Granite Shoals proclaims 50th Year Bash weekend

By Glynis Crawford Smith

The Highlander

Proclamations were the first order of business for Mayor Carl Brugger at the Tuesday night meeting of the Granite Shoals City Council.

Foremost was proclaiming April 23-24 the 50th Anniversary Weekend for the City of Granite Shoals, an occasion to be marked by a festival welcoming the entire Highland Lakes area in to share in the celebration.

He had high praise and commemorative pins for members of the committee who have planned the 50th Year Bash events underscored in the proclamation:

“The city is home to Olympic Silver Medalist Leo Manzano, who joins us Saturday, April 23, for a fun run on the Leo Manzano Hike, Bike and Run Trail in Quarry Park,” said Brugger. “A music festival will be headlined by John Arthur Martinez, with London and David Duo, Wilson String Band and both Chris Reeves and Wake Eastman performing with Tejas.

On Sunday, April 24, the citywide 50th Anniversary Worship Service of Thanksgiving and Hope will be conducted at the city hall complex.

The committee has more than 40 booths of arts and crafts, food and family activities lined up for the Saturday event.

“All ages can participate in the fun run,” said Brugger. “They will be signing in at 8 o'clock for a 9 a.m. start but you can register now at city hall or on the city website (www.graniteshoals.org). Activities for the kids include a kiddie train, bounce house, games and a balloon release,” said Brugger.

The Committee members recognized were the Rev. Jackie English, the chairman of the committee who also arranged the music festival; Bessie Jackson, children's activities; Dennis Maier and Patie Campbell, history research and exhibition; Brenda Davis, vendors and food; the Rev. Tomas Dominguez, Giant Piñata Bash event, and Glynis Smith, support.

Brugger joined Burnet County and neighboring cities in declaring April Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month. On hand from the Burnet County Child Welfare Board (BCCWB) Jan Graves and Caroline Ragsdill, BCCWB president.

LCRA grant presentation

“Representatives of the Lower Colorado River Authority and the Pedernales Electric Cooperative will be with us at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, April 20, for the presentation of our $23,000 Community Development Partnership grant,” said Nickel. “The grant for rainwater collection and re-use will make it certain we will have water for the wildflower and butterfly gardens and other uses in Quarry Park.”

The council passed an amendment to its minor re-plat ordinance that will allow the city manager to sign off on replats of four or fewer lots that include lakefront and fill areas previously not included in the manager's purview. The only dissenting vote was that of the mayor, who saw the wisdom of “more than one set of eyes” on the properties that have so often presented problems before the planning & zoning commission and the council.

The Granite Shoals Parks Committee has been returned to full strength. Ceilia Escamilla, an experienced member of Highland Lakes Master naturalists who was appointed Tuesday night, and Britany Dooley, appointed at the last council meeting, are the latest members.

“I am so pleased that all the vacancies are filled,” said Mayor Pro Tem Shirley King. “This is one of our hardest-working committees and they mean so much to the city.”