Water Level
|
632.86 ft
updated 3:00 AM
|
Live Webcam
Vacation Rentals
|
State office adopts Lakeway woman who needs leg surgery
Posted: Wed, 9 Dec 2009 11:48 AM - 8,030 Readers
By: Denise Gamino
More than 250 state employees are banding together to help 79-year-old Verta Mae Cowan, who made a spare living for decades by selling homemade crafts until health problems interfered. Austin workers in the regulatory services division of the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services are collecting money and volunteering to provide manual labor to renovate Cowan's dilapidated mobile home in a modest neighborhood near Lake Travis. "Ms. Cowan is one of our valued, aging Texans," said Laura Albrecht, spokeswoman for the agency. "We do serve people in that age group, and that's what drew the regulatory staff members to her. It's really something they've taken to heart. This is the right thing for them to do." The division adopted a Season for Caring family last year as well. Hill Country ramblers probably have seen Cowan selling sock monkeys and other homemade country crafts out of her pickup at a highway intersection outside Kingsland. She's an experienced woodcrafter — think whirligigs and painted plywood yard decorations — and she crochets and sews everything from dolls to gag gifts. Whether it was 100 degrees or 32 degrees, Cowan was there. But an old leg injury has sidelined her. She broke her leg 19 years ago and a rod was implanted. That rod has slipped out of place and is pressing against her ankle bone, leaving her in excruciating pain. She needs surgery but cannot find a doctor who will operate for what Medicare pays. Her monthly public assistance checks of less than $700 don't cover all her bills. This year she is part of the Austin American-Statesman's Season for Caring campaign, which helps 12 families and more like them being served by a dozen Central Texas nonprofit agencies. Cowan, who was widowed in 1957, lives in a mobile home on a lot she owns in the Apache Shores neighborhood near Lakeway. Her home needs extensive repairs, including a new floor, electrical wiring, plumbing and an electric stove. She grew up in the same rural area of Tennessee as Dolly Parton and had to drop out of school after the fourth grade and take a canning factory job to help feed the family. She was the eldest of 11 children. Today she delights in making and selling crafts and believes she could once again support herself if her leg could be fixed. "I've had a hard old life," she says. "I guess I'll rest when I die." For more information on Verta Mae Cowan, contact Lake Travis Crisis Ministries, 266-9810. For more information on Season for Caring, call 445-3903 or e-mail seasonforcaring @statesman.com. To make a donation, use the coupon at right or go to statesman.com/seasonforcaring. photography by Kelly West
[edit]
|
Lake Travis News
LCRA to reopen Lake Travis for public use Wednesday
Nov 6, 2018
|
34,727 Readers |
LCRA: Lakes could open by Nov. 2 depending on conditions
Oct 30, 2018
|
28,420 Readers |
Mansfield Dam floodgates to close starting Thursday
Oct 30, 2018
|
31,371 Readers |
LCRA will not open more gates at Mansfield Dam at this time
Oct 18, 2018
|
29,518 Readers |
Lago Vista residents prepare to evacuate due to flooding of Lake Travis
Oct 18, 2018
|
33,531 Readers |
An incredible view of an open Mansfield Dam : Youtube video
Oct 18, 2018
|
29,882 Readers |
Lake Travis expected to hit highest level since 1991 by Friday
Oct 17, 2018
|
27,659 Readers |
Hike and bike trail on Lady Bird Lake closed due to rising water
Oct 17, 2018
|
26,903 Readers |
Lake Travis expected to open 4 more floodgates. Take Precaution
Oct 17, 2018
|
30,647 Readers |
Record number of Mansfield dam floodgates could open
Oct 17, 2018
|
23,176 Readers |
Alamo’s Jaws on the Water is back to scare you while you float on Lake Travis
May 15, 2018
|
27,783 Readers |
This student’s wakeboarding graduation photoshoot is so epic she deserves another degree
May 8, 2018
|
25,787 Readers |
Here’s why you can’t swim in Lady Bird Lake. Wait — you can’t swim in Lady Bird Lake?
Aug 8, 2017
|
29,324 Readers |
5 Ways to Try Paddleboarding in Austin
Aug 4, 2017
|
28,222 Readers |
Why Is Hippie Hollow Clothing-Optional?
Jul 31, 2017
|
32,027 Readers |
JAWS on the Water - Friday, June 30th
Jun 27, 2017
|
27,744 Readers |
Memorial Day Weekend watercraft ban on Lake Austin
May 25, 2017
|
30,004 Readers |
Travis County officials prep for Memorial Day weekend on Lake Travis
May 23, 2017
|
27,569 Readers |
West Austin 4-H Offers Opportunities Beyond Just Raising Animals
Aug 9, 2016
|
37,803 Readers |
Large Crowds Expected at Lake Travis For Holiday Weekend
Jul 1, 2016
|
39,493 Readers |
Lake levels falling fast as Texas drought continues
Jul 27, 2022
|
15,045 Readers |
Repairing Lake Travis homes damaged by flooding
Nov 2, 2018
|
29,706 Readers |
Lake Travis now more than 120 percent full
Oct 17, 2018
|
23,007 Readers |
Graveyard Point residents brace for flooding
Oct 17, 2018
|
24,482 Readers |
Floodgate Operations Underway at Local Lakes During Flooding
Oct 16, 2018
|
24,518 Readers |
As Flood Risk Increases, Austin Will Revisit Its Floodplain Building Rules
Oct 15, 2018
|
24,778 Readers |
Up to 35 days of 100-degree heat this summer in Austin area, LCRA says
May 9, 2018
|
26,527 Readers |
Lake Buchanan rises nearly 8 inches due to rain
Aug 8, 2017
|
29,720 Readers |
One floodgate open at Starcke Dam
Aug 7, 2017
|
27,203 Readers |
Driving on RM 620, I see islands sticking out of the lake. Is the drought returning?
Jul 14, 2017
|
28,466 Readers |
Spectacular catch highlights our High School Plays of the week
Oct 16, 2018
|
22,548 Readers |
Classic Berth, Big Payday On The Line At Toyota Bassmaster Texas Fest
May 15, 2018
|
27,105 Readers |
Several newcomers already set to play for Texas in 2017
Aug 7, 2017
|
28,504 Readers |
PGA to Austin: We had lots of fun, so let’s do it again in 2017
Apr 1, 2016
|
38,791 Readers |
Jordan Spieth Off To Good Start In Austin Return
Mar 24, 2016
|
38,400 Readers |
Katy vs Lake Travis game makes the list!
Jan 13, 2016
|
36,071 Readers |
Game of the week: Lake Travis (7-0) at Westlake (7-0)
Oct 19, 2015
|
38,150 Readers |
Lake Travis repeats as regional golf champions
Apr 17, 2015
|
40,524 Readers |
Lake Travis’ Bacon ties national HR record
Mar 14, 2015
|
40,899 Readers |
Westlake, Lake Travis sweep District 14-6A awards
Mar 11, 2015
|
41,798 Readers |
Shack 512 Relaxed, lakeside dining accessible by car or by boat
May 16, 2018
|
26,789 Readers |
Residents addressing wildfire risks in Lake Travis, Westlake
May 16, 2018
|
25,828 Readers |
Ex-Point Venture water employee accused of misappropriating $65K
May 16, 2018
|
26,387 Readers |
West Lake Hills’ new drainage manual created in an effort to reduce flooding
May 15, 2018
|
27,063 Readers |
Round Rock City Council approves cost share for zebra mussel control in Lake Travis
May 11, 2018
|
27,802 Readers |
Nautical Boat Clubs Launches Lake Austin Location in Westlake
May 5, 2018
|
27,528 Readers |
City looking for help to curb storm drain pollution
Aug 5, 2017
|
27,348 Readers |
Apache Shores features waterfront views, trails, park
Jul 14, 2017
|
26,619 Readers |
10-year Mansfield Dam rehabilitation project will keep Austin safe
Apr 27, 2017
|
27,931 Readers |
Overflowing Lake Travis isn't all bad news for businesses
Jun 8, 2016
|
36,531 Readers |
Appraisal protest trend continues as assessments rise
May 16, 2018
|
26,337 Readers |
Go Inside This Lake Austin Remodel
May 10, 2018
|
24,202 Readers |
Modern guesthouse tower adds space, views to lakeside cabin
Sep 28, 2017
|
29,476 Readers |
A Striking Sanctuary in Texas Inspired by a Sand Dollar
Aug 8, 2017
|
29,911 Readers |
Contemporary Architectural Masterpiece on Lake Austin
Jul 30, 2017
|
27,551 Readers |
Lake Austin mansion with a Romeo and Juliet balcony, including dramatic backstory
Jul 28, 2017
|
27,779 Readers |
Midcentury-modern home overlooks Lake Austin, Pennybacker Bridge
May 27, 2016
|
37,714 Readers |
Lake Travis Waterfront Retreat Offered by Heritage Luxury Real Estate Auctions
May 18, 2016
|
37,912 Readers |
In Lago Vista, big dreams for $68 million ranch property
May 14, 2016
|
37,826 Readers |
This Texas Barn Mansion on Lake Travis is Out of This World
May 6, 2016
|
41,631 Readers |
News Archives 2009 - Select a Month
|