oakhillgazette.com
January 7, 2016 Volume 21, No. 1 Southwest Austin’s Community Newspaper Since 1995
Birthday party for the three bears - you’re invited!
Post Office swamped by Christmas traffic by Ann Fowler OAK HILL - Holiday mailing season seems to always be hectic for both postal employees and customers, but it got a little more difficult this year at the Oak Hill Post Office when customer parking decreased by more than half. The facility needed more room for the large volume of packages and mail—up 26.6 percent over last year, according to Austin Postmaster Tom Billington. Billington explained, “To accommodate this significant increase, we set up a tent in the secured area of this office’s parking lot to facilitate and expedite processing and han-
A big tent was used to proccess a 26.6% increase in volume, but it also led to traffic problems. dling of packages for our carrier delivery operations.” The loss of employee parking in the back forced some employees to park in what is See POST OFFICE on p. 10
Bear cubs Korben, Tilly and Ruby are bear•ly two years old. The inset photo is of the cubs when they first arrived at Austin Zoo. - photos by Kati Bennett and Trevor Fowler (insert). by Ann Fowler Austin Zoo is holding a birthday celebration for bear cubs Korben, Tilly and Ruby on Saturday, Jan. 16 at 1 p.m.—and you’re invited. Patti Clark, director of the Austin Zoo, said these cubs had a rocky start to life. The three were orphaned when they were less than
two weeks old when logging activity in Portland, Oregon, frightened away their mother. Clark said, “They were transferred to the Oregon Zoo where staff began seeking a permanent home for them. Their eyes were not open and they were not walking. We were contacted to see if we could provide a forever home for the three cubs.”
The Austin Zoo was contacted to see if the three bear cubs could become permanent residents. Of course the answer was yes. Two staff members flew to Oregon to work with Oregon Zoo staff in caring for the cubs until a veterinarian cleared them for the trip to Austin. See BEARS on back page
Sports on p. 12
2 ...Oak Hill Gazette January 7 - January 20, 2016
Letter to the Editor The Greatest Hits keep on coming
Dear Editor: The problem with doing a Greatest Hits column is that you’re bound to leave someone out. Or in my case, several people. So here’s my make-up letter. Best HVAC Guy: Brian aka Mr. Cool. Best Lawn Guy: Jake of the Student Loan Lawn services you see advertised
here. Best Tree Trimmer: Neal Howerton Best Cajun Food: I don’t know, but you’ve got a choice between Evangeline’s and the Cypress Grill. Best Novelty Store: Whatever Smokes Did I leave anything or anyone out? Probably. If you see anything missing, write your own letter. Cheers, Mike Jasper
Now in our 20th year, the Oak Hill Gazette is locally owned and is published every other Thursday. With a circulation of 7.500, it is home delivered to over 5,000 homes in Southwest Austin and is sold in stands for 50¢. Publisher/Editor: Will Atkins Co-Publisher/Advertising: Penny Levers Webmaster: Taylor Christensen
e-mail us:
editorial@oakhillgazette.com All letters must be signed
Civic Agenda This space is reserved for information on civic happenings that occur in, or relate to the Southwest Austin area. To be included in the Civic Agenda, a meeting or event must relate to public policy. For other community events please see our community calendar on page 10. If you would like to be included, please e-mail editorial@ oakhillgazette.com with the subject “Civic Agenda” and include details of your meeting or happening, along with any relevant agenda items. Austin Water Open House: One-DayPer-Week Watering Schedule Thursday, January 7, 2016, drop by anytime from 6 to 8 pm Hampton Branch Library, 5125 Convict Hill Rd Building on lessons learned during the drought, Austin Water is proposing to move to a permanent one-day-
Circulation Manager: Ingrid Morton Reporters/Writers: Ann Fowler, Tony Tucci, Patrick Olson, Travis Atkins, Roger White, Mike Jasper, and Laurel Robertson To advertise or subscribe: 301-0123 • advertising@oakhillgazette.com
per-week watering schedule. This would mark a significant change for our community and we are seeking your input as we move this proposal forward to City Council. Watering restrictions are our biggest water savings measure and the one-day-perweek restrictions, along with positive community response, were critical in keeping the Highland Lakes above emergency levels during the worst parts of the drought. Austin Water believes that permanent one-day-perweek restrictions are a sound direction for our community. They seek your input and participation to put together a package that best protects our water resources in these challenging times.
2600 W Stassney Lane, 78745 Join Foundation Communities on their mission to empower low-income families by volunteering with the Community Tax Centers program. Prospective volunteers are invited to find out more at the Cupcake Social. Certified Professional Accountants (CPAs) and Enrolled Agents (EAs) may be eligible for up to 12 hours of continuing professional education (CPE) credits for their service. In 2016, the tax centers expect to see more than 20,000 families. To make this happen, they need 600 active volunteers. Daytime, evening, and weekend shifts are
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Oak Hill Gazette January 7 - January 20, 2016 ...3
Escape Room craze hits town by Ann Fowler AUSTIN - Looking for something different to do with family or friends? If you enjoy challenges, solving puzzles and uncovering clues—all while the clock is ticking—you may enjoy the interactive adventure of an Escape Room. What is an Escape Room? For the most part, it is a room where usually six to ten people gather to uncover clues and solve puzzles to reach an overall goal within a given timeframe—usually 60 minutes. The complexity of the game requires the group to divide into smaller teams to examine the room, looking for clues. What are they looking for? Perhaps codes needed for a safe or lockbox, which will hold clues to other puzzles. Of course red herrings—misleading clues—will be plentiful, and that’s part of the fun. Often an escape room staff member monitors the team to offer clarification—or in some cases clues—upon request. If a game has not been solved when time expires, some rooms may allow
Sixty-minute interactive adventures— are you up to the challenge?
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Voted BEST After School Classes in Central Texas An Escape Room is a room where usually six to ten people (like the happy Escape Room customers above) gather to uncover clues and solve puzzles to reach an overall goal in 60 minutes. an extra minute or two if the group is close to solving the final puzzle. At lease one Escape Room charges for an extra 15 minutes. If the group fails on its mission, a staff member
walks the group through the puzzles and solutions. While it is satisfying to escape the room by the deadline, for many that is not the ultimate goal. Continued on page 14
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4 ...Oak Hill Gazette January 7 - January 20, 2016
This Old Spouse
family humor
Prine was right: blow up your TV by Roger White
“Blow up your TV, throw away your paper, Go to the country, build you a home…” —from “Spanish Pipedream,” by John Prine
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I work for an education association, whose ebb and flow of timelines, lull seasons, and get-it-done-yesterday crunch times generally follows the public schools calendar. This does not mean I get the whole summer off or that I have to take some sort of final exams every semester. But it does mean I get a nice chunk of time off during the Christmas break. Or should I say Holiday Break, or Winter Break, to be properly PC. But if I say “Winter Break,” then I’m accused of waging war on Christmas—whatever that is—by the anti-war-on-Christmas people, whoever they are. Seems there are an inordinate number of highly sensitive, easily offended, extremely angry subgroups of people out there these days, and almost any topic— from eating a hamburger to wearing a headscarf to saying “bless you” when somebody sneezes—is now an emotional mine field of potential hurt feelings and mob-mentality retribution. For example, overheard at a local Wal-Mart recently: “Dammit, Zebulon, these friggin’ Moslems is takin’ over the place. Look over thar, in home improvement. Dang scarf-wearin’ terrurist jee-haddys…” “Yeah, I here ya, Jebediah. Hey, Zeke! Lee Roy! We got us a … wait, that’s my mom in the scarf. She didn’t want nobody to see her curlers.” “Oh. Well. That’s awright, I guess.” But while we’re on the subject,
wouldn’t the term “Winter Break” be Parenthood bombings, Dow Jones considered offensive to those folks doom and gloom, the affluenza teen, who deem autumn as their favorite Bill Cosby revelations, and viral catseason? We have Spring Break; we in-the-microwave stories tend to hit have Summer Break; and now with me like a soft pillow in the face. The the newly christened crap the media spews at “Winter Break” we are us 24/7 isn’t our world. kicking poor, unloved And all you have to autumn to the curb, do is turn it off. You can aren’t we? We have blow it up, if you’ve a no “Fall Break.” I’m mind, but just hitting pissed off! This is War the “off ” button will on Fall! Anti-Autumn suffice. Aaah. That’s Armageddon! I’m ornice. ganizing a protest! So why take only a Where’s Fox News? (insert your preferred OK, wait. Once again, holiday here) break I digress. Anyway, yes, from the muck and so this lovely fortnight the madness? I was Roger White of vacation I get every, never much on New uh, late December Year’s resolutions, but allows me the blessed I believe I have one for opportunity to back away from the 2016: Less CNN, Trump, Hannity, grind. To sit in the backyard with msnbc, Fox, and all those “World’s a fire in the fire pit, a warm drink Most Extreme Terrible Things” in hand, and nothing on my mind shows—and more backyard reflecbut determining how to get the tion. More walks, more friends, (insert your preferred holiday here) more board games. If you still have boxes down from the attic without the old Aggravation board game upsetting the raccoon family that gathering cobwebs in the closet, has taken up permanent residence pull it out, dust it off, and get the up there. kids around. It’s fun. I have found that during this heavDon’t have Aggravation? OK, enly lull I tend to watch less news Monopoly then. Just try to ignore on TV and scarcely come near the the fact that Monopoly is based on computer, which is where I usually properties in Atlantic City, New receive my daily dose of terror, mis- Jersey, a town practically owned ery, innuendo, and fear-mongering by…you know who. I’m tellin’ ya, via CNN and other websites. if that candy-haired blowhard gets And despite the season’s family anywhere near the White House, dramas, gift-hunting mayhem, I’m moving the family to… and traffic gridlock gnashing of Time out. Breathe. Forget Monopteeth—not to mention the annual oly. Stick with Aggravation. Or the overdose of turkey, libations, and backyard fire pit. Aaah, there we go. too much party silliness—I find that my anxiety level and blood pressure Roger White is a freelance writer go way down. Two weeks without living in Austin, Texas, with his lovely Trump, Cruz, Clinton, terrorist wife, two precocious offspring, a very plots for world overthrow, Planned obese but mannerful dachshund, and a cat with Epstein-Barr. For further adventures, visit oldspouse. wordpress.com. Or not.
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Oak Hill Gazette January 7 - January 20, 2016 ...5
Drippin’ Lowdown
Dripping Springs
Explosive growth forecasted for Dripping Springs To begin a New Year, let’s take a sweeping, generalized and always-changing look at the staggering amount of growth/development occurring just over the county line in Dripping Springs and its extra-territorial jurisdiction (ETJ). The small town (population 1,788) oversees a large ETJ (population approximately 30,000) and those numbers are guar-
anteed to climb precipitously over the next few years. Coming up with a firm number of planned homes is as futile as trying to predict human behavior - but I’ll try to give a general estimation of growth expected in the next five years. Suffice it to say, Dripping Springs won’t be the same small town at that point. To begin with the closest and most obvious: Belterra and its surround-
ing developments (Ledgestone, Highpointe, and Saratoga Hills). The original subdivision has been under development for years now, with about 1500 of the 2000 homes already completed. Just across Hwy 290, Ledgestone’s 242 homesites have been under construction almost as long. Add in the new Belterra Springs Apartments and Ledgestone Senior Apartments, facing each other
across Hwy 290, and we’re up by 150 and 160 units, respectively. To the south, Highpointe adds 1029 home sites, many homes already built; to the north, Saratoga Hills is constructing 156 more homesites. Jump south, to FMs 1826 and 967, and three “R” subdivisions are presently raising dust: Rim R o c k ( 6 7 5 Laurel Robertson homesites), Rutherford Ranch (291 homesites) and Reunion Ranch (524 homesites). Just across 1826 from Rim Rock, Parten Ranch Development recently reached a development agreement with Dripping Springs City Council for 575 homesites on 532 acres of the (former) Parten Ranch.
City of Dripping Springs
The story of the Parten Ranch is representative of the changing times and landscape around Dripping Springs. The Parten family recently decided they can no longer operate a ranch wedged in the middle of subdivisions. Stray dogs, trespassing neighbors, nearby houses and higher taxes limit their livestock options, render hunting impractical and make turning a profit nearly impossible. After owning and caring for that land for generations, the family has decided to sell and move farther west. Nearby, Salt Lick owner Scott Roberts is building what could be called a small town. His Driftwood Economic Development Municipal Management District will bring 150 homes, a winery and restaurant, plus retail and hotel space to the 453 acres surrounding his iconic barbeque restaurant and event center. Infrastructure for the development
Continued on p. 20
Welcomes Another Lisa...
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6 ...Oak Hill Gazette January 7 - January 20, 2016
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Oak Hill Gazette January 7 - January 20, 2016 ...7
Pet Page
Austin Animal Center looking for volunteers for multiple, new positions With 18,000 animals coming through its doors each year, the Austin Animal Center needs help to provide love and attention to homeless cats, dogs and small animals. Volunteers are critical to ensuring the shelter’s pets receive exercise, attention and enrichment. Volunteers also provide support in other key areas, including matching pets with adopters, providing toys and treats to cats and dogs, and greeting visitors and answering questions. With an easy onboarding process, new volunteers will be able to start soon after attending an orientation session. Upcoming orientations will be January 6, 9, 16, 19, 28, 31 and February 6, 7, 9, 17, 20, and 23. Sign up to attend by visiting https://www.givepulse.com/ event/12450-New-Volunteer-Orientation. Here are some of the positions to
choose from: Adoption specialist: This position’s primary functions are to help people visit with pets, answer questions about each animal, and providing counseling, education and resources. Cat enrichment volunteer: This position spends time giving extra love and attention to fearful felines. They also make sure rambunctious kittens get much-needed exercise and toys. Cats need time out of their kennels too, so cat volunteers make sure kitties get breaks from the stress of confinement. Dog enrichment volunteer: This position makes sure all dogs get the exercise and attention they need to stay happy and healthy while they wait for their homes. Many of the medium and large dogs wait months to find their new families, so dog enrichment volunteers play a lifesaving role. Volunteers can work with dogs, both on and offsite, and many
of the volunteers foster their favorite dogs. Have a training or behavior background? You can help teach dogs basic obedience skills through positive reinforcement training. Clean team: This position helps manage donations; stuffing; handing out and cleaning Kong toys; and helping with basic tasks like spot-cleaning, washing dishes and doing laundry. Greeters: This position is one of the most important volunteer roles in the entire shelter, the greeter is the first person visitors see when they walk through the door. This position answers questions, guides potential adopters to the appropriate areas and serves as a point of contact for visitors. Studies have shown that the way people are greeted has a huge impact on whether they adopt a pet, so this role is perfect for outgoing, social people.
Precious is a two year old female pit bull mix looking for a loving home. Great with dogs and loves going to the dog park. She has not been around many children but we are pretty sure she will be excellent with them. She is a mellow, go with the flow kind of girl. Please contact us at (512) 892-4158 if interested.
Gazette Pet Guide
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8 ...Oak Hill Gazette January 7 - January 20, 2016
Arts & Entertainment Ongoing Events
Fridays
Sundays
Friday night Dance Club - w/ Western bands and a Pot Luck break. 7:30pm-10pm at South Austin Activity Center, 3911 Manchaca RD, Austin. $4.50.
Live Jazz Brunch - 10am-2pm. Nutty Brown Cafe, 12225 Hwy. 290 W., 78737. 301-4648. nuttybrown.com. Tessy Lou Williams & The Shotgun Stars - 4pm at Poodie’s Hilltop Bar & Grill, 22308 Hwy. 71 W., Spicewood. No cover.
New Events Fri., Jan 8 & Sat. Jan 9
Sunday/Fundays - Every first Sunday of the month the Neill-Cochran House Museum will be open to the public for free from 1pm - 4pm 2310 San Gabriel St. 512-478-2335 nchmuseum.org
The Settlement Home for Children presents The Settlement Home’s 100th Anniversary Celebration featuring Jewel - 7:30pm The Long Center 701 W. Riverside Drive (512) 457-5100 thelongcenter.org
Charles Thibodeaux and the Austin Cajun Aces - 6:30pm at Evangeline Cafe, 8106 Brodie 512.282-2586.
Wednesdays No Bad Days Open Mic - 7pm at Poodie’s Hilltop Bar & Grill, 22308 Hwy. 71 W., Spicewood. 50+ Singles Dance- 7:30-9:45 Live Music. Senior Activity Center 29th & Lamar. 2874 Shoal Crest. fiftyplusdanceaustin.com Trivia Night - Wednesdays at Waterloo Ice House, Southpark Meadows, 9600 South I-35 Service Rd. SB, Suite D-100. 512-301-1007 waterlooicehouse.com. The Peacemakers - 10pm at Evangeline Cafe, 8106 Brodie 282-2586..
Thursdays Karaoke - at Boomerz Nightclub, 6148 Hwy 290 W.. 892-3373.
Wednesday, January 13
Violinist Jennifer Frautschi - 8pm Austin Symphony and violinist Jennifer Frautschi are going to serve you up some hot music. ou don’t want to miss hearing Jennifer perform the Wieniawski on her 1722 Antonio Stradivarius violin. The Long Center 701 W. Riverside Drive (512) 4575100 thelongcenter.org
Friday, January 15
Atomic Frolic Naughty New Year Burlesque - 8pm in partnership with La Divina and Diamond Burlesque Productions. Featured in this show will be Ruby Champagne, April Showers and Ms. Redd from Las Vegas. Also appearing will be Ruby Joule, La Divina, Jolie Goodnight and Lana Del Luna and many more! Stateside at the Paramount, 713 Congress Avenue, 512.472.5470 austintheatre.org
Rodney Carrington - 7pm Bass Concert Hall 2350 Robert Dedman Drive 512.471.1444 texasperformingarts.org
Saturday, January 9
Fri., Jan 15 & Sat., Jan 16 Dancestry….Vivid - Shay Ishii Dance Company presents Dancestry….Vivid. Rollins Studio Theater at the The Long Center 701 W. Riverside Drive (512) 457-5100 thelongcenter.org
Open Mic with your host, Garett Endres. Starts at 9pm every Thursday 290 West Club 12013 W Hwy 290
Third Thursday at The Blanton - free evening of art and activities. 5-9pm at Blanton Museum, Brazos and Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. blantonmuseum.org
Macklemore and Ryan Lewis - 8pm Bass Concert Hall 2350 Robert Dedman Drive 512.471.1444 texasperformingarts.org
Friday, January 8
Tony Harrisson / Dance Lessons / Jesse Dayton- 6pm - 9:15pm 9:15pm at the Broken Spoke, 3201 S. Lamar. 442-6189.
“Thirsty Thursday” gathering- Poems and songs will be shared in a round robin, open mic atmosphere following the featured presentation. On the third Thursday of every month. Free. Food pantry donations are welcomed. 7pm at New Life Lutheran Church, 120 Frog Pond Ln in Dripping Springs. Info: 512.858-2024
Dave Rawlings Machine - 8pm Acony Records proudly presents Nashville Obsolete, the highly anticipated second album. the Paramount Theatre 719 Congress Avenue 512.472.5470 austintheatre.org Sunday, January 10
Mondays
Texas Songwriters Showcase 6:30pm Poodie’s Hilltop Bar & Grill, 22308 Hwy. 71 W., Spicewood. No cover.
Alejandro Escovedo Experience: The Leonard Cohen Influence Doors: 6:30pm · Show: 8pm Austin City Limits Live at The Moody Theater 310 Willie Nelson Blvd 512) 2257999 acl-live.com
Wednesday, January 20
Charles Atlas in Performance Doors at 7pm, Performance at 8pm As an essential, one-night-only component of the exhibition Strange Pilgrims, The Contemporary Austin presents a new performance with Atlas center stage, joined by collaborators and using video technology, live music feed, and other elements to create an immersive, thought-provoking experience. Stateside at the Paramount, 713 Congress Avenue, 512.472.5470 info@austintheatre. org
An Evening with Christopher Cross & Friends - Doors: 6:30pm · Show: 8pm with The Beach Boys’ Mike Love, Michael McDonald, and special guest Eric Johnson. Austin City Limits Live at The Moody Theater 310 Willie Nelson Blvd 512) 2257999 acl-live.com
Community Clubs & Events Ongoing Events Woodworkers Club of Austin 7pm on the 1st Tuesday of the month in the training room at Seaton Hosp SW, on FM 1826 We are a non profit org. and make toys etc for charity. Call Bill at 512-288-3252 Free Overeaters Anonymous - Fridays at 8pm open meeting. No dues, fees or weigh-ins. Everyone welcome! Unity Church of Austin, 5501 W. US Hwy 290, Service Rd. Vicki (512) 925-7854 or Candy (432) 349-1512 Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous Meeting - Bannockburn Baptist Church room 103 Every Wednesday, 7pm - 8:30pm Anne Slater 512-215-9719 for more info
Drive. Open to ages 18 & up. 956494-4809 / oakhill.freetoasthost.biz Alzheimer’s Caregiver SupporGroup - 2nd Wednesday of the month at noon at Arveda Alzheimer’s Family Care, 11013 Signal Hill Drive, 78737. Anyone caring for a loved-one with dementia and needing support is invited. RSVP to 512637-5400 and feel free to bring your own lunch. www.arvedacare.com. Senior Luncheon Program - Seniors (over 60) meet at 8656 Hwy. 71 W, Bldg A, next to JP bldg every Tues, Wed and Thurs from 10am2pm. Transportation available. Call 512-854-2138 for more info.
Conversation Cafe - Drop in for open, public dialogue on a variety of topics. Every third Saturday from 10:30am-11:30am at the Hampton Branch Austin Public Library at Oak Hill, 5125 Convict Hill Rd. 512-9749900 cityofaustin.org/library. FREE
Oak Hill Neighborhood Planning Contact Team - Due to the Thanksgiving holiday, OHNPCT does not meet in November.There is no December meeting scheduled. OHNPCT’s next meeting will be: January 27, 2016 6:30pm at the ACC Pinnacle Campus, 10th Floor Board Room. www.ohnpct.org.
Classes and meditation - with Western Buddhist nun, Gen Kelsang Ingchug. Every Sunday at 9:30am at Chittamani Buddhist Center, 1918 Bissel Lane, 78745. Everyone welcome. Spiritual counselling by appointment. Call for free brochure. 916-4444. meditationinaustin.org.
MOMS Club of Austin - Are you a stay at home mom looking for support, daytime activities and other moms like you? The MOMS® Club of SW Oaks/Oak Hill offers all that and more. You can find us on Meetup at www.meetup.com/MOMSClub-of-Austin-SW-Oaks/
Sisters in Crime Heart of Texas Chapter - Meets monthly on the second Sunday of the month at 2pm at the Recycled Reads (part of the Austin Library system) 5335 Burnet Rd www.hotxsinc.org.
Southwest Networking Group (SWING) - meets for breakfast at Waterloo Ice House, Slaughter Ln. & Escarpment Blvd., 9600 Escarpment Blvd.. 8-9:30am. Bring business cards. For more info call 4829026 or 921-4901. Thursdays.
VFW Post 4443 meeting - Meets on first Tues. of month from 7-8:30pm at 7614 Thomas Springs Road in Oak Hill. Members and potential members are encouraged to be there around 6pm to gather for dinner. There is no cost. The Oak Hill Rotary Club - Meeting the first two weeks each month for lunch on Thursday at Johnny Carinos on Brodie and then join us for social/networking events the other weeks as posted on our website. Circle C Area Democrats - 6:308:30pm Santa Rita in the Escarpment Village. Meets on second Mondays of month. For information:circle careademocrats.org. Toastmasters Groups - Build leadership and communication skills in a friendly, supportive atmosphere. Visitors welcome. Tejas Toastmasters: 288-7808/ tejastoastmasters. org. Meets every Mon. at 6 pm at IHOP, 1101 S. Mopac. South Austin Toastmasters: meets first and third Tuesday at noon at ACC South Austin Campus, 1820 W. Stassney Lane. Phone 443-7110 or 288-7808. Oak Hill Toastmasters: meet every Thursday from 6:45-8pm at Western Hills Church of Christ, 6211 Parkwood
South Austin AARP Chapter 2426 - Tom Bauer will talk about leadership styles and best practices, 1pm - 4pm at South Austin Senior Activity Center, 3911 Manchaca Rd. Free. Meets on third Wednesday of the month. For more info call Mary at 280-8661. www.southaustinaarp.org. OHBPA Meeting - (Oak Hill Business Professionals Association). Meets every first Thursday of the month from 11:30am-1pm at Mandola’s Italian Market, 4301 W. Wm. Cannon $15. ohbpa.org. Hill Country Republican Women -- meets second Thursday of the month from 6:30 pm to 8 pm at Santa Rita in Escarpment Village. For more information: http://www.hillcountryrw.org/ or call Deborah Penn at (512) 288-2054. Creative Arts Society - Meets on first Wed. of month (except Jan.,July, Aug.) at ACC Pinnacle, 10th floor, faculty lounge. 6pm networking. 7pm program. All artists and art enthusiasts are welcome. creativeartssociety.org 288-0574. ALS Caregivers Support Group Group will meet from 12:15 to 2:15 pm on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday af-
ternoons of each month, at the Yarborough branch (2nd Tues) and the Twin Oaks branch (4th Tues) of the Austin Public Library. FREE Contact: Jinji Willingham (512) 350-8505 Retired Austin Travelers - a group for people who love to travel. Regular meetings are held at the Oak Hill Library 5124 Convict Hill Rd. More information & directions can be found at the web site, ratsonline.org. South Austin Civic Club - Dedicated to making South Austin a better place to live, work and conduct business by advoacting for issues that affect the quality of life in South Austin. Monthly luncheons are at 11:30 on the 2nd Tuesday at Red Lobster 3815 S. Lamar. For info contact: Linda Clarke at 512-899-2120.
New Events September 5 - January 31 3-D Watercolors, Metal Sculptures & Paintings - See the unique watercolors of Shou Ping See the beautiful landscape paintings of bluebonnets by Ken Moore in the Store into December. An exhibit of metal sculptures by Sun McColgin also opens Sept. 12 on the Center grounds. Enjoy this “Relics in The Field” exhibit through January. LBJ Wildflower Center 4801 La Crosse Ave (512) 232-0100 wildflower.org Thursday, January 14 Austin Sales & Marketing Career Fair - 9am - 12:30pm HireLive is a national career service company specializing in Sales, Retail and Management Career Fairs, and has more than a decade of experience in connecting job seekers with industry leading companies that are currently hiring. This is your opportunity to interview face to face with 15+ Fortune 500 and Industry Leading companies seeking talented, experienced and enthusiastic sales, retail and management candidates. Hilton Austin 500 East 4th Street Sunday, January 17 Films Based on Books From Russia - The Double - 2:30pm a British black comedy thriller film written and directed by Richard Ayoade and starring Jesse Eisenberg and Mia Wasikowska. The film is based on the novella The Double by Fyodor Dostoyevsky. It is about a man driven to breakdown when he is usurped by a doppelgänger. Austin Public Library Yarborough Branch, 2200 Hancock Dr. 512-974-8820 or visit library.austintexas.gov. Wednesday, January 20 2016 Culinary Arts Career Conference - presented by the Austin Food and Wine Alliance. The Palmer Events Center 900 Barton Springs Rd. palmereventscenter.com
Oak Hill Gazette January 7 - January 20, 2016 ...9
Outdoors & Fitness Ongoing Events Farmer’s Market at Sunset Valley - Locally grown fresh produce at Tony Burger Center, 3200 Jones Rd. Saturdays from 9am-1pm. www. sfcfarmersmarket.org. Docent Tours of AMOA - Each Sat. & Sun. 1pm Docent-led tours of the recently restored 1916 Driscoll Villa, the intimate art exhibition Laguna Gloria Grounded and the historic gardens overlooking Lake Austin. Austin Museum of Art, 823 Congress 512-495-9224 www.amoa.org. Texas Outdoor Women’s Network - Open to women of all ages interested in outdoor activities. fishing, kayaking, camping, hiking and more! No experience required. Free monthly meetings on fourth Tuesday of each month at 6pm at the LCRA Red Bud Complex, 3601 Lake Austin Blvd. . www.townaustin.org. Hill Country Outdoors- “Austin’s Most Active Outdoor, Sport an Social Club” Specializing in adventure with outdoor events such as hiking, camping, biking, road trips and rafting. hillcountryoutdoors.com. Westcave Preserve public weekend tours- Sats. and Sundays,
Ongoing Events
10am., noon, 2pm & 4, $5 adult/$2 child/$15 family. One mile hike into the canyon & back. Kids welcome w/ adult. No pets. For more info call (830)825-3442 westcave.org . Guided Hikes - Second Sat. & second Sun. of each month at 9am at Bright Leaf Natural Area, 4400 Crestway Dr., Hikes are usually 4 miles long and last about 2 hours. Wear sturdy shoes and bring your own water. brightleaf.org Senior Safari Adventure - Tues. Fri., 1pm - 2:30pm Calling all Seniors (60+)Put on your walking shoes and join us as we stroll around the Zoo to meet and learn about some of our animals. Please bring bottled water as we do not have drinkable water on grounds. $5 caregiver $13 Senior 10808 Rawhide Trail (512) 288-1490 Nature Hike at McKinney State Falls - Free interpretive hikes to discover the diverse range of flora and fauna that can be seen at McKinney Falls. Hikes are offered the 2nd & 4th Saturday of each month starting at 10am from the Smith Visitors Center. Wear comfortable shoes, a hat, and bring water. Hikes last approximately 1.5 hours. jeanneffia@gmail.com
New Events
Saturday, January 9
Every Wednesday Thinkery Community Nights - 4pm - 8pm MAKE and DO together at Community Night! Every Wednesday the museum stays open late for families to discover new ideas and learn together. Enjoy the exhibits and educational programs facilitated by staff. Admission is by donation, with a suggested $1 dollar donation. Bilingual Storytime Wednesdays at 6 pm Thinkery At the Meredith Learning Lab 1830 Simond Ave. thinkeryaustin.org Homeschool Days at the Science Mill - Homeschool families and groups to join us on the second Wednesday of each month to explore the Science Mill. In addition to museum exhibits, we will offer special demonstrations and guests. Museum hours are 10am-4pm. Cost: $6 per student. 1 free educator per student. Additional adults are $8. No reservations required.Learning Labs will be offered at 11:30am and 1pm for an additional cost of $4 per student (limited space for Learning Labs). Storytime - Tuesdays & Wednes-
New Events Thursday, January 7
Tool Workshop - 10am Come find out from a professional gardener how to select the right garden tool for the job. We’ll learn about the proper use and maintenance of our tools, and we’ll see examples of some unusual tools. Everyone is welcome to bring a tool or two from home for some hands-on help. Make gardening safer, easier, and more fun. the Natural Gardener 8648 Old Bee Cave Road (512) 288-6113 naturalgardeneraustin.com Sunday, January 24 2016 3M Half Marathon - 7am The 3M Half Marathon is one of Austin’s largest road racing events. The route follows a fast, fun, mostly downhill course through an urban setting. This perennial Austin favorite offers one of the best goodie bags in distance running. The 2016 event features an expo and benefits Girlstart. Start Line: 10201 Stonelake Boulevard www.3mhalfmarathon.com
Kids Calendar
Second Saturdays are for Families - $7 per family; $5 Member families. Noon-4pm at Austin Museum of Art, 823 Congress Ave. Please RSVP to akichorowsky@amoa.org to give an idea of materials needed. 512-4959224 / www.amoa.org.
Arts & Entertainment cont. Sunday, January 10 Jon Napier Song Swap with Guest Kris Smith - 7:30pm Poodie’s Hilltop Bar & Grill, 22308 Hwy. 71 W. 512-264-0318 poodies.net
Johnny Buck and the Gulftones 6:30pm Poodie’s Hilltop Bar & Grill, 22308 Hwy. 71 W. 512-264-0318 poodies.net
First Year on Earth- 6:30 at Central Market Westgate 4477 S. Lamar 512-899-4300 centralmarket.com
Tuesday, January 12
Friday, January 8
Dime Store Poets - 7pm Evangeline Cafe 8106 Brodie Ln 512 2822586 evangelinecafe.com
James Hand - 9:30pm Broken Spoke 3201 S. Lamar (512) 4426189 or brokenspokeaustintx.com
Wednesday, January 13
days at the Hampton Library, 5125 Convict Hill Rd. Toddlers Fridays at 11am, . 892-6680. wiredforyouth.co
101 S. Lady Bird Lane Johnson City, TX 78636 info@sciencemill.org; 844-263-6405 ext. 1005
New Events
January 14 - January 17
Saturday, January 9
Sunday, January 10
Finger Pistol - 9:30pm Broken Spoke 3201 S. Lamar(512) 4426189 brokenspokeaustintx.com Jeremy McBee Duo - 8pm Satellite Bistro & Bar 5900 Slaughter Lane #400 512-288-9994 satellitebistroandbar.com Thursday, January 14
Derailers - 9:30pm Broken Spoke 3201 S. Lamar (512) 442-6189 or brokenspokeaustintx.com Amber Lucille - 8pm Justin Black & Big Heart - 10:30pm Poodie’s Hilltop Bar & Grill, 22308 Hwy. 71 W. 512-264-0318 poodies.net Derailers - 9:30pm Broken Spoke 3201 S. Lamar (512) 442-6189 or brokenspokeaustintx.com Rick Broussard’s Birthday Bash with Two Hoots and a Holler - 5pm at Strange Brew 5326 Manchaca Rd 512-828-7636 strangebrewloungeside.com Jacqui Walker - 6:30 at Central Market Westgate4477 S. Lamar 512-899-4300 centralmarket.com
Derailers - 9:30pm Broken Spoke 3201 S. Lamar(512) 442-6189 brokenspokeaustintx.com
The Texas KGB CD Release 10pm Strange Brew 5326 Manchaca 512-828-7636 strangebrewloungeside.com Arthur Brown (The Crazy World of Arthur Brown) - 9pm Strange Brew 5326 Manchaca 512-8287636 strangebrewloungeside.com
January 11 - January 16
Learning Lab for Grades 6-8- Bacteria Detectives - 11:30 -1pm We invite homeschool families and groups to join us on the second Wednesday of each month to explore the Science Mill. In addition to museum exhibits, we will offer special demonstrations and guests. Hill Country Science Mill
Saturday, January 16
Johnny Buck and the Gulftones 6:30pm Poodie’s Hilltop Bar & Grill, 22308 Hwy. 71 W. 512-264-0318 poodies.net
Family Day at the Umlauf - 12pm - 4pm special, hands-on programs designed for families with children, four to ten years old. Families have the opportunity to explore the UMLAUF while engaging in creative activities. Listen to stories, do yoga in the garden, watch sculpture demos, enjoy live music and more. Umlauf Sculpture Garden 605 Robert E Lee Rd. FREE
Wednesday, January 13
Hot Texas Swing Band - 8:30 332 Mercer St, Dripping Springs, TX (512) 858-4314 Mercerstreetdancehall.coml
Monday, January 11 Durawa w/ Linda Gail Lewis 6pm” at Strange Brew 5326 Manchaca Rd 512-828-7636 strangebrewloungeside.com
Pearl Snaps - 8pm - Candy Coburn- 1”30pm Poodies Hilltop Bar and Grill 22308 Hwy. 71 W. 512-2640318 poodies.net
Silas Lowe - 6pm Central Market Cafe Westgate 4477 S. Lamar Blvd 512-899-4300
Sunday Gospel Brunch with the Purgatory Players - 11am - 1pm at Strange Brew 5326 Manchaca Rd 512-828-7636 strangebrewloungeside.com
Derailers - 9:30pm Broken Spoke 3201 S. Lamar(512) 442-6189 brokenspokeaustintx.com
Them Duqaines - 8:30pm Mercer Street Dance 332 Mercer Street Dripping Springs, TX 78620 (512) 858-4314 HallMercerstreetdancehall.coml
Gymboree’s Play & Winter Wonderland Open House - 9am - 5pm Try each of Gymboree’s Play, Art and Music classes for FREE at their Winter Wonderland Open House and get a great deal when you enroll or book a birthday party. Gymboree 4220 S. Lamar Blvd. #150 512) 444-9626
Them Duqaines - 8:30pm Mercer Street Dance 332 Mercer Street Dripping Springs, TX 78620 (512) 858-4314 HallMercerstreetdancehall.coml
The Amazing Acro-Cats featuring Tuna and the Rock Cats - 7pm Stateside at the Paramount, 713 Congress Avenue, 512.472.5470 austintheatre.org Monday, January 18 Hot Dogs & Cool Cats Art Camp - 10am - 2pm This camp is inspired by our favorite furry friends! We will create a Laurel Burch inspired pastel drawing, learn all about warm and cool colors to create an awesome cat & dog painting, and then paint the cutest pottery salt & pepper shakers! The Art Garage 11190 Circle Drive, Suite 202-4 512-852-9900 theartgarageaustin.com
Friday, January 15 Jason Roberts - 9:30pm Broken Spoke 3201 S. Lamar(512) 4426189 brokenspokeaustintx.com
Hot Texas Swing Band - 6pm Central Market Cafe Westgate 4477 S. Lamar Blvd 512-899-4300 Tessy Lou and the Shotgun Stars - 7pm The Rusty Mule 9201 Hwy 290 (512) 704-6416
Sunday, January 17 Sunday Gospel Brunch with the Purgatory Players - 11am - 1pm at Strange Brew 5326 Manchaca Rd 512-828-7636 strangebrewloungeside.com Gabriel Santiago - Noon - 3pm at Central Market Westgate 4477 S. Lamar 512-899-4300 centralmarket.com
Teddy Long - 8:30pm Jason James- 10pm Poodies Hilltop Bar and Grill 22308 Hwy. 71 West 512264-0318 poodies.net Two Tons of Steel - 9:30pm Broken Spoke 3201 S. Lamar (512) 442-6189 or brokenspokeaustintx. com
Stephen Chadwick - 8:30 332 Mercer St, Dripping Springs, TX (512) 858-4314 Mercerstreetdancehall. coml
Monday, January 18 Houston Marchman - 8pm Highway 71 - 10:30pm Poodie’s Hilltop Bar & Grill, 22308 Hwy. 71 W. 512264-0318 poodies.net
Texas Songwriters Showcase: WC Jameson Hosts Kevin Higgins - 6:30pm Poodie’s Hilltop Bar & Grill, 22308 Hwy. 71 W. 512-2640318 poodies.net
10 ...Oak Hill Gazette January 7 - January 20, 2016
Post Office swamped by Christmas traffic Continued from p. 1
traditionally customer parking in front of the building. Oak Hill resident Dick Armitage was one of many who braved the post office during that busy time. He said, “I went to the post office a few days before Christmas to mail our property tax payment. The parking situation was chaos. The parking lot was completely filled and cars were parked on the lawn, and on both sides of old Fredericksburg Road. Entering the parking lot was dangerous because old Fredericksburg Road was down to a single lane with cars trying to enter the post office from both directions. Fortunately no
one was parked next to the outside mailboxes and I was able to drop off my letter with no problem.” Oscar Erlanson also noticed the crowded conditions. He said, “We dropped off a letter there, and Old Fredricksburg was practically impassible. There was no parking available in the post office parking lot, except one disabled spot.” Laura Faulk said while the parking lot was crowded, the quick turnaround inside the post office meant customers were in and out pretty quickly. She said, “I got lucky with a parking place in the lot. It seemed like people were leaving as others were coming so if people
were a little patient, parking wasn’t too bad.” She said it took longer to mail her package than to find a parking spot—and long lines at the post office are expected at that time of year. Local resident Beki Halpin also braved the post office during the holidays. She said, “When I went to the post office during the holidays, I was stunned by the cars parked up and down Old Fredericksburg Road and even across the street in front of the apartments. I thought perhaps there was a big holiday party I was about to crash, and in some ways it was.” She noted that people were at the post office largely to send packages and cards to those they loved, and she shared stories with others in line about the packages they were sending. Postmaster Billington told the Gazette, “We sincerely regret any inconvenience to our customers experiencing difficulty with crowded
Entering the parking lot was dangerous because old Fredericksburg Road was down to a single lane with cars trying to enter the post office from both directions. - Dick Armitage parking conditions during this time and sincerely appreciate their choosing the U.S. Postal Service for their shipping and mailing needs. The tent is scheduled to be removed Jan. 5, and this should resolve the parking issues.” Indeed the tent was gone when residents drove past the post office Tuesday evening.
Halpin had a good outlook on the situation. She said, “If there is a problem with parking once a year and it’s at Christmas, then let us all celebrate our blessings that we can go out and buy things for people we love and send them off across the miles, even if we have to stand in line or park along the roadway to do it.”
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Oak Hill Gazette January 7 - January 20, 2016 ...11
Austin Independent School District news
A full week off for Thanksgiving This option includes a full week off for the Thanksgiving holiday, similar to other local school districts in Central Texas, in 2016. To accommodate this change, there will be one fewer vacation day during winter break for staff. The first day of classes for students is Monday, Aug. 22, 2016, and the last day is Thursday, June 1, 2017. Other changes include: Bad weather makeup days are Feb. 20, 2017 (Presidents Day), and May 26 (staff development day). Winter break is Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2016-Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2017 for students (10 days); Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2016-Monday, Jan. 2, 2017, for staff (nine days). District-wide staff development days are Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2017; Friday, April 14, 2017; and Friday, May 26, 2017. The last teacher workday is Friday, June 2, 2017. Two options for the 2016-17 calendar were submitted by the Calendar Task Force, with the final decision left to the board. The task force shared calendar options for review, input and online vote. Staff and parents were able to review and give feedback on the calendar options for 23 days on the AISD website. Posters were displayed at every campus and district facility and two phone surveys were conducted to solicit feedback. Surveys were also conducted at meetings of the Campus Community Advisory, Teachers Advisory Council, Student Advisory and the District Advisory Committee. The Calendar Task Force convenes annually to begin the work of developing and recommending calendar drafts for the school year. The task force is composed of teachers, parents, principals, members of the Association of Texas Professional Educators, representatives from Education Austin, and PTA and central support staff.
AISD Board approved the calendar for the 2016-17 school year at the Dec. 14 board meeting. Members reviewed state and local trends, previous calendar survey results, student and staff attendance trends and local and state calendars. For more information or to download a copy of the 2016-17 calendar, please visit austinisd.org/calendar.
Austin ISD is the largest school district in Central Texas, serving more than 83,000 students at 130 schools. Follow AISD on Twitter at @AustinISD or on Facebook at www. facebook.com/austinisd.
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Pass a physical examination, drug test and criminal background check. Benefits for bus drivers and manager trainees include: Medical insurance Texas teacher’s retirement Paid training Paid personal and sick leave Paid holidays AISD also offers a $400 signing bonus for new bus drivers (candidates will receive bonus after six months with no preventable accidents and no more than two absences). Food Services Manager Trainee Compensation: Starting at $14.90 per hour Education: High school diploma or equivalent required Experience: A minimum of one to three years of food service management experience is required. A
bachelor’s degree or associate degree in a food service-related field may be accepted in lieu of two years’ experience; however, one year of food service management experience is required. All candidates must be able to speak and write in English to communicate verbally and in writing with staff, school officials, students, parents and the general public. Substitute Food Production Specialists: $7.25 per hour Substitute Food Production Specialist is a temporary hourly position with no benefits. Potential for promotion to regular status with wage increase and paid benefits. For more information, please contact HR Coordinator Sonaya Vazquez at 512-414-1714.
Job fair to be held Jan. 20 for transportation, food services Austin ISD is hiring bus drivers, food service managers and substitute food service production specialists. Applicants can attend an upcoming job fair, 8:30 a.m.-noon Wednesday, Jan. 20, at Baker Center, 3908 Avenue B. Bus Drivers Compensation: Starting at $14.60 per hour
Minimum qualifications include: At least 21 years old No record of DWI or convictions, and an acceptable driving record according to the Texas Department of Public Safety standards Completed online job application (computers available to applicants on-site)
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12 ...Oak Hill Gazette January 7 - January 20, 2016
Gazette Sports: Austin • Bowie • Crockett Student Athlete Spotlight Casey Burchfield by Patrick Olson With the new season beginning this weekend, Casey Burchfield intends to help lead the Crockett girls’ soccer team back to the playoffs. “Casey has developed into a student athlete that exemplifies what CHS stands for,” Coach Lupe Rodriguez said. “She is a great student, athlete and human being.” Working at the critical center midfielder spot, Casey will join her teammates in battle to open the regular season versus Bryan at Burger Stadium Thursday at noon. Born in Largo, Florida, Casey moved to Austin at an early age and attended Cypress Elementary before progressing to Harmony Middle School where she also played volleyball and basketball.
Casey Burchfield, Crockett To keep her soccer skills sharp, she competed on the club team Republic with current Crockett teammates Jackie Gonzales, Jasmine Perez and Janet Sanchez. Coaches Lupe Rodriguez and RuContinued on next page
Jarrod Tomasek by Patrick Olson
Beau Kalbacher (%10) gave the home team Maroons an early 7-4 lead.
Gazette: Sarah Weeks
Maroons win hard fought contest by Patrick Olson
The Austin High boys basketball team found themselves in a fight Tuesday night hosting a motivated Lehman club. “It’s never easy in this district,” coach Andy Dudney said following the Maroons’ 84-70 win over the Lobos. “The next biggest game is the next game. Everybody in this district can play basketball.”
Austin High 84, Lehman 70
Austin High (15-4, 5-1) visits Anderson on Friday, while Lehman (3-14, 0-5) hosts Westlake. Rafael Ramirez initiated scoring in the contest with a basket in close, and a free throw following a drive by
Beau Kalbacher gave the home team an early 7-4 lead. A nifty bounce pass in the paint by Kalbacher to Josh Harris subsequently created two more points for the Maroons. Tondre King muscled his way to the hole drawing a foul before converting a pair of shots at the charity Continued on next page
As a returning all-district center midfielder and captain for the Bowie boys’ soccer team, Jarrod Tomasek intends to help guide the Bulldogs back to the playoffs. In the classroom, he excels at his studies. “He was academic all-district last year and I believe he’s on the honor roll,” coach Ryan Logan added. Tomasek will continue playing soccer locally at St. Edward’s University and hopes to place out of a pair of classes via high scores on Advanced Placement exams. Born in Austin, Jarrod attended Baranoff Elementary before advancing to Bailey Middle School, where he also played tennis and ran track. Upon arriving at Bowie, he played freshman soccer and
Jarrod Tomasek, Bowie earned a promotion to the varsity club as a sophomore. During his junior year, he competed on the cross-country team, but now focuses exclusively on soccer as a senior. “I’ve established myself Continued on next page
Oak Hill Gazette January 7 - January 20, 2016 ...13
Casey Burchfield Continued from p. 12
ben Botello have been positive influences for Casey. “They’ve boosted my self esteem and my confidence,” she confided. “I’ve learned a lot about being a leader from them.” English instructor Mr. Meadows is Casey’s favorite teacher at Crockett. “He’s super nice to us,” she explained. “He treats us like adults, not shallow teenagers.” Burchfield has important advice for younger pupils aspiring to compete athletically at the varsity level in high school. “Be patient with people,” she said. “Sometimes people are going to mess up. Go out on your own and figure out what you need to do personally.” Following graduation, Casey will attend Texas A&M and plans to major in public health.
Jarrod Tomasek as a leader and we’re trying to re-create that positive attitude we had last year,” Tomasek said before facing Stony Point in a scrimmage on Tuesday. Mathematics instructor Kelly Flickinger is Jarrod’s favorite teacher at Bowie. “She really has a unique style of teaching,” he noted. “She loves it.” The youngest of three children born to Kevin and Ofelia Tomasek, Jarrod began playing soccer at the age of four with current teammate Cash Cavitt on a Raging Rhinos team coached by his father. Jarrrod’s older brother Mason plays soccer at Southwestern University in Georgetown. His sister Madison played lacrosse at Bowie and now attends UT-Dallas. Bowie opens the regular season versus McCallum at House Park on Thursday night beginning at 7:15 p.m. On Tuesday, the Bulldogs visit Lehman with action set to commence at 7:30 p.m.
Maroons win contest Continued from p. 12
stripe. Ramirez then sailed down the court for a bucket before the Lobos countered with an interior score. Austin High led 13-8 as the first quarter expired. Following two free throws by Micah Carlson, Lehman scored six straight points before Ben Sheridan scored underneath. A three-pointer by Lehman’s point guard Aaron Rodriguez tied the game 17-17. A nice inside basket by Tyler Henderson preceded a layup by Rodriguez to move the visitors in front 27-22. Down by six points, the Lobos fouled Sonny Martinez as the Maroons guard nailed a trey, and a free throw from the Austin High player sliced the Lehman lead to 30-28. With power moves down low, Harris produced a bucket in the paint, but a Lehman three-pointer gave the Lobos a 37-32 advantage at intermission. Henderson got fouled
underneath the basket to open the third period, and his two free throws extended the Lobo lead. Another trey by Rodriguez put Lehman in command 50-41. The Maroons shooting began to improve and a three-pointer from Kalbacher narrowed the Lehman advantage to 56-53. Rodriguez converted a layup after an Austin High turnover and the Lobos led 59-56 entering the fourth quarter. Kalbacher then countered with a trey to tie the game, then Harris converted an interior shot and one free throw after being fouled by the Lobos. Jeffrey Gary hit a three-pointer and three free throws by Kalbacher after being fouled shooting a three-pointer built the Maroons a 68-61 advantage. Sheridan helped secure the victory by scoring seven straight points for the home team while showcasing tremendous defense. “All the coaches prepared
Gazette: Sarah Weeks
A little “tip-off ballet” kicked off the Maroons win over the Lobos. us well,” Sheridan stated afterward. “They told us Lehman was gonna play their hardest and they did that.
Every time they went on a run, we were able to respond.”
14 ...Oak Hill Gazette January 7 - January 20, 2016
Escape Room craze hits town Continued from p. 3
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When all is said and done, you are there to enjoy the experience and have fun. Most games last 60 minutes, but require a 15-minute briefing beforehand with a 5-minute debriefing afterward. Why would you participate in an Escape Room adventure? Think family celebrations, having fun with friends or work-related teambuilding. From San Marcos to Leander, the Austin metro area has at least a dozen escape or puzzle rooms with a wide variety of themes and levels of difficulty. If you’ve got 60 minutes and $20 or $30 (per person), you can participate in one of these real-time adventures. Want to foil a Russian spy? Escape from pirates? Stop a CIA rogue from detonating a bomb? You can find a nearby escape room to give you that challenge. Parents wanting to participate with children can check the minimum age limits. Some accept 10-yearolds; some will make exceptions to that. Most prefer an age limit of 13. The number of players varies on the room. If you feel comfortable playing with strangers, you can buy one or several tickets; if more tickets are sold to that game, you will be playing with people you don’t know. At least one Escape Room assures players they will never be matched with strangers. Many of the rooms offer coupons on social media such as Groupon, which can be a good way to sample these outings. You really have to try one—or three—to get a sense of what they are about. But be forewarned—they can be addicting. Be sure to ask questions beforehand, such as: Can a staffer clarify information during the game or should you be seeking a particular tool? Are you serious about the deadline, or will you allow an extra minute or two if we are really close to the solution?
Escape Room Adventures by Ann Fowler The Seventh Room I first discovered Escape Rooms when I saw a Groupon for Out of the Box (now The Seventh Room). We wanted to celebrate a family member’s birthday, but didn’t want to do the usual lunch or lunch-and-a-movie. This sounded perfect. Founder Joshua Sellers played host for our foray into these live-action games–but he was so much more than that. He actually took on the persona for several of the characters featured in our game, and monitored our progress to keep us on track. We bought the package for eight players, although only seven of us played. Ages ranged from 20’s to 60’s. We had a blast, and while we did go a bit over the time to solve the final clue, it was the experience we enjoyed. Sellers pointed out that customers can come back again and again, as the games rooms are set up for a variety of scenarios. Lunch afterward allowed us to talk about who did what during the game.
Staffers will tell you what you can/ should touch and what you cannot—particularly helpful if there is a MacGyver in the group. Many teams gather for coffee or a meal after the game to find out who did what when. During the chaos of an Escape Room adventure, you will be working on one puzzle while others are solving something else. Remember that these games are “one and done” —once you’ve played one, you likely won’t play it again. They rely on word of mouth and positive reviews for new customers. All of the owners/managers we spoke to felt strongly about providing a good
The Puzzle Room The following month we had another birthday celebration, so decided to try The Puzzle Room to see how it differed. Initially this escape room compared negatively to The Seventh Room, but we realized it was an unfair comparison. Those from our group who had not participated in The Seventh Room absolutely loved The Puzzle Room. We were briefed on our ultimate mission before the clock started. Unlike our previous game, this one took place in a single room. While you would think it would be easier to keep track of the various puzzles–it was not. While initially some us felt the staffer who sat in the room during the game to offer timely clues seemed bored—but that was likely because The Seventh Room’s Sellers was so vibrant and entertaining. Novice player Kim Novak reviewed our second outing: “I loved the puzzle room experience we had. It seemed challenging enough but not so chalContinued on page 22 experience for customers. Here is a sampling of Escape Rooms available in the Austin area. Maze Rooms Austin
http://austin.mazerooms.com/
512-541-1640 5555 N Lamar Blvd Suite K110 Austin, TX 78751 Maze Rooms Austin allows 2 to 7 people to escape the Spy Safe House. You book the room for the hour so you will never be placed with strangers. Rachel Krylov of Maze Rooms Austin said two more rooms Continued on next page
Oak Hill Gazette January 7 - January 20, 2016 ...15
Escape Room craze hits town Continued from p. 14 would open soon. Most rooms discourage a repeat because you’ll likely get pretty far through the game and the staffer will tell you what you missed. But Krylov said, “I have had several people play and love it so much, that they came back with different family, friends or coworkers, and they just have to sit back and try not to give anything away. It’s hard on them, but everyone loves the game so much that they enjoy watching their loved ones doing it too.” “We have the highest level of production,” said Krylov. “Our rooms are extremely authentic to the theme of the room, and our gadgets are very sophisticated and high tech. I like to compare it to James Bond or Indiana Jones—you do something here, and something else changes.” 11th Hour Escape
http://www.11thhourescape. com/ 2600 McHale Court, Suite 151 Austin, TX 78758 In Pirate Captives, pirates have captured your ship and locked you in the brig. Prove yourself and solve your way out to join the crew—or fail and walk the plank. Owner Pauline Doorn said she
and her husband, Cap, will soon add two more escape rooms. Players can choose the difficulty level, according to Pauline. “11th Hour Escape offers difficulty levels, depending on the group’s experience level. We have found no one else that does this. A group should choose Easy if they have no escape room experience, Medium if they have some experience, and Difficult if they consider themselves experts. We have found this to be very well received.” Doorn says players love the authenticity of this game—they feel they are entering a ship complete with the appropriate sights, sounds and smells. The current success rate is nine percent in 60 minutes. At the 55-minute mark, players are offered 15 additional minutes at $6 per player. Said Doorn, “It has offered significant satisfaction to groups determined to succeed. With additional time, the success rate has bumped up to 75 percent.” Cosplay (participating in costume) is encouraged.
South Congress, featuring: WW3 Room (One CIA agent’s descent into madness puts the world on the brink. The clock is ticking… Can you stop her evil plan?) Casino Heist (Prove your value to the mob by cleaning out an underground casino. Can you solve their puzzles, seize the cash, and make your escape?) Mehul Patel told the Gazette, “We started this as a fun project amongst a group of my longtime friends and it’s been an absolute blast figuring out how to create the puzzles and make everything work.” Patel added, “Our puzzles and storylines—we really try to create an experience that integrates a variety of puzzles that can appeal to different types of people.” He said customers often comment on how much the staff adds to the experience. Embracing his South Congress location, Patel said, “We feel the Escape Room can be combined with other activities in walking distance to create a really memorable evening.”
Lockdown Austin
Puzzle Room
512-808-0851 1101 Music Lane Unit #342 Austin, TX 78704 Lockdown Austin says it’s the first and only live-action escape room on
512-461-2332 111 W. Anderson Lane Suite E320 Austin, Texas 78752 Puzzle Room offers two adventures:
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Escape from Wizard School— can you pass your final exam at Wizard School and win your diploma? Escape from Wizard School (Can you pass your final exam at Wizard School and win your diploma?) Escape from the Super Villain’s Hideout (You have stumbled upon the hideout of the Befuddler, an upstart super villain with a puzzle obsession. Can you stop him before he pulls off his most dastardly scheme yet?) Sara and Travis Carr own Puzzle Room. Sara told the Gazette that the business has been open for a year, but they’ve been doing it as a hobby longer than that. She said, “Each game has a guide in the room, allowing us to give individualized care and attention to our participants. This allows us to have a lot more depth to our puzzles while reducing the frustration factor. We’ve poured our heart into our
games. We do what we do because it is something we feel very passionate about and we enjoy sharing that experience with others.” A third game, Wild West Riddle Roundup, will open in late January. The Escape Game Austin
http://theescapegameaustin. com/ 512-643-0043 405 Red River Street Austin, TX 78701 This company offers four separate adventure rooms: Gold Rush (Find the gold stashed in the hills of northern California) The Heist (Beat the thief at his own game) Prison Break (Escape prison circa 1955 before the possibly murderous Continued on page 19
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16 ...Oak Hill Gazette January 7 - January 20, 2016
Religious Services ANGLICAN
St. Philip’s Anglican Church 1408 W. 9th St, Austin. 78703 Fr. Gary Francis, Vicar Holy Communion 1928 Book of Common Prayer Sunday 11:00 am gkfrancis@suddenlink.net Traditional Anglican Worship
BAPTIST
Bee Cave Baptist Church 13222 Hwy. 71W (at Hwy. 620) (512) 263-5058 Pastor: Rev. Jim Roquemore Services: Sun. 10:45am & 6:30pm, Sunday School 9:30am Children’s church available Sun. am Wed. Prayer & Bible Study 7 pm First Baptist Church of Oak Hill 6907 Convict Hill Rd 78749 512) 288-7570 Pastor: Rob Satterfield Services: Sun. 10:50am & 6:00pm Bible Study Sun. 9:30am Thursday Abide student ministry 6:30pm www.fbcoakhill.org Oak Hill Primitive Baptist Church 11408 Camp Ben McCulloch Rd. Pastors: Richard Halbgewachs and mark Huffman Services: Sunday Prayer 9:00 am, Coffee Fellowship 9:30 am, Worship 10:30 am, Wednesday 7:00 pm www.oakhillpbc.org Scenic Hills Baptist Church 8305 Mowinkle Dr. (off Circle Dr.) (512)288-0244 Pastor Matthew Cox Adult and children’s Sunday School classes- 10am Sunday worship service- 11am Sunday evening service- 6pm Wednesday prayer and preaching service- 7pm More info found at- scenichillsbc.com
BAUTISTA
Iglesia Bautista Oak Hill 6907 Convict Hill Rd., 78749 Cell (512)828-9545/Home(512)719-4366 Pastor Leonel Flores Sr. Servicios Bilingües- Domingo: 9:45am- Escuela Dominical, 11 am- Adoración & Mensaje Miércoles: 7pm- Estudio Bíblico & Oración Música Tradicional y Contemporánea ¡Visitarnos!
CATHOLIC
St. Catherine of Siena 4800 Convict Hill Rd. 78749 892-2420 Pastor Rev. Patrick Coakley Weekend Masses: Sat. 9am, 5pm vigil; Sun 7:30am, 9:30am, 11:30am, 1:15pm, 5pm Weekday Masses: Mon-Fri. 12noon, Sat. 9am, Tues & 1st Fri 7pm
CHURCH OF CHRIST
Western Hills Church of Christ 6211 Parkwood Drive 892-3532 www.whfamily.org westernhillsoffice@gmail.com Sunday Services:9am Bible Classes (all ages),10am Worship (with Children’s Church) Evening - groups & worship alternating weeks Wednesday: 7pm Worship, classes for all ages, 6pm Meal together We have an inspiring and Biblically rich worship service, a very active Youth Ministry and a growing Children’s Ministry! “We are... a place to believe, a place to belong, a place to call home”
COWBOY CHURCH Cowboy Church of the Hill Country 120 Frog Pond Lane(4 miles west of Nutty Brown Road on Hwy 290) (512) 587-2242 Pastor: Jerry Kelley pastor@cowboychurchhc.com Services: Sunday 10 a.m. www.cowboychurchhc.org facebook.com/Cowboy ChurchHC info@ cowboychurchhc.org We do things the Cowboy way!
EPISCOPALIAN
St. Alban’s Episcopal Church 11819 So. IH-35 (exit #223, FM 1327; take north access road 1.1 mile) 282-5631 www.stalbansaustin.org Seeking the transformation of lives through sharing God’s love and grace Rector: The Rev. Erin Hensley Services: 9am & 11:15am Holy Eucharist Rite II, Coffee Hour 10 am & 12:45 am, Christian Formation for All Ages 10:15 am-11am Children’s Chapel at both services and professional nursery from 8:45 am12:45 pm St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church 8724 Travis Hills Dr. 78735 (between SW Parkway & Old Bee Caves) (512) 288-0128 www.stchristopher.net Rector: The Rev. Bo Townsend Services: Holy Communion at 10am Sundays; Children’s Chapel at 10 am Christian Ed. 9am (Sept. 10-May 20) Seeking God’s Truth, Sharing God’s Love St. Michael’s-South St. Michael’s Episcopal Church-New South Campus Meeting at Covington Middle School Auditorium, 3700 Convict Hill (1 block SW of Brodie & Wm. Cannon) 9:00 A.M. Worship, Sunday School, Nursery All are welcome around God’s table st-michaels.org
HINDU TEMPLE
Shree Raseshwari Radha Rani Temple 400 Barsana Road, Austin, TX 78737 512-288-7180 Visiting Hours: 9:00 am - 9:00 pm www.radhamadhavdham.org
ISLAM
Masjid Ibrahim Islamic Center Religious Services/Youth & Children Activities 1701 W Ben White Blvd. Bldg. #3 512-693-2924 Friday Sermon @ 1:00 PM Mosque open 7 days for 5 daily prayers Check Mosque website for prayer timings and weekend programs www.masjidibrahim.org Email: admin@masjidibrahim.org
LUTHERAN
Abiding Love Lutheran Church “Sharing God’s Love” 7210 Brush Country, 78749 (512)892-4040 Sr. Pastor:Lynnae Sorensen Assoc. Pastor: Brad Highum Sunday Services: 8:30am and 11am Education Hour: 9:45 am (for all ages) Children’s Center 892-2777 Director: Debbie Tonne Full & PT programs M-F, 7am-6pm Food Pantry- Mondays 1:30-3:30pm info@abidinglove.org www.abidinglove.org Bethany Lutheran Church “Where Jesus Meets His Friends” 3701 W. Slaughter (next to Bowie) 292-8778 email: info@blcms.org Pastor: Rev. William B. Knippa Assoc. Pastor: Rev. Martin Danner Sun. Worship Services: 8am (Trad.) 9:30 & 11:00 am (Trad. & Contemporary Music) 6:00 p.m. (Contemporary Praise) Sunday School & Bible Study: 9:30am Nursery During Services Bethany Preschool, Mon-Thurs. www.blcms.org Holy Cross Lutheran Church 4622 S. Lamar 892-0516 Rev. Magdalene Holm-Roesler, Pastor Services: 10:00 am Sunday Study Hour: 9:00 am Sunday Fellowship & Coffee after services Adult and Children’s Sun. School www.hclcaustin.org You’re always welcome here. Mt. Olive Lutheran Church 10408 Hwy 290 West (4 miles from the “Y” in Oak Hill) 512-288-2370 info@ConnectwithJesus.org www.Mt.OliveAustin.org Pastors: Paul Meyer and Ben Braun Services: 8 am traditional and 10:30 am contemporary. Education Hour: 9:15-10:15 am Preschool: 18 months to Pre-K,
Preschool Phone: 512-288-2330 Full and part-time hours. Risen Savior Lutheran Church-WELS 2811 Aftonshire Way 78748 512-280-8282 Rev. Bilas Glaeske, interim pastor Services: Sunday Worship— 9:30am Sunday School/Bible Classes for all ages, Sunday— 11:00am¡ www.risensavioraustin.net
METHODIST Oak Hill United Methodist Church 7815 Hwy. 290 W. 78736 288-3836 Rev. Jim Roberts, Rev. Pam Sheffield, and Rev. Katy Fitzhugh Services: Sunday 8:45, 10 & 11:15am (Interpreted for the deaf at the 10 and 11:15am services) Wednesday ReCharge service 6:15pm Sunday School: 10 & 11:15am Children’s Sunday School: 8:45, 10 & 11:15am, Youth group: 5pm www.oakhillumc.org open hearts, open minds, open doors! Manchaca United Methodist Church Open hearts, Open minds, Open doors! 1011 FM 1626 (SE corner of FM 1626 & Manchaca Rd) www.ManchacaUMC.org; office@ ManchacaUMC.org; 512.282.7274 Pastors: Rev. Laura Adam, Rev. Tracey Beadle Sunday Schedule: 8:30 am – Traditional Worship with Communion in the Sanctuary. 9:45 am - Sunday School; adult, youth and children. 11:00 am - Traditional Worship and Hymns in the Sanctuary. 11 am - Life on the Road - Casual Praise Service in the Family Life Center 5 pm - High School & Middle School youth programs Wednesday Worship: 6:00 am Individual Prayer and Meditation with Communion
NON - DENOMINATIONAL
Austin Ridge Southwest 7416 Hwy 71 W, 78735 512-288-8000 Worship services: 9:15 and 11:00 Children’s Ministry: 9:15 and 11:00 Middle/High School 6 pm www.austinridge.org Hope in the City 4407 Monterey Oaks Blvd, 78749 Phone; 512-892-4673 Senior Pastor: Britt Tucker Sun. Service 10:15 am www.hopeinthecity.org We value loving God, loving one another and loving Austin and the Nations. LifeAustin 8901 W Hwy 71 78735 Phone: 512-220-6383 Lead Pastor: Randy Phillips
Sun. Services: 8:30, 10:00 & 11:30 am Wed Services: 7 pm Life University, 7 pm Student Life LifeAustin is a Bible Church - a cosmopolitan community of healing and hope. We are all about connecting people to Christ and to each other.
ORTHODOX
St. Sophia Orthodox Church 225 Rose Dr. in Dripping Springs Fr. Peter Smith, Pastor 512) 638-0721 / pcmsmith@hotmail. com (Fr. Peter’s email) www.stsophiachurch.us Services: Sundays- 8:45 a.m. Orthros (Matins) & 10 a.m. Divine Liturgy- Weds- 7p.m. Daily Vespers or other special services according to the season Saturdays- 5:45 pm. Ninth Hour & 6:00 pm Great Vespers and Confession Special feast day services as an-nounced All services are in English and visitors are always welcome. The Orthodox Church is the original, historic, pre-denominational Church of the New Testament. Please join us for worship soon!
PRESBYTERIAN
Shepherd of the Hills Presbyterian Church 5226 W William Cannon 78749 Pastor James Capps Assoc. Pastors Michael Killeen, Britta Dukes Worship Schedule: 9:30 & 11:00 a.m. Sunday School: 9:30 & 11:00 a.m.
UNITY
UNITY of Lake Travis is here! The new congregation, led by the Rev. John Connor & Rev. Bonnie Connor, meets Sundays at 10:30AM at the Old Bee Cave Schoolhouse, 13333 Texas Hwy 71, Bee Cave TX. (Located behind Shops at the Galleria, next to the Bee Cave fire station.) Visit facebook.com/unitylaketravis for more information, or email John@ReverendConnor.com. UNITY is a positive, accepting path for spiritual living, based in the teachings and example of Jesus.
Unity of Austin
5501 West Hwy 290– Monterey Oaks exit www.unitychurchaustin.org Information - unity@unitychurchaustin. org and 512-892-3000 Inspiration Line Recorded Daily Uplift– 512-892-3010 Senior Minister – Rev. Anna Shouse, Ph.D. Sunday Celebration – 11 AM; Activities
throughout the week Unity of Austin is open-hearted, positive, progressive, joyful, and welcoming to all people —committed to studying, teaching, and living the Unity principles of universal Christ Consciousness expressed
through the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. We believe that developing spiritual maturity results in creative abundant lives, families, communities, and a peaceful world.
Oak Hill Gazette January 7 - January 20, 2016 ...17
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20 ...Oak Hill Gazette October 4-October 17, 2012 18 ...Oak Hill Gazette January 7 - January 20, 2016
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Oak Hill Gazette January 7 - January 20, 2016 ...19
Escape Room craze hits town Continued from p. 15 warden finds you) Classified (Stop a major international terrorist threat) Jason Friedman of The Escape Game Austin told us this franchise was one of the first in the nation. He said, “Our company places a huge emphasis on our customers. Our highest priority is providing each customer with an amazing interactive experience. Our game team designs fully immersive and elaborate rooms with intricate storylines. Paired with our highly trained staff and modern facilities, these are the key pieces that set us apart.” 15 Locks
http://15locks.com/
512-669-5370 2113 Wells Branch Pkwy., Suite 4300 Austin, TX 78728 Three games are offered at this facility:
Escape from the Manor (Alone in the dark, a ghost begs you to help…) Frequency (Sight, sound, feel, thought—everything has a speed, an oscillation. Can you sense your way through?) The Window (billed as the ultimate teambuilding challenge, a wall with a single locked window divides your group, and each side must solve puzzles and uncover clues so that all can escape) Owner Sam Kakajko told us he and his wife, Callie, have designed their games to get players at least to the 90 percent success mark, although the hardest room has a 20 to 25 percent success rate in 60 minutes—increasing to 95 percent success in 70 minutes. “We leave more time between our rooms to allow a little overage,” he said. Kakajko added, “We use a lot of technology and custom electronics. All of our rooms also have surround sound soundscapes and video in-
troductions/characters to give you hints along the way. We aim our whole design around people having fun in an immersive experience, the puzzles are a method but fun is the goal.” He said they are starting construction on a new experience to open in the spring. Mystery Room Austin
http://www.mysteryroom.com/
512-284-9229 3220 Feathergrass Court, Suite 128 Austin, Texas 78758 This company offers eight rooms featuring Escape Rooms and Detective Rooms, each 45 minutes in length. In an Escape Rooms, you will have to solve puzzles and decipher clues to determine the code to unlock the locked keypad door. In the Detective Rooms, you will have to decode puzzles and interpret clues to unravel the mystery. Treasure Island (Solve the Mystery
of Treasure Island) Escape from Alcatraz (Break out of your jail cell on the Rock) Black Ops (Locate and diffuse the bomb in the military-themed room) Superhero’s Adventure (In your first day as a member of Justice League, you must escape the Riddler’s trap and save your fellow superheroes) Houdini’s Magic Cell (As befitting Houdini himself, this is the most challenging of the rooms and will both surprise and trick you) Brian Capps, manager of Mystery Room Austin, told the Gazette, “We will be opening at the start of 2016. This is our fifth location, though our first in Texas. We are new to Austin and excited to be part of the growth happening in Domain II.” Capps said they plan to rework rooms every 8 to 12 weeks to continually offer new experiences to customers. He added, “Some of the rooms will be harder than others, allowing you to ramp up the challenge after you have completed easier rooms.” Xit Game
www.xitgame.com
512-910-7223 205 Cheatham Street San Marcos, Texas 78666 This facility offers two challenges: Chainsaw Escape (Escape this booby-trapped house before ‘Bob’ returns with his chainsaw) Amnesia Room (You celebrated a bit too much before your wedding and find yourself trapped in an asylum. You have 60 minutes to escape and make it to your wedding.) John Wells of Xit Game told us, “Room Amnesia is a family-friendly experience that has some great surprises. Chainsaw Escape is a little scarier. It is by far the hardest room we have with a very low escape rate. I think the soundtrack that we use in Chainsaw puts it over the top.” Wells said that Escape Rooms are rare in that the businesses encourage you to try out the competition. He said, “Escape rooms are new to the U.S. Unlike some other businesses, we encourage our customers to try every escape room in their area. Each escape room offers such a difContinued on page 21
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Civic Agenda, cont. from p. 2 available at locations around Austin. You choose your site and make your own schedule. You can also find more details about the program on the Foundation Communities website at foundcom.org/ volunteer-with-community-tax-centers/ Conversation Corps discussions about Water Sustainability Monday, January 11 11 a.m. - Strange Brew, 5326 Manchaca Road, 78745 6:30 p.m. - Patika, 2159 S. Lamar Blvd., 78704 Thursday, January 14 6 p.m. - Hampton Library, 5125 Con-
vict Hill Road., 78749 Do you believe conservation is the best way to ensure water for Austin’s future? Should Austin make the once-per-week watering limitation permanent? Are there other water restrictions that you believe should be changed? How have water restrictions personally affected you, or caused you to change? During January, the partnering agencies of Conversation Corps invite everyone to join an important dialogue about current water restrictions and long-term sustainability. Participants will walk away with a better understanding of each other’s thoughts about water conservation and themes from
the conversation will be delivered to Austin Water staff. Any recommendation for changes to the water use management code or drought contingency plans will be presented to the Austin City Council for consideration, after briefings to Boards and Commissions. For more information visit ATXTalks.org
is currently under construction. Jump closer to Dripping Springs proper and two sleeping giants Headwaters at Barton Creek and Anarene Development - dominate the development map. Headwaters, along Hwy 290, has recently broken ground on infrastructure for its planned 1503 homes on 1000 acres. Anarene, even larger with 1600 homes planned for 1693 acres off RR12, has an approved development agreement with the city and is currently working on site plans. Just west, Harrison Hills (near the entrance to Dripping Springs Ranch Park) has several of its anticipated 100 homes on 156 acres finished or under construction. South on 12, near Dripping Springs’ town center, smaller but denser developments are underway. Founders Ridge is building 204 housesites on 107 acres; Legacy Trails Phase III will have 54 sites on 58 acres. Merritt Hill Senior Apartments has received city variances to put 80 units for retirees on less that seven acres. Meritage (also known as Public Development District #4) is in final consideration for 130 units on 28 acres near RR 12 and Hwy 290. Filling in the gaping 185-acre doughnut hole in the center of town with hundreds (maybe more than a thousand?) city-sized lots will be a real game-changer for Dripping
Springs. Heritage subdivision is still working out a development plan for the large Davidson and Baird tracts - but initial talk has been about a pedestrian-friendly neighborhood with sidewalks, parks, retail space and other urban amenities. Tucked into the crook of Heritage’s arm, the Burrows tract is already bringing city-like density to the town center with 76 units on less than 16 acres. A little farther out Hwy 290, 26 Doors will build 13 duplexes and one single-family residence on sixand-a-half acres. South of Hwy 290, four big subdivisions (already under construction) have larger lots and an overall larger footprint. To the west, Arrowhead Ranch will build 375 homesites on 364 acres. Caliterra, south on RR 12, is prominently building 600 homes on 563 acres behind and surrounding the old Phillips Cemetery. On the east side of RR 12, Counts Ranch brings another 100 homes on 152 acres, while Howard Ranch, to the south, adds 150 homesites on 229 acres. The Gardens of Howard Ranch have been approved as a condo development and will offer 35 units on eight-and-a-half acres. That’s more or less what’s on the drawing board at the moment - although this is real estate we’re talking about: plans and owners change, some plans fall through, and more are always on the horizon.
Needless to say, issues over water supply and discharge, increased traffic, light pollution, and preserving the small-town look and feel of Dripping Springs are a constant at city meetings: Transportation Committee, Historic Preservation Commission, Planning and Zoning Commission, and City Council. Within the city limits, city government leverages a fair amount of control through zoning and other regulations. Outside the city limits, in the ETJ, is another story. By state law, the city can control only signage, site development, water quality, parkland dedication and subdivision of land in its ETJ - often to the chagrin of neighbors bordering the new developments, who often want the city to enforce deed restrictions or establish zoning (which it can’t do). The city’s development department (with a director and a code enforcement manager, assisted by other staff) works overtime overseeing the whole soiree.
Circle C Area Democrats monthly meeting Monday, January 11, 6:30 p.m. Santa Rita Cantina, Slaughter at Escarpment County Commissioner Brigid Shea will be featured speaker at the Circle C Area Democrats January meeting.
Drippin’ Lowdown, cont. from p. 5
For those who appreciate a good political tango, Dripping Springs city meetings are a reliable source of entertainment, intrigue and occasional infuriation. For more information, a calendar of future meetings, and minutes of past meetings, visit the city’s website: www.cityofdrippingsprings. com. The development dance gets ever faster and more heated. And on and on we spin....
Oak Hill Gazette January 7 - January 20, 2016 ...21
Escape Room craze hits town Continued from p. 19 ferent experience. If you have never tried one, you’re really missing out on a truly bonding/teambuilding experience.” Wells said he will be adding a third room in May. Perplexium
http://www.perplexiumlive. com/
512-640-6330 8868 Research Blvd #704 Austin, Texas The Spy (Uncover the double agent and thwart his/her dastardly plan) Rogue A.I. (coming soon) (A new supercomputer has gone rogue. You have 60 minutes to bypass its defenses and fix the programming)
Perplexium rooms are more about the experience and less about success and failure. The story may have positive and negative outcomes, as well as optional objectives for your team to complete. Clearly they take a page from Ralph Waldo Emerson: “Life is a journey, not a destination.” It’s website says more adventures will open soon. Austin Panic Room
http://texaspanicroom.com/
512-920-2845 1205 Rio Grande St. Austin, Texas 78701 Museum Heist (Find where Mr. X stashed a treasure in the museum before the police come) Prison Break (This challenge is not recommended for your first Escape
style of entertainment is The Seventh Room, which originated under the name Out of the Box. The staff—all actors—adds a sense of fun to these outings. Before the game starts, the host asks the guests to solve several puzzles to gauge the group’s experience and choose the game most appropriate for them. And with the name you can probably deduce that there are seven rooms involved in the game. Several characters appear as the game unfolds. Founder Joshua Sellers has designed his company to allow participants to return multiple times, each time with a different game with different puzzles. It was the only game we found that could hold a group of 30.
2403-2405 S. US-183 Leander, TX 78641 This company gives participants “62 minutes of awesome.” Their first Room experience. Break out before room was Santa’s Office, timely for the sheriff returns in 60 minutes) the Christmas season. Abandoned School (Find and steal The current and planned rooms the blueprint pieces—which could include: make you a billionaire—before the Someone Stole The Texas Hold’em class gets back from a field trip) Championship Bracelet (Players One participant gave it this review: have 62 minutes to find the thief in “This was way more fun than we a high-end poker room) expected! Our group of three didn’t Hero & Leander (coming soon) make it out “alive” but we still had a (Based on the legend of Hero and blast trying to figure out the puzzles. Leander, players must solve clues, The guides are super friendly and light the light and find a way out of helpful. They make the experience the room) challenging but not frustrating...” The Hairy Man Road Serial Killer’s Cabin (While hiking in the woods, The Seventh Room you stumble into a spooky cabin. http://theseventhroom.com/ Escape before you become the serial 512-643-3945 Escape Room Leander killer’s next victim) 911 West Anderson Lane, Suite 116 http://www.escaperoomleander. The goal of Escape Room Leander Oakcom/ Hill Gazette October 4- October 17, 2012... 23 Austin, Texas 78757 is to provide a fun outing of games Perhaps the most unique of this 512-337-6826 Continued on next page
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22 ...Oak Hill Gazette January 7 - January 20, 2016
Escape Room craze hits town Continued from p. 21 and excitement. For their first game, successful players of Santa’s Nice & Naughty List had the group’s picture featured on the Wall of Fame. The group that set a speed record won a free return to play the Hero & Leander room when it opens. David Steele of Escape Room
Leander told us of a unique concept in the game. He said, “The Poker Room will be playable in two ways: the standard ‘everyone working to solve the puzzle’ method, and a second way which I believe might be unique to Escape Room type of entertainment. In the second version, two opposing teams can play the game simultaneously, each scoring
points for each riddle or puzzle they correctly solve. Because the Poker Dealer will be sitting at the table while the teams attempt to find the Bracelet, the Dealer will be able to keep score for the teams. At the end, one team will be victorious, even if they don’t find the Bracelet.” Give these a try and drop us a line on how you enjoyed the experience.
Escape Room Adventures: my experience Continued from p. 3 lenging that it wasn’t entertaining.” Novak did not see the staffer as bored—but as helpful. She said, “I thought the hints from the helper were fine. I suspect we might have been stuck earlier in the process without him.” She added, “It was really neat how people focused on separate parts of the room and when something related was found in a different part of the room, someone would speak up that they knew what it was for. No one person seemed to try to dominate the whole room and that made it so everyone was included if they wanted to be.” In the end, the Puzzle Room got a big thumb’s up from Novak: “I really enjoyed it and would do it again. The people who put it together put a lot of thought into it... all those locks and puzzles!” Maze Rooms Austin Our final Escape Room for this story was Maze Rooms Austin. Our host for this game was Kimmie Winder, who briefed us on the game scenario, then took her place in a separate room to monitor our activities and offer clarification and up to five clues.
Our game scenario took place in the early 1970’s, so it was fun to see the younger participants looking quizzically at a rotary phone, wondering how to make it work. Five of us had played the first two Escape Rooms, but we added two novices for this one—my niece, Aly, and her friend, Janice, college students home for winter break. Aly and Janice had never heard of Escape Rooms and were unsure what was expected. Our game scenario took place in the early 1970’s, so it was fun to see the younger participants looking quizzically at a rotary phone, wondering how to make it work. Ultimately each participant was instrumental in uncovering clues leading to the ultimate goal. Winder kept a watchful eye on each of us so she knew exactly what hint to give when asked. We opened the door with 10 seconds to spare. Everyone agreed it was a great experience. Before leaving,
Aly and Janice asked us about other Escape Rooms they could try. I highly recommend Escape Rooms for a different way to celebrate a family outing. We always “owned the room” when we participated, so I cannot speak to what it’s like when playing a game with strangers. I would encourage your team to debrief after the event—over coffee or a meal—so that you can talk about how things were discovered. Due to time constraints, we were unable to do that in our last outing, so I have no idea how some clues were uncovered. Colonel Mustard in the library with a lead pipe? Ha! Get a “clue” and go have a real-life adventure in an Escape Room near you. Whether you succeed or fail, you will have fun.
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Oak Hill Gazette January 7 - January 20, 2016 ...23
Gazette Classifieds HELP WANTED PERSONAL REAL ESTATE ASSISTANT to local broker. Experience and license preferred. Computer and social media skills required. 20 hours building to possible full time. Send resume to
PERSONAL ASSISTANT PERSONAL ASSISTANT FOR HIRE— errands, cooking, shopping, housekeeping, gardening, etc. Great references available. Call Valery 512300-1120
CEMETERY PLOTS Cemetery plot, Garden of Peace, Vet. 2, Cook Walden Forest Oaks in Oak Hill, $3000. Call Scarlett Scott 512-288-4265.
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FREE Classifieds for For Sale items under $200.
ART IS FUN AND EASY! Artist and degreed art teacher is starting classes in January for toddlers through adults. Home-schooled and private lessons also available. Call Kathy at 512-922-3254 for information.
GUITAR LESSONS EXCEPTIONAL GUITAR LESSONS- There is no substitute for a private instructor. Learn Music Theory while learning guitar from a Pro. Any genre. Early intermediate to advanced. I’ll teach you the logic and symmetry of the instrument. Leon Rodriguez, Performance & Lessons (512)5879231. www.reverbnation.com/ leonrodriguez.
Precious is a two year old female pit bull mix looking for a loving home. Great with dogs and loves going to the dog park. She has not been around many children but we are pretty sure she will be excellent with them. She is a mellow, go-with-the-flow kind of girl.
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24 ...Oak Hill Gazette January 7 - January 20, 2016
Bears
Continued from p. 1
During the drive from Oregon to Ausin, Austinn Zoo staff stopped every four hours to bottle-feed the cubs. “When they arrived at Austin Zoo on the first of March 2014, our Zookeepers cared for them in an indoor nursery specially built for them and continued bottle-feeding them around the clock until they were weaned in July,” said Clark. Korben, Tilly and Ruby were introduced to the public on July 4, 2014, and will turn 2 this year. Clark said, “They love to climb, swim and train with their Zookeepers. They are about half the size they will be when they are full grown at around 4 years of age. They now weigh about 200 pounds apiece with Korben being larger than his two sisters. They love to snuggle and play together.” More than 150 people attended the cubs’ first birthday party
last year. If you’d like to attend, RSVP on Austin Zoo’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ events/860274730752000/ The birthday party will begin as the cubs show off what they’ve learned in training. Then Zoo guests will serenade them with Happy Birthday as the bears enjoy their birthday meals. Bear-themed refreshments will be served to the human Zoo guests. The Austin Zoo and Animal Sanctuary is located at 10808 Rawhide Trail, Austin, Texas 78736. For more information, see http:// austinzoo.org/
Photo:Nancy Pearson
Ruby enjoys a swim.
The bears are about half the size they will be when they are full grown at around 4 years of age.
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