Lakeway mayor: Stay healthy, give blood and have patience
It’s been another interesting start to the new year. I know many people are going through COVID fatigue, and are frustrated with multiple variants, changing orders and new guidelines. Hopefully, the pandemic will become endemic, and our lives go on. I am not a doctor and so I don’t give medical advice. Our friends at Baylor Scott & White continue to recommend vaccinations, hand washing and using common sense if you have any symptoms. Travis County continues to offer daily vaccine pop-up events throughout the area. You can visit its website at traviscountytx.gov for more information on times and locations.
While hospitals are continuing to care for COVID-19 patients, hospitals are also facing another issue: a national blood shortage. The American Red Cross is calling this “the worst blood shortage in over a decade.” The organization indicates that doctors are being forced to make difficult decisions about who receives blood transfusions. Imagine if that was one of your loved ones? That’s a difficult decision to make for someone who needs this life-saving gift. I urge those in our community who are able to donate, please do so. This month, We Are Blood had another blood drive at the Lakeway Activity Center. And once again, Lakeway residents came out to donate, filling up the available appointments. There will be another blood drive in March, so please be on the lookout for that information on our website. Additionally, if you would like to find a donation site before then, you can visit the American Red Cross website at redcrossblood.org. As a side note, the city of Lakeway recently awarded We Are Blood with the 2021 Community Partner Award for its continued partnership in hosting safe events at the Activity Center through the pandemic. I’m proud of our residents because each of these events were consistently filled with appointments, and even a wait list. Thank you for those who have and continue to donate blood. But more is needed, so please do what you can.
A little over a week ago there was a burglary incident in the Lakeway area where suspects had broken into a home. They fled when the couple returned, only to steal a vehicle, which they crashed. After fleeing officers and entering into a wooded area, they stole another vehicle and fled the city. Thankfully, no one was injured. But I want to urge the community to please keep your home secure when you’re away. Lock your doors and close and secure your windows. Pull your curtains so others can’t see inside. Also, keep your vehicles locked and take your car keys inside when parking at your homes. Remove any valuables or hide them from view. These are just some simple steps we can all take to deter criminal activity in the community.
Election season is just around the corner. The last day to register to vote for the March 1 primary election is Jan. 31. There will also be a local election May 7. That election will include electing three council members. For more information on the statewide and local elections, you can visit our website here: lakeway-tx.gov/427/Election-Information.
The spring season will be here before you know it, and there are several activities to look forward to. First of all, there is a special collaborative concert with the Austin Symphony Orchestra and Lake Travis High School musicians taking place at the Lake Travis Performing Arts Center on Saturday, March 26. Tickets are on sale now online, and you can visit this link to get your tickets: lakeway-tx.gov/1960/A-Night-with-the-Austin-Symphony-Orchest. The City Council is proud to support this special performance created by the Lakeway Arts Committee. Additionally, we will be hosting an Earth Day event in April and another Memorial Day ceremonyat the end of May, so be on the lookout for more information on those events soon on our website, Lakeway-tx.gov.
I am optimistic about our future. While we had some recent city staffing issues due to COVID-19 exposures, things are looking up. I’m sure you’ve noticed many other businesses are facing similar staffing issues. I understand it can be frustrating having to wait a little longer in a line or on a delayed project, but the world is going through the same thing right now. This is not a localized issue. It will improve. You have probably seen these messages on social media as well, but I want to reiterate for folks to please be kind to those who show up to work, whether it’s at a business or government institution. They’re working hard to ensure you get the services or goods you need while also being understaffed. Let’s give them a friendly smile or a simple thank you next time you interact with them. We’re all in this together, so let’s just be kind – it’s the best medicine in the face of this pandemic.
Be well and stay healthy, Lakeway.
Tom Kilgore is the mayor of Lakeway.
This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Lakeway Mayor Tom Kilgore: Stay healthy, give blood and have patience
