By SARAH DOOLITTLE, Four Points News

Pierce Broe
2002 – 2014

The chapel at St. Thomas More Catholic Church was full to overflowing as the Four Points community showed up in droves to honor Pierce Broe and his family at his funeral on Friday, October 10.

Hearts were also overflowing —​ with grief for Pierce’s death, with love for the Broe family, and with joy and gratitude for a life too short but full of grace.

And so it was that the service began, with “Amazing Grace,” followed by a moving rendition of “Be Not Afraid.”

Father Isidore Ndagizimana led the service, and said that God would want those missing Pierce to do three things: to grieve, to let go and to be grateful.

For his family, his friends, even those who Pierce’s life touched peripherally, it was apparent the grief will not soon pass, even as they work to let go of this “child of God,” as Ndagizimana reminded the mourners. Gratitude, however, was in abundant supply.

The sheer number of kids who attended in tribute to their friend —​ Pierce’s football teammates, Boy Scouts and friends from school —​ gave the Broe family much to be grateful for.

The family did not waste the opportunity to further the cause of inspiration. Pierce inspired many in his 12 years, and it is his family’s deepest wish that he continue to do so even in death. Kevin Broe, Pierce’s father, spoke during the service (see sidebar for excerpt) while Pierce’s mom, Janel, stood behind him, offering the strength and support this family has come to embody. Continue reading →

By KIM ESTES, Four Points News

Growth in Leander Independent School District has slowed, according to the annual demographic update presented by Population and Survey Analysts to the LISD board of trustees meeting in its regular session on Thursday.

PASA representative, Stacey Tepera, told trustees at the Oct. 9 meeting that deceleration was unexpected.

LISD board president, Pamela Waggoner, interpreted the slow down as “good news” saying it gives the District time to “get some things paid for… and build the tax base.”

Even with deceleration, using state enrollment projections, PASA predicted the district’s student population would continue to grow, increasing from the current 36,192 to 49,572 by the year 2024.

The group also projected a need for as many as 10, possibly 11, new schools by the same time. Two of those schools, Elementary School No. 25 and High School No. 6, are currently under construction. The possibility of another middle school, No. 10, is not slated until 2024.

Trustees commissioned PASA to analyze the 200-square-mile LISD service area for long-range planning purposes. PASA, located in College Station, is the largest demographic firm in Texas. Its forecasts are based on school district information, student residential locations, housing trends, and economic factors.

This map shows the total student enrollment this fall of Austin area schools including Leander ISD’s student population of 36,192. LISD added 742 new students in 2014 — more than any other Austin area district.
Data compiled by Population & Survey Analysts

Continue reading →

By CASSIE MCKEE, Four Points News

Long-time Steiner Ranch resident Chase Philip Randazzo started the area’s first company offering hands-on boat driving and water sport instruction.

“I’ve always enjoyed skiing over my lifetime and wanted to do something closer to the lake and closer to my home office,” said Randazzo, who has lived in Steiner for nearly two decades. “It’s been one of my passions for a long time.”

Water Ski Lake Austin offers a variety of instructional classes including the Texas Parks and Wildlife Boat Safety Course, hands-on private boat driving instruction and waterski and wakeboarding instruction. Randazzo has 45 years of driving and competitive skiing experience.

Randazzo said water ski instruction has come a long way since the days when a new skier had to be repeatedly pulled behind a boat before he or she was able to ski. Water Ski Lake Austin uses the latest technology, including an aluminum boom that extends from the side of the boat and allows the new skier to hold on and learn how to get out of the water easier.

“It’s much easier, safer and more efficient,” he said. “Everybody learns the first day.”

Continue reading →

By CASSIE MCKEE, FOUR POINTS NEWS

The Travis County Transportation and Natural Resources Department hosted a public meeting at Vandegrift High School recently to update the Four Points community on the county’s draft Land Water Transportation Plan (LWTP).

The LWTP is a set of long-term goals and policies that will provide a framework for how the county protects its land and water resources and builds transportation and park systems to meet rapid population growth. The Travis County Commissioners Court will use the LWTP to guide development and conservation of resources within Travis County.

Source: Travis County Transportation and Natural Resources

A dozen people attended the meeting at VHS on September 24. A 30-minute Q&A session was also held to discuss issues specific to the Four Points community.

“We had a great discussion with the residents that made it to the Vandegrift public meeting,” said Steve Manilla, executive director of Transportation and Natural Resources. “It was an engaging dialogue, with discussions on bicycle facilities, development and regulations, and transportation needs in the area.”

Brian Thompto, president of the Steiner Ranch Neighborhood Association, attended the meeting and said much of the conversation centered on transportation needs in Four Points. He said he was very happy to see RM 620 listed as a major focal point for the county.

“It was very encouraging to see the need to develop the 620 corridor,” Thompto said. “The next step is to treat it as a priority with regards to funding in the coming years.”

Continue reading →