Vandegrift High School catch-er Drew Higginbotham has been named to the 2011 Power Show-case All-World Baseball Team. Higginbotham will represent

the U.S. in a game that will fea-ture the most prolific amateur prospects in the world, including 15 countries. The 6th Annual Power Show-case is being held Dec. 27 - 30 at Chase Field in Phoenix, home to Major League Baseball’s Arizona Diamondbacks. Dec. 27 will be “Scout Day” at the San Diego Padres Spring Training Complex located in Peoria, AZ. Each player will demonstrate their five-tools in front of Major League Scouts. Pitchers, including Higginbo-tham, will each throw a bull-pen.

By LESLEE BASSMANLBassman@austin.rr.com

Painting was always a creative outlet which Steiner Ranch’s Charlotte Soens enjoyed since she was a young child in Mu-nich, Germany. Artistry was in her genes, having had a grandfa-ther who was a noted painter and photographer during World War I. However, for Soens, now re-tired, the ‘hobby’ has turned into a profession as she wields her paintbrush on canvas to capture the soul and personality of local pets. “I always liked to paint,” said Soens who is self-taught. “I picked up the Old Master style while in Italy and just taught my-self.” Soens sold her first painting while in her 20’s, a portrait of a German farmer in a Tyrolian hat, for 400 or 500 marks or about $375. “That started me off,” recalled Soens who moved to New York City, married and later lived on the East side. “I never had to speak English there; they were all German”. While in New York, Soens took a break from painting to raise her child and resumed her

‘passion’ after relocating to Flori-da. “I was bored and picked up painting again,” Soens said. “I took my baby to all of my shows

CMYKSteiner Ranch Orthodontics

Treatment for Children, Teens & AdultsCall for your Complimentary Exam

Central Austin Steiner Ranch Bastrop All Insurances

512-266-8585 www.BracesAustin.com

InsideSchool .....................................3Opinion ..................................4Letters to Santa .....................5Classifieds ..............................6Sports ................................. 7-8

Find us on Facebook

We wish you a warm holiday season with family and friends.

Serving Steiner Ranch, River Place, Volente, Grandview Hills, Westminster Glen and Lake TravisVolume 7, Issue 50 • 8 pages Thursday, December 22, 2011 • 50 cents

Urgent Care ~ Now Open!

6618 Sitio Del Rio #A101 I Austin, TX 78730 512-241-1370 I www.hillcountrypediatrics.com

We are now open Sunday afternoons for sick visits by appointment only. You can call our office directly

at 512-241-1370 between the hours of 1PM and 5PM to schedule an appointment with our nurse practitioner,

Pat Budd, RN, CPNP. The phones turn on at 1PM.

NOW OPEN!

River Place Blvd & 2222512.435.4545 800.531.2328

WWW.UHCU.ORG

HOA, 8ENERGY, 8

SOENS, 2

478-3376 (4PT-DERM) I FOUR POINTS

DERMATOLOGY Medical • Surgical • Cosmetic • Adult • Pediatric Roopal Bhatt, MDBoard Certified Dermatologist

www.FourPointsDermatology.com

Visit our website for our December Specials.

Give yourself the gift of Peace of Mind this Holiday Season.

Schedule your skin exam.

The Leander ISD Board of Trustees voted on to allow the reappraisal of properties dam-aged or destroyed by wildfires at their meeting Dec. 15. Section 23.02 of Texas Prop-erty Tax Code permits jurisdic-tions to authorize the central appraisal districts to reappraise property damaged by wildfire this year, in areas declared to

be natural disaster areas by the Governor. Both Travis and Wil-liamson County parcels were affected by wildfires last sum-mer, with 24 homes listed as destroyed in the Travis County area of Steiner Ranch, 28 with damages, and 10 destroyed in the Leander fires, with three listed as moderate damage. Both Williamson County

and Travis Central Appraisal Districts are willing to provide this service: section 23.02 re-quires that the jurisdiction (in this case, LISD) pay the cost of reappraisals. Williamson CAD indicated that the costs would be minimal, if any, and Travis CAD is providing this at no cost

By RICH KEITH

The Steiner Ranch HOA is working to integrate fire safety into their overall community plan and architectural guide-lines. It is also working with Travis County on evacuation plans. Though the fire season is over, the impact of the sum-mer fires will be felt for several years. The goal of the HOA is to improve the community’s pre-paredness and response to fire without adding a cost burden to residents. “We want residents to keep the focus on fire safety even during the wet months. This means looking at fire preven-tion by inspecting your home for fuel sources, and being safe in parks and in playgrounds,” said Scott Selman, Executive Director of Steiner Ranch As-

sociations. Three of the top priori-ties in fire prevention include construction, landscaping and fencing. Recently four new construc-tion plans have been received in Architectural Review with the HOA, and the HOA ex-pects this marks the beginning of the rebuilding wave for the 23 homes lost in the Steiner fires. Overall Selman indicated that Steiner Ranch construc-tion is pretty good with respect to fire safety: homes must be constructed with a minimum 70% masonry or fire-imper-vious cover. Shake and other wood roofs are disallowed cur-rently so no modifications are required there. But even if a home is 100% combined ma-sonry and fiber cement siding, the fascia and trim can still be

ignited. This can happen when leaf gutters are full and em-bers fall on them, or when tree branches or large shrubs are al-lowed to touch the home. Landscaping goals for the HOA include limiting the “ig-nition zone” of plants and trees near a dwelling. Residents can be coached and trained to se-lect, install and trim vegetation and trees in accordance with accepted standards for fire safety. Fencing has been identified as a big problem in Steiner Ranch. Fires love dry, isolated cedar fences. “Fencing is like a fuse which, once lit, brings the fire right up to your home,” said Natha-sha Collmann, organizer of the Steiner Firewise group. The HOA is considering how to encourage residents to replace wood fencing with

Drew Higginbotham, a senior at Vandegrift High School has been selected to represent Texas in a baseball Showcase event Dec. 26 - 29.

By LYNETTE HAALANDLynette.FourPoints@gmail.com

After more than a year of re-view and extensive public feed-back, Austin Energy last week outlined its proposal for an aver-age 12.5 percent rate overall in-crease. This is its first increase in base electric rates in 17 years. The target date for implementation is April 2012 but public input is being sought first. The City Council has set a public hearing on the rate pro-posal on Jan. 12 beginning at 4 p.m. at City Hall. “They will set at least one ad-ditional public hearing for Janu-ary and could set more. They could vote on the rate proposal by the end of January or later,” said Ed Clark, Communications Director Austin Energy.

The local utility, which pro-vides power to most Four Points neighborhoods, says it needs to collect more revenue to cover costs to serve. It also wants to achieve greater rate equity be-tween customer classes, among other reasons for the rate in-crease. A large part of the 12.5 percent overall increase would come in the form of a flat fee. The utility has calculated a $22 per custom-er flat fee per month to cover the $34.12 fixed charges it has to be able to serve each customer. Here is where the $22 flat fee comes from:• Increase the monthly Cus-tomer Charge from $6 to $12 to pay more of the $19.70 fixed cost to serve each customer for bill-ing, meters, call center and other account management.• Establish a monthly $10 Elec-tric Delivery Charge to pay

more of the $14.42 fixed cost to serve each customer for the construction, maintenance and operation of the electric system. Austin Energy also wants to move from a two-tier to five-tier rate structure.• Increase the current 2-tier rate structure to a 5-tier struc-ture. Customers who use less power pay the lowest rates and those using higher levels pay higher rates. A 5-tier structure encourages energy efficiency and conservation, Clark said. “While the overall system av-erage increase is 12.5 percent, the actual increase per customer depends on their usage level,” Clark said. For example, a customer who uses an average of 1,000 kilo-watt-hours a month would see an increase of $9.60 a month or 10.3 percent increase while a customer who uses an average

Austin Energy proposes 12.5 percent rate increase

Steiner HOA developing guide-lines for fire safety, evacuations

Steiner Ranch retiree makes a living from “pet projects”

Above: Four Points artist Char-lotte Soens stands proudly in her home studio surrounded by her pet and flower portraits.Right: Artist Charlotte Soens credits her grandfather, Christian Koehnlein (pictured), with her creative talent. Koehnlein was a German photographer during World War I. Photo contributed by Charlotte Soens

Leslee Bassman

Viper catcher Higginbotham to represent Texas in worldwide event

DREW, 8

LISD Board authorizes reappraisal of property damaged by wildfires

LISD BOARD, 2

Read all about it!Read the letters to Santa from Laura Welch Bush Elementary and River Place Elementary first graders on page 5.

Steiner Ranch Elementary fifth graders from Mary Palmer and Heather Sabel’s classes made it through the school halls on Friday carolling to the classrooms.

and was very busy there. I sold a lot of paintings.” Following a divorce, Soens wound up in Darien, Connecti-cut, where she picked up a brush and canvas once more. While in Connecticut, Soens paid the bills working as a Special Education assistant in the public school system. “I love to paint, it’s my life,” Soens said. One more move and Soens ended up in Austin where she concentrates on pet portraits and oil paintings of flowers.

“Today, people want decora-tions in their homes and buy prints because it’s much cheap-er,” said Soens. “The art of paint-ing is dying unless you have a name or are completely crazy. It’s almost an insult for us artists. But I paint for myself. I enjoy painting and I take pride in it.” Soens’ pet portraits involve studying photos of the pet and even meeting the animal to get a sense of its personality which she then portrays on a canvas over a three or four week period.

“As you see,” said Soens, “my dogs have personality. I don’t just paint from a photograph.” After briefly attempting in-dividual portraits, Soens limits her subjects to only flowers and dogs. “I tried that [individual por-traits] in Florida,” said Soens. “I was too honest. If you have wrinkles, I’d paint the wrinkles. No thank you.” Soens exhibited her portraits at the River Place Country Club’s Yuletide Treasures event earlier

this month. Although painting for over forty years, Soens is surprisingly unable to name a personal favor-ite portrait. “An artist is never satisfied,” said Soens, now in her 60’s. “I want to get better and better. My best work is not done yet.” For more information on Soens’ portraits, see www.char-lottepainting.com.

Page 2 • Four Points News, Thursday, December 22, 2011

SOENS, FROM 1

CMYK

Drive-Thru M-F 7AM - 7PMSat 9AM - 2PM

Lobby M-F 9AM - 6PMSat 9AM - 2PM

River Place10815 Ranch Rd 2222

Austin, TX 78730

River Place Blvd & 2222

Be Smart. Bank Smart.

512.435.4545 www.uhcu.oRg 800.531.2328

Automobile Loansstarting at

Mobile Bankingwith two convenient and secure options

Mobile Web (m.uhcu.org) and App

SmartDesignCustomized VISA debit card with your own personal photo

Come meet your River Place branch staff.

APR = Annual Percentage Rate. Limited time offer. United Heritage lending policies and some restrictions apply APR applies to well-qualified borrowers. Offer not eligible on existing United Heritage auto loans. For each $1,000 borrowed at 2.49% APR with a repayment term of 36 months, the payment is $28.86; at 2.69% APR for 60 months, the payment is $17.85.

Membership is open to anyone who lives or works in Travis, Williamson, Bastrop,

Caldwell or Hays county.

Helping Four Points, Cedar Park, & NW Austinlearn to play since 2004.

paul@clancysguitarschool.com www.clancysguitarschool.com

12218 RR 620 NorthAustin, TX 78750

512.257.1073

guitar piano violin fiddle

banjo mandolin drums voice

Cla

ncy’s

Guitar School

since 2004

Steiner Ranch Yoga

www.steinerranchyoga.com | 512-243-7441

“Quieting the Monkey Mind”

Above Holiday on Ice Oasis Texas has been a drop site for the local chapter of Toys for Tots. Huang-Kim Cung, Miss Collegiate Texas and LCPL Christopher Bogart ac-cept a toy donation at the Dec. 13 Toys for Tots night at Oasis Texas which is in the midst of its "Holidays on Ice" program. The rink is open until New Year's Day.

Left: LCPL Christopher Bogart receives a toy donation from local ice skater on Dec. 13 at the Oasis Texas ice rink.

Lauren Rose

Lauren Rose

as well. Once reappraised, the ho-meowners would be eligible for a prorata refund of taxes paid, effective with the date of the loss. Williamson County estimates that this would ap-proximate $27 for each mobile home owner and as much as $325 based on the average price of the homes lost in the Moon-glow fire. Travis CAD uses a formula that appraises the re-maining foundation at 18% of the home's value, and the land cost appraised the same. It is expected that the impact on the district's finances will be minimal since LISD is still par-tially funded under the target revenue system; most of the im-pact would be on the I&S side.

LISD BOARD, FROM 1

women’s boutique • clothing • jewelry • gifts • home decor

www.adornaustin.com

2127 Lohmans Crossing Rd.Ste. 301, Lakeway

512-263-1400

Lakeway’s best kept secret!

Shop local for unique fashion and fabulous finds!Shop local for unique fashion and fabulous finds!

Wishing You a Merry Christmas!

This time of year, one of my greatest joys as superintendent of schools in Leander ISD is cel-ebrating how our students and staff go above and beyond to spread holiday cheer to those in need. LISD takes pride in being a district that models ethical be-haviors and promotes a culture of caring. This week, I thought it would be timely to take you on a brief tour of “holiday giving” in LISD, noting just a few of the gifts given by students and staff throughout the district. The first stop on our tour is none other than our own trans-portation department. (You may have seen a story about this last week on Fox 7.) For the last cou-ple of years, our transportation department has collected teddy bears for Dell Children’s Hospital. This year, their efforts were aided by some of our students involved in the Self-20 program, who took it upon themselves to give back this holiday season. Together, these students and staff members

donated almost 200 teddy bears, giving the gifts of warmth and comfort this season. But they aren’t the only LISD folks giving the cuddly keepsakes to Dell Children’s Hospital this month. For several years, Cedar Park High School has partici-pated in a service project called Jasmine’s Bears. This project was inspired by a CPHS student and cancer survivor, Jasmine Subia, who knew firsthand how mean-ingful the soft toys were to her during her difficult treatment. Historically, CPHS has rallied behind this cause and literally filled rooms with plush bears. This year, the CPHS community did not disappoint and will cer-tainly brighten the spirits of many young people with their gift of more than 1,360 stuffed animals! But CPHS’ efforts do not end there. Students Lindsey Koski, Lindsey Stawowy, Catherine Jor-dan, Connie Zhao, Nico Hawes and Jeremy Martin — all mem-bers of the Destination ImagiNa-

tion team, the Diving Cheese — have spent the last four months collecting children’s books also for Dell Children’s Hospital. At last count, they had received more than 600 books. Truly, all of these gestures will do much to lift spirits at Dell Children’s Hospital this holiday season. The next stop on our tour is Running Brushy Middle School. Students at this school have been very busy this fall. For example, the entire school came together to support the Coats for Kids campaign, and RBMS collected more coats for this cause than any other middle school in Central Texas! And earlier this fall, the International Jr. Thespian Troupe at RBMS collected change during lunch as part of a community ser-vice project through the Austin American-Statesman. The funds

benefitted a local family that has been dealing with health care ex-penses. Most recently, RBMS held “PJs and Polar Express Night,” where students and families were

invited to watch the popular movie, eat pop-corn and drink hot cocoa. Stu-dents who came were encour-aged to donate a toy, and at the end of the night,

more than 65 toys were given to Blue Santa. Traveling across the district to Canyon Ridge Middle School, we find the student body there ac-tively engaged in helping others. Phillip Ahern and Drayton Wh-iteside, members of the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS), started a campaign to collect gen-tly-used sporting equipment and clothing for “Safe Place,” a facility for abused women and children. The NJHS at CRMS is also col-

lecting dental hygiene products to send to children in Cambodia. All of these items will be a bless-ing to the children, both near and far, who will receive them. Our next two stops speak to how our schools are helping to provide for the basic needs of oth-ers. Earlier this fall, 15 members of the Rouse High School Habitat for Humanity club joined Habi-tat for Humanity of Williamson County to help frame a house and level a yard for an Ethiopian family. And just down the road at Block House Creek Elementary, students donated 850 pounds of food to Hill Country Community Ministries. Our last stop is Bagdad Ele-mentary, where the school’s choir gave the precious gift of friend-

ship to residents of The Pointe Assisted Living Community in Cedar Park. As you might imag-ine, these young singers were wel-comed guests. After an outstand-ing performance of holiday songs, the students gave handmade cards to the residents, along with hugs, smiles and conversation.

And so we conclude our holiday giving tour. These gestures of the Ethical Principles modeled by the students and staff of LISD are a great reminder that some of the best gifts we can give this season don’t come in packages. They come from the heart.

Have a very happy holiday!

Four Points newswww.FourPointsNews.comschool thursday

December 22, 2011 • Page 3Four Points newswww.FourPointsNews.com

BRET CHAMPION

Ethical Principles shine during holiday season

re:consider the seasonre:Christmas | A special series weekends in December

Christmas Eve Services 2 3:30 5 and 7P

No services Christmas Day

Austin Christian Fellowship6401 River Place Blvd., Austin, TX 78730 AustinChristianFellowship.org

.............................................................................................................................................................................................

Let us Help!

The Four Points News reaches nearly every single family home in Steiner Ranch, River Place, and Grandview Hills. Austin’s most

affluent neighborhoods! We can show you how to reach these

potential customers.

Four Points news

Contact Hollie Kenney410.258.1412

fourpointsnews@austin.rr.com

or

512.380.1405FourPointsNews.edit@gmail.com

Canyon Ridge Middle School 6th Grade Band had their first per-formance of the year on Dec. 5 at Vandegrift High School. This year the 6th grade band is the largest class for Canyon Ridge with over 150 students. It was standing room only. It was a stellar performance with the 6th grade class playing a variety of Winter songs . After they performed several selections the students then taught their parents how to play their instruments and the parents played a song for the audience.

Parents are pictured (Left to right):Flute player on left with glasses: Nicole Parmelee (mom is Debbie Parmelee) Emmie Perez (mom is Pam Perez), Flute player on the right is Cindy Wang (mom is Xizolan Qiu)

Pre-K and kinder students at Blackshear Elementary School, in Austin ISD, received an early holiday surprise. Susan Sullivan, the Principal, and Sue Floyd the Administrative As-sistant, at Canyon Ridge Middle School worked throughout the year sewing coats for these stu-dents. The students came in and picked out the coat that was special to them. The principal at

Blackshear Elementary, Teresa Longoria, knew how much her students loved receiving the new coats. Alfonso Longoria, the Assistant Princi-pal at Canyon Ridge Middle School, and the son of Ms. Teresa Longoria, accompanied Ms. Sullivan and Ms. Floyd to help distribute the coats to the 76 students. The student’s smiles were worth every moment of work.

Give yourself the gift of time!

The holidays can be hectic. Shopping, parties, visits from out-of-town guests…Finding safe, reliable childcare during the holiday season can be an additional stress. Treat yourself and your children to help from a College Nanny.

College Nannies Hourly Childcare Service allows you:• Time to shop without children in tow• Time to attend all your holiday events• Time to get away from it all

(512) 372.8385collegenannies.com

Free On-Call Enrollment with this code: Four Points

76 Coats made and given to Austin ISD students

2900 N. Quinlan Park Rd. (in the Shops at Steiner Ranch)

www.salonhueaustin.com

Hours: Mon. - Fri. 10am - 7pm Sat. 10am - 5pm 266-9225

New Salon in SteinerGreat holiday

Gifts!

Jan MitteAesthetician

My facials and peels are customized to cater to each individual skin type and skin condition. I work with my clients to achieve the results they desire. I also specialize in reshaping eyebrows.

- Jan

20% OFFNew client

facials or peels.

Last night there were two versions of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens showing at the same time on TV. First published in December 1843, this story was an instant success and has never been out of print. The transformation of Eb-enezer Scrooge is so inspiring that it stands the test of time. It reminds me of the spirit of Christmas evident in Four Points. The scene is set with the mean-spirited, miserly old man at his desk counting transac-tions on a frigid Christmas Eve. His clerk shivers because Scrooge refuses to spend money on heating coals. Scrooge’s nephew stops in and invites him to his annual Christmas party. Scrooge questions Christmas motives and merriment but his nephew counters: “There are many things from which I might have derived good, by which I have not profited...Christmas among the rest... But I am sure I have always thought of Christmas time... as a good time: a kind, forgiving, charitable, pleasant time: the only time I know of, in the long calendar of the year, when men and women seem by one consent to open their shut-up hearts freely, and to think of people below them as if they really were fellow-passen-gers to the grave, and not another race of creatures bound on other journeys. And therefore, uncle, though it has never put a scrap of gold or silver in my pocket, I

believe that it has done me good, and will do me good; and I say, God bless it!” Later that Christmas Eve Scrooge got a chance to examine: the background that

made him bitter, and that his actions do not show a sense of responsibility for those around him. He also got a glimpse of his death when his stuff is divided without care and his grave is untended. Scrooge wakes up Christmas morning over-whelmed with joy. He shares his new found Christmas spirit, sends a giant Christmas turkey

to his clerk’s house and attends his neph-ew’s party. Going forward, he honors Christmas with all his heart. So many Four Points families show this attitude and not just at Christmas time. Last weekend at nearby Armadillo RV Park, volunteers helped Mobile Loaves & Fishes share meals. Cooked at St. Thomas More, more than a dozen turkeys were carved and served, and God’s love was shared. In another instance, one River Place first grader seems to naturally have the Christmas spirit. Sabrina Bleu wrote to Santa asking for nothing but instead ask-ing what his favorite holiday is and letting him know that she likes him because he is nice. Share the joy of the season and Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to our Four Points community.

Four Points newswww.FourPointsNews.comoPinionthursday

Page 4 • December 22, 2011Four Points newswww.FourPointsNews.com

Publisher’s Point of View

LYNETTE HAALAND

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 78732Email: lynette.fourpoints@gmail.com

Spirit of Christmas seen in Four Points

Jack Hirschhorn Volente

Boar’s Head sweet slice dinner ham on the Christmas dinner table.

Who is your favorite holiday tradition?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: FOURPOINTSNEWS.EDIT@GMAIL.COM

Editor & Publisher ..........................................................................LYNETTE HAALANDAdvertising Sales Representative ...................................................HOLLIE KENNEYCirculation ...................................................................................................FRED FRANCOReporter.................................................................................................LESLEE BASSMANCreative Services .............................................................................JENNIFER ROBERTSContributors ................................................................BRET CHAMPION, RICH KEITH

Published weekly in Four Points, Texas by Four Points News LLC. For subscription information, email inquiries tofourpointsnews.bookkeeping@gmail.com

Courtney DuBoseSteiner Ranch

Candle light service at church.

McKenna DuBose Steiner Ranch

Getting together with family and celebrating.

Steve Cochran Steiner Ranch

Reading Christmas stories with the kids the night before Christmas.

DOLLAR FOR DOLLAR,DOLLAR FOR DOLLAR,NOBODY PROTECTSYOU LIKE ALLSTATE.

Savings based on national customer-reported data for new policies in 2009. Actual savings vary.Allstate Fire And Casualty Insurance Company: Northbrook, IL. © 2010 Allstate Insurance Company

Chuck Saxon Jr(512) 339-8494 2300 Lohmans Spur, Ste 121Lakewaychucksaxon@allstate.com

I can help you save money now.If you could pay less for insurance, but still getmore protection, why wouldn’t you? Driverswho switched to Allstate saved an average of$348 a year. Don’t wait! Call me today.

2900 N. Quinlan ParkAustin, TX 78732

Phone 512.266.6160schoolinthehills.com

An “education for life”… starts at School in the Hills

Montessori

Call 512.266.6160 to schedule a tour of the school to see our amazing children in action. Let us demonstrate why Montessori and School in the Hills is the right choice for your child.

Discover why Montessori education has amazed parents and inspired children for over 100 years. Enroll and watch your child grow to love learning while developing life skills such as: Self Confidence, Independence, Curiosity and Creativity.

Are you on the waitlist?Call today!

To learn more about our Podiatric PracticeVisit our website: www.MyAustinFoot.comOr call our office: 512-477-8853

Running or Sports Related Injury?Injury of the Foot & Ankle?

Jose A. Rivera, DPM, FACLESSteiner Ranch Resident

Then stop by and see

Hollie centerforfootandankle•r•2x2

The Fiber Arts Club meets every week after school at Canyon Ridge Middle School. Their current project is taking plastic grocery bags and crocheting them into durable reusable bags.

From the front going clockwise in the photo: Savannah Mills, Sydney Levine, Kayla Husband, Megan Whit-ing, Macy Rex, Whitney Tran, Kyra Patel, Sammy Levy, Michelle Patanella, Ashleigh Soule, Megan McKinney

Ms. Jennifer Schuelke, of Canyon Ridge Middle School, was recognized in the book, The Connected Educa-tor: Learning and Leading in a Digi-tal Age by Sheryl Nussbaum-Beach and Lani Ritter Hall. Ms. Scheulke was acknowledged in the book for her review of the publication.

Officials from the Texas Mu-sic Educators Association an-nounced recently that four Le-ander ISD fine arts organizations have been awarded a total of $13,800 in grants from the Texas Fine Arts Instructional Support

Program. The LISD programs that will receive these grants are:• Cedar Park High School band - $5,000• Canyon Ridge Middle School band - $1,800

• Leander Middle School choir - $4,000• Rouse High School band - $3,000 for new music The funds will go to help provide additional resources for LISD students, including new

instruments, instructional sup-plies, technology items and mu-sic. The grant is dedicated to the purchase of instructional sup-plies for public school music, art and theatre programs.

Grants awarded to LISD fine arts programs

We’d love to hear from you!Call us, email us, send a photo or share a story.

All submissions are welcome.

If Health, Beauty and Safety Of Your Trees Is Important To You.....You’ll Love Our Free Health Check-up!

Don’t Lose Your TreesTexas Tree Tamers Treat the Right Problem at the Right Time

Sign Up for a Health & Safety Inspection

Call 512-322-0662 or Visit Us On-Linewww.texastreetamers.com

Download a free information Guide“How To Choose The Best Tree Service Co.”

Limited Time FREE Health& Safety inspection ( $75.00 Value)

Dear Santa,I think every one ben good but me. Can I iklest get one toy? bekus I will be juch fine if I get one. If I do get one toy can I pese like it so much it will be my favrit toy?

loveAva

Dear Santa Closs,I want for Christmas a Xbox 360 Live and I want a livepool ticket with a livepool t-shirt sind by Suarez. and a Elf on the shelf for Christmas. and I wan F50 socer boots. I wan’t to see Suarez for Christmas.

Love,Fergal

Dear Santa Claus,For real I want Motion Monster toys.

Sincerely,Klarissa

Dear SantaI want lego.I want a elf on the shlf.I want starwars movie.

LoveMatthew

Dear Santa,1. I want to evrebady to have evrecing that they want but if they are bad, don’t bring pres-ents.

SincerelyPaula

Dear Santa Claus,I want to get a baskboll game. And a toy!

loveScotty

Dear Santa Claus,Win Mary cems to god. Tell me if I will git presints. I hope I git a good rport. If I was noty or nise.

Sincerly,Ellie

Dear Santa,I like you.What is your favfrit holday?Wat lut me gas it is Christmas.I like you becus you are nies. You are nies.

Sincerely,Sabrina

Dear Santa,I know what I whant as a pet, a Panda and a Pupyy that is a Begol. My sister has bene very meen to me and I think you shood give her cole.Can I have a ilv in my medil bas-cit in my room on my hoous by my bed. I wonder if I cood get 2 that are bouth 3 years old and identicole.

LoveLily

Dear Santa,Texas is going to a bowl. Why? Becas you have to win 6 football games. Texas won 7. They beat the Owls, Coogers, Bruins, Cy-clons, Jayhawks, Redraders, and

the Agges. Texas lost agenst the Sooners, Cowboys, Tigers, Wild-cats and the Bears.

Sincerely,Tucker

Dear SantaI want a lot of thangs this yer. some are big some are smal. I want a pool. More we game ru-mots and more games for we. I also want some moves and a basckeball. Some cool deck-urashons for my room.

love,

River Place Elementary First Grade

Dear Santa,I want legos. I also want a ro-bot. I want a joke set with iching powder. I realy want a toy gun.

love,Philio

Dear Santa,I would like an I touch and a electrie scooter. I would also like a Best friend locket and three gold fish. A new pair of shoes and a moon ring.

Love,Sydney

Dear Santa,I would like a Pekachu pokemon and a Dragnoid bakugan please. Beacause they are hard to find. I have been a good boy. I’m not kidding they are hard to find.

Love,Jacob

Dear SantaI would like you to give me a biger sut cas. I would like you to give me a magic tree hows. #3 I would like you to give me a Tweed brid alarm clock.I would like you to give me a cuter fery book. I would like you to give me Gogo my wocing pup.

Love Allison

Dear Santa,I do not know if I ben good or bad. I want a I tuch and a noock tablit and a tramplen and a elf of the shelf and a new friend and a

Santa hat. Are you rel Santa.And can I have a laptop and a canndy mushen?

love,Dylan

Dear Santa,I went a chuch Santa. I went a startrak toys. I went a starwars toys to.

by,Connor

Dear Santa,Can I have Kanea the amircan girl and the huge Angry bird.

Love,Kelsey

Deart Santa,I don’t know if I am on the good list. I am only allowed to get a elf on the shelf. please I want a real puppy in my stocking like my cousins I want an I pad and on the case, it is dark blue. I don’t care what I get for the rest of the presend.

LoveLivia

Dear Santa,I don’t no if i am good or bad. I want a big Optumis prime for Crismas. Thank you santa for all the prezants. i love you santa.

LoveJaimin

Dear Santa,I want a itouch 4, and a football

eraser for studdies, I love stud-dies. I want a go cart.

ByIshaan

Dear Santa,I would like a coat. Also an elec-tic scooter. I also like a toy tank with army people. The shoes with weels on the bottom are cool too.

love,Morgan

Dear Santa,How do you get to everyone in one night?Dear Santa, I have been good. Would you please bring me a re-mote control helicopter.

Love,Hank

Dear Santa,This year I would lik a Happy Naper. I will cuddle with it. I will snuggle with it. I will even sing with it! I would like a dog and it’s puppy.

Love,Kate

Dear Santa,I would like a videogame be-cause I like videogames. I have been good since the holidays. I can not wait for you to come to my house.

Love,LUKE

Dear Santa,I would like an ipod and a re-mote car. When you come to our house, you will see our Christ-mas tree. I will have cookies and milk for you.Thank you.

Love,Emily

Dear Santa,I would like some more sk-winkies to play with. I would also like a few movies too. I like Lion King, Bambi, and Rio. What I really want is a Schrech Hero set.Santa can you please send me a picture of you, your sled, and your Reindeer?Do you really have a Roldoph? ______________ (your answer)Do you really have flying Rein-deer? ______________(your answer)

Love,Fiona

Dear SantaI would like a Toys R Us gift card pleas. I have been a good boy. I would also like a remote cantrole car. So me and my dad can have races. The reason why I want a Toys R us gift card is because I can pick what I want. The last think I want is an alektrick gutar because I can make music!thank you.

Love,Connor

Dear Neighbor,I would like to invite you to visit my studio off of 620 in Hudson Bend. I have been a salon owner for many years and now work by myself in a quiet, private studio, overlooking the lake. Having been in the beauty industry for over 28 years working in 5-star salons and spas, I know the high prices that come with upkeep for women and men. I have built a reputation through repeated quality and consistency with my clients. I offer the same products, service, and results at a fraction of the price.

To schedule an appointment or consultation call 266-3019

Mention this ad and receive complementary facial wax included on your first visit.

Letters to santaFour Points newswww.FourPointsNews.com

thursdayDecember 22, 2011 • Page 5

Contemporary Orthodontics

Pre-treatment - Age 8

James R. Waters, DDS, MSD, PABoard Certified Orthodontist

Complete Orthodontic Care From 6 years to 66 yearsSpecializing in Early Interceptive Treatments

Call today for your complimentary new patient exam

266-8585Post-treatment - Age 11

Located in Steiner Ranch!4302 Quinlan Park Road • www.bracesaustin.com

Dec. 24 Christmas Eve4:00 pm The Holy Eucharist and Children’s Pageant. Christmas Hymns (Nursery available)6:00 pm The Holy Eucharist with Sermon. Christmas Hymns led by Contemporary Worship Band (Nursery available)10:00 pm The Holy Eucharist with Sermon. Christmas Hymns led by the Adult Choir (No nursery)

Dec. 25 Christmas Day10:00 am The Holy Eucharist with Sermon. Christmas Hymns (No nursery)

5600 Ranch Road 620 NorthOverlooking Lake Travis between

RR 2222 & Mansfield Dam(512) 266-2455

www.stlukesonthelake.org

St. Luke’s on the Lake Episcopal Church

welcomes you to worship with us this holy season

Russell Crawford512.689.2747tlctree@hotmail.comwww.happiertrees.com

Let Our Family Take Care of Your Family

• Free Estimates• Tree Trimming

• Lot Clearing• Chipping/Mulching

Contact your local Steiner Ranch arborist today!

Crawford has worked on trees at over 1,000 Four Points homes!

Laura Welch Bush Elementary First Grade

“Balancing the scales of justice in your favor”

Marie e. McGrath, JD, MBaAttorney and Counselor at Law

Personal Injury • Divorce • Fertility • Immigration

mariemcgrath@mmcg-law.com • www.mcgrathaustinlawyer.com

Call your local Steiner Ranch attorney today!

512-696-6575106 East 6th St., Suite 640

Four Points newswww.FourPointsNews.comCommunity

AbsoluteRemodeling& Handyman Services

“Absolute Quality”Insured

KitchenBathroomPainting

SheetrockWindowsFlooring

DoorsTile

Lee Stark 512-422-5262Email: ARHS@Austin.rr.com

Services:Sprinkler System Installation

Total Landscape MaintenanceLandscape Design/Installation

Sod and Tree InstallationTree Care and Removal

Phone: 512-259-5296Fax: 512-259-0380

P.O. Box 1922Leander, TX 78646

LI-0007203

GEOSCAPES OF TEXAS, INC.

Landscape Services

777-2774

Rotten Board Replacement - Decks - FencesDoors Installed - Windows - Painting - StainingPressure Washing - Pergollas - TrellasElectrical Repairs - Plumbing RepairsDrywall Repairs - Tile Flooring - Siding

CALL TODAY - FREE ESTIMATES LICENSED & INSURED

www.CedarParkHandyman.com

CEDAR PARK HANDYMANNo Job Too Small or Too Big

SERVICES • SERVICES • SERVICES • SERVICES

Four Points newswww.FourPointsNews.com

thursdayPage 6 • December 22, 2011

Follow us on

CEDAR PARK HANDYMANNo Job Too Small or Too Big

774-2774

www.CedarParkHandyman.com

CUSTOM HOMES • FIRE RESTORATION REMODELING • ADDITIONS

I SURVIVED A FIRE BUT MY HOME DIDN’T

OAK CONSTRUCTION

Over 40 years home building experienceMember of HBA

(home builders association greater Austin)

Call Mike Flanagan for FREE estimates. 512-608-2700

mikeflanagan23@yahoo.com

Time is your greatest asset?

What are you waiting for?

Whether retirement is a long way away or just around the corner, a financial plan can help you put a confident retirement MORE WITHIN REACH®.

Call me today at (512)691-7032 for a complimentary review of your financial plan and investment strategy.

Jon Fletcher, CRPC® Financial Advisor Ameriprise Financial Arboretum Plaza One, Ste 800 9442 N. Capital of Texas Hwy Austin, Tx 78759 (512)691-7032 jon.m.fletcher@ampf.com ameripriseadvisors.com/jon.m.fletcher

Ameriprise Financial cannot guarantee future financial results.

The initial consultation provides an overview of financial planning concepts. You will not receive written analysis and/or recommendations.

Brokerage, investment and financial advisory services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC. Some products and services may not be available in all jurisdictions or to all clients.

123965MR0911

We bring the showroom to you!

simple styles… intricate designs…simple styles… intricate deesignee

Hundreds of Flooring

Choices

and everything in betweenWe carry hundreds of different styes of...

Wood • Tile • Laminate • Carpet • Vinyl •Vinyl Custom Tile • Vinyl PlankShutters • Blinds • Honeycomb Shades

Services include....

Backsplash • Bathroom wall tile • Fireplaces • Grout sealingRefi nish wood fl oors • Carpet cleaning • Tile fl oor cleaning • Sealing natural stone

512-336-0900www.AustinFloorsandWindows.com

A U S T I N

C O V E R I N G S

FLOORWINDOW

&

• Private dinners• Hor d’oeuvre parties• Private/Group cooking classes• Meal delivery packages• Company & Corporate events

Call now to plan your party!Carlos Crusco - Personal Chef

512.970.2200carloscrusco@hotmail.com

How about hosting a tapas dessert party?

A few families from Hill Country Bible Church are hosting a donut, coffee, hot chocolate stand at John Simpson Park Thurs. The group is looking to raise $200 for a family in need in the area. The stand will be open from 7 - 10 a.m. and again in the eve-ning from 5 - 7 p.m. on Dec. 22.

Twas the morning of State, and all through the land,Not a creature was stirring, except for the band.

The instruments were placed by the buses with care,In hopes that we all, soon would be there.

Oh, the drums were lined up and the brass were all shining,But the children were mostly complaining and whining.

“It’s dark, it’s cold, it’s early,” they all said,“Why must we rehearse when we should all be in bed?”

In the band hall they gathered all blinking and glaring,And they heard their esteemed band director declaring.

“It is time we did something long overdue,There’s a wrong to be righted, it’s been left up to you.”

“For tonight we will march in the center of the dome,And we’ll play for our families, who are here instead of home.

We will greet them with horns, and with woodwinds galore,With drums we will thrill them, they will beg us for more!”

And the children all nodded, needing little persuasion,For they realized this was a momentous occasion.

To be one of the best 24 bands in the state,What a wonderful chance, we mustn’t be late!

The children were all nestled all snug in their seats,While visions of “VISIONARY” danced to a beat.

And Spicer in his coat and Pape in his orange cap,Had just settled their brains for a short, restless nap.

When we arrived to the dome, there arose such a clatter,We sprang from our nap to see what was the matter.

We looked to the windows and saw a big splash,We heard thunder all around us, and felt a massive splash.

It was cold, it was dark, it was rainy and wet,When the directors came on the buses and told us not to fret.

When, what to our wondering eyes should appear,But a once-hidden sun and a day that was quite clear.

We hopped off the buses all eager to play,While the chaperones and parents cheered a quiet “Hooray!”

We quickly warmed up and got our instruments tuned,And we put on our shakos, majestically plumed.

Our black shoes were shined, the smudges erased,On went our gloves, with our fingers rightly placed.

Mitchel was drumming to keep us in beat,As the drum majors led us inside the dome and off the street.

Kristen’s hands were raised and the down beat was made,And the band started playing like is never has played.Our show was performed and remembered to this day,

As the Vandegrift Marching Band led the way.

Head back to the buses with a euphoric kind-of mood,Everyone feels much better once they’re filled with food.They announce finalists at last, and for what it’s worth,

The band heard the good news, they had gotten fourth!

With a short, young director, so spazzy but nice,We knew in a moment it must be JSpice.

More rapid than eagles his companions came,And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!

“Now Howard! Now Pape! Now Nedley and Spradlin!On Kelly! On Emily! On Kristen and Caitlin!

To the buses we go! Just listen for my call!Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!”

They went back to the buses and told everyone to get ready to go,We had our last ever performance, we couldn’t be slow!

Suit up fast, get those horns out and warm up with zeal,They had done this many times, but now this time it’s for real.

And the drummers they drummed, and flutists they fluted,While the saxophones honked and the trumpets tooted.

Click, click, click, click, it’s started, step, step, step, step, it’s done,Walk ‘round back to the buses, gather round everyone.

Great music was played, some excellent marching as such,But for whatever reason, these judges didn’t like it as much.

However, it doesn’t matter what five people say,The only thing that matters is how awesome we play!

As we all loaded up and got ready to go,We all couldn’t believe we had such a great show.

Return late to the band hall, as we turn to Spicer with delight,“Everyone did a great job today, especially tonight!”

Donut, hot chocolate stand fundraiser Thurs.

VHS hosts Region Band auditions, local students shineBy RICH KEITH

Vandegrift High School was selected to host the Texas Mu-sic Educators Association Re-gion Band Auditions earlier this month. Many Viper Band students ex-celled during the contest which involved schools from LISD, Georgetown and Round Rock. A large number of local parents volunteered to run the all-day events on Dec. 2-3. “All students who participated in the Region Band process are to be commended for their hard work and determination,” said

VHS Director of Bands Jeremy Spicer. Region Band preparation is a cornerstone of the Vandegrift Band program. Through this process, students develop indi-vidual skill sets that deepen their understanding and awareness of music as a whole. “It is my hope that all students understand they have grown no matter the outcome of the audi-tion. Disappointment is a natural reaction when we do not achieve our goals, but I challenge us all to use it as a growth moment for improvement,” Spicer said. Congratulations to the follow-

ing VHS students for earning a position in the TMEA Region 26 Band(s):Caitlin Hall – Piccolo (1st Chair, Symphonic Band – Area Qualifier)Rhea Adhikary – Flute (1st Chair, Symphonic Band – Area Qualifier)Olivia Schmitz – Flute (Sym-phonic Band)Lienne Ng – Flute (Symphonic Band)Janet Karpenske – Flute (Con-cert Band)Kristen Abbarno – Flute (Con-cert Band)Danielle Crider – Oboe (Con-

cert Band – Area Qualifier)Kelly Schriner – Eb Clarinet (1st Chair, Symphonic Band – Area Qualifier)Taylor Gaskins – Clarinet (Con-cert Band)Sean Flaherty – Clarinet (Con-cert Band)Jordan Sekiya – Clarinet (Con-cert Band)Lane Chipman – Contra Bass Clarinet (1st Chair, Symphonic Band – Area Qualifier)Sabrina Cheshire – Tenor Saxo-phone (Concert Band)Darren Castrillion – Trumpet (1st Chair, Concert Band)Emily Jensen – French Horn

(Concert Band)Graham Scott – French Horn (Concert Band)Caroline Slater – French Horn (Concert Band)Moriah Gonzalez – Euphonium (Symphonic Band – Area Quali-fier)Calvin Geng – Euphonium (Concert Band)Matt Szostak – Tuba (1st Chair – Area Qualifier)Conor Stuart – Tuba (Concert Band)Mitch Stipek – Percussion (Concert Band – Area Orchestra Qualifier) The following students re-

ceived District Recognition:Forrest Keith – TubaSarah Hassall – FluteNeha Mulpuri – FluteGeorge McClure – Bass ClarinetEmily Schmitz – Alto Saxo-phoneCale Howard – Baritone Saxo-phoneCraig Wolf – TrumpetAaron Daniels – TrumpetAustin Gray – TrumpetKatelin Maatz – French HornHayden Anz – TromboneSteven Thompson – Bass Trom-boneKyle Richardson – Percussion

Twas the Morning of State

By Caitlin Hall, drum major in

the VHS Viper Band.

The state competition

was in November.

$765,00011708 Eagles Glen Dr

www.TopKWGroup.com(512) 418-1435

Home of the Week

512-994-8400rhonda@avalaraustin.com • www.rhondadurrill.com

God, Family, Business.

Rhonda Durrill, Realtor

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

from our home to yours.

By SANDRA RAGOContributor

The Vandegrift High School Swim Team took 1st place at the Mary Jobe Christmas Classic In-vitational Swim Meet on Dec. 10 in Killeen, TX.

There were over 700 swim-mers from 16 different schools in attendance. Three new school record times were set at this meet. Kayleigh Rago set a new school record in the 100 but-terfly. Christopher Flynn re-set his school record in the 100 free-

style, and Connor Cox re-set his school record in the 100 breast-stroke. Viper team members tal-lied 20 time improvements over-all at the meet. The team travels to Burnet, TX for the Tex Robertson In-vitational on Jan. 6 before the District 25-4A meet on Jan. 27-28. Individuals and Relay teams must finish in the top 6 in the district in order to move on to the Region 7 meet Feb. 10-11 in San Antonio. The State meet will be held Feb. 24-25 at the University of Texas pool in Austin for State qualifiers. At the recent Mary Jobe Christmas Classic Invitational Swim Meet, the Women's 200 medley relay scored 5th and 7th places. The Men's 200 medley relay took 6th place. In the 200 Freestyle, Kayleigh Rago was 3rd among the wom-en, and Chris Flynn was 1st for the men. In the 200 Individual Medley, Sydney Sanders took 6th for the women, and Connor Cox was 4th for the men. The Women's 50 freestyle had Lindsey Thompson in 4th, Isabella Voelkl in 5th and Jor-dan Reyes in 7th. The Men's 50

freestyle saw Everett Fitzpatrick scoring 6th place and Brandon Maas taking 7th place.The Women's 100 butterfly had Kayleigh Rago take 3rd, Hanna Brown in 4th and Sydney Sand-ers in 7th. Liam Newton took 5th in the Men's 100 butterfly. In the Women's 100 freestyle, Isabella Voelkl was 3rd and Lindsey Thompson 4th. Chris Flynn took 1st in the Men's 100 freestyle, and Everett Fitzpatrick was 6th. In the 500 freestyle, Rachel Bezella was 6th among the wom-en, and Matt Dehne 7th among the men. The Women's 200 free-style relay teams took 2nd and 4th places. The Men's 200 free-style relay teams were 3rd and 6th. The 100 backstroke saw Han-na Brown take 2nd and Haley Driskill 6th among women, while Steve Gerken turned in a 4th place among men. In the 100 breaststroke, Devon Ger-stenhaber was 6th for the wom-en, and Connor Cox was 1st for the men. The 400 freestyle relays end the day with the women's teams taking 1st and 7th places, and the men's team finishing 3rd.

John Hirschhorn - SeniorFavorite part about being involved in Viper Basketball: Getting to start a brand new program and be a part of starting new traditions are my favorite parts.

BASKETBALL

StarS of the Week thurSdayDecember 22, 2011 • Page 7

four PointS neWSwww.FourPointsNews.com

512-313-3000 www.concordia.edu

DEVELOPING CHRISTIAN LEADERS

11400 Concordia University DriveOff FM 620, just north of RR 2222

www.wcwmaaustin.comwww.facebook.com/wcwmaaustin

The Shops at Steiner Ranch 2900 N. Quinlan Park Rd.

Suite 260

512.266.3339

Ernie Reyes World Martial Arts

Ray FreerAgent/Broker

Office: (512) 807-9594 Mobile: (512) 565-7369

www.RFIMasters.com

Full service insurance broker to meet your health, dental, life and

supplemental insurance needs.

Sophia Duffield - JuniorFavorite part about being involved in Viper Basketball: I enjoy playing basketball because I like the competitive nature of it. I love playing with the girls on the team and winning!

Drew Golden - SeniorFavorite part about being involved in Viper Soccer: Soccer is a sport I’ve played my whole life. It’s not only a way for me to stay fit, but also something that I really enjoy to play with my friends.

SOCCER

Ana Zanot - SeniorFavorite part about being involved in Viper Soccer: I love the camaraderie between teammates; we’re all a family. I’m also proud to be on a team that has made playoffs for two consecutive seasons and has stirred statewide attention. I’m excited to see what this season brings.

Amanda Burton - FreshmanFavorite part about being involved in Viper Swimming and Dive:I love working out more than most people do before 9:00 a.m. I also have met a lot of great new people.

S W I

M MiNG

Matt Dupree - SeniorFavorite part about being involved in Viper Wrestling: My goal for wrestling this year are bigger than last year. I want to qualify for regionals. The reason I like wrestling is the bond that you make with all your teammates and coaches.

WRESTLING

512.372.9700Located in the Shops at Riverplace

El SeñorMexican Cuisine

Open everyday 11am - 9pm, Sat. & Fri. until 10pm

(512) 249-8488200 S. Bell Blvd., Suite E2 • Cedar Park

www.karennaples.com

restorative, cosmetic & implant dentistry

Beautiful Smiles

Complimentary Exam and X-Rayswith New Patient Cleaning

Expires12-31-11

Vandegrift Lady Vipers played at home Friday night, hosting Rouse. The Lady Vipers won 53-39. In fact, all three Lady Vipers teams won Freshmen, Junior Varsity and Varsity.

Lady Vipers won 53-39

Above: Kelsee Pitman (#23, junior) playing defenseLeft: Paige Lichtenberger (#11, senior and co-captain) driving on the Rouse defenseRight: Katy Gallien (#32, senior and co-captain) driving on the Rouse defense

Photos by : John Lichtenberger

Viper Swim & Dive takes 1st at Christmas Classic

Above: Steve GerkenBelow: Sidney Sanders

CMYK

CMYKPage 8 • Four Points News, Thursday, December 22, 2011

What’s happening in your community?

Submit it!LYNETTE.FOURPOINTS@GMAIL.COM

512-483-1708

Four Points6911 N FM 620, Suite B100620 & 2222 Behind Walgreens512.992.2524anytimefitness.com

Offer Expires 1/31/12See club for details.

JANUARY FOR

FREE!

at Wild Basin Fitness

Special Bonus!Add your whole familyto any plan for just $100!

HURRY! Offers expire soon. Call 266-6161 or come by today.www.WildBasinFitness.com

TRANSFORMEDYour body

TOTALWELLNESSBASIC TRAINING

GETTING STARTED

Save up to $1,000!Transform your body, transform your life with this Total Wellness Package!Boot Camp, Training, Rx Skincare, Genesis Pure, & MORE!

Only $599!

Save up to $900!Kick-up your fitness with training & boot camp!Only $399!

Save up to $500!Start 2012 right! Free Boot Camp included.Only $199!

Austin’s sprinkler And drip irrigAtion speciAlist

www.signaturesprinkler.comState Licensed 16009

452-7246 (RAIN)Anthony@signaturesprinkler.com

Locally owned, Steiner resident servicing the Four Points and surrounding areas.

Time to WinterizeDon’t let it happen again this year. Winterize your sprinkler

system to prevent the damage that occurred last year - especially if you live in WCID 17.

Viper Basketball at the Cedar Creek Tournament on Dec. 6 at the Cedar Creek Tournament, Vandegrift Boys Basketball team lost to Elgin 64-67. Senior Cody Witt had a great scoring game though.

April Dang

Later that evening the Wel-come Dinner & Uniform Presen-tation Ceremony is held at the Sheraton Downtown. The 2011 All-World Team is announced; players will receive their jerseys’ with their names on the back, along with the abbreviation for their state/country in place of the number. Dec. 28 will be the Power Showcase Home Run Derby. The top 50 players in the world will demonstrate their current and future power hitting ability in world-wide live internet broad-cast. Dec. 29 will be the 6th An-nual Power Showcase where the top 50 players in the world will participate. It will also be live via internet broadcast. Dec. 30 will be the inaugu-ral All-World & All-American Baseball Classic. The event will be broadcast live on the Power Showcase website. The partici-pants will receive a total of 25 outs, which will be broken into two rounds. The players will use both metal and wood bats. When all 50 prospects have hit, the top five will advance to the Champi-onship Round.For more information, go to www.power-showcase.com

DREW, FROM 1

new construction is almost done in Steiner Ranch, but one idea is that when fences need replacing they could be replaced with safe materials. Additionally the HOA is also helping the Steiner Firewise group to draft a set of guide-lines which residents can use. This document will be called the Community Wide Protection Program (CWPP), reported pre-viously. Selman also commented about other measures the HOA is working on that stemmed from the Steiner fires. The HOA has recommended an information-sharing plan to the Travis County Sheriff for orderly evacuations in case of

natural disaster such as fire. This plan is under review, Sel-man said. While the Sheriff would like to give rapid information back to the HOA to post online, they remind the HOA that emergen-cy situations shift and change rapidly. Thus the Sheriff would be hesitant to recommend, for example, that a group of neigh-borhoods should evacuate to a certain school because that area was deemed safe, when the wind could shift and the firefighters would need that area cleared out to fight a fire, Selman explained. As the HOA and Travis Coun-ty work out the details together, the first line of defense remains with residents.

ENERGY, FROM 1

HOA, FROM 1

Specialty Market & Delicatessen

4300 Quinlan Park Rd. 512-266-8808 “Taste the Difference”

The Market is your place for Christmas Dinner Catering,

Wine and Holiday Gift Baskets.

Holiday Party?

of 2,500 kilowatt-hours a month would see an increase of $33.57 a month or 13.4 percent. Austin Energy proposes to raise rates for a variety of rea-sons. Officials say that in spite of stringent budgeting, AE has ex-perienced large deficits in recent years and projects a $75 million deficit for the current fiscal year. Key to the deficits has been the rising costs of materials i.e. power cable, poles and trans-formers have increased in cost by as much as 300% over 17 years. And while the utility has added 115,000 new customers since 1995, growth in sales has slowed dramatically from 6% on average in the late 1990s to a 2% average since 2000. Growth is projected at between 1% and 2% for the near future. The rate proposal and all background information is avail-able at www.rates.austinenergy.com. Customers can also submit comments or questions through

that web site. Beginning Jan. 3, residential customers can go to this web site www.rates.austinenergy.com/rrcalculator to see a comparison between an electric bill they have paid in recent time and how it will look under the proposed new rates. “They will simply type in the kWh from a previous bill, click the correct month of the bill and they will see the comparison,” Clark said. Also beginning Jan. 3, com-mercial customers can visit www.rates.austinenergy.com/crateanalysis to submit a request for an Austin Energy staff mem-ber to analyze how the recom-mended new rates will impact their electric bills. Schools were cut a 10 percent break on what they would oth-erwise pay, while churches were not.