Community Conversations

As We Head Into The Holidays...

Cath Martel — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:42:00 GMT

The Round To Rock participants recently worked with the Seton Medical Center Williamson nutritionists to discuss upcoming challenges associated with eating healthy during the holidays. The participants went through an assessment to record their progress in the program and then had a round table discussion on how to make their favorite holiday dishes in a lighter healthier manner. The topic of the conversation: "how to lighten up holiday recipes for the family and when does moderation and portion control seem like a viable solution.

What are your personal food challenges and fitness goals during this holiday season? We would like to know.

New York minutes

Linda Sappenfield — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 19:14:00 GMT

Just back from my second-ever visit to New York City, I am suffering from mass-transit withdrawal and humming "Avenue Q" and "Billy Elliot" tunes. We are blessed to have my husband's brother and sister-in-law (they'd attract hordes of visitors even if they lived somewhere uninteresting) situated just a couple of blocks from Times Square. Not only that, they dispense kind advice on NYC navigation without making us feel like complete yokels.

Still, I boned up on some local attractions and customs before this trip. Checking out the usual suspects from the library--Fodor's, Insight, Blue Guide--was a good move; they effectively guided my selection of our what-to-see short list. I've forgotten which book provided the Essential Cab Advice, but here it is because you should know: tell cab drivers cross streets rather than addresses, and never select a cab driver who approaches you in the airport.

Sometimes, the best feature of a planned destination is the discoveries you make en route. Propelled by rush-hour sidewalk traffic, I was seeking out a garment district address when the "Sposabella" sign caught my eye. I'd read about it in The Curious Shopper's Guide to New York City: Inside Manhattan's Shopping Districts by Pamela Keech. The store specializes in wedding veils and related finery, and celebrities patronize it. Since (despite evidence to the contrary) I still consider NYC a mythical concept--not unlike flying First Class--spotting "Sposabella" and several other wonderfully specific shops that I'd first viewed in print was a treat.

Another can't-keep-to-ourselves discovery from this excursion is something you won't find in the library; it's more like a deck of cards than a book. City Walks: New York: 50 Adventures on Foot by Martha Fay was offered in museum gift shops in NYC, but you can also purchase it at Barnes and Noble and other local bookstores. Handy-sized cards map out walking tours for various interests and different parts of the city. Notes on the back spotlight features you might otherwise miss.

I recommend City Walks for your own next trip or for a traveler's gift. I also feel compelled to plug Pete Hamill's Forever (which is available at the library) as possibly the ultimate fiction choice about New York City. And, with photos of Central Park and the Naked Cowboy on my phone and a Mood Designer Fabrics shopping bag on my arm, I am qualified to judge, don't you think?

Input, changes to Round Rock's Downtown Master Plan

Will Hampton — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 20:19:00 GMT

We had a productive public hearing on Round Rock's Downtown Master Plan at the Tuesday, Nov. 10, Planning and Zoning Commission meeting. This is the presentation (PDF) made prior to the public hearing.

Here's a synopsis (PDF) of the input we received. The Commission will consider the input as it gives the Plan document another once-over at its retreat on Thursday, Nov. 19. The meeting is open to the public and begins at 9 a.m. at the McConico Building, 301 W. Bagdad Ave.

To preview of the current list of changes we will be making to the Plan document, check this out. This document lists, by page number, the changes that will be coming. Many of the changes fix typos and formatting issues, while others are more substantive. Of course, we'll likely have additional changes and revisions following the P&Z work session.

We expect to have another public hearing, followed by a recommendation vote at the Dec. 16 Planning and Zoning Commission meeting.

We appreciate everyone's input on the Plan so far, and we welcome your questions. If something's unclear, feel free to ask questions here on the blog or via email to whampton@round-rock.tx.us. You can always call me as well at 218-5409.

While grass grows, dog park remains open for fun

Brooks Bennett — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 19:20:00 GMT

If you visit the Round Rock Dog Depot, then you know how popular of a place it is. It is always fun to see the dogs (and people for that matter) interacting at our park.

Because of heavy use, Area 3 of the park is closed to allow for new grass to grow in. No need to worry, the park was designed to allow for an area to be closed at any given time just for this purpose, so please continue to come enjoy the park.

Area 3 is expected to re-open by the end of the year.

City seeks public input on Development Philosophy statement

Cindy Demers — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 20:28:00 GMT

The City of Round Rock in early 2009 began work on improving its land development processes. This effort is part of the City’s overall philosophy of continuous improvement, and builds on previous efforts to streamline the land development process.

The project began with the development and deployment of a confidential online survey, conducted by Plante Moran on behalf of the City and Round Rock Chamber of Commerce from Jan. 20 to Feb. 16, 2009, regarding our development process. More than 460 individual logins were created with approximately 230 completing one or more sections of the survey.

The survey responses were analyzed by an internal City work group and the results (PDF) were presented to the Round Rock City Council at its regular meeting on June 11, 2009. City staff recommended creating a Development Philosophy document to serve as a basis for future policy development. In August 2009, the Round Rock City Council discussed the development process as one of the summer retreat agenda items.

A Development Philosophy statement is being crafted which is intended to communicate a high level of the City’s philosophy when it comes to development in Round Rock. Once a final document is approved by Council, it will serve as the guiding philosophy from which the staff will propose policies and make process changes to ensure alignment with the Council’s vision. This should serve us well in many areas including helping make sure expectations are clear before a development project begins in Round Rock.

You can read the draft Development Philosophy statement here (PDF). We'd like to hear your opinion of this statement, on this blog, or comments can also be emailed to Assistant City Manager Cindy Demers at cdemers@round-rock.tx.us.

Studying the T chromosome

Linda Sappenfield — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 19:22:00 GMT

The KUT news story about Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum's upcoming oral/visual history project caught my attention this morning. By way of accounting for Texans' deep and abiding interest in their state and in its stories, the spokesperson mentioned a book that's familiar here in Round Rock: Tweed Scott's Texas in Her Own Words.

We know a good thing when we read it. This unusual collection of why-I-love-Texas essays was voted the official Round Rock Reads! selection a couple of years ago; the blog provides further details. Author Scott theorizes that a special element--he calls it the T chromosome--must explain why even transplanted Texans develop such intense affection for the Lone State State.

I enjoyed presenting signed copies to a couple of favorite Texans currently residing in States That Aren't Texas. If you're considering this book as a potential Christmas gift or just want it for yourself, check the library catalog. Round Rock Public Library owns multiple copies.

Defining moments

Linda Sappenfield — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 23:44:00 GMT

Reading first novels isn't just rewarding; it's practical. Unless the author inspires a media frenzy on his/her debut, you're certain to snag a copy of that as yet undiscovered gem. And consider the joy of recommending someone whom your friends haven't read yet. As with dispensing choice gossip, you're enlightening an eager audience--only this time, it's a good thing!

I'd been watching for Emily Arsenault's The Broken Teaglass since pre-publication reviews appeared, especially after hearing it likened to the "clues from the archives" scenario of A.S. Byatt's Possession. What surprised me was that as I read on, Joshua Ferris' Then We Came to the End more frequently invited comparison.

Here's the premise of Teaglass: amiable twentysomething fresh from college accepts position as editor (one of many) at the Samuelson Company, "the oldest and most revered name in American dictionaries". Protagonist/narrator Billy elicits your sympathy early on, though you'll sense a story he's not divulging yet. Working alongside a female colleague (she's another plot thread all by herself) he discovers that Samuelson's vast citation files harbor clues to a disturbing and potentially criminal episode.

The story offers an intriguing mystery and charmingly interwoven romantic tension. However, for me the highlight was Samuelson's workplace culture, portrayed as both typical (some "types", generational quirks) and unique (not everyone can handle lexicography as a career). As Ferris does in his tale, Arsenault lends immediacy and humor to an unconventional workplace and those who labor in it.

The pace of the story is nearly halted at times by the odd, noir-ish notes excavated from the word files. At times they suggest Edward Gorey's amusingly unconnected narratives or science fiction bits from Margaret Atwood's wonderful The Blind Assassin. Characterizing The Broken Teaglass as Then We Came to the End meets Possession meets Edward Gorey meets The Blind Assassin would be fun--but not fair. You'd want to try Arsenault's first novel on its own account.

Round To Rock Participants Begin Week 8 With a Cooking Demo

Cath Martel — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 19:42:00 GMT

Week 8 began with a cooking demo from Chef Michael Edison with Seton Hospital. Chef Edison demonstated how to stuff and bake an apple, cook a Moroccan chicken dish and saute spinach. When Chef Edison was done cooking, all the participants enjoyed lunch!

I would like to hear from the Round to Rock participants who want to share their feedback on this learning experience. I

What not to miss at the festival

Linda Sappenfield — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 21:28:00 GMT

What would induce someone to give up a day off to volunteer for Texas Book Festival? Probably not the official volunteer T-shirt. TBF uniforms feature a different classy color each year, along with, alas, the customary tubelike fit. Those of us who fall between the intended-for-guys sizes can select one of two silhouettes: "shrink wrap" or "rectangle". If Stacy and Clinton from What Not to Wear ever spot me in my festival knitwear, they're sure to follow up with a WNTW Volunteer Edition.

On the plus side, volunteer shirts qualify you for impressive perks. The wearer is immediately identified with one of the nation's top literary events--instant prestige. Even if you haven't published a novel, discovered the next new voice in fiction, or escorted a famous author around the Capitol grounds yet, your apparel proclaims that you are Part of It All. To avoid getting an important writer lost en route to the book signing tent, I have elected not to escort. Selling logo merchandise in the tents has been fun in previous years, but this time I went for my dream job: Capitol Monitor.

CMs basically consult their festival schedules to confirm program times; point out restrooms; check for open beverages; record attendance; and watch the doors once seating capacity has been attained. I'm not sure which aspect of Capitol Monitoring I appreciated most. For one thing, being a CM means that you are in the capitol, and I am a major fan of that gorgeous edifice. Opening the House Chamber portal to let in latecomers, I turned the same doorknob that generations of legendary Texans reached for in their own comings and goings.

The "monitor" part is also rewarding, though, because CMs remain on hand throughout the program. Thus, I witnessed former Rolling Stone writer Jancee Dunn's response to a delightful panel discussion question. To an audience member's inquiry of which musical mega-star was the nicest, Ms. Dunn instantly named Barry White. A chorus of "Ohhhhh, Barry White!" erupted from attendees and panelists, and the briefest of Barry White love-fests played out before the session could resume.

Later, during Taylor Branch's Clinton Tapes program in the House Chamber, I managed to stop gaping at those vintage star-shaped chandeliers long enough to enjoy both the author's commentary and the range of Q&A topics posed by listeners. One gentleman was two spaces too far back in the question queue; the author had to leave in order to keep his appointment at the autograph tent. Graciously accepting that his queries would go unasked for the present, the young man told me what he'd wanted to say. Both points were excellent, and now I'm curious about them, as well.

I need to check out Branch's new book, hoping that the answers are within--and also pencil in Texas Book Festival on my 2010 calendar. The T-shirt is inevitable, but at least I can wear cute shoes.

The accidental book blurb

Linda Sappenfield — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 19:26:00 GMT

I can't be the only librarian who fears acting like a stereotype and so downplays my zeal for literature to avoid excessive conversational references to you-know-what. I suspect others do, too. No one wants to be a cliche, and we do have other interests. Besides all that, we were raised right.

Good manners dictate that we not continually accost folks with forthcoming reviews and author updates, but be warned: enthusiasm bubbles just beneath the polite surface of the average librarian, and should you inquire whether we've read any good books lately, we never interpret the question as rhetorical.

Arriving early for a meeting last week, I sneaked in a chapter of Cathy Marie Buchanan's new The Day the Falls Stood Still, only to be caught in the act of stashing it back into my huge handbag. From the seat behind me came, "Sorry, but I just have to know what you're reading!" With seconds to spare before the presider reached the platform, I whisked the book up into face-forward position and reeled off a few hasty comments explaining (I hope) my absorption in it.

If the inquirer loves historical fiction (especially American and early 20th century), Buchanan's book would be perfect for her, better still if the reader is concerned about environmental issues. Niagara Falls is very much a character in the story, as the debate over how to appropriately harness the rapids for hydroelectric power plays out amid one family's reversal of fortunes, Canada's role in World War I, and more than one young romance. Central characters Bess, with her privileged upbringing, and Tom, grandson of a heroic riverman of near-mythic reputation, are a magnetic couple.

Halfway through my instant book blurb, I suddenly recalled that Lauren Belfer's City of Light, published a few years ago, offers similar appeal: the Falls/hydroelectric power element, compelling narration, nicely integrated historical details.

This appropriate thought was quickly succeeded by a superficial one: what if I hadn't brought a well-written, lovely volume straight from the library's "New Fiction" display and instead had to explain to a stranger a grimy, tattered edition of mediocre prose? Doesn't this scenario harken back to your mother's classic admonition to wear your best underwear in case you're in an accident? If you remember that one, it's a sure sign that you were raised right.

Round Rock Downtown Master Plan approval schedule updated

Will Hampton — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 14:35:00 GMT

After last week’s meetings with the City Council and Planning and Zoning Commission, we’ve changed the schedule for adoption of the Downtown Master Plan. Both the Council and P&Z made clear their preference to spend adequate time to fully review the document prior to taking action.

Here’s the updated schedule:

Nov. 10 – Public Hearing at Planning and Zoning Commission’s regular meeting, scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. in City Council Chambers at City Hall, 221 E. Main St.
Nov. 19 – Work session at the Planning and Zoning Commission retreat in the Community Room at the McConico Building, 301 W. Bagdad Ave. Discussion is scheduled to start at 9 a.m.
Dec. 16 – Public Hearing and recommendation vote at Planning and Zoning Commission’s regular meeting, scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.

All meetings are open to the public.

We don’t have dates set yet for City Council review and approval. In fact, the schedule above may be modified if the P&Z Commissioners feel they need additional time. Chairman Al Kosik noted at last week’s work session that this timeframe was still pretty tight.

My apologies in advance for any confusion or problems the schedule changes may cause you.

If you missed the P&Z work session, you can watch it here. The City Council presentation and discussion can be viewed here.

Drinking Coffee with the Stars

Linda Sappenfield — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 16:55:00 GMT

Having moved back to Texas and to Round Rock in 2005, I don't qualify as a newcomer. Still, I only recently managed to discover the Round Rock New Neighbors book group.

Yesterday's wonderful discussion featuring guest author Amanda Eyre Ward prompted me to get the word out: you, too, new resident or not, can get in on this prime reading/discussion opportunity.

RRNN began as a private newcomers group meeting in members' homes but is now open to the public. The current venue--Barnes & Noble at La Frontera--is easy to locate. B&N public relations manager Frank Campbell hosts the event and even provides fresh Starbucks coffee and straight-from-the-oven cookies. Sessions start at 1:00 on the third Monday of each month (but November will be an exception; check out upcoming events on the RRNN blog: http://rrnnbookblog.blogspot.com).

Novelist (Sleep Toward Heaven, Forgive Me, How to Be Lost) and short story writer (Love Stories in This Town) Ward was a definite hit yesterday. With her warm and chatty responses, the Q&A exchange shifted into conversational mode, touching a variety of topics related to the writer's life and books. Among other items, Ward divulged that her office is actually her son's closet (which displays her Violet Crown Book Award); that those who create children's books must possess special word crafting skills akin to poetry; and that at a young age she read both Nancy Drew books and John Updike!

RRNN doesn't promise visits from critically acclaimed authors every month, but the discussions are first-rate. And you never know who might drop in....

Week 6 Begins

Cath Martel — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 12:53:00 GMT

The Round To Rock participants started off week 6 learning about orthopaedic issues. Erik Bruce M.D. was our guest speaker on Monday and he discussed sports medicine, arthroscopoic surgery of the knee and shoulder as well as knee reconstruction. His presentation was very thorough, enlightening and provided great insight to what our bodies go through as we age.

Also, we want to hear how everyone is doing with the fitness and weight loss. How did your assessment go?

Final Draft of Round Rock Downtown Master Plan available for review

Will Hampton — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 22:47:00 GMT

A copy of the final draft of the Downtown Master Plan is now available for viewing here on the City’s web site. The documents are broken out by chapter, so they should be easier/quicker to download.

Our approval schedule for the Plan remains the same as in the last email we sent. In case you missed it, or to remind you, the schedule is:

Oct. 21 – Planning and Zoning Commission work session
Oct. 22 -- City Council update -- we'll discuss results/questions from P&Z work session; this will not be a work session, but rather a presentation with an opportunity for Q&A with the Council
Nov. 10 -- Public hearing and P&Z consideration of a recommendation to the City Council
Nov. 12 -- City Council work session
Nov. 24 -- City Council public hearing and consideration of approval

If you think there's input we haven't captured, please provide a comment here on the blog.

Name that tome

Linda Sappenfield — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 18:06:00 GMT

Tidying my personal bookshelves last weekend, I encountered a favorite: The Little, Brown Book of Anecdotes. It's a bulky green volume labeled for its publisher rather than physical traits. Alongside it stands The Big Book of Irony, trim and lightweight as the name might lead you to suppose.

Another is-that-really-the-title moment occurred on a visit to the UK years ago. Standing in a queue to purchase something, I had sneaked my London on $49 a Day paperback out of my bag to discreetly study our next destination. My aim was to avoid looking desperately touristy. Nice try. The business-attired English gentleman waiting behind me indicated the handbook and inquired: "Found that in the fiction section, did you?"

Sure, nonfiction titles can represent more hope than fact, but they do frequently advertise content that is precisely targeted and even reassuringly practical. Cruising the nonfiction aisles on second floor recently, I spied these examples:

The Self-Sufficient Life and How to Live It: The Complete Back-to-Basics Guide
How to Build a Small Budget Recording Studio from Scratch
First-time Landlord: Your Guide to Renting Out a Single-family Home
How to Bury a Goldfish and 113 Other Family Rituals for Everyday Life

Why was I so tempted to check them out, though neither a recording studio or tenants have any place in my future? The notion of possessing the key to unanticipated sorts of expertise must justify the attraction. Those guides are either timely, or pleasantly arcane, or both, and the library shelves can furnish hundreds more.

That said, I admit to scratching my head over this oxymoronic title: How to Develop Spontaneity and Style.

Avoid sugar and burn fat for a healthier lifestyle

Cath Martel — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 15:11:00 GMT

Week Four started off with Dr. Ben discussing food topics for one hour followed by participant weigh-in and 30 minute workout.

Dr. Ben covered a ton of information, here's the break down:

Watch the Sugar. When reading the ingredients, if a word ends in -ose it is a sugar. Grains also turn to sugar. Excess sugar will turn to fat. Remember cattle is given grain before they are butchered to fatten them up - the same thing happens in our bodies.
A substitute for sugar is Stevia or Xylitol. These can be bought at most grocery or vitamin stores.
Fat does not make you fat, the inability to burn fat makes you fat.
Bad fats - rancid fats make your body toxic and fight your ability to burn fat.
Good fats - Olive oil is a healthier fat and should be used at room or low temperaures. If you cook with olive oil at high temperatures, it becomes rancid. Coconut oil is great for cooking with at high temperatures.
Read the Ingredients - High fructose corn syrup, canola oil, and trans fat are all toxic to your body and will prevent it from functioning at the high level it is intended to.

Those were the 6 most important health items covered. We look forward to hearing part two with Dr. Ben in the not-too-distant future.

For those participating and following from home, what health changes are you trying to make in your day-to-day lives, and more importantly, how are you doing implementing a new, healthy lifestyle?

Check, please

Linda Sappenfield — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 19:13:00 GMT

Don't you admire those who can cleverly answer the "which three famous people, living or dead, you'd choose to have dinner with" question? Perhaps you have a boffo response yourself, but I've been stumped by the scope of potential invitees (i.e., everyone who's ever lived, out of whom I can pick only three!)

Also, for no good reason, I've always pictured the event in a vast formal Victorian dining room complete with an army of waiters, unidentifiable eating implements, and the obligation to chat in a sparkling manner to strangers on both sides and another one across the table.

A breakthrough occurred when I realized that anyone capable of breaking bread with the non-living also has these options:

Limit the roster to three writers, and I don't have to entertain them simultaneously
Ditch the formal scene
Offer each author his/her choice of any Round Rock eatery (because, for all its variety, our city offers no palatial 19th- century dining venues)

Did I also mention that I can select another famous trio any time I wish? Now that the pressure's off and comfort food is an option, I'm naming the first three lucky dinner companions:

Rick Bragg: I can discover whether his real voice sounds like the one I hear when I'm reading his artfully simple prose. He could give me the scoop on his forthcoming book, and I bet he'd choose a place with fried okra, cornbread, and cobbler on the menu.

William Dean Howells: He could relate insider anecdotes about Twain, Henry James, and Edith Wharton. Also, I suspect that he shares his character Silas Lapham's discomfiture wtih too-elegant settings and would appreciate barbecue.

Barbara Ehrenreich: I'd schedule our dinner for tonight in order to afford me a week-early preview of her latest: Bright-Sided: How the Relentless Promotion of Positive Thinking Has Undermined America. I'm unfamiliar with Ms. Ehrenreich's dining preferences, but, knowing her previous book, I'm prepared to leave a very generous tip!

V is for...

Linda Sappenfield — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 13:15:00 GMT

Vampire lit is fashionable (and marketable) these days--not just Stephenie Meyer's Twilight saga, but all sorts of standalone titles, paranormal romance series, mysteries, and even humorous romance fiction. A quick survey of the library catalog--I entered "vampires" in the Quick Search box--yielded 587 results. Titles range from Christine Feehan's bestselling Dark Slayer to David Wellington's 23 Hours: A Vengeful Vampire Tale to Michelle Rowen's Tall Dark & Fangsome.

Plots run the gamut from traditional scenarios to the whimsical concept of a small-town Oklahoma vampire single dad (Michele Bardsley's Wait Til Your Vampire Gets Home). Clearly, this theme offers something for everyone. Amanda Grange has melded the occult trend with the Jane Austen franchise in Mr. Darcy, Vampyre.

So, what's not to like? I should be delighted that classic cape-wearers are proving to be modern page-turners. Instead, I'm feeling a little disillusioned.

Years ago, a former Miss America confided during a TV interview that, thirty years after her reign, she refused to even take out the trash without applying makeup, styling her hair, and donning a becoming outfit. She didn't want to destroy the public's fantasy of the woman who could always look good!

I don't care to see a domesticated vampire any more than I hope to spy a beauty queen in a mud mask and sweatpants. Readers may all enjoy their favorite takes on the legendary phantom, but some of those clever adaptations are bound to take the edge off the vampire's mystique.

Do you agree?

What do you predict will be the next big trend in fictional characters?

Update on Round Rock's Downtown Master Plan process, schedule

Will Hampton — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 15:00:00 GMT

On Sept. 14, we forwarded the input we've received from the public, City Council, Planning and Zoning Commission, and staff to consultant Torti Gallas to include in the final draft of the Downtown Master Plan. Here are some of the highlights:

We need to revise the land use map and future road and pedestrian improvements near Brushy Creek. Our goal is to open up the creek for appropriate development, like restaurants with outdoor seating that overlooks the water. So we'll be removing the "Civic" land use designation along the creek between Sheppard and Spring streets to allow for private development. We still want to provide for public access along the creek, particularly for our new proposed Heritage Trail.
Other creekside changes to the draft plan include: changing the alignment of a future east-west road connecting Pecan to Fannin (Here's a very rough draft map (PDF) showing the new alignment); making Lewis-Spring streets the primary north-south connector between Main Street and Pecan, instead of Burnet Street; and planning for the pedestrian bridge over Brushy Creek to extend north from Lewis instead of Sheppard.
The roundabouts on Palm Valley Boulevard-U.S. 79 will be removed from the list of catalytic projects.
Revising Chapter 4, Design Guidelines for Development, so it is clear it is not a form based code. This chapter will no longer include detailed design standards, but will explain why standards will be necessary in a soon-to-be-adopted Zoning Code for downtown.

Which leads us to the schedule. Here is what's on the calendar at present:

Oct. 6 -- Planning and Zoning Commission process update -- this will be a five-minute presentation
Oct. 21 -- P&Z work session -- we'll have a full-blown review of the final draft Plan
Oct. 22 -- City Council update -- we'll discuss results/questions from P&Z work session; this will not be a work session, but rather a presentation with an opportunity for Q&A with the Council
Nov. 10 -- Public hearing and P&Z consideration of a recommendation to the City Council
Nov. 12 -- City Council work session
Nov. 24 -- City Council public hearing and consideration of approval

All meetings will be open to the public.

Once the Plan is adopted, we'll begin work on the Zoning Code. That process is expected to take a few months, and will include further opportunities for public input prior to adoption.

If you've got questions about the process or schedule, please contact me at whampton@round-rock.tx.us, 218-5409, or, better yet, leave a comment here on the blog!

End of Week Two!

Brian Sedatole — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 04:43:00 GMT

This week was definitely more difficult than last week. Starting with yoga/pilates and running up and down the stairwell of a four-story building, to more running mechanics with Carlos, a heck of a lot of ab work with Bobby and then ending with "Burpees" with Brannon (don't let the name fool you - they're killer), I have sore muscles in places I didn't know I had muscles! Although I haven't noticed any significant changes in how my clothes fit, I know that if I am patient that time willl come. The weekend is here and I'm going to try to watch my caloric intake and get in some weight training exercise on my own at Clay Madsen on Saturday morning - maybe a run on Sunday after church. Week 3, here we come!

Round 2 Rock

Michelle Palmer — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 19:48:00 GMT

Wow ... our third week of the program and I am definitely feelin' it. I've always known I've had more muscles than I'm used to using, but OMG, I haven't felt them in a long time, and they hurt! Our second workout with Brannon at Crossfit didn't feel as "bad" as the first, but I'll know Saturday morning just how the two compare!

I am so glad I decided to do the program, I'm sure about half way through I might not be, but in the long run, it will all be worth it!!!

Readin' westerns now

Linda Sappenfield — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 21:48:00 GMT

Western novels don't rank high on my to-read list. They're too reliable. I can seek out the glamour of fiction debuts, bestsellers, etc,. knowing that Westerns (at least the ones that aren't checked out by more appreciative readers) will always be there for me. I've largely taken for granted the traits that characterize these novels--strong narration, sense of place, elemental struggles.

But now Steve Hockensmith has roped me in as a Reader of Westerns. Reviews of his Western/mystery series ("hilarious", "vivid images", "filled with historical atmosphere") lured me to search for the first one. The library didn't have Holmes on the Range (nominated for an Edgar Award) but it has now been ordered and should arrive soon. Book #2, On the Wrong Track, was checked out by a discerning library patron, so I located #3, The Black Dove.

Here's the premise: It's the 1890s, and brothers Gustav and Otto Amlingmeyer (alias "Old Red" and "Big Red") are vainly attempting to get themselves hired on as detectives. They've worked as cowboys/drovers; then that gig with the Southern Pacific Railroad didn't turn out well--but that's another story. When they are unexpectedly reunited with a mysterious--not to mention beautiful--lady from their past and their old friend Dr. Chan starts behaving peculiarly, they are obliged to employ "deducifying" skills they didn't even know they possessed.

Did I mention that Gus and Otto are avid fans of Sherlock Holmes and have personas that mirror Holmes and Watson? The San Francisco/Chinatown setting contributes lots of local color, quirky characters, and some truly comic situations. The most memorable feature in this enjoyable yarn is the Otto's folksy play-by-play narration. Candid to a fault, he alternates between short-sightedness and surprising emotional sensitivity. The contrast between his gossipy extroversion and Gus' uncommunicative reserve (obviously signifying hidden depths) enlivens the story even more than the quest for the Black Dove.

So, I've been totin' around The Black Dove for several days now. But I'm on my way to check it in so that you can have a turn. Hockensmith's #4, The Crack in the Lens, was recently purchased for the library's collection, but it's checked out. No surprise there.

Yogalates

Terri Waggoner — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 19:06:00 GMT

On Monday, October 21, the participants received a lesson in Yogalates, a program offered at Clay Madsen Recreation Center. Patti Grant and Atalie Price demonstrated stretches and taught participants some basic moves to improve flexibility and strength.

In addition to a Yogalates class, the participants spent an hour with our Round to Rock trainers which I heard included an outdoor run and some strenuous indoor exercising!

Since You Asked...

Linda Sappenfield — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 17:30:00 GMT

What other six books would I recommend to President Obama?

Imagining the Leader of the Free World strolling from the Oval Office to the family residence at the end of the day, probably encumbered with treatises on the economy and briefs on world events, here's what I suggest. These titles provide context for the current political climate but also have the capacity to nourish the President's curiosity about regional diversity and bestow moments of relaxation and enjoyment. I can picture him reading poetry aloud to his family:

The Metaphysical Club by Louis Menand: reminds us that ideas do have the power to change the course of history and that "intellectual" isn't a bad word
A biography of LBJ (Robert Dallek, Robert Caro, and Doris Kearns Goodwin have authored good ones); lessons from the life of a master politician
The Big Sort: Why the Clustering of Like-Minded America is Tearing Us Apart by Bill Bishop: title says it all
The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis: classic, very entertaining exploration of human motivation
Ava's Man or, All Over But the Shoutin' or The Most They Ever Had (due out in October) by Rick Bragg: plain-spoken but powerfully eloquent prose offering insights into the Southern working man's experience
Sailing Alone Around the Room or another poetry collection by Billy Collins: Humorous and warmhearted riffs on topics that are mostly everyday themes but always satisfying. Other Poet Laureates of the United States would be excellent choices for the President and for the rest of us.

And here's a bonus selection: If President Obama can also work in Isaac's Storm: A Man, A Time, and the Deadliest Hurricane in History by Erik Larson, he could join us for one of the Round Rock Reads! events. I promise to buy a round of lattes at both Star Co. and Friar Tuck's Pantry if he does!

Round to Rock kicked off Sept 14

Terri Waggoner — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 20:00:00 GMT

Eleven lucky participants in the Round to Rock program kicked off their fitness transformations on Monday, Sept 14 at Seton Medical Center Williamson. The 11 participants divided into teams and while one group learned about proper nutrition and how to decipher what to eat and what to buy in the grocery store, another group did their fitness assessment which involved jumping jack warmups, situps, pushups, and initial weigh-ins. The participants include: Mayor Alan McGraw, State Representative Diana Maldonado, Sharesa Alexander, Teresa Bledsoe, Nate Edwards, Robert Edwards, Bob Eskridge, Jessica Iroanya, Michelle Palmer, Teresa Ramirez, and Brian Sedatole.

On Tuesday, Sept 15 they worked out from noon - 2 with fitness trainer Carlos Vega for some exercise! Follow this blog to keep track of the latest workouts, nutrition and exercise tips from the Round to Rock Participants. For more information on the program visit www.roundtorock.com