August 11, 2026
It’s hard to believe, but school starts August 19th! As neighborhood children head back to school, let’s all do our part to help keep them - and everyone in our community - safe. Whether you’re driving, walking, biking, or rolling, a little extra awareness can make a big difference.
If you’re driving: Slow down and watch carefully for children walking, biking, or rolling. Kids can be unpredictable, and a slower speed gives you more time to react. Be especially alert near schools, intersections, crosswalks, and bus stops.
If you’re walking or rolling: Cross at corners, crosswalks, and traffic signals. Stop, look, and listen before crossing, and make eye contact with drivers so they know you see them. Always follow the directions of crossing guards when they are on duty. Bright or reflective clothing can help you be more visible, especially in the evening or at night.
If you’re riding a bike: Follow the same traffic rules as motorists when riding on the road and always wear a properly fitted helmet to protect your brain!
Let’s slow down, pay attention, and look out for one another as we welcome our students back to school!
RRISD Back-to-School Celebration
🗓️Saturday, August 22nd
🕙10am - 1pm
📍Cedar Ridge High School, 2801 Gattis School Rd., Round Rock
🚌Bring the family to Cedar Ridge High School on Saturday, August 22, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for RRISD’s free Back-to-School Celebration, featuring fun, entertainment, and helpful services!
Eligible families can apply for free or reduced-price school meals, receive hearing and vision screenings, and get immunizations while supplies last. (COVID-19 vaccines will not be offered.)
Visit Round Rock ISD's website to learn more about this event and see a video of last year's celebration. Please note: This is not a school supply distribution event.
Bug Zappers Don’t Kill Mosquitoes!
🦟Have you noticed a purplish UV light glowing along an evening walk and heard the telltale zap of insects being electrocuted? If you’re using a bug zapper to control mosquitoes, unfortunately, it’s not doing the job you think it is...
Mosquitoes aren’t attracted to ultraviolet light. They find us primarily by detecting the carbon dioxide we exhale, along with body heat and other cues. Bug zappers, on the other hand, attract a wide variety of insects, including many beneficial species such as parasitoid wasps and insect predators that help keep garden pests under control.
Bug zappers can also affect the food supply for wildlife. Bats and birds that depend on insects may lose valuable food when beneficial insects are indiscriminately zapped.
In fact, research cited by Notre Dame researchers found that mosquitoes made up only 4.1% to 6.4% of the insects caught by bug zappers over an entire season!
The good news? There are more effective and wildlife-friendly ways to reduce mosquitoes, including using a simple fan (mosquitoes are weak fliers), mosquito repellent, CO₂ traps, and other targeted mosquito-control devices.
Help protect our beneficial insects! Keep the parasitic wasps, pollinating moths, beetles, and other helpful bugs alive, and consider ditching the zapper for a more wildlife-and-ecosystem-friendly approach.
Last Chance to Register for Community Emergency Response Training (CERT)
🗓️August 21 - 23
🕛5:30pm - 9:30pm on Friday August 21st, 8am - 7pm on Saturday and Sunday August 22nd-23rd
📍1520 Rutherford Lane, Austin, TX 78754
🔗Register here: https://www.austintexas.gov/ready-central-texas/education-and-training#CERT
🦺Austin Emergency Management is hosting a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training course on August 21–23 in North Austin.
The CERT program trains volunteers in basic disaster-response skills like fire safety, light search and rescue, and disaster medical operations for the hazards that may occur in Austin. Upon completion of training, volunteers will have the opportunity to join the Austin CERT and volunteer during disasters!
Be Wildfire-Prepared
🔥Wildfires are happening across the country with increasing frequency, and no community can assume it is immune. We’ve been fortunate here in Anderson Mill, but it’s important for every homeowner to be prepared. A little planning now can make a big difference if a wildfire threatens our neighborhood.
Create an evacuation kit using the 5 Ps:
- People & Pets: Have a plan for everyone, including pets.
- Prescriptions: Keep medications, glasses and medical equipment ready.
- Papers: Gather important documents and identification.
- Personal Needs: Pack water, food, toiletries, first aid and cash.
- Priceless Items: Have photos and important valuables ready to grab.
Protect your home and neighborhood:
- Keep dry vegetation and debris cleared from around your home.
- Sign up for Travis County Burn Ban Alerts by texting TCBURNBAN to 888777.
- During Red Flag or high fire-danger conditions, avoid activities that create sparks, such as grilling, welding or outdoor burning. Don’t park or idle vehicles in dry grass, drag chains, or toss cigarettes from vehicles.
- Check AirNow’s Fire & Smoke Map and the National Weather Service for fire and smoke conditions.
Learn more about wildfire preparedness at atxwildfirehub.com.
Just Three More Chances to Tour the Historic Anderson Mill
🗓️August 22nd, September 26th, and October 24th
🕑2pm - 5pm
📍13974 FM 2769; Volente, Texas 78641
🛞Join volunteers as they grind cornmeal with the historic gristmill, which is powered by a full-scale replica of the original water wheel!
All tours are volunteer-run, free, and open to the public. Call 512-258-2613 for more information.
Learn more about Historic Anderson Mill at andersonsmill.org.
AM Limited District News
The Anderson Mill Limited District is bringing back two favorite community events this fall! Get ready for some friendly competition, plenty of fun, and a chance to enjoy the outdoors with your neighbors.
🚲Mini Triathlon – September 12th, start time 10 am
The AMLD Mini Triathlon is back! Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just looking for a fun challenge, this event is a great way to get moving and have some fun. Gather your family and friends and get ready to swim, bike, and run your way to the finish line.
⛵Cardboard Boat Race – October 17th, 10 am - 12 pm
Start saving your cardboard! The popular Cardboard Boat Race returns in October. Teams will design and build their own boats using cardboard and other allowed materials and then see whose creation can stay afloat! It’s a fun, creative event for all ages and a great way to spend the day cheering on your neighbors.
Watch for more details from Anderson Mill Limited District as registration and event information become available. Mark your calendars now—you won’t want to miss these two fall favorites! AMLD.org
Board of Directors Meeting
🗓️Thursday August 13th
🕡6:30pm
You’re invited to attend the AM Limited District Board of Directors Meeting on Thursday, August 13th, at 6:30 pm, held at 11500 El Salido Parkway (78750). Residents are encouraged to come, listen in, and take part in the Citizen Communication portion of the meeting. This is a great opportunity to share your thoughts and speak directly with the board that guides our community.
To see what topics will be discussed, you can view the meeting agenda here: https://amld.org/bod-meetings
Employment Opportunities at Anderson Mill Limited District
Looking for a job close to home? Anderson Mill Limited District (AMLD) is hiring! Current openings offer opportunities to work with local seniors, children, and families while supporting programs that strengthen our community.
Senior Center Coordinator – Help coordinate activities and programs and create a welcoming place for Anderson Mill seniors to connect and stay active.
Cashier – Provide friendly customer service at AMLD swimming pool facilities, including admissions, payments, concessions, and guest assistance.
After School Counselor – Work with elementary-age children in a safe, fun after-school environment. Help with homework, lead activities, and encourage positive relationships.
Interested? View job descriptions, requirements, and application information at amld.org/employment-opportunities.
Member discussion