July 16th

oakhillgazette.com

July 16, 2015 Volume 20, No. 14 Southwest Austin’s Community Newspaper Since 1995

Residents oppose losing home to right-of-way Longtime Oak Hillians question need for TxDOT to take their property for ‘Parkway’

TxDOT right-of-way

The Bomer property (above center) is needed by TxDOT for Highway 71 improvements, but residents say the other side of the street—commercial lots with few trees—would be more appropriate for taking.

by Ann Fowler OAK HILL - In 1792, James Madison wrote, “If the United States mean to obtain or deserve the full praise due to wise and just governments, they will equally respect the rights of property, and the property in rights: they will rival the government that most sacredly guards the former; and by repelling its example in violating the latter, will make themselves a pattern to that and all other governments.”

Long-time Oak Hill resident Crystal Bomer is not one willing to praise Texas as a just government, given that 8,000 square feet of her property may go to the proposed “Oak Hill Parkway” if Build Alternative “A” or

Hampton library to get facelift

by Ann Fowler OAK HILL - The Will Hampton branch of the Austin Public Library system sits on a laid-back street in Oak Hill. For nearly two decades this branch has hosted community meetings and movies, served thousands of patrons with millions of page-turners. It could certainly be described as a jewel of Oak Hill.

That jewel is about to be polished, as the library system has plans for a number of updates and repairs: • Replace the existing modified bitumen membrane roof and the skylights

Public meeting:

Tuesday, July 21 from 7-8:30 PM Hampton Branch at Oak Hill, 5125 Convict Hill Rd., learn about the upcoming renovation of the Branch and provide valuable input.

• Upgrade the electrical power distribution system • Retrofit plumbing fixtures • Modernize the heating, ventilation

and air-conditioning control system • Replace the street side monument sign identifying the location of the branch library • Replace worn furniture, fixtures, finishes and equipment • Replace circulation desk and improve shelving and furniture layout • Make any modifications necessary to ensure compliance with revised See HAMPTON on p. 11 Right: John Gillum presided over the building of the Hampton library and is now on-site guiding the building of the new Central Library downtown.

“C” is chosen.

Governments are allowed to take private property through “eminent domain” if that property is needed for public use. Several Oak Hill properties—both residential and commercial—were taken when U.S. 290 West was originally widened decades ago.

Locals want TxDOT to fix the major rush-hour traffic headache faced by those using U.S. 290 West and Highway 71. But many say the six-lane “fix” proposed by transportation officials is overkill and would ruin the ambience of Oak Hill.

To that end, Bomer questions whether there is a real need for TxDOT to take her property. She

said, “The frustrating thing is that the land on the opposite side of the See RESIDENTS on p. 22

2 ...Oak Hill Gazette

July 16- July 29, 2015

Letters to the Editor

Toll roads are costly

Dear Editor, In response to your recent article in which Commissioner Gerald Daugherty presents his gung-ho push for toll roads whenever possible because he tells us that toll roads are the only way to get roads we need built quickly. What Daugherty does NOT tell us is that building toll roads makes those roads cost much more than roads built with other tax dollars from gasoline and other allotted taxes that were approved

and passed for TxDOT’s use to build and maintain our roadways.

Commissioner Daugherty also does NOT tell us that up to 80 percent of the tolls collected go immediately off the top to the company that maintains the toll collection.

Now that’s a lot of money that add years to the cost of paying for that roadway.

In addition, toll roads make certain that the public will pay toll taxes [after all, what are tolls if not new taxes] for 50 years because that’s what the

contracts usually are with toll road companies. What we look at with each new toll road is long-term debt and Daugherty never acknowledges how much more toll roads cost all of us in the long term.

We need to build toll roads only as a last resort and NOT the first knee-jerk reaction that Daugherty and other pro-toll road enthusiasts want. Toll roads are NOT in the communities best interests. Toll

Continued on p. 19

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.

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 Circulation Manager: Ingrid Morton Reporters/Writers: Ann Fowler, Tony Tucci, Patrick Olson, Travis Atkins, Leah Gernettzke, Roger White, Mike Jasper, and Laurel Robertson To advertise or subscribe: 301-0123 • advertising@oakhillgazette.com Bring Your Design Ideas to Life – Visit Our Showroom Today!

Register to vote at Travis County Family Field Day Saturday, July 18, 9 a.m. to noon Mueller Lake Park, 4550 Mueller Blvd.

Travis County Tax Office will host a voter registration booth at the Family Field Day. The event is part of the Great Travis County Voter Registration Challenge, a tax office public service initiative to register 90 percent of the eligible voters in the county. Currently, the county has more than 640,000 registered voters but needs to reach almost 720,000 to

meet the 90 percent goal.

Family Field Day is sponsored by the Travis County Sheriff ’s Office and will feature a host of free activities, including relay races, music, soccer, a rock climbing wall, obstacle course and a punt, pass and kick contest (supervised by University of Texas Longhorn football players). The event is open to the public. For additional information on the Family Field Day go to www.tcsheriff.org.

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Oak Hill Gazette

July 16- July 29, 2015...3

Radha Madhav Dham Youth Camp reaches out to refugee children On July 2, 2015, a group of youths and teens from Radha Madhav Dham near Oak Hill headed over to the Capitol Building grounds in Austin. A little nervous, anxious, but very excited, approximately 50 youths, ranging in age from 7 to 20 years, headed out in anticipation of the community outreach event they had spent four days planning at the 3rd Annual Summer Youth Camp being conducted by Radha Madhav Dham Temple. Little did they know they were about to experience something unforgettable and life changing.

This outreach event was organized by the Camp teachers, in collaboration with Interfaith Action Central Texas (IACT), a non-profit institution that helps assimilate Refugee families and children from war-torn countries, such as Iraq, Burma, Afghanistan, Nepal, Congo and Sudan.

IACT brings in volunteer teachers who teach English and vocational trades.

In the days leading up to the event, the Camp kids worked with great enthusiasm to make sure they could provide the best experience possible to the Refugee children.

One of the leaders of the project, Sudama Francis, said, “As one of the few leaders for the RMD Refugee Program, I was able to see how the children progressed from day one.

I can definitely say all our volunteer kids worked extremely hard to make this event possible – raising funds, baking cookies, buying supplies, backpacks, water bottles, scarves to give away; planning and detailing the actual event, packing gifts and so on. They learned organization, team building, and several other leadership skills. However, It was unimaginable, even to us leaders,

that they were able to raise $2000 towards this event in merely three days, given their packed schedule of classes and activities.”

“The tension, anxiety and stress disappeared once I saw those bright smiles from the Refugee children. I was able to hear some of their stories.

My face reminded a four-year-old girl from Iran of her older brother.

She embraced me and gave me the sweetest smile,” said one youth participant.

“Despite all the hardship, I was surprised that these kids were so outgoing, friendly and happy. I have never met kids who have gone through so many struggles. They touched my heart deeply. After the event I couldn’t control my emotions Continued on back page Photos at right: Fun with new friends on the Capitol grounds.

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4 ...Oak Hill Gazette

July 16- July 29, 2015

This Old Spouse

family humor

Breaking news: Reader response goes way beyond whelming

by Roger White

To advertise or subscribe call 301-0123

Well, if I’d known this many of you guys were into words and word games, I would have long ago stopped trying to entertain and enlighten you with tales of the excruciating silliness that are my family’s domestic adventures and simply offered you word puzzles with every installment.

Or maybe you just like bumper stickers and other freebies. That being the case, I have a sensational idea for ramping up readership.

I’ll just run a standing headline: “Read This Column and I’ll Send You $5*” (*void where prohibited cash redeemable through Bulgarian wire transfers only in either Greek drachmas and/or S&H Green Stamps valid on third Thursdays in odd-year Februarys must be 88 years of age or older violators will be prosecuted prosecutors will be violated). Or something.

Regardless, your response to the Third Biennial Oldspouse Familiar Phrase Contest (OFPhC) went way beyond whelming—right up to the brink of overwhelming. My whelms runneth over. It occurs to me that I either have to raise the difficulty factor substantially in these here contests or stop being such a sucker when it comes to doling out prizes.

You guys take advantage, I swear.

Often my therapist has told me I have to quit being such a pushover.

So starting next contest, only three winners. You read me? No more Mr. Nice Guy! My tongue is still gummy from licking all the stamps.

Anyway. So many of you golddig—I mean, wonderful and loyal readers—chimed in with the correct answers that we set an Oldspouse record for bumper sticker giveaways.

I think I can get some sort of tax write-off for this. So, congrats and

sumptuous salutations to (drum- the woods to grandmother’s house roll): Jane, Brenda, Matt, Mary Jane, we go.

Laura, Catherine, Rona, 13. The Age of Aquarius.

Jon, Cynthia, Tim, Page, 14. A Tale of Two Cities.

Woot, Margie, and the 15. Mamas, Don’t Let entire Wray family—the Your Babies Grow up to Wray family being Stebe Cowboys. ven, Sonya, Adam, Erin, 16. Stand By Your Man. and last but not least, 17. The devil made me Jenna. I was waiting do it. for the Wray family to 18. If I’ve told you once, include Fay, but alas, no I’ve told you a thousand Fay Wray. times.

For those of you playing 19. That’s the way the along at home, here are cookie crumbles. the answers to the Third 20. The world is your Roger White Biennial Oldspouse Faoyster. miliar Phrase Contest (OFPhC) 20 familiar You have Spouseman’s phrase questions. For those of you sincere oyster-like apologies if who are first-time readers of This you’ve read this far and still have no Old Spouse—or if you either didn’t inkling about what’s going on. I often read our last installment or did read feel the same way. Tune in later and it and forgot all about it—this entire all will be revealed. Spoiler alert: To column makes absolutely no sense create the effect of sandstorms in the to you and you’ve likely stopped narrated desert sequence as Moses reading by now. So never mind. Ah, escaped Egypt, Cecil B. DeMille yes, the answers: used the engine blast from tied1. She drives me to drink. down Egyptian Air Force planes.

2. There’s a sucker born every Ingenious, huh? minute.

If and when the meds kick in, I’ll 3. Dead men tell no tales. be more cogent and on point next 4. Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. time out. Promise. Nik. Nik nik nik.

5. Some Like it Hot. 6. Don’t let the bedbugs bite.

Roger White is a freelance oyster 7. A face only a mother could love. living in Austin, Texas, with his lovely 8. Let sleeping dogs lie. spousal oyster, two precocious off9. Luck Be a Lady Tonight. spring units, a very obese dachshund, 10. Behind every great man you’ll and a cat with Epstein-Barr. For find a woman. further adventures, visit oldspouse.

11. Fool’s gold. wordpress.com. Or not.

12. Over the river and through

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The Word from Oak Hill

neighborly noir

The Mendoza Brothers ride again

by Mike Jasper

Part two The word from Oak Hill is... continued from last week.

“Are the Mendoza brothers a band?”

I asked.

“Don’t crack wise with me, moron.

You know damn well who I’m talking about.”

Thankfully, the other cop returned.

“You have an outstanding warrant.”

“I do?”

“Yep. In Marina del Rey. Bad headlight. Not this car, another vehicle.”

Oh… no.

A few months earlier, my ex-girlfriend had stolen my Chevy Nova, probably to justify the time she’d spent with me. Before it was stolen, I got a fix-it ticket for a busted headlight, put the citation in my glove compartment and forgot about it.

“That car was stolen,” I said. “A 1965 Chevy Nova, right?

“It wasn’t reported stolen.”

“That’s because my girlfriend stole the car. I decided not to press charges.”

“Tough break. But you still have to go to jail.”

They put me in the back of the squad car and took me to the El Segundo jail for a fix-it ticket on a stolen car.

As they were processing me, I heard the older cop say, “Yep. One of the Mendoza brothers, I bet.”

Tomorrow I’m shaving this stupid moustache, I thought.

When I got my phone call, I dialed the bar, the only place I knew where people would still be awake at 3 a.m. Although California bars are required to close at 2 a.m., the Bar of Melody always stayed open until 4 a.m. to accommodate the regulars.

And since half of the regulars served on the LA police department, the law didn’t figure in.

Artie the bartender answered the phone. “Melody Bar.” “It’s Jasper. I’m in the El Segundo jail.”

“No kidding? Hold on a minute,” before you go home. He wants to he said. I could hear him yelling talk to you.” across the room. “It’s the kid, the I knew I’d better go see Jim. I guitar player. He’s in jail. Who wants played six nights a week at the Bar to spring him? I say we roll for it.” I of Melody, so this was my bread and heard laughter in the background. butter gig.

Artie got back on the When I walked in, I saw phone. “We’re going to Jim sitting with a bunch of slam dice to see who regulars, all of them cops. comes to bail you out.

As I got closer to his booth, Someone should be there I noticed one of the cops in a half hour or so.” was the same guy who had “Okay, but... “ Too late. stopped me on Sepulveda He hung up. I didn’t get two hours earlier. The older, a chance to tell him I fatter one. needed fifty bucks to pay “Come sit down and have Mike Jasper the fine and didn’t have a few drinks with us,” Jim the cash on me. What if the guy said. “And tell us what it’s like to be shows up with twenty bucks? I’m one of the famous outlaw Mendoza damned, I thought. I’m spending brothers.” my 21st birthday in jail.

Sonofabitch. Those idiots rememI waited for what seemed like an bered my birthday after all. hour. Worse yet, the guy in the next cell wanted to talk to me.

When I finished my story, Jerome “What are you in for?” he asked. stared at me long and hard, longer “A fix-it ticket.” than good breeding would normally “A fix-it ticket? A fix-it ticket? Not dictate. me, man. I got in a fight, man. Drunk “That’s it? That’s your story? That’s in public. Again. Damn! Drunk in supposed to make me feel better? public. Again!”

What are you saying? Don’t worry I didn’t respond. about going to jail? Don’t worry “And you know the worst part? In about driving a stolen vehicle? Look, another hour, they’re going to take I’m not used to this. Maybe you us down to county lockup, man. are, but not me. I didn’t think that Better watch your booty brother. story was funny and I don’t think...

They some bad ass motherdamners damn, this sucks. I’m really not in in county.” the mood, I’m really not. I’m sorry I That made the wait much better, dragged you into this, but I’m really knowing I’d be butt bait in a couple not in the mood.” of hours.

“Jerome,” I said, taking a long hit Fortunately, Richard showed up from my cigarette. “You’re gay.” just in time. Richard was the perfect And two years later he asked me, choice to get me out of jail, since “How the hell did you know?” he looked like an attorney, the only What can I say? I’m from California. suit-wearing regular at the bar. Ap••• parently, he had enough money to Want your neighborhood associpay the fine. ation highlighted? Have a story you “I’ll pay you back next week,” I said need to tell? Would you like to rat as he drove me to my car. out a neighbor? If so, be sure to email “You don’t have to pay me. Jim me at mail@mikejasper.com and get covered it for you. Stop by the bar the word out.

Oak Hill Gazette

July 16- July 29, 2015...5

Piano & Voice Lessons in Oak Hill

mariam@operalady.com www.operalady.com

Mariam McFalls (832) 523-2078 call/text Piano Lessons ages 6 to adult Voice Lessons ages 12 to adult

Member of: Austin District Music Teachers Association • Bay Area Music Teachers Association Gulf Coast Music Association - President 2011 to Present National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS)

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6 ...Oak Hill Gazette

July 16- July 29, 2015

Gazette Health Guide • FITNESS •

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Oak Hill Gazette

Pet page

July 16- July 29, 2015...7

8th Annual KittyPalooza 2015 at Austin Animal Center July 18-19 The heat is on, so it’s the “purrfect” time to join a bunch of really cool cats at the eighth annual KittyPalooza. This year’s event will run from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday July 18 and Sunday July 19 at the Austin Animal Center, 7201 Levander Loop.

At this event, adoption fees for all shelter cats and kittens will be waived for Saturday and Sunday.

All cats will be spayed or neutered, microchipped, and vaccinated—a value of more than $200.

Sponsored in part by the Friends of the Austin Animal Center, the first 100 adopters will get a goodie bag of supplies for their new cat(s) to enjoy.

“We’ve booked a wide variety of acts,” said Foster Coordinator Erin Herren, “it’s obvious that Austin’s got talent.”

From old favorites like Simon & Purr-bunkle, New Kittens on the Block and The Notorious C.A.T.,

to some of the hottest new artists like Katy Purry and Bruno Meows, these talented felines are sure to put a song in your heart, and unlike most festivals, the shelter will make it easy to take your favorite artist or artists home with you. You can even start preparing now by printing out a KittyPalooza Backstage Pass.

“Many of these young groups have really matured beautifully, and it’s been a lot of fun to watch them grow and come into their own,” said Tawny Hammond, Chief Animal Services Officer. “Now we want to get them the exposure and recognition they deserve, and we’re hoping to get multiple (adoption) contracts signed on this exciting weekend.”

The Austin Animal Center is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. More

information about Austin Animal Services programs can be found at www.AustinAnimalCenter.org; by calling 3-1-1 for animal issues after hours; or by visiting the Center’s Facebook page atwww.facebook. com/austinanimalservices.

The City also maintains the Town Lake Animal Center, 1156 W. Cesar Chavez St., as an overflow animal adoption location. It is open daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Windy needs a home!

This stunningly beautiful bloodhound mix is named Windy. She just showed up on her foster mom’s property during the week the wildfires were raging nearby. She was scanned for a microchip and attempts were made to find possible owners, to no avail. She is approximately 3 to 4 years old and 40 pounds of pure enjoyment.

The vet said she is a great size for a bloodhound dog, being smaller and likely to have a longer lifespan than a purebred bloodhound. This sweetheart of a girl enjoys rompin’ and a stompin’ with any dog that will play with her. She plays well with large dogs and small dogs alike.

Windy is the class clown but she also enjoys a nice relaxing break in the presence of her person. Windy is a really fun, outgoing and friendly dog.

She would make a great companion to another dog and is sure to bring you years of joy and laughter as you watch them frolic and play together!

Do you have room in your heart and in your home for this little character?

Windy is crate trained and has had no accidents in the house. She is fully vaccinated, microchipped and will be spayed before adoption. Windy yearns for a forever family of her very own where she will be loved and adored as an inside member of the family. Are you the family she seeks?

Vision Hills Sanctuary – Austin TX 78704 Email: info@visionhills.org http://www.visionhills.org/dogapplication.html

Gazette Pet Guide

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8 ...Oak Hill Gazette

July 16- July 29, 2015

Arts & Entertainment Ongoing Events Sundays Live Jazz Brunch - 10am-2pm.

Nutty Brown Cafe, 12225 Hwy. 290 W., 78737. 301-4648. www.nuttybrown.com.

Tessy Lou Williams & The Shotgun Stars - 4pm at Poodie’s Hilltop Bar & Grill, 22308 Hwy. 71 W., Spicewood. No cover.

Sunday/Fundays - Every first Sunday of the month the NeillCochran House Museum will be open to the public for free from 1pm - 4pm 2310 San Gabriel St. 512478-2335 nchmuseum.org

Mondays Charles Thibodeaux and the Austin Cajun Aces - 6:30pm at Evangeline Cafe, 8106 Brodie Lane. 282-2586.

Texas Songwriters Showcase - 6:30pm Poodie’s Hilltop Bar & Grill, 22308 Hwy. 71 W., Spicewood. No cover.

Wednesdays

Community Clubs & Events

Life Lutheran Church, 120 Frog Fun Fun Fun Fest - 6pm - 9pm Pond Lane in Dripping Springs. For This year’s lineup for the popular live music shows at the museum, more info call 858-2024. which will include headliners Third Thursday at The Blanton Brownout, Ben Kweller, and The - free evening of art and activities. Octopus Project. Bring your lawn 5-9pm at Blanton Museum, Brazos chairs and blankets. Bob Bullock and Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Museum 1800 N. Congress Avenue. For more, visit TheStoryofblantonmuseum.org Texas.com or call (512)936-8746.

Fridays July 10 - August 15 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.

Ongoing Events

New Events

Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous Meeting - Bannockburn Baptist Church room 103 Every Wednesday, 7pm - 8:30pm Anne Slater 512-215-9719 for more info Free

June 21 - August 23 Hartman Foundation Concerts in the Park - 7:30pm Each Sunday a different ensemble of the Austin Symphony will be featured at the new Hartman Park, located on the grounds of the Long Center for the Performing Arts, performing music from jazz and light classical to pops selections and film scores. 701 W. Riverside Drive (512) 457-5100 thelongcenter.org FREE

June 30 - August 25 No Bad Days Open Mic - 7pm at Poodie’s Hilltop Bar & Grill, 22308 The Wine Down - 5 - 7pm every Tuesday. The Wine Down is FREE, Hwy. 71 W., Spicewood. open to the public, and takes place 50+ Singles Dance- 7:30-9:45 at ACL Live at The Moody Theater.

Live Music. Senior Activity Center Each evening’s entertainment will 29th & Lamar. 2874 Shoal Crest. once again be emceed by KGSR, and each event will host giveaways www.fiftyplusdanceaustin.com for merchandise from businesses Trivia Night - Wednesdays at Wa- around the 2ND Street District. 310 terloo Ice House, Southpark Mead- Willie Nelson Blvd (512) 225-7999 ows, 9600 South I-35 Service Rd. SB, Suite D-100. 512-301-1007. wa- July 1 - August 19 terlooicehouse.com.

Sound & Cinema - 6pm PreThe Peacemakers - 10pm at sented by Do512 and Alamo Evangeline Cafe, 8106 Brodie Drafthouse wants you to enjoy six summer nights of great live bands Lane. 282-2586.. paired with classic Hollywood movies on alternating Wednesdays.

Thursdays The Long Center 701 W. Riverside Karaoke - at Boomerz Nightclub, Drive (512) 457-5100 thelongcenter.org FREE 6148 Hwy 290 W.. 892-3373.

Tony Harrisson / Dance Lessons July 3 - July 19 / Jesse Dayton- 6pm - 9:15pm / 9:15pm at the Broken Spoke, 3201 19th Annual Austin Chamber Music Festival - weekends Fri S. Lamar. 442-6189.

- Sun This dazzling and engagOpen Mic with your host, Ga- ing line-up, programmed each rett Endres. Starts at 9pm every year by Artistic Director Michelle Thursday 290 West Club 12013 W Schumann, will feature a range of artists and repertoire for music lovHwy 290 ers of all types. Bates Recital Hall | “Thirsty Thursday” gathering- AISD Performing Arts Center | TBD Poems and songs will be shared www.austinchambermusic.org/fesin a round robin, open mic atmo- tival-2015 sphere following the featured presentation. On the third Thursday of Fridays, July 10, 17 & 24 every month. Free. Food pantry donations are welcomed. 7pm at New Music Under the Star@Bullock

Hairspray - approx 8:15pm Hairspray is a high-energy musical comedy phenomenon that will have the whole Hillside on their feet! 2463 Andrew Zilker Rd The entrance to The Zilker Hillside Theater is on the northbound MoPac service road just before you reach Barton Springs road. FREE Friday, July 24 ArcAttack - 7pm Seen on America’s Got Talent, ArcAttack is a performance art group that specializes in playing music through a combination of homemade, high-tech instruments, and more traditional instruments such as guitar and bass.

The Long Center 701 W. Riverside Drive (512) 457-5100 thelongcenter.org July 24 - August 16 Guys and Dolls - Get ready to rock, shake and roll, because Broadway’s “perfect musical comedy” is coming to Summer Stock Austin! Rollins Studio Theatre The Long Center 701 W. Riverside Drive (512) 457-5100 thelongcenter.org Saturday, July 25

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 512288-3252 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

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 of the Austin Public Library at Oak Hill, 5125 Convict Hill Rd..

Free and open to the public. 512974-9900 / cityofaustin.org/library.

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.

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.

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.

Hotter Than Hell Burlesque Doors @ 7pm | Show @ 8pm Featuring: Scarlett James, Iva Handfull, Ruby Joule, La Divina & more! the Paramount 719 Congress Avenue 512.472.5470 austintheatre.org

Circle C Area Democrats - 6:308:30pm at Santa Rita in the Escarpment Village. Meets on second Mondays of month. For infor mation:circlecareademocrats.org.

Toastmasters Groups - Build leadership and communication skills in a friendly, supportive at-

mosphere. 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 Drive. Open to ages 18 & up. 956-494-4809 / oakhill.freetoasthost.biz

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.

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 512-637-5400 and feel free to bring your own lunch. www.arvedacare.com.

Senior Safari Adventures - Tues.

- Fri. 9:30am - 11am Austin Zoo 10808 Rawhide Trail Call 512-2885031 or email audrey.austinzoo@ yahoo.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.

Oak Hill Neighborhood Planning Contact Team - Meets fourth Wednesday of the month at the ACC Pinnacle Campus, 10th Floor Board Room. www.ohnpct.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/ MOMS-Club-of-Austin-SW-Oaks/ 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 482-9026 or 921-4901. Thursdays.

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.

Creative Arts Society - Meets on first Wed. of month (except

Saturday South Austin Lions Club - Meets every second and fourth Thursday 6pm – 7pm Premier High School at Travis 1211 E. Oltorf On the campus of Travis High School, follow Premier sign as you enter driveway, veer right. http://www.e-clubhouse.org/sites/ austin_south

ALS Caregivers Support Group - Group will meet from 12:15 to 2:15 pm on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday afternoons 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

New Events Applications due Sept. 18 Young Artists - A pre-professional arts program for high school students. Meet weekly on Saturday afternoons this fall to explore creative careers, receive portfolio development, attend workshops with local artists, meet peers from all over Austin who also love art, and explore a range of artistic concepts and materials! FREE Ages: 14-18 Saturdays 1-4P, OctoberDecember Jones Center 700 Congress Avenue info@thecontemporaryaustin.org Thursdays, June - July 23 Nature Nights at Wildflower Center - 6pm - 9pm Free with Nature Nights. Enjoy hikes, talks by experts on nature topics, and hands-on learning for families. LBJ Wildflower Center, 4801 La Crosse Ave. 512-232-0105 Learn more at wildflower.org/newsroom Sunday, July 19 Raising Backyard Chickens - gates open @ 8:45am The topics to be covered include: recommended size of flock, breeds of layers and their attributes, starting new chicks, feed sources, hen house design, chicken tractors, predators, roosters, and more! The Natural Gardener 8648 Old Bee Caves Road 512-288-6113 www. naturalgardeneraustin.com

Oak Hill Gazette

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, 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 com-

fortable shoes, a hat, and bring water. Hikes last approximately 1.5 hours. Info contact: jeanneffia@ gmail.com Sunday, December 7

New Events July 7 - August 4 SUMMER MOVES Returns with FREE ‘Rhythm on Stage’ - The Long Center’s All Summer Long programming continues with free and fun Rhythm on Stage events throughout July. Join us for Bollywood with Prakash, learn Bad music video, West African Dance and Drums with Jean Claude. A partnership with Ballet Austin’s Butler Center for Dance & Fitness.

The Long Center 701 W. Riverside Drive (512) 457-5100 thelongcenter.org Saturdays, July 10 - August 15 Hairspray Dance Party - every Saturday evening at 6:30 as our cast members show you how to do some of the super hip dance crazes of the 60’s! Bring the kids. Zilker Hillside Theater is on the N MoPac service road just before you reach Barton Springs road.

Kids Calendar

Ongoing Events

11:15am and 1:15pm in the Peacock Barn. Both activities are included with regular Zoo admission.

10808 Rawhide Trail, For additional information, call 512-288-1490 or visit www.austinzoo.org.

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 materi- New Events als needed. 512-495-9224 / www.

June - August ( Wed. & Fri.) amoa.org.

At Austin Children’s Museum: Community Night - Come out and play EVERY Wednesday night at 5pm and enjoy exhibits, storytime and a variety of hands-on activities.

Themed stories, songs,d activities.

Tuesday - Saturday: 11am, 1pm & 3pm. Baby Bloomers- Every Mon..

For kids 3 & under & their caregivers. Storytimes 9:30 & 11am; Singa-long 10:30am at Austin Children’s Museum, 201 Colorado St.. 4722499 / ausinkids.org.

Storytime - Tuesdays & Wednesdays at the Hampton Library, 5125 Convict Hill Rd. Toddlers Fridays at 11am, . 892-6680. wiredforyouth.co Austin Zoo & Animal Sanctuary - Join us in making Animal Enrichment (toys for animals) every Monday and Wednesday at 11:30am in the Picnic Grove and Story Time on Tuesdays and Thursdays at

storytellers, magicians, mimes and crafts people. Symphony Square Amphitheatre. 1101 Red River info at: austinsymphony.org July 11 - July 19

Sprouts - 9:30 - 10:30 ages 2-6 Each program will include a hands on activity, story, nature walk and of course, nature play! New program theme each week. LBJ Wildflower Center, 4801 La Crosse Ave. 512232-0105 Learn more at wildflower.

Sarah the Dinosaur - Sarah finds org In the Little House her voice and the adults in her world learn to think twice before June 10 - July 29 speaking. The Long Center 701 Movies with a Message - 2:30pm W. Riverside Drive (512) 457-5100 Join us every Tuesday afternoon in thelongcenter.org the Parlor for a family movie, popcorn and a Bible lesson! Manchaca United Methodist Church; 1011 FM July 26 - August 15 1626, Manchaca 512.282.7274 Tortoise & Hare - Musical styles manchacaumc.org collide in this energetic new reimagining of the ancient fable, TorJune 16 - July 21 toise & Hare. Presented by theLong Austin Symphony Children’s Day Center and Summer Stock Austin.

Art Park - 9:30 - 11:30 Wednesday The Long Center 701 W. Riverside mornings. This summer program Drive (512) 457-5100 thelongcenfeatures local musicians, dancers, ter.org

July 16- July 29, 2015...9

Arts & Entertainment cont.

New Events Thursday, July 16 Choctaw Wildfire - 7pm Evangeline Cafe 8106 Brodie Lane (512) 282-2586 evangelinecafe.com BB Lee 3 - 6pm Johnson 8:30pm Roc Holliday - 10:30 Poodie’s Hilltop Bar & Grill, 22308 Hwy. 71 W. 512-264-0318 poodies.net Tony Harrison - 6pm Broken Spoke 3201 S. Lamar(512) 4426189 brokenspokeaustintx.com Friday, July 17 Gene Taylor y Los Amigos 10pm Evangeline Cafe 8106 Brodie Lane (512) 282-2586 evangelinecafe.com

Tessy Lou and the Shotgun Stars - 7pm The Rusty Mule 9201 Hwy 290 (512) 704-6416

Jason Roberts - 9:30pm Broken Spoke 3201 S. Lamar(512) 4426189 orbrokenspokeaustintx.com

Sunday, July 19

The Soulphonics - 10pm Evangeline Cafe 8106 Brodie Lane (512) 282-2586 evangelinecafe. com

Brunch Buffet w/ Java Jazz 10am - 2pm The Nutty Brown Cafe 12225 Highway 290 West 512.301.4648 nuttybrown.com Gospel Brunch with “The Amazing Grace” Noon - 3:30pm Maria’s Taco Xpress 2529 South Lamar Blvd 512-444-0261 tacoxpress.com Monday, July 20 Texas Songwriters Showcase: George Ensle Hosts Brennen Leigh & Noel McKay - 6:30pm Poodie’s Hilltop Bar & Grill, 22308 Hwy. 71 W. 512-264-0318 poodies.net Tuesday, July 21 Twilight Trio - 7pm Evangeline Cafe 8106 Brodie Lane (512) 2822586 evangelinecafe.com

Eric Tessmer Solo - 8pm Guy Forsyth Blues Band - 9:30, Poodies Hilltop Bar and Grill 22308 Hwy. 71 W. 512-264-0318 poodies.net

Wednesday, July 22

Cedar Valley Band - 7pm The Nutty Brown Cafe 12225 Highway 290 West 512.301.4648 nuttybrown.com Saturday, July 25 FREE SHOW The Encounter Project - 7pm Reunion show!

Proceeds from band merch sales go to veterans w/ PTSD. The Nutty Brown Cafe 12225 Highway 290 West 512.301.4648 nuttybrown.com Dale Watson - 9:30pm Broken Spoke 3201 S. Lamar (512) 4426189 brokenspokeaustintx.com

No Bad Days - Open Mic Hosted by BB Morse - 8pm Poodie’s Hilltop Bar & Grill, 22308 Hwy. 71 W. 512-264-0318 poodies.net

Larry Braggs - 8pm Former lead singer of Tower of Power at Strange Brew 5326 Manchaca 512-828-7636 strangebrewloungeside.com

KOKE FM Free Texas Music Series – Brandon Rhyder with Troy Cartwright - 5pm Hills Cafe 4700 South Congress 512-8519300 hillscafe.com

Bastard Sons of Johnny Cash - 9:30pm Broken Spoke 3201 S. Lamar (512) 442-6189 or brokenspokeaustintx.com

Rick McRae - 7pm Evangeline Cafe 8106 Brodie Lane (512) 2822586 evangelinecafe.com

Audiolight - 7pm The Nutty Brown Cafe 12225 Highway 290 W. 512.301.4648 nuttybrown.com

Blazing Bows - 6pm Heybale - 9pm Broken Spoke 3201 S. Lamar(512) 442-6189 or brokenspokeaustintx.com

Saturday, July 18

Thursday, July 23

Willy Collins Band - 8pm Brother Nothing - 10:30 Poodies Hilltop Bar and Grill 22308 Hwy. 71 W. 512-264-0318 poodies.net

Juke Joint Prophets - 6pm Broken Spoke 3201 South Lamar (512) 442-6189 brokenspokeaustintx.com

The Derailers - 9:30pm Broken Spoke 3201 S. Lamar(512) 4426189 brokenspokeaustintx.com

Andrew Hardin - 7pm Evangeline Cafe 8106 Brodie Lane (512) 282-2586 evangelinecafe.com

Patton Sparks Band - 7pm A dynamic new duo from Austin, Texas who just released their Second EP ‘Love,Texas, & Me’! The Nutty Brown Cafe 12225 Highway 290 W. 512.301.4648 nuttybrown.com

T Jarrod Bonta Trio - 7pm Satellite Bistro & Bar 5900 Slaughter 512-288-9994 satellitebistroandbar.com

Mente Clara - 6pm Central Market Cafe Westgate 4477 S. Lamar Blvd 512-899-4300

Maddison Livingston & Neon Rodeo - 8pm Pearl Snaps 10:30pm Poodie’s Hilltop Bar & Grill, 22308 Hwy. 71 W. 512-2640318 poodies.net

BB Lee 3 - 6pm Johnson 8:30pm Poodie’s Hilltop Bar & Grill, 22308 Hwy. 71 W. 512-2640318 poodies.net Friday, July 24

Canvass People - 7pm Malford Milligan - 10pm Poodie’s Hilltop Bar & Grill, 22308 Hwy. 71 W. 512264-0318 poodies.net Jimmy LaFave - 7pm at Strange Brew 5326 Manchaca 512-8287636 strangebrewloungeside. com Sunday, July 26 Sunday Gospel Brunch with the Purgatory Players - 11am 1pm at Strange Brew 5326 Manchaca Rd 512-828-7636 strangebrewloungeside.com Gospel brunch featuring live jazz by Java Jazz - 10am - 2pm The Nutty Brown Cafe 12225 Highway 290 West 512.301.4648 nuttybrown.com Monday, July 6 Texas Songwriters Showcase: WC Jameson Hosts Buddy Case - 6:30pm Poodie’s Hilltop Bar & Grill, 22308 Hwy. 71 W. 512264-0318 poodies.net

10 ...Oak Hill Gazette

July 16- July 29, 2015

Commissioner’s Corner

your rising tax bill. That’s not true.

The tax rate that a taxing jurisdiction adopts determines your tax bill. And the tax rate is dependent on how much that jurisdiction wants to spend—ie, how much money it wants for its budget. If it wants to spend more than in property values in the the previous year, then it region, and of the conmust collect more from tinuing rise in property taxpayers. So if you don’t taxes at the same time. want your property taxes These reports seem to to go up so much, you have implied that propmust get your taxing juerty taxes were going up risdictions to stop spendbecause property values ing so much. And you can were going up. So, many only do that by getting the people think the issue elected officials (or Board is the rise in property values. Unless you Gerald Daugherty of Directors) to decide to do that. really understand how Travis County has been at the foreproperty tax bills are determined, you might think that rising prop- front of all the taxing jurisdictions erty appraisals set by the Appraisal in giving property tax relief to our District are the driving factor for taxpayers. Last year we kept the tax

Property taxes, appraisals, exemptions

by Gerald Daugherty, Precinct 3 Commissioner Property taxes, property values, homestead exemptions—we’ve all seen these topics get extensive coverage in the media this year because of the “Affordability Crisis” for many people living in this area.

Many questions come to mind regarding these topics. Would appraisals of commercial property values be challenged? How would that affect our budget process? How do rising property values affect the continuing rise in your property taxes? What property tax relief can be given to our taxpayers? What

property tax exemptions will the taxing jurisdictions give?

Despite fear that the City of Austin’s decision to challenge commercial property appraisals would delay the certification of the property tax role (causing havoc with the County’s ability to adopt the Fiscal Year 2016 budget by the mandated date), the City allowed the Appraisal District to deny their petition. They’ll go through the Court system, so our budget process can proceed essentially on schedule and will not hinder us in adopting our FY 16 budget.

There have been many media reports about the continuing rise

rate at 1.5% above the effective tax rate (so that the owner of an average Travis County home actually paid $5 LESS to the County than the year before). And we’re trying to do that again this year. In addition to keeping the tax rate as low as possible, Travis County once again will give several types of exemptions to home-owners. These exemptions are deducted from your home’s appraised value, so that you are taxed on the resulting dollar figure rather than the full-appraised value.

For Travis County’s portion of your property taxes, everyone who owns and lives in a home gets a 20% homestead exemption. For those who are 65 years of age and older an additional $75,000 is taken off the homestead exemption Taxable Value (it was $70,000 last year). If you meet the Social Security AdminContinued on page 14

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Oak Hill Gazette

July 16- July 29, 2015...11

Hampton library Continued from p. 1 Americans with Disabilities Act standards for accessibility The Austin Public Library invites community members to join them on Tuesday, July 21 from 7-8:30 PM at the Hampton Branch at Oak Hill, 5125 Convict Hill Rd., to learn about the upcoming renovation of the Branch and to provide valuable input. The renovation is scheduled to start early next year.

John Gillum, facilities process manager of the Austin Public Library, told the Gazette, “The Will Hampton Branch Library at Oak Hill has been heavily used by the community since the facility first opened its doors to the public on April 26, 1997. The Library Department, of course, finds the heavy use of this branch by customers to be gratifying, but usage does equal wear. The planned upgrades to the infrastructure will allow the building to continue functioning efficiently, updating the interior spaces will allow us to provide better library services in a more welcoming environment for customers while giving staff more flexibility in performing their necessary tasks.”

Gillum was the library’s facilities planning manager in 1991 during the city’s 1992 General Obligation Bond Election. He joined Director of Libraries Brenda Branch, the Library Commission and the Oak Hill community in speaking about the need for a library branch in the area.

They succeeded in getting it listed with seven other library projects on

the Bond ballet.

“After voters approved of the proposition,” recalled Gillum, “Brenda and I—based on Oak Hill being an underserved area as far as the Library Department was concerned—made the Oak Hill Branch Library Project our highest priority and its construction was started before any of the other library projects made possible by the 1992 G.O. Bond Election.”

Gillum said the Will Hampton branch library at Oak Hill is one of the top three performing branch libraries in a system of 20. He said, “The building has consistently been perceived by and remarked upon by customers as being aesthetically pleasing. The building’s structure, systems and elements have well withstood the test of time, allowing us to effectively maintain the facility and operate it in an energy-efficient manner.”

Oak Hill residents share their affection for the library.

Michelle Jenson said, “This library is always bustling and busy, which I find great. It’s refreshing to see so many people here. This library definitely is usually at its max capacity whenever I’m there, which is at all different times of the day and week.

It’s refreshing to see people of all ages utilizing this place—for reading, for learning and tutoring, etc.”

Regena Dorvall told the Gazette, “I live next door to the Will Hampton branch and frequent it often. It is very convenient to walk to the Continued on next page

Central Library update (artist rendering above): The “skin” of the building is beginning to take form as installation of the exterior sheathing and sheet waterproofing has been initiated on several levels. Installation on the thermal barrier and roofing membrane has been started, as well, as has work on the west side of the art wall that will screen the transformer site just to the north of the New Central Library. The excavation for the grease interceptor (trap) to service the future New Central Library Café is also underway on Cesar Chavez Street side of the building. A grand opening for the new Central Library is slated for November, 2016.

In Stock now: 150,000 sf of European White Oaks

Future home of

Hill Country Design Center

Children enjoy reading on the scenic reading porch planned for the new Central Library downtown.

HILL COUNTRY DESIGN CENTER

Hill ill Country ountry Design esign Center enter

k

Hwy 290 West

Fitzhugh Rd.

Coming Fall of 2015 Raesz Custom Floors is opening

Corner of Fitzhugh Rd. and Highway 290 West (next door SouthStar Bank) • 512-301-5580

12 ...Oak Hill Gazette

July 16- July 29, 2015

Hampton library Continued from p. 11 library to check out or return a book that I have checked out. I have not attended a meeting there, but it is where my polling place is.”

Several locals sang the praises of this local library branch on Yelp: Emma Ramirez wrote, “Oak Hill is my favorite branch partially because it’s my home branch, but I also love it because of the beautiful grounds, friendly and helpful librarians, and ease of use. They also have a self-checkout station if you prefer that. It’s definitely a smaller branch, but I put holds online and APL sends the book I want to them, where I pick it up.”

Liz Sutherland gave the branch five stars, saying, “If you know how to truly utilize the library hold system you can get anything you want relatively quickly. It is in fact a branch library so it’s not huge, but I always manage to find several books off the shelf to tide me over until my holds come in. I find all of the staff currently there pretty friendly and helpful when you ask for help.

Since I currently have the crappiest computer in the world at home, I and my kids come here a lot to use the computer,” she said, adding that the wait to use one of the computers is not bad.

Gillum said the design for the renovations should be finished by fall. The planned nine-month construction will start at the beginning of 2016.

“The Austin Public Library has always appreciated the affection and sense of ownership that the Oak Hill community has consistently exhibited for their community library,” said Gillum. “Our desire and intention with the current renovation project is to make the facility like new again so that it may continue to serve our customers well in the future.”

In the meantime, Gillum is helming the New Central Library Project downtown. A topping out ceremony was held in May to celebrate the last beam placed on the structure. The new facility is scheduled to open in the fall of 2016.

Kids reading at the Will Hampton Branch Library before work begins on the improvement project.

Oak Hill Gazette

Drippin’ Lowdown

July 16- July 29, 2015...13

neighborly news from Dripping Springs

Swimming holes for dogs

by Laurel Robertson If all you feel like doing right now is lying in the shade with your tongue hanging out—the Romans had a term for that! They called these the Dog Days of Summer, when Sirius, the Dog Star, rose along with the sun. (Due to the precession of the equinoxes, that no longer happens at this time of year—but just ignore that pesky detail....)

After reckoning for the shifts wrought by the Gregorian Calendar (it’s a long story), in modern times the Dog Days begin on July 16 and end on August 24.

Herein are my best tips for making it through these Dog Days without biting someone by getting out to the (relative) coolness and calmness of the Hill Country just west of Oak Hill. And bring along Fido! Paws down, the best thing to do with your dog on a hot summer day is to go for a romp near the water. Several summer swimming options in Dripping Springs and points west offer you and your dog a chance to soak in some Hill Country spring water.

Closest to home is Camp Ben

McCullough on Camp Ben McCullough Road (naturally), just across from the Salt Lick. Some of the best swimming holes on Onion Creek for man or b e a s t a r e Laurel Robertson found within the private park’s tree-shaded 40 acres. There’s also plenty of open space for rambunctious games of Frisbee catch. The camp is owned and run by a group of Hays County descendents of Confederate soldiers, and is free for day use with a minimal per-night camping fee. RV camping is available. Rustic amenities include a rope swing, a playground, and restrooms. There are no vendors of any kind onsite, so bring your own picnic, or head across the street to the Salt Lick for a delicious lunch or dinner.

Right in town, Dripping Springs Ranch Park offers miles of walking,

The queen of summer swimming experiences—Pedernales Falls State Park. Especially after all these May and June rains, the Pedernales River sheets and pools across great slabs of limestone rock and then winds through the park’s sandy swimming area.

- Texas Parks and Wildlife photo hiking and equestrian trails along Little Barton Creek, which flows into a large pond at the park’s eastern edge. Though humans aren’t allowed to swim in the stream or the pond, your dog will love a refreshing dip after a long walk. In addition to trails, the park has large grassy fields perfect for games of fetch and lark-

ing about in general. You can even bring your horse along for rides on the park’s equestrian trails (contact City Hall for a permit).

Reimers Ranch Park, on Hamilton Pool Road, is actually a Travis County park, though its address is in Dripping Springs. The 2500acre park is fairly new—acquired

by Travis County just a few years ago—but Reimers is quickly becoming renown for its world-class rock climbing. There’s also mountain biking trails, fishing, hiking, equestrian trails and (our interest here) swimming in the PedernaContinued on next page

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July 16- July 29, 2015

Drippin’ Lowdown Continued from page 13

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les River. Swimmers usually need to hike about 300 yards from the parking lot to the river, but on busy summer weekends, the hike can be as long as a half-mile. As usual, pets should be on leash. Day use only— no overnight camping.

Drive just a little farther southwest and you arrive at the queen of summer swimming experiences—Pedernales Falls State Park. Especially after all these May and June rains, the Pedernales River sheets and pools across great slabs of limestone rock and then winds through the park’s sandy swimming area.

At Pedernales Falls you can camp, hike, mountain bike, picnic, geocache, bird watch and ride horses (BYO). The river is great for swimming (dogs included), wading, tubing or fishing. There’s also a bird blind and a butterfly garden. Pay a per car entrance fee, or get a yearly pass (good for all state parks) at tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks.

A couple of months ago, I would have included Blanco State Park in this list of divine summer swimming holes—but after the Memorial Day Floods, things are a bit out of square over there. Just a mile from the Blanco Square, the 100-plus acre park sits along a mile of the Blanco River, so the May 24 flood did some damage to the pools and picnic areas that make the park so inviting. The shade shelters clustered around a stone pavilion (CCC work from the 1930s) all suffered damage, as did the trees and concrete embankments that create delightful waterfalls and pools.

The park isn’t expected to open again before September, so it’s a no-go for this summer—but keep this treasure on your long-term list.

Texas Parks and Wildlife usually stocks the park with trout December through March, so hopefully it will be ready for fishing this winter.

Other swimming holes abound Continued on next page

Commissioner’s Corner Continued from p. 10 istration’s criteria for disability, you get the same $75,000 exemption as those 65 and older. Veterans that are documented by the Department of Veterans Affairs to be 100% disabled get a 100% exemption for their residence homestead.

A very important thing to remember is that YOU MUST APPLY for these exemptions! For Travis County residents, you must file your application with the Travis Central Appraisal District. The best way to find out about that whole process is to go to their website, www.traviscad.org. Their home page has numerous links leading to all kinds of information regarding property taxes.

Property Search can tell you which (if any) exemptions you have for your homestead. Tax Information will help you understand how your

property taxes are assessed, and tell you the deadlines for submitting your forms and applications.

Forms & Downloads has lots of general information in addition to application forms (Form 50-114 for Residence Homestead Exemption).

ARB is for those of you protesting your property values, which can be done on-line via the link E-File.

Don’t have access to a computer?

Call the Appraisal District at (512) 834-9317.

While your concern about property taxes is how they affect your finances and how much you’ll need to pay, your Travis County Commissioners Court is working hard to keep our County budget at a necessary minimum, so that we can set a tax rate low enough to provide some relief for taxpayers.

Let’s hope the other taxing jurisdictions do the same.

Oak Hill Gazette

Drippin’ Lowdown Continued from p. 14 in the nearby Hill Country, but for these you’ll have to leave the pets at home: Founders Park has a public pool that keeps lots of Dripping Springs kids (and adults) wet and happy throughout the summer. Hours are noon to 6pm daily, season passes available. Next door to the pool, the Dr. Pound Historical Farmstead offers tours of the 150-year old restored pioneer homestead Wednesday through Saturday, noon to 3pm.

Hamilton Pool Preserve (on

July 16- July 29, 2015...15

from Dripping Springs

Hamilton Pool Road, of course) is an eye-candy swimming hole for everyone—except your dog (no pets allowed). To protect this rare gem of an ecological specimen, the Preserve keeps a strict limit on the number of people who can be in the park at any one time. During the summer, this usually means long waiting lines with the possibility of being turned away. Their website doesn’t offer a lot of hope for finding a lull in the summer crowd: “It is usually not possible to avoid the crowd, no matter what time you come to the preserve,” it warns. If you venture

there, be prepared to find a substitute activity for the day (like Reimers Ranch, just up the road—see above.)

Jacob’s Well and Blue Hole in Wimberley are both on Cypress Creek and so didn’t suffer the devastation that the Blanco River dealt swimming holes in its wake. They’re both delightful diversions for a summer day, but don’t allow pets.

So venture out of your air conditioning into the open air, conditioned courtesy of the springs and streams flowing abundantly for the first time in years. It’s nature’s way to make it through these Dog Days!

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16 ...Oak Hill Gazette

July 16- July 29, 2015

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

ASSEMBLY OF GOD

New Life Assembly of God 7612 Cooper Lane, Austin. 78745 (Between Wm. Cannon and Dittmar) Call: (512) 445-5433 Pastor: Charlie Hilburn Sunday Services: Sunday School 9:30am; Worship & Children’s Church 10:30am; Prayer and Worship Service 6pm Wednesday Services: 7:00pm Kidtastic! * Missio Dei Youth Ministry * Adult Class newlifeaustin@agchurches.org www.newlifeaustin.org connecting...growing...reaching

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 and activities found atscenichillsbc.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:9:45

am- Escuela Dominical, 11 amAdoración & Mensaje; Miércoles:7:00 pm, 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 Worship Services: 10:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist Rite II, Coffee Hour 11:45 a.m. , Christian Formation for All Ages 9:30 a.m.-10:15 a.m.

Children’s Chapel at 10:30 a.m. and professional nursery from 9:15 a.m.12:15 p.m.

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

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 (Blended Traditional & 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.

Unity Church of Austin 5501Hwy 290 West, 78735 (512) 892-3000 unity@unitychurchaustin.org Minister: Rev. Anna Shouse Service 11:00 pm “Our God is love,our race is human and our religion is oneness.” www.unitychurchaustin.org

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 LiturgyWeds- 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 announced 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.

Shepherd of the Hills Brodie Campus at the corner of Brodie Ln. & Hewitt Ln. 12420 Hewitt Lane 78748 Ted Thulin, Campus Pastor Worship and Sunday School: 11a.m.

Web site: www.shpc.org

UNITY

UNITY of Lake Travis is coming!

The new congregation, led by Rev. John Connor & Rev. Bonnie Connor, will meet Sundays beginning August 2nd, 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.

Oak Hill Gazette

July 16- July 29, 2015...17

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20 ...Oak Hill Gazette October 4-October 17, 2012 18 ...Oak Hill Gazette

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Oak Hill Gazette

Civic Agenda Continued from p. 2

Letters to the Editor online-form/submit-audit-ideas.

Information session on city audits Tuesday, July 21, 11 am-noon Boards and Commissions Room, first floor of City Hall, 301 W. Second St. The City of Austin’s recently appointed City Auditor wants to ensure that the public understands what her office does and how its actions affect the day-to-day operations of City government. Since becoming City Auditor, Stokes would like to share information with the public on how and why the City performs audits and how audit results affect residents and influence City business.The information session will also be a chance for the public to ask questions about the audit process and get to know more about Stokes’ background and goals for her department.

The Auditor’s Office is in the process of putting together its 2016 Audit Plan and is seeking input about possible future audit ideas which can be submitted at www.austintexas.gov/

July 16- July 29, 2015...19

Volunteer Deputy Registrar Training sessions Tuesday, August 4, 2015 – 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. or 6:30 p.m.

Travis County Tax Office, 5501 Airport Blvd., Austin, TX 78751 Register voters for the Nov. 3, 2015, General Election now by becoming a Volunteer Deputy Registrar. The deadline to register to vote is Monday, Oct. 5, 2015. To volunteer, you must be age 18 or older and attend a onehour training session.

Volunteers help citizens register to vote, promote voter registration at community events and within social networks, distribute voter registration applications and confirm that applications are completed correctly, issue an official receipt as proof of registration, and deliver applications to the Voter Registrar within five days of completion. For more information, please visit www.traviscountytax.org or call (512) 854-9473.

Continued from p. 2 roads are in the best interests of the toll road companies who spend huge amounts of campaign contributions to make sure they continue to buy lucrative contract from our state and representatives.

We need to stop building toll roads as though they are the best invention since sliced bread. We need to get smarter about how we spend our tax dollars and maybe we need to put a lid on officials like Daugherty who just want to spend our tax dollar without looking at the long term implications and huge costs.

— Peter Stern

Charter schools plunder funds from public schools

Our tax supported Public School system has been a major contributing factor in the rise of our nation

from a rag tag freedom loving nation to major world power. When Ronald Reagan was campaigning for the presidency, he wanted to downsize our bloated U.S. government by eliminating the Department of Energy and Education. The Washington D.C. political establishment doesn’t downsize so that never happened.

Somewhere along the way, the idea of charter schools took roots.

There are instances where courses offered by charter schools outshine results of our public schools.

What! This is true. Let’s examine this phenomenon further. Charter schools slither through our public education system with the stealth of a marauding serpent operating in public school rooms, siphoning off many of our best and brightest students while plundering funds from tax supported educational budgets. This would be acceptable if they kept their greedy hands off of tax payers public school facilities and funds.

Can public schools match or outperform Charter school? Absolutely. If funding is made available to establish some specialized classes, public schools can most certainly deliver amazing results. Producing a successful student depends on a healthy home environment, parental support and encouragement and sacrifice.

Give our dedicated teachers more control of what goes on in their classrooms, let them teach and inspire our children. Stop this senseless mandatory testing. Send the U.S. Department of Education packing, at least where mandatory testing is concerned. A sinful sum of money is paid every year to design and grade these mandatory tests. These are funds that should go towards improving our public education systems instead of enriching some for profit corporations. Education is the key to our nation’s bright future – get involved.

— Sherril Hipp

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• Carpet • Wood Special pricing on select european White oak • tile austincustomfloors.com • rUGS 512-301-5580 • 7500 Hwy 71W, Ste. 111

• PAINTING • Since 1980

SE-DILLO PAINTING INC Residential • Commercial

Jesse L. Sedillo 288-7955/217-3462

•YOUR AD HERE• Advertise here for less than $25 /issue Call 301-0123

•CUSTOM FURNITURE• Since 1991

Hand Crafted DINING TABLES BENCHES DESKS REPAIRS & MORE

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austintablestudio.com

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•REMODELING• Quality Remodels

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Kitchens • Bathrooms • Floors Concrete • Stonework Call Bobby (512) 577-7404

•APPLIANCE REPAIR• JERRY’S Home Appliance Service 30+ years experience

Servicing Home Laundry & Kitchen Appliances

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•ROOFING/HOME REPAIR• Star State Roofing & Seamless Gutters Also- Siding • Housepainting Rotted Wood Repair • General Repairs * INSURED *

Call Mike 512.939.9516

mikethegutterguy@gmail.com

20 ...Oak Hill Gazette

July 16- July 29, 2015

Business Bits

Local residents turn hobbies into businesses Blushing Stems provides flowers for any occasion Samantha Martin had been putting together flower arrangements as a hobby for events for her family and friends when her uncle suggested that she should start her own business.

She took the idea to heart and a few months ago started “Blushing Stems.”

Martin, who grew up in Southwest Austin and attended Covington and Crocket, teaches at Austin High during the week and puts together arrangements for weddings, quinceñeras and other events in her off hours with the aid of her sister Nicole, who has been working in the wedding industry as a photographer. “My sister has always been supportive and I couldn’t have done this without her,” she said.

It also helped to have a godfather who owned a floral shop in El Paso and could give Samantha, who majored in Dance and Education at Texas State, a lot of very helpful business advice.

Martin offers clients a free initial she can also give her clients a very good consultation to get an idea of the style price for her services. You can contact and price range. “I have been sur- her at 512.905.0877 or prised how so many people trust me with the creative design,” she said, “and so far everyone has been super happy.”

Martin says her own personal favorite flower is the peony, because it looks great in both the bud stage Sisters Nicole Velasquez and Samantha Martin transand in bloom.

Being a fledg- form loose flowers into elegant arrangements for an ling business, upcoming wedding.

Cranius Astounding mixes music and magic to amaze Some 14 years ago Cranius Astounding, as he is known professionally, was up in Chicago for a couple of weeks of tech training when he happened to stumble upon a magic store as he walked on Navy Pier.

It would prove to be the spark that ignited a new career for the musician,

magician and mentalist. After taking in the show, Cranius had the temerity to ask how it was done and was told that he could find that out if he bought the trick. Seven years later he joined the Society of Professional Magicians where he found his mentors and started getting serious.

Cranius retired from his day job in 2009 and now performs at birthday parties, retirement parties and any place else where the services of a magician might be called for.

This past 4th Cranius Astounding delights a group at a recent Pecan of July weekend he could Street Festival in downtown Austin.

be found performing at Dick Nichols Park for the Western Oaks neighborhood celebration.

A longtime songwriter and guitar player, Cranius switched to the ukulele for his magic gigs. Among the many original songs he can perform is one called “Half of Me”, although sawing someone in half is not currently a part of his routine. He will bring his magic box and a folding table and has a raft of card tricks up his sleeve and will leave his audience agape with feats of pre-cognition and divination.

Cranius targets his show to folks between the ages of 6 and 106 and can often be found donating his time to perform at Dell Children’s Hospital for the shows they have the first Sunday of each month.

If you have an event that could use a bit of magic, Cranius Astounding can be reached by phone at 512-3639464 or by email at craniusmagic@ gmail.com.

Oak Hill Gazette

July 16- July 29, 2015...21

Gazette Business Guide Lawn & Garden

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22 ...Oak Hill Gazette

July 16- July 29, 2015

Residents oppose losing home to right-of-way Continued from p. 1

highway has no trees and everything they want to do could be done over there (Valero/Sonic side) but it’s all on our side where we and our neighbors all have nice land and lots of trees.”

Kelli Reyna, public information officer with TxDOT’s Austin District, told the Gazette, “Minimizing rightof-way impacts to both residential and commercial properties, as well as the potential impacts to the natu-

ral environment including the area’s trees and Williamson Creek, has been a priority for the project team since the beginning of the study.”

Representatives of the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority (CTRMA) showed a proposed plan to the Bomers. “It would take out several huge oak trees we have in addition to ruining our property,” Bomer told the Gazette. “They will have to

take our house, the plans have the road and sidewalks almost up to our front door.”

Save Oak Hill is a coalition of neighbors that want to preserve the rich community history as well as protect its unique natural features.

Alan Watts of Save Oak Hill said, “TxDOT’s design philosophy—that bigger and faster is better—is an outdated concept and has resulted in an oversized proposal that consumes the entire right of way for

Dream of Hopes Ranch 15th Annual

Candlelight Bowling Fundraiser Sunday, August 9th 2014 at Westgate Lanes 2707 William Cannon (at Westgate) 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm $16 adults / $10 children (12 & under) Price includes lunch and 2 games of bowling

Door Prizes - Raffle - Silent Auction About Dream of Hopes Ranch: Our goal is to help children and adults with special needs reach their own individual peak potential, and to improve their quality of life and enhance their desires ... in a dignified manner.

We are looking for jobs in the community and at our work center for our adult ranchers. If you know of businesses in Buda or South Austin who would like to employ our ranchers, please have them call 512-791-0160 or 512-312-9002 and ask for Laura Stock.

For tickets or to make a donation, make checks out to: Dream of Hopes Ranch, PO Box 152435, Austin 78715. We are a 501(c)3 non-profit. For more information go to www.dreamofhopesranch.org or check out our Facebook page.

most of the 4-1/2 mile project and requires even more width in places like Crystal Bomer’s house.”

One of the early alternatives, F, was similar to the roadway proposed by Fix290, a group that fought the large, tolled roadway proposed a decade ago. That group proposed a smaller, single-elevation roadway. But that idea seemed to be quickly dismissed by roadway officials. At an Oak Hill Parkway open house held a year ago at Covington Middle School, those interested in the alternative F display were told that it had been ruled out as a consideration.

Reyna said public input has been important to the process. She said, “We have been extremely active in engaging the community since the study was re-launched in October 2012. In fact, more than 650 people have signed in to participate in various public outreach efforts, including five open houses and virtual open houses, 10 issue-specific workshops and 28 stakeholder meetings.”

Watts believes the Fix290 proposed parkway never fit into the TxDOT plans. In reference to the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization 2040 plan, he said, “The TxDOT directive is to ‘construct 6-lane tolled turnpike with frontage roads,’ so a true parkway never met their basic criteria and was essentially disqualified from the beginning.”

Tom Thayer said that transportation officials have long said that the popularity of the options will not come into play when making a decision. But he said officials also said cost would not be a factor. He said, “I think taxpayers do care about the cost of these roads being built with taxpayer money.”

But monetary costs are not the only concern of locals. Carol Cespedes, one of the leaders of Fix290, is unhappy with the high cost of trade-offs needed in the proposed transportation solutions. She said, “The farther we go with the ‘final design’ of the so-called Oak Hill Parkway project, the more we become aware of the high price our community will have to pay. We have heard TxDOT talk about ‘trade-offs’—loss of trees and landmarks in Oak Hill for the sake of providing a fast expressway out to Dripping Springs and Bee Caves.

Now we are seeing that these trade-

offs involve loss of homes as well. At the very least, we ask that when more land is needed, TxDOT consider purchasing commercial lots before taking the homestead of people who have lived their lives in Oak Hill.”

Cespedes believes Alternative F is a compromise that both the community and transportation officials should consider. She also sides with Bomer in that a paved hike and bike trail could easily be located on the northeast side of the road.

Added Thayer, “I am not sure why [the hike and bike trail] would not be on the north side of the highway that sees more foot/bike traffic right now, especially from people in the trailer parks and affordable housing going down to the businesses at the ‘Y.’” Thayer said Fix290 has focused more on principle—about a grade-level highway that minimizes disturbance to the creek and historic trees—than about engineering design. He said, “I have been pleased by the lowering of the elevation of the highway west of the ‘Y’ in all of the options, but the other principles have not been incorporated as much—other than preserving two trees.”

Watts said his group, Save Oak Hill, is setting up a fund to hire a public-interest traffic engineer to ensure that all alternatives receive proper and thorough attention.

“Oak Hill deserves a livable traffic design,” he said.

Bomer lamented that officials asked how much property that they were willing to give up. “None” was her response. “We love our land and our privacy. We have lived here for 20 years and it isn’t right that they can just take our land for what they consider fair market value. We have highway frontage, 1.31 acres of land with vacant land all around us and tons of privacy. There is no way we can find something equivalent with what they will want to offer us.”

Bomer can do nothing until the environmental study is completed and approved. “After that is done, they will begin making plans and offers to the people whose land they will be taking,” she said.

Reyna said they don’t anticipate an environmental finding until 2016. She said, “At this point in the environmental study, the ‘no build’ alternative, as well as two ‘build’ alternatives, A and C, are being studied and refined by the project team.” More at oakhillparkway.com.

Oak Hill Gazette July 16- July 29, 2015...23 TEE UP FOR SCHOLARSHIPS

Gazette Classifieds EVENT FACILITY

EVENT FACILITIES Can accommodate up to 175 people, for reunions, weddings and receptions.

Beautiful Hill Country setting.

Large Hall with kitchen, ice machine and other facilities.

Outside patio and decks for picnics, bands, dancing. BBQ pits are built-in on the patios.

Available at discount for local clubs and civic organizations.

Also available is a smaller hall that can accommodate up to 75 people. Reasonable rates.

Other amenities include facilities for billiards, card tables and swimming pool. Speaker and music system available.

VFW Post 4443 288-4443

vfw4443.org CEMETERY PLOTS Cemetery plot, Garden of Peace, Vet. 2, Cook Walden Forest Oaks in Oak Hill, $3000. Call Scarlett Scott 512-288-4265.

BINGO BINGO (Smoke Free) VFW Post 3377 every Wed & Fri 7 pm. Hall rental available. Manchaca, 12919 Lowden Lane 282-5665

HELP WANTED Part Time “PERSONAL HOME ASSISTANT” needed in Oak Hill area residence. Day and/ or early evening. Barb 512-9644355 barbaradaughteroflucille@ gmail.com.

PERSONAL ASSISTANT PERSONAL ASSISTANT FOR HIRE— errands, cooking, shopping, housekeeping, gardening, etc. Great references available. Call Valery 512300-1120

FOR SALE Announcing New Novel:

What would the world look like without the freedom which our Statue of Liberty proclaims?

A new novel called “The Tears of Lady Liberty” deals with this subject as the story is told from the vantage of Lady Liberty herself. Read of the dramatic French Revolution, the Prague Spring and the Iranian Revolution and see how history repeats! The book by Frank Farwell Boston is now available on request from Barnes & Noble, Amazon. com or www.inspiringvoices.com, in soft cover or e-book format.

TEE UP FOR SCHOLARSHIPS

Save the Date

September 21, 2015 Save the Date

For OHYBA September 21, 2015

Scholarship Scramble For OHYBA Scholarship Scramble

Oak Hill Young Business A Oak Hill Business Award OakYoung Hill Young Business Award Scholarship Scramble Scholarship Scramble Scholarship Scramble

ManytoOpportunities to Sup Many Opportunities Support Shotgun Start Shotgun Start 1pm 1pm Many opportunities to support Young Entrepreneurs Young Entrepreneurs young entrepreneurs Grey Rock GolfGolf Club Club Grey Rock Donations are Tax Deductible through our 501(c)3 7401 Texas 45 Donations are Tax Deductible throug 7401 Texas 45 Contact: DonationsStacy are tax deductible through our 501(c)3 Bray – Stacy@LoneStarLending.com Austin, TX 78739 Contact: Stacy Bray - Stacy@LoneStarLending.com Contact: Stacy Bray – Stacy@LoneSt Austin, TX 78739

Gazette Classified Form

Bi-weeklyRate: $15 for the first 20 words or less, 35¢ per additional word.

All classifieds will also appear in our e-edition at www.oakhillgazette.com.

Send form with payment to: 6705 Hwy 290 W, Ste. 502 #265, Austin, TX 78735 or email us at: advertising@oakhillgazette.com

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24 ...Oak Hill Gazette

July 16- July 29, 2015

Radha Madhav Dham Youth Camp Continued from page 3

5.49

$

and started to cry,” said Marissa, a teenager.

The kids started by playing soccer, volleyball and parachute. They made up games as they mingled; sometimes dancing together, other times just chasing one another. After the initial burst of activity, they started entertaining the kids with face-painting, henna and glitter tattoos. Then they shared snacks

and distributed the gifts they had brought for the Refugee kids. By the end of the day, they were all friends, not wanting to leave or say good- byes.

This event was life-changing and emotional for both sides. The Refugee children received a lot of love and support for their new lives in America. And the Camp kids gained new, impacting experiences and leadership qualities, which will

inspire them to do more outreach projects in the future. “This event did not just make a huge impact on the Refugee children, it was also life changing for us RMD kids,” said 11-year-old Karun Puri. “I felt good about myself because I knew I had made a difference in the children’s lives, and feel lucky to have been a part of it.” - submitted For more information write to: info@radhamadhavdham.org.

Enjoy gourmet pizza & more in Oak Hill’s most historic setting Open: Sun-Th 11am-10pm; F-Sat 11am-11pm

Weekend Delivery (Sat. & Sun. only) • Carry-out any time

Lunch Special M-F 11am-2pm $7.75 8” Pizza Salad & Iced Tea

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House-made noodles prepared fresh daily with chicken, pork, lamb, beef or vegetables Also serving dumplings, skewers, soups and more!

Chen Z

Dapan Spicy Chicken Noodle

Noodle house

6705 West Highway 290, Suite 606 (Corner of William Cannon and Hwy 290)

512.892.8888