Street Talk
VOLUME 5 ISSUE 4
Tending the Roots of Belief PWD staffers share their favorite holiday traditions, recipes, travel tips and we get a peek into the origins of some of our most celebrated holiday traditions.
Staff Recipes From entrees to side items, to holiday spirits, the PWD crews have an impressively diverse and delicious assortment of recipes to share!
Holiday Travel Tips Finding the best (and cheapest flights), packing for travel, and navigating the crowds
REPORTING ON WHAT MATTERS TO PUBLIC WORKS
WINTER 2015
director’s message BY HOWARD LAZARUS DIRECTOR
Public Works Rocks! In honor of a recent tradition, I’d like to share one of my favorite holiday tunes, slightly adapted. Public Works Rocks (with apologies to “Jingle Bell Rock”) Public Works, Public Works, Public Works rocks Public Works builds and Public Works mills A-laying down asphalt by the ton Now that Public Works has begun Finance types, engineers, architects too The Public Works team working for you Admin, PMs and inspectors care In the muggy air What a bright time, it’s the right time To rock the right of way Public Works time is a swell time To do slump tests in a concrete tray Giddy-up crossing guard, pick up the beat Safety around the clock Mix and mingle with the kiddo’s feet That’s your Public Works That’s your Public Works That’s your Public Works rock! It’s an honor and privilege to share another holiday season with you. I wish all of you all of the peace and joy you and your families deserve. Rock the holidays!
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STREET TALK WINTER 2015
“
I wish all of you all of the peace and joy you and your families deserve. Rock the holidays!
”
-Howard Lazarus, Director
In Memoriam
We Recognize the Loss of Stacie Marie Long, a member of our Public Works family
STACIE MARIE LONG (1982-2015)
Stacie Marie (Jones) Long passed away at 12:09 p.m. on October 17, 2015, after courageously fighting a very rare cancer for over four years. She was 33 years old. Stacie is survived by her husband, Eric Stephen Long; her daughters, Hayden Grace Long and Addison Ainsley Long; her parents, Richard and Judy Jones, Katy, TX; her brother, Jeff Reagan and family, Atlanta, GA; her sister, Angela Cotton and family, Montgomery, TX; and her Grandmother, Floy Rhea Jones, Jenks, OK and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends that loved her dearly. Stacie started her career at Carter Burgess and subsequently worked for the City of Austin as the youngest ever project manager. Her career moved rapidly and she became project manager for one of the biggest and most prestigious projects in the country – Water Treatment Plant #4. As a project manager, her honesty and unquestionable professionalism allowed her to make quick decisions and follow them through execution. She was always seen as a rising star in the City of Austin and had a bright future.
BELOW ARE A FEW WORDS FROM FELLOW COWORKERS: was on the panel that interviewed Stacie for the project management position. I was also her supervisor “ Iwhen she first came to work for the City of Austin. The thing I most remember about Stacie is how quick and decisive she was. Her interview was by far the shortest that I can recall. It was amazing how quickly and concisely Stacie responded to our questions. I think the whole interview took something like 20 minutes. After she started to work, I found her to have a very no-nonsense, get the job done type of attitude. This was refreshing. Project sponsors loved working with her as she was extremely efficient and prompt. We will all miss her greatly! - Louis Lindsay , PMD, PWD
”
“ I had the distinct pleasure of working with Stacie at Carter & Burgess and the City of Austin. Throughout
those years, our families grew close. She was a true friend and a wonderful co-worker. Stacie’s moral compass and determination never wavered, even in the most difficult of times. When Stacie made a decision, there was no second guessing; she acted upon it immediately, without doubt or procrastination. She simply made things happen. Stacie was the toughest individual that I have ever known. Throughout her trials and tribulations dealing with cancer, she never let the sickness define her and never let the bad days dissuade her from enjoying her family, her friends, and her life. She’s one of the most unforgettable people I have ever met and she will be missed. - Jason Bybel, PMD, PWD
”
was full of life and always made work “ Stacie entertaining and fun. She was confident and had a calming presence in any and every situation…even if her neck started turning red. She never took “no” for an answer unless it was the answer she needed. She was a momma bear. She called things the way she saw it and was unfiltered in telling you all about it when you needed her to. Stacie had your back, no matter what. If Stacie really liked you, you better watch out because she was a prankster. She was confident, courageous, had her own sense of style and could do anything she set her mind to. Stacie was not only a co-worker but a friend who felt more like a sister. - Robyn Smith, PMD, PWD
”
2015 WINTER STREET TALK 03
VOLUME 5
contents
ISSUE 4
WINTER 2015
contributors EDITORIAL Editor-In-Chief Courtney Black
courtney.black@austintexas.gov
Assistant Editors
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18
Susan Garnett
susan.garnett@austintexas.gov
Alexandria Bruton
alexandria.bruton@austintexas.gov
Carolyn Perez
carolyn.perez@austintexas.gov
WRITERS
32
29
features 26 11 28 32
04
COVER STORY: TENDING THE ROOTS OF BELIEF As 2015 winds down, we join with our families and friends in celebration and gratitude for all of our blessings. Have you ever wondered where our celebrations originated?
05 08
HOLIDAY TRAVEL TIPS
Finding the best (and cheapest flights), packing for travel, and navigating the crowds.
ALL AROUND AUSTIN Public Workers discuss an array of exciting new projects and happenings around the City, telling their stories and commending staff for a job well done.
MILESTONES What Public Workers are doing out there to achieve, foster community, impress coworkers and citizens alike, and show we really are your ‘Department with a Heart’!
STREET TALK WINTER 2015
Michelle Frith
michelle.frith@austintexas.gov
Susan Garnett
susan.garnett@austintexas.gov
divisions SAFETY: TO STRESS OR NOT TO STRESS
alexandria.bruton@austintexas.gov
Seven ways to enjoy the season more
Alexa Muraida
NEIGHBORHOOD PARTNERING PROGRAM: FUNDING FOR FIVE NEW COMMUNITY PROJECTS APPROVED
PUBLIC AFFAIRS: TO RECYCLE, OR NOT TO RECYCLE The do’s and don’ts of holiday recycling.
columns 18
howard.lazarus@austintexas.gov
Carolyn Perez
Congratulations to the spring 2015 winning applicants!
10
Howard Lazarus
STAFF RECIPES
From entrees to side items, to holiday spirits, PWD staffers have an impressively diverse and delicious assortment of recipes to share!
24
HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW YOUR NEIGHBOR?
13
HOLIDAY PLAYLIST
Enjoy profiles of two employees that work hard for PWD every day, whom you may have never met! Avoiding “Jingle Bells” for the 500th time.
carolyn.perez@austintexas.gov
Justin Golbabai
justin.golbabai@austintexas.gov
Alexandria Bruton Deborah Graham
deborah.graham@austintexas.gov alexa.muraida@austintexas.gov
GUEST CONTRIBUTORS Eliza Adcox
eliza.adcox@austintexas.gov
Jim Halbrook (ABIA)
jim.halbrook@austintexas.gov
Justin Norvell
justin.norvell@austintexas.gov
Javier Perez
javier.perez@austintexas.gov
Robert Pirtle
robert.pirtle@austintexas.gov
Kathryn Potenza-Arnold
kathryn.potenza-arnold@austintexas.gov
Jessica Salinas
jessica.salinas@austintexas.gov
Doron Silberstein
doron.silberstein@austintexas.gov
Connie Smith
connie.smith@austintexas.gov
ART + PRODUCTION Creative Director Alexa Muraida
alexa.muraida@austintexas.gov
Photography Director Carolyn Perez
carolyn.perez@austintexas.gov
safety zone BY DEBORAH GRAHAM CONTRIBUTING WRITER
To Stress or Not to Stress Seven ways to enjoy the season more.
I
love the holiday season with all of its sparkle and joy. OK, maybe not all of it. Holiday stress happens to the best of us; however, there are many tips that can help you stay zen this season. Read on for seven very different approaches to stay your best self as the days get shorter.
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Visions of Sugar Plums Dancing in Your Head All Night Long?
If you have trouble falling or staying asleep, it may not be the “stress of the holidays” at all. Recent research links too much blue light, such as computers and cell phones, in the evening hours with trouble getting a good night’s rest. Consider trying the free f.lux app. This app automatically adjusts the type of lighting output from your handheld device or personal computer to mimic nature, allowing your eyes to process that bed time is approaching.
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Change Your Viewpoint
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Think Happy Thoughts
People with a sense of positive well-being have a much better chance of overcoming major diseases in older age, and those with a positive outlook have a 28 percent lower risk of death. A sound conclusion could be that enjoying life helps you live longer!
“
Just think happy thoughts. Peter, think happy thoughts. All you need is one happy thought. One happy thought will make you fly.
”
-Tinker Bell, Hook, 1991 Positive well-being requires optimistic thinking. Although many people identify themselves as a pessimist or an optimist, the reality is that a person’s outlook can be changed. Having a positive outlook means recognizing that we don’t always succeed, despite our best efforts. Whereas the pessimist might think, “I just knew that wouldn’t work.” Conversely, the person with a healthier, sunnier outlook is able to move on from what they learned. An optimist allows for failure, learning, and often reaches out for help to nurture themselves. Practice finding the good in each situation and engaging positive thoughts when you feel yourself flooded with negativity.
Avoid a holiday rut by seeking out a change of perspective. Take in a mind-expanding documentary for a viewpoint you otherwise never would have known, or begin a literary classic. My “ah-ha” moment began when my niece, now a senior at UT, told me she decided to be a high school English teacher. I literally just stood there, open-mouthed and dumbfounded, with nothing to say. The best I could manage when I found my voice was, “What made you want to be an English teacher?” Hearing her say, “I just always loved English,” explained nothing to me. To me her choice seemed bizarre, but I realized maybe I didn’t know enough about it. In the interest of future family peace and understanding, I explored literature from a different light. A simple online search brings up a variety of blogs, posts and ideas regarding what books can do for you. Charles Dickens’ 1843 novel, A Christmas Carol, presents a seasonal case-in-point. Reading presents thought-provoking themes about all the complexities of how and why people do what they do. It can only expand our own views, which might be just the ticket for sailing joyously through the holidays. Visit this link from www.diygenius.com for a complete four-year self-study in great literature. Begin with just one selection during the holidays and I guarantee you won’t be thinking about making cookies, relatives, deadlines, bills and more. This list spans over 2,000 years of history.
2015 WINTER STREET TALK 05
safety zone 5
continued from pg. 05
Get that Teleworking Spirit
The convenience of avoiding Austin traffic during the holiday season scores a 10 on everyone’s list. Many love teleworking for that reason alone. Yet, if you are new to teleworking or you hear Three Dog Night’s “One is the Loneliest Number” spinning in your head, you may need more structured support for happier days. Ensure your teleworked days get human interaction just like other work days.
Try these tips:
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Work Out for an Endorphin Rush
Exercise at the right level of intensity tells your brain to release endorphins. Endorphins make us feel super! Figuring out what level of exercise is needed to reach your personal endorphin high takes one simple exercise session. Here’s what to do: whether strength training or doing some type of cardio, check in with yourself every five minutes and ask yourself, on a scale of 1 to 10, where you stand. Sheer exhaustion = 1. So-so might be 5. Off the charts happy = 10. You get the idea. Just be sure to ask your physician if it is safe to increase your exercise intensity before trying this test. Have fun catching those endorphins!
“
I just don’t think that Brooke could’ve done this. Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people just don’t shoot their husbands.
”
-Elle Woods, Legally Blonde, 2001
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STREET TALK WINTER 2015
• Ditch the jammies and put on real clothes before starting work to automatically brighten your day • Work outside your home when possible, like at a coffee shop, to avoid feeling trapped with nowhere to go • Visually cue your family with a designated work space so your family knows that when you are there, you are “at work” • Plan and call in (not email) at least two to three times a day even when you have no specific reason • Stay involved by working in the office at least three days a week • Schedule office time that overlaps that of your coworkers • Avoid mixing professional time and personal time so you learn to “turn off” your work • Use a separate email address for office emergency notifications and only allow yourself to check it once when you are off work
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Rest Outside!
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Be Happy, not S.A.D.
For some, the onset of winter regularly means that the blues are on their way. Everyone has ups and downs, but when the downs involve most or all of these symptoms, consider consulting your doctor: The Downs of Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D.) • Winter time depression cycles every year • You increase your sleep each day by as much as three hours more in the winter • Your sleep is “non-restorative” meaning that even with more sleep you have trouble getting up in the morning • You’re more hungry and gain weight in the winter – you crave carbs • Your blues always go away once spring arrives • You’d rather avoid anything social, in fact, hibernation from friends and family seems like a good idea • You’re a grouchy bear much of the time Our bodies release the hormone melatonin in response to dim light. This is called dim light melatonin onset (DLMO) and usually begins about two hours before we fall asleep. DLMO helps keep our sleep-wake cycle regular. But for someone suffering from S.A.D., this phase may happen too late, or in rare cases, too early. The S.A.D. end result (pun-intended) is not enough of the right type of rest, leading to ongoing fatigue. The good news is there are treatments available to overcome the winter blahs. If you’re concerned about S.A.D., your doctor may recommend a stay at a sleep lab. If diagnosed with S.A.D., treatments can include resetting your sleep phases. Phaseresetting often blends Bright Light Treatment and low dose daytime melatonin therapies.
Solitude soothes the soul. Research proves that time for reflection actually leads to taking positive action, which is one way to escape the blues. The key is repeatedly visiting the same peaceful place. Expect the possibility that at first, being left alone with your thoughts in an unfamiliar environment might feel frustrating. It’s actually hard for most people to simply not do anything. There’s that shopping list again, rolling around in your head. Let. It. Be. Try visiting until just being at this one place becomes familiar and peaceful. At this point you might find yourself mulling over a life challenge. Nature’s magic becomes gently stimulating. Here in the City of Austin we are blessed with a vastness of nature preserves, wilderness areas and parks. Consider taking time to explore your favorite. For a complete list, see: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/park-directory.
divisions BY DEBORAH GRAHAM CONTRIBUTING WRITER
You can have sharp vision and safety glasses Where safety and style meet
IT’S A FOGGY, FOGGY NIGHT Maybe it’s really daytime and you’re going to work outside. If so, you probably know that high humidity can make safety glasses a foggy nightmare. Here are a few tips to protect your eyes and see clearly.
TRY GETTING SOME AIR Sometimes just breathing or sitting on equipment with its motor running causes fogging. Try loosening the strap so the frame does not fit as tight to your face or even pulling the frame away from your face at the first sign of fogging for more air circulation.
TREAT “ANTI-FOGGING” WITH TLC Anti-fogging coatings don’t come with instructions and that’s a big problem. If cleaned the wrong way, you’ll immediately ruin the coating. Here’s how to clear these lenses if they do fog or get dirty. NEVER wipe foggy or wet lenses, instead: Step 1 | Gently air blow or rinse the lenses to remove any surface grime. Step 2 | Pat dry with a lint free cloth or tissue. Be sure not to wipe the lenses. Step 3 | ONLY when the lenses are completely dry, use a completely dry microfiber cloth or soft clean cloth to wipe.
RESTYLE YOUR GAME
Safety glasses come in different shapes and sizes so a simple change may keep fogging at bay. See the table for table styles that work with different face shapes. Go further by checking out how latest styles complement your face shape at the City of Austin’s vision plan preferred provider, Visionworks. Once there, upload your own photo to see how different shape frames look on your face shape.
TIPS FOR CHOOSING SAFETY GLASSES BASED ON FACE SHAPE: | Round | Go opposite with square-shaped frames. Avoid round frames or frames too small for your face. | Square | Stay away from frames with a flat top bar and sharp angular corners. Instead, look for aviator styles. | Heart | Try frames wider at bottom than the top. Square shaped frames work well. | Long (rectangle or oblong) | Stay away from small and rectangular frames. Look for oval or rounded rectangular styles. | Diamond | Wider at the cheekbones than at the forehead or chin. Aviator styles work well. | Oval | Lucky you! All types and styles work. Just avoid frames too small.
Choose a fit that allows air in between the lenses and your face. Your face shape affects how much safety glasses fog up if there is a mismatch between the shape of your face and the glasses reduces air flow. Add high humidity to low air movement between the glasses and your eyes and bingo! You now have foggy lenses.
2015 WINTER STREET TALK 07
division Bryker Woods Beverly Island Green Space and Traffic Island
BY JUSTIN GOLBABAI CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Funding for Five New Community Projects Approved Raintree Estates Beautification and Pocket Park
Congratulations to the spring 2015 winning applicants!
T
he Neighborhood Partnering Program has approved and awarded funding for five new community-initiated projects through the spring 2015 application round of the Neighborhood Cost Share Program. This program assists neighborhood groups in developing, resourcing, and executing small to medium-sized improvement projects in the City’s right-ofway or on city-owned property. The community groups awarded, initiated and provided the vision for the projects and demonstrated their willingness to cost-share with the City through, cash matches, volunteer hours and in kind professional services and materials in an amount valued at approximately $65,000. A collaboration of city staff from Public Works, Parks and Recreation, Planning and Zoning, Transportation, and Watershed Protection provided the staff and technical resources needed to advance these projects. The City leveraged $135,000 from Public Works’ Neighborhood Partnering Program to fund these five projects valued at approximately $176,000 – nearly a 2:1 cost-share ratio.
Congratulations to the following neighborhoods for their selection to participate in the spring 2015 Neighborhood Cost Share Program Beaconridge West Neighborhood Signage Improvements (Beaconridge West Neighborhood Association) Located at the northwest and southwest corners of Mairo Street and First Street, this project will resurface and add raised lettering to two existing monument signs. Landscaping will also be added around the signs, which serve as the gateway into the Beacon Ridge Neighborhood. The community will provide a professional mason to resurface and reinforce the signs and will also install and maintain the native landscaping elements. The City will purchase the materials for this project. Beverly Island Green Space and Traffic Island (Bryker Woods Neighborhood Association) The Beverly Island Green Space and Traffic Island Project will add a missing traffic island at the intersection of W. 32nd Street and Beverley Road. The City will provide excavation, installation of concrete
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STREET TALK WINTER 2015
curb and gutter, and traffic control. The community will provide a $2,500 cash match, professional landscaped design and architectural design for this project. In addition, they will build a stone bench for the island, provide and spread the soil, and purchase and install xeriscaped landscaping. Bike Lane Improvements on Hancock Bridge (Highland Park Elementary HUB Team) Located on Hancock Dr., the project will create a new two-way protected bicycle facility (cycle track) across the south side of the Hancock Bridge from Valley Oak Drive to West Frances Place, establishing a safer route to school. The city will be installing the protected bike lane and the community will be providing a volunteer hours at Perry Park, adjacent to Highland Park Elementary.
Raintree Estates Beautification and Pocket Park (Raintree Estates Neighborhood Association) The Raintree Estates Beautification and Pocket Park Project provides a neighborhood gathering space byway of a fence to serve as a sound barrier from noise pollution. Located on Arabian Trail between the neighborhood and US-183, the City will install the fence, bollards and decomposed granite. The community will provide volunteer hours to design and install the landscaping, stain the fence, and will purchase and install the benches, picnic tables and trellis. Southwest Parkway Bluebonnet Seeding (Estates of Barton Creek Neighborhood Association) This project will seed Texas bluebonnets in the center medians along 4.2 miles of Southwest Parkway between Mopac (Loop 1) and Amarra Drive. Public Works crews will spread the seed and the community will provide a cash match.
The City offers its employees valuable resources with the Employee Assistance Program. This benefit provides short-term confidential counseling to help you and your family deal with life’s stresses and problems.
Employee Assistance Program
The holidays can be stressful, but you don’t have to be stressed.
Benefits include help with: Marital/Family Problems; Crisis Management; Legal Issues; Work/ Vocation Issues; Adolescence; Substance Abuse/Dependency If your EAP counselor makes a referral for additional assistance, the employee is responsible for the cost. When making the referral, however, your counselor will consider your resources, including applicable medical coverage. As an added feature of the EAP, counselors can assist you with such work-life issues as: Financial Planning; Child/Elder Care Referral; Travel Information/Referral; Adoption Education/Coordination; Academic Services; Law Access (30 Minutes Free); Consumer Product Information Contact Alliance Work Partners at 328-1144, or 24 hours a day at 1-800-343-3822 for assistance. Be prepared with your employee ID number. Alliance Work Partners has also joined with Safe Ride to offer reimbursement for a cab ride, up to 30 miles one way, when you or a family member is unable to drive. For additional information contact the Employee Benefits Division at 974-3284.
Approved Medical Benefits for 2016 For 2016, the following changes are included in our benefits package. The programs listed are designed to assist employees with their medical needs while lowering the overall cost of healthcare.
Premium Designated Providers Using Premium Designated Providers will reduce PPO and HMO copays for primary care physicians and specialists by $10. Consumer-Driven Health Plan (CDHP) participants may pay lower overall amounts for primary care physicians and specialist charges.
Comprehensive Kidney Program Specialized nurses offer education, motivation and reinforcement to ensure integration with other programs.
Maternity Program
Transgender Reassignment Surgery Program Procedures to physically change a person’s gender from male to female, or female to male. Lifetime maximum of $75,000.
Outreach for every pregnancy offering guidance on preventive care, early risk detection and personalized support services.
PPO Employee Only
Applied Behavior Analysis
HMO Employee Only Employees will pay $10 per pay period.
Orthopedic Center of Excellence network for knee and hip replacement, and spinal fusions. Access to Care teams that guide treatment.
Process of systematically applying interventions based on the principles of learning theory. Up to 680 hours each year for individuals diagnosed with autism.
Cancer Support Program
Virtual Visits
Specialized nurses assist cancer patients throughout treatment and recovery.
Convenient and affordable way to see and speak to a doctor online anytime from your mobile device or computer.
Spine and Joint Program
Medical and Pharmacy Necessity Program Management of medical clinical effectiveness, appropriateness and cost effectiveness of treatment.
Employees will pay $5 per pay period.
Consumer Driven Health Plan with Health Savings Account Designed to encourage wise choices in the use of health care services; will remain at no cost to the employee. For employees with dependent coverage, the premiums for the CDHP/HSA plan will continue to be lower.
2015 WINTER STREET TALK 09
To Recycle, or Not to Recycle
The do’s and don’ts of holiday recycling
D
uring the holidays, we produce and waste a lot of materials, many of which are recyclable! Here is a crash course on holiday recycling. If you’re ever in doubt, visit Austin Resource Recovery’s “What Do I Do With” webpage at https://austintexas.gov/ what-do-i-do. The first steps in being a good steward of the environment are to reduce waste and reuse. Here are some innovative ways to prevent waste by not having it in the first place: If you host a holiday party, try to have reusable cups, plates and cutlery. If this isn’t possible, buy recyclable items and have recycle bins readily available.
Hard Plastics
Glassy and matte paper
Water and soda bottles
Envelopes
Milk jugs
Junk Mail
Liquid containers
Greeting Cards
Jars and rubs (yogurt, butter tubs, etc.)
Catalogs Coupons
Detergent and all-purpose cleaner bottles Soap and shampoo bottles
Posters
Buckets
Sticky Notes
Lawn furniture
Paper Bags
Laundry baskets
Wrapping Paper (non-foil)
Pet carriers
Magazines
Milk crates
Shredded paper (placed in a paper bag)
Toys
Newspapers
Totes and lids
Cardboard
Tubs
Corrugated cardboard and boxboard boxes
Flower pots and trays
Shoe boxes
Dish drainers
Gift boxes
Trash cans
Soda/beverage boxes
Metal
Food boxes (ceral, microwave meals, boxes of rice, etc.)
Food cans and caps/lids Soda cans and caps/lids Steel and tin cans
Bring reusable bags on shopping trips
Note The only exception to cardboard recycling is if the cardboard is soiled with food or grease. In this case, the cardboard may be composted. Please make sure materials are clean before recycling.
Styrofoam (Polystyrene): cups, egg cartons, take-out containers
Electronics Food (however, food is compostable)
Plastic bags, bubble wrap, packaging *
Yard trimmings/leaves (set out for yard trimmings pick up)
Fabric, clothing and textiles In the meantime, here is a simple guide to what you can and can’t recycle. Remember, recycling isn’t seasonal. Recycle year round and as often as possible!
10 STREET TALK WINTER 2015
nt
Syringes
rta
Garden Hoses
po
Not Recyclable (Keep out of recycling bin)
Im
The next step is to recycle! Many, if not most, of the materials we produce during the holiday season are recyclable. If you’re a City of Austin customer, or if you live in a multifamily residence with 10 or more units, you should already have access to recycling. Commercial non-residential units between 25,000 and 50,000 square feet are also required to have recycling options. By Oct. 1, 2017, all properties will be required to provide recycling services to their tenants and employees. If you don’t have recycling available and think you should, call 311 or visit them online at https://www.austintexas.gov/ department/311.
Aluminum foil (clean, balled 2 inches or larger)
Aluminum foil baking pans, pie plates, tins, trays (clean)
Paper towel rolls
Send e-cards or cards made out of 100 percent recycled materials.
Try earth-friendly wrapping alternatives such as scarves, handkerchiefs, bandanas or pillow cases. You can also use old posters, magazines or newspapers. If these options aren’t available, using wrapping paper made out of recycled materials is great too!
nt ta
BY COURTNEY BLACK EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Paper
r po Im
columns
Recyclable
Wire clothes hangers
Helium tanks
Pizza boxes
Large metal items (such as frying pans and metal pipes)
Note
guest column BY JIM HALBROOK GUEST WRITER (ABIA PIO) COURTNEY BLACK EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Holiday Travel Tips
Finding the best (cheapest) flights, packing for travel, and navigating the crowds. Flight Comparison There are many ways to ensure you get the best deal when it comes to booking your holiday travel! Between online searches and smartphone apps, there are many ways to travel on a budget. Below are a few of my favorite tools:
Kayak.com
Searches most (but not all) major airline carriers. Southwest Airlines is not accessible using this site, so be sure to check it separately.
Google Flights (google.com/flights)
Similar to Kayak.com, allows you to search multiple airlines at the push of a button.
Hopper (app)
An app that “analyzes billions of flight prices daily” so you can save up to 40 percent on flights. It will also advise you whether to buy the flight now, or whether to wait for prices to drop.
Lodging Finding the best and least expensive place to stay is becoming easier and easier! Depending on your budget, there are many options.
Airbnb.com
This site allows people to rent out their whole apartment/home or individual rooms in a shared space. Prices vary and are left to the renter. Airbnb does charge a fee, but often times I’ve found the quality of the lodgings are great and cheaper than traditional hotels.
Hotwire.com
If you know the city you want to stay in and the general area you would like to stay, but don’t mind not knowing the name of the hotel until after you book, then this is a great site. Oftentimes, you’ll get a 4-star hotel in a great area for under the regular price had you booked directly through the hotel. The downside is that they have a very strict cancellation policy.
Hotel Tonight (app)
Great for last-minute accommodations. When compared with several other providers in an independent study, it consistently was the cheapest and the best value. Who better to turn to for travel tips than someone who spends most of their day at the airport? These travel tips from Jim Halbrook, Public Information & Marketing Manager at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (ABIA), will help you get where you need to be as easy and stress-free as possible!
Pictured: The Judy Lee Dancers holiday show. As you can see, even the passengers get into the act.
ABIA Travel Tips Flights are generally full these days, and there are a lot of them, so the airport is fairly busy with passenger traffic in general. Here are some tips about how best to navigate ABIA.
The peak times at Austin’s airport for departing passengers are:
4-8 a.m. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. 3-5:30 p.m.
Pro tip: Arrive in the terminal at least 90 minutes before departure times for domestic flights, and two hours before departure of international flights. The first passenger screening checkpoint opens at 4 a.m.
Flight Status/Parking/Passenger Pick-Up: Check flight status before arriving at the airport via www.abia.org or with your airline this is especially useful if we are experiencing bad weather. Allow ample time to get to the airport. Traffic and weather could add to commute time. Real-time ABIA On-Airport Parking information is available by calling 512-530-3300. A free cell phone parking lot is available on Spirit of Texas Drive for those picking up arriving passengers. For airport information 24 hours a day, call 512-530-ABIA (2242) or visit www.abia.org.
2015 WINTER STREET TALK 11
guest column
continued from pg. 11
Packing
Fun Stuff!
During the holidays, a lot of people travel with gifts. Wrapping gifts is not advised. If you do wrap gifts, travelers should understand that they might be opened as part of security screening.
Travel isn’t all security checks, the hustle and bustle and worrying about making it to your flight on time. At ABIA, there is also live music! On average, there are 23 shows per week spread out through six different venues. Shows are usually in the afternoon, see the schedule here: http://bit.ly/1Qo2fG2. During the holidays, there are extra shows from Dec. 17-23. These holiday shows range from dancing reindeer, to classic songs played with a jazz twist.
Security Be prepared for security screening, dress smart and pack smart: Skip the line! TSA’s Pre-Check provides a faster way to get through the screening process and is available at checkpoints 1, 2, and 3. To enroll, visit www.tsa.gov. Carry-on luggage is restricted to one bag and one personal item such as a laptop, purse, or backpack. Shoes, coats, jackets, hats and other such garments must be put through x-ray screening (unless enrolled in TSA Pre-Check). Remember 3-1-1 for liquids, gels and aerosols in carry-on luggage. Three ounces per container, in a clear, one-quart bag, one per passenger and place this in a bin for x-ray. While packing, check luggage to ensure no prohibited items are in the bag or its pockets. For a list of banned and permitted items in carry-on baggage, visit the TSA’s Web site at www.tsa.gov.
Be Prepared When Winter Weather Hits
BY ANGEL FLORES GUEST WRITER (HOMELAND SECURITY AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT)
W
inter storm preparedness may seem silly in Austin, but freezing temperatures are no joke. Every year, ice storms appear and disrupt daily lives in Austin by creating treacherous roads, causing injuries, and creating home fire hazards. The National Weather Service calls winter storms the “deceptive killers” because most deaths that occur during these weather events are indirectly related to the storms. Be prepared, take precautions and stay informed in order to stay safe this winter.
12 STREET TALK WINTER 2015
Relax and make the most of your time! Travel doesn’t have to be a headache. Plan well and plan early, and most importantly, have fun!
Staying Safe Indoors Though it may seem counterintuitive, house fires are prevalent when temperatures drop. Do not use your oven, stove or an outdoor grill as a source of heat in any enclosed area. Doing so is a serious fire hazard that can release deadly amounts of odorless, colorless carbon monoxide fumes. Portable heaters need space, so keep anything that can burn three feet away from a space heater. Always make sure all fire alarms are in working order, have a fire extinguisher in your home, and ensure that everyone in your household knows how to use one properly. Preparedness is one of the best ways to get ready for winter weather, so have an emergency kit ready to use in any residence. During a freeze, public safety officials may advise that residents remain indoors and avoid road travel whenever possible, so it is important to have an ample supply of food, water, medical prescriptions and other basic supplies when winter weather is forecast. Make sure you take the necessary steps to remain informed when winter weather advisories or warnings are issued. During a freeze, accumulated ice and falling tree branches can lead to downed power lines, causing blackouts and leaving residents without electricity. Plug in smartphones, tablets and laptops and charge up if heavy ice is forecast.
Know Before You Go If road travel cannot be avoided, take extra precautions when leaving your home. Icy road conditions are a serious hazard, so make sure you maintain ample distance between cars when driving. Be cautious of black ice on the roads or when walking on sidewalks or pavement. If City of Austin operations are impacted by hazardous road conditions, monitor City of Austin communications and alerts on Twitter @austintexasgov and @austinHSEM for the most up-to-date information on office closures.
BY CAROLYN PEREZ ASSISTANT EDITOR
B
y the time this issue goes to print, we’ll all be facing two common enemies: fruitcake and endless loops of corny holiday songs. It’s enough to make you want to run for the hills! There’s no need to become a Grinch, however! Why not create your very own seasonal playlist instead? To spread some holiday cheer, the Public Affairs team brings you an eclectic playlist for your next party or family get together. In curating the list, we picked some classics that never go out of style, a few international favs as well as some songs with a local Austin vibe. We visited various sources, including the KUT, the HAAM (Health Alliance for Austin Musicians) and National Public Radio websites, for ideas.
Holiday Playlist ‘Last Month Of The Year': The Blind Boys Of Alabama ‘Pretty Paper’: Willie Nelson ‘O Holy Night’: Haydn Vitera ‘Ocho Kandelikas’: Pink Martini ‘Peanut Brittle Brigade’: Duke Ellington ‘I’ve got my love to keep me warm’: Billie Holiday ‘Hot Texas Christmas Day’ Asleep at the Wheel featuring Dale Watson ‘Cool Yule': Louis Armstrong ‘Sleigh Ride': The Ventures ‘Dreidel Song’: Grupo Fantasma ‘God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen': Los Straitjackets ‘Fruitcake': The Superions ‘Feliz Navidad’: Vallejo ‘Happy Christmas War is Over’: John Lennon ‘Blue Christmas’: The Pretenders ‘Santa Claus Is Coming To Town': The Gypsy Hombres ‘Winter Wonderland': David Grisman ‘Silver Bells & Sweet Farewells’: Wendy Colonna ‘Merry Christmas My Dear’: Rich White ‘Holidaze’: Daddies Juju ‘Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies’: The Better Halves ‘Amarga Navidad’: Jenni Rivera ‘Greensleeves': Vince Guaraldi ‘Carol of the Bells': Los Lonely Boys
2015 WINTER STREET TALK 13
columns BY CAROLYN PEREZ ASSITANT EDITOR
HERE ARE A FEW QUESTIONS TO GET YOU STARTED THINKING ABOUT HOW YOU MANAGE YOUR MONEY: Don’t ask “what do I want to be doing five days from now?”
UP YOUR FINANCIAL GAME IN 2016
Ask what do I want to be doing 5, 10, and 20 years from now? By creating life goals, we can pinpoint how money will help us get there, and live with clarity and focus. It may sound silly, but some Olympic athletes create vision boards with images that reinforce and remind them why they’re training so hard. A wealth board with images of our financial dreams can serve a similar purpose and keep us focused.
I
Don’t say “I can’t afford it.”
n January, quite a few of us have fitness or health-related resolutions on the brain. We may set goals for ourselves such as “bench press 200 lbs.,” or “run a half marathon,” but do we ever think about becoming fiscally fit? Developing healthy money habits is every bit as important to our well-being as washboard abs! The start of 2016 is an excellent time to check in on your finances, set goals, and make adjustments to begin the New Year on a positive, prosperous note.
ACCORDING TO AUSTIN-BASED FINANCIAL CONSULTANT CAMILLE GAINES, It is often necessary to adjust our way of thinking about money in order to reach financial goals. Rather than seeing it as a necessary evil or a dreaded chore, we should acknowledge that money is magnificent because of the experiences it affords us. It allows us to take good care of ourselves and our families, build wonderful memories, and give generously. After all, isn’t living well what we all want? Gaines states, “If you want to increase your wealth, and your quality of life, ask yourself a few questions about your current income, goals and spending habits…If you’re honest with yourself, you may find that your financial situation is not always due to external forces but is the result of choices you make in life. Once you own this, you can make positive changes.” We’re all busy, but taking a bit of time to really think about our money goals can help us identify roadblocks to wealth and reveal solutions we may not have thought of. As Gaines comments, “sometimes you have to quiet the noise a bit, and journal or brainstorm a little to get the answers for the next step for positive change.”
…If you’re honest with yourself, you may find that your financial situation is not always due to external forces but is the result of choices you make in life. Once you own this, you can make positive changes. - Camille Gaines, financial consultant
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Say how can I afford it? Whether your goal is landscaping your yard, taking a trip, or buying a big ticket treat, brainstorm ways you can make it a reality. When you switch from a mindset of lack to a mindset of possibility, it opens up all sorts of solutions. Brainstorm 10 ways to save money and increase your wealth. This could mean anything from selling unwanted items on eBay, to taking on a part time job, to bringing your lunch to work instead of dining out several times a week. Any money saved can be diverted into a special savings account.
Don’t ask “how soon can I retire?” Ask “am I saving enough money to provide me with the lifestyle I want in retirement?” Stunningly, almost half of workers age 45 and older haven’t calculated how much money they’ll need to live comfortably in retirement! It’s also wise to consider the age at which we want to quit working. Perhaps working a few extra years isn’t such a bad idea if it allows you to plump up your nest egg.
Don’t ask “why can’t I ever get ahead?” Ask “How can I improve the way I handle my money today?” This could lead to doable actions like “I could increase my deferred compensation funding by 1 percent,” or perhaps, “I could negotiate a better rate for my cell phone plan or commit to paying off one highinterest credit card.”
Don’t ask “Why can’t I make more money?” Ask “How can I make more money?”, or even better, ask “How can I increase my value to my employer and to others?” Everyone has skills that others need. Taking training or earning a certification to increase your marketable value can be a good investment. Public Workers University is a great place to start exploring possible career paths and training.
ESTIMATE RETIREMENT BENEFITS Great West Retirement, the City’s deferred compensation administrator, can help you plan the right approach for each stage of your career. While their website does not offer detailed financial planning advice, you can advantage of free e-learning seminars, enroll to make voluntary savings, and estimate your retirement benefits. https://dcaustin.gwrs.com/login.do
FINANCIAL EDUCATION TRAININGS The City of Austin also conducts a series of financial education trainings called “Learn Where You Earn: that you can register for via TRAIN. Previous topics include credit and debt education.
GET OUT OF DEBT The National Foundation for Credit Counseling® (NFCC®), founded in 1951, is the nation’s largest and longest-serving nonprofit financial counseling organization. https://www.nfcc.org/
FIND A REPUTABLE FINANCIAL PLANNER Consumer Reports magazine recommends checking out industry trade groups like the Financial Planning Association (www.fpanet. org), the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (www.napfa.org), and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (www.aicpa.org); click on “For the Public,” and then “Personal Financial Specialists”).
GET STARTED SAVING http://www.feedthepig.org/
BUILD A BUDGET Use financial software like Quicken; an online service such as Yodlee MoneyCenter (yodlee. com) or Mint (www.mint.com); a downloadable spreadsheet from Google docs (www. google.com/google-d-s/spreadsheets/); or just a paper and pencil. The more detailed you are, the more ways you’ll find to save money.
2015 WINTER STREET TALK 15
divisions BY JUSTIN NORVELL CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Evaluation Meets Simplified Innovation Sidewalk Evaluation Tool comes to Public Works
T
o understand the state of the City’s sidewalk network, PWD has developed a sidewalk evaluation method that classifies each sidewalk segment with a letter grade (i.e., A – F), similar to the letter classification system used for streets. The evaluation method is based on a collection of the worst magnitude of sidewalk segment’s various conditions, most of which are based on Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance. Some of the conditions include changes in elevation (i.e., faults), cross-slope, and identification of obstructions. The conditions are associated with existing GIS features (i.e., sidewalk segments) using a tablet and ESRI’s Collector App.
Throughout the development of the evaluation method, collection of data has evolved. Originally, data collection was performed by a person carrying a tablet, a level (to measure slopes), and a small scale (to measure faults). Although this method was successful, continuous up-and-down movement to check slopes and carrying the tablet led to fatigue for some evaluators. To reduce fatigue, John Eastman, Sidewalk and Special Projects project manager, developed a mobile evaluation base using a two-wheeled walker, to which he attached an umbrella and a tablet holder. The walker also provided a level base to attach the level to eliminate the up-and-down movements required to measure cross-slope. This method was slightly slower than a person carrying evaluation tools, but resulted in more consistent data collection. For example, prior to using the walker vegeta-
tion obstructions were easily “ducked” under without noticing them, but the walker umbrella (intended for shade and to reduce glare on the tablet screen) caused the evaluator to notice the obstruction. Again, this method was successful and reduced fatigue, resulting in more consistent data, but was not very fast. The most recent evolution of the sidewalk evaluation tool is made from a four-wheeled rollator. The rollator was retrofitted with some hardware so that the umbrella, level, and tablet could be attached. The rollator can be collapsed in a couple of minutes and is portable enough to fit in a small trunk. The rollator also provides a means to “continuously” measure cross-slope. At first glance, it appears crude, but has resulted in 50 percent faster collection and more consistent data. And, although it doesn’t have a cup holder yet (sorry, Jo Lynn and Howard), it can carry lots of water in the seat compartment. The rollator also helps the evaluator identify with the difficulty of
traversing some conditions of the sidewalk network and gives the evaluator a common-sense grasp of the accessible route, which must be followed to get from point A to point B using the rollator. Despite the efficiency of the rollator, fault measurement was still inconsistent and required periodic up-and-down movement. With the guidance of Colly Kreidler, Office of the City Engineer program coordinator, a spring, a dowel, and some PVC pipe, we developed a fault measurement tool that was able to be mounted on the side of the rollator and is easily accessed for quick verification of fault ranges without the need to bend over. I have only been with the City for a short time, but am quickly learning about the encouraging environment, innovation, and teamwork that exist within Public Works to make our jobs and the lives of Austinites better each day.
In action! The sidewalk evaluator tool known as, “The Rollater”.
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It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!
Volunteer opportunities and events in and around Austin during the holiday season
| Nov. 27-Dec. 24 | Blue Genie Art Bazaar The Blue Genie Art Bazaar is a fixture of the Austin holiday season. Shoppers can browse thousands of original works ranging from serious art to fun and kitschy items. A great way to buy hassle-free holiday gifts and support local artists. bluegenieartbazaar.com
| Dec. 1-Jan. 11 | Ice Skating at Whole Foods Visit the rooftop at Whole Foods for a unique holiday skating event! $10 includes rental and ice skating for the day! Visit http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/store/event/ice-skating-plaza-0 for more information.
| Dec. 5 | German Christmas Market The German-Texan Heritage Society is hosting the annual German Christmas market complete with hand-made, imported crafts including plenty of Christmas-themed decorations such as nutcrackers and ornaments. It is a festival atmosphere with traditional German Christmas music, tables full of handcrafted items direct from the Erzgebirge region of Germany. The event will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. For more information, visit http://germantexans.org/festivals/christmas-mar-
| Dec. 5 | Holiday Sing Along and Downtown Stroll Enjoy carols, live entertainment, and free food as you meander down Austin's Congress Avenue where the galleries, stores, and restaurants spill into the street in celebration. Afterward, leave a much-appreciated donation for the Capitol Area Food Bank under the glowing Capitol Tree. Visit http://www.downtownaustin.com/holiday-stroll for more information.
| Dec. 8-22 | Trail of Lights The Trail of Lights in Zilker Park is a beautiful, festive mile-long walk through dazzling light displays. This is an all-ages event. Entry is $3. Visit http://austintrailoflights.org/ for more information.
Dec. 15-24 | Armadillo Christmas Bazaar Great music, fine art, and cold beer make the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar the place where Austin shops in the giving season. The show is actually two events in one: An art fair and music festival with a vibrant community-driven vibe. The Bazaar is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the Palmer Events Center. For more information, visit http://www.armadillobazaar.com/#.
Volunteer Opportunities While the holidays can often mean an abundance of stress and commitments, they are also offer an excellent opportunity for you and the family to give back to the community and enjoy the spirit of the holiday season together. Here are some top websites for finding the right volunteer opportunity together.
Operation Blue Santa Join Austin's Operation Blue Santa and the Austin Police Department in spreading Christmas cheer to thousands of Austin children in need by donating a new, unwrapped toy for a child ages 12 and under. Collection sites are located throughout the Austin area. Donations are accepted year round. Visit http://www.bluesanta.org/ for more information.
Cook or provide a meal Cook or prepare a meal, side dish, or baked goods. Organizations like Mobile Loaves & Fishes (http://www.mlfnow.org/) and the Ronald McDonald House (http://www.rmhc-austin.org/page.aspx?pid=291) are often looking for or accept home-cooked or purchased food donations. Contact them to find out how you can best assist this holiday season.
Safe Austin (Drop-off Dec. 12-14) The holidays are a difficult time for the children, youth, and families fighting to heal from instances of abuse and neglect. The Project Santa program fills the needs of children and families during the holiday season and beyond. Learn more at: http://www.safeaustin.org/get-involved/give /safe-holiday-programs/project-santa/.
General Volunteer Opportunities http://ilivehereigivehere.org/ http://www.salvationarmytexas.org/ http://www.givingcityaustin.com/
Many of these events, and more, can be found at the following websites:
http://www.handsoncentraltexas.org/
http://www.austinchristmasguide.com/ http://rwethereyetmom.com/top-holiday-events-in-austin.html http://www.austintexas.org/visit/events/?e_ViewBy=month
http://www.volunteermatch.org/
http://www.austin360.com/
http://www.allforgood.org/ http://littlehelpinghands.org/
ket/.
2015 WINTER STREET TALK 17
columns
RECIPE
Tamale Pie E P I C E R Tamale Pie
By Robert Pirtle | Contr
By Robert Pirtle | Contributor
Instructions
Staff Recipes
From entrees to side items, to holiday spirits, the PWD crews have an impressively diverse and delicious assortment of recipes to share!
Ingredients
Ingredients
RECIPE
+ Tamale H 8 tamales (See list below for recommended Local Tamale Shops: places to purchase) call ahead: + H-E-B 64 ounces of chili of your choice, canned or + Gardener + Tamale East (Email: tamalehouseeast@gm 8 tamales (See list below for recommended homemade (See below for House recommendafeast.com/o places to purchase) tions) call ahead: 512-495-9504) 64 ounces of chili of your choice, canned2or + La Mexica cups shredded Monterey jack-cheddar + Gardener’s Feast (Order online: http://www.thega homemade (See below for recommenda-blend cheese + El Mana T feast.com/order.php) tions) + Mr. Natur + La Mexicana (Call ahead: 512-443-6369) 2 cups shredded Monterey jack-cheddar Optional blend cheese ½ medium red onion, chopped Salinas | Contributor + El Mana Taqueria (Call ahead: 512-662-7208) Chili Recom ¼ cup cilantro, chopped + Mr. Natural, vegan/vegetarian (Call ahead: 512-47 + Fresh Optional 1 jalapeno (seeds removed), chopped = Texa ½ medium red onion, chopped ½ cup sour cream Chili Recommendations: Take ¼ cup cilantro, chopped ½ medium tomato, diced + Fresh = Whol 1 jalapeno (seeds removed), chopped 2 cups Fritos By Robert Pirtle | Contributor = Texas Chili Parlor (1409 Lavaca St, Austin, TX + Canned Fill a large 10-12 quart stockpot with 5 quarts of water. Set on ½ cup sour cream Take it to go and freeze some for later! = Wolf heat to bring to a boil while you proceed with the next steps. ½ medium tomato, diced = Whole Foods self-serve chili = Amy’ 2 cups Fritos + Canned Heat a tablespoon or two of olive oil (enough to coat the bottom = Wolf Brand Chili with Beans of the pan) in a large sauté pan on medium high heat. Pat the Amy’s Chili (vegetarian, medium spic pork piecesWant dry with papercomfort towels. food Sprinkle with Preheat oven to 425 degrees= F. PlaceOrganic fresh (or thawed) tamales in delicious in a them hurry?generously This tamale pie is salt. Working batches, taking carealready not to crowd pan or stir a 15” x 10” glass baking pan. Cover tamales in chili of your choice theinrecipe for you! Using made the tamales and the meat much, brown that the meat on all sides. the grocery end of – this will help keep the crust from getting too crispy while ingredients you can pick up atRight yourat local browning the meat, add 4 acloves roughly chopped the baking. Follow with a layer cheese. This can be as much or as store, without lot of of preparation, you cangarlic haveto a platter pan with the let cookcheesy with the meat foratabout a minute. in little as you like. Bake until the cheese starts bubbling, ofmeat, ready-to-eat goodness your fingertips approximately 20-25 minutes. Remove pan from oven and serve. under an hour! This recipe is also great because tamales Once the meat haswell, browned, transfer it to the stockpot of You may want to have extra chili for people to add on the side. freeze making this a treat yoularge can enjoy year-round. boiling water. Scrape up any browned bits at the bottom of the This recipe is great on its own, but if you feel like making it a bit pan, and any garlic, and add those to the pot as well. Add the more festive, add some of the optional ingredients above! rinsed hominy. Add bay leaves, cumin, and oregano. When you put the oregano in, rub it together with your hands to break it up. Local Tamale Shops: Add a tablespoon of salt. Bring to a simmer, reduce the heat and + H-E-B cook for 15 minutes. + Tamale House East (Email: tamalehouseeast@gmail.com, or 8 tamales (See list below for recommended places to purchase) call ahead: 512-495-9504) Prepare the red sauce by puréeing in a blender the chilies, 2 1/2 64 ounces of chili of your choice, canned or cups or so of their soaking liquid, a teaspoon of salt and 4 cloves + Gardener’s Feast (Order online: http://www.thegardenershomemade (See below for recommendaof garlic. (To prevent the blender from creating too much feast.com/order.php) tions) pressure, it's probably best to start with the chiles and garlic and + La Mexicana (Call ahead: 512-443-6369) 2 cups shredded Monterey jack-cheddar only a cup of the liquid in the blender, and then adding the rest of blend cheese + El Mana Taqueria (Call ahead: 512-662-7208) the liquid.) Strain the red sauce through a sieve, discarding the tough bits of the sauce. + Mr. Natural, vegan/vegetarian (Call ahead: 512-477-5228) Optional ½ medium red onion, chopped Add the red chili sauce to the pot with the pork and hominy. Add Chili Recommendations: ¼ cup cilantro, chopped another couple teaspoons of of salt. Return to a simmer, lower + Fresh 1 jalapeno (seeds removed), chopped the heat to just high enough to maintain a simmer, partially = Texas Chili Parlor (1409 Lavaca St, Austin, TX 78701) ½ cup sour cream covered. Cook for 2-3 hours until the pork is completely tender. Take it to go and freeze some for later! ½ medium tomato, diced Skim away excess fat. Taste for seasoning and add more salt to = Whole Foods self-serve chili 2 cups Fritos taste (you will likely need more than you expect, perhaps a + Canned tablespoon or more.) The resulting soup should be rather brothy, = Wolf Brand Chili with Beans as you will be adding a lot garnishes. Add more water if = Amy’s Organic Chili (vegetarian, medium spice) necessary.
Posole Rojo By Jessica
RECIPE
Instructions
Ingredients 4 ounces guajillo, ancho, or a combination of both, chili pods Salt 1 large (108 ounce) can white hominy, drained and rinsed 3 lbs pork shoulder (preferably with bone), cut into 1 to 1 ½ inch cubes (can also use pork shanks), make sure to use a cut well marbled with fat 8 cloves garlic, 4 cloves roughly chopped, and 4 whole cloves 3 bay leaves 1 teaspoon ground cumin 2 tablespoon of dry oregano (Mexican oregano, if available) Garnishes (can prep while posole is cooking): Half a small cabbage, thinly sliced One bunch cilantro, chopped 1/2 white onion, chopped 2 avocados, chopped 4 limes, quartered A bunch of red radishes, sliced thin A couple dozen tostada shells*
Tamale Pie
Instructions
Ingredients
When getting ready to serve the posole, you can prep the garnishes (slice the cabbage, chop the cilantro, etc.) To serve, arrange the garnishes in bowls on the table and serve the posole soup into bowls. Let your guests pick and choose which garnishes they would like on their posole. Serve with tostada shells (or tortilla chips if you can't find tostada shells). Source: http://bit.ly/1ZXw9Hp
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STREET TALK WINTER 2015
Instruct
Preheat ove Want delicious comfort food in a hurry? This tamale pie is a 15” x 10” the recipe for you! Using already made tamales and – this will h ingredients that you can pick up at your local grocery Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Place fresh (or thaw baking. Fol Want delicious comfort food in a hurry? This tamale pieaislot of preparation, you can have a platter store, without 15” x 10”atglass pan.inCover tamales chili littleinas youo the recipe for you! Using already made tamales and of ready-to-eat cheesy agoodness yourbaking fingertips – this the crust from getting too crisp approximat ingredients that you can pick up at your under local grocery an hour! This recipe is will alsohelp greatkeep because tamales a layer cheese. This can aswa m You be may store, without a lot of preparation, you can have a platter freeze well, making thisbaking. a treat Follow you canwith enjoy year-round. little as you like. Bake until the cheese starts bubbli This recipe of ready-to-eat cheesy goodness at your fingertips in approximately 20-25 minutes. Remove pan from ove more festiv under an hour! This recipe is also great because tamales You may want to have extra chili for people to add o freeze well, making this a treat you can enjoy year-round. This recipe is great on its own, but if youLocal feel like ma Tama more festive, add some of the optional ingredients a + H-E-B
columns RECIPE
Winter Quinoa Salad By Courtney Black | Contributor
Instructions The holidays often involve a lot of food – much of it heavy, high in calories and generally not very healthy. However, this winter quinoa salad is not only good for you, but tasty as well! It’s also great for vegetarians due to its high amount of protein!
Ingredients ¼ cup fresh lemon juice 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard 1 tablespoon minced shallot 1 small garlic clove, finely grated ¼ teaspoon kosher salt plus more for seasoning Freshly ground black pepper 1 cup quinoa 2 large bunches of kale (about 1 1/2 pounds total), center stem discarded, leaves thinly sliced 12 ounces brussels sprouts, trimmed, finely grated or shredded with a knife 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided 1/3 cup sliced almonds (can substitute for pine nuts, walnuts or hazelnuts) 1 cup finely grated Pecorino
In a strainer, rinse the quinoa well and drain. In a small saucepan, combine the quinoa with water. Bring to a boil uncovered. When it starts to boil, turn the heat down to the lowest setting, cover and simmer for 20 minutes or until the water is absorbed and the quinoa is light and fluffy. While the quinoa is simmering away prepare the dressing. Combine lemon juice, Dijon mustard, shallot, garlic, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and a pinch of pepper in a small bowl. Stir to blend; set aside to let flavors meld. Mix thinly sliced kale and shredded Brussels sprouts in a large bowl. Slowly whisk remaining olive oil in cup into lemon-juice mixture. Season dressing to taste with salt and pepper. Prepare ahead: Dressing, kale mixture, and toasted almonds can be prepared 8 hours ahead. Cover dressing and kale mixture separately and chill. Cover almonds and let stand at room temperature. Add dressing and cheese to kale mixture; toss to coat. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Garnish with almonds. Source (recipe above modified): http://bit.ly/1GpFroQ
4
RECIPE
Apple-Ginger Spiced Hot Toddy By Courtney Black | Contributor
Instructions On a cold day, there’s something about having a warm (somewhat “spirited”) beverage that really perks you up! I find this apple-ginger spiced hot toddy particularly rewarding when I’m fighting off a cold. Something about the aroma, the honey, and yes, the bourbon, helps loosen up a cold and soothe a rough throat. It is high in vitamin C, antioxidants and tastes great! Prefer non-alcoholic? Leave out the bourbon.
Ingredients 2 packets of green tea (I recommend Numi’s Gunpowder Green Tea) 16 ounces of hot water Ginger root (optional, to taste) 1 tablespoon honey (local, raw, organic) 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 2 sticks of cinnamon 2 ounces fresh apple cider 2 ounces of bourbon
Break off a two to three-inch portion of ginger root. Chop the ginger root into thin slices and set aside. Bring water to a rolling boil. Place chopped ginger root into the water. I usually let the ginger boil for about 10 minutes so that the water is infused with the flavor. You may want to boil the ginger root more or less depending on the level of spice you prefer – if you do not like ginger, you can leave it our entirely. Once ginger is done boiling, strain the water into clean pot. Steep green tea (you may also use loose green tea, if you prefer) into water for about three minutes. Water should be hot, but not boiling. Remove tea bags and add honey and lemon. Stir in honey with a stick of cinnamon until it completely dissolves. Distribute evenly into two mugs. Top each with apple cider and bourbon and enjoy!
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2015 WINTER STREET TALK 19
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continued from pg. 19
RECIPE
Linguini with Clams By Kathryn Potenza-Arnold | Contributor
Instructions Any good Italian is all about Natale (aka Christmas), and traditionally we have fish on Christmas Eve, or as it’s also known, the Feast of the Seven Fishes. Basically this tradition morphed from a night of fasting and vigil where no meat is consumed to a 7+ course meal with all fish or seafood (what happens when an Italian decides to fast).
Ingredients 3 tablespoons kosher or coarse sea salt 1 pound linguine 12 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced 1 pound New Zealand cockles or 24 Manila or littleneck clams, scrubbed 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes 1 cup dry white wine 1 (14-ounce) can whole San Marzano tomatoes in juice, juice reserved and tomatoes coarsely chopped 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons fresh flat-leaf parsley, coarsely chopped
In large pot over moderately high heat, combine 8 quarts of water to boil and salt. Bring to boil, then add linguine and cook to 1 minute short of al dente according to package directions (pasta should still be quite firm). Meanwhile, in large sauté pan over moderately high heat, heat 6 tablespoons extra- olive oil until hot but not smoking. Add garlic and sauté until just golden, about 30 seconds. Add clams and 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes and sauté 1 minute. Add wine, tomatoes and juice, and ½ cup parsley and simmer, uncovered, just until clams open, 7 to 8 minutes. Reserve ½ cup cooking water, then drain linguine and add to pan. Simmer, tossing occasionally, until linguine is just tender, about 1 minute. If necessary, add some of reserved cooking water to keep moist. Remove from heat. Add remaining 2 tablespoons parsley, 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes, and extra-virgin olive oil, tossing to coat. Transfer to serving dish and serve immediately.
Thanksgiving Lasagna
By Doron Silberstein | Contributor This dish combines Thanksgiving staples into a delicious casserole by layering stuffing with Sloppy Joe "filling.” Furthermore, it plays with the concept of fall ingredients such as spices and dried fruits. In this case the traditional cranberry was replaced with dried apricots to give the dish a smoother and sweeter taste. Spices are used in the Sloppy Joe sauce and include clove to give it that spiced kick we want during the cold season. Vanilla bean makes the flavors richer and creamier, enhancing the fruits' bouquet. The stuffing recipe is basic, but uses a blend of sage, rosemary and added chopped apricot to compliment the seasoning in the sauce. Shredded turkey is simmered in the sauce and is then layered in a dish with the stuffing and baked to perfection! Fusion is fun and good when done right! Remember: fusion doesn't mix ingredients; it simply applies specific methods to specific ingredients and voila – delicious success! Want the full recipe? Email Doron at doron.silberstein@austintexas.gov
RECIPE
Orange Slice Cookies By Connie Smith | Contributor
Instructions My grandmother used to make these cookies and mail them to me at finals when I was in college, but for some reason I remember them more distinctively around Christmas break.
Ingredients 1 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed 1 cup granulated sugar ½ cup shortening ½ cup butter 2 eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon baking powder ¼ teaspoon salt 2 cups quick cooking oats 2 cups orange slice candies, finely snipped 1 cup flaked coconut
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In a large mixing bowl, cream sugars with shortening and butter until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla extract; beat well. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Stir to blend. Stir dry mixture into the creamed mixture. Stir in oats, orange slice candy, and coconut. Shape into 1-inch balls. Place on a greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350° for 10 to 12 minutes, until lightly browned. Remove to wire rack to cool.
columns RECIPE
Chicken Mole Ranchero
from Jalisco, Mexico (and Javier’s Mom) By Javier Perez | Contributor
Celebrations, like any other in Mexico, are accompanied by plenty of food. Always present at my family’s feast is mole poblano, considered to be the national dish of Mexico. This dish is enjoyed regularly at Cinco de Mayo, New Year’s and other special occasions. There are two way to prepare mole: One is mole poblano which is made sweet with chocolate and peanut butter. The other is Mole Ranchero, which I prefer. This mole is made with bread crumbs and flour. Both moles have the same main ingredients that give it the dark red color but are very different in taste. Mole can be prepared using pork, chicken, or turkey.
Ingredients 1 whole chicken 1 slice of bread (sliced wheat or white) 1 medium white onion 5 cloves of garlic 6-8 roma tomatoes 1 teaspoon of comino (cumin) 4 guajillo dried chile peppers 1 cup of flour 3 cloves 1 tablespoon of salt, or to taste
Instructions Chicken Broth: Put the chicken in a large pot, add half of the onion, and cover with water and season with salt. Bring to a gentle simmer over low heat and cook until tender, about 40 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a large plate and set the cooking liquid aside. Next cut the chicken in pieces, the size of your pieces is your choice. Chile Sauce: Remove the stem and seeds from the chiles. Heat the chills, bread, cloves, ½ onion and tomatoes in a pan until toasted, then add 4 tablespoons of olive oil in the same pan over medium heat. Transfer over to a pot, cover with water and boil for 10 minutes, or until chiles are soft. Now transfer to a blender. Add about 2 cups of the broth from the boiled chicken and blend. You must have this blended and ready to continue onto the next step. This is your red sauce. Roux: Next heat the flower in a pan until brown and add 4 tablespoons of olive oil, constantly mixing it with a spatula until all the flower is a thick paste. Next, add the sauce and some more chicken broth until you get a gravy-like substance. How runny the gravy is depends on how much broth you add. Now you are ready to add the cut pieces of chicken. Cover and lower the temperature for 20 minutes. Simmer and you are ready to eat some Mole Ranchero! Enjoy!
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RECIPE
Black Bean Brownies By Eliza Adcox | Contributor
Instructions Vegan, flourless and absolutely delicious!
Ingredients 1 ½ cups black beans (1 15-oz can, drained and rinsed) 2 tablespoons cocoa powder ½ cup quick oats ¼ teaspoon salt 1/3 cup pure maple syrup or agave (or honey, but not for strict vegans.) pinch uncut stevia OR 2 tablespoon sugar (or omit and increase maple syrup to 1/2 cup) ¼ cup coconut or vegetable oil 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract ½ teaspoon baking powder ½ cup to 2/3 cup chocolate chips (Not optional. Omit at your own risk.)
Preheat oven to 350 F. Combine all ingredients except chips in a good food processor, and blend until completely smooth. Really blend well. (A blender can work if you absolutely must, but the texture—and even the taste—will be much better in a food processor.) Stir in the chips, then pour into a greased 8×8 pan. Optional: sprinkle extra chocolate chips over the top. Cook the black bean brownies 15-18 minutes, then let cool at least 10 minutes before trying to cut. If they still look a bit undercooked, you can place them in the fridge overnight and they will magically firm up! Makes 9-12 brownies.
9-12
Optional: more chips, for presentation
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Eating! I opt out of the cooking and do the cleaning part instead! It’s the only time you can get all of the family together. – Jo Lynn Ayala
What is the most delicious part of the holidays?
My mom’s co rnbread dres sing. It has the usual in all gredients: co rnbread, bu celery, onio tter, ns, pulled tu rk ey meat an broth, but m d y mom kick s it up a no with choppe tch d green oliv es (with pimen to), bell pepp er, and crum bled chile pe quin. We on ly eat it once a ye forward to it ar and look for weeks!
–Carolyn Pe
rez
My husband makes the best broccoli rice cheese around! He uses fresh habaneros and the creamiest of cheeses (HEB’s brand melts the best). He also makes the best corn and black bean salsa!
– Molly Ritter
When I mak e chocolate pies and ad REAL BUTTER d to the choc olate mixtu while it is co re oling to give it a yummie taste and a r VERY TALL w hipped topp with peaks. ing Haven’t had anyone ever spit it out or reject it. It’s usually inha before I can led ask “Whatcha Think?” – Mike Collier
Nothing says holidays like a cheese log. -Ellen DeGeneres
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lidays s part of the ho The most deliciou tmas ris Ch e decorated for me are th rise! rp su a at wh , I know sugar cookies. n in tio di tra a long time to This has been wn do ing ss pa e we ar e our family that tir en an s ke normally ta our children. It yummy e es th te ra co de day to bake and within are usually gone treats and they th our wi is th do I d r an hours. My siste ar the ye y er year, and ev children every ly ones. ug e th en ev , g hit cookies are a bi – Lucy Bonee
The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart. --Helen Keller
Photo credit: Michael Knox
2015 WINTER STREET TALK 23
columns BY ALEXANDRIA BRUTON CONTRIBUTING WRITER
How well do you know your neighbor? Enjoy profiles of two employees that work hard for PWD every day whom you may have never met!
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ou wouldn’t be able to tell by his friendly smile and laid back personality, but Amir Emamian, Engagement Coordinator for the Safe Routes to School program, has a lot on his plate. Over the past year, he’s purchased a new home, gotten engaged, and started a new job, all while working to complete a master’s degree in public administration. Keep reading to take a peak into just some of the things keeping him busy.
NEIGHBOR
Amir Emamian
DIVISION
Thanks for making time to chat! Tell us a bit about where you’re from.
Community Services
I’m somewhat of a rarity these days: an Austin native! I grew up on POSITION the northeast side of Engagement the city with my parCoordinator ents and two younger sisters. My dad is from YEARS OF Iran and my mom is SERVICE from Mexico. I love it Six months here because similar to my family, there’s an eclectic mix of people and there’s always something to do. Growing up it was a lot different than it is now, but Austin is still home.
You’re definitely not new to Austin, but you’re new to working for the City. What were you doing before starting here? I was working with the University of Texas’ Neighborhood Longhorns Program, helping to get students from low-income schools to start thinking about college as one of the options for their future. I was actually part of the Neighborhood Longhorns Program as a student from third to eighth grade, so it was amazing to come full-circle and actually start working with the program.
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It sounds like working with young people is something that you’re passionate about. Is that what attracted you to the Engagement Coordinator role with Safe Routes to School? Working with students and kids has definitely been a common thread throughout my career. I wanted to continue working directly to improve people’s lives on a one-on-one and community level. There’s nothing quite like giving back and if you’re going to make a difference then you have to start with the young-ins! If you encourage people when they’re young, then it’s more likely that the behavior sticks. I also work closely with parents, teachers and principals to find the best ways to use active transportation, like walking and biking to school, and knock down the barriers that prevent them from doing it. Ultimately, I want to create a network of safe routes for Austin Independent School District students to use active transportation to wherever it is they need to go. I’ve really benefited from the years of expertise and guidance from Chris Moore and the rest of the SRTS team.
On top of your new role, you also have a lot coming up in your personal life. This fall is really busy, but I’m up for the challenge! I’m getting married in November and in December I’m graduating from the University of Texas-Pan American with a master’s degree in public administration.
With so much going on, how do you relax? The weekends are for relaxing! My perfect weekend starts with sleeping in, then going hiking with my fiancé and three dogs followed by lunch and drinks out on a patio. Spending time with my fiancé also helps balance everything out. She’s an assistant principal at a local elementary school so we relate to one another on that level. Working with kids is rewarding, but not always easy.
Finally, this is our annual Holiday Issue. What’s your favorite holiday memory? I have a big family so one of my favorite parts about the holidays is just having everyone over at our house. I have 10 aunts and uncles and 40 cousins! There’s nothing like being around everyone and opening presents on Christmas Eve.
FAST 5!
1 | Favorite genre of music: classic rock or country 2 | Favorite Movie: Last of the Mohicans or Good Will Hunting
3 | Favorite Book: The Stand by Stephen King 4 | If you had a superpower what would it be?
Definitely the power of flight
5 | What are your guilty pleasures? Watching over-
the-top TV dramas like “Scandal” and “How to Get Away with Murder”
columns
the space shuttle at Edwards Air Force Base in California. I really loved soaring all around California, especially in the mountains. After that, I was doing similar work to what I do now; I guess you could say this is my specialty! California was great because I got to spend a lot of time in nature. In my time there I got to work in the Sierra Nevada Mountains and up near Lake Tahoe, close to the redwood forest.
FAST 5! I
n talking with Peter Morales, it’s clear what things are most important to him: family, community and the great outdoors. His role as Inspector C in the Construction Services Division allows him to enjoy the outdoors while helping to improve the quality of life for Austin residents. Keep reading to get to know him better.
NEIGHBOR
Peter Morales
DIVISION
Construction Services
POSITION
Inspector C
YEARS OF SERVICE
Nine and a half years
Thanks for making time to chat! Can you tell us a bit about yourself? I’m from just down the road, born and raised in San Antonio, Texas. I left San Antonio when I joined the Army. While in the Army I toured in Germany and Fort Hood. Eventually, I moved back to Texas and lived in San Antonio and Austin before moving to California, where I lived for 18 years.
1 | Favorite genre of music: Jazz, classical, country and bluegrass 2 | Favorite Movie: The Bourne Series and travel documentaries 3 | Perfect Weekend: Fishing at the coast with my family, no mosquitos and mild weather 4 | Favorite food: Has to be smoked brisket! I make a good one! 5 | What are your guilty pleasures? Right now, it’s reading since I’m so busy
Besides the superior BBQ, what brought you back to Texas? I traveled a lot for work back in California so it’s nice to stay in one place. Inspectors tend to work alone and we’re all scattered throughout Austin but the leadership here supports us really well. I really appreciate the supervisors and leaders in this division. I also knew Texas was a good place to settle down and raise kids. Now I live in Bastrop with my wife and teenage twin sons. Living in Bastrop gives me the opportunity to garden, hunt, fish, hike and camp. It’s also nice living next to a state park. We’re thankful to have been
spared by the wildfires. The 2011 fire missed us by just 50 feet and this year’s fire was four miles away.
It sounds like you have a lot to be thankful for. With the holidays upon us, what are you looking forward to? Seeing my sons opening their gifts and enjoying them right away. When they were younger it was scooters and other toys, but now they’re into computers and tools. The holiday meals are another favorite of mine. I can burn water, so my wife and sons do most of the holiday cooking.
That’s quite the journey! What did you do in California? I’m retired now, but I was in the National Guard and served as a helicopter crew chief, flying and performing maintenance on the helicopters. I jokingly say I was a flight attendant with a machine gun and tool bag! I spent my days flying, doing maintenance, and helping pilots avoid obstacles. I flew a lot of different support machines for fire and border security. We even helped
2015 WINTER STREET TALK 25
Tending the Roots of Belief
As 2015 winds down, we join with our families and friends in celebration and gratitude for all of our blessings. Have you ever wondered where our celebrations originated?
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any customs, celebrations and holidays are rooted in the transition from winter to spring. Surprising origins and common themes link different cultures from across the world.
Lights Diwali is an Indian “Festival of Lights”, occurring in October or November and is significant in Hinduism, Sikhism and Jainism. It celebrates good over evil and the attainment of nirvana by Mahavira (an Indian sage) as well as a Death Anniversary of Swami Dyanand. Earthenware lamps are lit as a celebration of humankind and fireworks are often a part of the festival. During the festival, all those celebrating wear new clothes and share sweets with family and friends. Also known as the “Festival of Lights”, Hanukkah is an eight-day celebration beginning on the 25th day of the month of Kislev, which falls between late November to late December. The Jewish holiday commemorates the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem after the Maccabean Revolt in Second Century BCE. The menorah (candelabrum) there burned for eight nights rather than the one night the oil should have provided. To honor the miracle, during Hanukkah a single candle is lit on the first night, two on the second and so on until the eighth night. A ninth candle, called a shamash, is used to light each of the other candles. The shamash is usually in a different position than the others and serves as a reminder that Hanukkah lights may only be used for remembrance of the Hanukkah story. Other Hanukkah family customs include singing Hanukkah songs, reciting Psalms, and, especially in North America and Israel, exchanging presents. Kwanzaa, founded by Dr. Maulana Karenga in 1966, also incorporates candles. “Kwanzaa” (from the Swahili phrase “matunda ya kwanza”) means “first fruit”. Seven candles are lit on a kinara (candle-holder),
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one per day between December 26 and January 1. The seven candles symbolize the seven principles of African heritage: unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith. The single black candle represents the African people, the three red candles their struggle and the three green candles their hope for the future. Colorful household decorations, art and African cloth are used and the table is decorated with ears of corn, a cup (for pouring drinks in honor of ancestors), and books on African life. The holiday focuses on community, family and culture and ends with a feast and the exchange of gifts. On December 8, Buddhists celebrate Bodhi Day, commemorating how The Buddha came to be. A man named Siddhattha Gotama sat beneath a tree to ponder the world’s problems until he became “enlightened” and figured out the solutions. Bodhi Day is celebrated by hanging up multi-colored lights and lighting candles, meditating and enjoying snacks of rice and milk. St. Lucia Day, celebrated in Scandinavia, occurs on December 13 in honor of St. Lucy, a young girl known for generosity to the poor. Children dress in white and a girl playing “Lucia” wears a wreath with candles and a white dress. The children sing a special song, light candles and serve their parents breakfast in bed. Ancient pagans also lit candles and bonfires to celebrate the return of the light on the winter solstice, known by the Romans as Saturnalia. In Christianity, holiday lights represent Jesus being “the light of the world” and in recognition of the star of Bethlehem which led the magi to the Christ Child.
feature BY MICHELLE FRITH CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Plants Decorated trees were used by Egyptians, Romans and Druids long before the beginnings of Christianity and symbolized the the return of spring and rebirth of plant life. Egyptians brought green date palms into their homes representing life triumphing over death. Evergreen branches were used in not only ancient Greek and Rome but were hung from ceilings and decorated in homes of ancient Poland. The Paradise Tree was an evergreen decorated with apples each December 24 for the Feast Day of Adam and Eve. German families built Lichstocks – wooden pyramids decorated with evergreen branches, fruit and gifts. Christmas trees began appearing in Germany in the early 1520s and German mercenaries brought the tradition to the U.S. during the American Revolution. Mistletoe has an interesting history also. Balder, the Norse god of Peace was said to have been slain with an arrow made of mistletoe. Fellow gods and goddesses offered mistletoe to the goddess of love to return him. She decreed that anyone who passed under mistletoe should kiss to demonstrate the plant as a symbol of love. Ancient Druids believed it was sacred and held magical healing powers. Enemies who met beneath a tree of mistletoe would lay down arms, exchange greetings and observe a 24-hour truce. By the middle of the 19th century, the tradition of kissing under mistletoe became a popular custom. Poinsettias were introduced to the U.S. in 1825 by the ambassador to Mexico, Dr. Joel Roberts Poinsett. One Mexican folktale tells of a little girl who wanted to give a gift to the baby Jesus, but could only find weeds to give him. The weeds miraculously transformed into beautiful red flowers. The Yule log was introduced by the Norse who burned large logs to keep evil spirits at bay from December 21 through January. The people would feast until the log burned out, which could take as long at 12 days. Burning the Yule Log, believed to keep a home safe for a coming year, was introduced in Britain in the early 1600s. Processions bearing the yule log would end at a home where drinks were served.
feature Hanukkah Gelt
Gift Giving Held on the 10th day of the last month of the Islamic calendar (usually in December) Eid-al-Adha is a celebration of having faith. Eidal-Adha commemorates the story of the choice Abraham had to make when Allah ordered him to sacrifice his son, Isaac, to prove his faith. Though Abraham was prepared to follow Allah’s demand, Allah sent Abraham an animal to sacrifice instead. Families celebrate by spending time with friends and relatives, exchanging gifts, and attending services at mosques. The Romans exchanged gifts during Saturnalia, the week of December 17 through December 23, including toys and edible treats. Another gift-giving tradition, St. Nicholas Day, is celebrated on December 6 to celebrate the good deeds, generosity and kindness to children shown by a bishop. Children leave out their shoes for St. Nicholas to fill with candy, coins, and small gifts. St. Nicholas once provided dowries for three daughters of an old widower by tossing three bags of coins into stockings. In most countries, St. Nicholas continues to leave gifts in shoes but some have adopted stockings. The Dutch words for Saint Nicholas are Sinter Klaus whose original steed was a horse instead of a reindeer. Boxing Day, celebrated on December 26, is a holiday associated with acts of charity and giving gifts to workers or servants in South Africa, Canada, Australia and parts of Europe. The holiday began as a way for people to give to those less fortunate by boxing up leftover food or old clothes. Boxing Day became a national holiday in England in 1871. Hanukkah Gelt began in Poland during the 17th century. Parents gave their children money to give to their teachers. Chocolate Gelt replaced money in the 1920s, when the Loft’s candy company started producing candy coins. Candy canes, shaped to represent shepherd’s hooks were first offered to children in the 1670s when a German choir director gave them out at Mass to keep the children quiet.
Diwali Flowers
Changing Seasons In honor of Saturn, the god of agriculture, Saturnalia was held for a full month during winter solstice. During the month, food and drink were plentiful, peasants were in command and businesses and schools were closed in. Romans also celebrated Juvenalia, a feast honoring children. On December 25 members of the upper class celebrated the birth of Mithra, the infant god of the unconquerable sun. Pope Julius I chose December 25 as the date to celebrate the birth of Jesus, and originally named the holiday the Feast of the Nativity. The choice by Pope Julius I of December 25th was intended to ease pagan worshipers into accepting Christianity by incorporating many of the pagan traditions. The holiday spread to Egypt by 432, to England by the end of the sixth century and to Scandinavia by the end of the eighth century. Christmas now is celebrated in the Greek and Russian Orthodox churches 13 days after December 25th, which is known as the Epiphany.
Music and Dancing Las Posadas is a nine-day celebration beginning on December 16th and is primarily celebrated in Mexico, Guatemala and the southwestern U.S. The story of Mary and Joseph seeking shelter in Bethlehem is portrayed by celebrants traveling to a friend’s house to sing a request for shelter. The friend sings back they have no room and to move on. The procession continues until they reach the third house where they are welcomed. It ends with caroling, feasting and piñata breaking. Junkanoo is a Bahamian celebration of the traditions of ancestors using costumes, music and dance. Junkanoo originated as a way for slaves to celebrate their origins from December 26 through January 1, during the few days they didn’t have to work. When slavery ended, Junkanoo con-
During the middle ages, Christmas was a raucous celebration. Each year a “lord of misrule” was crowned and the poor demand the best food and drink at the homes of the rich. If the owners did not comply, tricks would be played on them. Religious reform changed Christmas. Oliver Cromwell and the English Puritans cancelled Christmas in 1645 but later, King Charles II restored it. American pilgrims were stricter still and did not celebrate Christmas. It was actually outlawed in Boston from 1659 to 1681 and was not declared a national holiday in America until June 26, 1870. The holiday transformed from the once carnival holiday into a family-centered day celebrating peace in the mid-1800s due to several popular books, including Washington Irving’s Sketchbook of Geoffrey Crayon, Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol and Clement Moore’s “A Visit from St. Nicholas”. Greeks declared practicing Judaism illegal during the 2nd century. In response, the Jewish people invented the dreidel to mask the fact that they were studying the Torah. When Hebrew was revived as a language, the dreidel was called asevivon.
tinued. The holiday includes all-night parades, singing and dancing in the streets, fireworks and prizes for the most elaborate costume. Scottish people celebrate Hogmanay by cleaning and paying off their debts, starting their new year with a clean slate. “First-footers”, those who are the first to cross a family’s doorstep after midnight are expected to bring cakes and gifts for all in the home. Omisoka, the Japanese New Year is also a time to clean out the old and purify the home for the coming year. Joya, the night of New Year’s Eve is marked by the temple bells ringing 108 times, once for each human desire. The ringing of the large bell on joya notes the passing year and rings in the coming year. Hundreds of more celebrations exist, but learning about these few may help you understand that celebrations of love, family, and generosity are universal and hold many commonalities. Happy Holidays!
2015 WINTER STREET TALK 27
events
Public Works Connects You... All Around Austin Public Works builds our city’s future and celebrates our successes with PWD staff and events all around town.
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City of Austin brings reclaimed water to downtown Austin
On Tuesday, Oct. 27, City officials gathered to break ground on the Capitol Complex Reclaimed Water Main project, managed by John Wepryk. Mayor Adler, Austin Water Director, Greg Meszaros, and Travis County Co-Commissioner, Brigid Shea all spoke about the importance of the project and the benefits of reclaimed water. PWD Assistant Director of Street and Bridge Operations, Robert Hinojosa, was also in attendance among other City officials. “By using this highly purified reclaimed water for non-potable uses Austin lessens the pressure on its drinking water supplies,” said Austin Mayor Steve Adler. Construction for this project kicked off in November and will include construction of 10,500 linear feet of reclaimed water main. Shea added, “We will save almost 12 million gallons of water a year, and the whole piping for it will pay for itself in a little over six years, and after that the taxpayers will be saving over a $150k every year, just from these four buildings.”
Volunteers requested, Public Works responds!
City employees partner with the Austin Independent School District in many ways, providing mentors, speakers, and tutors to help the new generation of students and reach their full potential. Recently, one of our Human Resources advisors, Doron Silberstein, visited Galindo Elementary during their Career Day to speak to students about the variety of jobs the Public Works Department does throughout the city. The students were excited to learn about our department and also shared stories about their own family members who work for Public Works. Many of these students walk to school on a daily basis and are very familiar with our crossing guards and Safe Routes to School team. Thanks to Doron, they now know that Public Works also does so much more!
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Photo credit: Austin Water Utility
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Parmer Lane Extension Project reaches completion
This fall, the Public Works Department, together with the City of Manor, Travis County and HOM Titan Development LLC, celebrated the completion of the Parmer Lane Extension project, a new roadway segment from U.S. 290 to SH 130. The project provides a much needed connection between Manor and Austin, as well as a vital link to businesses and industry located in Austin’s rapidly growing eastern portion. The roadway and medians are constructed so that rainwater will run into ditches lined with native plants, rather than being diverted into concrete retention ponds. This helps diminish evaporation and keeps water where it is needed - in the soil. An inter-local agreement between the City of Austin, the City of Manor, Travis County, and a private developer made the project possible. The City of Austin contributed funding in the amount of $2.9 million and provided project management services throughout the construction process. Project Manager Darryl Haba helped make this project a success.
events 41
Photo caption: Jason Martinez and Howard Jackson demonstrate how water flows through various types of pavement
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Students walk-n-roll on International Walk to School Day
Walk to School Day began as a simple idea – children and parents, along with school and local officials walking to school together on a designated day. This year, PWD’s Safe Routes to School program celebrated the energizing event with more than 100 students, parents and staff from Maplewood Elementary. International Walk to School Day raises awareness of the need to create safer routes for walking and bicycling and emphasize the importance of issues such as increasing physical activity among children, pedestrian safety, traffic congestion and concern for the environment. The winding walk from Patterson Park to Maplewood Elementary underlined the simple joy of walking to school, the health benefits of regular daily activity, and the need for safe places to walk and bike.
Another successful year for Cityworks Academy
For the past six years, the City Manager’s Office has organized Cityworks Academy, a 12-week long program that provides an opportunity for Austin residents to learn first-hand about the programs and services the City provides. On October 13, thirty-one Austinites visited the St. Elmo facility to learn all about Public Works, as well as the Transportation and Small & Minority Business Resources departments. Assistant Director Robert Hinojosa kicked off PWD’s session with an introductory overview of the department’s services and highlighted some recent Street and Bridge (SBO) efforts, including the Harris Branch Overlay project. Following the introduction, Division Manager Chad Crager discussed some of the Community Services Division’s most popular programs, including Neighborhood Partnering, Urban Trails, and Safe Routes to School. Following the presentation, the crowd checked out SBO’s interactive pervious pavement display where Michael Girod, Howard Jackson and Jason Martinez conducted a demonstration and answered questions. The citizens enjoyed mingling with staff and were impressed with the wide range of services Public Works provides to Austin.
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Public Works celebrates National Public Administration Day
On October 15, high school students from around Austin joined City staff from 11 different departments to celebrate National Public Administration Day, sponsored by the National Forum of Black Public Administrators. Students are given a glimpse of the day in the life at various project sites and shown the wide range of work environments and opportunities available to those who choose careers with the City of Austin. This year, students toured the Barton Springs General Grounds Improvement Project. This project, managed by Robin Camp and completed in 2014, upgraded equipment and resources, resolved erosion issues, removed compaction to improve root conditions of heritage trees, created an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible path on the south side and replaced the gravel parking lot with new pavement. Thank you to all the City staff who took time out of their schedules to inspire, share and educate.
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events
continued from pg. 29
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Street sounds mingling becomes music to the ears
The Brazos Streetscape Project completed construction in 2011 and was a collaborative effort involving various engineering teams, architects and artists alike. Engineering Services Division acted as the prime consultant and was tasked with spearheading this unique project, laying the foundation for a long line of future Great Streets projects throughout the Central Business District. While the true purpose of this project lies within the pavement, sidewalk and underground utilities reconstruction, those who use this streetscape environment daily can now experience their commute in a more orchestrated fashion. Through the Art in Public Places, (AIPP) Program, Sodalitas Collaborative was awarded the opportunity to provide an iconic element to the Brazos Streetscape Project, known as The Street Orchestra. The Street Orchestra is composed of two elements, recording devices and listening stations. The listening stations involve seating, creating inviting environments for pedestrians to slow down and experience the audio created by the system. The sound is a complex layering of audio. Most sounds are captured by an array of microphones positioned along Brazos. All audio elements are mixed and tweaked digitally through a central computer terminal that then broadcasts the finished signal to the listening stations. The Street Ochestra is installed on Brazos from Cesar Chavez to Eighth Street, with the listening station positioned at the northeast corner of Third and Brazos. The system requires a main hub to access information about each speaker and microphone, this main hub has control over which microphones are communicating with which speakers and allow for the system to be potentially used by artists and musicians on other collaborative projects. Signage is an integral component to this project, each area that is either recording or emitting sound is marked with a sign to notify any pedestrians that they are entering an auditory zone. This allows people to figure out how they can play a part in the sound construction, giving them an entrance into the creation experience and essentially making them a project collaborator. If you find yourself on Third and Brazos Street, stop in at the listening station and see if The Street Orchestra installation is music to your ears.
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The 2015 update will build on the 2009’s Sidewalk Master Plan’s success by modernizing the data for the prioritization matrix of missing sidewalks and by developing a new condition rating system and prioritization for existing sidewalks. The update will include a new rating system that will grade the existing infrastructure with a letter “A” for excellent condition to “F” for failed condition to help show what is functionally acceptable and what is functionally deficient with existing sidewalks. The update will use the collected data to help prioritize sidewalk maintenance. By updating missing and existing infrastructure priorities, the plan can build off of previous success by simplifying GIS absent sidewalk prioritization and by incorporating the latest ADA legal rulings and guidance. The plan will also integrate best practices, which have been gathered through a Peer Cities Report, Imagine Austin and Council’s Complete Streets Resolution. To learn more about the Sidewalk Master Plan, visit austintexas.gov/sidewalks.
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Sidewalk Master Plan Update underway
STREET TALK WINTER 2015
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Vic Mathias Shores Reopening Ceremony By: Terry Jungman
On the morning of September 25, the City held a reopening ceremony for the newly named Vic Mathias Shores. Through collaboration between the Austin Parks Foundation, C3 Presents, and the City of Austin, the parkland formerly known as Auditorium Shores has undergone a major renovation with emphasis on sustainability and balance of use. Prior to the $3.5m donation from C3 Presents, this parkland was in a severely deteriorated state with limited capital reinvestments in recent history. This project boasts a new irrigation system with water sourced from Lady Bird Lake, traffic and drought tolerant turfgrass, re-graded lawn, tree and raingarden planting, enhanced electrical service, re-route of the Butler Hike and Bike Trail, and redevelopment of the off-leash area including water access points. The renovated parkland provides a greatly enhanced recreational amenity for general park users and a more resilient site for special event use. The Auditorium Shores Trailhead, a separate but parallel project, was completed on the parking lot and associated support facilities for the parkland now known as Vic Mathias Shores. This project was funded through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Urban Outdoor Recreation Grant program with City funding from the 2006 and 2012 G.O. Bonds as funding match. Additional funding was provided through Parkland Dedication fees and a substantial donation from The Trail Foundation. Work on the trailhead includes an expansion of the parking lot, new restroom facility and associated utility upgrades, trail realignment and widening, shoreline restoration, improved bicycle and pedestrian connectivity, exercise and stretching area enhancements, landscaping, lighting, drinking fountain station, site furnishings and signage. This site now serves as a much improved gateway to the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail. This project owes its success to our cherished friend and coworker, Bob Egan, for his dedication and determination.
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NACTO Conference Comes to Austin
On October 28, Austin welcomed the National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO) Designing Cities Conference. More than 600 attendees met to discuss, listen, learn, and collaborate with one another to tackle the most pressing issues in urban development and mobility. PWD employees both attended and presented during the conference. Justin Golbabai and Janae Ryan, with the Neighborhood Partnering Program (NPP), co-led a packed tour of NPP project sites. Chad Crager, Community Services Division manager, spoke during the “Department of Yes� panel, which discussed strategies for harnessing neighborhood excitement for change and partnership building.
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SMALL & MINORITY BUSINESS RESOURCES (SMBR) ADVOCATE OF THE YEAR
Milestones What Public Workers are doing out there to achieve, foster community, impress co-workers and citizens alike, and show we really are your ‘Department with a Heart’!
ART IN PUBLIC PLACES (AIPP) PARTNERS IN THE ARTS AWARD Jose Ibarra receives a Partner in the Arts Award The City’s Art in Public Places (AIPP) honored Project Manager Jose Ibarra with a Partners in the Arts Award for his work on the Seaholm Wall. The Cultural Arts Division held a reception on October 14, where Susan Lambe, AIPP Coordinator, had this to say about his work, “It’s a simple thing we do every year for people we feel have stepped up to support the mission of our division. All CAD employees put forward thoughts about who to honor, and there is a selection committee that makes the final choice on who to honor. You do deserve it – this project is super difficult, and you have been such a great supporter. You could have stopped advocating at any time, and just ‘done your job’. But you have worked hard to bring about the best possible project under the circumstances with which we are faced.”
Photo from L to R: Howard Lazarus, Carlos Lopez, Veronica Briseño Lara On Wednesday, October 28, Inspector Carlos Lopez was honored as the 2015 Advocate of the Year at Small & Minority Business Resources (SMBR) Department’s annual banquet. Carlos, along with the entire Public Works Department and Construction Services Division (CSD), was recognized as a vital part of the service and commitment that SMBR strives for in their program. The Mayor, Director Howard Lazarus and a number of key City of Austin personnel were in attendance, including SMBR Director Veronica Briseño Lara, who commented that the Construction Services Division “Are our eyes and ears out there. Without them we are blind.” Testimonials and recognitions like this are a direct reflection of the hard work and dedication CSD Inspectors bring to the table. Thank you all for what you do and for your dedication and commitment to excellence.
BABY NEWS The Arrival of Dorothy Felice Golbabai Welcome Program Manager, Justin Golbabai’s daughter, Dorothy Felice Golbabai - 6 lbs. 5 oz. Mom and baby are doing great!
CITY OF AUSTIN OLYMPICS 2015 Scout Howard Scout Howard (daughter of CSD employee Peggy Howard) won 1st place in the kids 1K run! Congratulations Scout!
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street talk extra UPDATES FROM THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
STREET AND BRIDGE EMPLOYEES, HEROIC EFFORTS DURING HALLOWEEN FLOOD EVENT Thank you to Pirouz and Tyler for their heroic efforts Street and Bridge employees, Pirouz Moin and Tyler Steinbarger, were the lucky two who got called to the Emergency Operation Center (EOC) during the start of the flooding event on Friday, November 30. On their way from the office to the EOC, they were in full force. As the dynamic duo approached the intersection of Oltorf and Pleasant Valley, they noticed a pedestrian who had lost his balance and was swept
away by the rising water into an inlet at the bottom of the hill. Reacting quickly, both jumped out of the car and retrieved the man from the flood waters. If that wasn’t enough, the two of them stayed at the EOC, soaking wet clothes and all, until 7:00 p.m. that evening. Thank you for your dedication and commitment to the citizens of Austin!
STREET AND BRIDGE MILL + OVERLAY OUTSTANDING AND SUCCESSFUL YEAR
Another outstanding and successful year for Mill and Overlay Through a very wet spring and unfortunate mechanical issues, the overlay crew once again was able to surpass its lane mile goal in FY2015 by approximately 125 lane miles. With special projects such as South Lamar between Manchaca to Panther Trail, Harris Branch between Highway 290 and Farm Haven and finally Metric Boulevard between Parmer and Kramer, Overlay was able to show off its diversity in completing a variety of special projects incorporating new mix designs
and new operating procedures, along with its daily operations of milling and paving. Going into these projects, Overlay was aware of many unknown variables that required extra planning and on the spot decision making by the management team. In order to avoid traffic congestion, crews worked night shift hours on South Lamar and Metric Boulevard, with minimal impact to the general public. The overlay crew did an outstanding job on Harris Branch, using a new specialized rubber tire as-
phalt mix of approximately 2,000 recycled tires. Overlay team members dealt with adversity such as, poor weather conditions, crucial equipment issues and of course traffic. Even after having to deal with all of the issues at hand, the Overlay team managed to work together to meet the goal set forth by the City of Austin’s engineering team. This team takes pride in the work it puts out and is already planning for another successful year in 2016.
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milestones
continued from pg. 33
CONSTRUCTION SERVICES AWARDS + RECOGNITION YEARS OF SERVICE
ABOVE & BEYOND Terry O’Connor
The man behind the scenes
Milestones What Public Workers are doing out there to achieve, foster community, impress co-workers and citizens alike, and show we really are your ‘Department with a Heart’!
Ramiro Hernandez
5 years as of October 25, 2015
PAT ON THE BACK AWARD
Terry O’Connor should be commended for his work behind the scenes. Not only has he begun to train staff on how to use their tools in the field, he has been an excellent resource to troubleshoot hardware and software issues. He has been an asset to the Technical Support staff, single handedly putting on the division meeting presentations, as well as finding and scheduling speakers. He keeps his presentation informative and laced with his wit and humor. Other than the division meeting presentations, he recently created a presentation for the Division Manager to give at the Texas Public Works Association Conference in June, and was present to assist the Division Manager and to field questions from attendees across the state.
Phillip Preslar
This supervisor’s inspectors turn ed in their closeouts in a timely manner and in accordance with our division’s procedures. These individuals turned in their closeouts and we were able to write the Final Acceptance Letter before the project’s warranty period was over! After three years of tracking closeouts, CSD has rarely met this milestone.
Eddie Cooper and Patti Moreno
David West
Travis Miller
“Travis Miller has done an excellent job on the Springwoods/Kruger Project. He has worked hard to keep the residents informed. Because of his knowledge of the specifications, standards and ability to communicate effectively with the team, this project has been moving forward. I look forward to having Travis serve as an inspector on future projects”
“David West has done a fantastic job inspecting Austin Water projects, specifically the Harris Branch Lower B and Barrington Way. These projects are not easy, but he is very knowledgeable of the specifications, diligent in his inspection responsibilities and respectful of the team, property owners and residents for these high profile projects.”
- Yvonne Gil-Vallejo, Collection System Engineering, Austin Water Utility
- Yvonne Gil-Vallejo, Collection System Engineering, Austin Water Utility
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These inspectors are recognized for turning in their closeouts in a timely manner. These individuals were able to write Final Acceptance Letters before the projects warranty period was over! After three years of tracking closeouts, Community Services Division has rarely met this milestone. This is a huge accomplishment and a push in the right direction. It shows the inspectors’ commitment and skills in monitoring contract compliance, satisfying client department’s needs and producing timely project records!
street talk extra UPDATES FROM THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
STREET AND BRIDGE JUST IN TIME AWARDS Seal Coat One + Seal Coat Two Crews | Go above and beyond as crew’s battle through Texas heat and flood events The sealcoat season typically starts in April and ends in September, but with all of the rain and flooding this past year, crews were only able to work limited days in May. The weather and temperature play a major factor in our seal coat program operations; there cannot be rain, wind or low temperatures. In order to apply the surface treatment, the weather has to be 70 degrees or above before crews are able to place the material.
Seal Coat One Team During this year’s sealcoat season, Seal Coat One averaged between two, and two and a half lane miles per day. With the crew having a late start, the bar was raised. The crew was challenged to average a total of three, to three and a half lane miles a day during the work week. There were days where the crews pulled more than four or five lane miles a day, twice as much than what was asked. There were many obstacles this past sealcoat season that could have kept crews from meeting their goals, but Seal Coat One commendably met their goal of 180 lane miles of seal coat. Crews helped with citywide flood preparation and recovery until weather conditions warranted sealcoat to pick back up in June. There were times when crews were asked to change their schedule to come in at midnight. The crew did a remarkable job; they worked hard, showing urgency, dedication and pride.
Seal Coat Two Team Congratulations on reaching a service milestone in all of the effort the crew put in this season! Your efforts are greatly appreciated. The crew’s contributions are an important key to the success of Seal Coat’s entire operation. Take a moment to reflect upon your accomplishments and take pride in knowing that you are vital to the Public Works Department’s slogan, “Your Department with a Heart.” It is with great pride that the entire crew be awarded for their significant contributions to Street and Bridge Operation’s success.
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calendar
DECEMBER Monday
Tuesday
01
Wednesday Thursday 02
03
Friday
Saturday
04
$ PAY DAY
New Employee Safety Orientation
1:00-5:00 PM
08
Safety Plus Meeting
09
First Thursday on South Congress
06
10
Lights of Love 5K
11
13
15
Luminations at the Wildflower Center 12/12-12/13
Safety Plus Meeting
16
17
Armadillo Christmas Bizaar 12/15-12/24
Defensive Driving Class
New Employee Safety Orientation 1:00-5:00 PM
21
Safety Plus Meeting
22
18
19
$ PAY DAY
Sunday
Safety Plus Meeting
Open Enrollment Begins
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Cherrywood Arts Fair 12/12-12/13
Sunday
Safety Plus Meeting
14
Ballet Austin’s The Nutcracker 12/5-12/23
West End First Thursday
Trail of Lights 12/8-12/22 PE Q4 Classes Begin
05
Sunday
Safety Plus Meeting
07
Holiday singalong + Downtown Stroll
23
HITS Running Festival
8:30 AM to 4:30 PM OTC-325
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25
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Sunday OFFICE CLOSED Holiday Observance
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29
30
OFFICE CLOSED Holiday Observance
27
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$ PAY DAY
Sunday Austin’s New Year
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STREET TALK WINTER 2015
To find Austin events around town, visit austintexas.org/visit/events
calendar
JANUARY Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday Thursday
Friday
Saturday 01
OFFICE CLOSED New Year’s Day Free Week Austin Music Scene 1/1-1/08
05
04
06
07
08
Defensive Driving Class
02
Sunday 03 09
Sunday
8:30 AM to 4:30 PM OTC-325
10
First Thursday on South Congress West End First Thursday
11
12
13
14
$ PAY DAY
15
16
Sunday New Employee Safety Orientation
17
1:00-5:00 PM
18
19
20
21
22
23
Sunday
MLK Festival + Celebration
24
OFFICE CLOSED Martin Luther King Jr. Day
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25
27
28
$ PAY DAY
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30
Sunday New Employee Safety Orientation
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1:00-5:00 PM
To find Austin events around town, visit austintexas.org/visit/events
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WRITE IN TO US WITH YOUR SUGGESTIONS REGARDING:
Milestones
NOMINATIONS
WRITING A GUEST COLUMN
PHOTO CONTRIBUTION SPECIAL EVENTS GOING ON IN YOUR DIVISION EMPLOYEE PROFILE NOMINATIONS ...AND ANYTHING ELSE WE MAY HAVE MISSED OR YOU WANT PEOPLE TO KNOW ABOUT
CONTACT US:
streettalk@austintexas.gov