Greetings, Woodcreekers!

Autumn is a transitional season, as we look back fondly on our Hill Country summer and anticipate the promise of the holidays ahead. It’s the end of one chapter, and the beginning of another. 

In a similar fashion, I am winding down my term as Mayor of Woodcreek as we elect new leadership this week. I am proud of what we have accomplished as a City Council, City Staff, and community. Thank you for entrusting me to help move Woodcreek forward, and I wish our new Mayor and Council continued success. While I will no longer serve as Mayor, I intend to stay involved in our community, and I encourage you to do the same.

One such person who’s highly active in our community is Cheryl Mills, who we’ve profiled in this month’s newsletter. She’s the chair of our Community Relations Committee, the group that organizes many of Woodcreek’s signature events.

And speaking of signature events… Woodcreek is hosting a Water-Wise seminar on November 8 and our second-annual Tree Giveaway Day on the 9th. Read on for the details.

And be sure to check out the article on the many grants that Woodcreek has secured in recent years. Totalling roughly one million dollars, these grants give small communities like Woodcreek the means to fund projects (like parks and roads) that local budgets alone could not sustain.

Now, on with more news!

• As I mentioned, it’s election time in Woodcreek. Early voting has ended, but if you haven’t yet cast your ballot, I encourage you to do so on Tuesday, November 4th. Polling stations are open 7am to 7pm.
• Did you stop by the Woodcreek SpookTacular? It was a delightful evening of costumes, decorated golf carts, and camaraderie. Thanks to the Double J Golf Club for hosting the event, and congratulations to them on the reopening of our world-class hometown golf course!
• Veterans and families! Don’t miss the 9th Annual Veterans Day BBQ Lunch, held on November 8 from 11am to 2pm at VFW Post 6441. A free meal with all the fixings will be provided to veterans and their families.
• The Council recently approved a measure that sets aside 3% of any unallocated end-of-year budget for a parkland fund. This fund can one day be used to enhance our community’s green spaces.
• Another reminder: if you’ve ever volunteered for the City -- at any event, committee, or work project -- please fill out this form so that you can be recognized at an event to be scheduled for next spring. It’s our way of saying thanks.
• Stop by City Hall and check out our improvements! We have enhanced our Council chambers and updated our technology to make our meetings more accessible and transparent than ever. Our backup generator is now operational, strengthening our capabilities as an emergency operations center during crises.
• And finally, mark your calendars for Saturday, December 13th — we’ll be hosting our first-ever Jingle & Mingle event at the Triangle from 3-6pm! Expect carolers, hot cocoa and cider, crafts, a “Letters to Santa” station, and all the holiday cheer Woodcreek can bring. Stay tuned for more.

In the meantime, enjoy your November. Be sure to thank a vet on November 11th, and let them know how much you appreciate their sacrifices. And Happy Thanksgiving! May your time be filled with a joyful gathering of friends, family, and neighbors, seasoned with gratitude and laughter.

Jeff Rasco

Mayor