Cups & Cones and the Hill Country Education Foundation are partnering on a summer Four PointsBook Swap focused on encouraging kids of all ages to engage in a summer reading challenge.

The Four Points Book Swap is kicking off this week at Cups & Cones at 2900 N. Quinlan Park Rd Suite 290. To participate, students should bring a gently used book to the designated Book Swap area and swap the book for another one.

The Four Points Book Swap kicked off last Monday at Cups & Cones at 2900 N. Quinlan Park Rd Suite 290.

The challenge is for each student to read at least six books. After the student successfully completes the challenge, he or she will receive an ice cream sundae, or non-dairy substitute, at Cups & Cones and be eligible to enter a drawing towin an iPad Mini. One winner will be announced on Saturday, August 16 at the annual Steiner Ranch Concert in the Park.

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Steiner Ranch resident, Tara Nash, recently participated in the Make-A-Wish Foundation’s Over the Edge fundraiser in Austin.

“I raised a total of $2,155 for this amazing event and was one of 200 people to rappel 38 stories off the top of the W Austin Hotel,” Nash said.

Nash doesn’t have a personal connection with Make-A-Wish but deeply appreciates the work they do for children with life threatening medical conditions, and giving them the chance to experience joy and happiness.

“I’m always up for an adventure, and the opportunity to rappel 38 stories seemed like a pretty exciting way to get involved and raise money,” she said.

Tara Nash rappelled 38 stories during the Make-A-Wish Foundation’s Over the Edge fundraiser recently.

She said her greatest reward —​ aside from landing safely on the ground —​ was meeting Wish Kids and seeing their faces light up talking about going to Disney World or getting to swim with dolphins in Hawaii.

Make-A-Wish Central & South Texas raised over $454,000 total, which will make 90 local kids’ wishes become a reality, Nash said.

“It was an incredible experience and I can’t wait to do it again next year,” she added.

L – R: Ethan, Ellen, Tara, Thomas and Russell Nash

By CASSIE MCKEE, Four Points News

A new pediatric dentistry office is now open in River Place focusing on making trips to the dentist fun for kids.

Austin Pediatric Dentistry PLLC, run by Liliana Lucas D.D.S., serves infants through adolescents, and patients with special needs.

Located at 6618 Sitio Del Rio Blvd., Ste B102, Austin Pediatric Dentistry opened in March and has created “fun distractions” for kids, Lucas said. They have a projected, interactive game to draw kids in while parents check in, and iPads for each child while they’re being treated.

“Technology isn’t just for fun though, we use all digital X-ray for the lowest dose, and specialized video so parents can see anything we need to discuss,” Lucas said. “Sometimes cavities do happen; if so, we talk about what is urgent and what can wait. Since I’m always here, I get to know my patients, and they get comfortable with seeing the same doctor. If an emergency should arise, I’m always available for my patients as well.”

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By CASSIE MCKEE, Four Points News

The leadership of Austin Baptist Church is in the beginning stages of a church expansion project to accommodate the explosion in growth the church has seen since relocating to Four Points two years ago.

Austin Baptist Church moved into their new Four Points facility in August 2012, relocating from their prior location in central Austin. Executive Pastor David Procter said he has been blown away by the response the church has seen from the community. He said the church has doubled in size since moving to Four Points and estimated the church’s membership is around 1,300.

Procter said the church is in the beginning stages of the expansion project, having just put together the committees that will oversee the project. The committees will oversee fundraising, architectural design and interior design, and will work on estimates for the projected building size and costs.

​A preliminary rendering ​of the Austin Baptist Church expansion project ​from architect Jackson Galloway Associates.

“Part of the timing is driven by how much we raise,” Procter said. “But our hope would be this fall to communicate the message to the church.”

He said they could potentially break ground sometime in the spring.

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By LYNETTE HAALAND, Four Points News

Lake Travis Fire Rescue reported several small fires from fireworks over the Fourth of July holiday weekend.

Robert Abbott, fire chief with Lake Travis Fire Rescue

“The communities were relatively safe this year when using fireworks. We did not receive reports of injuries as a result of improper or unsafe firework use, but did respond to a few small fires that were confirmed to have been started by fireworks,” said Robert Abbott, Fire Chief of LTFR  Travis County ESD 6.

Some fires were not confirmed to have been started by fireworks, but were in areas where callers and neighbors reported heavy firework use before fire units arrived, Abbott added.

This photo was taken July 4th at 8 a.m. showing smoke in the greenbelt beyond Eastridge in Steiner Ranch.
photo by Trent York

The Steiner Ranch HOA responded to homeowners violating the no fireworks rule.

“We sent out 10 letters (Monday) about fireworks to homeowners violating the rule from complaints we received. They were all first violations, so they all received warnings,” said Sharon Adams, Steiner HOA spokesperson. Continue reading →