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By LYNETTE HAALAND Lynette.FourPoints@gmail.com More than 32,000 local Four Points area Austin Energy customers may be subject to rate hikes as early as spring of 2012. “Our revenues are not sufficient enough to support our day to day operations,” said Ed Clark, Communications Director at Austin Energy. For the past year, Austin Energy has been considering four residential rate increase proposals and one proposal for commercial customers, Clark said. These proposals range between a 16 and 40 percent rate increase and average a 22 percent increase. A local group is against the potential rate increases. Close to 50 concerned citizens attended a meeting held in Steiner Ranch on Oct. 25 to discuss the proposed Austin Energy rate hikes. Mark Farrar and his wife Sylvia hosted the information meeting at Bella Mar Community Center. “If Austin doesn’t back off these outrageous increases, we will petition the Public Utility Commission to review Austin Energy’s rate proposal,” said Farrar, a program manager for an information technology company. The group has a Facebook page www.facebook.com/aerateprotest and is working on collecting signatures for a petition. This month, Austin Energy will consider input from residents, schools, churches and business and it will finalize its rate proposals into one proposal. “We’ll present one final rate recommendation, one final proposal to the Council in December,” Clark said. A public hearing will be set in January on the issue. Also in January, the Austin City Council will vote on the issue and decide what they think is reasonable. If the vote is to increase rates,
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Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf to open this spring in Four Points By LYNETTE HAALAND Lynette.FourPoints@gmail.com
A group is organizing in to challenge Austin Energy's proposed upcoming rate hikes. A meeting at Bella Mar Community Center in Steiner Ranch on Tuesday drew more than 50 concerned citizens. Mark (standing) and Sylvia Farrar hosted the information meeting on Oct. 25.
it will take about 90 days to input the new rates into the system. But Farrar and those against the rate hikes hope it never gets that far. At last week’s meeting, Farrar brought up several key points of why they are against increasing rates. The Austin City Council sets Austin Energy’s rates but being in Four Points, we are outside of Austin. “We cannot vote on the city council members who set our rates,” Farrar said. “We believe that in the US and especially in Texas we should not be subjected to taxation without representation,” he added. The City Council transfers almost $150 million out of Austin Energy’s revenues every year. About 15 percent of every dollar the outside-city customers pay Austin Energy is spent on Austin services, he said. “It spends the money on fire, police,
parks and other city services that do not benefit communities like ours,” Farrar said. Clark confirms that is true but said all utilities have dividends that they return to stockholders and “would you rather have that money go into the community next door or to another utility provider somewhere else,” he said. Additionally to address that issue, this year Austin Energy implemented that it would give back to those communities outside of Austin 3 percent of the revenues they received, Clark said. In the Four Points area there are 32,732 Austin Energy customers. Here are how many customers in each local zip code: 20,487 customers in 78741; 5,411 in 78732; 4,105 in 78730 and 2,729 in 78726.
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf shop will be opening in Four Points this spring. The upscale coffee and tea house is waiting for developers to hand over their store shell at Quinlan Crossing so they can start the inside work, said Bill Duffy, the chief operating officer at Lone Star Bean, the Texas based franchise operator of Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. Baseball entrepreneurs Nolan, Reid and Reese Ryan are the principal owners of Lone Star Bean. Duffy thinks Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf separates itself from the competition with baristas who help educate the consumer on various brews, teas and processes. There will be a Starbucks nearby, inside the neighboring Randalls at Quinlan Crossing, said Connie Yates, Randalls spokesperson. The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf shop expects to open in early 2012 and will occupy a shop that is approximately 1500-square-feet, with inside seating as well as a drivethru. “We look forward to getting to Steiner,” Duffy said. Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf has six other local shops already on Lamar, at the Domain and Dell Diamond. Its Austin flagship location at the iconic former Tower Records space at 24th and Guadalupe streets. The company is also planning to open at Circle C in January. Ultimate plans over the next three to four years include opening a total of 15 or so shops, Duffy said. In 2009, Austin became home to the first Texas Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf stores of the Los Angeles-based chain. The company is planning to expand to Dallas and Houston and is negotiating nine properties currently in those markets, Duffy said. In 1963 Herbert B. Hyman started Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. His goal was to find and serve the best coffee and tea in the world. Now, over 40 years later, the company has grown into one of the largest privately-owned, family-run coffee and tea companies in the world. The Bean, as it is known as, offers over 22 varieties of coffee and 20 kinds of tea.
SEE ENERGY, 2
Lynette Haaland Jim Parker
How many Rouse defenders does it take to bring down. See more photos on page 7 from last Friday’s homecoming game.
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Vandegrift High School names its first Homecoming King and Queen Friday night. James Gonzales and Moriah Gonzalez were crowned King and Queen by John and Mary Jane Vandegrift at halftime on Friday night. VHS is named after their late son Marine 1st Lt. Matthew Vandegrift. The Vipers won against the Raiders 42 - 28 on Oct. 28.
Viper Marching Band going to State By RICH KEITH Contributing Writer Vandegrift High School Principal Charlie Little does not have to buy over 1,000 steak dinners
and he can now breathe a sigh of relief. In August at the Concert in the Park, Little said that the Viper Marching Band was so good that if they didn’t make it to the State championship contest he
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promised to buy everyone at the event that day a steak dinner at the Steiner Ranch Steakhouse. On Saturday the Viper Marching Band and Vision Dance Company advanced to the UIL State Championships for the first time by taking one of only four places in the Texas UIL Area D marching contest in Cedar Park. The 22 bands competing Saturday had advanced from the previous weekend’s marching contest for Class 4A and Class 5A schools. Tension was extreme as the finalists were announced and Vandegrift HS was the last name
to be spoken. When the Vandegrift name was finally announced the stadium erupted in stomping, whistling cheers. State contests for Class 4A schools such as Vandegrift HS are held every two years. This is a rare achievement for a very young band with only a handful of seniors to lead the way. Their marching band has only existed for 3 years, and is made up of more than half freshmen. This is its first year to have all four grades represented. This win is huge for the Vipers who are part of the highly competitive
Region 26. In Saturday’s contest, five schools in the top 10 finalists were from Region 26. In the final contest results, three of the four state finalists were from Region 26: Cedar Park HS, Lake Travis HS and Vandegrift HS. The remaining finalist is the reigning Class 4A state champion Dripping Springs HS which is in Region 18. Area D is a large section of Central Texas made up of Four Regions, covering 170 school disSEE BAND, 2
Page 2 • Four Points News, Thursday, November 3, 2011
Vipers get ready for Project Grad
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Viper Football quarterback Dakota Prukop joined Booster Club members Nancy Kotlarz (left) and Kelli Brown (right) during last week’s Lady Viper Volleyball home game. Kotlarz and Brown are actively campaigning for the school’s Project Grad program at Vandegrift sporting events.
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Although it’s only the beginning of November, Vandegrift High School parents and students are already planning for the school’s inaugural graduation festivities in June. Booster Club members, including Nancy Kotlarz and Kelli Brown, have been promoting Vandegrift High School’s ‘Pass the Jersey’ program to fund the drug and alcohol-free evening scheduled for Dave and Buster’s following the 2012 ceremonies. “We’re passing the bucket through the stands at sporting events,” said Kotlarz who hopes to net about $25,000 from numerous fundraising activities throughout the school year. “This is our first year to get it off the ground and we need lots and lots of donations.” “We figured it would take about $100 per kid to cover the cost for every senior to participate at no charge to them,” Brown said. “We’re planning to have games, food, dancing and possibly a hypnotist.” “But we haven’t signed on the dotted line yet because we need the funds,” she said. For more information on Vandegrift High School’s Project Grad program, contact vandegriftprojectgrad@yahoo.com
Community meeting in the works for new Steiner development Developers of the proposed Steiner Ranch Apartment project and the proposed storage facility are pinpointing a date, time and place for a community meeting. “We are trying to have it next week or the week after, but the sooner the better,” said Sarah Crocker, of Crocker Consultants and the authorized agent working for both developers on the two different projects. There is a group of Steiner residents who are not in favor of the new development. A petition
was circulating several weeks ago. Crocker is coordinating a community meeting for Steiner residents and neighbors to be able to ask questions to the developers. She expects a big turn out. When the details are finalized for the community meeting, it will be posted on the Four Points News website and Facebook page. The Steiner Ranch Apartment project hopes to break ground in early 2012 pending approv-
als. Greystone Steiner Associates plans to develop 26 apartment buildings with 298 units on a portion of the the 52 acres at 4800 Steiner Ranch Blvd. In a separate project, a contract is pending for a new 100,000-square-foot storage facility to be built on a lot across from Quinlan Crossing. Taylor Woodrow Communities/Steiner Ranch LLC is seeking to subdivide 4807 N. Quinlan Park Rd. They want to subdivide the 81 acre tract into four lots.
another utility, even one that offers lower rates,” Farrar said. Clark confirmed that Austin Energy does not participate in retail deregulation, only one of the state’s 73 municipally owned utilities allows competition to come in. “When other utilities come in, they have a hard time providing lower rates than what (city owned and co-op utilities) have,” Clark said. “Our rates are among the lowest in the state. We are in the lower 50% of rates in Texas.” “We need to have a rate increase. The problem is we should have put together a request for a rate increase before now,” Clark said. Farrar and others are preparing to fight the proposed rate increases. Under state law, if 5 percent of Austin Energy’s residential customers outside the city sign their petition, Austin Energy will be forced to defend its rates in front of the Public Utility Commission. “We will need 2,500 signatures on the petition, one signature per household,” Farrar
said. “We think the Public Utility Commission will agree with us that it is unjust to force non-residents of the city to pay a 15 percent electric bill surcharge that is spent on items that have nothing to do with the utility.”
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“About 85 percent of (Austin Energy) residential customers use an average of 1500 kilowatthours or less each month. They would see $10 to $20 increase a month (on their bills) under proposals out there,” Clark said. Austin Energy has gone into its savings to cover costs in recent years. Two years ago, it had a $70 million deficit and last year, an $80 million deficit. “This year, even with the added revenue from the hot summer, we’ll have a $20 million deficit,” Clark said. “Basic rates have not increased for residents and small business since 1994.They significantly under pay the cost to serve,” Clark said. “Our goal is to charge customers the ‘cost to serve’ as close to possible.” Basic rates may not have been raised but the fuel surcharge has gone up 28 percent, Farrar said. Another point Farrar makes is that under state law, Austin Energy is a monopoly. “We are forced to buy our electric service from Austin Energy, and we are prohibited from being served by
BAND, FROM 1 tricts. Area D includes the entire Austin metro area and stretches from Waco in the north, east to Brenham and Spring Branch ISDs, south to include San Antonio and Kenedy ISDs, and west to Blanco and Marble Falls ISDs. The Viper Band and Vision Dance Company will perform their show, “Visionary” at halftime in Marble Falls on Nov. 4, at the Bands of America Super Regional contest at the Alamodome on Nov. 5, followed by the State Championship contest to be held at the Alamodome on Nov. 8. Watch the most recent marching band shows here: http://vhsband.com/category/ marching/
CLARIFICATION Additional students made LISD All “A” Honor Roll 1st 6 weeks
Canyon Ridge Middle School Sixth Grade: Daniel Sacasa Grace Saia Seventh Grade: Daniel Martinez Eighth Grade: Elliot Charland Cooper Dossey Elise Harais Rachael Piotrowski Taylor Schmuelgen
Four Points Middle School Sixth Grade: Nicole Dow
Vandegrift High School Ninth Grade: Hanna Brown Austin Gray The reason these students did not make the list last week is that there was slight confusion about the Leander ISD media release form.
SCHOOL
FOUR POINTS NEWS www.FourPointsNews.com
HURSDAY FOUR PTOINTS NEWS
November 3, 2011 • Page 3 www.FourPointsNews.com
Rouse High School seniors mark many firsts Last week I addressed how Vandegrift High School is working to prepare its first senior class for life after graduation. Today, I’m turning the spotlight on Rouse High School. The 380 members of the first senior class began this school year from the ground up as the lone grade at RHS in the fall of 2008. Now, with four complete grade levels on the campus, the buzzing halls are full of excitement and school pride. As I said last week of VHS, establishing traditions is a unique part of being that first senior class because seniors are setting a precedent for the rest of the underclassmen. This is true for RHS as well. The senior students at RHS have been leaders at the school from the beginning, selecting such things as the mascot and the color of the graduation gowns. Now, they are
taking on more important roles, stepping up as leaders on the student council and setting the agenda for the school’s pep rallies. Leadership experience is an important component of postsecondary preparation, and the students of RHS are taking full advantage of the opportunities. With each grade level that’s been added, the school has had to adjust its class offerings and college- and career-readiness initiatives. For example, to accommodate the senior class this fall, RHS added 17 new Advanced Placement courses, giving more students access to a wider range of important college-prep courses. At the same time, the Career and Technical Education Program continues to grow. Students enrolled in the Automotive Technology program have progressed through the curriculum to the point that
they are now able to do small re- their choices, the school is holdpairs on cars and trucks. ing Apply Texas Workshops to Like all LISD high schools, aid students in completing the RHS is centered on post-sec- common application for in-state ondary precolleges. Earlier paredness. As this month, sethe deadlines niors all across for submitting LISD were parcollege apticipating in plications aptransition day, a proaches, studesignated time dents at RHS to learn more are using the BRET CHAMPION about college new Naviance and financial program to aid applications, evaluate post-secondary in- while freshmen, sophomores formation and make more in- and juniors were taking the formed decisions about colleges, PSAT. while university recruiters are Our partnership with ACC often on campus to talk to stu- continues to benefit students at dents directly. Faculty and staff all LISD high schools. In fact, are providing numerous oppor- this year, through our partnertunities to help students navigate ship with ACC, college instructheir way through the maze of tors are now teaching collegenecessary forms. To help stu- level classes on our campuses dents once they’ve narrowed during the day. Numerous stu-
“The Table� 8:30 am Traditional Worship Holy Communion
{Sanctuary}
dents at RHS are enrolled in this great program, earning college credit hours while they are still in high school. Since the school is young, this year has been full of many firsts for RHS. For example, the Raider varsity football team saw its first win earlier this season, while the volleyball team earned its first win at the district level. For the first time RHS earned first division scores at the UIL marching competition. Additionally, RHS had its first National Merit Semifinalist – Colin Walker. As we move through the year together, we’ll likely see many more from these talented scholars. I want to close by letting you know about an exciting event that happened at Leander High School this week. On Monday, October 31, European delegates came to LISD to visit with students enrolled in the In-
ternational Baccalaureate (IB) Programme at LHS. They discussed counter terrorism and security, trans-Atlantic relations and other foreign policy issues of concern to Europe and the U.S. LISD is pleased to have such honored guests bring an international perspective to important issues that face the country’s leaders. We thank the foreign representatives for graciously taking the time to share their expertise with our students. This visit is great example of the unique learning opportunities LISD offers to help students become informed and engaged citizens of our complex world. For more information about RHS, the district’s college and career-readiness programs or IB Programme, visit www.leanderisd.org. Have a great week!
“The Vine� 11:00 am
“The Way� 11:00 am
Traditional Worship {Sanctuary}
Contemporary Worship {Ministry Activities Center, MAC Hall}
9:45 am Sunday School for All Ages
Michelle Beck
Robotic students and their coaches from Laura Bush and Steiner Ranch Elementaries and Four Points Middle School joined the Hill Country Education Foundation at the VHS Homecoming Parade last week.
We’d love to hear from you! Call us, email us, send a photo or share a story. All submissions are welcome.
F P C C
L Thursday, November 17, 2011 @ 11:00 am River Place Country Club 4207 River Place Blvd. • Aus n, Texas Four Points Chamber of Commerce hosts Liz Elam, Founder and Curator of Link Coworking, which opened in September of 2010. Liz has quickly become a recognized leader in the national coworking scene, having been featured in the New York Times, Investors, Information Week, Austin Business Journal, Community Impact and the Austin American Statesman. Coworking is an emerging trend where members pay a membership fee like they would to a gym but instead of a treadmill, they get an open desk. Having been one of Dell’s award-winning salespeople for 15 years prior to her entrepreneurial ventures, Liz is excited to talk with us about “Why She Buys.â€?
Visit Chamber website for details! www.FourPointsChamber.com
Luncheon Contact Information: Four Points Chamber of Commerce 512-551-0391 Fees/Admission: Member Registration : $25 Future Member Registration : $30 Early Bird Registration Discount by Monday before the luncheon of $5 Register early to take advantage of the savings.
OPINION
THURSDAY Page 4 • November 3, 2011
FOUR POINTS NEWS www.FourPointsNews.com
FOUR POINTS OF VIEW
Just a thought
Why is homecoming so special this year at Vandegrift?
Quilters hundreds of miles away support a local quilter who lost everything in the fires
LYNETTE HAALAND
A week after the Steiner fires, we shared a story about Greg and Stephanie Sabatini who lost their home on Varner Court, including dozens of quilts and fabric. “For once I don’t have a quilt in the works,” Stephanie told me in mid September. Quilting is her passion. A dozen handmade quilts were lost all put together by Stephanie who also lost 500 yards of fabric in the fire. Not only did they lose a dozen family quilts, ones she made for them and their children, but also another dozen Linus Connection quilts that were in various stages were burned up. Linus gives blankets to those in need and the group has delivered over 300 blankets to the Bastrop fire victims with Stephanie’s help. “We will continue to take them until they don’t need anymore,” she said on Tuesday. Back in September, the story about the Sabatinis was sent more than 500 miles away to the Texas Panhandle, north of Amarillo, by Brandi Wright who also lives in Steiner Ranch. She wrote: “I forwarded that to my mom in the Panhandle. My mom is another avid quilter in Canadian. Well, that next weekend, my mom was headed to a quilt retreat in Dumas. She mentioned Sabatini’s story to her guild, which is
based out of Perryton but full of ladies from surrounding towns. They started collecting items for Stephanie.” Two weeks ago Brandi went up to the Panhandle and brought back quilting supplies. Then last week, Brandi’s mom flew into Austin bringing more supplies. I love this story more than most. Not only am I a quilter (or used to be when I had time for hobbies) but also was raised in the Panhandle. It doesn’t surprise me to hear how quilters from those small towns have come together to take care of one of their own who they never met. It shows warm hearts of the quilting circle in Texas! And this act of kindness could not go to a better person. Stephanie was the mom from our first grade class at Steiner Ranch Elementary who a year ago supplied all of the first graders with a square of fabric to decorate, and to keep it hush-hush. Stephanie went on to stitch those squares together into a quilt and completely surprised our teacher for her birthday at Christmas time. Last week the Panhandle quilter and Brandi delivered supplies to Stephanie who said: “They were so awesome! And I got to laugh and talk about quilting for a couple of minutes which was so good for my soul!”
Hannah Simpson Grandview Hills
Moriah Gonzalez Westminster Glen
Taylor Watson Steiner Ranch
Cody Shelton Steiner Ranch
It’s important for our school and great to see the community involved. Mums are a big deal too and it’s not only high school girls wearing them but little girls and teachers too. It’s cool to see everyone supporting everyone.
It’s very special because it is our inaugural Homecoming with our senior class. It means a lot to our seniors and our school as well because it establishes tradition.
It is cool to see my friends being nominated to the Homecoming Court and being a senior seeing all of this. We’re the first class, it’s a privilege and a blessing.
It’s great to see the school spirit and school unity.
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Editor & Publisher..........................................................................LYNETTE HAALAND Advertising Sales Representative...................................................HOLLIE KENNEY Advertising Sales Representative - Sports................................... JOHN DOPSON Circulation ...................................................................................................FRED FRANCO Reporter.................................................................................................LESLEE BASSMAN Creative Services.............................................................................JENNIFER ROBERTS
Published weekly in Four Points, Texas by Four Points News LLC. For subscription information, email inquiries to fourpointsnews.bookkeeping@gmail.com
Letters to the Editor: Four Points News welcomes all Letters to the Editor. All letters must be signed and include phone number for verification. Deadline is Friday before publication. Four Points News reserves the right to edit letters for clarity, length and for libelous or objectionable statements. Letters containing more than 400 words will be edited for length. Four Points News • 3129 Rippling Creek Ct. Austin, Texas 78732 Email: lynette.fourpoints@gmail.com
Firewise in Steiner By NATHASHA COLLMANN Guest Columnist I am a 17.5 year resident of Steiner Ranch, 13 years in Plateau and 4.5 years in Savannah Point. The year we moved to our new home we watched the UT Golf Club fire from our 2nd floor game room and became very concerned about our risk if there were ever a fire in the preserve. Luckily that day the wind was blowing away from the canyon and the fire didn't spread. We began to make some inquiries and the feelings of homeowners at that time was that the HOA would not allow any trimming of the dead limbs and/or thinning
of trees in the greenbelt. We did what so many homeowners have done and took matters into our own hands and made our own firebreak. This got the attention of the HOA and Travis County officials and we started a conversation about fire safety. My husband and I did a lot of research and learned about the Firewise program and suggested the HOA implement it here. They scheduled one community meeting to discuss Firewise and the idea quickly fizzled after they had zero attendance. The homes lost and damaged in the recent Labor Day fires in Steiner Ranch were concentrated in Plateau - many
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Steiner Ranch’s Malin and Jimmy Thomas pose for a fall photo in Woodland Park with Pride, a six-year old Chihuahua mix, and Selma, an eight year old Pug. The setting was created by the Austin Pug Club who hosted their Saturday’s Pugkin Fest in River Place to celebrate the uniqueness and joy of the small dog breed.
friends were directly or indirectly affected. It is so unfortunate that this kind of tragic event had to occur to start the Firewise conversation again. This prompted a lot of discussion in Savannah Point. We feel we are at particular risk due to our location. We are a small peninsula completely surrounded by Balcones Canyonlands Preserve along a steep ridgeline - perfect terrain for a fast moving wildfire, there is no access for any kind of firefighting in the canyon and many of our homes are very close to the back property line. With the current drought and the forecast calling for it to continue for a long time, we continue
to be at high risk of wildfires in Travis County. Many SP homeowners contacted the HOA to ask what they could do to establish a firebreak along the perimeter though the land is owned by the HOA, they were unable to help us since the land is managed under the terms of the BCP by Travis County. With the support of all of SP, I contacted the folks at Travis County that we had worked with before and they were very interested in working with us. Firewise is a nationally recognized program that brings together all the appropriate agencies to come up with a plan to mitigate the risks from wildfire along the Wildland/Urban Interface. Essentially, it empowers communities to bring all the stakeholders in their area to the
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table to establish and implement prevention strategies that could save their homes and possibly lives. We are already working with the HOA, Travis County, Lake Travis Fire & Rescue, and have the support of Sarah Eckhardt, Travis County Precinct 2 Commissioner. We hope to have a representative from Texas Forest Service on the team soon. We have all agreed to have Savannah Point serve as the pilot program for Firewise in Steiner Ranch which will then be rolled out to the rest of Steiner Ranch. We now have all the right people together to take action to make Savannah Point and Steiner Ranch a safer place to live. Firewise is not a one time thing and certification is not even the end goal - it is a continuous process
of education, assessment, and action that will benefit the entire community by making Steiner Ranch a safer place to live. We don't want to eliminate the preserve - the natural beauty of the area is what attracted most homeowners to Steiner - but working cooperatively with Travis County and LTFR we can take steps to make it safer on both sides of the fence since the majority of fires start in the home, our wildfire mitigation work also protects the preserve and all the plants and animals who reside in it. Stay tuned and plan to be a part of the upcoming Firewise meetings and Ready, Set, Go! presentations that the HOA is sponsoring.
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COMMUNITY
FOUR POINTS NEWS www.FourPointsNews.com
Community Events Nov. 3 & 4 Children’s Book Reading, Author Signing Cups & Cones Steiner Ranch 10:30 a.m.
Nov. 5 Camping on the Ranch, Steiner Ranch 6:00 p.m.
Nov. 10-12 Concordia University Texas’ The Miracle Worker 7:30 p.m. in the Black Box Theater at Building A 11400 Concordia University Dr.
Nov. 11
Nov. 11&12 ACFWomen’s “Living a Worthy Life” Ginger Millermon, artist/ speaker 6:00- 9:00 p.m & 8:30 -11:45 a.m.
Nov. 12 Steiner Ranch Firewise workday
Nov.13 Lake Travis Crisis Ministry Thanksgiving Concert Emmaus Catholic Parish, 1718 Lohman’s Crossing 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Nov. 13 Dog Wash Fundraiser for donations to the Spicewood Relief Fund for uninsured families John Simpson Park, noon to 4 p.m.
Nov. 18 4th Annual Mobile Loaves & Fishes Fun Run start time is 3:15pm at Austin Christian Fellowship all proceeds go to Mobile Loaves & Fishes
Nov. 28-30 Coats for Kids at the Four Points H-E-B Grocery Store winter coat donation drop off
November 3, 2011 • Page 5 www.FourPointsNews.com
Haunting for a cure! Four Points Middle School eighth-graders (pictured) haunted with a purpose last month as they donated contributions from their Haunted House to Photo contributed by Kara Weedman the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Garrett Anz and Max Weedman spearheaded the group of ghouls, organizing and advertising the Lagood Drive event to the Four Points community. “We had close to 250 people come through in two hours,” said Weedman. The second annual Haunted House tallied a total contribution of $456 to the breast cancer research organization.
Lake Travis Crisis Ministry Thanksgiving Concert, Nov. 13
Black Belts for Bastrop Kick-AThon with Ernie Reyes World Martial Art at Steiner Ranch’s Towne Square 5-7 p.m.
HURSDAY FOUR PTOINTS NEWS
The annual Lake Travis Crisis Ministry Thanksgiving Concert will be on Nov. 13 with a free will love offering collected to support people in crisis and need in our community. From 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Emmaus Catholic Parish at 1718 Lohman’s Crossing, a combined choir of more than 60 voices will present a service of praise and thanksgiving to God through beautiful and moving musical selections accompanied by piano, organ and trumpet. Emmaus Catholic Parish Choir, the
Longhorn Village retirement community in Steiner Ranch hosted a fire prevention work day on Oct. 1. For several hours senior residents cleared brush and removed dead trees, bushes and grass from around the community as a means of helping prevent wildfires. As the Labor Day Weekend wildfires threatened the Steiner community, most Longhorn Village residents did not evacuate because authorities thought they would be safe. Generators kept Longhorn Village in power while electricity was off, said Lake Travis Fire Rescue Chief Jim Linardos.
Lake Travis United Methodist Church Choir and the Lakeway Church Chancel Choir will combine for the concert. Organizers encourage the community not to miss this exciting opportunity to give thankful praise to God for all God’s blessings and share those blessings with those who are less fortunate. Contact Mark Savage-Rains (TLC) at mark@lakewaychurch.net, Patty Highland (LTUMC) at music@ltumc.org or John Guarino at music@emmauslakeway.com.
Dog wash fundraiser to benefit Spicewood uninsured fi re victims Black belts for Bastrop Kick-A-Thon Nov. 11 Ernie Reyes World Martial Arts will be holding a Kick-A-Thon fundraiser on Nov. 11 to benefit the Bastrop Fire Department whose resources have been tapped from fighting fires. Bags will be lined up along the rocks that run parallel to Quinlan Park Road and will be visible from Quinlan Park, said Bu Kwan Jang Nim Andrá Allen, who is a former world champion tournament fighter and who holds black belts in four different disciplines. During the Kick-A-Thon event, martial arts students from age 5 to 50 will be kicking as well as cardio-kickboxing students. Anyone can join - they don’t have to be a member of the school to participate.
How about hosting a tapas dessert party?
On Nov. 13 a Dog Wash Fundraiser will benefit the Spicewood fire victims, as well as to say thank you to those who serve the Four Points community. The event will take place at John Simpson Park in Steiner Ranch from noon to 4pm. It will also feature a dog brushing station and bandanas for cash. Donations will be collected for the Spicewood Relief Fund, specifically targeting uninsured families in need. Recent fires claimed the homes of 100 people, 30 who were uninsured. Dogs of all local Lake Travis Fire Rescue stations, and Travis County Sheriff ’s and Constable offices will be washed for free, and Dr. Roush with Stay at Home Veterinary Care will be providing all servicemen with free vaccinations for their dogs, said Sara Milam, an event coordinator. “Please come out and help give our Firemen, Sheriffs and Constables a big thanks
Advanced students in the martial arts program have a goal of 1,000 kicks, said Bu Kwan Jang Nim Cindy Villanueva-Allen, who passed her fourth degree mastery test. The couple runs the Steiner Ranch martial arts studio and teach classes there. Their goal is to raise $10,000 to help supply the Bastrop department with fire fighting gear for future rescue efforts. Donations will be accepted on-site the day of the event from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Towne Square, or interested parties can stop by the studio and make a contribution. For more information at call 266-3339 or visit Facebook.com/wcwmaaustin
for their past and continued service to our community,” Milam said. Community sponsors will be selling food and treats, with a portion of the proceeds going to the Spicewood Fire Relief Fund. Additionally there will be a Silent Auction with proceeds going directly to families in need. There are also ample opportunities to serve at the dog wash, Milam said. Service organizations can take turns washing and drying dogs. The event is also seeking donated towels, and any donated towels will be washed and delivered to the Humane Society. For more information email ssmilam@ gmail.com or call 512-795-8902. Those interested in sponsoring this event, donating to the silent auction, or participating as a business, please contact Janet Roush at stayathomevet@austin.rr.com or 512-9641838.
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THURSDAY Page 6 • November 3, 2011
FOUR POINTS NEWS www.FourPointsNews.com
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Middle: Viper Cheerleaders fired up the Vandegrift Homecoming crowd during the game against Rouse on Friday night. Bottom: The Viper student section cheers loudly with their "trash can drum" at Friday's Homecoming game against Rouse. Vipers won against the Raiders 42 - 28 on Oct. 28.
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Top: Photo 1: You can never have too much bling! Vandegrift freshmen (from left) Maria Velasco, Julia Franklin, Emily McShane and Abby Brosette were spotted sporting flashy homecoming mums at Friday’s gridiron showdown against Rouse High School.
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F O O T B A L L
STARS OF THE WEEK
THURSDAY November 3, 2011 • Page 7
Favorite part about being involved in Viper Football:
Garrison Gregory
It’s cool to be a part of such a special team. It’s so much fun being out here and playing in honor of Matthew Vandegrift.
Senior
C H E E R
Lindsey Atencio
Favorite part of being involved in Viper Cheer: My favorite part of being a viper cheerleader is being a positive role model in the community.
Junior
D A N C E
Nicole Martinez Junior
Sam Yarbrough Sophomore
B A N D
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Favorite part about being involved in Viper Legacies: There are so many amazing opportunities that come with being a member! Our whole team is one big family and it’s great to get to know each and every one of them and know that they are forever my sisters! I also love that in Legacies, there is never an “off season” - we are always working towards a new and exciting performance!
Favorite part about being in the Viper Band: My favorite part of being in the Drum Line is the constant strive to get better.
Favorite part of being involved in Viper Volleyball: My favorite part of being in volleyball are my “Sisters”. Day in day out we’re always together, sweating, sometimes bleeding, and we have each other’s back no matter what.
Favorite part about being involved in Viper Cross Country: I love cross country because it’s something you can always improve on. You always have a little bit more to give. We have a great team atmosphere and I feel like I’ve found a second family.
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Above: Quarterback #9 Dakota Prukop scrambles for a touchdown in the first half Below: Wide Receiver Tristen Paffe #5 Runs for a touchdown in the second half
After being named Homecoming Queen, Moriah Gonzalez helps lead the band in a rally tune in front of the student section.
Viper Football Head Coach Drew Sanders weekly comments Oct. 28 Vandegrift win Vs. Rouse, 42 - 28 I was impressed with our ability to move the ball at any moment in the game. Our offense is coming together just at the right time. Our defense bent but didn’t break vs. a very explosive offense. That was step two in our three step process of reaching our goal of making the playoffs for the first time ever. Nov. 4 Vandegrift Vs Marble Falls, 7:30 It’s highly unusual, but we are playing the exact same opponent as we did last year with playoffs on the line again. Last year we had to win by 17 to make the playoffs. This year, we just have to win to qualify. Marble Falls is a very quality opponent. They run the ball well and play excellent defense. We need every fan we can get there to cheer us on in the biggest game in our young program’s history.
Jim Parker
CMYK Page 8 • Four Points News, Thursday, November 3, 2011
Leslee Bassman
Vandegrift Volleyball held its first senior night last week as (from left) Jasmine Mobley (#13), Kayla Chatlosh (#5) , Madeline Castleman (#16) and Ashley Heilscher (#6) took the home court for their final game as Lady Vipers. “We’ve had the best season record,� said Head Coach Kelly McCarter. “The seniors’ overall leadership and dedication will be missed.�
Viper Cross Country goes to Regionals The Vandegrift Cross Country Team competed in the 25-4A District Meet on Oct. 28 and both boys and girls Varsity Teams advanced on to the Region IV-4A Cross Country Championship, which will be held in San Antonio on Nov. 5. In the Girls Varisty Division Gretta Smith led the way for the Vipers finishing 4th overall with a time of 11 minutes and 54 seconds, Nikki Keys finished 5th. Both girls made All-District. Cody Cox, Isabella Chestney, Leah Butterfield, Zhanya Grifffin and Courtney Davis were all contributors in leading the teams success to the 2nd place finish. In the Boys Varsity Division J.R. Hardy led the way for the Vipers finishing 3rd with a time of 15.58, Brandon Keys finished 5th. Both boys made All-District. Marshall Wilson, Connor Thomas, Keith Taylor, Matt Villegas and Matthew Richardson were all contributors to the success of the teams 3rd place finish overall.
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FOUR POINTS NEWS
We’re teeing up something new at
The UT Golf Club.
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As an exclusive private club, The University of Texas Golf Club has elevated the standards of exemplary golf, premier junior golf programs, memorable dining experiences and quality family entertainment. Soon there will be another unique dimension to the club with the addition of The Edgar O. and Melanie A Weller Tennis Center featuring the Whaling/Snyder Courts - the first of its kind in Central Texas. Opening summer 2012, The UT Tennis Center will continue the tradition of offering pure Texas luxury that members have come to expect. The center will include six indoor and four outdoor courts, well-appointed locker rooms and tennis shop. The center will be for the year-round enjoyment of club members and also become an additional home for UT menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tennis programs, one that will help with their pursuit of a national championship. A limited number of both Local and Regional memberships are available. For information on how you can join The UT Golf Club, contact either Dana or Lisa at membership@utgolfclub.com or call 512266-6464. With a championship golf course, an elegant clubhouse, and now a world class tennis center, The University of Texas Golf Club continues to define the Texas Hill Country private club experience.
The University of Texas Golf Club | 2200 University Club Drive Austin, Texas 78732 | www.utgolfclub.com