Sculptors Exhibit 70 Works at Public Library
The Texas Society of Sculptors holds their ninth annual show in the Georgetown Public Library this summer. The show, which opened June 26 and runs through September 23, includes 70 works of art by 29 artists. The annual exhibit is hosted by the Library with sponsorship from the City of Georgetown Arts and Culture Board. Works are on display throughout the public areas of the Library.
Reception on July 17
On Sunday, July 17, at 1 p.m., the sculptors will assemble on the library’s second-floor Bridge for an awards ceremony and reception, to which the public is invited. On the day of the reception, the library’s Live Music in the Library event will occur at 2 p.m., so attendees can enjoy the reception and awards ceremony upstairs at 1 p.m., then listen to the music at 2 p.m.
At the reception, awards will be presented for first, second, and third place. A Librarian’s Choice award will be presented for a sculpture selected by the library staff. Additionally, prizes will be awarded for various media. The Georgetown Arts and Culture board has donated $1,800 for cash awards, and Christina Rudofsky with Round Rock Arts will serve as judge for the exhibit. During the reception the artists will be available for conversation and questions.
Demonstrations on September 17
Sculpture demonstrations will be held on Saturday, September 17 from 1 to 3 p.m. in the library Lobby. The demonstrations are a come-and-go event, free and open to the public. Participating sculptors are Frank Maglio (metal and stone), Dar Richardson (clay), Joe Kenney (bronze), Mary Griffin (bronze), and Bill Stuewe (wood).
The Texas Society of Sculptors’ Ninth Annual Summer Show can be viewed all the hours the library is open, which are Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 12 to 5 p.m. The library is at 402 W. Eighth Street, Georgetown, Texas, 78626.
For more information, call the Georgetown Public Library at (512) 930-3551.
Low Cost Vaccination Clinic for Pets
The Georgetown Animal Shelter will conduct another low-cost vaccination clinic on Saturday, July 30, 8:30-11 a.m. The walk-in clinic is for cats and dogs. Help protect your pet from diseases they can pick up outside!
Pets may also get a FREE microchip with the purchase of any vaccine. No appointments. Cash or check only. The shelter is located at 110 WL Walden Dr., Georgetown, next to the McMaster Athletic Fields.
Dog Vaccines:
Rabies $5
DHPP Combo $10 (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parafluenza, Parvo)
Bordetella $5 (Kennel cough)
Cat Vaccines:
Rabies $5
FVRCP Combo $10 (Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia)
All dogs must be on a leash and cats should be in a carrier. Payment is by cash or check only. (Debit or credit cards not accepted.)
The shelter has committed to offer several more low-cost clinics this fiscal year. The dates of the next clinics are:
- Saturday, September 24, 2016
- Saturday, November 19, 2016
For more information, contact the shelter at (512) 930-3592 or by email at animalsvc@georgetown.org. The City of Georgetown Animal Shelter website is pets.georgetown.org.
Music on the Square Summer Concerts in July
The Music on the Square summer concerts on the Courthouse lawn continue during the month of July. These free concerts each Friday in June, July, and August start at 6:30 p.m. Bring a lawn chair or blanket, grab dinner-to-go from a local restaurant, and enjoy an evening of great live music.
Here’s the lineup for July:
- July 1: Square Tones playing Americana and classic rock
- July 8: Bluegrass Showmen playing bluegrass
- July 15: Wilson String Family Band playing American popular tunes
- July 22: Bob and Johnny playing 70s and 80s classics
- July 29: Jimi Lee playing acoustic jazz
During the Music on the Square concerts, public restrooms are available inside the Williamson County Courthouse. Concerts are sponsored by the Georgetown Convention and Visitors Bureau, The Williamson Museum, and the Downtown Georgetown Association.
Downtown Parking
Parking for Music on the Square is available at these free public parking lots:
- 10th and Main streets (City lot)
- Austin Avenue and Fifth Street south of Monument Café (City lot)
- Sixth and Rock streets (County lot)
- Sixth and Main streets (City lot)
- Martin Luther King, Jr. and Eighth streets (City lot)
- Rock and Fourth streets (County public garage)
For a complete schedule, go to the Georgetown Convention and Visitors Bureau website at VisitGeorgetown.com, or download the free Explore Georgetown, Texas mobile app.
Summer Fan Drive Seeks Donations
The Georgetown Fire Department and The Caring Place are teaming up with Family Eldercare for the 2016 Summer Fan Drive. The goal of this 26th annual event is to collect new fans for low-income residents including seniors, people with disabilities, and families with children.
The fan drive started May 1 and continues through August 31. The fan drive aims to deliver more than 6,000 fans to households in 11 counties in Central Texas.
Donations
New fans can be donated at all five Georgetown fire stations:
- Fire Station 1, 301 Industrial Avenue, 78626
- Fire Station 2, 1603 Williams Drive, 78628
- Fire Station 3, 5 Texas Drive, 78633
- Fire Station 4, 4200 Airport Road, 78628
- Fire Station 5, 3600 DB Wood Road, 78628
Other fan donation locations can be found and monetary donations are accepted on the Family Eldercare Summer Fan Drive website at www.SummerFanDrive.org.
Eligibility
Those eligible to receive a fan are low-income residents. In addition, they must be seniors who are over age 55, or persons who are disabled, or families with children under 18. To apply to receive a fan at a location other than The Caring Place, go to the Family Eldercare Summer Fan Drive website at www.SummerFanDrive.org. For more locations to apply, go to www.SummerFanDrive.org. To request a fan or get more information, you may call the Fan Drive phone number at (512) 459-4326.
Georgetown Pickup
In Georgetown, people who are eligible may apply at The Caring Place Annex and pick up a fan at the same time. Bring documentation of low-income status to The Caring Place Annex, 2001 Railroad Avenue, Georgetown, TX, 78626. At The Caring Place, the Fan Drive distribution starts on May 25 and continues every Wednesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. In addition, this location will be open from 4:30 to 6 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of the month (May 26, June 23, and July 28). Distribution at The Caring Place ends on July 28.
For details, or to donate to the Summer Fan Drive online, go to www.SummerFanDrive.org.
Census Reports Georgetown is Fastest Growing City in U.S.
Georgetown is the nation’s fastest growing city with a population greater than 50,000, according to a news release today from the U.S. Census Bureau.
Georgetown’s population estimate was 63,716 in 2015 with a growth rate of 7.8 percent between July 1, 2014 and July 1, 2015. Georgetown added 4,611 residents in that time period.
Georgetown was the second-fastest growing city above 50,000 in the U.S. from July 1, 2013 to July 1, 2014, according to the Census.
A ranking of the fastest growing cities in the U.S. above 50,000 population from July 1, 2014 to July 1, 2015. The Census estimates are based on sampling data.
Georgetown’s population was 47,400 in the 2010 decennial census. According to today’s estimate, Georgetown added 16,316 residents with a growth rate of 34 percent from 2010 to 2015.
Mayor Dale Ross offered some perspective on Georgetown’s recent growth rate. “Why are so many people moving to Georgetown? I think when they first visit here they recognize Georgetown is growing, however our quality growth has been guided and managed so that we have not lost our small town charm,” said Mayor Ross. “The nineteenth-century buildings on the Most Beautiful Town Square in Texas, our historic district, and our world-class park system tells our unique history. Our rich and proud history that goes back nearly 170 years is treasured. We also are leading the way with regards to innovating for the future with our move to 100 renewable energy from our city-owned utility. And we are encouraging bio-tech companies to call Georgetown their new home. In addition, we have great schools including the oldest chartered university in the state, Southwestern University, and our public safety operations are top-rated and include police, fire and our own EMS services. We have successfully built a bridge between the past and future which has allowed Georgetown to become the best city in the United States to live, work, play, raise kids, and retire.”
The news release from the Census about the fastest-growing cities in the U.S. in 2014 to 2015 is at census.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2016/cb16-81.html.
City Annual Report for 2015 Available
An annual report for the City of Georgetown for the 2015 fiscal year is now available online and in print copies. The report, titled The Power of Innovation, highlights projects, initiatives, and financial information for the 2014 – 2015 fiscal year that started on October 1, 2014 and ended on September 30, 2015.
The report highlights projects and initiatives across five themes: planning, preparing, protecting, promoting, and playing. A financial section includes details on revenues, expenses, assets, assessed valuation, and taxes.
The annual report is available online at here. The document was designed by Presley Design Studio and features photographs by Rudy Ximenez.
A limited number of free printed copies of the annual report are available at the Georgetown Public Library, 402 W. Eighth Street. Pick up a copy near the book drop in the lobby or at the Reference Desk on the second floor.
The annual report provides a brief overview of the 2015 fiscal year with key financial information. The Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, which is a much longer report for the 2015 fiscal year, is available online at finance.georgetown.org. Click the green box for “Annual Budget/Publications.”
Low Cost Vaccine Clinic for Pets
The Georgetown Animal Shelter will conduct another low-cost vaccination clinic on Saturday, May 28, 8:30-11 a.m. The walk-in clinic is for cats and dogs. Help protect your pet from diseases they can pick up outside!
Pets may also get a FREE microchip with the purchase of any vaccine. No appointments. Cash or check only. The shelter is located at 110 WL Walden Dr., Georgetown, next to the McMaster Athletic Fields.
Dog Vaccines:
Rabies $5
DHPP Combo $10 (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parafluenza, Parvo)
Bordetella $5 (Kennel cough)
Cat Vaccines:
Rabies $5
FVRCP Combo $10 (Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia)
All dogs must be on a leash and cats should be in a carrier. Payment is by cash or check only. (Debit or credit cards not accepted.)
The shelter has committed to offer several more low-cost clinics this fiscal year. The dates of the next clinics are:
- Saturday, July 30, 2016
- Saturday, September 24, 2016
- Saturday, November 19, 2016
For more information, contact the shelter at (512) 930-3592 or by email at animalsvc@georgetown.org. The City of Georgetown Animal Shelter website is pets.georgetown.org.
Hesser Wins Re-election in District 3
John Hesser has won re-election in the District 3 City Council race.
The Williamson County Elections office has posted unofficial final results for the District 3 City Council election on May 7 in Georgetown.
These are the unofficial final results:
Votes: | Percent: | |
Dwaine Boydstun | 497 | 37.71 % |
John Hesser | 821 | 62.29 % |
To see a complete May 7, 2016 election results, go to wilco.org/elections.
National Women Build Week
On Wednesday, May 4, a group of female officers and civilian employees with the Georgetown Police Department will volunteer at a Habitat for Humanity of Williamson County (HFHWC) home in Georgetown as part of Habitat’s National Women Build Week.
This is the second year that the Georgetown Police Department will participate. Almost twenty volunteers will help build a home in Georgetown. The group is also fundraising for HFHWC to help support future home builds in Williamson County.
National Women Build Week, a weeklong event created by Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build program, challenges participants to devote at least one day to help build affordable housing in their local communities. The week also spotlights the homeownership challenges faced by women.
Police Chief Wayne Nero is proud of his department’s efforts. “Several times a year, women from our department get together for professional development. At least once per year they identify a project in which they can engage our community,” Nero said.
“This year, they again are working with the Habitat for Humanity of Williamson County in honor of National Women Build Week. They will be providing sweat equity for a local affordable housing project and have also engaged in some traditional fundraising for Habitat. I am extremely proud of the women in the Georgetown Police Department and am proud to be their Chief.”
Founded in 1999, Habitat for Humanity of Williamson County brings communities and people together to create and sustain home ownership opportunities in Williamson County. Habitat has worked with more than 15,000 volunteers and community donors to help 70 families (with their 165 children) become homeowners in Leander, Georgetown, Round Rock, Taylor, and Jarrell.
Street Sealant Work Update
On Thursday April 28, City crews will be applying black sand to the cul-de-sac on River Rock Drive in order to stabilize the Rejuvenation Street Sealant applied in March. At approximately 3:00 p.m., as the temperature warms and the sealant softens, staff will apply a thin layer of sand and roller compact it into the street. On Friday morning, crews will sweep any excess sand and monitor conditions as traffic drives on the roadway.
If the sealant is stabilized, crews will schedule the same application early next week when temperatures are expected to be high enough to activate the material on the following cul-de-sacs: Cobalt Cove, Tea Tree Cove, Cider Orchard Cove, Butter Fly Cove, Rainwater Cove, both cul-de-sacs on Stardust Lane, and Tipps Court. Following the application on the cul-de-sacs, staff will continue to monitor the streets and intersections for any other reactivation and possible sanding application. Staff will begin driveway cleaning once the sanding application is completed.
The sealant is used to fill small cracks and prevent oxidation of the road surface to extend the pavement life. The recent tracking of the sealant in Sun City is the result of the latest applications not curing as rapidly as they have in the past. Tracking began occurring mostly on warm days as pavement temperatures reached 120 degrees, causing the sealant to reactivate. This caused tracking issues into driveways and onto adjacent streets.
Staff has shared this issue with the product manufacturer, and requested a plan of action to prevent further tracking. The manufacture recommended using dry “blotter sand” to prevent additional tracking. The sand should adhere to the remaining surface and provide a barrier between the surface and tires. The City’s contract engineer has suggested following a typical TxDOT maintenance procedure for applying the sand. Sand will be applied with a truck mounted sand spreader and rolled in with a pneumatic roller. Once dried, any remaining sand will be removed using the City’s vacuum sweeper. A black sand will be utilized to blend with the existing road surface. This application will be performed during the warmest part of the day, when the product is reactivated, so the sand will set with the product.
Transportation Department crews have conducted tests in a vacant subdivision near Interstate 35 to help identify issues leading to the product’s tracking. Staff performed the sanding procedure on freshly applied sealant in a small area with promising results. Staff has also applied this application to a small test section in Sun City with similar results.
City crews are monitoring the sealant area daily, and have noticed tracks in the product when temperatures rise and heavy vehicles travel the roadway. To minimize tire rubber and product tracking, residents should refrain from sharp turns into and on driveways.
No further rejuvenation street sealant applications are scheduled at this time.