Blog - Highland Lakes Democratic Women

Highland Lakes Democratic Women

Fletcher Shares Growth Story of Marble Falls

2/3/2023

Highland Lakes Democratic Women welcomed Christian Fletcher, Executive Director of the Marble Falls Economic Development Corporation to their January meeting. Mr. Fletcher shared news and plans about growth in the Marble Falls area. The presentation explained about the upward trend in growth, sales tax collection and hotel tax payments. The number of visitors to this area has skyrocketed over the past few years, slowing down a bit in these economic times.

Mr. Fletcher stated that most of the growth will be developments in the vicinity of the 281 and 71 intersection. The builders involved are Lennar, DR Horton, Pulte and others. Each development will have restaurant and retail build outs along with all the housing.

Much of the growth of the area has been from Williamson and Travis counties. These new arrivals are raising the trends for income, employment and education; which in turn adds to the tax money collected and that becomes income for the county and the city to pay for improvements. The availability of water is of great importance in managing this growth. Plans are going into effect now to insure this area always has enough water to supply any growth there is.

There are new businesses moving in and major growth in the parks for recreational opportunities. A new hotel and conference center, light industrial area on 281 south of the city and a new sports complex are planned that will bring visitors to the city. But, alas, no Target.

The city of Marble Falls website https://www.marblefallseconomy.com/ has information about current stats and coming plans.

Highland Lakes Democratic Women meet the 4th Thursday of each month at Hidden Falls Bistro, 220 Meadowlakes Drive, Meadowlakes 78654. All are welcome.

For details, please contact hldwtexas@gmail.com or
facebook.com/highlandlakesdemocraticwomen

Highland Lakes Democratic Women President Mary Kathryn Kane and Vice President Ann Stevens welcome Speaker Christian Fletcher, Marble Falls Economic Development

HLDW member Nancy Hill introduces guest, Sonnie Stalker

Highland Lakes Democratic Women Secretary, Sandra Chapman, center with new members, Judith Johnson, on left and Ann Platt, right.

Nancy Hill, left, expresses gratitude for all that member Susan O'Brien, right, has accomplished as Texas Democratic Women board member, HLDW Vice President, fundraising and publicity chair-person to name a few.

Highland Lakes Democratic Women past presidents Ravelle Kundinger, left, and Shirley Schmidt, right, enjoyed catching up at first HLDW meeting of the new year.

Special thanks to member Patty Kane. Patty is always ready to help wherever needed. "Just ask Patty, she’ll take care of it!"

economic development topic of January meeting

1/6/2023

Christian Fletcher, Executive Director of the Marble Falls Economic Development Corporation

What is happening in Marble Falls? We have some answers here. Christian Fletcher has been the Executive Director of the Marble Falls Economic Development Corporation since September 2011. Prior to that, he was the Executive Director of the Marble Falls/Lake LBJ Chamber of Commerce for 5½ years. Christian has degrees from Duke and Yale in academic disciplines only divinely connected to economic development. He and his wife, Kathy, are both natives of Marble Falls, and they have two sons—one a super-senior at the University of Texas and the other a senior at Texas State University

MEETING INVITATION

We invite you to attend the HLDW meeting Thursday January 26, 2023 at 11:30 am, check in at 11:15 am. Cost is $20 per person, payable at the door.

We are meeting at Hidden Falls Bistro and Bar, 220 Meadowlakes Drive, Meadowlakes 78654.

MENU
Pizza and Mediterranean Salad
There will be a variety of pizzas

Please RSVP to Connie Stein, connie.stein@me.com
by Monday January 16

HLDW Holiday Open House and Scholarship Fundraiser

12/16/2022

Highland Lakes Democratic Women held their Christmas Open House on Saturday, Dec 10. This get- together was a wonderful opportunity for the members to have a chance to visit, but also to celebrate the success of the Scholarship Fundraiser.

HLDW has several Scholarship Fundraisers each year … one of the most enjoyable is the Holiday Cookie Sale. Every holiday season the HLDW members bake dozens and dozens of cookies to package and sell. This year enough money was raised to more than cover the cost of a scholarship given to a woman returning to school or just starting her education. This is one of our favorite goals to meet each year.

Brenda Smith and Anita Worrell enjoy the Open House.

Teri Flanagan and Linda Williams man the cookie pick up station.

Nancy Loftis, Ravelle Kundinger and Ann Stevenson in front of the fireplace…unfortunately, too warm outside for a fire.

Judy Fisher, Carol Parker and Myrna Armstrong trying out the hot apple cider.

Beth Dahlberg, Sandra Chapman, Nancy Loftis and Linda Burling spending time with good friends.

Jody Mallet, Kristen Risberg and Kim Compton had a nice visit.

Happy Holidays to all from Highland Lakes Democratic Women!

HLDW New Officers Installed

11/22/2022

Highland Lakes Democratic Women joined together to install the 2023 officers. Past President Ravelle Kundinger swore in the following slate of officers.

From left, Mary Kathryn Kane, President, Ann Stevenson, Vice President, Laura Rippy, Treasurer, Sandra Chapman, Secretary and Connie Stein, Secretary.

HLDW members Charla Hester, Rose Anna Butler, Nancy Fehr and Kitty Palmer at the recent meeting at Hidden Falls Bistro.

Congratulations to HLDW 2023 President Mary Kathryn Kane.

Silent Auction winner, Linda Myers, shows off her beautiful basket donated by Rose Anna Butler. Thanks to both!

Longtime HLDW members from left, Anita Worrell, Linda Williams and Marti Pogue were glad to get to visit again.

HLDW Hears From County Election Administrators

11/22/2022

Highland Lakes Democratic Women welcomed Doug Ferguson (Burnet) and Andrea Wilson (Llano), County Election Administrators, to Hidden Falls Bistro for the October meeting. Ferguson and Wilson shared their insights on the ins and outs of running elections while being interviewed by the Democratic County Chairs, Susan O'Brien (Burnet) and Candy Huff ( Llano). There are so many moving parts to keep up with during elections and they are responsible for the elections from training the poll workers to ballot counting at the end. It’s hard work but gratifying for all involved.

From left, Susan O'Brien, Burnet County Democratic Chair, Doug Ferguson, Burnet County Election Administrator, Candy Huff, Llano Count Democratic Chair, Andrea Wilson, Llano County Election Administrator and Ann Stevenson, HLDW Vice President

Doug Ferguson speaks with HLDW member Joanne Emerson about the current mid term elections

From left, Doug Ferguson and Andrea Wilson were interviewed by Susan O'Brien and Candy Huff

Doug Ferguson and Andrea Wilson share a lighter moment during this hectic time

hOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE

11/22/2022

COOKIE TIME IS COMING

10/10/2022

ELECTION ADMINISTRATORS AT HLDW OCTOBER MEETING

10/6/2022

All are invited to the next HLDW meeting on Thursday October 27, 2022 at 11:30 am. Check in at 11:15 am.

Hidden Falls Bistro and Bar, 220 Meadowlakes Drive, Meadowlakes TX 78654.

Speakers are Andrea Wilson and Doug Ferguson, Election Administrators. This will be a great opportunity to hear about the technical side of the elections. Our Llano and Burnet County chairs--Candy Huff and Susan O'Brien--will be interviewing Andrea and Doug. If there's time, audience members can ask questions.

Andrea Wilson was appointed to the position of Llano County Election Administrator in late June 2022. Previously, Andrea was an Escrow Officer at a local Title Company. In 2018, she worked for the County Clerk as Assistant Chief Deputy, and Court Secretary for Llano County Criminal Court for four years.

In 2008, Doug Ferguson was made the Assistant Elections Administrator in Hays County, a position he held for several years and over 30 successful elections. Doug left to accept the position of Burnet County Elections Administrator in February of 2015.

MENU
Chicken Portobello - Chicken Breast Sautéed with Portobello Mushrooms and Shallot in a Light Sherry Wine Cream Sauce

OR

Green Salad with Grilled Chicken

Cost is $20 per person

Please RSVP to Connie Stein, connie.stein@me.com by Monday October 17.
In your RSVP, please list your lunch selection.

our candidates

9/13/2022

HLDW Welcomes Candidate for Texas SD 24

9/13/2022

Highland Lakes Democratic Women welcome guest speaker Kathy Jones-Hospod, the Democratic candidate for Texas Senate District 24 to their meeting Sept 22 at Hidden Falls Restaurant. She supports a Reliable Power Grid, Statewide Broadband, Women's Rights / Equal Rights and Dependable Foster Care.

Jones-Hospod has 40 years of experience as an engineer. The majority of her experience was making sure telecom infrastructure was reliable for not only Texans but nationwide, including 911. She knows what it takes to build infrastructure. Jones-Hospod brings a perspective to the Texas Legislature that combines engineering, business, leadership, and, especially, a woman’s and mother’s perspective. She lives in Texas Senate District 24.

Please join Highland Lakes Democratic Women at Hidden Falls Restaurant, 220 Meadowlakes Drive, Meadowlakes TX 78654, September 22 at 11:15 am. Lunch will be served for a $20 charge. For questions or RSVP, email connie.stein@me.com

Ready to join HLDW?

We're ready to meet you! Please click through to the "Join" page and sign up for a membership. Want to try us on for size? Join us at our next monthly meeting and then decide.

The HLDW is a Chapter of the Texas Democratic Women. For more information, please visit www.tdw.org.