Cedar Park - Far Northwest Austin Edition | January 2025

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Cedar Park Far Northwest Austin Edition VOLUME 2, ISSUE 9 JAN. 18FEB. 18, 2025

2025 Health & Wellness Edition

School therapy referrals on the rise From the 2021-22 to 2023-24 school year, the number of students referred to Leander ISD’s Student and Family Support Team to receive mental health support rose by 33%.

20% of youth (ages 12-17) reported suering from at least one major depressive episode in the past year. 69% of public schools reported an increase in mental health concerns among their students in 2022. 39% of schools reported inadequate funding and access to licensed mental health professionals in the 2021-22 school year.

Leander ISD +33%

1,500

1,200

900

“Any meaningful learning cannot take place if there are unaddressed mental health concerns.” STEVE CLARK, LISD DIRECTOR OF COUNSELING SERVICES

600

300

SOURCES: LEANDER ISD, MENTAL HEALTH AMERICA 2024, NATIONAL CENTER FOR EDUCATION STATISTICSCOMMUNITY IMPACT NOTE: THESE STATISTICS ARE NATIONWIDE.

2021-22

2022-23

2023-24

Need for student mental health support increases Amid a nationwide rise in mental illness, students in Leander ISD are increasingly in need of mental health care. BY CHLOE YOUNG

School districts play an important role in screen- ing and identifying mental health needs in their stu- dents, said Marlene Buchanan, director of systems of care for Integral Care, the mental health authority for Travis County. Education ocials, local mental health authorities and mental health advocates say a community-wide approach is needed to best support students and their families. “This is a very concerning issue,” said Dr. Mark Janes, chief medical ocer for Bluebonnet Trails

Community Services, a Williamson County mental health authority that assists local school districts. “It aects all of us one way or another. … It’s really on all of us.” In the 2025 legislative session, the district is asking state lawmakers to invest in mental health resources and behavioral interventions amid “increasing men- tal health challenges, such as anxiety, depression and trauma,” district documents state.

Each year, a growing number of students are being referred to the district’s teams of licensed counselors for therapy and case management services. LISD has hired more sta amid the increased demand for services; however, districts are facing nancial constraints amid mounting budget shortfalls.

CONTINUED ON 24

Also in this issue Impacts: Check out Warpath Pizza & Pub’s unique toppings in Cedar Park (Page 6)

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Health: Community Impact’s 2025 Health and wellness guide (Page 23)

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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 Amanda Cutshall Dacia Garcia Sarah Hernandez Elisabeth Jimenez Anna Maness Haley McLeod Hannah Norton Brooke Sjoberg Ben Thompson Amira Van Leeuwen Gracie Warhurst Chloe Young Graphic Designers Alissa Foss Gloria Gonzalez Melissa Johnson Sabrina Musachia Karoline Pfeil Sam Schaer

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Impacts

Leander

• 15201 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Ste. 206, Leander • www.caradentistry.com

Leander

2 Hawaii Fluid Art The business allows customers to create their own fluid art, a paint-pouring technique that accommodates all skill levels. Customers can create colorful mosaics, resin beach scenes, resin tumblers and artisan charcuterie boards. • Opened Dec. 7 • 1335 E. Whitestone Blvd., Ste. T-120, Cedar Park • www.hawaiifluidart.com/cedar-park-tx 3 Warpath Pizza & Pub Customers can find build-your-own pizza options, appetizers, salads, wings, subs, pasta and desserts. The restaurant offers specialty pizzas including the Kinky Wizard with a truffle oil arugula base, The Santa Rosa featuring hatch green chiles, and The Boba Feta, a street taco-themed pizza with buffalo chicken, feta and black beans. The restaurant’s first location opened in 2017 in Round Rock, owner Jason Chenoweth said. • Opened in mid-December • 401 Cypress Creek Road, Ste. 600, Cedar Park • www.warpathpizza.com 4 Teapioca Lounge The location opened in a developing shopping center on Ronald Reagan Boulevard. Customers can enjoy beverages like matcha, coffee, lemonade, juice, slushies, smoothies and specialty drinks, including the Red Panda Cream BlasTea and the Mango Bobanada. • Opened Dec. 18 • 14300 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Ste. 302, Cedar Park • www.teapiocalounge.com Sandi’s Organizing Services Sandi Carter’s goal for her personalized organization business is to help people declutter and find a system that works for them. She operates Sandi’s Organizing Services out of Hutto, and travels to surrounding cities to help organize both homes and businesses. Carter’s services include a free phone consultation and a four hour minimum organization session. • Opened in November • www.sandisorganizingservices.com

183

1 7

183A TOLL

COTTONWOOD CREEK TRAIL

SCOTTSDALE DR.

183A TOLL

ARROW POINT DR.

183

Cedar Park

VISTA RIDGE BLVD.

ANDERSON MILL RD.

AVERY RANCH BLVD.

PECAN PARK BLVD.

LAKELINE BLVD.

183

13 9

MAP NOT TO SCALE

LAKELINE MALL DR.

Cedar Park & Leander

620 cleaning, dental fillings, root canal therapy, gum disease treatment and pediatric dentistry services. Cosmetic and restorative services are also available, including professional teeth whitening, veneers, dental implants and Invisalign. The business is led by Dr. Rojalina Nayak, and offers membership plans for patients without insurance, Nayak said. • Opened Oct. 18

Now open

1 Cara Dentistry The new dental practice provides dental exams, teeth

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

Additionally, the facility has implemented greater memory care programming. • 1503 Medical Parkway, Cedar Park • www.monarchseniorliving.com/monarch-cedar-park 9 TopSpin Karaoke & Sports Bar The business celebrated its 10th anniversary on New Year’s Eve with a joint holiday and anniversary party. With karaoke nights, dart tournaments, and a full bar and menu, customers can enjoy a full day of fun at the business. The business was opened by David Huynh in December 2014. • 1851 S. Lakeline Blvd., Ste. 106, Cedar Park • www.topspinaustin.com 10 Trader Joe’s First Cedar Park Capital Funding filed a future land use permit petition for an approximately eight-acre site on the southwest corner of East Whitestone Boulevard and Arrow Point Drive. The permit will allow the construction of a mixed-use retail and business center. The filing proposes five buildings be constructed at the site, including a 13,500-square-foot Trader Joe’s to anchor the development. • East Whitestone Boulevard and Arrow Point Drive, Cedar Park • www.traderjoes.com 11 Village on Lakeline Commercial Condos The property, now under new ownership, was previously an office complex. It is now being divided into smaller condos designed for businesses. Individual offices, retail and more are possible in the complex, and units range from 919-5,400 square feet. Pricing varies based on the state the unit is in; unfinished and finished units are available. • 120 S. Lakeline Blvd., Cedar Park • www.cmeatx.com

Coming soon

Now open

5 AtWork The national staffing franchise will open a storefront to help companies recruit for accounting and finance, administrative, light-industrial, IT, hospitality and management-level positions. Cedar Park franchise owners Steve and Tracy Koehler will lead the new storefront. The couple are set to open another office in the greater Austin area at an undetermined date, according to an AtWork representative. • Opening in early 2025 • 201 S. Lakeline Blvd., Ste. 504, Cedar Park • www.atwork.com 6 SereniTea Cup The new tea lounge and boutique will serve specially curated cups of tea. Customers can sample a flight of several teas, purchase a bulk supply of fresh tea leaves or buy tea accessories. The business will promote health and inner peace through its products and education, including tea classes. • Opening Feb. 15 • 600 S. Bell Blvd., Ste. 17, Cedar Park • www.sereniteacup.com 7 Adventures in Ink Superhero and gaming fans will have a new local resource when the store opens in Leander this January. In addition to comics, graphic novels, figurines, toys and clothing, the store will have space for a variety of tabletop gaming, including Magic the Gathering, Pokemon and Dungeons & Dragons. • Opening in early February • 15201 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Ste. 210, Leander • https://aiicomics.com

13 Cedar Park Express Pharmacy The pharmacy sells over-the-counter medications and offers vaccines, compounding services, free blood pressure readings and medication therapy management. Customers can use the pharmacy’s app to request refills, transfers and view all prescriptions. • Opened Nov. 1 • 1841 S. Lakeline Blvd., Ste. 103, Cedar Park • www.cedarparkexpresspharmacy.com

located in the Balcones Woods Shopping Center and the other in Sunset Valley Village. The chain is best known for selling special event decorations, candy and costumes. • Closing Feb. 28 • 11066 Pecan Park Blvd., Ste. 401, Cedar Park • www.partycity.com 14 Taco Shack A written notice of termination of possession has been issued on the front door of the location, which states the landowner of the property has changed the locks as a result of rent delinquency and “other events of default.” • Closed in December • 1400 E. Whitestone Blvd., Ste. 100, Cedar Park • www.tacoshack.com

In the news

Closings

8 The Monarch at Cedar Park On Dec. 5, the senior living facility unveiled $1.2 million in renovations to begin offering an assisted living program alongside its memory care services. The renovations included 30 suites for assisted living, a theater, dining room, event space, bistro, art studio, full-service salon, walking trail and covered pavilion.

12 Party City The nationwide chain announced mass closures after filing for bankruptcy for a second time on Dec. 20. The Lakeline Plaza location is selling all merchandise for 20%-60% off. Two locations will remain open: one

CEDAR PARK - FAR NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

Impacts

Far Northwest Austin

are appetizers such as spring rolls, samosas and Indian desserts such as gulab jamun and mango lassi. • Opened in December • 10300 Anderson Mill Road, Ste. A, Austin • 737-262-6772 4 Tim Hortons The Canadian coffee chain opened its first Austin-area location on the Austin-Round Rock border and sells coffee drinks, tea, doughnuts, breakfast sandwiches, wraps and other pastry items. • Opened Dec. 21

BRUSHY CREEK RD.

Now open

183A TOLL

AVERY RANCH BLVD.

1 Don Pepito Latin Food The food truck serves Venezuelan street food such as pepitos, or sandwiches made with chicken, steak and other meat; tequeños, or fried dough sticks served with queso; and other Latin-inspired dishes such as arepas, empanadas and salchipapas, or french fries mixed with sausage and sauces. • Opened Nov. 2 • 6508 McNeil Drive, Austin • www.instagram.com/donpepitolatin 2 Yeti Bites The food truck serves Nepalese dishes such as momos, or dumplings with meat and vegetables, as well as curry, noodles, biryani rice, naan bread, lassi drinks and more. • Opened in December • 11416 N. RM 620, Austin • 737-775-6034 3 Wok Hub The Indian and Chinese fusion restaurant serves Indo- Chinese cuisine such as schezwan noodles, chicken triple rice and chicken manchow soup. Also on the menu

620

183

LAKELINE MALL DR.

45 TOLL

• 16201 RM 620, Austin • www.timhortons.com

LAKELINE BLVD.

LAKE CREEK PKWY.

3 10

5 Dutch Bros Coffee The drive-thru and walk-up coffee shop serves classic and protein coffee drinks, lemonade, tea, energy drinks, shakes and smoothies as well as pastry items and

HYMEADOW DR.

620

seasonal drinks. • Opened Dec. 27 • 117 Deer Ridge Drive, Round Rock • www.dutchbros.com

183

6 The Learning Experience The child care center uses its Learning Experience Academic Program curriculum and incorporates hands-on activities to help children ages 6 weeks old through 6

SPICEWOOD SPRINGS RD.

2222

MAP NOT TO SCALE

CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY FOR WILLIAMSON COUNTY RICK COFER

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BY BRITTANY ANDERSON, STEVE GUNTLI & SAM SCHAFFER

years old develop intellectual, social and cognitive skills. • Opened Jan. 2

In the news

Now open

• 11624 Anderson Mill Road, Austin • www.thelearningexperience.com

9 Chesapeake Apartments Real estate agency Barker Pacific Group acquired the apartment complex. The acquisition includes $1.4 million in renovations and unit interior upgrades

7 Happy Lamb Hot Pot The hot pot restaurant features seafood and meat cooked in a soup base, plus vegetables and noodles to add in. • Opened Jan. 8 • 13343 N. US 183, Ste. 290, Austin • www.happylambhotpot.com

over the next three to five years. • 12300 Hymeadow Drive, Austin • www.chesapeakeapartmentsaustin.com

Closings

10 B’s Kitchen The Vietnamese restaurant served a variety of banh mi sandwiches, pho, egg rolls, fried rice, noodles and curry dishes. • Closed in December • 10300 Anderson Mill Road, Ste. A, Austin • www.instagram.com/the_bs_kitchen 11 Harley’s Firewood Owner Harley Goerlitz will be retiring after 40 years, and said the closing date will depend on the weather. • Closing in January

Expansions

12 Banh Mi Oven The Vietnamese restaurant serves banh mi, or Vietnamese sandwiches with chicken, beef, pork, sausage or tofu. The restaurant also has a variety of signature teas as well as Vietnamese iced coffee, salad bowls, edamame and miso brussels sprouts. • Opened Dec. 10 • 13219 Research Blvd., Ste. 100, Austin • www.instagram.com/banhmioven_atx

8 Texas Children’s Hospital The children’s hospital will add a craniofacial clinic to treat children with facial, jaw and skull abnormalities, and include integrated dentistry and orthodontic services. • Opening in the fall • 9835 N. Lake Creek Parkway, Bldg. B, Austin • www.texaschildrens.org

• 13499 Research Blvd., Austin • www.harleyswoodyard.com

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CEDAR PARK - FAR NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

Government

City ocials expand school zone for Cedar Park High School Cedar Park City Council approved a school zone extension for Cedar Park High School at its Dec. 12 meeting. The school zone on Cypress Creek Road will now run from roughly 300 feet east of Anderson Mill Road to 340 feet west of El Salido Parkway, per agenda documents. What you need to know The school zone now extends past El Sol Drive and ends between Anderson Mill Parkway and El Sol Drive, according to the documents. The posted speed limit on Cypress Creek Road in front of the high school is 45 miles per hour except in designated school zones.

Williamson County Emergency Medical Services is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2025.

COURTESY WILLIAMSON COUNTY EMS

Williamson County EMS celebrates 50 years of service This year marks the 50th anniversary of Wil- liamson County Emergency Medical Services, and ocials plan on celebrating the milestone throughout 2025. Residents can get involved with WCEMS this year at the following outings: • We Are Blood blood drive competition in Georgetown, Jan. 8 • 5K at River Ranch County Park in the fall • Trunk or Treat, Oct. 18 What residents should know In addition to community events, WCEMS instructors are looking for local businesses and nonprots interested in receiving Take10 CPR classes. WCEMS is hoping to teach 50 classes throughout 2025, according to the release.

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BY ANNA MANESS & SAM SCHAFFER

Construction begins on $10.7M West Arena in Taylor

Eric Boyce appointed new mayor pro tem

On Dec. 2, ocials broke ground on the Wil- liamson County Expo Center West Arena, a project that is expected to nish construction around

2023 voter-approved parks bond, Boles said. “We’re going to have a larger covered pavilion ... than we have currently existing, and that makes me excited,” Boles said. Prior renovations at the Expo Center started in 2016 and 2022, according to previous Community Impact reporting. Bartlett Cocke General Contractors is the West Arena’s construction contractor, and Parkhill is serving as the architect and engineer, according to the release.

Cedar Park City Council Member Eric Boyce replaced Council Member Anne Duy as mayor pro tem. The mayor pro tem is appointed by the mayor and presides over meetings in his absence,

December 2025. The big picture

The 175-by-450-foot covered West Arena will be directly north of an existing recreational vehicle park beside the Expo Center in Taylor. According to a Williamson County news release, the arena will accommodate for growth at existing events and support recreational vehicle park visitors. “In Williamson County, we don’t build any- thing—I feel like—[that’s] large enough,” Precinct 4 County Commissioner Russ Boles said at the groundbreaking. “We have so much growth com- ing our way, but that’s a pretty big building.” About the project The West Arena is expected to cost $10.7 million, and the 12-month project is funded through the

Eric Boyce

according to Cedar Park’s website. Duy has held the position since April 2023, and previously lled the role from May 2018 to May 2019. Penniman-Morin said he asked Boyce to succeed Duy in the role. His appointment took eect Nov. 21. Boyce was rst elected in 2020, and has been the founder and CEO of Boyce & Associates Wealth Consulting since 2017, according to the company’s website.

Amenities at the new facility will include:

Expanded gravel parking

Restrooms and showers

Two 8-by-28-foot covered picnic pavilions

SOURCE: WILLIAMSON COUNTYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

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CEDAR PARK FAR NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

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Education

BY CHLOE YOUNG

Leander ISD began construction on an expanded facility for its program to help special education students prepare for life after school. LISD’s 18-plus Transition Services and Science Materials Center helps special education students ages 18-22 transition into adulthood by gaining life skills and vocational training. Since launching in 2003, the program has grown from three to 145 students in the 2024-25 school year, said Denise Geiger, senior coordinator for special education transition. The center will allow the district to expand its program to up to 200 students. LISD breaks ground on services center

The background

Access to 18-plus programs is important for special education students, as those who receive a modied curriculum in school are likely to experience underemployment or unemployment in adulthood, Geiger said. The projects also includes the Science Materials Center, which will allow students to help produce and distribute science kits for the district’s 31 elementary campuses and expand support to secondary campuses, district ocials said. Voters approved $22.2 million for the 18-plus Transition Services building and $19.8 million for the new Science Materials Center in the district’s 2023 bond election. The district is constructing the facilities at a 9.1 acre site o West New Hope Drive next to the central transportation facility.

Science Materials Center (30,000 sq. ft.) • Training facilities for staff • Working areas • Storage areas for materials • Loading dock 18-plus Transition Services (33,900 sq. ft.) • Fitness room • Apartment living space • Classrooms • Sensory spaces • Commercial cooking lab • Storefront

Leander ISD ocials broke ground on the 18-plus Transition Services and Science Materials Center Dec. 6.

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CEDAR PARK FAR NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

Education

Leander ISD budget shortfall rises Leander ISD’s projected budget shortfall for fiscal year 2024-25 is continuing to rise. The update At a Dec. 12 meeting, the board approved amending the budget by $662,315 to cover nine positions for LISD’s new police department, which has now increased the projected budget shortfall to $29.5 million. What happened The board of trustees approved a nearly $•7 million increase to its projected budget shortfall, bringing it to $28.8 million, at a Nov. 21 meeting. The budget amendment came as LISD is expecting to receive $4.48 million less in state revenue due to lower student enrollment, Chief Financial Officer Pete Pape said.

Leander ISD sets legislative priorities Leander ISD officials plan to advocate for increased school funding and educator pay raises at the Texas Legislature this year. What happened The board of trustees adopted the district’s legislative priorities at a Dec. 12 meeting, weeks before state lawmakers reconvened for the 89th legislative session Jan. 14. The breakdown The district adopted legislative priorities focusing on curriculum, special education, educator salaries and retention, partner- ships with parents, state funding, voucher opposition, school safety and mental health.

Recent changes to the FY 2024-25 budget include:

-$5M -$4M -$3M -$2M -$1M $0

A decrease of $4.48 million in state revenue A decrease of $468,746 in local revenue

An increase of $194,489 in recapture An increase of

$2M $1.5M

$1M $5K $0

$1.84 million for start up costs for the LISD Police Department An increase of $662,315 to cover three sergeants, five police officers and one police department communications coordinator

SOURCE: LEANDER ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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BY BROOKE SJOBERG & CHLOE YOUNG

RRISD increases budget updates

Funding by high school feeder pattern

District wide items: $300.2M

Westwood: $69.6M Cedar Ridge: $82.7M McNeil: $132.4M Stony Point: $139.9M Round Rock: $208.8M

While most funds are intended for projects

Round Rock ISD administrators will pro- vide more frequent budget updates to the board of trustees starting in 2025, to keep a closer eye on the state of district finances. What you need to know The board set a schedule to receive budget updates from administration in December. Future updates will come to the board in January, February, April, June and November. How we got here This comes as Chief Financial Officer Dennis Covington’s final budget update on the 2023-24 fiscal year shows RRISD’s projected budget shortfall of $19 million nearly doubled to $37 million.

impacting the whole district, some funds are being used for campus-level projects in each feeder pattern.

SOURCE: ROUND ROCK ISD/ COMMUNITY IMPACT

Round Rock ISD lays out plan for 2024 bond Round Rock ISD administrators presented a schedule for projects funded by the 2024 bond to the board of trustees on Dec. 17. The details The five-year plan for the 2024 bond includes:

• Year one: Focus spending on technology and equipment, as well as design for larger projects. • Year two: Continue technology and equipment upgrades, as well as design and the permitting process for projects. • Year three: Continue updating technology and equipment, with an increase in construction projects. • Years four and five: Completing construction projects.

CEDAR PARK - FAR NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

Real estate

The median home sales price in far Northwest Austin ZIP code 78750 decreased by more than $200,000 year over year in November. Residential market data

Homes sold

November 2023

November 2024

+4.31%

+8.16%

+9.09%

-28.57%

+26.67%

+27.27%

183

78641

78613

78717

78726

78729

78750

78641

183A TOLL

Median home sales price

78717

November

2023

2024

78613

45 TOLL

78729

$468,250 $460,000 $622,500 $679,000 $441,000 $758,250

$471,495 $500,000 $522,000 $559,900 $450,000 $542,500

78641

78726

78613

MOPAC

620

78717

78750

78726

MARKET DATA PROVIDED BY AUSTIN BOARD OF REALTORS AND UNLOCK MLS 512-454-7636 • WWW.ABOR.COM

78729

78750

Average days on the market

Cedar Park - Far Northwest Austin

November 2023

November 2024

+20%

+5.66%

+84.85%

-1.32%

+9.8%

-1.67%

November

2023

2024

267

177

New listings

215

224

Closed sales

78641

78613

78717

78726

78729

78750

Homes under contract

214

223

Homes sold by price point in November

78641

78613

78717

78726

78729

78750

Months of inventory

4.2

4.1

1 1 1

- -

$900,000+

$700,000-$899,999

Median sales price

$485,000 $475,000

6 5

$500,000-$699,999

59 25

$300,000-$499,999

Active listings

804

796

<$299,999

Transportation

BY HANNAH NORTON

Texas vehicles no longer need safety inspections in 2025

Where its required

The $7.50 “inspection program replacement fee” will go to the state’s general revenue fund, a clean air account and the Texas Mobility Fund, which supports the construction and expansion of state highways. Drivers registering new vehicles will pay a $16.75 fee to cover two years, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety. Zooming in Electric vehicles will remain exempt from emis- sions tests, according to the DPS, and commercial vehicles—such as delivery trucks, buses and taxis— must still pass safety inspections. Texans still need to register their vehicles annu- ally with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. “Texans are responsible [and] fiercely indepen- dent, and I trust them to keep their cars and trucks safe while on the road. ... I am proud to author this bill, which will free up over 40 million hours per year for Texas drivers,” Harris said.

As of Jan. 1, Texas drivers will no longer need to get an annual safety inspection to register their vehicles. However, vehicles must pass emissions tests in major metropolitan areas, and all drivers will pay a $7.50 inspection replacement fee when renewing their vehicle registration. State lawmak- ers approved the policy change, spearheaded by Rep. Cody Harris, R-Palestine, during the 2023 legislative session. “With Texas being one of only a handful of states that still requires yearly safety inspections, eliminating the mandate is long overdue,” Harris said in a statement to Community Impact . “These inspections do not make roads safer, as evidenced by over 40 other states.” The details The new state law, House Bill 3297, eliminates mandatory safety inspections for noncommercial vehicles.

Texans with vehicles registered in the following counties will need to get an emissions test: • Brazoria

• Fort Bend • Galveston • Harris • Johnson • Kaufman • Montgomery

• Parker • Rockwall • Tarrant • Travis • Williamson

• Collin • Dallas • Denton • Ellis • El Paso

SOURCE: TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY/ COMMUNITY IMPACT

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Events

BY DACIA GARCIA

January

Austin Spurs vs. San Diego Clippers The two NBA minor league teams will face off in two games. Cedar Park residents can catch the game and enjoy a “Star Wars”-themed fan night. • Jan. 24 and 25, 7 p.m. • $15-$165 • H-E-B Center at Cedar Park, 2100 Ave. of the Stars, Cedar Park • www.hebcenter.com Leander Educational Excellence Foundation annual gala The event is the organization’s largest fundraiser to support its mission to improve education for Leander ISD students and staff. Henry Middle School theater students will perform a scene from the play “A Wrinkle in Time,” and the event will have an open bar from 6-7 p.m. featuring a “Wrinkle in Time” specialty cocktail. • Jan. 25, 6 p.m. • $175, sponsorship opportunities are available • The Crossover, 1717 Scottsdale Drive, Cedar Park • www.leeftx.org/events

Harlem Globetrotters 2025 World Tour The trick-shot stars will take on the Washington Generals in a friendly competition showcasing skills such as dunks, four-point shots and spins. This year’s game will feature special challenges that will highlight the players’ athletic talents.

• Feb. 9, 1 p.m. • $39+ • H-E-B Center at Cedar Park, 2100 Avenue of the Stars, Cedar Park • www.harlemglobetrotters.com

New Moon Manifestation Sound Bath Workshop

Participants will learn about the significance of the new moon and how to set energy for personal growth, journal with guided prompts, join in a grounding meditation and use crystal singing bowls to enhance manifestation. • Jan. 26, 7:00-8:30 p.m. • $35 • Inner Diva Studios, 10401 Anderson Mill Road, Ste. 104, Austin • www.innerdivastudios.com/events Winter Wonderland Showcase Community members of all ages will share makerspace- made artwork inspired by their favorite winter memories. • Jan. 30, 6-8 p.m. • Free • Cedar Park Public Library, 425 S. Parkwest Drive, Cedar Park

Short Creek Canyon. Proceeds will go toward the Center for Child Protection. • Feb. 2, 10 a.m. • Free (ages 13 and under with donation), $40-$55 (ages 14 and older) • Cedar Park Depot, 401 E. Whitestone Blvd., Cedar Park • www.austinsteamtrain.org The Chamber Paddle Battle The Cedar Park Chamber of Commerce is hosting its inaugural pickleball tournament at the newly opened Top Shot in Cedar Park. • Feb. 7, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. • $100 (team of two) • Top Shot, 840 N. Vista Ridge Blvd., Cedar Park • www.cedarparkchamber.org

• www.cedarparktexas.gov/159/Library

‘9 to 5: The Musical’ Leander High School Theatre will perform the musical based on the 1980 film, featuring music by Dolly Parton. • Jan. 30-Feb. 2, showtimes vary by day • $10 (LHS students and staff), $20 (general admission) • Leander High School, 3301 S. Bagdad Road, Leander • Facebook: Leander High School Theatre

February

The Teddy Bear Train Train enthusiasts will experience a three hour round trip with a tour of the views of the San Gabriel River and

CEDAR PARK - FAR NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

Development

BY STEVE GUNTLI

BY CHLOE YOUNG

Hill Country Community Ministries seeks funding to open nonprot mall

Members of Cedar Park City Council and other community leaders marked the opening of Bell Park with a ribbon cutting on Dec. 12. Bell Park is located on a 15-acre plot along Cluck Creek, adjacent to the new Cedar Park Public Library, and features outdoor art installa- tions, trailheads, a pavilion and public restroom facilities. The park also features Belle, a 23-foot playground structure designed after the Texas state bird, the mockingbird. The park is largely complete, with some trailheads still in the nal stages of development, according to a Dec. 12 news release from the city of Cedar Park. When nished, the 4,000-lin- ear-foot trail, which includes 3,700 feet of paved, Cedar Park ocials celebrate opening of new Bell Park

Next steps

HCCM has raised approximately $4 million for the project, but will need to raise an additional $3-$4 million by late February to secure the $8.1 million property, Hollaway said. Hollaway provided a presentation on the nonprot mall at a Cedar Park City Council meeting Dec. 12. Cedar Park City Council Member Heather Jefts signaled support for the program during the meeting. “This is something that could be transformative for the people on this side of the county, because we are all just one health crisis, one car crash away from needing her services,” Jefts said. People can donate by visiting HCCM’s website or contacting Hollaway at tiesa.hollaway@hccm.org or 512-259-0360, ext. 204.

Hill Country Community Ministries submitted a letter of intent to purchase a 30,000-square-foot building behind Red Horn Brewery & Roastery in early December. The space would allow HCCM to expand its food pantry and partner with nonprots to provide medical, mental health and nancial services for veterans, children and seniors, said HCCM executive director Tiesa Hollaway. The nonprot mall may serve as a satellite location for the Williamson County Children’s Advocacy Center, a center in Georgetown that responds to child abuse and neglect cases. Hollaway said she has spoken to several nonprots that are interested in joining the facility.

Members of City Council and the Cedar Park community dedicated Bell Park on Dec. 12.

COURTESY CITY OF CEDAR PARKCOMMUNITY IMPACT

shared-use walking space, will connect the incom- ing Bell District development to Bell Boulevard. The big picture The park is part of the city’s Bell District project, which is being designed by development rm RedLeaf. When completed, the district will oer retail, restaurant, oce and residential spaces. Vertical construction on the oce and retails sites will begin in the summer, and phase 1 is expected to be complete within seven years, according to previous reporting from Community Impact .

Hill Country Community Ministries is planning to expand operations for its charitable services.

Belle, a new play structure modeled after a mockingbird, anchors the Bell Park playground.

COURTESY HILL COUNTRY COMMUNITY MINISTRIES

SAM SCHAFFERCOMMUNITY IMPACT

HYMEADOW 12611 Hymeadow (512) 506-8401

NORTH 620 10601 N FM 620 (512) 506-8316

CEDAR PARK 13530 Ronald Reagan Blvd (512) 986-7681

ARBORETUM 10515 N Mopac Expressway (512) 342-6893

Winter Weather PREPAREDNESS TIPS For updates and instructional videos visit: austinwater.org

Locate your water shutoff Make sure everyone in your residence knows where the water main shutoff valve is located and keep it clear of debris and obstacles at all times. In an emergency, Austin Water recommends you always try to shut off your water at your property owner’s cutoff valve first. For most homes in our service area, the property owner’s shutoff valve is on your side of the water meter at the meter box. If you are not sure where, check the property inspection report from when you purchased your residence. For renters, please consult with your property manager. If you cannot find your shutoff valve or if it is damaged, then you should be prepared to access the City shutoff valve in the meter box. You may need a water meter key to open the meter box, during an emergency, which can be purchased at most hardware stores. Keep out cold air Tightly close doors and windows to the outside. Make repairs to broken or drafty windows, doors, and walls. Seal all leaks in crawl spaces and basements. Winterize unheated spaces and close garage doors for the duration of the freeze. Exposed pipes and water heaters Insulate pipes in unheated and drafty areas, such as an attic or garage. Also check Also check manufacturer recommendations for your tanked and tankless water heaters. Hardware and plumbing supply stores carry insulation to help keep pipes from freezing. Outside faucets Turn off outside faucets. Remove all connected hoses and wrap faucets with towels or a Styrofoam insulator. Turn off and drain automatic sprinkler systems. Prepare before leaving town If you plan to be away during a time when freezing temperatures are possible, turn off your water at the meter and set your thermostat to 65 degrees or higher.

EMERGENCY SUPPLIES to have on hand

WATER METER KEY to access your meter box if necessary INSULATION for indoor and outdoor pipes HOSE BIB COVERS for outdoor faucets

Battery powered RADIO and FLASHLIGHT Have enough water for 1 GALLON PER PERSON PER DAY FOR 7 DAYS

In the event of an emergency and you can’t access your meter box, please call Austin Water’s Emergency Dispatch at 512-972-1000.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Health & wellness

BY CLAIRE SHOOP

Health & Wellness Edition 2025

Readers, welcome to your annual CI Health & Wellness Edition! This brand new guide features the latest updates and resources on health and wellness in your community. All of the stories were written by our team of local journalists. For our inaugural Health & Wellness Edition, we’ll be looking at running events coming up in 2025 and discussing nutrition with professional dietitians from H-E-B Nutrition Services. Here’s to a healthy and happy 2025!

Premium sponsor:

Steve Guntli Editor sguntli@ communityimpact.com

Austin Water AustinWater.org Austin Water is committed to

providing safe, reliable, high-quality and aordable water and wastewater services for our community.

What's inside

What to know about HEB Nutrition Services (Page 26)

A guide to upcoming Austin-area running events (Page 29)

True Test in Leander oers hormone therapy (Page 30)

For relevant news and daily updates, subscribe to our free email newsletter!

County health data Williamson County outperformed Travis County on overall health outcomes and health factors. However, both counties were above the state and national averages. Each county diered on individual metrics, with Williamson County showing a lower percent of uninsured residents under age 65, but Travis County reporting better access to exercise.

Snapshot

Health indicators

The data for all counties statewide is updated annually, but includes information from previous years.

These are some of the statistics that inuence the overall health and wellness of the county.

Health factor

Health outcome

Williamson

Travis County Williamson County

Texas

Least healthy in U.S. Most healthy in U.S.

Travis

Life expectancy Food insecurity

80.6 years

81 years

77.2 years

12% 5% 11% 23% 92% 15%

10% 9% 11% 18% 89% 13%

14% 8% 13% 18% 82% 20%

Limited access to healthy foods

Health outcomes

Adult smoking

Williamson County

Travis County

Excessive drinking

Access to exercise opportunities

Uninsured (under age 65)

State average National average

Ratio of population to primary care physicians Ratio of population to mental health providers Sleep fewer than 7 hours on average Commute alone for longer than 30 minutes Spend 50% or more of income on housing

1,190:1

1,460:1

1,660:1

Health factors

270:1 30% 37% 16%

610:1 32% 44%

640:1

Williamson County

Travis County

33% 39% 14%

National average

11%

State average

SOURCE: UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN POPULATION HEALTH INSTITUTE 2024 COUNTY HEALTH RANKINGSCOMMUNITY IMPACT

CEDAR PARK FAR NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

From the cover

Need for student mental health support increases

The context

The overview

Bluebonnet Trails and Integral Care found that isolation from the pandemic, alongside increased social media use and cyberbullying, have contrib- uted to a rise in youth mental health issues. Both organizations have seen an increased need for their services since 2020. “We’ve seen a notable increase in depression, trauma and completed suicides,” Buchanan said. From 2018-2022, suicide deaths among youth and children in Austin have risen by 65%, according to Austin Public Health.

Bluebonnet Trails observed a rise in admissions to its youth therapeutic respite program in Round Rock, which provides therapy, case management and medication to ages 5-17, Janes said. “Our crisis teams are very, very busy, especially during the school year,” said Brinti Mueck, director of youth and family mental health operations for Bluebonnet Trails. The Williamson County mental health authority provides case managers who train students on coping skills, Mueck said.

In LISD, a growing percentage of the district’s 42,500 students need increased mental health services. Referrals to LISD’s Student and Family Support Team of 15 licensed counselors and social workers increased by 33% from the 2021-22 to 2023- 24 school year, according to LISD data. LISD is on track to surpass referrals to its Student and Family Support Team from last school year, with 690 referrals as of early November, said Haley Simmons, Student and Family Support Team coordinator, at a Nov. 7 board meeting. District officials have expressed frustration over a lack of state funding. Meanwhile, the district has increased the amount of funding it puts toward guidance counseling services in recent years. The Leander Educational Excellence Foundation has paid for mental health specialists for LISD students post-pandemic. Since 2020, the district has hired additional therapists amid increased student referrals, two of which LEEF is continuing to fund after federal grant funding expired. Bluebonnet Trails Community Services and Integral Care have partnered with LISD and other districts to provide additional support for students, including case management and crisis response services. “The schools sometimes feel like they need more resources, and certainly we want to be a part of that solution where we can,” Janes said. Students may also receive counseling through Texas Child Health Access Through Telemedicine, or TCHATT—a state-funded telehealth counseling program.

Symptoms of mental illness in children and youth

Withdrawn or disinterested

Change in behavior

Change in weight

Drop in grades

Increased activity online

SOURCES: INTEGRAL CARE, BLUEBONNET TRAILS COMMUNITY SERVICES/COMMUNITY IMPACT

The approach

Continuum of care Students in LISD may receive one or several forms of mental health support depending on their need.

Districts provide several layers of mental health support for students. Counselors are the first point of contact for mental health concerns, LISD Director of Counseling Services Steve Clark said at a Dec. 10 event. LISD students may receive individual or group counseling with a parent’s consent. If students need more help, the district may refer them to its Student and Family Support Team. The district may refer students to an outside provider if they need more than eight to 10 therapy sessions, Clark said.

Students with identified needs

Outside referral SFST counseling Individual and small group counseling Counseling curriculum, group activities and academic planning

All students

SOURCE: LEANDER ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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