Was this e-mail shared with you? Sign up here.
Don’t miss your chance to reach 7,000+ local readers next week- click here!
All this World Cup talk about air conditioning got me thinking.
I honestly had no idea so much of Europe doesn’t have it. Can you imagine living in Texas without air conditioning? No thanks.
It also reminded me that huge parts of Texas didn’t even have electricity until the 1930s and 1940s, when rural electrification, championed in large part by then-Congressman Lyndon B. Johnson, finally reached much of the Hill Country and Central Texas.
It’s funny how quickly we stop noticing the things that make our lives dramatically better. Air conditioning is one of those things.
So here’s to cold houses, cold trucks, and the sweet relief of walking inside after mowing the lawn in July. I complain about my electric bill every month, but I’d happily pay it again.
Sometimes it’s worth remembering just how good we’ve got it.
Cheers,
Nolan

💰 Lake Travis ISD approves $5.3M land sale

The Gist: Lake Travis ISD is moving forward with the sale of roughly 17 acres of surplus land behind Lakeway Elementary for $5.3 million. The district plans to use about $1.2 million to fund one-time staff retention incentives, while the rest would strengthen its general operating fund balance. The sale is expected to close in August.
Why It Matters: The sale turns unused, debt-free property into one-time funding for employee retention and the district’s financial reserves. For families, that means additional support for keeping experienced teachers and staff while giving Lake Travis ISD more flexibility to manage future budget pressures.

🍝 Italian worth lingering over

7415 Southwest Parkway, Building 4, Suite 100, Austin
A good Italian dinner never goes out of style. La Traviata serves house-made pasta, with longtime favorites like carbonara and Bolognese alongside chicken Parmesan, salmon and seasonal dishes.
The Southwest Parkway dining room feels polished but relaxed, with more space than the restaurant’s former downtown location. It works equally well for a date night, family dinner or celebration, while attentive service and a strong wine and cocktail selection round out the experience.

🚤 Easy days out on the lake

103 Lakeway Dr Unit A, Lakeway
Lakeway Marina makes it easy to enjoy time on Lake Travis, whether you're renting a pontoon, WaveRunner, kayak, or keeping your own boat at the marina. Visitors appreciate the smooth rental process, well-maintained equipment, and friendly team that helps everyone feel comfortable before heading out on the water.
The marina also offers boat slips, maintenance services, and a ship store stocked with essentials for a day on the lake.


🎬 Movie at the Park: Zootopia 2 | City Park | Lakeway | 07/31 | More
Enjoy a free family movie night under the stars with popcorn and fun.
🪄 The Amazing Ace Magic Show | Lake Travis Community Library | Lakeway | 07/31 | More
Enjoy an afternoon of magic, laughs, and balloon animals.
🎲 Dungeons & Dragons | Laura’s Library | Austin | 08/01 | More
Join fellow adventurers for a fun, beginner-friendly tabletop roleplaying game.

🐝 Baby Bumblebees | Public Library | Bee Cave | 08/06 | More
Enjoy stories, songs, and sweet bonding time with your baby.
🎨 Art for Teens: Whipped Clay Photo Frames | Westbank Library | Austin | 08/06 | More
Create a custom photo frame and explore your creative side.

🤠 Sunday Two-Stepping | Beerburg | Bee Cave | 08/02 | More
Kick up your boots with country dancing and Hill Country views.
📚 Men's Book Club | Library | Lakeway | 08/03 | More
Discuss a thought-provoking book with fellow readers in a welcoming group.

🪑 Chair Yoga | Laura’s Library | Austin | 08/03 | More
Stretch, strengthen, and unwind with gentle, beginner-friendly chair yoga.
🎤 Bad Decisions & Bold Reds | Feral Housewife Wine | Austin | 08/06 | More
Sip wine, sing your heart out, and enjoy a carefree karaoke night.
🧶 Knitters | Westbank Library | Austin | 08/06 | More
Connect with fellow crafters and enjoy a relaxing afternoon of knitting.

🎙 Dogstar: All In Now Tour | Moody Theater | Austin | 08/01 | More
Experience alternative rock with a nostalgic edge and live energy.
🎒 Back To School Celebration | Invictus Austin | Austin | 08/01 | More
Enjoy martial arts, vendors, treats, and family-friendly back-to-school fun.
🎷 Ella Mai: Do You Still Love Me? Tour | Moody Theater | Austin | 08/03 | More
Enjoy a soulful R&B performance filled with smooth vocals and emotion.







Ever thought about advertising with us? Hit reply and tell us about your business!
Thanks for reading West Austin Scoop! See you next week!







