3917 Double Dome Road, Lakeway • www.lakewayautospa.com 2 Rumble Boxing Rumble Boxing opened a new location at the Hill Country Galleria in September, offering boxing and strength
Coming soon
5 Fresa’s Chicken Al Carbon The Mexican restaurant is opening its third location in the Westlake neighborhood. Customers can expect to enjoy signature cocktails, such as the Ranch-a-Rita and Hibiscus Mule, alongside wood-grilled entrees.
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY KAMERYN GRIESSER, APRIL KELLEY & CHLOE YOUNG
In the news
Now open
6 Churchill’s Fireside and Patio The store has sold outdoor patio furniture, gas logs, fireplaces and fireplace accessories to the West Lake Hills area for 35 years. The store was established in 1988 by Dorothy Duhon and Ray Duhon, who still serve as the managers. • 3300 Bee Caves Road, West Lake Hills • www.churchillsaustin.com
8 Grill On Tex Mex Grill On Tex Mex serves all-day breakfast and Tex- Mex staples, such as fajitas, tacos, enchiladas and nachos. The business is owned by Fidel Garcia and his wife, Aida Pena, who have been in the local restaurant industry for over 30 years and currently
run Ramos Tex-Mex Restaurant #3 in North Austin. • Opened Aug. 20 • 107 Ranch Road 620 S, Lakeway • www.grillontexmex.com
• Opening in late 2023 • 3600 N. Capital of Texas Hwy., Bldg. A, Ste. 110, Austin • www.fresaschicken.com
mammograms in partnership with Onsite Women’s Health. • 6611 River Place Blvd., Ste. 202, Austin • www.riverplaceobg.com Clear Space Feng Shui Clear Space Feng Shui celebrated its fifth anniversary Aug. 28. Owner Susan Domelsmith Cabral visits clients’ homes or commercial spaces and transforms them using feng shui and modern design principles. • www.clearspacefengshui.com
In the news
9 Berkeley2 Academy Berkeley2Academy’s Westlake branch celebrated a decade of providing academic support to high school students in August. • 3736 Bee Caves Road, Ste. 10, Austin • www.berkeley2academy.com 10 River Place OB/GYN River Place OB/GYN will celebrate its 10th anniversary in October. Dr. John Thoppil started the practice in West Austin in 2013 and opened Pflugerville OB/GYN in 2018. In September, River Place OB/GYN began offering
Relocations
7 H&R Block The locally owned H&R Block in Lakeway relocated in September. The business, owned by Johnny Welborn, offers year-round help with taxes and more. • Relocated Sept. 12 • 900 RM 620 S., Ste. B110, Lakeway • www.hrblock.com
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LAKE TRAVIS - WESTLAKE EDITION
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Government
BY KAMERYN GRIESSER & KATY MCAFEE
Lakeway adopts $19.7M budget, higher tax rate Lakeway City Council approved the $19.65 million scal year 2023-24 budget and a new higher tax rate of $0.144 during a Sept. 18 meeting. How we got here The new budget includes a 6% increase in expenditures from last year and provisions for seven new city employees, additional employee bene ts and increased police funding. City Manager Joseph Molis said the increased property tax rate was inevitable with ongoing in ation in addition to the expenses of the Febru- ary winter storm, which cost the city $1.5 million. What residents should know With the newly adopted tax rate, a Lakeway homeowner with an average home value of $779,247 can expect to pay $211 more in property taxes for 2024 than the previous year.
$1.69B Travis County budget approved Travis County commissioners approved the scal year 2023-24 budget Sept. 26. The budget was approved at $1.69 billion, an e ective 9.8% increase year over year. The breakdown Travis County’s FY 2023-24 budget includes funding for the following items: • 4% salary increase for employees • $10 million to improve roads • About $2.6 million for elections • $2 million for mental health diversion center pilot program • About $800,000 for jail-based intake program • $250,000 for the Marshall Plan • About $266,000 for wildlife management
The breakdown The largest portions of the $19.65 million budget will fund police, development and parks.
Police $7.67 million Miscellaneous $4.65 million Development $2.26 million Parks $2.01 million Administration $1.56 million General services $1.55 million
Total $19.7 million
Historical tax rate FY 2020-21 $0.1645 FY 2021-22 $0.1545 FY 2022-23 $0.129 FY 2023-24 $0.144
-12.46% decrease since 2021
SOURCE: CITY OF LAKEWAY COMMUNITY IMPACT
Travis County adopts tax rate for scal year 2023 24 Travis County residents can expect a higher tax bill next year as ocials gear up to fund mental health diversion, overdose prevention, transporta- tion improvements, salary increases for sta and more in scal year 2023-24. The court unanimously approved the FY 2023- 24 tax rate of $0.304655 per $100 valuation rate, the average Travis County homeowner’s tax bill will increase $86.18 due to rising home values. The average taxable property value in Travis County currently sits at $475,289. The details
“The court recognizes that many people above 65 or older are on
xed income and they’ve increased the exemption in the last few years to make it more a ordable.” TRAVIS GATLIN, TRAVIS COUNTY BUDGET DIRECTOR
Two parts of the approved tax rate include: the maintenance and operations rate at $0.269707; and the debt service rate at $0.034948.
Sept. 19. While the approved tax rate is technically around $0.014 less than the scal year 2022-23
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LAKE TRAVIS WESTLAKE EDITION
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Government
BY APRIL KELLEY
An inclusive, all-abilities play area will be added to Bee Cave Central Park as part of the city’s Park Master Plan, adopted by City Council on Sept. 12. The gist Although the city will not acquire any additional land for the project, numerous amenities and upgrades are slated for the 50-acre park, said Lindsey Oskoui, Bee Cave assistant city manager. In addition to the existing playgrounds, the plan calls for the addition of an inclusive, all-abilities playground, which will be located at the south- west corner of the park on approximately 2.3 acres. “The goal is to have a play space that is accessible to people of all ages and all abilities,” Oskoui said. Diving deeper Oskoui said a splash pad might be added in the general vicinity of the inclusive play area. “There was a large degree of interest from the community in having the splash pad, so it’s our goal to provide that,” Oskoui said. The city has not yet rmed up the details for the splash pad, but sta are looking into the long-term cost, Oskoui said. The plan also calls for the addition of ve pickleball courts, ve tennis courts and a commu- nity stage, Oskoui said. What’s next The projects in the master plan will be funded Bee Cave Central Park to add all- abilities play area
In addition to the existing playgrounds at Bee Cave Central Park, an inclusive, all-abilities play area will be added in the future, as part of the city’s Park Master Plan.
COURTESY CITY OF BEE CAVE
by multiple sources, Oskoui said. For the infrastructure, Oskoui said the city will likely use future bond funding in partnership with the Bee Cave Economic Development Corp. Infrastructure will include: • Circulation drives • Parking • Paths and trails • Utilities • Support structures • A maintenance building Oskoui said the use areas will be funded through a combination of grants and fundraising through the Bee Cave Economic Development Corp., which can receive donations. Use areas include: • A dog park • Pavilions • Sport courts • A community stage • An inclusive playground • A splash pad
Future park additions
Pickleball and tennis courts
Bee Cave
620
Community outdoor stage
Dog park
BEE CAVE CENTRAL PARK
All-abilities park
71
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SOURCE: CITY OF BEE CAVE COMMUNITY IMPACT
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LAKE TRAVIS WESTLAKE EDITION
Government
The Lower Colorado River Authority has a new goal to secure future water supplies for Central Texas’ fastest growing areas. The LCRA wants to provide an additional 60,000 acre-feet of water to the areas between Highland Lakes and Bastrop County by the end of 2040. That’s enough water to flood roughly 60,000 football fields 1 foot deep. “It’s not just a matter of having the water avail- able—it’s also a matter of where it’s available,” said John Hofmann, LCRA executive vice president of water, in a news release. “Our work now will help us be ready for the future and the region’s contin- ued growth.” The announcement comes following a September LCRA seeks water supply options amid drought
Lake Travis is one of the lakes in the Highland Lakes system, which provides water for over 1.4 million people.
COURTESY FALCON SKY PHOTOGRAPHY
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY KATY MCAFEE
Projected water demand
study that found the LCRA will need to provide 48,000 acre-feet more of water to the region by 2030, and 64,000 more by 2080. The details The LCRA is looking to achieve its new goal by updating the Water Supply Resources Report—a long- term plan on securing water to Central Texans until 2080—to prepare for worsening drought conditions and higher demand for water as Central Texas’ population rises. The group is exploring several options to increase the region’s water supply, including groundwater wells, building new pipelines and direct potable reuse—distributing treated wastewater into potable water systems. Other options include aquifer storage and recovery, wherein excess water is stored under- ground during wet times to be used during dry times. LCRA’s updated Water Supply Resources Report is expected to be released at the end of 2024. “Many of our municipal and industrial customers contract for water they expect to need in the future, as well as what they need today,” Hofmann said. “That makes sense if you’re contracting for a growing
A September study from the LCRA found that its firm customers in the Upper Reach– the region from Central Texas down south to Wharton County–will need about 60,000 more acre-feet of water a year by 2040.
Acre-feet per year 2030 2040 2050 2060 2070 2080
Projected future firm contractual commitments in upper reach
468,000 477,000 455,000 456,000 464,000 464,000
Uncertainty cushion
30,000 30,000 50,000 50,000 50,000 50,000
Total supply needed
498,000 507,000 505,000 506,000 514,000 514,000
Historic firm yield—upper reach*
450,000 450,000 450,000 450,000 450,000 450,000
New supply needed
48,000 57,000 55,000 56,000 64,000 64,000
*HISTORIC FIRM YIELD REFERS TO THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT OF WATER THE LCRA CAN DELIVER DURING A DROUGHT.
SOURCE: LOWER COLORADO RIVER AUTHORITY/COMMUNITY IMPACT
population. Because of that, the amount of water customers actually use is significantly below the total amount committed for future use.” What else? The LCRA is nearing the end of building the Arbuckle Reservoir—its first major new reservoir in decades—in Wharton County outside Houston. The
reservoir can store up to 40,000 acre-feet of water at a time, which is more than Lake Austin, Lady Bird Lake and Lake Marble Falls combined, and will help reduce the amount of water released from the
Highland Lakes to downtown customers. The reservoir will come online in 2024.
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LAKE TRAVIS - WESTLAKE EDITION
Education
BY ELLE BENT & CHLOE YOUNG
Lake Travis High School design adds to campus Representatives from Claycomb Associate Architects presented a preliminary design for a new competition gym and ne arts additions for Lake Travis High School at a Sept. 20 board of trustees meeting. What’s happening? The campus will have a new competition gym connecting to ne arts practice areas and a practice turf eld, according to designs. Voters approved $43 million for the gym and $15.3 for the ne arts additions in the district’s 2022 bond election, said Marco Alvarado, LTISD executive director of communications and com- munity relations. The highlights The proposed 2,500-seat arena would hold over three times the amount of people as the campus’ existing gym. Other additions include: • Multipurpose, 84-foot practice facility • Four new art classrooms • Practice turf eld • Long, wide driveway to load and unload vehi- cles with a shaded area for band to practice • Lobby featuring a spirit shop and seating area • Press box • Concession stand • Locker rooms and weight rooms • O ces for coaches • Storage spaces for ne arts and athletics • Dressing rooms
Lake Travis ISD buys land for new school Design work is underway for Lake Travis ISD’s ninth elementary school after the district purchased land for the new campus. Current situation On Sept. 11, Lake Travis ISD purchased almost 23 acres o Hamilton Pool Road for $9 million as the new site for its ninth elementary school. Elementary School No. 9 is expected to open for the 2026-27 school year and will cost $55 million, said Marco Alvarado, LTISD executive director of communica- tions and community relations. Voters approved funding for the campus along with Elementary School No. 8 in the district’s 2022 bond election. Puger Architects are currently working on the new school’s design, Alvarado said. While West Cypress Hills Elementary School has been the district’s standard elementary campus design since 2014, he said the design of Elementary School No. 9 will be unique due to the topography of the land.
The new space will include a competition gym, additional ne arts spaces and a practice turf eld.
RENDERINGS COURTESY CLAYCOMB ASSOCIATE ARCHITECTS
Designs show the ne arts space connecting to the link between the performing arts center and annex.
71
O
CRUMLEY RANCH RD.
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The proposed arena would seat around 2,500 people.
N
Eanes ISD police department to use electric vehicles During a special meeting of the Eanes ISD board of trustees Oct. 3, the board approved a proposal from automotive company Tesla to provide vehi- cles to the district’s new police department. The gist This will equip all of the o cers in the department with a vehicle. The district estimates the one-time cost of
"We’re not the rst police department in the country to look at electric cars. I wish we were that
cutting edge, but this is becoming more and more standard."
installing charging stations will be $3,000. The average cost to charge these vehicles is up to $640 a year, which is about an average of $1,360 less a year than it costs to fuel a gas vehicle such as a Chevrolet Tahoe or a Ford Expedition, according to the U.S. Department of Energy’s vehicle cost calculator.
After Superintendent Je Arnett negotiates a nal contract with Tesla, the district will receive nine electric vehicles—Tesla Model Y’s—for a total of $444,420. With a likely rebate, the total would equate to $376,920, according to EISD o cials.
JAMES SPRADLEY, BOARD PRESIDENT
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Transportation
BY APRIL KELLEY
Streak of daily traffic fatalities to reach 23 years in Texas
Nov. 7 will mark 23 years of daily traffic fatalities on Texas roadways, according to the Texas Depart- ment of Transportation, if the streak continues. The gist According to TxDOT, Texas has not had one day without a traffic fatality since Nov. 7, 2000. On average, the state sees 10 deaths on Texas road- ways each day. As of Oct. 6, 3,057 fatalities have occurred as a result of 2,757 fatal crashes, according to TxDOT’s Crash Records Information System. A total of 4,481 traffic fatalities occurred in 2022 in Texas, down 16 from the 4,497 that occurred in 2021, according TxDOT. Traffic fatalities, however, were higher in 2022 than they were in 2020, which saw 3,896 total traffic fatalities. Background TxDOT launched its #EndTheStreakTX cam- paign Nov. 15, 2016, to raise awareness of daily
5K 4K 3K 2K 1K 0 Traffic fatalities 2003-2023
*AS OF OCT. 6
17.24% increase from 2003-2022.
SOURCE: TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION/COMMUNITY IMPACT
traffic fatalities and to encourage safe driving, with the goal of ending the daily streak of deaths. TxDOT asks all Texans to: • Make the best and safest decisions behind the wheel. • Don’t drive under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
• Always obey traffic laws. • Always wear a seat belt.
• Post pictures on social media with a download- able sign using the hashtag #EndTheStreakTX. • Share personal stories on social media of loved ones who died in a crash using the hashtag #EndTheStreakTX.
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LAKE TRAVIS - WESTLAKE EDITION
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Real estate
Number of homes sold
September 2022
September 2023
Residential market data
19 12 20 18
13 16 49 55
A few ZIP codes in the Lake Travis-Westlake market saw an increase in home sales and median home prices compared to last year, according to data from the Austin Board of Realtors.
-36.8%
+23.08%
78669
78735
-10%
+12.24%
78732
78738
5 7
15 15
183
+40%
0%
78733
78746
71
LAKE TRAVIS
33 28
620
-15.15%
78734
360
MOPAC
Median home sales price
290
N
2022
2023
2022
2023
78669 78732 78738 78735
78733 78746
78734
78669
78735
+11.2%
-7.88%
$878,000
$789,500
$789,500
$857,000
Homes sold in Lake Travis-Westlake area by price point
78732
78738
+17.26%
-21.68%
$908,750
$797,190
$775,000
$1,017,838
78733
78746
-42.63%
+2.57%
$895,000
$1,695,000
$1,560,000
$1,652,500
September 2023
$900,000+
68
78734
-17.67%
$609,250
$740,000
$700,000-$899,999
30
Average days on market
$500,000-$699,999
31
-20%
+25%
+108%
+30.77%
+18.75%
+78.57%
-3.85%
$300,000-$499,999
20
<$299,999
2
MARKET DATA PROVIDED BY AUSTIN BOARD OF REALTORS 512-454-7636 WWW.ABOR.COM
78669
78732
78733
78734
78735
78738
78746
17
LAKE TRAVIS - WESTLAKE EDITION
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Health care
BY BRITTANY ANDERSON
The Hospital at Westlake les for Chapter 11 bankruptcy
Boutique hospital The Hospital at Westlake voluntarily led for Chapter 11 bankruptcy Sept. 8, a step that could keep the hospital in operation. CEO Dr. Mark Shen said in a news release that like other “industry peers,” the hospital has faced a number of challenges after the pandemic’s peak. Two-minute impact According to the release, the ling is part of the hospital’s e orts to manage debt that existed before but was exacerbated by the pandemic. The hospital initially “reduced its corporate overhead” and “consolidated organizational processes” to try to address these challenges, according to the release. Chapter 11 bankruptcies allow debtors and creditors to formally reorganize debts while the business remains operational. While there is no set timeline for when this process will be completed, all operations are expected to continue as normal, per the release.
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What they’re saying “Like many of our industry peers, we’ve battled immense challenges since the onset of the pan- demic, which have only magni ed the struggles businesses across every industry grapple with, including our own,” Shen said in the release. “Facing the stark reality of our nancial standing and the unrelenting pressures impacting our industry, we’re taking every measure possible to secure the future of our hospital.”
Operations will continue as normal as the hospital works through the bankruptcy process.
COURTESY THE HOSPITAL AT WESTLAKE
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19
LAKE TRAVIS WESTLAKE EDITION
Health care
County health officials share data, prevention tips for seasonal illness
The details
RSV can be severe for infants and older adults and require hospitalization, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, so vaccines and other preventive measures are recommended. Symptoms typically include: • A runny nose • Decrease in appetite • Coughing, sneezing or wheezing • Fever For very young infants, breathing difficulties, irritability and decreased activity may be the only signs, according to the CDC. RSV can result in lower respiratory tract diseases such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia. By the time children reach age 2, almost all will have had an RSV infection at some point, according to the CDC. Austin Public Health officials said local RSV case data is not available as it is not a reportable condition.
As flu season begins, the number of electronic laboratory-reported local cases for seasonal illnesses remains stable, said Dr. Desmar Walkes, medical director and health authority for Austin- Travis County. Seasonal illnesses include COVID-19; the flu; and respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV. Walkes encourages residents to be prepared and know the signs of seasonal illness. “These diseases can cause severe illness. The risk is higher in the very young and very old, especially those who are living with a chronic health condition or those that are immunocompromised,” Walkes said. Given how similar symptoms are between the illnesses, it can be tricky to know which illness someone has, Walkes said.
Signs of season illness to watch out for can include:
Fatigue
Upper respiratory congestion
Cough
Muscle pain or aches
Loss of taste or smell
Fever or chills
SOURCES: AUSTIN PUBLIC HEALTH, CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION/COMMUNITY IMPACT
MENTAL HEALTH FOR LIFE
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20
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY BRITTANY ANDERSON
Diving in deeper
What's next
Lab-reported cases of COVID-19 in Austin in 2023 *
All three viral illnesses can be mitigated with vaccinations, Walkes said. In addition to vaccinations, per the CDC, other basic preventive measures include hand-washing, wearing a mask to reduce the amount of germs breathed in, improving air quality through air filters and keeping a distance from those who are sick.
Walkes said the COVID-19 variant circulating the state is of XBB lineage, one of the newer reported strains. Laboratory-reported cases of COVID-19 are down significantly in Austin since 2022, according to data from the Austin Public Health COVID-19 dashboard. In 2022, there were nearly 150,000 lab cases reported. So far, there are just over 21,000 reported this year. Results from these tests do not include at-home tests, however, meaning numbers could be higher. Health care providers will begin collecting flu data at the beginning of October for the 2023-24 flu season, Walkes said. APH will post its first flu report—which collects data weekly through the end of flu season in May— at the end of October. Testing is required to know if an illness is COVID-19 or the flu, as many symptoms are shared, according to the CDC.
21,076 cases
33 median age diagnosed
71 deaths
71 median age of fatalities
2022-23 flu season data * 12 adult flu-associated deaths
“Each of these respiratory viruses can be treated, but it is important to know what is making you sick.” DR. DESMAR WALKES, MEDICAL DIRECTOR AND HEALTH AUTHORITY FOR AUSTIN-TRAVIS COUNTY
14 flu-associated outbreaks in schools
3,000 positive flu tests during week of Oct. 31, 2022, the peak of the season
SOURCE: AUSTIN PUBLIC HEALTH/COMMUNITY IMPACT *DATA AS OF SEPT. 25, 2023.
3-DAY ELECTRONIC MUSIC IMMERSIVE ART EXPERIENCE NOVEMBER 9-11TH 6PM-10PM ALL AGES / FREE CTRONIC MUSIC MERSIVE ART EXPERIENCE VEMBER 9-11TH M-10PM AGES / FREE
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Car Raffle Lakeway / Lake Travis Rotary Foundation 202 3
Ticket Price
$100 or 3 for $200
Win your choice * of a 2024 Cadillac CT4 Sedan or a 2024 Cadillac XT4 SUV
Proceeds go to Local Scholarships and other Charitable Projects. Barker Keith, 512.799.3857 barker@lakewayaquatics.com or Gary Weldon, 512.458.0306 gary.weldon@att.net WIN A 2024 CADILLAC! www.LakeTravisRotary.org Or contact:
* See Dealer for Availability
Drawing held Friday, November 10th, 2023 Flintrock Falls Clubhouse 401 Jack Nicklaus Drive Need Not Be Present to Win!
21
LAKE TRAVIS - WESTLAKE EDITION
Events
BY KAMERYN GRIESSER
Fall Events Guide
• Oct. 31, 4-6 p.m. • Free • Rollingwood Park, 403 Nixon Drive, Rollingwood • www.rollingwoodtx.gov
2023
West Lake Hills
Spicewood
and crafts activities, face painting, and more. • Oct. 28, 1-5 p.m. • Free (adults), $15 (children) • 12700 Hill Country Blvd., Ste. T125, Bee Cave • www.hillcountrygalleria.com Kiddie Halloween Trunk-or-Treat Families can pick up candy and goody bags from area businesses. Children can enjoy a mini train ride, face painting and free giveaways.
Austin
Bee Cave
Halloween Costume Party with Madam Radar Poodie's Roadhouse is hosting an all-ages costume contest with games and prizes. • Oct. 28, 8 p.m.
Pumpkin Parade Dress up in a Halloween costume and parade around the library, visiting spooky stations to collect treats. • Oct. 31, 10:30-11:30 a.m. • Free • Lake Travis Community Library, 1938 Lohmans Crossing Road, Austin • www.laketravislibrary.org Halloween Work & Play Families are invited to celebrate Halloween with movies, playing, crafts and a workspace for caregivers. • Oct. 31, 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. • Free • Westbank Community Library, 1309 Westbank Drive, Austin • www.westbanklibrary.com
Haunted Trail Hosted by the city of Bee Cave, the haunted trail will be for children age 13 and older. • Oct. 27-28, 7-9 p.m. • Free (admission)
• $15 (online), $20 (at the door) • 22308 Hwy. 71, Spicewood • www.poodies.net
• 3702 RM 620 S., Bee Cave • www.beecavetexas.gov
West Lake Hills
• Oct. 29, 4-6 p.m. • Free (admission)
Hill Country Galleria Trick-or-Treat Families can pick up a festive pumpkin bag, stroll the Hill Country Galleria, and collect candy and treats from retailers. • Oct. 28, noon-3 p.m. • Free (admission) • 12700 Hill Country Blvd., Bee Cave • www.hillcountrygalleria.com Halloween at The Hive The Bee Cave Arts Foundation will have Halloween arts
• 3702 RM 620 S., Bee Cave • www.beecavetexas.gov
Halloween Murder Mystery Dinner Party Hotel Viata will host an interactive comedy murder mystery dinner. Each ticket includes a meal. • Oct 27, 6:30-9:30 p.m. • $99 • 320 S. Capital of Texas Hwy., West Lake Hills • www.hotelviata.com
Rollingwood
Halloween Spooktacular at Armstrong Community Music School The Halloween-themed event will feature live music, arts and crafts, and trick-or-treating. • Oct. 29, 2-5 p.m.
• Free (admission) • 404 Camp Craft Road, West Lake Hills • www.acmsaustin.org
Rollingwood Trunk-or-Treat The Rollingwood Police Department invites the community to wear Halloween costumes and collect treats.
BEE CAVE 13015 Shops Pkwy (512) 263-9981
BRODIE LANE 4970 Hwy 290 W (512) 366-8260
NORTH 620 10601 N FM 620 (512) 506-8316
Events
Lakeway Photography Club kickoff meeting The Lakeway Photography Club will host its first meeting. Discussions will include portrait photography, upcoming photo festivals and more. • Nov. 15, 5:30-6:30 p.m. • Free • Lake Travis Community Library, 1938 Lohmans Crossing, Austin • www.lakewayphotographyclub.com
City of Lakeway Veterans Day Ceremony The event will feature a guest speaker and ceremony to honor current and former military members.
• Nov 11, 11 a.m. • Free (admission) • Lake Travis Performing Arts Center, 3324 RM 620 S., Lakeway • www.lakeway-tx.gov
Virtual Author Talk with actor John Stamos Actor John Stamos will lead a virtual conversation about his memoir “If You Would Have Told Me,” which details his life from flipping burgers at his dad’s fast-food joint to “Full House” fame and beyond. • Nov. 1, 7 p.m. • Free • Westbank Community Library, 1309 Westbank Drive, Austin • www.westbanklibrary.com Bee Cave Artisan Market Attendees can support local artisans and crafters of art, gourmet foods, and beauty and wellness products while enjoying live music performances. • Nov. 4, 9 a.m.-4p.m. • Free (admission) • Hill Country Galleria, 12700 Hill Country Blvd., Bee Cave • www.hillcountrygalleria.com Lakeway Arbor Day Celebration The city of Lakeway will host its first Arbor Day celebration. Attendees will plant trees at the median between Lakeway Drive and Lohmans Crossing. • Nov. 4, 10 a.m. • Free • Lakeway Church, 2203 Lakeway Blvd., Lakeway • www.lakeway-tx.gov/2079/Arbor-Day Passport to Honduras: An Immersive Gala of Art, Culture and Music Hosted by Abundant Life Foundation, the evening will feature original art pieces, Honduran musicians, live and silent auctions, and a showcase of unique artisan goods. • Nov. 4, 5:30-8:30 p.m. • $100 (single admission) • Music Hill Ranch, 16219 Flintrock Road, Bee Cave • www.trellis.org/passport-to-honduras
BuzzFest: Tech Art Festival The immersive three-day festival will feature an art and sound installation with video art projections, immersive multichannel sound and more. • Nov. 9-11, 6-10 p.m. • Free (admission) • Hill Country Galleria, 12700 Hill Country Blvd., Bee Cave • www.beecavebuzzfest.com Big Band Bash Participants can enjoy big band music from the 17-piece Republic of Texas Big Band, featuring David Cummings and Lisa Clark on vocals. • Nov. 13, 7-9 p.m. • Free (admission) • Lakeway Activity Center, 105 Cross Creek Road, Lakeway • www.lakeway-tx.gov Virtual Author Talk with US Poet Laureate Joy Harjo U.S. Poet Laureate Joy Harjo will join attendees for a chat about her memoir “Catching the Light” as well as discussing her work as a poet and a writer. • Nov. 16, 3 p.m. • Free • Westlake Community Library, 1309 Westbank Drive, Austin • www.westbanklibrary.com Hill Country Turkey Trot The seventh annual 5K run Turkey Trot and 1-mile Puffin’ for Stuffin’ will raise funds for the Lake Travis Education Foundation. All ages and strollers are welcome. • Nov. 23, 8 a.m. • Free (ages 5 and under); Timed: $25 (ages 6-18), $35 (adults); Untimed: $20 (ages 6-18), $30 (adults)
October
Car Show with Flat Creek Estate Winery and Vineyard Enjoy cars, wine and live music with car collectors and car clubs. Attendees will have an opportunity to vote on their favorite car during the event.
• Oct. 28, 2-5 p.m. • Free (admission) • 24912 Travis Peak Trail, Marble Falls • https://flatcreekestate.com
Rolling Sculpture Car Show The Rolling Sculpture Car Show will return to the Hill Country Galleria in October, featuring more than 200 collector cars including sports and exotics, hot rods, modern classics, art cars, and more. The event will benefit the Friends of Bee Cave Library. In addition to the cars, there will be live music and photo ops. • Oct. 29, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. • Free • Hill Country Galleria, 12700 Hill Country Blvd., Ste. T-100, Bee Cave • www.rollingsculpturecarshow.com
November
Business Builder Breakfast at Rudy’s BBQ The event is a casual opportunity for business owners to build one-on-one relationships with representatives of the Westlake Chamber of Commerce and other businesses. Registration includes a meal and a drink. • Nov. 1, 8-9:30 a.m. • $10 (members), $15 (nonmembers) • Rudy’s BBQ, 2451 S. Capital of Texas Hwy., Austin • www.westlakechamber.com
• 26 Club Estates Parkway, The Hills • www.lteducationfoundation.org
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY KAMERYN GRIESSER
• Oct. 31: The Troubadillos, 5 p.m.; Kim Meeks, 8 p.m. • Nov. 11: Shandon Sahm • Nov. 17: Guy Forsyth
Live music
Iron Wolf Ranch & Distillery 101 CR 409, Spicewood www.ironwolfranch.com • Nov. 4: Garrett Jay Brown, 2 p.m. • Nov. 11: Jace of Spades and Kody of Madam Radar, 2 p.m. • Nov. 18: Denny Herrin, 2 p.m. Patrizi’s 1705 Cuernavaca Drive N., Austin www.patrizis.com • Nov. 2: Cece Yentzen, 7 p.m. • Nov. 4: Tony Garza, 7 p.m. • Nov. 9: Madam Radar, 6 p.m. • Nov. 11: Jane Rundquist & True Blue, 7 p.m. • Nov. 25: Beth Lee, 7 p.m. Poodie’s Hilltop Roadhouse 22308 Hwy. 71, Spicewood www.poodies.net • Oct. 27: The Troubadillos, 9:30 p.m. • Oct. 28: Madam Radar, 10 p.m. • Oct. 29: Travis Green, 4 p.m.; Adam Lopez, 7:30 p.m. • Oct. 27: DJ Tropicana Joe, 6 p.m. • Oct. 28: Wayne Sutton, 7 p.m.
Steiner Ranch Steakhouse 5424 Steiner Ranch Blvd., Austin www.steinersteakhouse.com
• Oct. 30: Anders Drerup, 6:30 p.m. • Oct. 31: Jukebox Heroes, 6:30 p.m. • Nov. 1: James Parker, 6:30 p.m. • Nov. 2: Robert Wagner, 6:30 p.m.; Bellamy Brothers, 8:30 p.m.
• Nov. 3: Howlin’ Waters, 6:30 p.m. • Nov. 4: The Chandler Trio, 6:30 p.m. • Nov. 5: Mike Gonzales, 6:30 p.m. • Nov. 6: Anders Drerup, 6:30 p.m. • Nov. 7: Jukebox Heroes, 6:30 p.m. • Nov. 8: James Parker, 6:30 p.m. • Nov. 9: Robert Wagner, 6:30 p.m. • Nov. 10: Howlin’ Waters, 6:30 p.m. • Nov. 11: The Chandler Trio, 6:30 p.m. • Nov. 12: Mike Gonzales, 6:30 p.m. • Nov. 13: Anders Drerup, 6:30 p.m. • Nov. 14: Jukebox Heroes, 6:30 p.m. • Nov. 15: James Parker, 6:30 p.m. • Nov. 16: Robert Wagner, 6:30 p.m. • Nov. 17: Howlin’ Waters, 6:30 p.m. • Nov. 18: The Chandler Trio, 6:30 p.m. • Nov. 19: Mike Gonzales, 6:30 p.m. • Nov. 20: Anders Drerup, 6:30 p.m. • Nov. 21: Jukebox Heroes, 6:30 p.m.
Madam Radar will be playing Oct. 28 at Poodie’s Hilltop Roadhouse.
COURTESY MADAM RADAR
• Nov. 22: James Parker, 6:30 p.m. • Nov. 23: Robert Wagner, 6:30 p.m. Hill Country Galleria 12700 Hill Country Blvd., Ste. T-100, Bee Cave
www.hillcountrygalleria.com • Nov. 3: Chris Beall, 6 p.m.
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LAKE TRAVIS WESTLAKE EDITION
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