a. Aquatics - Samantha M: During the month of November, the high school continued hosting TCAT swim practices, which will run through December 16. After that date, the Natatorium will be open for public use from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. daily during the slow season. On November 21, we successfully held the Turkey Bowl with over 21 teams and experienced no operational issues. We also completed the fall swim lessons last week. All classes were full, and lessons will resume in the spring.
b. Athletics - JuMarcus T: After School Tennis Program, seven total registered. Youth Basketball League practice starts December 8, with a total of 240 participants. Carlos Garza Events are closed for maintenance until February. Reservations start January 12
c. Lowry Fitness Center - Amanda G: For the month of November, the Lowry Fitness Center had 5,694 member visits, 1,130 Silver Sneaker visits, 158 Day Passes. Member of the month is Jami Clark. The annual Thanksgiving Member Luncheon had about 80 members in attendance.
d. Museum - Shelby R: Quilt Show (November): 42 quilts displayed (up from 19 last year); resulted in approximately a 50% increase in museum visitation compared to last November. Artifact Donation: Significant donation received from Bell-Gary on her 100th birthday, her grandfather Thomas Caldwell’s saddle and branding iron (circa 1860s; tied to the 1867 settlement). A small donation ceremony was held with approximately 50 family members in attendance; Mayor Johnson spoke. Items are expected to be displayed temporarily in February for Black History Month, with plans for additional future displays. Upcoming Exhibits: Christmas temporary exhibit opening by the end of the week, featuring vintage toys from the early 1900s. Davidson Home: New operating hours on track; permanent site sign to be installed this week. Upcoming Event: Celebrate the Season this Sunday at Heritage Square and the museum, including Christmas performances and a new small vendor market; the Fire Department is participating.
e. Parks & Shooting Range - Byron S: Parks Operations: Crews focused on tree trimming throughout town in preparation for events; seasonal landscape color changes completed. Environmental Stewardship: Tree-planting ceremony held at DeSalla Trail; property is in conservation with The Nature Conservancy. Crews addressed shoreline litter from fishing activity to maintain natural conditions. Shooting Range: Reopened November 19 after temporary closure. November activity included 217 users (95 non-residents, 83 residents, 48 seniors). Range Improvements: Implemented electronic waivers to reduce paperwork; first aid kits placed along the firing line; berms cleaned and maintained. Public Feedback: Customers expressed appreciation for cleanup efforts, new rules, and overall improvements.
f. Recreation Centers - Carver, Sanders, Nessler - Amanda G: Facility Attendance: Carver Center: 104 guests in the past week. Sanders Center: 183 guests in the past week; 1,099 guests total for November. Programs: Sanders is preparing for the basketball season. Youth Art Classes: Classes ended in late November and will resume in January at the Nassau Center for Kinder–2nd and 3rd–6th grade students; parent registration to begin soon.
g. Reservations - Amanda G: Reservations (November): High activity due to leadership conferences, school district events, and Thanksgiving luncheons. Upcoming Events: Multiple Christmas events scheduled; Snow Spectacular taking place this Saturday; remaining Saturdays fully booked.
h. Senior - Nessler - Leonora M: Senior Program Activity: Attendance slightly lower due to colder, inconsistent temperatures. November Services: 432 meals served, 386 transportation units provided (medical, grocery, and personal trips). Jerry Fit Program: 12-week evidence-based program completed; 8 participants completed the full program with positive outcomes in glucose, A1C, blood pressure, and body measurements. Upcoming Programs: Jerry Fit to resume in January New 6-week evidence-based “Stay Active and Independent Longer” program in partnership with UTMB, led by an occupational therapy student. December Activities: Christmas party this Thursday; activities include reindeer games and ugly sweater day. End-of-Month Activity: Group visit to the museum’s toy exhibit on the last Monday of December.
i. Special Events/Programs - Amanda G: Snow Spectacular scheduled for this Saturday, December 13 at 11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m., and the Adaptive Christmas PJ Party on Tuesday, December 16, from 6:00–8:00 p.m., at the Nessler Center (Heritage Room). Includes music, giveaways, and a Christmas movie.