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GeorgetownAdvocate @Advocate_TX

SEPTEMBER 22, 2015

Central Texas’ Award-Winning Local News Source

There (Will Be) A New Sheriff In Town Wilson Announces He Won’t Seek Re-Election Williamson County Sheriff James

Wilson announced on Tuesday that he will not seek re-election when his current term ends in 2016. Wilson has served the people of Williamson County as Sheriff since 2004, after over 33 years with the Texas Department of Public Safety. During his tenure in public service, Wilson held numerous positions, including Highway Patrolman; Criminal Intelligence Service Investigator, Sergeant and Captain; Assistant Commander of the DPS Criminal Intelligence Service; Commander of the DPS Narcotic Service; Assistant Chief of the DPS Criminal Law Enforcement Division; Assistant Director of the Department of Public Safety; and Director of the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Since taking office, Sheriff Wilson says that he and his agency worked diligently to turn what he describes as “a tumultuous situation” into something of which the county can be proud. He gives great kudos to his team of investigators over the years, noting that they are “among the best he’s ever seen.” Wilson compares his thirteen years as an investigator in the Houston area to the talent and dedication to service he sees in Williamson County, recalling, “I

thought I was pretty good back then, but compared to what we have here [in Williamson County] I would have just been a junior grade.” Currently the Sheriff’s Department receives approximately 3000 calls monthly, and provides service to over half the county’s population.

Among his list of accomplishments, Wilson also points to the great strides his department has made, and the national recognition they have received, for the quality of service in the mental health arena. Asked within his first year in office to oversee mental health situations in the county, Wilson says he took the responsibility very seriously. Rather than “trying to reinvent the wheel,” he immedi-

ately looked to the best examples in the country and called on people who already had experience in this area to mentor himself and his officers.

Additionally, many of the advancements in Public Safety we enjoy today were developed with the guidance and assistance of Wilson during his time with DPS, including the statewide Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) program; DNA testing; and our modern Driver’s License. He also helped lay the groundwork for the facility that is now the Florence DPS Training Center.

Concerning his decision to retire, Wilson says it is simply a matter of timing after a long career that often kept him away from his family. Wilson shared that his wife and grown daughters recently reminded him that at nearly age 75, “there are horse stalls to clean, peat to cut, and that we have a boat that needs to be worn from the water instead of the sun beating down on it in the driveway.”

Don’t count on a lame-duck Sheriff, however. When asked about his plans for the remainder of his term, he likened it to finishing a race, commenting, “You don’t run to the tape, you run through the tape.”

CAMPAIGN 2016 IS HEATING UP, p. 5

EVHS HOMECOMING 2015, p. 6

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Judge Gravell Appointed to Texas Judicial Council

On September 3, 2015 the Honorable

Bill Gravell, Jr. was appointed as a member of the Texas Judicial Council

by Chief Justice Hecht for a term of four years to expire on February 1, 2019. The Texas Judicial Council was established in 1929 and operates under the authority of the Texas Government Code, Chapter 71 as the policymaking body for the state judiciary, examines and reports on the organization and practices of the Texas Judicial Branch.

“I’m humbled and honored to serve our state of Texas and to have received this appointment by the Chief Justice Hecht. There is no greater honor then to be one of ten Judges appointed by the Chief Justice to a committee. I will represent the people of Williamson County with pride,” stated Honorable Bill Gravell, Jr.

The Texas Judicial Council studies methods to simplify judicial procedures, expedite court business, and better execute justice across the state of Texas. The Council reviews the processes of the various statutory courts.

In addition, it provides recommendations and suggestions for improvement of the judicial system to the Texas Legislature, Texas Governor Greg Abbott and the Supreme Court. The Council accepts and considers input from judges, public officials, members of the bar, and private citizens.

The Texas Judicial Council consists of 16 ex-officio and six appointed members. The Council is chaired by

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GEORGETOWN CELEBRATES AND THANKS “BLUE” Members of the Georgetown Police Department enjoyed barbecue and a lot of positive attention Sept 12 at the Community Center. The room stayed full over the four-hour event while officers and families shared dinner and stories with well-wishers and supporters.

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Nathan L. Hecht, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, with Sharon Keller, Presiding Judge of the Court of Criminal Appeals, as Vice Chair.

The Lieutenant Governor appoints two members of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives appoints one member of the House. Furthermore, the Chair of the Texas House Committee on Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence serves on the Council. The Governor appoints six citizen members to the Council, three of which are members of the State Bar of Texas and two of which must not be licensed to practice law.

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“The President’s Own” in G’town

As part of its 2015 national concert tour, “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band will perform at 7:30 p.m., October 7, at the Klett Center for the Performing Arts, 2211 North Austin Avenue. The concert, sponsored by the Georgetown Independent School District, is free and open to the public.

Patrons may request tickets (limit four per request) at MarineBand. ticketleap.com/usmbtourgeorgetown. Seating is on a first-come, firstserved basis.

“We always try to highlight music on our programs that celebrates the region we are visiting, whether it be marches that provide a connection or folk music that might be associated with certain areas of the country,” said Marine Band Director Lt. Col. Jason K. Fettig.

“We have tremendously appreciative patrons who come to Marine Band concerts for all types of different experiences, so our programs are designed to include a great variety of music that mirrors the wonderful diversity in our national musical heritage.”

The Marine Band is America’s oldest continuously active professional musical organization.

Founded in 1798, the band has performed for every U.S. President since John Adams.

Known as “The President’s Own” since the days of Thomas Jefferson, the Marine Band’s mission is to provide music for the President of the United States and the Commandant of the Marine Corps.

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Sidewalk Master Plan Receives Two Awards

There is no change in the monthly cost to customers as a result of the schedule change.

To look up your monthly yard trimmings collection day, go to recycle.georgetown.org/ schedules, or call the Utility Systems Customer Care Center at (512) 930-3640.

The Sidewalk Master Plan will receive an award from the Central Texas American Planning Association. The award for Best Long Range Plan of 2015 will be presented at the association’s annual awards event on September 26 in Bastrop.

In October, the plan will be recognized during the annual conference of the American Planning Association Texas Chapter in Galveston.

“This plan includes a comprehensive assessment of our 144-mile sidewalk network,” says Ed Polasek, transportation services director for the City of Georgetown.

“It prioritizes community-voiced needs and emphasizes collaboration with our school district, county, and regional transportation partners.”

The Sidewalk Master Plan, which was finalized last year, includes sidewalk projects for the next 10 years. Transportation bonds approved

by Georgetown voters in May authorize $10 million for pedestrian accessibility in the next ten years.

Please visit SidewalksAndFacilities.Georgetown.org.

Majestic Oak Lane to Close at North End

With the opening of a new route from the Sun City Cowan Creek area to Williams Dr, the City of Georgetown is closing Majestic Oak Lane on the north end. The closure just south of Apache Mountain Lane is set to take effect on Sept 28.

The new route from the Sun City neighborhood to Williams Drive is set to open by September 24. Pedernales Falls Drive will connect to a new road called Rocky Hollow Creek Drive, which connects to County Road 245 and then to Williams Drive.

Majestic Oak Lane will be closed at Apache Mountain Lane for 6090 days. Plastic stakes in the roadway will mark the road closure for vehicular traffic.

Emergency access will be maintained since fire trucks, ambulances, or police vehicles can drive over the flexible plastic stakes. Pedestrian and bicycle access will remain open through gaps between the plastic stakes.

Yard Collections Oct. 1

Yard trimmings collection moves to a monthly year-round schedule for City of Georgetown residents in the city limits starting October 1. The monthly yard trimmings collection day will be on the first recycling pickup day of that month for customers inside city limits.

2015 Tax Rate Adopted General Fund Tax Rate Reduced by ½ cent

The Williamson County Commissioners Court adopted a total tax rate of $0.481529 per

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Gary Miller Agent

SEPTEMBER 22, 2015  THE ADVOCATE

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P.O. Box 213 • Jarrell, TX 76537 • (512) 746-4545

a publication of Fidelis Publishing Group, LLC Publisher: Mike Payne • Editor: Cathy Payne

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Contributing Writers: Dave Schumacher Points of View Jim Kelly Building a Better Brain Butch Horton The 300 Freelance Correspondents Ann Marie Ludlow Greta Bauer Atticus Jackson Deborah Marquis Address of Record: 181 Town Center Blvd. Suite 500 Jarrell, Texas 76537 512-746-4545 info@GeorgetownAdvocate.com

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$100 of valuation. The county tax rate is comprised of three tax rates.

The Court approved a general fund tax rate of $0.274029, which is a reduction of 1/2 cent from the current tax rate. The Road & Bridge tax rate was adopted at $0.0400 cents, and the debt service tax rate at $0.167500 cents per $100 of valuation. Both the Road & Bridge and debt service tax rates are the same as last year. Referencing the actions taken this year to adopt the 2015 tax rates for the County, County Judge Dan A. Gattis shared, “We are pleased to be able to reduce the general fund tax rate by ½ cent this year. Although a larger reduction in the general fund was possible, Commissioners Court elected to reduce the county debt associated with road, park and other capital improvements, by $10 million.

This decision will have immediate and long term positive effects as we continue to meet and serve the growing needs of Williamson County through fiscally responsible actions.”

The Commissioners Court adopted the county budget on Sept 1. The general fund budget for FY 2015-2016 is $158,714,746.10; the Road & Bridge budget is $27,357,306.00; and the Debt Service budget, which is repaying the debt associated with road, park and other capital improvements, is $81,129,416.00.

The budget can be viewed at Wilco.org by selecting the Budget Office from the list of county departments or it can be viewed in person at the County Clerk’s Office in the Justice Center, 405 MLK, Georgetown.

The opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of the Georgetown Advocate, administration, staff or contributing writers. The views expressed in all letters to the editor and signed opinion articles are those of their authors.

All letters to the editor must include a name, address and phone number for verification. Anonymous and unverified letters to the editor will not be printed. The Georgetown Advocate reserves the right to edit letters for length and journalistic style, and has a recommended length of 300 words.

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SEPTEMBER 22, 2015  THE ADVOCATE

Georgetown

Georgetown LIFE CHAIN “Peaceful & Prayerful”

by Cathy Payne

In an era of “no holds barred” political rhetoric, on October 4, many Central Texas Christians plan to depart from this new norm and peacefully and prayerfully show their support for the Pro-Life movement. The LIFE CHAIN is described as a “public witness of prolife Americans standing in honor of 56 million lives lost to abortion, praying for our nation, for people in crisis situations, and for an end to abortion. It is a visual statement of solidarity by the Christian community that abortion kills children and that the Church supports the sanctity of human life from the moment of conception to natural death.” The event coordinators provide pre-printed signs to participants and discourage verbal exchanges with onlookers to uphold the integrity, purpose and solemnity of the gathering.

LIFE CHAIN is a national organization that holds similar annual events in 1500 cities across America the first Sunday of October. In 2015, the LIFE CHAIN will celebrate its 28th year. The Georgetown LIFE CHAIN, in its sixth year, will take place on Sunday, October 4, 2015 at 1:30 pm in the parking lot of Crestview Baptist Church, located at 2300 Williams Drive in Georgetown. The event will begin with songs and prayer, and then will proceed to the sidewalks on Williams Dr. where supporters plan to “stand and pray for 90 minutes, for our nation, for the end of abortion and for the unborn.”

In 2014 Georgetown LIFE CHAIN had nearly 200 participants, representing fourteen different churches from the Georgetown area.

For more information visit www.nationallifechain.org.

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PAGE 3

Farewell to a Georgetown Gem

Georgetown has been for-

tunate that since 2009 the City Secretary office has not only been efficient and City Secretary Jessica Brettle hard at work. professional, it has been Below: The original home to an entrepreneur19th century city ial and innovative spirit records she helped as well. Jessica Brettle preserve for posterity. will soon be moving back to California with her family and City Council is searching far and wide not to find a successor but to find just the right person to fill her impressive Secretary shoes.

Being a City Secretary was a far cry from where Brettle imagined she would be in 2007.

Living in California, she was working in reality television and decided she didn’t want to continue in the industry. She moved to Texas, where her mom was living, and answered an advertisement to be Assistant City Secretary. “I had no background in city government but I was a film student in college and there are plenty of politics in entertainment.

I got hired for the job and never looked back.”

In 2009 the previous Secretary retired and she was hired to do the job. “Every day is different and I have always liked it. I can try to plan my day but it always goes in a different direction and I always ended up learning something.

There is a lot of excitement, and pressure, because we have strived to grow our community in a way that is great.”

Brettle is moving back to California and hopes to have another town.” start in city government. “Being Her favorite part about being a support department, people Secretary is the family feel among don’t know too much about my the staff at City Hall. “I enjoy job. This office is more than just coming to work every day with coordinating meetings and records my friends. I’ve worked for three for the City Council and Mayor. mayors and, oddly, politics don’t The City Secretary is responsible figure much into what I need to to preserve the history of the city get done. Staff recognize and and manage the records from respect that all Council members our inception up to this week’s have opinions that are valuable Council meeting and beyond. The and it’s interesting to watch it all minutes of every meeting we have from the sidelines.” are maintained forever and I love Brettle says she is most proud that something I work on today of working to bring and maintain might be read a century from now Georgetown in the electronic age; because it’s the history of George- specifically using the Internet to

communicate and facilitate good city management.

Current Mayor Dale Ross says “Jessica’s dedication to our organization and the results she delivered during her 8+ years as the City Secretary were historic. From implementing and updating the latest online technology to managing a project that preserved our historic documents going back to 1848 she consistently performed at the highest levels.

She possesses a rare skill set in that she has first-rate technology, management and communication skills and works well with the various stakeholders within and outside our organization.

The City of Georgetown and I will miss her professionalism, the results she delivered. and her charming personality. I wish her all the best as she and her husband begin the next chapter in their life in San Francisco. She will be gone but not forgotten.”

As she prepares for the West Coast, Brettle says, “I feel like I have grown so much personally and professionally. Georgetown is a big part of my life now. I learned a lot and will carry all of that with me, especially gratitude for the many people I met here.”

She adds that Georgetown will still see her every now and then because Mom won’t be happy if she doesn’t come to visit (probably often).

It’s a Race for District Attorney

Georgetown Attorney Shawn Dick Kicks off Campaign at GARW

Several incumbents and new challengers announced their candidacy today at the monthly Georgetown Area Republican Women (GARW) luncheon September 16. Chief among them was Georgetown attorney Shawn Dick who announced that, with the support of his wife and family, he has officially entered the race for Williamson County District Attorney.

Mr. Dick said he is stepping forward because he desires to establish integrity, professionalism and accountability within the Williamson County justice system.

“Once again our great county has become the focus of controversy,” Dick said. “The lack of experience, respect and professionalism for our justice system and in our courtrooms has overshadowed the true mission of the District Attorney’s office; ensuring that justice is done. We will accomplish that mission by pursuing the truth and safeguarding the rights of all while vigorously enforcing the law. That’s why I am running for District Attorney.”

Mr. Dick joined the Williamson County District Attorney’s office in 2001. He handled over 10,000

criminal and juvenile cases and has tried more then 75 jury trials. He was named Prosecutor of the Year by the Texas Gang Investigator’s Association in 2004 and recognized as a Super Lawyer Rising Star in 2005. He is certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and has prosecuted cases from simple assault to murder.

“Protecting our families and keeping our county safe is paramount,” Dick says. “Under my leadership we will accomplish just that. I pledge to restore the public’s faith in the District Attorney’s office...today we begin that mission.”

After his announcement at the luncheon, Williamson County Treasurer Jerri Jones announced she is supporting and endorsing his campaign with her time and financial backing.

Mr. Dick’s campaign also announced the endorsement of former Williamson County District Attorney Ed Walsh, who said “I have full confidence that Shawn will focus on the true mission of the District Attorney’s Office; seeing justice is done.”

Walsh concluded, “Shawn is the right person to restore the public’s faith in the DA’s Office and remove the dark cloud that has loomed over the courthouse for way too long. Please join me in supporting Shawn as our next District Attorney.”

Also attending the luncheon, Judge Betsy Lambeth (425th District) announced that she will be on the ballot in March, as is Constable, Precinct 3, Kevin Stofle. Assistant County Attorney Warren Waterman also announced he is running for Judge, County Court at Law #2 (story on p. 5).

Candidate for D.A. Shawn Dick

Justice & Public Safety

PAGE 4

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Granger Lawmen Remembered with Honor Citizens, Lindsey & Moore Families Gather for Permanent Memorial

The City of Granger honored the

memory and careers of City Marshall Henry J. Lindsey and Constable Sam Moore who were shot and killed February 15, 1934. The shooter, Lewis Cernoch, killed them while under arrest for failure to pay a $28.50 fine for abusive language toward a citizen.

About 50 guests, law enforcement personnel (pictured above), family, and several judges were on hand for the dedication September 12.

Reports say, on orders from Judge Nunn, on the way to Hoxie to arrest Cernoch, Constable Moore, with his brother Zannie Moore, asked Granger Marshal Henry Lindsey to accompany them in case of trouble.

In town, Cernoch told Judge Nunn that he didn’t have any money. Nunn then told Cernoch he would have to go to jail and ordered Lindsey to take him into custody. As Lindsey and Moore

led him out of the office, Cernoch pulled a Luger automatic pistol and shot Moore in the doorway. Marshal Lindsey, who was unarmed, ran around a parked car on Rio Grande Street with Cernoch in pursuit. He fired one round through Lindsey’s heart. Cernoch went back to the doorway and shot Constable Moore again and fired several shots at Judge Nunn and assistant district attorney Milton Colbert, but failed to hit either.

Cernach did not run away and was confronted by Robert Bartosh, city attorney N.L. Taylor and Granger dentist Dr. Henry Halamicek, all of whom tried to persuade him to turn himself in. He just stood there leaning against a lamp post, calmly smoking his pipe.

A Granger youth, Maxie Goff sneaked up behind Cernoch and struck him in the head with a window weight, knocking him to the ground. Polasek, Bartosh, Taylor and Dr. Halamicek were then able to subdue him and get him to the city jail, even though the surrounding mob were demanding

WILLIAMSON INDICTED FOR OFFICER’S DEATH A Williamson County Grand Jury indicted Colby Williamson on Felony Murder charges for his role in the death of Sgt. Christopher Kelley of the Hutto Police Department. Sgt. Kelley was a veteran officer and was considered one of the best and brightest in his field.

The Grand Jury met for six sessions and considered all of the evidence available in the case so far. They deliberated for a considerable amount of time before indicting for Felony Murder. The Grand Jury was charged to consider all homicide offenses up

Officer Chris Kelley • Colby Wiliamson to and including Capital Murder and presumably found that the facts best fit a Felony Murder charge.

Felony Murder is a first degree Felony. Mr. Williamson faces 5 to 99 years or life in prison.

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to “string him up.” Cernoch was transported to the county jail at Georgetown, where he was formally charged with Lindsey’s murder and that of Constable Moore, who died in the hospital in Taylor the following day.

Now, 81 years have passed since the tragic day in downtown Granger, but those two good lawmen will never be forgotten.

Granger Municipal Judge Scott Matthew (pictured above far left) said, “It is an important day for the people of Granger and personally I appreciate having these historic events to imagine what it was like here in 1934.”

Family members included Barbara Bingham, granddaughter to Zannie Moore, and Mrs. Bobbie “Bitsy” Strong, granddaughter of Constable Samuel Moore was presented with a Texas State flag flown over the capitol in honor of her grandfather. After ward the two cousins reconnected, shared stories and talked about all the family they have in common.

Strong said, “Chief Shelton talked with me about it and it was everything I dreamed it would be. People spoke about a lot of things that went through my mind—how hard times were then and also about the citizens who take care of us today; health care workers,

firemen and soldiers. We should be grateful for all those people and we should think about them every day.

The only regret I have is that it didn’t take place before my mother died last year. She would have loved it and been very proud. That’s the only sad thing today. It was wonderful to see so many people here and it was just a glorious day all around.”

Bingham and Moore have seen reports from the ‘30s but as the paper has crumbled, the story has to some degree. “Officer Shelton has given me transcripts of records so we’ll always be able to read and remember the events as they happened.” Strong said. “I’ve been hearing the stories my whole life but the memory fades and things get jumbled up when people tell it.”

The memorial stone is affixed to the sidewalk near where the crime took place; at the corner of E Davilla and Granger Street in Granger.

Top Offender Behind Bars Again On September 15 in the 368th District Court, Defendant Austin Bounds pled “not guilty” to the State Jail Felony offense of Theft of Property < $1500 with Previous Theft Convictions, and the State and Defense proceeded to pick a jury. Mr. Bounds Top: ADA Jackie Borcherdking. Below: was indicted for stealing electronics Bounds mugshot merchandise from HEB, and he has at least 9 previous theft convictions, both misdemeanors and felonies. Right before opening argument, Mr. Bounds decided to change his plea to “guilty” and accept the State’s plea bargain offer of 21 months’ State Jail (3 months less than the maximum sentence) to run concurrent with his other pending Williamson County

State Jail Felony theft offense. Bounds actually has other felony theft cases pending in Wichita County and Hays County at this time. The State aggressively prepared for jury trial and zealously advocated for justice, because Austin Bounds is a well-known thief and criminal in Williamson County.

The State had 27 prior convictions to prove up through a fingerprint expert witness for the punishment phase of trial; Mr. Bounds is only 30 years old.

Williamson County stores like HEB have “be on the lookouts” for Austin Bounds; he is a “top offender” for shoplifting in Central Texas. In the words of trial attorney and Assistant District Attorney Jackie Borcherding, “building the State’s case against Bounds for jury trial required weeks of preparation, given the volume of punishment evidence against Bounds; the case demanded and he deserved all the attention to detail to his prior criminal history.” In the end, Borcherding believes that justice was served through the process of preparation, picking a jury, and plea bargaining during trial.

GOVERNMENT & POLITICS

SEPTEMBER 22, 2015  THE ADVOCATE

PAGE 5

Annual Grand Old Gathering

Clockwise: State, County and City elected officials.

• Linda McDaniel and JP2 Judge Edna Staudt • JP3 Judge Bill Gravell, TX Supreme Court Justice Debra Lehrman and County Attorney Dee Hobbs • Pachyderms Dean Higgenbotham, Walt Manly and Bleecker Morse A jumbo-sized crowd attended the Republican Party picnic September 13 at Berry Springs park. Party members, elected officials and families enjoyed networking, fun picnic fare, a bounce house, and the first cool-ish temperatures of the coming Fall season.

Davis Fundraising for 395th Race

Candidate for Judge 395th District Court Terence Davis held a standing-room-only fundraising event at Juniors in Round Rock last week.

Well-outfitted Terence & Romy Davis and daughters. by the candidate himself, the 100-plus attendees included his family, attorneys from Georgetown to Austin, judges and other elected officials, and political friends. Several spoke on behalf of the candidate and the keynote, somewhat unusual, was his pastor from Journey Church, Danny Allen. “I have had the privilege of being this man’s friend for over a decade and we’ve done life together in many ways. I have great confidence in him. I was born and raised in Williamson County and I will continue to do so because of great men like him and the way he serves. I believe this man will be a great addition to the leadership of Williamson County.”

Davis thanked his wife, Romy, and introduced his family. “It’s very encouraging to see people here who are already serving the community. I am happy to have the opportunity to be judge of 395th; it is a blessing.”

ACA Waterman Announces for County Court #2

Assistant Williamson County Attorney Warren Waterman announced his run for Judge at the GARW luncheon Sept 16. He has been a lawyer over 22 years, much of that time as a prosecutor. “I am running because I have the most experience of all the candidates. I want to continue serving the community as a judge.”

Having served as Prosecutor for County Court at Law # 2 most recently, he is now

working as a Family Justice Division Prosecutor protecting children and families of Williamson County while continuing his service to County Court at Law # 2 as the First Chair Prosecutor for the specialty court held there and known as DWI / Drug Court Program.

“I have a reputation of being tough, smart

and fair. I’ve tried over 100 jury trials. I am the prosecutor in the DWI/ Drug Court where our recidivism rate is much lower than traditional probate. Having been the prosecutor [in Court #2] I know how things there work. When I’m a prosecutor, I’m going after the bad guy. In Drug Court you realize you’re trying to fix the

problem and change them.”

Waterman believes his record as a prosecutor demonstrates his ability, and his experience in a variety of legal matters proves he has the expertise for the job.

Waterman campaign information is at WOW4Judge.com

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SEPTEMBER 22, 2015  THE ADVOCATE

East View Homecoming 2015

East View High School

Varsity Football suited up against the undefeated Vandegrift Vipers Sept 16. While players prepared on the field all week, students at the school decorated, rehearsed and dressed up for the event.

The game did not go the Patriots’ way and ended in a 45-13 loss for the team. The crowd and the mood were no less celebratory for it during much of the evening.

Top left: Sly, Andrew and Ian, all seniors, are eager for the game to start. Above: flag runners Cooper (10), Laurel

(10), Denae (10), Paulina (12), and Isabella (11) mug and flash the EVHS signs for the camera.

Left: Homecoming Queen Magaly Ramirez and King Dashawn Williams were crowned by last year’s very ebullient king, Apollos Hester.

Williams was very happy and quite humble of his new headgear, saying, “I definitely wasn’t expecting this. I didn’t know I was that wellliked. This is definitely a really big honor!”

Visit the Homecoming photo gallery at wilcoonline.com more court photos.

GHS Perfect Feet Feat

The Georgetown Cross

Country team achieved a rarity in Texas sports.

Actually all sports—a perfect score.

Coach Andrew Braun has been at GHS for 17 years, coach for ten and reports this is the first time his team has ever done it. Runners receive a score as they cross the finish line; 1 point for first place, 2 for second and so on—lowest score wins the meet. The Eagles scored the first five runners in the meet for a perfect 15.

“Perfect scores don’t happen that often because most meets are very large,” Braun says.

“Many are 200-300 run-

e m o H

ners, so it is difficult to push a single team into all five top spots.”

The winning team was Joseph Proctor 1st, Jonathan Parks 2nd, Colin Turner 3rd, Sam Needler 4th, and Carter Smith (a freshman!) 5th.

The rest of the Varsity Eagles also performed well at the race; Mason Motakef, Tristan Raum and Ryan Thiele.

“The official number is seven; the first five are the scoring runners and 6-7 are ‘pushers’ you hope will beat someone else’s 1-5 runners.”

At the meet, the coach challenged the kids to run for the perfect score because the field

was smaller, about 100 students. “I saw the possibility to do this so I challenged the boys to do it and they came through. I didn’t mention it until just before the gun went off. I walked up to the line and asked them to get all eight runners in the top ten or score the 15. They accepted the challenge and got it done. They were very proud of themselves for the accomplishment.”

Braun says the Georgetown program is quite strong this year and has been consistent in the State. They have qualified for the State meet 12 times and been team district champs

s n a Lo

eight times.

“We are trying to build up to the next level. We were bronze at State last year and the boys have accepted the challenge of becoming a state medalist every year. Getting to State has been a long time goal and now that we’re getting there often we want to medal on a consistent basis.”

There are six divisions in UIL; GHS is 5A. The school used to be in the highest division (6A) but when the school divided to EVHS, teams were halved and GHS moved down to 5A.

2014 Regional Champs Bruan says they are still doing very well.

“The change has been a good thing and our whole sports program here has benefitted; we’re a lot more competitive now. We are a large 5A school so we compete against others who don’t have the numbers we do and that benefits

us. We’re also in probably the most competitive 5A district in the state of Texas, which lends to even greater efforts.”

Cross Country is up next, Saturday Oct 3 at Old Settler’s Park and Saturday Oct 10 at the Georgetown River Run San Gabriel Park.

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SEPTEMBER 22, 2015  THE ADVOCATE

Community

PAGE 7

CFO HCA Healthcare Bill Rutherford and Sr VP of HR John Steele Honoring 10 years of helping our own in critical need. Courtesy Facebook/HCA

St. David’s Georgetown Celebrates 10 Years of Raising Funds for Charity Thank Blue... top Logan Cummings, Chief Wayne Nero and wife Deena, event organizer Mac Byneham • Officer Jordan Granberry and son Andrew • Officer Delta Jolly and daughter Ever.

IN BRIEF

Celebrating the Founding of Hope United

Five years ago, Hope United launched their first worship service with the hopes of building an inclusive church that was a beacon of light and hope in our community. Wherever people are on their journey they are welcome, and we live out our faith in humble acts of service and compassion.

Members are happy to say God has done amazing things at Hope United.

Lives have been saved and they have made a huge difference!

On Sunday, October 4, 2015 at 10am, the church will make a sacred covenant, formally establishing their congregation. They will make promises of commitment and faith, recognizing the promise of the Still Speaking God. Rev. Ron Trimmer, founding pastor of Hope United says, “Out of our Hope, grounded in Jesus Christ, we shall Unite, that all the world may know the Good News of our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ.”

All are invited to join the church members. Sunday, October 4, 2015 at 10am, Heritage Oaks Clubhouse, 702 Heritage Oaks Bend in Georgetown.

Worship and signing ceremony starts at 10am, with a luncheon to follow.

WilCo Seeks Public Input on Amendments to Long-Range Transportation Williamson County is amending the Long-Range Transportation Plan, originally adopted in October 2009. The County’s continued growth requires progressive planning to keep pace with the increase in the number of residents and vehicles. The County has been working with its cities and neighboring counties to coordinate connectivity and mobility throughout the region.

The plan amendments include a proposed controlled access facility map and proposed projects for central Williamson County (bounded by IH 35, SH 130, and SH 45). The locations of the controlled access facilities are conceptual only. Final alignments for each route will be determined through appropriate planning and environmental studies.

The County will be holding public meetings to gather input on the chang-

es on Wednesday, Sept 30, and Thursday, Oct 1, 2015, from 5 to 8 p.m. in the historic courthouse, in the Commissioners Courtroom on the second floor.

Additionally, printed copies are available in the County Judge’s Office, precinct commissioner’s offices and public libraries in Cedar Park, Georgetown, Hutto, Leander, Liberty Hill, Round Rock, and Taylor.

The public is invited to make comments Sept 18 - Oct 9, 2015. Comments received will be presented to Commissioners Court prior to voting on the plan. To view the proposed changes and make comments, go to Wilco.org/lrtp.

For additional information, please contact Katheryn Cromwell at kcromwell@wilco.org or (512) 943-3375 or Nathan Jones-Meyer at sjones@wilco. org or (512) 943-3362.

Expo Center Groundbreaking

The public is invited to attend a

St. David’s Georgetown Hospital announced today a significant milestone—the 10th anniversary of raising funds for the HCA Hope Fund, which has helped 18,000 families in need.

The HCA Hope Fund is an employee-run and employee-supported 501(c)(3) nonprofit that helps HCA employees and immediate families who have been affected by hardships; disasters and extended illnesses or injuries. HCA (Hospital Corporation of America) is a St. David’s HealthCare’s partner organization, along with Georgetown Health Foundation and St. David’s Foundation. The Hope Fund provides financial aid, emergency information and other resources to

employees in need.

St. David’s Georgetown Hospital has raised more than $169,000 for the HCA Hope Fund.

Since 2006, $64,980 has been distributed to 45 employees in need at St. David’s Georgetown Hospital.

In 2008, St. David’s Georgetown Hospital was added to the Hope Fund Winners Circle, upon being recognized as the top fundraiser in the “small hospital” category for two consecutive years.

“Our staff devote their lives to caring for others every day,” Hugh Brown, chief executive officer of St. David’s Georgetown Hospital, said. “When they experience personal hardships themselves, it is always

gratifying to see their coworkers rally to meet that need. The Hope Fund has been a blessing to many of our own over the years, which is why we always have a high percentage of generous donors.”

Since the program’s inception, the HCA Hope Fund has raised $23 million through donations from HCA employees, vendors, affiliate physicians and the general public.

To celebrate the 10th anniversary, St. David’s Georgetown Hospital will recognize Sept. 1418, 2015 as Hope Fund Week. The Georgetown community can follow the conversation on Twitter (@HCAHopeFund) and Facebook (HCA Hope Fund).

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No Appointment for Mobile Clinic • Limited to Cats & Dogs groundbreaking for the Williamson County Expo Center on Friday, Sept 25, at 10 a.m. The Expo Center is located on more than 50 acres at 210 Carlos G. Parker Boulevard, in Taylor.

The Expo Center will be renovating and enhancing the existing facility/ arena and adding site improvements to increase the number and type of events the facility can accommodate. Development will include enhancements to the arena, site improvements, a new indoor exposition facility, a concessions building, and a ticket building. The main focus will be the new exposition building that will add more than 48,000 square feet. The building is a combination of approximately 24,000 sq/ft of covered expo facilities and 23,000 sq/ft of enclosed area. The spaces will be a combination of administrative offices, a food preparation area, a large group gathering space, and exterior show spaces.

“The new Expo Center will be able to host livestock shows, rodeos, farmers’ markets, banquets, concerts, festivals, special ceremonies, and more,” stated Clint Chitsey, general manager for the WilCo Expo Center.

The cost for these improvements was approved with voter approved park bonds.

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SEPTEMBER 22, 2015  THE ADVOCATE

If we build it... They will come!

Team Sponsors (foursome) invited to Celebration Breakfast & Golf at Cimarron Hills

BiG Dream Team Sponsors: The Carl C. Anderson Sr. & Marie Jo Anderson Charitable Foundation & ARA Real Estate Investment Services

Co-Chairs: Diane & Ira Shapiro • Erin & John Kiltz Patti & Kenneth O’Meara

Monday, Oct. 12, 2015 • 8:30 am We’re building a bright future for adults with special needs who have so much to contribute to their communities.

Our vocational program empowers these citizens with real jobs and real opportunities for growth, lifting their self-esteem and providing purpose for their lives.

The annual Brookwood in Georgetown Golf Benefit is as unique as each of our citizens! Each amazing citizen is the captain of a fundraising team, and each team is encouraged to raise $10,000 (or more!) to support the operating expenses of the program. Each team needs a sponsor and many sponsors to achieve this goal.

Thanks to a generous underwriter, 100% of each dollar raised directly underwrites operating expenses, staff salaries and enterprise supplies!

We’re building on the firm foundation of The Brookwood Community, the premier provider of services for adults with disabilities for 30 years. We proudly strive to replicate this model of excellence.

Won’t you join us in building the dream? Your gift helps support theirs!

www.BrookwoodInGeorgetown.org Help us reach our total goal of $250,000! Donate now at bigtx.org.

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PEOPLE HELPING PEOPLE P. B5 SECTION B • PAGE 1

SEPTEMBER 22, 2015  THE ADVOCATE

Georgetown Teen Reaching Out with Her Life Story Inspiring, Intrepid and Simply Delightful

Abby created her Taylor wall just before her 20th surgery so she could come home to it.

by Ann Marie Ludlow Abigail Rogers is 16 and a pretty typical teenager. She likes to swim and cook and text. She is insecure about some things, is learning to drive and would like to help people if and when she can. She wants to be a forensic investigator when she grows up and already gets her best grades in Law Enforcement 2 at Georgetown High School. She has been hooked on CSI for years and is possibly Dateline’s Keith Morrison’s youngest and biggest fan. Oh, and she is not-even-kidding about how much she loves Taylor Swift!

Aside from all that lifestyle stuff, Abby has recently begun inspiring and reaching out to share her story and help people understand how overcoming obstacles is so much a matter of attitude. She was a

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featured speaker at a GISD teacher training this year and people have been talking about her ever since.

Having been born without hands, feet or a formed lower jaw, she has had a very different life than most. Her differences were the result of her mother’s chemical addictions during pregnancy, which caused her bones to stop growing. She was welcomed into Angela and Jacob Lester’s home when she was six months old and was later adopted. Abby has two

little sisters, Ava and Harper, and ing but when I’m being active they mom Angela says “She’s a teenager are just heavy things that make me now, which is tough on any mom but work harder. They weigh a lot but we are like every other family. We don’t have muscle in them to help just went to the doctor more when do the work.” Abby notes that when she was little.” she rock-climbs, the legs are just Abby is at once friendly but full clumsy. On a trip in Colorado, by of mischief when it comes to her the time her grandmother told her differences because she wants, more she couldn’t do it, she was two rocks than anything, for people to ask her up the wall. “I don’t feel the need for a million questions rather than make hands or arms. It wouldn’t be very judgments or avoid her. “We joke helpful at this point and I would about things all the time at home have to re-teach myself everything because we’re family. But somebasic, like writing.” times when I’m out and someone Even more inspiring than her complains about their feet hurting, sense of humor is her courage. and I say ‘At least you have feet!’, I She has undergone more than 20 forget that makes other people feel separate surgeries to build up her terrible but it’s pretty funny to me. I See Abby, page B6 just want them to understand I’m okay with it.”

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Community Calendar & Arts

SEPTEMBER 22, 2015  THE ADVOCATE

Lip Sync Exceptional Battle Sept 23 Georgetown The Georgetown High Alliance School Theatre DepartSept 25 ment will be hosting their first-ever Lip Sync Battle: A Night of Legends on Wednesday, Sept. 23rd @ 6:30pm in the PAC. All proceeds from the event will go to support The Locker.

The Locker is a Georgetown organization of “kids helping kids” that provides support and help for young people to participate in and enjoy life’s milestone moments.

Tickets will be sold for $3 at the door; doors open at 6pm. All are invited to come out and support The GHS Theatre Dept as they kick off an amazing year and give back to the Georgetown community by donating to The Locker.

13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi Sept 24

The Georgetown Area Republican Women are sponsoring a lecture and Q&A from Mark (OZ) Geist and John (TIG) Tiegan, soldiers who were there. They are sharing their experience and a 3-4 minute trailer from the moive of the same name, which will be released January 15.

The event is Sept 24 at 7:00pm at the Klett Performing Arts Center at Georgetown High School. Email kmckee@ suddenlink.net

EGA is hosting a Coffee Talk! They will have therapists from the community to talk about their specialty and how it can impact your child. Speakers include: Kim Shewmaker from Kidabilities, Anna Chmiel and Jennifer Coyle of Mighty Kids Therapy (formerly Big Sky Pediatrics North Star), and Emily Morris of the Center for Music Therapy. Please join us for coffee, light food, and good conversation! Friday, Sept 25th 9-11am, Georgetown Health Foundation Community Rooms, 2423 Williams Drive, Suite 101.

Dino Day Sept 26

Enjoy a fun-filled day of exploration at Dinosaur Day at Champion Park on Saturday, September 26. The event will be held from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. and includes free hot dogs and chips while supplies last, an inflatable playhouse, and other activities for the children. All the activities will be free and open to the public. The kids from Culin Karate Center will do exhibitions starting at 10 a.m.

There will be live music from Mimi Gray, a local musician who performs Americana/Alt. Country and Blues Folk Music.

Champion Park is a unique playground for children of all ages to have fun and make new discoveries. The park features a covered children’s sand play area with stone casts of dinosaur bones, a blue whale splash and spray, specially designed boulders for climbing, and a

large play area with life size replicas of dinosaur bones. It also has a large picnic pavilion with built-in grills, a fishing area, and a scenic bridge across Brushy Creek.

For more information on this event, go to Wilco.org or contact the Precinct 1 Commissioner Lisa Birkman’s Office at (512) 244-8610, mclark@wilco.org.

WCRAS Denim and Diamonds Fur Ball Oct 10

The annual Denim and Diamonds Fur Ball will be held at the Marriott North in La Frontera, on Saturday, October 10, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. The event benefits the pets at WCRAS. Call 512-9433322

Williamson Museum Cattleman’s Ball

Break out your denim and diamonds for the Cattleman’s Ball! Beginning in 2012, the annual Cattleman’s Ball honors an individual or family who positively impact Williamson County with a celebration. This boot-scootin’ good time includes food, drink, dancing, poker playing, saloon girls and live and silent auctions. Saturday, October 17, 7pm-10pm.

Tickets are $75; available at UpTheChisholmTrail.org/

Central TX Film Conference Launches at Southwestern University

Southwestern University alumni and Georgetown community members will host The Central Texas Film Conference on the Southwestern campus Nov. 7, 2015. The conference features speakers who work within the various aspects of the film industry and will provide a unique, hands-on experience for future and current filmmakers.

Speakers and panelists include screenwriter Alvaro Rodriguez (keynote); Andrew Richey ’05, producer of Code Black; Heather Page, Texas Film Commission Director; Meredith Johns, Emmy award winning makeup

artist; and RJ Freitag, a post-production sound mixer who has worked on trailers for The Hunger Games and Django Unchained.

Attendees will learn about screenwriting, auditioning techniques and pitching stories from industry leaders like Bryan Poyser, Karen Hallford and Owen Egerton. In the afternoon, attendees may pitch story ideas and meet the speakers.

Richey, one of the event organizers, says, “This is a very exciting event because it is bringing together established professionals, burgeoning artists, members of the local government and chamber of commerce

Walk or Bike to School Day Oct 7

Students from Frost Elementary and Benold Middle School in Georgetown will join students from around the globe to celebrate International Walk to School Day on October 7.

Starting at 7:20 a.m. on October 7, students from Frost Elementary and Benold Middle School will be walking and rolling to school along with parents, siblings, teachers, and community leaders.

Walkers and bicyclists will make their way to the Frost Elementary Gymnasium by 7:40 a.m. for a brief ceremony.

Representatives from A

Safe Place, a Georgetown Utility Systems safety program, and the Georgetown Police Department will also be at the event to provide information on safety when walking or biking to school.

Walk to School Day events raise awareness of the need to create safer routes for walking and bicycling, and emphasize the importance of increasing physical activity among children, pedestrian safety, traffic congestion, and concern

to discuss how to foster more film in our area.”

Southwestern’s Associate Vice President of University Relations - Alumni and Parents, Megan Frisque, adds that the “event also benefits Southwestern because the film industry is a great example of the liberal arts in a professional context, as multiple scholarship areas are necessary for success in film.”

The full schedule can be found on Southwestern’s website. Registration opens Sept. 21, 2015. Questions can be directed to Cindy Weigand at cindy. weigand@gmail.com. for the environment. The events build connections between families, schools and the broader community.

The event is being organized by the City of Georgetown, Georgetown Police Department, Georgetown Utility Systems, Georgetown Independent School District and Frost Elementary PTA. For additional local information, please contact Nat Waggoner, transportation services analyst with the City of Georgetown at (512) 966-9935 or Suzanne Marchman, director of community engagement and communications for Georgetown ISD at (512) 943-1890.

PETS OF THE WEEK JULIET Two-year-old Juliet will steal your heart if you let her. Her coat is brown brindle and white with very striking markings. This wiry girl has a lot of energy, but it doesn’t take her long to burn it off and settle down. She does well with all people and some other dogs. She weighs about 40 pounds and is solid muscle. She knows basic commands, seems to be housetrained, and loves to go for walks. If you are an athletic family or someone who likes the outdoors, Juliet would be the perfect fit for you! Here at the shelter she is known as a Squatty Bullshire Terrier, and she is ready for a family to commit to her 100%. This girl is going to be easy to train and very loyal to whomever takes her home. Will you be Juliet’s new family?

Courtesy Georgetown Animal Shelter, Pets.Georgetown.org

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WCRAS wants to help all those love-crazed fans out there find their perfect teammate by partnering with Best Friends for the “Welcome Home your New MVP” month-long adoption special in September. Name Your Price adoptions for all adult dogs and cats, kittens are only $25 to adopt, and puppies are only $75 to adopt. Kick off the fall season with a new best friend! Click here to see who is waiting just for you!

CONNOR Five-month old Connor is living in a foster home. He is a small size kitty that has been neutered but not declawed. He came to the Williamson County Shelter in June and is looking for a forever home. The fee includes vaccines, FeLV screening and a microchip.

Courtesy Williamson County Animal Shelter, Pets.Wilco.org

SEPTEMBER 22, 2015  THE ADVOCATE

How to Buy a Gift It’s September, which means I’m in the stores listening to people complain that there is Christmas music playing already. Not yet really time to start throwing elbows at Walmart, but you may already be worrying about the fact that you never know what to get anyone.

So Advocatie has some suggestions and September is a good time to ask those probing questions without looking like you’re digging for Christmas ideas.

1. Facebook is your best friend here.

If your person has a Facebook page, there are most likely some Likes or Favorites on it. Go through his or her profile. My brother favorited “To Kill a Mockingbird” so I Googled “Harper Lee gift” and found a logo t-shirt for the “Law Offices of Atticus Finch” t-shirt. He thought I was a genius. If Google gives you too many options here or nothing specific, go to ebay. com and do the same search. Someone will be selling something related and even if you don’t buy from an e-bay site, at least you have an idea and can go back to Google. When all else fails,

Twenty-Five Cents & A Heart of Gold

by Sharon L. Patterson

As a woman who balanced a teaching career and motherhood, I am uncertain where one left

PAGE B3

go to Pinterest or etsy.com. There is no hobby or interest too obscure for those people.

2. Make it about you. If a person is new in your life and you don’t feel like you know him/her well enough to know what matters, give a gift that means something to you so it will remind that person of you. A hundred or so years ago I had a new boyfriend right before Christmas. We didn’t know much about each other but he was a police officer and he gave me a sweatshirt with FCPD on it, which was totally cool. (There’s a hint for you, Man-Who-Went-To-College.) I gave boyfriend a St. Michael medal (patron saint of police officers). He wasn’t Catholic but he appreciated that I was sorta praying over him.

3. CASH. If you have people who provide a service; employee, babysitter, stylist, etc. you can never go wrong with money. Many the job I would have preferred even the $5.00 cash to the logo mug that cost the company $5.00 to buy. I work for money so if you want to gift me, a little extra of that is exactly what I’d like. I’ll use it to tip my kid’s bus driver, or buy lunch at my favorite place and I’ll be thankful you saved me $5.00.

4. Help people do what they do.

Just pay a little bit of attention. Fancy waterproof bag to protect other stuff your water-loving friend already has.

Upgrade the grill tools he uses a lot but won’t splurge on for himself. Does she like movies? Netflix subscription.

Does he play video games all the time?

Gift card to Waiter with Wheels so

off and the other began. Teaching preceded motherhood by ten years.

I had been told that I could not have children and so I settled into accepting the hundreds who came through my history classes as God’s gift of children to me.

Then, one Wednesday night at church, our pastor invited all of us who did not have children to come for prayer. A year later, I received a miraculous answer to that prayer–my firstborn son. Nineteen months later, his brother– miracle number two –arrived, and motherhood began.

Thinking surely my ten

years of teaching would give me an instant edge on parenting, I launched confidently into my new position in life. Notorious for lists of important things to do, I began early to focus on what I would teach my children. At the top of my list were: Godly values, Bible stories, history, and French (my second teaching field) as soon as they could read. I also wanted them to understand the significance of wise purchases early on.

I did get to mark off the top priorities on my lists, but not nearly as efficiently as hoped. Oh, they learned the Bible

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he doesn’t have to put the controller down to cook.

5. Internet history. While I don’t encourage, condone or suggest actual stalking, you can also check out someone’s browsing history or Pinterest Pins to see the things the person looks for or reads on the Internet. Interests will come into focus and you can go back to the Google/Ebay/Pinterest [subject]-and-gift search.

6. Places to go; things to do. People like me have become hard to buy for because when I need or want something, I just go out and get it. (Mostly because my family doesn’t know what I want either.) This is where you buy someone an experience rather than a thing. Dinner on a boat, hot air balloon, spa day, NASCAR experience. Can’t be re-gifted and you can do repeats! Some are expensive but then again, I’d be just as happy with a picnic at Lake Georgetown (because someone got me an all-day babysitter).

What does your person constantly talk about but never do?

7. “Don’t get me anything.” We women are famous for

stories and Godly values quite young, but history was a much longer and tougher learning. I will never forget our trip to Washington, D.C. when I asked the boys to keep a journal of the adventures and history they saw at ages nine and seven.

After my umpteenth comment of historical insight, the youngest turned to me and said, “Are we finished with history yet?” The journals were abandoned, and my bruised ego retreated to the land of “no further comment.” They never did learn French.

Now, when it came to teaching my children the value of spending money wisely, I must say, it was much smoother sailing.

I laughingly remember sending the boys to the local five and dime store (replaced now by numerous stores whose names have multiplied by 10). I gave them five dollars and instructions to purchase the very best value they could find for the money. An hour later they rode up in the driveway with their prized

saying that. When she says that, agree.

Then go further and take something away from her -- like cleaning the house. Example: I buy myself books but I don’t have time to read them.

Take away the things that keep me from it. Take away the things your man feels guilty about when he’s golfing; (Should really go home and cut the grass..)House cleaning service, car detailing, lawn cutting, dog walking, dinner prep -- things people have to do but would maybe like to skip once in a while.

BONUS TIP: If you’re lucky enough to know your lady friend always wants jewelry, take notes on what she wears for a few weeks. Don’t do the peek-in-the-jewelry-box thing.

That just tells you what she’s NOT wearing.

I do ramble on, and this is not a complete list so if you still don’t know, email Advocatie@fpgtx.com and I’ll throw you some more.

purchases in tow. The youngest was holding a plastic bag bulging with water and a small gold fish swimming rapidly in his transparent encasement. The oldest had a bag of fish food. There was even change. A great bargain, for sure, despite the fact we had nothing in which to place the homeless waif.

Hmmm… perhaps a bit more teaching needed!

Not terribly long after the fish purchase, it seemed my eldest grew to love bargains and garage sales. One afternoon, he came through the door with, “Mom, I bought you a great gift!

You won’t believe what I got for only twenty-five cents!” From a plastic bag, he retrieved a pair of the most gorgeous brown leather pumps I had ever seen. My sweet son knew his mother’s great penchant for shoes.

My closet was lined with specially-built compartments that housed some pretty incredible pairs–bought on sale, of course!

I looked at them with

awe and then noticed one slight problem. “Sweetheart,” I said, “they are just beautiful, but they are a size ten and mother wears a size 6!”

With no hesitation, he replied confidently, “That’s okay, mom. Just put them in the closet. You will grow into them!”

Needless to say, it wasn’t the great bargain for twenty-five cents that touched my mother-teacher’s heart that day. It was my son’s “heart of gold” that left me with a precious and amusing memory of inestimable value.

Sharon L. Patterson, a retired educator, author, and lay minister from Round Rock, has written and published inspirational encouragement in various forms from greeting cards, short stories, poetry, and Bible studies for over thirty years. She has authored three books, she recently published a perpetual desk calendar, and is also a contributing author for seven books. Additionally, Sharon writes for the quarterly e-zine Ruby for Women.

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PAGE B4

SEPTEMBER 22, 2015  THE ADVOCATE

Building Better Brains

by Jim Kelley

Brain Busters: Infections are able to damage the brain in multiple ways beyond that of direct damage.

The brain’s Designer has multiple levels of protection design for the brain. There is a bloodbrain barrier that stops much of the organisms and substances from entering neural tissue and within the brain itself; there are the microglia which is an integrated part of the immune system. Many neurological diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and stroke can be caused or triggered by infection from viruses, mycoplasma, or bacteria.

As if this is not bad enough, our own immune response causes inflammation and generates free radicals much like a natural form of chemotherapy to kill off invading organisms, and like chemotherapy, this

destroys healthy, functional tissue.

You may recall that when sick with the flu or other powerful virus, your mental faculties tend to be dulled, and you tend to be sleepy and forgetful. This is a result of the microglia creating inflammation in your brain. Additionally, the metabolic byproducts of these microorganisms feasting on you are able to pass through the blood-brain barrier and impair or damage your brain.

Your dentist is aware of this problem with oral hygiene issues. Research shows that if the fluoride he uses on you gets into your system, not only is it toxic to your neural systems, it also causes influenza viruses to multiply.

All of us have thousands of forms of viruses, bacteria, and microscopic flora in our bodies. They are for

the most part either helpful or benign or dormant. But, even the more nuisance varieties of viruses such as the HSV-1 form of the herpes virus can become a serious problem if they migrate to the brain.

Even if they don’t migrate to the brain and just cause constant recurring fever blisters or canker sores, they will provoke the immune system into a fight where both sides are causing inflammation and free radical damage to healthy tissue. This then becomes tied to more significant health issues of dementias, cancers, and or atherosclerosis.

The mercury and aluminum that we willingly injected in ourselves through the vaccination processes causes great

trouble for the brain, including formation of the amyloid plaques associated with Alzheimer’s.

Regular inoculations constantly provoke the immune system into more and more inflammation and free radical formation. The intensity of these responses increases as we age, which causes more collateral damage.

Brain Nutrition: So what can we do to avoid these costly conflicts within our own bodies?

The answer can be found in a tired old saying.

“The best defense is a great offense.”

Dr. Russell Blaylock is celebrated neurosurgeon, author, and researcher with a deep understanding of the issues for healthy brain function.

He has identified many long-term health threats such as Omega6 fatty acids found in vegetable oils, processed sugar, high iron intake, acidic beverages such as colas, all of which promote

inflammation and are tied to serious disease processes.

He lists immune support nutrients as well, such as selenium, vitamins C, D, E, B1, B6, flavonoids, carotenoids, zinc and magnesium.

Green leafy vegetables and cruciferous vegetables are dynamic in suppressing virus replication and free radical damage. He lists nutrients that can attack inflammation such as curcumin, quercetin, white and green tea’s, grape seed extract, aged garlic extract, vitamin E, selenium, vitamin C. Lastly, he recommends control of stress, sleep, UV exposure, fatigue, and high acid intake is behaviors that make one susceptible to virus attack.

Jim Kelley is a minister at the Center for Power Filled Living 512.869.0936 ChristNeuro.org

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SEPTEMBER 22, 2015  THE ADVOCATE

Faith

Celebrating 40 Years of People Helping People Several Georgetown churches are enrolling new volunteers for the Stephen Ministry.

Stephen Ministry is the one-to-one lay caring ministry that takes place in congregations that use the Stephen Series system.

Stephen Ministry congregations equip and empower lay caregivers—called Stephen Ministers—to provide high-quality, confidential, Christ-centered care to people who are hurting.

The Ministry is working in congregations from more than 160 Christian denominations, across the U.S. and Canada and in 24 other countries. It has been going strong for over 20 or even 30 years in hundreds of congregations.

Since Stephen Ministries was founded in 1975, more than 12,000 congregations have enrolled in the Stephen Series; over 70,000 pastors and lay leaders from those congregations have been equipped at Leader’s Training Courses.

And more than 600,000 laypeople have received Stephen Minister training.

More than one-anda-half-million people have had a Stephen Minister to walk with them, providing one-

to-one Christian care during tough times.

The volunteer prgram involves 50 hours of training to enable ministers to be assigned one or more care receivers.

A care receiver is anyone going through trials of life; death of a loved one, divorce, addiction, etc. The idea behind the ministry is to share the burden of the clergy who can and often do get overwhelmed with the service they provide to their flocks.

Volunteer Ministers may sign up through the end of September and training will be completed in May. Stephen ministers can meet once, or regularly with their care receivers until they feel they are through the crisis. Usually the process takes about two months, but ministers are prepared for six months, a year, even longer if necessary.

Gerry Hoerster at First Baptist Church of Georgetown explains; “We are trying to create greater awareness in our community that there is help for everyone, not just within each congregation. We are here for people who might need someone along side them in time of crisis, death, loss of job, divorce, etc.”

Participating churches are: • First United Methodist Church • San Gabriel Presbyterian Church • St. John United Methodist Church • The Worship Place in Sun City • Christ Lutheran Church • First Baptist Church of Georgetown • Faith Lutheran Church • First Presbyterian Church.

Most of these have programs to provide care outside their congregations so you do not have to be a member of the church to reach out to a Stephen minister.

Hoerster was commissioned four years ago and recently began a leadership team at First Baptist.

“We are working on awareness and leadership to make people in our church aware, and all across Williamson County, that we have this program. It is free and open to anyone who just wants someone alongside them.”

Anyone interested in ministering can call Hoerster at 512-8769092, or call any of the churches listed and ask for the Stephen program.

PAGE B5

You probably know that our community thrives because of its leadership. Covenant Community Schools (CCS) ministers to families by providing more than just academic and physical education for children. Serving as an alternative to daycare, our preschools reach children as young as age two.

We have both developmental as well as advanced learning-to-read classes to meet the needs of children with different abilities and learning styles. Our elementary schools provide Christian character training, academics, and physical education necessary to equip students for the rigor of a Bible-based high school college-preparatory program.

Our young people develop into self-starting individuals capable of advanced learning, while discovering their God-given gifts and talents.

We weave leadership training and Christian ethics into every course in our high school graduation plans. Consequently, our high school graduates compete favorably with peers and espouse the values we need in churches and communities where they will serve.

That is our mission. You see, at Covenant Community Schools (CCS), we believe that God has called us to bring up Christian leaders ready to serve in our community whether their families can afford private school tuition or not. Families who have the means carry the full financial burden, but families in need qualify for scholarships that pay up to one-half tuition. This practice levels access to Christian education for families of all income levels.

However, making private Christian education affordable to all comes with a cost. To make the scholarship program work, we need continual support from donors so we can keep tuition low and provide needsbased scholarships to qualifying families. All donations are fully tax-deductible. To make a donation, go to https://www.covenantcommunityschools.org/donate/. To set up a monthly gift amount, send your pledge to info@ covenantcommunityschools.org.

Covenant Community Schools serves children and students age 2 through 12th grade on three campuses in the Austin/ Round Rock/Georgetown areas: Kingdom Heights Christian School in Round Rock, Century Christian Academy in Pflugerville, and Covenant Christian Academy in Georgetown. For more info, visit CovenantCommunitySchools.org.

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ABBY, CONTINUED FROM PAGE B1 jaw, and a few of them have been by her own choice. She’s had to deal with liquid diets many times, and having her jaw bones pinned and broken twice a day to help them grow. Just last year she underwent the world’s first femur graft surgery to move her jaw forward and make her chin more prominent. Her surgeon, Dr. Raymond Harshbarger at Dell Children’s, is a member of several surgical specialty teams, but Abby initially didn’t want anyone to touch her any more. “Ultimately, it’s my body and my decision. I’m the one who goes through

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the pain. Dr. Harshbarger had an answer for every question I had and he had backup plans for the procedure, printouts of what my jaw and chin would look like from every angle, and I finally had the confidence to do it.” Normally, grafts of this kind are done with tibial bones but Abby doesn’t have them.

Angela and Jacob have always told her no matter how bad you think you have it, there’s always someone who has it worse. “It might seem bad in the moment but tomorrow it will all be worth it again,” Abby

says. “Everything takes time. I can sit up in my room and cry about it but nothing will change so what’s the point? At this point I just want to help people.”

Abby and her mom are not planning for her to become a real-time speaker at this point.

She just wants to share and help when she can.

“It’s certainly something that could support her while she goes to college for all that forensics study,” Angela says. “She’s not afraid of anything so helping people on the side while getting through college is a nice plan.”

Bottom line, she doesn’t much like being on stage by herself, but “Telling my own story makes me more comfortable because I know everything I want to say and I know what I’m saying is true.”

I think Keith Morrison should totally come to Texas for the story and invite Taylor Swift to surprise her.

Photo left: Abby has no trouble hanging on to family cat Gus-Gus

The Last Word PAGE B7

SEPTEMBER 22, 2015  THE ADVOCATE

EDITORIAL CORNER Different by Design

by Mike Payne

Georgetown among the best places to live in America today; a place where people care, where people are friendly, and where people are willing to engage.

Sure, we know you’re busy. We know how valuable your time is.

So we’re going to tell you what you want to know about what’s happening in your community in as few words as possible. We’ll chronicle our adventure together through life in photography, and we’ll add to the enjoyment and You’ve already noticed that this ease of your newspaper experiedition of The Advocate is difference with expanded web coverage, ent. including photo galleries and more It might seem obvious to most, detailed stories online. that in a county that is home to the In short, we’re adapting to the city that was recently named as the twenty-first century. Some consecond fastest growing place in the sultants have said that this model country, a “local” newspaper might breaks the traditional boundaries of be growing as well. New busihow newspapers are laid out and nesses are opening here daily and written. If so, we plan to continue. our population grows by eleven We put our advertisers where people every day! I am pleased to they can be seen by you, the reader. report that we simply can no longer We also tell our advertisers that contain ourselves on the pages that when they buy an ad, they don’t we print for each newspaper as just get an ad, they get us! We’re advertising is overtaking our sales out telling the hundreds of people to news ratio; hence, the necessity we come into contact with weekly for the new, bigger format. about the benefits of those who We are excited for you to watch share their message in The Advous grow. But, in keeping with how cate. we believe business should be conWe will report on the great things ducted, we will maintain the admo- going on from Sun City to Georgenition of 1 Corinthians 14:40 which town, from Jarrell to Florence, says, “But all things must be done from Bartlett to Granger. In short, properly and in an orderly manner.” we want to tell you what’s up with For the next three months, you’ll your neighbors, friends, and family. still find The Advocate for free at Why? Because we’re your newspayour favorite retailers. per. Get ready for some seriously What can you expect to see in expanded sections. And remember, the “new” Advocate? As always, as always, you can count on the you’ll see a strong emphasis on Advocate for the political pulse in positive, uplifting, encouraging the county, what’s going on in the news that focuses on traditional courthouse, and what’s happening American values. in Commissioner’s Court. It’s all You’ll see a newspaper that here. More is coming. Stay tuned. reflects what made America great, You’ll like it, guaranteed! And, and what will keep America great. as always, tell us what you want.

You’ll read stories of faith, famRemember, in The Advocate, “If ily, and friendship. You’ll find it’s important to you, it’s important this newspaper reflects the things to us!” you see around you; the things that make Williamson County and

The Truth About Williamson County Following the removal of the Confederate flag in South Carolina, other municipalities nationwide have found themselves in a similar debate. Georgetown is no exception.

While some believe the statue may promote racist ideals, here are the facts about our soldier.

The Confederate soldier is a representation of the veterans of Williamson County who fought for the Confederacy. It was raised in 1916 using funds collected all over the county in an effort to honor the Civil War Veterans who were being lost to old age.

Williamson Museum Director Mickie Ross explains, “It is not a memorial to slaveholders.

It is an honor for military personnel who served this Country.”

Ross has extensive background on the statue and the Civil War history for Williamson County.

Texas voted against secession prior to the war and Williamson County was known to be Unionist. Many people today believe Williamson was an abolitionist county, however there were slaves in the county.

The County delegate to the Secession Convention, Thomas Hughes, was actually a slaveholder who enlisted and fought for the Confederacy. He voted against secession because citizens of this county wanted to see the United States remain united; not because they were slave owners.

When the war began, Williamson County raised five companies of men who fought for their country. The statue honors their service and their sacrifice.

Funds were raised for several years by former soldiers, children and friends to reach the unveiling in 1916. Taylor Elementary raised the most money so a student from the school got to pull the string. Public school was cancelled for the day,

Southwestern University suspended classes so everyone could attend.

There was a parade in the Square and a crowd of about 3000 people from all over Central Texas gathered for the unveiling. Georgetown’s entire population was just under 3000 at the time.

Ross also noted that many of the names on the statue are also on some of the buildings on the Square, so we are also honoring those who helped build our city. Although there is a group wishing to move the statue, it has been honoring those veterans for 99 years and there are few cemetery options for it.

Ross summed it up nicely, “A soldier’s job is to protect the homeland. That’s what these veterans were doing and Texas was part of the Confederate States. Certain principles of the war do not diminish the personal sacrifices of the men who fought and died in it.”

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PAGE B8

SEPTEMBER 22, 2015  THE ADVOCATE

15TH BIRTHDAY

BREAKING GROUND

A L L S E RV I C E S

WESTINGHOUSE CAMPUS

S E P T E M B E R 27

S E P T E M B E R 27 • 5 : 3 0 P M

You are invited to our long awaited, much anticipated Groundbreaking Ceremony! Festivities will include inflatables for kids, food and a fireworks display to end the occasion. Whether you have been to a Celebration Church campus before or attend for the first time this weekend, we want you to be a part of this monumental event for our church and our city!

R S V P O N L I N E TO DAY !

1202 RABBIT HILL ROAD - GEORGETOWN TX 78626

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