25 March . 2021
Meet Sweetwater’s Lifestyle Coordinator, Shelly Livingston
Fun resident events are a way of life at Sweetwater, where Lifestyle Coordinator Shelly Livingston works hard behind the scenes to plan activities for every season of the year. With some exciting spring events coming up – keep reading – 2021 will be no exception.
“The community events and activities are a big part of what makes living at Sweetwater so special,” said Shelly, who joined the community in 2018. “Then as now, my goal is to get the community involved, so that everyone has a chance to meet their neighbors and have fun at the events.”
When the COVID-19 pandemic spread in 2020, it presented an unexpected challenge for Shelly, who pivoted quickly to plan safe virtual and socially distanced events to keep Sweetwater’s community spirit strong and connected. She also created a new resident website, SweetwaterLife.com, to help residents keep in touch and stay up to date.
Here’s a quick review of 2020 highlights and a look ahead at some events planned for 2021.
For students graduating from grades 7, 8 and 12, Shelly planned a mobile parade that meandered through the community, with decorated cars greeted by signs, honks and cheering neighbors.
When school resumed in the highly regarded Lake Travis Independent School District serving Sweetwater, Shelly made cowboy and cowgirl hat gift baskets for the incoming Kindergartners, and delivered them to their home, since she could not hold the yearly Kindergarten Round-Up party.
For Halloween, there was a Pumpkin Carving Contest, and the annual decorated Pumpkin Patch with a Kona Ice truck on hand to serve refreshments.
During the holidays, a virtual Holiday Market held on Facebook featured several residents sharing their crafts and services. There was also a Holiday Home Decorating Contest, with winners in each village receiving a cookie decorating kit from local favorite Hayley Cakes & Cookies.
Other 2020 events included Chalk Art Contest and Zoom classes. One of the most popular virtual events was a Texas Snake Education show, hosted by Tim Cole with Austin Reptile Service.
2021 got off to an active start, with a Blood Drive held in February. Shelly also added a new Sweetwater Arts and Crafts Club where everyone can join on Facebook to participate, or in person.
Coming up for spring, Shelly plans a virtual wine tasting event and an Easter Stroll, both in April. More events will be announced as the year progresses, including a Bike/Walk/Shop event, Movies on the Lawn, and pool parties for both kids and adults.
If you haven’t yet met Shelly, or you just want to say “hello” and learn about current and upcoming activities, you can find her working at the Sweetwater Club on Thursdays.
See our photo gallery of past Sweetwater events.