EduCenter Enjoys Ribbon-Cutting
EduCenter by Nets was welcomed to the area by the Leander Chamber of Commerce with a ribbon cutting event in December. EduCenter by Nets’ parent company, Nets Educational Institution, has been offering educational strategies to schools, students and parents for almost...
Dogs Help Students Develop Reading Skills
Students at three Round Rock ISD elementary schools are getting help from man’s best friend through the Austin Dog Alliance, which trains canines to help students who may need extra encouragement to improve reading and communication. Carolyn Honish, a Live Oak...
Austin Receives New Daniel Johnston Mural
A new Daniel Johnston mural was unveiled December 1 at Nau’s Enfield Drug on West Lynn. The design, featuring a superhero and the inspirational message “Love is the question; Love is the answer,” is Johnston’s first mural in 20 years and a holiday gift to the city of...
Westlake High School Volleyball Coach Named Coach of the Year
In November, the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) named Al Bennett, head girls volleyball coach at Westlake High School, as the 2014 AVCA National High School Coach of the Year. Bennett has coached the Westlake Chaparrals for 27 years. He has accumulated...
CDC Predicts Severe Flu Season
In December, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that early data suggested the current 2014-15 flu season could be severe. The CDC urges immediate vaccination for anyone still unvaccinated this season and recommends prompt treatment with...
Texas Casa Receives Texas Bar Foundation Grant
Texas CASA announced in November that it has received a $15,000 grant from the Texas Bar Foundation. The award will be used to develop an expanded curriculum and online courses for new executive directors focused on the laws and policies that govern child advocacy and...
March of Dimes Notes Improvement Trend in Texas Preterm Births
In November, the March of Dimes lauded a seven-year improving trend in Texas’ preterm birth rate, which contributed to an improvement in the national rate. Texas’ preterm birth rate was 12.3 percent in 2013, down from 13.7 in 2006, the year the national rate peaked....
City of Austin Announces Flood Safety Poster Contest
The City of Austin is kicking off its annual Flood Safety Poster Contest with the theme “Turn Around – Don’t Drown.” Kids age 6 to 13 are welcome to enter and have a chance to win prizes including: Gift cards worth $25 to $100. A ride on Lady Bird Lake in a swift...
St. David’s North Austin Adds Children’s Hospital
St. David’s HealthCare announced the opening of St. David’s Children’s Hospital, located at St. David’s North Austin Medical Center. St. David’s Children’s Hospital will provide emergency, inpatient and intensive care services for children ages 17 and under. “St....
New Ordinance Requires Hands-Free Driving
The new year will bring a new hands-free law to Austin and City of Austin officials recently unveiled urged drivers and bicyclists to practice safety on the road. The new ordinance prohibits the use of electronic hand-held devices while operating a vehicle or bicycle....
Texas Urges Hantavirus Precautions Following Coastal Case
The Texas Department of State Health Services is reminding people to protect themselves from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), a rare but sometimes fatal illness, after a resident along the Texas coast was diagnosed with HPS. Hantavirus is carried by certain...
Mother’s Lounge Opens at Round Rock Premium Outlets
Seton Healthcare Family and Round Rock Premium Outlets celebrated the opening of a private mother's lounge at the outlet mall on December 16. The lounge offers mothers a convenient, quiet space to breastfeed during shopping visits, officials said. Located near the...
