March 29, 2012 Issue

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By RICH KEITHFour Points News

Photovoltaic solar panels are popping up all over Four Points and can be an affordable way to generate electricity. Circular Energy of Austin pre-sented clinics on the economics of solar energy recently at River Place Country Club and Long-horn Village in Steiner Ranch. Through the recent years, more solar panel designs have been brought to market. Addi-tionally there are subsidies avail-able to defray the costs of instal-lation. “Currently residential solar out-of-pocket cost is about 25 percent of the total cost,” said Circular Energy CEO JC Shore. Patrick Lockerman, a Four Points resident and owner of Lambent Energy, a solar design and installation firm, said hom-eowners should ask to see what their installation will look like. Locations and aesthetics have to be considered with installa-

tion. Product designs keep get-ting better. “There are black-on-black panels which have the appear-ance of windows on your roof. These represent the types of products which help the hom-eowner match the quality of the installation to the value of their home,” Lockerman said. He add-ed that a bad-looking installation can drive neighbors away from wanting solar on their home. In Austin, homes that are

CEO Circular Energy JC Shore

By LESLEE BASSMANFour Points News

Last Tuesday, the City of Austin erected signs on a portion of River Place’s newest nature trail exten-sion barring pedestrians from ac-cessing a segment of the popular route. This trail was just opened in 2010 and cost the River Place MUD an estimated $150,000. On Wednesday, the City grant-ed River Place MUD officials entry onto the site to affix an explanation for the sudden closure. On February 22, Austin Water Utility’s Wildland Conservation Division Manager William Con-rad received correspondence from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service stating that “the (River Place Na-ture) trail was constructed without the City of Austin’s consent and encroaches on preserved lands within the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve.” In his letter, U.S. Fish and Wild-life Service Field Supervisor Adam Zerrenner instructed the City to close the portions of the trail lo-cated within the BCP. Four Points News obtained a copy of this cor-respondence. Travis County and the City of Austin were given a 30-year permit in 1996 by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service to protect the

Above Left: This sign posted at the original River Place Boulevard entrance to the community’s Nature Trail indicates where access to the trail ends following City of Austin’s trail segment closure on Tuesday.

Top Right: Last week, City of Austin officials posted this sign at about 2.5 miles into the newer section of River Place’s Nature Trail.

Bottom Right: The newest segment of River Place’s Nature Trail system opened Memorial Day 2010.


The Harais family has just broken ground on their new home on Varner Court in Stein-er Ranch, eight months after the Labor Day weekend fires de-stroyed their home of 18 years. Carson Harais, 16, noticed something different in the air. It smelled of smoke and the sky looked different, darker some-how in the middle of the after-noon. He looked out a window across the valley and saw big flames across RM 620, on the lake side of the highway. There were billowing clouds of smoke and they were stream-ing directly over his house at a high rate of speed. Carson, 16, told his mom Norma, and they called 911 right away. By the time he got off the phone and looked again, the fire had jumped across the highway. Norma and her husband, TJ, gathered some things together just in case. When they looked again, the fire was closing the gap. It became clear that the fierce winds were pushing the fire hard right toward their cul-de-sac. A few minutes later, the Travis County Sheriff ’s Office was ordering everybody on Var-ner Court to evacuate immedi-ately.

Opening ceremonies draws hundreds

By LYNETTE HAALANDFour Points News

Randalls gave a $10,000 check to the Hill Country Education Foundation during its first few hours of being open to the pub-lic. “Wow!” said Kai Lamb, Presi-dent of the Hill Country Educa-tion Foundation. Randalls invited HCEF board members to their Grand Open-ing and Four Points Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting cer-emonies on March 21. “We knew that there was go-ing to be some sort of financial presentation. The amount of their generosity was most sur-prising and appreciated,” Lamb said. Supporting education is one of Randalls’ core values. “The Hill Country Education Foundation benefits students from many schools in the area,

so Randalls was honored to cel-ebrate our Steiner Ranch store opening by presenting $10,000 to the them and their scholar-ship program,” said Connie Yates, Director of Public Affairs from Randalls and its parent, Safeway Inc. Last week’s donation will be added to the funds raised ear-lier this month from the Giddy Up Gala and will allow HCEF to provide $20,000 in Impact Grants to Four Points area schools this Spring. It will also help pay this year’s $10,000 Na-viance grant to Leander ISD and help provide $6,000 in funding to the area robotic clubs for the 2012-2013 academic year. “We’re also talking to LISD about another Naviance-like, college-readiness grant oppor-tunity that HCEF could help fund and benefit the entire dis-trict,” Lamb said. Yates said that Randalls was founded on being a part of the communities it serves. “Our goal is to focus on areas that are important to our cus-

City of Austin shuts down River Place nature trailamidst allegations of preserve encroachment

Photos by: Leslee Bassman

Randalls donates $10K to Hill Country Education Foundation

Steiner family rebuilds after September fires

TJ and Norma Harais broke ground on their new home on Varner Court in Steiner Ranch where their home of 18 years stood before the September fires. “(Through it all) we were reminded of the kindness of humanity and especially our neighbors. And material possessions mean nothing,” TJ said.

HARAIS, 7

TRAIL, 7

RANDALLS, 5

Solar economics in Four Points

SOLAR, 2

By LYNETTE HAALANDFour Points News

The Four Points Chamber of Commerce celebrates its second anniversary this month as it grows with the emerging community. “We are about 110 members currently and we have continued to gain momentum as we are be-

coming more involved and recog-nized in the area,” said Ray Freer, Chairman. The Chamber was founded by a group of entrepreneurial-spirited leaders who recognized the need to connect area businesses and or-ganizations. “We are working to grow our sense of community to bring busi-

nesses and the our neighbors to-gether for charitable causes,” Freer said. New this year, the Chamber has created several signature events, something it has never done be-fore. The first one is the Amazing Four Points Race to the Taste on June 9. This Taste of Four Points

event will have vendors, music and entertainment for the whole family. “We are in process of securing the Four Points Home Depot to host the Taste,” Freer said. This Tasting event will be com-bined with a scavenger hunt race for the adventurous types similar to the Amazing Race seen on TV.

Registration for teams and ven-dors is now open. “We are very excited at this first of a kind event in the community,” Freer said. The Chamber’s second big event will be the Four Points Chamber Charity Golf Classic

Four Points Chamber of Commerce celebrates its 2nd anniversary

CHAMBER, 7

Lynette Haaland

more than 10 years old and have not previously had a free energy audit in the last decade, must pass one, Shore said. “There’s no point in installing solar power if the home is leak-ing like a sieve,” he said. It is the solar providers’ job to ensure a compliant design within local laws. Texas homeowners now have more freedom on the placement of solar panels with the passage of House Bill 362 in November 2011. The new law states that an HOA may not prevent ho-meowners from installing solar panels as long as other HOA

guidelines are met. An HOA may still prohibit the placement of solar panels on certain roof lo-cations. But under the new law, if a homeowner can prove that the desired location produces at least 10 percent more energy than the HOA-preferred location, the HOA may no longer prohibit the installation in the desired loca-tion. “The new law does not af-fect Steiner Ranch, which has allowed and promoted rooftop solar for many years,” said Scott Selman, Executive Director of the Steiner Ranch Community Association. “We look at the aesthetics closely and if the panels will be visible from the street,” said Rob Carruthers, Steiner Ranch Resi-dential Owner board member. One reason behind the new law is that in 2011, 25 percent of the people who moved to a different state moved to a major metropolitan area in Texas. This large influx has strained electric utilities in Texas, which need to rapidly deploy energy infrastruc-ture and power plants to meet the state’s population growth, Circular Energy officials said at their recent local meeting. The Austin City Council ad-opted a plan in May 2010 to get significantly more power from wind, solar and other sources that do not emit greenhouse gas-es. The plan calls for Austin En-ergy to obtain 35 percent of its electricity from renewable sourc-es by 2020, up from 12 percent now.

• Four Points News, Thursday, March 29, 2012

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Laura Welch Bush Elementa-ry hosted local Pilot Scott Olsen last week during its Southwest Airlines’ Adopt-A-Pilot pro-gram. "I tried to illustrate to the stu-dents the importance of working hard in their classes now, which will help them to be able to at-tend college and pursue their dream job later on in life,” Olsen said. The Steiner Ranch father of

two has one daughter at LWBE and another at Canyon Ridge Middle School. “Also, (I tried to encourage the students) to never give up on a dream no matter what obstacles may be in the way," he said. Olsen has been flying for over 24 years with more than 10,000 flight hours logged. For the past five years he has been with Southwest. He flew in the U.S.

Air Force for 10 years and is cur-rently a USAF Reserves pilot. The Adopt-A-Pilot program is a mentorship program that passes on leadership, values and goal setting skills to students all over the nation. Started in 1997, the award-winning educational program leads students through science, geography, math, writ-ing and other core subjects, all based in aviation-related activi-

ties. Students research careers, develop life values, and realize the importance of staying in school through this complimen-tary program offered by South-west. LWB classes were just part of over 1,350 classrooms in each of Southwest Airlines’ destination cities across the country that are participating this year in Adopt-A-Pilot.

Local pilot part of LWB’s Southwest Airlines’ Adopt-A-Pilot

Laura Welch Bush Elementary hosted Steiner Ranch Pilot Scott Olsen last week during its Southwest Airlines Adopt-A-Pilot program.

SOLAR, FROM 1

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March is National Nutrition Month, and this year’s theme is “Get Your Plate In Shape.” This week I’m going to highlight some of Leander ISD’s efforts to encourage healthy nutrition habits, while promoting student learning. At the March 22 LISD Board meeting, the Board of Trustees and I had the pleasure of honor-ing 15 students who were win-ners in the recent culinary arts competitions sponsored by our food service provider, Sodexo. For both competitions, par-ticipants prepared healthy kid-friendly recipes. As part of their recognition, the Board tasted some of the award-winning dishes our students cooked for the competition, and they found it delicious! On behalf of LISD, we again offer our heartiest con-gratulations to our 2012 Sodexo

Student Well-being Culinary Competition winners: Jessica Minne, Yusif Shalab, Brendan Chance, Alan Palmer and Cam Boucher, champions of the Cu-linary Throw Down Competi-tion; and to Abigail Crandell, Gabrielle Gilly, Rebekah Hamil-ton, Madison Nicole Lee, Megan Leingang, Natalie Mercado, Elise Orgeron, Nataniel Rodriguez-Saldierna, Trevor Stebbins and Renee Torres, the winners of the Future Chefs competition. Sodexo is teaching fantastic life lessons through these culi-nary competitions. They have proven to be fun ways to mo-tivate elementary- and middle school-aged students to engage in the food preparation process, experience following recipes and learn about nutrition to take ownership of their well-being. It always makes me smile

when I ask students what their fa-vorite thing is about school, and they answer, “Eating in the caf-eteria.” While we certainly want students to enjoy lunchtime, we also want to en-sure that what they are eating is wholesome because stu-dents can’t feed their minds if they don’t feed their bodies first. That’s why LISD’s Child Nutrition Services offers a wide variety of nutritious breakfasts and lunches to every student each school day on all campuses. In the wake of recent head-lines regarding the use of lean finely textured beef (LFTB), or “pink slime,” I want to take a moment to inform you of LISD’s

practices. Our meat providers do not purchase ammonia-treated beef for their school products. All U.S. Department of Agri-culture beef purchases for the

National School Lunch Program meet very high safety stan-dards. LISD, along with all of our food ven-dors, strive to serve our stu-dents only safe,

high-quality food items. Regardless, we want to make sure we are offering what kids want to eat. LISD’s Student Health Advisory Committee and student and adult customers provide input on menu items, which already exceed the nu-tritional standards set by the USDA. And we want students to

appreciate the fact that just be-cause they aren’t familiar with a certain food, it doesn’t mean it’s not worth trying. So other pro-grams and events like our “A to Z Salad Bar,” also sponsored by Sodexo, introduce students to exotic varieties of produce. To be healthy now and later and life, LISD believes in teach-ing students what it means to make wise choices. Our health curriculum emphasizes the im-portance of eating well. More-over, teachers and staff, includ-ing our Child Nutrition Services employees, are constantly en-couraging students to seek out healthy options. Indeed, the district is focusing on student learning by provid-ing quality, nutritious meals for students. I also want to mention that LISD was recently recog-nized by the Texas Department

of Agriculture for our support of the Summer Food Service Pro-gram. You may remember that this state-sponsored program provides free meals to children ages 1-18 years old at specified locations throughout the dis-trict. This is a great program that we are pleased to be a part of because it provides a benefi-cial service to our communities and our families. Life-long good nutrition hab-its require buy-in from students, parents, staff and community members. This March, I encour-age you to help us set a good ex-ample for our students by getting your own plate in shape. For more information about LISD’s menu offerings, visit www.leanderisd.org. Have a great week!

Four Points newswww.FourPointsNews.comschool thursday

March 29, 2012 • Four Points newswww.FourPointsNews.com

BRET CHAMPION

Nutrition programs feed bodies and minds in LISD

CMYK

Steiner Ranch Elementary hosted its annual Science Rodeo where kids and parents made slime out of water, glue and liquid starch. Hayden Tyndall (right) stretches the slime and Leah Lockerman (above) gets help from mom, Sherry, with her bubblegum colored slime.

Over Spring Break, 22 eighth graders from Canyon Ridge Middle School took a trip to Philadelphia, Gettysburg, and New York City. Students enjoyed hearing about the ghosts of Philly, marching on the Gettysburg Battlefield, shopping in NYC, and seeing the show “Any-

thing Goes”. The tour was coordinated by Joshua Marsh, 8th Grade U.S. history teacher at CRMS, and chaperoned by Laura Marsh and David Coll-mann. The tour group is seen pictured here in the heart of Times Square.

Canyon Ridge 8th Graders go east for Spring Break SRE Science Rodeo’s Slime station

Lynette Haaland

Follow-ing a ca-reer as an attor-ney and

community volunteer, Leslee Bassman was ‘bitten’ by the journalism bug in 2009 when she accepted a sports writer po-sition with Four Points News. “I have always enjoyed writ-ing - whether it’s legal briefs or just essays for fun,” said Bassman. “When I heard that the Four Points News was look-ing for a reporter to cover the ‘new’ LISD high school, I ran right over with resume and writing samples in hand. It didn’t matter that I was dressed for a summer swim meet when I met the publisher; I just wanted

to be first in line for the posi-tion.” The native-Houstonian graduated from the University of Texas at Austin’s School of Communication with honors. Bassman moved west to earn a Juris Doctor degree from the University of San Francisco School of Law and spent sev-eral years practicing law before starting a family. Bassman worked her way up to cover sports programs in all five LISD high schools before she sought an opportunity to expand her reporting skills by covering community news for a long-time weekly newspaper. At the West Austin News, Bassman logged hundreds of hours cov-ering high profile and large city

stories including Austin City Council elections, Austin En-ergy’s rolling blackouts, deer control, local victim advocacy programs and the City’s con-troversial public park and golf course smoking ban. But Bassman longed to get back to reporting the relevant news in her Four Points com-munity. “I love this area with its beau-tiful terrain, lake and abun-dance of outdoor sports activi-ties,” Bassman said. “I jumped at the chance to become involved in our community news once again”. Bassman, a resident of River Place, returned to the Four Points News after Steiner Ranch’s Lynette Haaland be-

came Publisher last summer. Bassman was recently promot-ed to Associate Editor of the community newspaper. Investigative reporting is just one area in which she shines. Her list of in-depth coverage over the years includes local crackdown on synthetic mari-juana sales, murder trials, vic-tims rights and the Texas Open Meetings Act. A photo from her work involving teen binge drinking was recently aired on the CBS Sunday Morning News. Bassman continues to live, work and kayak in Four Points with her husband, Rob, teenage daughters and a beloved Eng-lish Pointer, Foreman.

If I understand correctly, Riv-er Place residents paid money through their MUD for a trail ex-tension that cost about $150,000 and opened Memorial Day 2010. But this trail was closed by the City of Austin last week because it is illegal, encroaching on the Bal-cones Canyonlands Preserve and its endangered species habitat. The stretch of trail this includes is less than a mile, according to MUD Board officials. The City posted signs at the trail last week reading: “No Trespassing - Do Not Enter This is an illegally constructed trail that trespasses through endangered species habitat. If you enter, you will be subject to prosecution for criminal trespass.” The City closed the trail to regain com-pliance with its federal permit to manage the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve. Travis County and the City of Austin were given a 30-year permit in 1996 by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service to protect the endangered species and their habitat con-tained within the 30,428 acres comprising the BCP. City officials say the trail was constructed without its consent and the trail encroaches on preserve lands in the BCP. Four Points News obtained a copy of the letter sent in February to the City from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Field Su-pervisor Adam Zerrenner instructing that portions of the trail located within the BCP be closed. Here are excerpts of the letter: “The BCP is not a suitable place to locate a trail and such activity would not be con-sistent with the terms of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service permit.

The Service agrees with the City that those portions of the trail located within the BCP should be closed and the area re-stored.” But the MUD Board be-lieves it took proper steps when it had the trail built. A sketch was given to City officials in 2008 showing the nature trail and the area at issue. At that time, the sketch showed

possible encroachment. The Board contracted with local Envi-ronmental Survey Consulting to build the 2009 extension. River Place MUD Presi-dent James Casey said at some point in 2008, Environmental Survey Consulting’s Project Leader emailed “City of Austin personnel regarding the trail extension lo-cation” but nothing was changed. The trail was still constructed. The project manager told Four Points News’ Leslee Bassman: No comment. It is unbelievable that this fell through the cracks with all of the checks and bal-ances in place at the City, at the River Place MUD and even at the a firm contracted to build the trail. Now the trail has to be taken out and the area restored. What a waste of time, effort and money to build a trail that opened for some 18 months and now will need to be taken out! It will cost more money, time and effort to repair the affected portions of the trail to its natural habitat. Lots of people were involved in this proj-ect and someone should have figured out before it was built that it would be illegal to do so.

Four Points newswww.FourPointsNews.comoPinionthursday

• March 29, 2012Four Points newswww.FourPointsNews.com

Publisher’s Point of View

LYNETTE HAALAND

River Place trail shut down costs money, time and effort

Jessica LamkinSteiner Ranch

On Quinlan Park Road by the entrance to Steiner Ranch, on top of the rocks. We’ve taken pictures of our kids there. The bluebonnets are great this year and ev-erything is looking beauti-ful now.

Where is the best place to take bluebonnet photos?Four Points oF View

PERSONNEL

Four Points newsYour Community Newspaper

3129 RIPPLING CREEK CT. AUSTIN, TEXAS 78732TELEPHONE: 512-380-1405 FAX: 512-355-1774E-MAIL: [email protected]

Publisher & Editor ..........................................................................LYNETTE HAALANDAssociate Editor .................................................................................LESLEE BASSMAN Advertising Sales Representative ...................................................HOLLIE KENNEYCreative Services ............................................................................. JENNIFER ROBERTSCirculation ...................................................................................................FRED FRANCOReporter...............................................................................................................RICH KEITHContributor ........................................................................................... BRET CHAMPION

Published weekly in Four Points, Texas by Four Points News LLC. For subscription information, email inquiries [email protected]

Carlos CaldasSteiner Ranch

Quinlan Park Road, be-tween Steiner Ranch Bou-levard and University Club Drive. People are taking lots of pictures there.

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Dear Leslee Bassman, As a home owner in the af-fected area and one who ini-tially (2007) was not offered a view fence but was forced to ac-cept an up to 14 foot tall fence in my backyard, I am amazed to read in your article that the BCP “continue discussions with these neighbors as we do with all neighbors abutting the property (BCP)”, because this is an abso-lute lie by the BCP.

Our story Upon learning that a fence was to be erected behind our home in early 2007 we contacted the BCP and our HOA to request the view fence. Much to our sur-prise we were told that we could not get the view fence because the ordering period had expired. We were surprised to learn that all of the neighbors on Eagle Trace, Sun Tree, parts of Merry-wing and Pelican Cove had been offered the view fence but not

us. The BCP representatives we spoke with were unhelpful, rude, and clearly had it out for us. Granted the BCP representa-tives had been fighting every-one affected and were clearly sick of the neighborhood, but to me their actions behind MY HOUSE are unforgivable. We were never given an option and now they claim that they do want to be good neighbors? We were called complaining and told that they didn’t care that we had not been contacted. End of discus-sion.So now that the BCP has shown that they can spend thousands on equipment and new fencing, maybe they should correct the fence they wrongly placed be-hind my house.Again I invite you to my home to see the fence for yourself.

Best regards,Shawn Olsen

River Place

Balcones Canyonlands Preserve inaccuracies from RP homeowner

Leslee Bassman named Four Points News Associate Editor

Since our article regarding LISD’s new licensing program appeared in the March 1 edition, our staff has received numerous questions and concerns from interested readers. Recently, Leslee Bassman, Four Points News Associate Editor, asked school district officials for an update on the transi-tion to the new procedure and received the following response from Veronica Sopher,

LISD Executive Director of School/Com-munity Relations: “We are working with Sabre to get our marks trademarked as we speak. Our goal has always been to implement the program for the 2012-2013 school year. We've had numerous vendors ready to sign on, but we have to get our marks registered first. We'll be working on that in the coming months.

We are putting the final touches on a web-page with more information on the pro-gram that should be live later this week. We've been telling people who call and ask to just proceed like they've been, until the program is launched and just be mindful that there will be a new process for the next school year.”

Update on LISD licensing program

tomers,” said Yates, who emceed the event last week that hun-dreds attended. Bobby Steiner was the guest speaker at the opening ceremo-nies. The Professional Bull Rid-ing Hall of Famer told of the days when Steiner Ranch was simply their Steiner family ranch where they raised their children and rodeo stock. “We are proud to be a part of a place with so many happy fami-

lies,” Steiner said. “We are also proud to say we now have a Ran-dalls.” Many who made the local Randalls at Quinlan Park Road and FM 620 possible - from just an idea three years ago to a real-

ity - were at the opening ceremo-nies and were recognized. “Our company joined the Austin community in 1972, and we are excited to offer our cus-tomers a brand new store,” said Paul McTavish, president of

Randalls. Four Points Chamber Chair-man Ray Freer and Paul McTa-vish, president of Randalls also spoke.

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Community Events

March 27 Diabetes Alert Day American Diabetes Association encour-ages people to take the Diabe-tes Risk Test www.stopdiabetes.com

March 28 Steiner Ranch Neighborhood Association General Meet-ing Steiner Ranch Elementary 7pm

March 29 - 31 Concordia University Texas theatre’s All in the Timing Black Box Theatre, 11400 Con-cordia University Dr. 7:30 p.m.

March 30 Educating Austin Kids Spring Social Benefits Rising Stars Preschool scholarship ABLE’s Allison Elementary play-ground project 7- 10pm at Twin Creeks Country Club, Cedar Park

April 1 Lakeway Regional Medical Center Community Open House 1 - 4 p.m. at 100 Medi-cal Parkway

April 1 Cupcake Craze - Four Points Foodie hosting food demo at Faraday’s Kitchen Store from Noon - 3pm

April 5 River Ridge Elementary Rat-tler Roundup Uncle Billy’s on Lake Travis. Music by Suede, food, live & silent auctions. Tickets now until March 23: $35. www.riverridge.my-pta.org from 6:30-10:30pm

April 7 18th annual Steiner Ranch Easter Egg Hunt John Simp-son Park from 9:30 – 11:00am. Rain or Shine

April 13Travis County Sheriff ’s Office Precinct 2 Child ID at Grand-view Hills Elementary

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By LESLEE BASSMAN

In a month, they’ll be gone: the beautiful cone-shaped hues of purplish-blue and white Blue-bonnets sprouting amidst the sea of golden-orange Indian Paintbrush which now adorn our Central Texas roads, add-ing charm to the otherwise mundane concrete highways. For most West Austinites, the first sign of these native flowers sprouting every March signifies the official start to springtime and a reminder of how fortunate we are to live where we do. Earlier this month, my oldest child was home from college for Spring Break. One of the things she requested to do was to take a mother-daughter road trip to Fredericksburg - a girl’s gotta shop! So, we loaded up the car with our reusable grocery bags and charged (pun intended)

ahead. It wasn’t long (we were still on RM 620) before we felt the need to find caffeine. We passed up the usual coffee-chains to try some-place new and unique along the way which we found at Dripping Springs’ Roll-ing in Thyme and Dough R e s t au r ant . Stepping in-side the con-verted older home, we were caught up in the sights and smells of phenomenal European pastries and coffees. We opted for something “nutritious”, two croissant breakfast specials, and found a table in the covered out-door patio. It was just so nice to stop and take a break that we didn’t request our order ‘to go’,

choosing instead to take our time and relax. Surrounding us was the usual hustle and bustle, even in this small town: a large table of local moms caught up

in a PTA planning meeting, a group of professionals en-gaged in a business discussion and sev-eral small tables of individuals hard at work on their lap-tops. With full tum-mies, we couldn’t

just get back in the car and sit for another hour. So we trotted down a road or two, admiring some of the homes from yester-year before continuing on our travels. A little further out of town, we spotted the Texas State Flower in all of its glory, peaking through the grasses lining our route. For

Ashley, the Spring wildflowers meant that she was home. To me, it was a reminder of how lucky and proud I am to call myself “Texan”. We bounced from shop to shop in Fredericksburg, look-ing for unique gifts for friends and family as well as bargains for ourselves. Despite the hectic daily lives we lead, Ashley as a student-athlete and I as a work-ing, swim mom, we actually ‘me-andered’, stopping for lunch and easy conversation in an outdoor cafe. It felt good. However, like our bluebon-nets’ short season, Spring Break is over and it’s time to get back on the treadmill, literally and figuratively. As fragile as life is, I guess our bluebonnets are kind of a ‘nod’ from above: to cherish the special moments and people while we can.

LESLEE BASSMAN

Taking time for Texas Bluebonnets

A 30-second video depicting how litter can make its way to the Texas coast might just be the big break for some Central Texas high school filmmaker. Texas Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson is calling for en-tries to the Trash Travels High

School PSA contest. All entries must be exactly 30 seconds long and based on the theme, “trash travels”. The winning entry will be aired on YNN, Time Warner Ca-ble’s 24-hour local news channel, and the filmmaker will receive

ACL tickets, a tour of Robert Rodriguez’ Troublemaker Stu-dios and a class party at Schlit-terbahn, New Braunfels. “The idea of this contest is to get kids thinking about how trash travels,” Patterson said. “Litter in Central Texas can

make its way to the Gulf Coast, where we organize thousands of volunteers through the Adopt-A-Beach Program to pick it up.” All entries must be received by April 2. For more contest details, rules and an entry form, visit www.texasadoptabeach.org.

Congressman Lamar Smith (TX-21) is hosting a Job Fair in conjunction with Capital Area Workforce So-lutions on Tuesday, April 10 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Frank Erwin Center at 1701 Red River. Austin area businesses and job seekers are invited to par-ticipate.

Job Fair April 10

Thursday, April 5, 20126:30-10:30pm

• Uncle Billy’s on Lake Travis, Upper Level• Music by Suede, food, live & silent auctions• Tickets: $35 ($50 after March 23rd) Order tickets at www.riverridge.my-pta.org

Believe in education…be-lieve in our teachers…believe in our PTA…believe in our children…they are our FU-TURE!

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Peace Lutheran Church, 10625 RR 620, announces Special Worship Service times for Easter Sunday only, 8:00 AM, 9:30 AM & 11:00 AM. www.peaceaustin.org 512-258-2293

Easter Sunday Services

High School students compete to create anti-litter PSA

Four Points, get your baskets ready! Rain or shine, the Easter Bun-ny is visiting John Simpson Park on April 7, 2012. Festivities in-clude face painting, pony rides, a petting zoo, balloon twister and more. The fun begins at 9:30 a.m. and lasts until 11:00 a.m.

Bring your camera for special photo opportunities! The Easter Egg Hunt be-gins promptly at 10 a.m. when thousands of Easter eggs will be placed on the park grounds and all children ages 10 and un-der are invited to gather for this “eggstra” special event.

Participants should start lin-ing up along the sidewalk next to their dedicated age group at 9:55 a.m. Please wait for the fire truck or air horn to signal the big start. To ensure all children leave with eggs, we ask each child to limit their eggs to ONE DOZEN. Please keep this in mind when

your child is on the HUNT. All children will be divided by age group and two “special eggs” with prizes will be hidden for each age group. Please register at http://stei-neregghunt2012.eventbrite.com/ so the Easter Bunny know how many eggs to hide!

18th annual Steiner Ranch Easter Egg Hunt, April 7

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Lake Travis United Methodist Church

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CMYK

`The seventh annual Run the Ranch drew more than 520 runners, walkers, and little ones riding in jogging strollers.`The 5K, Kids K and Health Fair at the Towne Square Community Center in Steiner Ranch on March 3 set attendance records.`While the cool temperatures at the starting line had racers huddling together, the bright sun and the en-couraging smiles alone the route kept racers moti-vated, said Volunteer Chriss Hexter.`Hill Country Bible Church was the title sponsor of the event and provided many volunteers.`Runners crossed the finish line to enjoy breakfast tacos from Rudy’s and coffee from Cups ‘n Cones. In typical Austin fashion, everyone was entertained by live music and train rides for the children. The Health Fair provided information and freebies from a variety of healthcare and fitness professionals.`Gene Arant Real Estate provided the race bags and Kids K medals, while Austin Asset Manage-

ment provided the race numbers and pace car. Other sponsors included Randalls, Randolph Brooks Credit Union, 620 Chiropractic and Wellness Center, Wild Basic Fitness, Yoga for Life, QualTech Automotive, Capital City Running, Stroller Strides and Austin Foot and Ankle.`The eighth annual Run the Ranch will be March 2, 2013.

Congratulations to our 2012 overall winners: Male Female1. Sean O’Neil (six-time winner) 1. Jennifer Fisher2. Stuart Will 2. Sydney Prucha3. Dennis Moynihan 3. Hollie Kenney4. Jim Moore 4. Catherine Bunch5. Stephen MacLaren 5. Jordan Mathis

Age Group winners: Male Female1-10 Nico Canosa Jordan Mathis11-19 Stephen MacLaren Catherine Bunch20-29 Tim Sage Amanda Clemons30-34 John Cook Maricruz MacIas35-39 Matthew Sanders Sari Borick40-44 Jim Moore Anja Seth45-49 John Stetson Sara Ferniza50+ Manuel MacIas Lindsey Watson

7th annual Run the Ranch drew a record crowd

By LESLEE BASSMANFour Points News

Four Points residents celebrated summer just a little bit early as Riv-er Place Country Club hosted its Summer Camp Open House. The festivi-ties on March 7 featured every sport imaginable ‘under the sun’ despite event’s indoor site, even a bouncy house set up in the club’s dining room. The programs are open to members and non-members with featured camps including sports, tot, golf, tennis, karate, music, Lego, dance, gym-nastics, and cheer. This year, local teens have the opportunity to enjoy a Teen Fitness Boot Camp and the ‘younger set’ can explore the community areas with RPCC’s Out-door Adventure Camp. Registration is already underway for the 2012 River Place Rapids swim team, with the season’s first parent meeting set for April 25 at 7:00 p.m. at the RPCC. For more information on RPCC summer pro-grams, click on www.riv-erplaceclub.com or call 512-246-1114, ext. 3900.

River Place Country Club hosted Summer Camp Open House


Leslee Bassman

Leslee Bassman

endangered species and their habitat contained within the 30,428 acres comprising the BCP. According to Austin Water Utility Conservation Program Coordinator Amanda Ross, the City was obligated to remove the trail and restore the area back to a wildlife habitat; otherwise, its federal permit to manage the en-tire preserve system would be in jeopardy. Ross confirmed that the City asked the River Place MUD to close the “illegally built” trail sections before March 9 but that the “River Place MUD did not comply with this request.” As a result, the City of Austin Wildland Conservation Division closed a section of River Place’s Upper Panther Hollow Trail be-tween the Tributary View and Emergency Exit parameters on March 20. “The trail was closed in an ef-

fort to regain compliance status with its federal permit,” Ross said. She also stated that the MUD did not follow the City’s Master Trail Plan procedures before building the newest phase of its River Place Nature Trail. Following a Wednesday meet-ing between the River Place MUD and City officials, the Board post-ed additional signage explaining the closure. Kevin Buchman, City of Aus-tin Wildland Conservation Divi-sion spokesperson, confirmed on Friday that the portion of the trail which was closed would not be reopened. Both parties, River Place MUD Board and City of Austin, have provided two different scenarios as to when the trail planners and Board officials had notice that the trail encroached onto BCP land. River Place MUD President

James Casey stated that he was not aware that there was a prob-lem until he received a demand letter from Austin Water Utility’s Wildland Conservation Division’s Conrad in early January 2012 asking the Board to shut down a portion of the trail. According to Casey, the Board complied with Conrad’s request to close the trail and put up signs related to the closure. Casey added that the Board does not police the signs and that the signs may have been removed. However, at least one other Board member and Ross stated that a sketch was given to City of-ficials in 2008 showing the nature trail and the area at issue. Accord-ing to a MUD Board member, the City failed to provide board of-ficials with a concise map of the area showing preserve boundar-ies.

The Board contracted with lo-cal Environmental Survey Con-sulting to build the original trail in 2000 as well as design and build the 2009 extension. Casey stated that at some time in 2008, Environmental Survey Consult-ing’s Project Leader emailed “City of Austin personnel regarding the trail extension location”. However, Casey said that since the Board does not review the emails of their consultants or contractors even if they pertain to projects they are working on for the River Place MUD, he was unaware of any encroachment issue which may have been con-veyed to the MUD’s trail builder in 2008. He added that Project Leader Stan Wilson’s sketch for City officials was only a “hypo-thetical.” The Four Points News con-tacted Stan Wilson, now a Senior

Project Manager at Environ-mental Survey Consulting. Wilson stated that he had “no comment on the issue” and said, I don’t think it’s at that point yet when asked about contacting his attorney. At one point last week, Casey and other Board mem-bers had hoped the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service would approve the River Place Na-

ture Trail extension retroactively and believed that such exemp-tions had been approved in other locations. However, the latest in-formation gathered by the Board shows that, upon further review, the federal agency will not ap-prove the trail portion in dispute. No new work on the trail can be conducted until the mating sea-son of two endangered species of birds residing in the preserve ends in August. “People using the trail are dis-appointed and we are disappoint-ed that the trail was made without our knowledge,” Ross said. Casey estimates that the Na-ture Trail extension cost the River Place MUD, and therefore River Place residents, about $150,000. At issue now is the cost to repair the affected portions of the trail to its natural habitat and, should the Board decide to move a segment of the trail, the cost of reconnect-ing the two currently unattached sections. On Friday, at least one website devoted to local hiking, www.tex-ashiking.com, posted an advisory warning hikers of the River Place Nature Trail closure and that tres-passing into the closed area would “leave the hiker in danger of being charged with criminal trespass.”

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Vandegrift High School Viper Band Junior Sammy McCullar has been invited to a second season with the Crossmen, an elite drum corps out of San Antonio. McCullar plays French horn in the band and plays the mello-phone on the marching field. He earned his place over dozens of applicants during his audition. "At the audition camp you play two pieces of music in front of a Crossmen brass staff mem-ber and they decide if you are fit for the corps. I'm now consid-ered a Crossmen veteran, which increased my chances of getting back into the corps, but I still had to audition this year," McCullar said. The Crossmen are one of only 23 World Class Drum and Bugle Corps, and they are the only World Class corps in Texas. The Crossmen are often called a traditional drum corps because they do not use a lot of props. Being the only World Class Corps in Texas, the Crossmen de-velop a high tolerance for heat. "Because we rehearse 12 hours a day in 100 degree weather every day for the first two weeks of the season, this makes the rest of tour feel like spring instead of sum-mer." McCullar is excited because this is his second year with the Cross-men and he knows what to ex-pect. Additionally it will be easier than last year, when he signed his contract in the middle of "spring training," which are the weeks prior to the start of touring.

"I had to learn and memorize 10 minutes of music and drill. That may not sound like a lot, but it can be hundreds of bars of mu-sic, and hundreds of specific steps. This took me almost all of spring training! This time around I will be learning with the group, and not on my own after everyone else has already learned the music and the drill," he explained. Once "spring training" is fin-ished in San Antonio, The Cross-men hit the road. Their first stop is playing on the steps of the Texas Capitol on June 16. The Crossmen are in a city for a just day or two. It's great to travel the country but "I really didn't get to see much other than the dif-ferent high schools we stayed at." Most of their travel is at night af-ter a competition and the students learn to sleep as soon as they hit

the bus. After arriving at a housing site (a high school gym) usually late at night or early in the morn-ing, the corp would unload and get a couple more hours of sleep. Then it's up bright and early for a stretch-and-run, breakfast and then on to several hours of prac-tice to prepare for their next com-petition. The Crossmen travel all over the eastern half of the US in com-petitions and they enter some ex-hibitions. There is a competition nearly every day. Their season ends in early August at a finals competition with all of the corps in Indianapolis, Indiana. "My role in the Crossmen as a veteran is to set an example for the rookies," McCullar said. There is not time for much else. "Some days, we literally sleep, eat and march."

Viper Band student returns to elite marching corps

Viper Band Junior Sammy McCullar has been invited to a second sea-son with The Crossmen, an elite drum corps out of San Antonio. Mc-Cullar earned his place over dozens of applicants during his audition.

The Hills’ Flint Rock Falls golf course in West Austin will host the Steiner Ranch Old Pros inaugural golf tournament on April 14, allowing residents an opportunity to play one of the top private courses in Cen-tral Texas. Play format is an 18 Hole Two Man Scramble and tee

times start at 12:30 p.m. Event fees of $125 for mem-bers or guests include green fees, cart, prizes, grill dinner and a charitable donation of $25. Tournament proceeds will support the Old Pros organiza-tion. Half of the optional team skins game fees of $20 is slated

for charity as well as all proceeds received from $5 mulligans. Steiner Ranch Old Pros mem-bers have priority for the 40 available spots. Sponsorship information can be obtained by contacting Scott Kunkel at [email protected] or visiting the Old Pros homepage.

Steiner Ranch Old Pros inaugural golf tourney April 14

TRAIL, FROM 1

HARAIS, FROM 1

CHAMBER, FROM 1

“We literally had 60 seconds to leave the house,” TJ said. Carson carried his bass and his PS/3 out to the car. His sister Elise got her phone, some clothes, four rabbits and the dog. TJ grabbed the two family PCs, a collection of photos that were handy and his seven guitars. Norma put together some clothes and a few essentials and was so busy supervising that she forgot her luggage containing her clothes, jewelry and emergency cash. It was right by the door. Later, standing in the parking lot of the local H-E-B grocery store, Norma looked down and noticed her kids were hopping around on the hot pavement. “Put on some shoes,” she gently scold-ed, and the look on their faces told her what she had just guessed, they had no shoes. “It was so difficult not to be able to get any information,” Norma recalled. They received some texts from friends who either had not yet left the neighborhood or who had resisted the evacuation order. Ultimately they received a video showing their house on fire, and later they found the house was a total loss. The Harais family stayed at the

home of TJ’s boss in River Place for five days. Soon help came from a local realtor who rented them a home in the UT Golf Club community, where they stayed for a few months before moving to another rental in Steiner Ranch. Like other families displaced by the fires, they all went through a grieving period. Norma sift-ed through the ashes for days. “Something must be salvageable here,” she would tell herself. TJ was the opposite. Looking at the flattened house he thought, “I’m done; I want nothing to do with this.” TJ said they learned two big lessons: “We were reminded of the kindness of humanity and espe-cially our neighbors. And mate-rial possessions mean nothing,” he said. This last casualty was particu-larly tough to endure. Lost in the fire was a 1972 short bed pickup truck which TJ had been restor-ing for son Carson. The father-son project was more than 75 percent complete, and the pair had spent hundreds, perhaps thousands of hours restoring the pickup to pris-tine condition.

“Take pictures, as your insur-ance agent has told you to do. Trust me on this one,” TJ lament-ed. Although they said they had a great insurance experience over-all. The family talked a lot about whether to rebuild or to move on. They decided that being in the same neighborhood was a good thing because of the familiarity with the people, the environment, though now still scorched, and the schools. Knowing it could never be the same again actually freed them up to do some creative design on a floor plan. “We didn’t try to re-create the same house we lived in for 18 years,” Norma said. The Harais’ have just broken ground on their new home. The kids participated in the design. Norma has designed an art studio for herself, a family music studio, and their new home will have a four-car “stacked” garage with shop space for those car projects soon to come. “We had always planned on staying in Steiner Ranch before the fires, and we still love it here,” Norma said.

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tournament on October 22 at River Place Country Club. The Chamber is also attracting bigger companies to join. “We did not have any of the larger businesses getting into the chamber at the start,” Freer said. Now H-E-B, Randalls, Home Depot, Concordia University Texas, Round Rock Ex-press, Whataburger, Schlotzsky’s, Regions Bank, Randolph Brooks Federal Credit Union, and United Heritage Federal Credit Union to name some of the larger companies now members. At first the Chamber only had the monthly lucheons and now it has added networking events like the Four Points Connectors that meets twice a month to help small busi-nesses build relationships and grow connections in the area. “We are looking at adding addi-tional opportunities for networking on a weekly basis in the upcoming months,” Freer said. The Chamber has also added monthly social hours at various member locations. “Most enjoyable is the fact is that we have so many great people in our community who are business owners,” Freer said. “Members learn from each other.” Just this week Four Points Cham-ber was honored with a recognition by Austin Business Journal in its selection of "26 Chambers Of Com-merce."

stars oF the weekthursdayPage8 • March 29, 2012


James Patrick Gonzales III- SeniorFavorite part about being involved in Viper Track: James Patrick Gonzales III Senior Favorite part about being involved in Viper Track: The respect schools show each other at large track meets as they compete. Everybody strives to do their best to help their team and push their self to their full potential.

Gretta Smith - SeniorFavorite part about being involved in Viper Track:Gretta Smith Senior Favorite part about being involved in Viper Track: My favorite thing about track is getting to race every weekend because I like the strategy I get to use in the distance races when I can see my paces every lap.

Thomas O’Brien - JuniorFavorite part about being involved in Viper Baseball:The team concept and team bonding.

Skyler Young - FreshmanFavorite part about being involved in Viper Golf:I like being a part of the golf program because if gives me a chance to meet and compete against people from other schools and our coach wants us to be successful and helps us out whenever we need help.

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BASEBALL

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The Vandegrift boys basket-ball team recently received the following awards for their per-formance on the court and in the classroom during the 2011-12 season: 2nd Team All-District - Nick Florence, John HirschhornHonorable Mention All-Dis-trict - Dakota Prukop Academic All-District - Ryan Brewster, Matt Dang, Ty-ler Eyre, Nick Florence, J. T.

Graham, Zach Hartman, John Hirschhorn, Raine Hoffman, Gunner Linhart, Dakota Prukop, Cody Witt 1st Team, THSCA Academic All-State (Seniors only) - Nick Florence Honorable Mention, THSCA Academic All-State (Seniors only) – Matt Dang TABC Academic All-State (Seniors only) - Matt Dang, Nick Florence

Viper Basketball awarded top accolades this season

Out of a total of 64 teams competing at Clear Creek High School’s Kemah Boardwalk Invitational on March 23-24, Vandegrift High School’s tennis squad posted an impressive top three finish in the Boys Singles division. Viper Dillon Launius put up the “W” against Boerne Champion’s Jared Fellows, 6-3,

3-6, 10-5 for the third place hon-or. Vandegrift’s Mixed Doubles team of Maria Giral and Chad Howland was awarded tenth place in the tourney after defeat-ing Katy Taylor. Nina Rodriguez beat Westlake’s Megan Hahn for the Consolation Finals Winner spot.

Viper Tennis takes the podium at Kemah Boardwalk Invitational

Vandegrift High School Girls Soccer played Cedar Park on March 23.Friday. “Friday night the girls went into the game knowing a district title was only a tie away but being the rivalry that it is, they were playing for the win,” said Jenifer Hardy, Girls Soccer Head Coach. “The game was intense to say the least!” Vipers struck first with a “beautiful” header from Sa-vannah Cavanaugh off one of Quinn Zulkowski’s consis-tently well placed corners, Hardy said. Even with the increased adrenaline from the score, Ce-dar Park came back to tie up the game before the half, also off a corner kick which just barely got by the Lady Viper Defense. The attempts on goal from both teams continued throughout the second half but both defenses and keepers kept the half 0-0. “It was an amazing competition to witness. I couldn’t be more proud of the girls for taking the team as far as they have already,” Hardy said. All of the girls are extremely excited about their current success and just want to take it one game at a time, the coach said. Friday March 30, Vipers take on Austin Crocket at home at 7:30 p.m. for the bi-district round of play offs.

Vandegrift High School Boys Soccer played Ce-dar Park on March 23, winning 2 - 1. Their overall record was 13-8-1 and 8-2 in district play. “The Viper Soccer men have worked relentlessly for this program to get to where they are today,” said Head Coach Chad Aldrich. VHS Boys played numerous respected teams and the best in the area, he added. “Hats off to our district because it is not easy by any means. I couldn't be prouder of what the boys have given up to make Vandegrift soccer where we are today,” Aldrich said. “They work without question, without doubt, and most importantly, together as a family,” he said. He added he hopes each senior class can lead like this one. Viper boys play this Friday, 6 p.m. at Nelson field versus Austin Travis.

Viper Girls Soccer wins District Title with CP tie, 1 - 1

Viper Boys Soccer wins District with CP win, 2 - 1

Above: Victory run to the fans after the game!

For more information, visit steiner.hcbc.com | 12600 Country Trails Lane, Austin TX 78732 | 512.331.5050

Join us Sunday, April 8, for an inspiring Easter message.Services: 9:30 and 11:00 am at Laura Bush Elementary in Steiner Ranch or...

6:45 am Sunrise Service at HCBC NW CampusAlso, don’t miss the children’s choir on Palm Sunday, April 1.

Idodalia Ramos

Christopher Jensen (left), Rand Fredrickson (lower), and Stephen McCue as goalie against Leander HS.

Vandegrift VoiceVandegrift Voice

Collin Stobart moves the ball down the field at a game versus Rouse at home.

Photos by: Mike Batek

ViPer soFtball sPotlight thursdayMarch 29, 2012 •


1. What has to happen for your team to be successful this sea-son?

We have to believe that we are as good as we are.

2. What is your biggest concern heading into the season?

Injuries.

3. Who is Vandegrift’s biggest ri-val or biggest game to prepare for and why?

Every school is a rival and the big-gest game. We prepare for each of the teams we play daily. We don’t give one team more credit over any other because in the long run to make playoffs every team we play and beat counts.

4. Is there a hidden treasure on your team who might be un-known now but could poten-tially have a major impact on the coming season?

All of my players are treasures and each one of them have an impact on the success of our program.

5. What motivates you as a coach and why did you choose the sport you did?

I played all sports in high school, but softball was the sport that I found the most success in. I love softball because it challenges you daily both mentally and physi-cally. To me, the thing that moti-vates me the most about coaching, is that I get the opportunity to have a positive impact on an ath-lete’s life every day. I get to wake up every morning and hopefully change someone’s life.

2011 RecordOverall: 7-20District: 1-11

Returning Statistical Leaders: Madison Tierney (Sr), Kait-lyn Johnson (JR), Ally Holland (Soph)

Top Newcomers: Addie Oun (SR), Callaway Barr (Fresh), Madison Collins (Fresh), Ariel Barraza (Fresh)

Photo Texas Photography

2012 Vandegrift Softball Schedule

&QA

with Softball CoachWendy Huber

2011-2012 Vandegrift Softball Roster

Varsity:

Callaway Barr Ariel Barraza Madison Collins Langlie Cooley Ally Holland Kaitlyn Johnson Paige McCollum Addie OunJasmine Smith Madison Tierney

Day Date Opponent Site Time

TUE 27-Mar Rouse VHS 5:00/7:00 PMFRI 30-Mar Marble Falls Marble Falls 5:00/7:00TUE 3-Apr Cedar Park Cedar Park 5:00/7:00THUR 5-Apr Dripping Springs VHS 5:00/7:00 PMTUE 10-Apr Lake Travis Lake Travis 5:00/7:00 PMTHUR 12-Apr Tentative LISD JV Tourn. TBA TBAFRI 13-Apr Hyde Park Hyde Park 5:30/7:00SAT 14-Apr Tentative LISD JV Tourn TBA TBATUE 17-Apr Vista Ridge VHS 5:00/7:00 PMFRI 20-Apr Rouse Rouse 5:00/7:00

Live at the Lake

Greg Cooper

Kari Cooper

Juin Cooper

CO O PE R G R O U P512-470-2277

www.GoldwasserRealEstate.com

across from Steiner Ranch

3 BR/2.5 BA - 2,402 sq ft13214

Mansfield Drive

Spring Fling• Pre season camp for kids age 5-18 at Bella Mar Pool • April 9th - May 4th • $130 for the 4 weeks or $35/week

PRIVATE SWIM LESSONS!

For more information, contact us at [email protected] call: 512-298-USAS (8727)

For more information, contact us at [email protected] call: 512-298-USAS (8727)

For kids ages 3-15

Also Available

IN STEINER RANCH

2900 N. Quinlan ParkAustin, TX 78732

Phone 512.266.6160schoolinthehills.com

A summer of Science Discovery… starts at School in the Hills

Join the Quest! All children ages 3 years old through 4th grade are welcome. School in the Hills will spend the summer observing, investigating and experimenting in a fun environment. Enroll your child in Discovery in the Hills for a single camp, several weeks or all summer. Primary Camps for children ages 3 – 6. Leadership Camps for children currently in 1st – 4th grade. Visit schoolinthehills.com/summer for more information.

Call 512-266-6160 to schedule a tour or to reserve a spot for this summer.

Join Us for an Open HouseSaturday, April 21st from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

CMYK

Madison Collins -freshman, Madison Tierney- Senior, Addie Oun- Senior, Kaitlyn Johnson-junior, Callaway Barr-freshman wait for as a call was being discussed by the coach and umpire.

Coach Wendy Huber talks to the team after the game.

Lady Viper Softball showed Lake Travis their stuff during the March 16 game.

Top Left : Callaway Barr-freshman Pitcher

Left Middle: Paige McCollum-sophomore, outfielder at bat.

Bottom Left: Coach Riggen and Coach Driver sound off with the team.


CMYK

March 29, 2012 Issue

Documents

Transcript of March 29, 2012 Issue