Jaida’s Clayworks in Cedar Park relocating to new studio space
Jaida Simental, pottery teacher and owner of Jaida’s Clayworks will be moving to a new studio space in January 2025.
What they offer: Simental currently hosts summer camps and classes with tailored one-on-one instruction for students. After moving, she is looking to host additional classes, workshops, artist demonstrations and offer memberships.
“I want our studio to be a place where everybody is welcome and feels like they belong,” Simental said.
One more thing: Artist Abraham Christian Brown will join Simental at the new 2,000 square foot space, offering advanced realism, portfolio preparation and art theory instruction. He has been teaching classes in Cedar Park for over 17 years.
Coming soon: 10 events to attend in Cedar Park in October, November
Hop aboard the Austin steam train for romance-fantasy trivia, or visit the library for a special Día de Muertos celebration—there is something to do for everyone in Cedar Park in October and November. This list is not comprehensive and all events are subject to change.
Austin moves to slow displacement, preserve thousands of affordable units with new fund
Public dollars could be matched with private and philanthropic dollars in a new effort to preserve existing, less expensive housing units for lower-income earners across Austin.
The details: Council members voted Sept. 11 to broaden the city's efforts to maintain naturally occurring affordable housing, or units that are available at cheaper rates without any government subsidy. That housing is often older and in need of repair, making it a target for redevelopment that can bring more costly and luxury-oriented units to the market while pushing out original residents.
Modeled after similar programs that have seen success in Dallas and other major cities, Austin's new housing preservation fund could offer financial support to property owners in exchange for a commitment to keep housing costs low. The fund will also be opened to investments from outside entities to quickly expand on an initial city investment, likely totaling several million dollars.
Eligible K-12 students receive free school meals after legislature approves funding
This school year, students who are eligible for reduced-price meals can receive free breakfast and lunch at public schools across Texas.
The overview: During the recent legislative session, state lawmakers approved $19.8 million to cover the cost of reduced-price meals for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 school years.
What parents should know: Eligibility for free school meals is determined based on a family’s income through the National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program.
Families can contact their school district to fill out an application for free or reduced-price meals at any time during the school year. Students who are deemed eligible for reduced-price meals will receive them at no cost through the 2026-27 school year.
What they're saying: “Kids who would have paid a small fee for meals will now receive them at no cost,” said Stacie Sanchez Hare, director of No Kid Hungry Texas. “[School] is where we know so many kids get their meals—it is a guaranteed place for kids to have access to free and nutritional meals.”
