FYI: What's happening in the Lake Travis area
Bee Cave named a 'Dark Sky Community'
The city of Bee Cave has been named an "International Dark Sky Community.” The designation has only been awarded to six other Texas cities and 39 communities around the world.
Awarded by the International Dark Sky Association, it recognizes communities that adopt lighting standards that mitigate light pollution and help wildlife, as well as enhance the quality of life for residents.
“Some of my most cherished memories are stargazing with my grandfather, and I want our kids in this community to get a chance to make those same memories,” said Mayor Kara King, a former science teacher at Bee Cave Middle School. “Being a dark sky community is a wonderful way to remind our residents that there is magic above us and we are lucky to live in an area that allows them to enjoy it in all its glory.”
The other Texas cities named a "Dark Sky Community" are Blanco, Dripping Springs, Fredericksburg, Horseshoe Bay, Lakewood Village and Wimberley Valley.
By limiting unnecessary outdoor lighting and promoting the use of dark sky-friendly fixtures, Bee Cave has demonstrated its commitment to preserving its natural beauty and promoting sustainable practices.
"Bee Cave joins a growing list of places certified in Dark Sky's International Dark Sky Places program in Texas, with several concentrated in the Hill Country region of the state,” said Amber Harrison, International Dark Sky Places program associate. “This addition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of dark-sky advocates throughout the state.”
Throughout the years, Bee Cave puts on multiple events to help educate residents about the importance of the night sky and becoming a dark sky community. Through this process, the city garnered support from surrounding organizations, residents and elected officials.
Bee Cave plans to continue to host events to educate residents, business owners and visitors and will work with other International Dark Sky communities to further its reach outside the city. In addition to being a dark sky community, Bee Cave is a Bee City USA affiliate and a Platinum Scenic City.
City of Bee Cave
Police host drug takeback day April 22
The Lakeway Police Department will host a drug takeback day from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 22 in the parking lot at 1941 Lohmans Crossing.
The national take-back initiative provides an opportunity for the public to surrender expired, unwanted or unused pharmaceutical controlled and uncontrolled substances and other over-the-counter medications for destruction. These drugs are a potential source of supply for illegal use and pose an unacceptable risk to public health and safety.
The collection is free and open to the public. No appointments are necessary. Participants may dispose of medication in its original container, crossing out personal information, or by removing the medication from its container and disposing of it directly into the disposal box.
The program is anonymous and no questions or requests for identification will be made. No effort will be made to count, inventory, or log medications.
All controlled, uncontrolled and over-the-counter medications including vitamins, herbal supplements, pet medication and liquid products such as cough syrup will be accepted.
For more information, contact Lakeway police at 512-261-2800.
City of Lakeway
Lakeway hosts Earth Day cleanup
Celebrate Earth Day the Lake Way by volunteering to help pick up trash along some of our local roads and area parks. The 2023 event is still being planned at this time.
The volunteer cleanup event will take place on Saturday, April 22, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Lakeway City Hall.
The city will supply trash pickers, safety vests, trash bags and a map for volunteers the day of the event. Volunteers will then team up and head to their designated areas to pick up trash, and then head back to City Hall to receive a special certificate, lunchtime snacks and to pick up some other Earth Day goodies and information.
If you're interested in participating, fill out the Earth Day volunteer form at bit.ly/3ERrcLG. For question, email info@lakeway-tx.gov.
City of Lakeway
Mulch available by appointment
Lakeway Public Works will offer some of the mulching material grinded down from the recent ice storm on Thursday and Friday between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. in 30-minute pick-up increments. The event is by appointment only at bit.ly/3LfCAoi.
Crews were able to further grind down some of the limbs from that ice storm, but the mulching material is still in larger chunks that are about the size of a marker or pen. If you're still interested in collecting some of this free mulching material, use the link at bit.ly/3LfCAoi to select one of the 30-minute slots. If all slots are filled, email info@lakeway-tx.gov in case more times become available.
Once you sign up, please be sure to arrive at the Public Works facility at 3303 Serene Hills Drive on your scheduled time slot, with your own collection tools (shovels, etc.) and an ability to transport the mulching material.
City of Lakeway
Work to begin soon on pickleball court
The city of Lakeway will soon be working to convert the basketball court at City Park to pickleball courts, as well as a sidewalk extending from the parking area to the new courts. Until the new courts are completed, the pickleball courts near the Hamilton Greenbelt along Sailmaster will remain open daily from 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.
However, please note that there is no official parking area at the courts along Sailmaster. For those utilizing the courts, please park at the City Hall parking lot, the Justice Complex or the Hamilton Greenbelt parking area. Vehicles should not be parked along Sailmaster.
City of Lakeway
Entries open for Lakeway photo contest
The city of Lakeway Arts Committee has announced the 21st annual Lakeway Photo Festival.
The festival showcases both the unique beauty of the area and the talents of our local photographers. This year the photo categories include artistic, community, nature (sky, wWater and greenery), pets and wildlife (deer, birds and critters) plus a new category celebrating the 60th anniversary of Lakeway called Heritage.
Amateur and professional photographers are encouraged to enter. All photos must be taken in Lakeway and by residents within the Lake Travis school district area. Submit your entries by May 20. An awards reception will take place from 4-5 p.m. on Sunday, June 11, at the Lakeway Activity Center.
To enter, fill out an online entry form with a hi-resolution digital photo at https://forms.gle/1f4aNK99hSMLEeZL6).
For questions, email lakewayphotofestival@gmail.com.
City of Lakeway
This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: FYI: What's happening in the Lake Travis area
