oakhillgazette.com
November 1 , 2012 Volume 17, No. 47 Southwest Austin’s Community Newspaper Since 1995
FEMA wants its money back from fire victims story and photos by Joanne Foote OAK HILL - A year and five months after the Oak Hill fire, one couple is still feeling the lasting effects from that devastating day. Janice and Doug Todd, who lost their home in the fire on April 17, 2011, lacked homeowner’s insurance, and were unable to rebuild right away. Initially they had to sort out title issues on their home, which took a year to clear up. During that time, they were told they could apply for funding from FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency). They were approved, and things began looking up. By last July, they were
finally able to begin the rebuilding process. Then, the other shoe dropped. Just as the Todd’s were beginning the move back into their home in early October, they received a letter that sent them into a new tailspin. “I received a letter from FEMA, saying they did an audit, which indicated we were not available for the grant—the grant we had been approved for over a year ago and for which we had already received, and used the monies to help in our rebuilding process. The grant was for a little over $30,000,” stated Doug Todd. See FEMA on page 16
Doug Todd sits in his wingback chair, one of only a handful of things that was able to be saved after the Oak Hill fire.
Bowie Band marching to Finals Oak Hill resident Tracy Stewart with orphans in Uganda.
Dream of 30 dresses by Tony Tucci
“30 dresses” — the words popped into her mind as she was using a leaf blower in her backyard in the Windmill Run neighborhood in Oak Hill one day. They came again as she was sleeping that night. By morning, Tracy Stewart, 41 year-old wife and mother of five school-age children, knew what she must do. She was to make 30 dresses and deliver them to
orphaned girls in Africa. “I got some butcher paper and started to sketch some designs.” She told her husband, “This is what the Lord has directed me to do.” She and her husband Dave both work at the Oak Hill United Methodist Church. She is office manager and he is youth director. Stewart said she designed a See DRESSES on page 27
The Bowie Band earned a spot in the November 6 State 5A Marching Band competition in San Antonio. by Ann Fowler OAK HILL - The James Bowie High School marching band, formally known as the James Bowie Outdoor Performing Ensemble (JBOPE), earned a spot in the November 6 State 5A Marching Band competition when it resoundingly
took the top spot at UIL Area D competition on October 27. This year’s show is called Stellae Errantes, or Wandering Stars, the name given to planets circling around the sun. The routine features the music of Gustav Holst. More than 250 students are featured in
the band and color guard. The band director is Kim Shuttlesworth; assistant band directors include Ryan Thomas, Stephen Howard and Amy Suggs. The music was arranged by Ryan George, the See BOWIE on page 26