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Volume 8, Issue 21 • 8 pages
Bastrop
All Insurances
Josh Embry, PA-C
The year’s first reported drowning on Lake Travis occurred at Bob Wentz Park on Sunday, according to Travis County Sheriff ’s Office. At 3:04 p.m., police received a call that there was a possible drowning in the park area located in the 7100 block of Comanche Trail.
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When officers arrived, they encountered a couple of people performing CPR on a man the witnesses had just pulled from the water. The witnesses told the officers that the man was swimming across the cove with a friend when he “became distressed”. The friend called for help and two bystanders from shore swam out to the man. However, by the time they reached him,
the man was already submerged underwater. They pulled him to shore and attempted to resuscitate him but he never regained consciousness. Miguel Angel Martinez Aguilar, age 27, was pronounced deceased about 40 minutes later. The water depth in the cove where Aguilar was found ranged from three to 12 feet and the surface temperature was 74 degrees Fahrenheit at the time
of the incident. Roger Wade, TCSO Public Information Officer, stated that officers do not believe alcohol was involved in Aguilar’s death and their investigation supports a preliminary finding of accidental death by drowning. An official cause of death has not yet been reported by the Medical Examiner’s Office and witnesses names have not been released.
Thursday, May 24, 2012 • 50 cents
By LESLEE BASSMAN Four Points News The development of Steiner Ranch Tract MU-1B has been under discussion lately. Located between Vista Ridge Shopping Center and Quinlan Crossing and outside of City of Austin’s jurisdiction, MU-1B is not subject to City Council review as is neighboring Tract MU-14 which lies just across the street.
Third annual Viperpalooza brought record numbers
By RICH KEITH Four Points News
By LESLEE BASSMAN Four Points News
Recent rain showers have helped but Lake Travis is still hovering at the half full mark because of the drought, and those levels have a direct impact on the local economy. “Last summer’s blistering heat may be a memory, but, unfortunately, the drought is still with us,” said Lower Colorado River Authority General Manager Becky Motal at a briefing recently. Lake levels have a clear impact on direct spending by visitors on Lake Travis, according to the Lake Travis Economic Impact Report published by the Lake Travis Coalition last September. The report stated that in 2010 there was $168.8 million in spending by all Lake Travis visitors, supporting a total of 1,607 jobs in Travis County. These jobs offered total wages of $53.9 million, and total economic value added of $90.5 million. Major fluctuations in lake levels like from a drought, can drop visitation and spending by 14 percent to 20 percent, reducing total spending by $23.6 million to $33.8 million, sources say. The economic impact of this decreased spending results in losses of up to 241 jobs and a total impact of $12.6 million on an annual basis. Further, the report states that home values in Four Points and Lake Travis are directly related to the phenomenon known as the “lake premium” in our area. When the lake drops, real or perceived loss of attractiveness leads to lower property values. Currently Lakes Buchanan and Travis are about 50 percent full. Rains so far this year have helped. For the first three months of 2012, lake inflows approached historical averages. This is an
With over 20 local sponsors and 33 booths, Saturday’s Viperpalooza brought record crowds for activities, rides, food and the spring football scrimmage. “Viperpalooza is here to bring the Four Points community together to support the kids, local businesses and to have a really good time,” said Tanya Stahl, Vandegrift High School PTSA, Fundraising Vice President. Vandegrift Principal Charlie Little enjoyed seeing his campus greens filled with area residents and guests. “There’s always a lot going on (at Viperpalooza) and this is a great turnout,” Little said. “I’m very pleased.” The Four Points area high school opened its grounds and stadium to the community while individual booster clubs set up booths to raise funds for next year’s activities. Vandegrift’s
A Round Rock Express ticket package for dad is the winning prize! Draw a picture of your dad and tell us why he is so special in a few sentences. The winner will be picked randomly and featured in the paper as well as runner-ups. Please scan and email your drawing by Sun. June 10 to Lynette.FourPoints@gmail. com Let's Play Ball!
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School......................................3 Opinion...................................4 Classifieds...............................5 Sports......................................7 Find us on Facebook Texas is the finest portion of the globe that has blessed my vision! Sam Houston
However, representatives from both the Steiner Ranch neighborhood and developer Taylor Morrison have met recently and agreed to explore various options to resolve anticipated issues in the Canyon Glen neighborhood it encompasses once MU-1B is developed. There is a contract on MU-1B now to build apartment units. One option includes the possibility of restricting the exit into the area to “emergency use only CANYON GLEN, 5
Lake Travis is about half full
Four Points News is hosting a Father’s Day Contest!
Board Certified Dermatologist
New Steiner development expected to affect Canyon Glen neighborhood
Continued drought will impact local economy
DROUGHT, 4
Roopal Bhatt, MD
Medical • Surgical • Cosmetic • Adult • Pediatric
First drowning in Lake Travis this year happened Sunday By LESLEE BASSMAN Four Points News
FOUR POINTS
PTSA earned money to support their programs for the upcoming school year as well. “This is a great place for Four Points businesses to promote themselves to the people they are serving and, of course, to support our children”, Stahl said. Platinum sponsors of Viperpalooza 2012 included the Gene Arant Team, Mathnasium of Steiner Ranch, Categorically Austin Cindy Thompson Real Estate, Orange Leaf, Race for the Taste 4 Points Chamber of Commerce, River Place Dental, Adjacent Technologies, and Fortune Cookie. Viperpalooza’s Gold sponsor category was comprised of HEB Four Points, Randalls Quinlan Crossing, Camp Gladiator, Wild Basin, Dr. Mike Bhatt, JDRF Team Morgame, Maggie Swag, Flowers by Nancy Too!, Four Points Family Chiropractic and Home Depot Four Points. Central Texas Water Sports was a Silver sponsor of the event.
Aerial photos provided by Lower Colorado River Authority show Lake Travis at half-full capacity. Oasis Texas is on top and Mansfield Dam is on bottom.
Local waiter, father still hospitalized, recovering from a brain injury Community steps up support By LESLEE BASSMAN Four Points News For Steiner Ranch Steakhouse employee Steve Smith, life was chock full as he juggled days as the single father of two boys and evenings training waitstaff at the Four Points’ restaurant. However, just over a month ago, a brain injury accident changed Smith’s life forever. “He’s very outgoing, gregarious and steals the spotlight,” said General Manager Ben Bronson of Smith who, in mid-April, suffered a brain trauma injury as a result of a fall. Now this server is getting much needed help from those customers and community members he so jubilantly waited on. On May 14, Bronson and the Steiner Ranch Steakhouse hosted a silent auction and raffle program to benefit Smith. He is still
Leslee Bassman
Laura Welch Bush Elementary first-grader Halle Cooley (feeding) makes friends with a llama as Sophia Grieg (right) and Carli Cooley (left) look on at Vandegrift’s Viperpalooza petting zoo. See more photos on pages 6 and 10.
Locally owned QualTech goes green Right: Steve Smith is embraced by his two young sons in his hospital room during a recent visit. Below: Amy and Ryan Bertul always requested Smith at the Steakhouse and they supported him at the benefit.
By LYNETTE HAALAND Four Points News
Mia Bennatt
SMITH, 4 Leslee Bassman
Urgent Care ~ Now Open! We are now open Sunday afternoons for sick visits by appointment only. You can call our office directly at 512-241-1370 between the hours of 1PM and 5PM to schedule an appointment with our nurse practitioner, Pat Budd, RN, CPNP. The phones turn on at 1PM.
6618 Sitio Del Rio #A101 I Austin, TX 78730 512-241-1370 I www.hillcountrypediatrics.com
QualTech Automotive goes the extra mile to be a green auto repair shop. “Our building uses 100 percent reclaimed water. Thanks to the tank, we always have water when we need it. No matter how low Lake Travis is, its not our fault,” said Billy Leavings, Steiner Ranch resident and owner of QualTech located at 10815 FM 620 N. Keeping a small footprint is one of the ways Leavings likes to run his shop. “We send waste oil and coolant to be recycled. Both are toxic chemicals that can enter the environment if not disposed of properly,” he said. His shop offers anyone to bring in any old oil or coolant and they will dispose of it
Lynette Haaland
Keeping a small footprint is one of the ways Billy Leavings likes to run his auto repair shop QualTech Automotive.
QUALTECH, 4
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CMYK Page 2 • Four Points News, Thursday, May 24, 2012
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Steiner Ranch Yoga “Quieting the Monkey Mind”
Lynette Haaland
Above Left: Steiner Ranch Elementary students Tehreen Siddiqui, 5th, and sister Ayesha, 3rd, enjoyed the recent Leander ISD Art Show which took place at Vandegrift Hight School. They credited art teacher Susan Joe with learning how to make a Pablo Picasso-like drawing. Above Right: Grandview Hills Elementary's MacKenzie Murray describes her artistic tree and how she created it using a combination of pastels and oil paint.
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hursday Four PToints News May 24, 2012 • Page 3 www.FourPointsNews.com
Acknowledging those who help our students graduate Graduation is a time to celebrate our seniors. They have worked hard for 13 years to earn their high school diplomas, and we are proud of them. But while we give our graduates our heartiest congratulations, we should also applaud those who have been there beside them, challenging them to reach for the highest levels of excellence. Foremost, the parents and immediate families of our graduating seniors are to be commended for the support and encouragement they’ve given to our seniors. No doubt this is a bittersweet time for many parents. While excited
and happy for their children, they also recognize that life at home will likely change after graduation. For 18 years, parents and families have provided loving homes and opportunities for their children to learn and grow, and these experiences have helped mold our seniors into the men and women they are today. Thank you, parents, for doing an excellent job raising students who are eager to set out into the world. Teachers have also played a huge role in our seniors’ success, and this week, we’ll have an opportunity to acknowledge a few of them. On Thursday, May 24, the
Leander ISD Educational Excel- diverse group of students who are lence Foundapoised to leave tion (LEEF) will the LISD system hold its second and embark on annual Student fantastic opporand Teacher Actunities, but it ademic Recogalso gives a wellnition (STAR) deserved nod Banquet, and to the teachwill recognize who have BRET CHAMPION ers five exemplary worked tireseniors from each LISD high lessly to help get them there. school, along with one teacher LEEF is also offering another who has positively impacted each opportunity for parents to show student’s academic career. It is their appreciation for the excelan inspiring evening. Not only lent work of their child’s LISD does it allow us an opportunity teachers through the Teacher to highlight this remarkable and Recognition Campaign. For a do-
FPMS student accepted into Recycling at River Place Interlochen Arts Camp Elementary is a big success River Place Elementary launched a new recycling program, Terracycle, and it is off to a great start. “We already have nearly 6,000 points we can trade in to help the environment,” said Jill Brasuell, environmental chair. River Place Elementary students could choose to provide clean water for one week to 1,000 people; provide 120 meals for people who are hungry; eliminate 3,000 pounds of carbon from the air or protect 108,000 square feet of wildlife land. The students are enthusiastic about putting their juice pouches and water bottles in the recycle bins in the cafeteria. The
bins for the cell phones, ink cartridges and digital cameras are located near the front entrance. The recycled items are boxed up and sent to Terracycle each month and RPE receives points on these items. With the help of the Boy Scouts, RPE recycles paper too. “We are on the waiting list for yogurt containers and chip wrappers so stay tuned,” Brasuell said. She said they plan to expand the program since Terracycle now will let old glue bottles, used pens, tape dispenser and other items be recycled. “I love the program because it is so easy to do,” Brasuell added. For more information, www. terracycle.net
Jill Brasuell
Madison Poljan, a sixth grader at Four Points Middle School, has been accepted to attend Interlochen Arts Camp, a premier summer arts program for aspiring artists in third through twelfth grades. Poljan, the daughter of Patrick and Andrea Poljan, will study creative writing at the camp. In 2012, the camp will mark its 85th season at the forefront of arts education. Poljan, who lives in River Place, has been an avid reader and writer since her preschool years. She has written hundreds of poems and stories with historical fiction being her favorite style of writing. Some of her work has been published and she has also read her poetry at various public and private events. She hopes to one day be a renowned novelist. Interlochen Arts Camp attracts students, faculty and staff from all 50 states and more than 40 countries. These 3,000 artists fill Interlochen’s northwoods campus with an explosion of creativity. Student-artists learn from world-class instructors and produce hundreds of presentations each summer in
dance, theatre, creative writing, visual arts, music and film. Among the distinguished camp alumni are Norah Jones, singer Josh Groban, members of the band OK Go, Rufus Wainwright, opera and concert soprano Jessye Norman, conductor Loren Maazel, jazz pianist Eldar, actor Anthony Rapp, cartoonist Cathy Guisewite and many more. Approximately10 percent of the nation’s professional orchestra musicians have roots at Interlochen and the alumni community has collectively been awarded 89 Grammy Awards. Interlochen brings leading artists and performers to the northern Michigan campus. In recent years, guest artists have included B.B. King and Lyle Lovett.
nation of $25 or more, LEEF will award your child’s teacher(s) with a goodie bag and personalized certificate of appreciation signed by their principal, the school board president and LEEF board president. This is a great way to thank teachers and support a generous organization that benefits students and teachers throughout the district. The deadline to be a part of this program is Thursday, May 24. For more information, visit www.leanderedfound.org. We believe that all staff members are important members of LISD. In addition, teachers, bus drivers, principals, nurses, coaches, counselors, librarians, custodians, child nutrition staff, school resource officers and maintenance personnel have contributed to the success of our seniors. Regardless of title, as an LISD staff member, we are all educators and here for one purpose—to focus on student learning. Together we ensure our system allows students to learn. So thank you, staff, for everything you do for the students of our district. The same is true for our fantas-
tic parent volunteers who continue to be instrumental in our district. Having donated more than 244,500 hours this year, time spent helping in the front office, stuffing Wednesday folders, chaperoning field trips and school dances, or serving as Watch D.O.G.S. or room moms, our volunteers have donated a staggering $5.3 million worth of their time (valued at almost $22 per hour, according to the non-profit leadership network independentsector.org). Our volunteers have taken on countless duties throughout our district, helping us direct our time, energy and resources to what’s most important, our students. As a volunteer, you are an important member of the LISD family and are making a tremendous difference for our students. Our district would not be the excellent place that it is without your dedication and passion. Congratulations to our seniors, their families and all of those who made a difference for them. We will continue to expect great things from you all!
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Opinion
Thursday
Page 4 • May 24, 2012
Publisher’s Point of View Seeking summertime foodie, fun & trip tips Memorial Weekend kicks off summertime want to get on an airplane and visit myself. which is filled with fun adventures and eating! Here is a sampling: Just last week several Canyon Ridge Middle Our tour guide was a cheerful woman. She Schoolers were telling me of their planned explained that most chocolatiers in the U.S. summer getaways to faraway places including aren’t chocolate makers – they are merely Italy, Canada, Hawaii and Colorado. Some are chocolate melters... adding in flavorings and visiting grandparents and others are just sight- ingredients. seeing with their families. Theo however, is a chocolate maker – meaning they handle every step of the cre Four Points News would love ation of their chocolate from bean to for you to share some of your cool bar. vacation spots with us. Just email a photo and caption and tell us some We gained all sorts of of the highlights of your trip. knowledge that’s useful to have during chocolate-themed trivia nights Recreational day trips are super (of which there are none). Like how exciting too, especially in the Austin white chocolate isn’t really chocolate area. If you take a Segway or Duck (which, not to brag, but I already tour downtown, we’d love to hear LYNETTE knew). about it. If you kayak on Lake Austin or float down the Guadalupe, HAALAND And that chocolate is actuComal or Frio rivers, or go paddleally a fermented food. That’s right: boarding on Lake Travis, share with the beans used to make chocolate are us! left to ferment for about a week (don’t dwell on If you rent a beach cabin at Port A, stay at a the thought). B&B in Fredericksburg or take in a concert at We even found out why some chocoGruene Hall, let us know. late “blooms” (you know, those weird white If your kitchen is your favorite destination, smudges on the surface of the chocolate) – if we have space for you too. We are looking for it is heated improperly, or stored in conditions great food stories, recipes and tips for our Four that are too warm or too humid, the cocoa butPoints Foodies page. Please submit photos of ter separates out, and leaves white traces on the your dish, dinner party or even you in full-on surface of the chocolate. kitchen mode. Fear not: if this happens, it is still safe to eat. Maybe some of you will be the traveling You can still eat your bloomin’ chocolate. food writer types like this blogger The Ev- So join the fun yourself or give the kids an erywhereist. The way she describes the Theo assignment this summer and help us fill Four Chocolate Factory Tour in Seattle makes me Points News pages with your stories.
Darn it! That makes me mad! “Awesome” is overused
Darn it, consider getting a life. Next, here is my sug The English language includes over gestion as to how to reduce if not eliminate 750,000 words. So how can so many the use of the word, AWESOME. people overuse (and dare I say Every time you hear a person misuse) one word? It makes use this word, try restatme so darn mad when ing what they said folI hear people use the lowing this example: word, AWESOME. I Limited Vocabulary have come to hate this Larry: “Wow, did you word. How can this one enjoy that awesome That makes me mad word be used to describe sermon that the pastor a sunset, a hole in one, fish gave last Sunday?” tacos, and a stupid action Linda Logophile: “Yes, movie? I need your help. We need Larry, I did. And it was a to unite speakers of the English language to _______ good sermon.” (Insert word of stop overusing this adjective. choice.) Signed, Perhaps Larry will rethink his word choice in Linda Logophile the future. You may run the risk of alienating some of your friends. In your case, I think Dear Ms. Logophile: the risk is low since you probably only have First let me take this opportunity to sug- one or two friends. gest that you drink less coffee or perhaps DROUGHT, FROM 1 improvement from late last year, when the combined storage of the lakes fell to 37 percent. But there may be hope in the future forecasts. LCRA’s Chief Meteorologist Bob Rose stated at the recent briefing that most long-range forecasts call for weak El Nino conditions developing by fall. This should cause a welcomed pattern of above-normal rainfall and signals the end of the drier La Nina pattern. Lakes Buchanan and Travis are the region’s reservoirs and supply water to more than a
million Central Texans. Businesses, industries, power plants and farmers also rely on the lakes. However, because of the ongoing drought, LCRA will not provide Highland Lakes water to most downstream farmers this year. “We should never become complacent when it comes to water conservation,” Motal said. “All of us depend on the water of the Highland Lakes and the Colorado River, and we all have a role to play to conserve that precious resource.”
Combined storage of lakes Buchanan and Travis on key dates Date May 21, 2012 May 21, 2011 Dec. 1, 2011 (lowest point of drought)
Combined storage 51 percent 66 percent 37 percent
Four Points News www.FourPointsNews.com
Four Points of View
What did you enjoy most about Viperpalooza?
Cameron Childs River Place
Blake Brannan Grandview Hills
Brittany Crowdus Steiner Ranch
Brett Roberge Steiner Ranch
The volleyball game – we bounced the ball back and forth and we played with friends. I’ll come again next year.
Getting to spend time with the community, have fun with friends and get ready for the scrimmage.
The swim dunk tank because it’s fun to see all the teachers getting dunked after they give you all of the horrible projects for the whole year all at once.
I really like the Games2U hamster ball things because it’s fun to watch everybody bounce around in there.
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Appraisal District director position open Constituents from Travis County Precincts 2 and 3 are invited to apply to fill an unexpired term on the Board of Directors of the Travis Central Appraisal District which runs through December 31, 2013. TCAD's mission is to provide market value appraisals of all taxable property in Travis County in a fair, equitable, cost-effective manner and develop an annual appraisal roll for use by taxing units in imposing ad valorem taxes on property in the district. TCAD is governed by its Board of Directors, which is
primarily responsible for the hiring of the Chief Appraiser as well as approving the annual budget. The TCAD Board meets monthly on the second Tuesday at 7 pm at the TCAD office located at 8314 Cross Park Drive, Austin, TX 78754. To be considered for this appointment, applicants must reside within either Travis County Precinct 2 or 3 and submit the following items : A letter stating goals for service on the Board and a commitment to serve the remainder of the unexpired term and attend 80% or more
SMITH, FROM 1 hospitalized in intensive care. Another similar event is being planned in Lakeway. The money raised from the fundraisers, including a matching contribution from the steakhouse owners, will help defray Smith’s medical bills and care for his young sons. According to Bronson, the elementary school age boys are currently living with a friend as Smith has no family in the Austin area. “He (Smith) is a tiny guy but eight foot tall with that personality,” said Steiner Ranch Steakhouse trainer Kendra White. “He’s just a great guy - an assistant to my training program and my right-hand man. He’s very much missed.” In only a year-and-a-half, Smith managed to touch the hearts of so many Four Points area residents including Jannine and Robert Farnum who nicknamed Smith “Portland” after his hometown
of the monthly meetings of the Board; • A resume; • An Application for Appointment; and • A Non-Conflict of Interest Affidavit. If interested, please forward these documents no later than 5:00 p.m. on Friday, June 1, 2012, to: by email, loretta.farb@co.travis.tx.us; or by fax, (512) 854-6446; or by mail, P.O. Box 1748 Austin, TX 78767 QUALTECH, FROM 1
and a favorite spot of the Steiner Ranch couple. “We always ask for him to be our server,” said Amy Bertul of Cedar Park. “He’s just a good friend and hilarious. He has a real enthusiasm for life that’s contagious.” According to Smith’s friend, Mia Bennatt, the lead waiter is “progressing very well” from his treatment although additional surgery may be needed in the future. Smith’s prognosis is for a full recovery but physicians are unsure as to how long he will remain hospitalized. “He’s not one to stay down,” Bennatt said. “He’s a firecracker and even wanted to work the fundraiser event!” For more information about helping Smith, please contact bbronson@steinersteakhouse. com.
free of charge. Used tires are processed and recycled to various mesh sizes of crumb rubber. This rubber becomes the raw material for a wide variety of applications, including molded rubber goods, playground mulch and sports fields. In the colder months, old transmission fluid is used in the shop heater. QualTech has a special heater designed to run off of old transmission fluid. The technicians stay warm while working on cars without using propane or natural gas. Most shops have a big dumpster that they throw everything away in. At QualTech they separate the metal from the cars and have scrap metal collectors come by to take it to be recycled. “We receive a small amount of compensation for this, but it does not offset the effort to segregate the trash,” Leavings said. “We care about your safety and the environment.”
WEEKEND
Summer Kick Off at Lakeside!
We support our troops! Look for our Upcoming Summer Special Events!
266-2330
Shops at Steiner Ranch
www.LakesidePizzaGrill.com
Community
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Four Points News, Thursday, May 3, 2012 • Page 7
Thursday
May 24, 2012 • Page 5
Run for a Purpose breaks Mobile Loaves & Fishes summer camp registration Mobile Loaves and Fishes is vival bags for the homeless, as new ground in charity runs currently registering its 2nd an- well as arts and crafts, learning Rexanna’s Foundation for Fighting Lung Cancer, a local organization devoted to raising awareness and funds for lung cancer research, is hosting Run for a Purpose, a chip timed 5K on Sunday, June 3, beginning at 8:30 a.m. at the intersection of Highland Blvd. and Trophy Drive, near the Lakeway Swim Center. An earlier kids race begins at 8:00 a.m. in the same location. Next month’s Run for a Purpose is the only running event in the metroplex whose proceeds stay in Texas, either going to scholarships or research. The sponsoring program and its namesake has its beginnings rooted in West Austin. Former Lake Travis Middle School Athletic Director Rexanna Hawkins, died from the disease in 2006 – just shy of her 50th birthday and only two months following her diagnosis. Over the past two years, Rexanna’s Foundation has raised more than $140,000 for lung cancer research and monies from the June 3 race will go towards research efforts at M.D.
Anderson Cancer Center as well as the group’s scholarship program benefiting high school students who have been personally affected by cancer. According to race organizer Lindsey Vaughn, only 15 percent of people diagnosed with lung cancer live for five years. “After learning about the devastating facts about lung cancer, there was not a doubt in my mind that something needed to be done to raise awareness and money for this deadly disease,” said Vaughn, who is also an honorary board member of the foundation. “I am going to ‘Run for a Purpose’ to run for those who cannot, to stay healthy, to raise awareness about lung cancer and to contribute financially to lung cancer research.” “We believe having a 5K event will be a great way to get the community involved, raise awareness and give back to lung cancer research as well as to student scholarships,” Vaughn said. For more information and to register, visit www.runforapurpose.com.
Six Stylists, Two Estheticians & a Massage Therapist
nual summer camp - Get Tough on Poverty. "The kids who come to this camp have a great time! They get to participate in all the traditional summer camp activities, and come out with a new perspective on life. It is awesome to watch them learn to serve others in need,” said Shayne Baker, MLF Camp Director. The camp provides a fun and safe atmosphere for children to learn about poverty and get involved and serve others. The children will make lunches and baked goods to load onto the truck, stock and organize the pantry, create sur-
activities and games. All camps are located at St. Thomas More Catholic Church. Currently registration is underway for four camp sessions: Camp 1-Jun 11-Jun 15 Camp 2- Jun 25-Jun 29 Camp 3-Jul 9- Jul 13 Camp 4 Jul 30-Aug 3
The camp cost is $100 per child and all proceeds from the program directly benefit the Four Points MLF Truck that operates from the St. Thomas More campus. For more information or to register your child, please visit our website: www.mlfcamp.org
Mobile Loaves & Fishes summer camp registration is underway. The camps are held at St. Thomas More Catholic Church where children make lunches and goodies to stock the truck and pantry. They also have other learning activities and games.
CANYON GLEN, FROM 1 for apartment residents.” Taylor Morrison, through its Vice President Adib Khoury, “offered that a gate could be electronically controlled to allow for only residents of Canyon Glen to have access providing an additional exit point and benefit” to the neighborhood. According to Steiner Ranch Neighborhood Association Chairman Brian Thomp-
to, both sides agreed that a vehicular controlled gate access to the Canyon Glen section is “something workable.” Other issues discussed during a recent meeting include setting limitations on residential development such that Leander ISD students currently living in Steiner Ranch will not be bussed out of the area, agreeing to compromise on development options of
the remaining tracts and adding additional improvements at the intersection of RM 620 and Steiner Ranch Boulevard to ease traffic flow. In related news, Austin City Council’s approval of Tract MU-14’s zoning change which will also provide a limit on the number of units that can be built is slated for Thursday, May 24, 2:00 p.m. at City Hall.
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Page 6 • Four Points News, Thursday, May 24, 2012
Leslee Bassman
Debbie Roach, Randalls Quinlan Crossing Customer Service Supervisor, hands out samples to hungry Viperpalooza participants last weekend.
Leslee Bassman
The sky’s the limit for Cox Elementary School second-grader Colin Olsen as he laughs through a bungee jump activity at Vandegrift’s third annual Viperpalooza celebration on Saturday.
Leslee Bassman
Vandegrift senior Kolton Joines is not sure of the flavor of pie he just received at last week’s Viperpalooza festival. “It’s cool to hang out with your friends here,” said Joines who is bound for Baylor University’s football program in the fall.
Leslee Bassman
Grandview Hills’ Zia Rashed gets ready to “roll” inside of a ball featured at Viper Basketball’s fundraiser booth during Viperpalooza.
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Above: Vandegrift mom Kelli Brown (left) speaks to freshman parent Linda Smith about the school’s Project Grad, a program aimed at providing this year’s “graduating seniors with a fun, safe place to celebrate their last night together as high school students” and consisting of a volunteer-funded chaperoned evening at Dave & Buster’s following the June 3 ceremonies. For more information, go to vandegriftprojectgrad@yahoo.com. Right: Four-year-old Lukas Vega of Grandview Hills proudly shows off the pirate tattoo he received at last week’s Viperpalooza.
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VHS band program honors students at banquet Student-run event hosts 367 at country club By RICH KEITH Four Points News A formal banquet was held on Friday for the students and parents of the Vandegrift High School band and Vision Dance Company. Held at the Austin Country Club overlooking Lake Austin, the banquet was organized entirely by the student leadership team under the direction of student Madeline Stich. A dinner followed by an awards ceremony and dancing highlighted their successful year. “Our award-winning VHS marching band, in existence for only three years, took ninth place in the state of Texas out of over 250 class-4A band programs during 2011,” said Jeremy Spicer, director of bands. VHS principal Charlie Little also attended the banquet and was thanked for his enthusiastic support of the band program, which is now and will continue to be the largest program on campus. The top award of the evening
was the John Philip Sousa Band Award, given to senior Matt Szostak, who plays tuba. Szostak is the first All-State musician in the history of the program. The John Philip Sousa Band Award is the pinnacle of achievement for high school band students. Created in 1955, the award honors the top student in a highschool band and recognizes superior musicianship and outstanding dedication. It was developed with the cooperation of Helen Sousa Albert and Priscilla Sousa, daughters of the famous composer and bandmaster. The Vandegrift High School band and Vision Dance Company 2011-2012 awards are: Outstanding Marching Musician – Brian Wolf, Calvin Geng Most Improved Marching Musician – Sophie Grossman, David Meeks Outstanding Vision Dancer – Romina Montellano Most Improved Vision Dancer – Abby Knowles Outstanding Marching Band Member – Kristen Abbarno Outstanding Marching Percussionist – Jordan Ng, Kyle Richardson Most Improved Marching Percussionist – John Sutfin, An-
drew Engen Outstanding Concert Percussionist – Sam Holmes, Rachael Klein, Mitchel Stipek Most Improved Concert Percussionist – Aric Hasting, Jake Nanez, Sam Yarbrough Outstanding Concert Band 2 Musician – Max Bernhardt Most Improved Concert Band 2 Musician – Haley Rolfe, Joshua Harris Outstanding Concert Band 1 Musician –Ashley Saathoff, Kate Wong Most Improved Concert Band 1 Musician – Cassie Ellswood, Kristen Wolf Outstanding Symphonic Winds Musician – Sarah Hassall, Luke Hill Most Improved Symphonic Winds Musician – Nikki Jaynes, Forrest Keith Outstanding Wind Ensemble Musician – Caitlin Hall, Moriah Gonzalez Most Improved Wind Ensemble Musician – Katelin Maatz, Sabrina Cheshire Second to None Award – Craig Wolf Texas All-State Band Recognition – Matthew Szostak John Phillip Sousa Award – Matthew Szostak
Thursday
May 24, 2012 • Page 7
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Viper football rebuilds offense Head Coach Drew Sanders comments
The Vandegrift spring football session for 2012 was great for us as we attempt to build our team for next year. I have had some young men step up and they will do a great job leading the new look Vipers for 2012. We’ve set some very high
expectations and the kids understand that we must deliver another playoff trip and more playoff success. They have no doubt they’ll do it. As far as specifically for our team in 2012, we have some question marks on the offensive side. Almost 80 percent of our offensive production are graduating, so we have some holes to fill. But we have great talent
coming up so I actually feel very confident that we will step up and continue to score points like we did last year. I think our defense will be stronger than last year’s with seven starters returning. We only gave up 15.9 points per game, but I believe we’ll eclipse that mark this year. I can’t wait until football season!
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CMYK Page 8 • Four Points News, Thursday, May 24, 2012
Leslee Bassman
Vandegrift senior J T Graham showcases his deejay talents during the school’s recent Viperpalooza festival. Graham intends to pursue his passion for music following graduation.
Leslee Bassman
HEB Four Points Community Coordinator Monica Banks’ booth cooled off many area residents during the warm weather of last week’s Viperpalooza. Banks distributed iced bandanas and Quench drinks to participants of the event.
Leslee Bassman
Massage Therapist Sandra Archibald (right) sets up a chair for Debbie Zernow at Viperpalooza’s Four Points Family Chiropractic’ booth. “I’m a teacher and I enjoy massages so this is the perfect time of year for this,” said Zernow, wife of Vandegrift High School coach Gary Zernow.