Advocate December 29, 2016 by Fidelis Publishing Group, LLC

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Holiday Hours

City of Georgetown offices and facilities will be closed Monday, Jan. 2 in observance of the New Year’s holiday. Williamson County offices will be closed on December 30, 2016, for the New Year’s holiday. The Commissioners Court will not meet on January 3, 2017. The first regularly scheduled meeting of 2017 will be on Tuesday, January 10, beginning at 9:30 a.m.

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Christmas Tree and Box Recycling CITY OF GEORGETOW N

Residents are encouraged to recycle Christmas trees, boxes, and wrapping paper to reduce material going to the landfill. If you recycle your tree, please remove the tree stand and any garland, ornaments, or lights. Artificial trees cannot be recycled. Curbside Pick-up: Texas Disposal Systems customers in the city limits of Georgetown can put Christmas trees on the curb for collection on your regular yard trimmings pickup day. Trees seven feet in length or less can be placed at the curb uncut. Longer trees should be cut into sections. No artificial trees. Collection Day Look-up: For Georgetown city residents, your yard trimmings collection day is on your first recycling day of the month. Look it up at recycle.georgetown.org. Boxes and Wrapping Paper: Cardboard boxes and wrapping paper are recyclable. If they won’t fit in your recycling cart, you can put wrapping paper and boxes in a larger box and set it next to your recycling cart so it can be recycled. Ribbons and bows are not recyclable. Cellophane wrap and plastic bags

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

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are recyclable if they are placed in a yellow bag-thebag, tied, and placed inside the recycling cart. Note that no extra plastic bags next to your trash cart are permitted without a bag tag. Go to recycle.georgetown. org for a complete list of recyclables. Christmas Tree Dropoff through Jan. 31 at no charge, Christmas trees will be accepted at the City of Georgetown Collection Station, 250 W.L. Walden Drive. Normal fees apply to other items. Mulch is available, year-round, freeof-charge to City residents. Collection Station: Hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Collection Station is closed Dec. 24 and Dec. 25, open on Dec. 31 (closing at 3 p.m.), and closed Jan. 1. For details, contact Texas Disposal Systems at (512) 930-1715.

W ILLIAM SON COUNTY

The Williamson County Landfill, 600 Landfill Road in Hutto, will accept Christmas trees for recycling December 26, 2016, through January 14, 2017, free of charge for Williamson County residents. Flocked trees are not accepted for recycling. All trees must have decorations removed. The landfill will be closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, but will be open regular hours the day before and the day after these holidays. Call (512) 759-8881 for more information.

DECEMBER 29, 2016  THE ADVOCATE

Cover Collage

From top, L-R: Julie (13) takes a flight with Flying Vikings at Georgetown airport May 19 • Students break ground at Wagner Middle School in April • Williamson County Republican Convention Mar 19 • District Attorney-elect Shawn Dick on Primary night Mar 8 • Paula Doerfler's Retirement Celebration at McCoy Elem May 30 • Newly sworn Judge Ryan Larson and wife Wendy April 4 • Citizens of the Year, Chiefs Sullivan and Nero • Susan Winkelman, Lutheran Teacher of the Year • Artist Lucas Adams at Dan Moody unveiling Oct 14 • St David's CEO Hugh Brown at Breast Cancer Awareness event Oct 22 • Mayor Ross Library Patrons at the 50th Anniversary Gala in March • Sun City Deplorables • Late Commissioner Ron Morrisson • Newly sworn Judge Laura Barker June 17 • Vice President Al Gore visits Georgetown Aug 14 • Karen Crosby at The Locker Tailgate Party July 14 • Kickoff of the Blessed are the Peacemakers campaign July 26 • ROCK's celebrated Goliath retires July 20 • Mayor Ross at the Reindeer Run with Sonic sponsors Dec 10 • Sheriff's Rodeo arena in June • Sheriff-elect Chody with Carson Walker and mom July 8 • Rita Healy and friends officially open the Sheraton July 28 • Palace performer Abigail Bensman wows at the Red Poppy Parade.

Rachel Cooke Memorial Run

Saturday, January 7 at 8am the Rachel Cooke Memorial Run (RCMR) will take place in remembrance of the 15th anniversary of Rachel's disappearance. Rachel's mother, Janet, has enlisted several running clubs to assist in organizing the race to help generate awareness for the investigation, and as a reminder to runners to always be aware of their surroundings. All funds raised during the race will be donated, through a non-profit partner (The Georgetown Running Club), to the Central Texas Chapter of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). Packet pickup is Friday, January 6th, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Rentsch Brewery at 2500 NE Inner Loop. Rentsch Brewery will also be holding an event after the race and a portion of their sales will be donated to the Central Texas Chapter of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, our benefiting charity for this race. More info on Facebook at RachelCookeMemorialRun/

The opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of The 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 Advocate reserves the right to edit letters for length and journalistic style, and has a recommended length of 300 words.

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Year in Review ~ A Year of Blue PAGE A3

DECEMBER 29, 2016  THE ADVOCATE

Leander Resident Honored

JULY: As news of the Dallas

shootings propagated, Carson Walker, 27, went to Home Depot and bought some supplies to make what he called “a sign that looks like a fifth grader made it”. He took his sign to the side of IH-35 and stood in the Texas heat for three hours, making sure anyone who passed by could see his support for law enforcement. A Travis County officer pulled over and took a selfie, then posted to Facebook. The photo made its way to Constable Chody’s Blue Lives Matter page and went viral. At a luncheon in Round Rock,

Community Leaders Rally for “Blessed Are The Peacemakers”

Walker was the proud recipient of many tokens of appreciation from law enforcement in Williamson County, Cedar Park, Georgetown, Travis County, FBI, and Texas State. He also received a Mayor’s coin from Dale Ross, a coin from Congressman John Carter, and a special plaque from County Atty Dee Hobbs. Walker could not contain his emotion when officers arrived and presented him with certificates, cards, patches and hats. He said he didn’t do it for any attention and he was still having a hard time believing that his small gesture would mean so much to

so many people. County Attorney Dee Hobbs affirmed "We are blessed in this county that we work so well together.” Constable Chody said “There were officers who were nervous about even going to work the next day and this kid went out to the side of the road without a gun or a vest and it really encouraged so many police officers everywhere. This was the least we could do and I can tell by the response we’ve gotten on Facebook that Carson made a difference. Another reason to be proud to live in a county like ours.”

"Blue Mass" Celebrates Law Enforcement

From top L-R: Hutto Community leader Tim Jordan, Pct 1 Constable-elect Vinnie Cherrone, businessman Jim Schwertner, Sheriff-elect Robert Chody, Pct 3 Constable Kevin Stofle, Hutto Police Chief Earl Morrison, Round Rock Police Commander Robert Rosenbusch, Pct 3 JP Bill Gravell, Mayor Dale Ross, Round Rock banker and candidate for Pct 1 Commissioner Landy Warren.

JULY: Georgetown

and much of Williamson County were awash in blue and visible support for law enforcement. A public project initiated by a Hutto resident provided the first 1000 yard signs at no cost to county residents who wish to thank law enforcement officers for their service and sacrifice. The campaign was planned previously, but after the death of Sheriff Deputy Craig Hutchinson, it comes in time to recognize the threat to police officers nationwide, sadly, as close as Round Rock. At a press conference on the Old Courthouse steps, Judge Bill Gravell announced signs are available to the public at a number of sites around the county. Over 100 signs were handed out at the press conference, which wasn’t announced to the public— but many arrived eager to take them for their homes and businesses. Sign production was made possible by donations

and support by some of the County’s most prominent leaders. The signs themselves, and several hundred matching stickers were printed and rushed out for distribution, The organizer, who wished to remain anonymous said, “I may have come up with the idea and design, but the real credit goes to those, who, without hesitation, accepted the challenge and immediately provided the funding necessary to make this a reality. This is about men and women in law enforcement. Those on the front lines who risk their lives every time they put on that uniform. This is about those who keep us safe and protect us from the evil that wishes to do us harm. These signs are the least we can do to acknowledge our gratitude and support. These brave men and women need to know they are appreciated when they drive past by the homes and businesses they unselfishly

protect.” Sheriff-elect Robert Chody says this campaign proves his point from a year ago that this community supports law enforcement; “The challenge was letting law enforcement see that. The leaders see it in their daily interactions with the public, but now the beat officer will get out and will see it in the signs or with the stickers in the windows. People are tired of seeing their law enforcement being attacked...I’m proud of Williamson County residents and I’m proud of our friend in Hutto who came up with this idea.” Mayor Dale Ross added, “‘Blessed are the peacemakers’ is true in Georgetown because we absolutely love our first responders. They always put our citizens first and they deliver that service and safety at the highest levels. They need our support in a very vocal way.”

Above: Chaplain Ricky Poe, Sheriff-elect Robert Chody, County Attorney Dee Hobbs, Mayor Dale Ross, Judge Bill Gravell, Lt. Governor Dan Patrick, TX Rep Tony Dale, Judge Billy Ray Stubblefield prepare for Blue Mass.

OCTOBER: About

275 law enforcement officers, family members and friends joined in fellowship at Celebration Church Sept. 4 to honor and pray for members of law enforcement. The event was a longtime dream of Univ of Texas Chaplain Ricky Poe, who is a member of Celebration. Poe says, "An event like this has been a burden on my heart. We always had services and invited police, but never did a service just for them." Once Pastor Joe Champion gave him the goahead, Poe contacted the Governor's office to invite the Lt. Governor who is working to pass the Police Protection Act. As well, 200 volunteers at Celebration helped out to produce

“We must now, more than ever,

a fourth show those who protect us that service of the day complete we stand united with them.” Judge Bill Gravell with child care, live worship and are "the barbed wire that a message of inspiration. separates the sheep from Lt. Governor Dan Patrick the wolves." gave the opening sermon Pastor Joe Champion and paraphrased how the later emphasized how hard life of a law enforcement the life of a law enforceofficer is represented in ment officer can be—on a John 15:13; “The greatest marriage and on children. way to show your love for He prayed from Nehemiah, your friends is to give your that we will all take the exlife for your friends... how ample of officers and be the many people, outside the kind of people who don’t military, really give their run or lose courage. lives for their friends?... Chaplain Poe invited and by the way it’s not their several elected officials to friends law enforcement pray at the conclusion of give their lives for; it’s a the event and with Sherstranger in almost every iff-elect Robert Chody, case.” announced that in 2017, for He also drew from the the first time, the Sheriff's Bible and a shared quote Department will institute a that police and military Chaplain's program.

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Year in Review ~ January & February PAGE A4

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JANUARY - ADVOCATE CITIZENS OF THE YEAR

JANUARY - STATE OF THE DISTRICT

Chiefs Wayne Nero and John Sullivan Inspired Students Served by the Most department temporary system that is Empowered Leaders facilities more responsive; literally

Refusing Mediocrity

After personally knocking

on doors and promoting the $29 million bond that would facilitate the construction of Georgetown’s Safety Center on D.B. Wood Drive, Chief Nero was thrust into the role of project manager about a quarter of the way through construction. His contracting skills certainly weren’t why the city hired him, but as he has proven every day since he arrived in town, he chooses to be proactive and extraordinary no matter what he’s doing. For the latter part of a year, Nero simultaneously ran the department, during many 18-hour days, while overseeing the build and all the appointments that make the center the envy of Texas. The Safety Center became the center of operations last Spring and had its official ribbon cutting in July to much fanfare. “When I took the job, I knew the city was going to move forward with what would allow us to become a more contemporary agency,” Nero says. “Considering the growth pattern we were in, we could not have adapted given the

and environment at the time.” While the Safety Center is certainly a jewel in Georgetown’s crown, it is also just an outward sign of a new evolution to a premier law enforcement agency. Nero has brought much more to the culture and image of the department. “We tout excellence and a new facility ensures that,” he says. “But what I’m most excited about is seeing the next generation of Georgetown leadership take their posts. The real change is in our Vision, Mission and Core Values, which everyone contributed to and has ownership in. We had to imagine our city with 150,000 people in it, and decide what our department had to look like to accommodate it.”

Trust is Not a Negotiable Trait

Fire Chief John Sullivan

spent the better part of 2015 focusing on the city’s transition to our own EMS program. In just his second year at the helm, it was a bold (i.e., not universally popular) move at first and very forward thinking, but one based on sound experience and a definite need. The result is a con-

in faster arrival times, and figuratively because the department continues to reach out to the community for input. Sullivan said, “My first year was a matter of listening, learning and understanding why things happen the way they do—inside and outside the organization.” The Chief did not want to take much credit and instead heaped great praise on the members of the department who went over and above to make it all possible. “Inside I wanted to address our purpose,” Sullivan said. “Many firefighters respond to calls, but thanks to decades of fire code improvements, we don’t fight a lot of fire. Much of what we do is medical, and we want to be able to provide a full complement of care, with the right equipment and the right training. I merely started the conversation ‘Why do we do it this way?’” He began by looking at every call from the instant a person dials 9-1-1. Sullivan himself was a “secret shopper” once because he came upon an emergent incident and called 9-1-1 himself. “Every medical call was assessed by a Georgetown dispatcher who then transferred to the appropriate county call center, which then called the appropriate response center to dispatch personnel. The caller had to repeat the critical information several times, all of which delayed the arrival time.”

Boosters, businesses and a billionaire

were present at the community center January 20 to hear Georgetown Independent School District’s first annual State of the District luncheon January 20. The event featured a very diverse and student-led showcase of programs, as well as student demonstrations and presentations. Superintendent Dr. Fred Brent provided an in-depth look at key district initiatives, the overall state of the district, and discussed plans for the future. The address was part of a very elegant lunch with nearly every appointment and special touch provided by GISD students. Music from the East View jazz ensemble and the Georgetown orchestra played throughout; the centerpieces and decorations were provided by the high school culinary arts groups, and the “placemats” were original artwork by elementary students. Given the contributions of the students and the hard work by the Community

Relations staff, Dr. Brent took an emotional pause during his opening remarks when he tried to speak about the immense pride he has in his people and his kids. The idea behind the outreach, Dr. Brent says, “People see our football team, our marching band and our sports but they don’t see a jazz band or a kid who makes a working violin with a laser etching machine. We don’t inspire kids with multiple choice tests. We want to show people we are going well beyond what people might think the role of public education might be.”

FEBRUARY - GEORGETOWN ISD

Amanda Reyes National ‘LifeChanger of the Year’

Amanda Reyes, a physical education teacher at Tippit Middle School in Georgetown, TX, was named a 2015-2016 ‘LifeChanger of the Year’ award winner and a top-five finalist for the national $10,000 Grand Prize at a surprise ceremony during an assembly in the school gymnasium February 24. Reyes was selected as a LifeChanger of the Year winner out of more than 620 teachers, administra-

tors and school district employees nominated for the award from all 50 states and the District of Columbia. She was nominated by Dash Wallooppillai, the parent of a student. Through varied activities of the program she works to provide challenging and satisfying experiences in meaningful movement, self-expression, physical well being, and knowledge and techniques of sport activities. Coach Reyes is also passionate about fighting against childhood cancer. She helped organize Tippit’s first annual “Dig Gold” volleyball game in

September 2015 to raise money for cancer research and treatment. She was also an active participant of Alex’s Million Mile, where Tippit students and staff collectively contributed over 4000 miles to the Georgetown team. In addition, she gave a group of 6th grade students the opportunity to organize an ice bucket challenge in memory of their friend who passed away from cancer. They raised $1,300 for childhood cancer research. Last year, Coach Reyes was also in charge of the school’s No Place For Hate program and organized Diversity Day.

FEBRUARY COVERAGE - OLD SOUTH BALL

A Slice of Life in 1860

AS part of its year-long Civil War exhibit,

the Williamson Museum took a turn at one of the many social sides of the era at the “Old South Ball” January 30 at the Old Courthouse on the Square. Despite media attention given to protests surrounding the event, the evening was a sell-out, and attendees were eager to dance and play games in the spirit of education, which was the Museum’s intent. Museum Director Mickie Ross welcomed guests, “This is the fourth Civil War dress-up event in the courthouse in the past year and we are so happy to have you here to learn new things about our history.” The courthouse was brightly lit, and it was an unusually warm winter evening for the party to the delight of all the guests. Without fail, all 100 guests were dressed in period clothing in a mix of gentleman’s suits, and Union and Confederate uniforms, and everything from simple shifts to

resplendent gowns for the ladies. Couples participated in group dances, led by a caller. They began with a promenade—French for “walk”—an easy parade around the courthouse atrium, perhaps invented to show off everyone’s fashions. In the old courtroom, gentlemen were invited to play Faro (photo), as well as partake in some fancy refreshments. The evening went smoothly, protest notwithstanding. Police Chief Nero and Assistant Chief Tchida were on hand briefly, but the handful of protesters were peaceful and respectful of businesses and other visitors to the Square. Those who were marching came and went until about 8 pm but the crowd hovered between 30 and 50 walkers with signs; nothing as extreme as the buses some predicted or feared. It was a pleasant evening for the guests and a successful effort by the Museum staff.

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Year in Review ~ March & April PAGE A5

DECEMBER 29, 2016  THE ADVOCATE

MARCH - PRIMARY ELECTION DAY

Returns, Winners & Reactions

From the White House to

the Court House, Williamson County turned out in record numbers at the polls. A whopping 98,714 citizens voted; more than tripling the 2014 primary vote at 32,011. The Advocate spent some time with District Attorney-elect Shawn Dick, Sheriff-elect Robert Chody, Judge Elect Ryan Larson, Commissioner Valerie Covey (who won her primary, but has a Democrat opponent Several of Wilco’s elected officials visited Constable-elect Precinct 1 Vinnie Cherrone at his home watch party to in the general), and Texas congratulate and welcome him to the ranks of elected public service. L-R: Gina McMaster, Constable Kevin Stofle, Representative-elect Terry Judge John McMaster, Judge Betsy Lambeth, County Attorney Dee Hobbs, Troy Mathew, Judge Donna King, Judge Wilson to talk about their Stacey Mathew, Bailey Cherrone, Judge Rick Kennon, Cherrone, Brad Curlee, Tax Collector-elect Larry Gaddes, wins and plans for transition Judge Bill Gravell, Heather Gaddes. and taking office. I am meeting with community the general election seriously. petitor and I expect to see good SHAWN DICK: I’m very leaders and law enforcement RYAN LARSON - I am things from him in the years to proud. It is a different expemembers already. Right now, honored and blessed that the come. rience because I believe it is I’m trying to get an idea of electorate chose me on elecTERRY WILSON - Words something good for Williamwhat issues are out there and tion night. I am thankful for cannot describe how honored son County. While certainly seeing what the department can the people who reached out I am to represent the people in a personal accomplishment, do to serve the community. and congratulated me and very House District 20. Against all it was the work of a group of VAL COVEY - I’m humbled thankful that Terence Davis odds, our grassroots coalition people—good for our county and honored to have had an reached out as well. He was was able to take on the big and for our future. money, Austin establishment, ROBERT CHODY - We are overwhelming response and I’ll very gracious and I was very never take it for granted. I will impressed with the campaign and win. very excited about the turnout take those votes and the race to he ran. He was a tough comand, as we said we would do,

Republican Primary Constable Pct. 1 Vinnie Cherrone 5,774 (66.03%) Constable Pct. 2 Richard Coffman(i) 6,636 (57.78%) Landy Warren*

Commissioner Pct. 1

3,453 (36.17%)

Commissioner Pct. 3 Valerie Covey(i) 13,497 (65.03%) Laura Barker* Robert Chody

Court at Law 2 judge 15,637 (32.70%) Sheriff

33,045 (58.09%)

395th District Court judge Ryan Larson 26,894 (56.18%) Shawn Dick

District Attorney

30,813 (55.93%)

District 20 State Representative Terry Wilson 10,944 (49.97%) U.S. Representative District 31 John Carter (i) 41,846 (70.10%) Ted Cruz

Terry Cook Hillary Clinton

President

23,880 (35.48%)

Democrat Primary Commissioner Pct. 1 4,251 (63.98%) President

16,374 (52.71%)

MARCH - RED CARPET EVENT FOR MUSTANG FOUNDATION

“Unbranded” shines a light on the plight of wild horses

THE Mustang Heritage Foun-

dation in Georgetown is holding a red carpet event at City Lights Theater. The event is a fundraiser for the Foundation to help their efforts to adopt more wild horses into new forever homes. In 2012, a young cowboy named Ben Masters and some college friends made a documentary film about their Mustang horseback odyssey. They hatched a plan to adopt, train and ride 16 wild Mustangs and a “sassy donkey” 3000 miles from Canada to Mexico. The trip took place entirely on public lands, and the men recorded the trip to bring visibility to programs to save the horses and the people who work hard to achieve that.

The movie, “Unbranded” is rated PG-13 (it has a few bad words), has won 12 film festival audience awards, and is rich with landscapes, friendship, suspense and sadness. Foundation Program Director Byron Hogan explains, “There is a land aspect of the movie— these are your public lands and they are still available to you. You can ride a horse from Canada to Mexico. Now that I’ve seen the movie, I am exited that I could still do that myself. It’s America’s land and America’s horse.” “Our work provides a winwin for everyone. Unchecked, the wild horse population doubles in size every four years. The horses run out of food or space and it’s an unhealthy balance on the land. The government then has to take care of them at a lifetime cost of

$48,000 per horse. We save the taxpayers over $33 million with adoptions.” The Foundation promotes learning and conservation with families, at-risk or displaced children, and veterans. “We bring together a person and a horse who have likely had the same kind of beginnings and watch them work to heal each other. Both learn new skill sets and how to adapt to new lives.” Byron explained, “The mustangs in the movie and those at the Weir ranch are descendants of the horses who literally helped settle the west. The horses your great-greats rode into the west, pulling the wagons, and hopefully we are providing a good opportunity for people to adopt a gentle mustang.” “We find the best marriage of horse adoption and helping people.”

Ben Masters with one of his movie Mustangs.

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cinct 3 Justice of the Peace Bill Gravell, Jr. was named Judge of the Year by the Central Texas Justice of the Peace and Constable Association. Judge Gravell was President of the association for the past term and as he handed over his leadership to the new president, he received the honor, nominated by his Chief of Staff Melissa Goins, and staff members Mary Perez and Andrea Schiele. Judge Gravell said, “I am humbled and honored to have been recognized in this way and while I appreciate the recognition, I would be

nothing without my staff.” The testimonial from his staff included his high standards of patriotism and morals, which he applies to every aspect of his court. “He continually moves his office toward greater efficiency and effectiveness. He has the utmost compassion for juveniles and uses all available resources for their success. He has gained the support and trust of law enforcement, fellow residents and judges and always makes his voice heard for every cause he believes in.”

Year in Review ~ April PAGE A6

DECEMBER 29, 2016  THE ADVOCATE

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Creative Cooking at Culinary Competition

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six regional high schools competed in the Sodexo Culinary Throwdown April 15th at Georgetown High School. Sodexo manages the food science operations for public schools and universities all over the country. Sodexo has been holding the event for many years at the elementary level, and wanted to expand the competition to the East View HS Meghan and Cibon high school level. finishing fried eggplant appetizer This year’s contest with tomato and basil. included 36 advanced students from five Executive Chef Egil districts. Valentin said, “Our goal The idea behind the is to expose the kids to experience is the provide a new techniques, new ways real-world environment— to combine foods and as close to a real kitchen as flavors, as well as many they can get. competitions to hone their Teams were judged by skills. We must recognize a panel of executive chefs the commitment of these who provided them with young people who are here a list of ten ingredients to on a Friday night in the create an entrée, side dish Spring, working hard for and starter. Their finished this event. It’s like a sport products were not only exor a craft where you have otic and healthy, but tasted to decide at a young age amazing. They were also that this will be your pasgiven a secret ingredient; sion and your career.” a prickly pear cactus, and had to incorporate that into THE WINNERS any of their dishes. They • Most creative use of later had to prepare a table ingredients: Hutto HS of restaurant-quality show• Best taste: Hutto HS plates to present the meal. • Mise in place (organizaStudents had two hours tion during the cooking to do everything for the process): East View HS competition and worked • Best table presentation: like well-oiled machines, Georgetown HS calling out orders and co• Best presentation of a operating like naval officers vegetable: Liberty Hill on a bridge. Having been • Best presentation of enpracticing for weeks on tree: Dell Valle HS their own at their respec• Grand prize: Hutto High tive schools, they worked School calmly and efficiently.

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GAREY PARK DONATION

Garey’s Generous Gift Gets Park Underway

PHILANTHROPIST

Jack Garey presented a $5 million check to the City; the second part of Garey’s bequest to create one of the largest public parks in Central Texas. Mr. Garey’s oversized check represented the second of two $5 million donations to create a new city park. Garey recalled that he and his late wife did not want their property to be sold and cut up into housing tracts, and preferred that it become a park for the City or County. With the Master Plan created in 2006 and a $10 million bond vote in 2008, plans moved forward to donate the land after his death. As the construction date has moved closer and Mr. Garey still runs 2-3

home—an equestrian center with an arena honoring Heritage of Gold, a champion race horse owned by the Gareys that won 16 races. There will be several hiking and equestrian trails that will connect with the County regional park and the trail system. The event area will center around a 3,000-seat outdoor amphitheater built

Jack Garey (second from right) with his son Glen, his wife Doris, and Georgetown Parks & Rec Director Kimberly Garrett. Garey’s endowment will be home of one of the largest public parks in Central Texas.

into the slope of a hillside. The amphitheater will be available for concerts, plays, or other performances. An eight-acre lawn area adjacent to the amphitheater can be used for festivals and other events. There will also be an active recreation area with a playscape, play fields, and dog park. With plans for a 2017 opening, admission is tentatively set to $2 a person, which will be used for upkeep. “I just love this land, and in 100 years, it’ll still be here as a park. I only wish I could peek that far ahead and see it.”

RED POPPY FESTIVAL

Tribute to WWI Vets

Attendees at the Festival

will enjoy the installation of thousands of deep red ceramic poppies by artist Jen Rose. The piece, entitled Blood of Heroes Never Dies, commemorates Texas WWI veterans. Proceeds benefit Puppies Behind Bars, a nonprofit organization that provides service dogs for combat veterans who have suffered a physical injury, including TBI or PTSD. Blood of Heroes Never Dies was a collaboration between artist and Pro-

fessor Jen Rose and Clive Siegle. All of the flowers were made by students from Richland College. The Georgetown installation includes 4,500 poppies “planted” by volunteers from the Museum, the Georgetown Library, and the Heritage Society. Georgetown Library Director Eric Lashley says, “Poppies became the symbol for World War I because they grow in disturbed soil. The grounds of Europe were torn up from battle, but the flowers also grew easily in the dirt covering fresh graves.” Museum Director Mickie Ross says “It’s a way to start some awareness and generate interest in our stories about World War I, which will be the next big museum exhibit starting next Spring. This year, we will have “Okra” Compton at the festival—in costume—to tell the story himself.”

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miles per day, he says, “It seemed that I was getting in the way of planning and budgeting, so rather than waiting, I decided to move out of my estate so construction can begin, and I’ll be able to see people enjoying the park in person.” Garey said. Features of the park will include an event center— converted from the Garey’s

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When the audio didn’t reach the crowd during “Shake it Off”, Betty Wren played DJ for the Sun City Georgettes. Top right: Mayor Dale Ross exits stage left after introducing Tracy Lawrence • Bottom: The growing crowd prepares for the Saturday headliner.

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Year in Review ~ May & June

PAGE A7

DECEMBER 29, 2016  THE ADVOCATE

MAY - ST DAVID'S NEW ICU

MAY - GOVERNOR ABBOTT VISITS SUN CITY

Georgetown Opens New ICU

Local & State Leaders Honor the Fallen

“The arc in our history bends toward freedom; Americans have always remembered that freedom is worth fighting for and America remains the greatest force for freedom the world has ever known.”

Governor Greg Abbott

Heavy rain did not keep

CEO Hugh Brown, flanked by two new rooms, prepares to cut the ribbon.

St. David’s HealthCare opened its the

newly expanded intensive care unit (ICU) at St. David’s Georgetown Hospital Friday, May 6. This $7.7 million capital investment will provide around-the-clock care for patients with life-threatening conditions in Georgetown and surrounding communities. St. David’s Georgetown fully funded the build in conjunction with the St. David’s HealthCare Foundation and the Georgetown Health Care Foundation. The hospital hosted a public open house to demonstrate the new space and the ease and efficiency created by the expansion. “We have long been committed to providing our community with exceptional care close to home,” said Hugh Brown, CEO of St. David’s Georgetown Hospital. “The new ICU ensures St. David’s Georgetown Hospital will continue to meet the need for high-quality acute care to an increasing Georgetown population, and provide the opportunity for future expansion as the community needs it.” The new ICU features 10 critical care beds, including two isolation rooms, state-of-the-art monitoring equipment and technology, a dedicated waiting room and shell space for four additional critical care beds to be added as demand warrants. The

expansion increases the ICU from 2,200 feet to 11,500 feet. Brown agreed and told the assembly, “We took great care with design specs; from the beautiful view to the tiles on the floor. When a patient wakes up here, we want to have to argue with them that this is actually a hospital.” In recent years, the hospital’s ICU has seen a significant increase in critical care patients. ICU patient volume and average daily census increased 21 percent in 2015 over 2014. The new unit provides additional capacity to care for the increasing patient volume. Critical Care Director Gary Dent added, “We have also continued to add service lines and this growth will sustain us for many years to come. This will put us ten years ahead of the growth in all departments and it’s a natural start to begin with the sickest patients that we have.” The opening of the ICU coincides with the 10th anniversary of the hospital joining St. David’s HealthCare, one of the largest health systems in Texas and one of the top ten highest rated community hospitals in the nation. Over the past decade, St. David’s HealthCare has invested $45 million in St. David’s Georgetown Hospital.

JUNE - TRANSPORTATION

Rt 29 Bypass

more than 700 patriotic visitors from filling the Sun City Ballroom to capacity to recognize Memorial Day with honored guest Governor Greg Abbott. Chief Master Sergeant George Celis opened the ceremony with praise for the attendees; “If it ain’t rainin’, we ain’t trainin’.” All veterans and active duty military members were called and honored, as well as the 175 Williamson County Armed Governor Abbott shakes Congressman Carter’s hand as they both Forces who sacrificed greet Wounded Warrior Alan Babin, a resident of Round Rock and their lives in World War his mother, Rosie. Alan is a veteran of the 325th Regiment of the II, Korea, Vietnam and 82nd Airborne. the Global War on Terror. familiar to every Texan. But six Medal of Wreaths were on display Honor recipients from Texas have no photo to be placed at the Veteran Wall at a later to show people who they were. Today I’m time, weather permitting. Abbott said. launching a nation-wide call to help us re“From the Civil War to the Civil Rights member our heroes. I’m asking for AmeriMovement; from the Cold War to the War on Terror, Americans have always remem- ca’s help to find these six missing photos.” Visit Gov.Texas.Gov to learn those names bered that freedom is worth fighting for, and help locate photos. and America remains the greatest force The Governor stayed long after the cerfor freedom the world has ever known and the mightiest military in the history of emony to visit and take photos with every citizen who waited to speak with him and the world in times of war and in times of shake his hand. His DPS staff watched over peace.” him and patiently maintained security to Governor Abbott also announced his plan to launch a nationwide call for photos; enable everyone to get a personal moment. “Among the 91 Medal of Honor recipients One officer said, “On a special day like this from Texas memorialized at the Capitol in we don’t cut it off; we will stay as long as the people want to talk to their Governor.” Austin are names and faces that should be

JUNE - PARKS & RECREATION

Grand Re-opening of Williams Pool

Georgetown and Wil-

liamson County leadership broke ground on the future Southwest Bypass June 3. The project is an $18.3 million series of bridges that will provide northsouth connection on the west side of Georgetown from DB Wood Road south to Leander Road. In addition to the City’s 2.4-mile segment from Univ Ave to Leander Rd, the County will be completing a 1.25-mile segment over a quarry from Leander Road to Interstate 35. Southwest Bypass will connect with Inner Loop on the east and DB Wood Road on the west to provide a continuous arterial around the south and west sides of the city. GTAB Director Ed Polasek explains, “This is the final step in getting across the rivers. People will have more choices to get to I-35 or avoid it all together when traveling through or away from Georgetown.” Georgetown will begin

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Georgetown City Manager David Morgan, landowner Ivy Wolf and Georgetown Mayor Dale Ross. construction first and continue through 2016. Following that, Williamson County will take over and the end result will include two impressive bridge spans 1550 and 945 ft long. Mayor Dale Ross said, “This is a historic day in Georgetown. It is the largest road project in our city’s history. We ought to thank is the voters who passed the bond issue in 2015 to create half of a loop around Georgetown and help citizens in the fastest growing city in the country move around town and continue our quality growth.”

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About 100 sunset swimmers arrived to officially re-open the Williams Drive pool for business after completing its $850,000 renovations. Mayor Dale Ross cut the ribbon June 18 and recognized several years work to improve the city’s biggest outdoor pool, built in 1978. Improvements include renovations to existing restrooms and bath houses, a new pavilion and 11,000 square feet of new decking and accessible walkways. Contractors also constructed a new parking lot; adding 14 spaces and creating a safe pick up and drop off area for parents. “The renovation process was a success,” the Mayor said, “due to help from City staff, swim teams, water aerobics groups, high school swim coaches and neighbors who all provided input on what improvements were needed for the facility.” The Mayor also had high praise for the Parks staff who worked tirelessly to get the pool ready for the Memorial Day weekend. To cap the festivities, the Parks Department filled up the city’s inflatable movie screen and everyone enjoyed viewing “Dolphin Tale” from their own inflatable spots in the pool.

Department held three Junior Police Academy training sessions at the Safety Center. Hearty groups of kids spent five full days under the watchful eyes of Officers and Explorers who put them through physical assessments, training scenarios, confidence exercises, even SWAT training and a little bit of fun. The intent of the camp is to expose the kids to everything the police department does and build relationships early with kids so they feel friendly with officers as they get older. “Most of these kids will see us as [School

Resource Officers] eventually,” says Officer Alan McDonald. “Having a good rapport with them already is a great benefit.” Captain Evelyn McLean says, “If there is a spark of interest in a future police officer, that would be great but this is really about familiarizing the kids with what we do in the community.” Camp days included a visit from Pct 3 Justice of the Peace, the Central Texas SWAT team, and the fire department. Cadets all re-assessed for improved physical performance before graduation on the final day of the academy.

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Year in Review ~ July & August DECEMBER 29, 2016  THE ADVOCATE

JULY - GEORGETOWN GOES VIRAL

JULY - CAMP CROSBY

Crosby Tailgate IV Means Big Funds for The Locker

Georgetown spirit leader Jared and baseball leader Ty provided volunteer support at The Locker table.

The Board and members

of The Locker held Camp Crosby’s Tailgate Party IV at the Georgetown Community Center July 14. Over 300 guests attended throughout the night and helped raise over $40,000. The highlight of the evening was the silent auction.

Mason Crosby, kicker for the Green Bay Packers and son of The Locker founder Karen Crosby provided a fully hosted trip for two to either of two Packers games this season. With special VIP treatment, from start to finish and one special request to wear his

Super Bowl ring during the game, the two top bidders competed up to the $10,500 mark. When the total got to $11,000 for one bidder, he asked if the Crosbys would be willing to host both games and allow both bidders to buy. Mason accepted, bringing the total for one prize to $22,000. As well, one anonymous bidder promised to match every dollar earned in the entire silent auction. Another triumph on the night was the introduction of two new schools in The Locker organization; Cedar Park and Tyler. Karen Crosby was delighted with the turnout and the support; “It is always amazing to see so much community support and all the people willing to help us help the kids. I am overwhelmed once again.”

JULY - JUSTICE

Judge Abates D.A. Removal Suit Judge John Dietz presided over a second hearing Tuesday in the 425th court to determine whether a civil suit to remove District Attorney Jana Duty from office will move forward. On July 19, the first hearing ended quickly with the judge ruling for the Defense motion to abate proceedings until County Attorney Dee Hobbs is made a party to the suit. According to defense’s motion, citizen petitioners may file the suit, but the case may not proceed without a state official attached because the defendant is also an elected state official. The plaintiff and the County Attorney’s office argued that Texas Code provides no basis for the County Attorney to join or intervene in the suit until the citation to appear is issued by the Judge. According to Hobbs, it is at the judge’s discretion to review the facts and determine whether the citation for Duty to appear will be issued. Only then can he legally join the suit. Judge Dietz, having reviewed case law presented by both sides, decided to abate the case until Hobbs appears. At the second hearing, which Mr. Hobbs did not attend, Judge Dietz again confirmed that the suit will not proceed until or unless a state official is a party to the suit, thus providing him jurisdiction to preside. The County Attorney, represented by staff, reconfirmed that the Texas Code

Sec 87.016 states “action may not be taken on the petition until the order is granted and entered in the minutes of the court.” Mr. Hobbs, in a statement to the media affirmed emphatically that he believes the judge’s decision is incorrect and if the court will proceed according to the law, issue a citation based on whether the level of misconduct on the part of the District Attorney reaches the threshold to remove an elected state official, his office stands ready to join the suit and prosecute the matter. “The judge has everything he needs to issue a citation. Every time the Court sets a hearing, every time he grants an order to abate, every time he makes a decision on the case, other than whether the citation should be issued or not, it is in error. I tried to rectify that with the Third Court of Appeals, but as I am not party to the case, they could not respond...I will not violate the law to get a result.” Judge Dietz outlined the options available to Mr. Hobbs with regard to recusal, however Mr. Hobbs believes he can not be recused from a case to which he is not a party. The plaintiff’s attorney may file a mandamus with the Court of Appeals to reverse the Judge’s ruling, otherwise the suit will not move forward. Jana Duty’s term of office will end December 31, 2016.

AUGUST - SHERATON GRAND OPENING

Georgetown's Newest Jewel Opens Its Doors

L-R: General Manager Rita Healy, Builder Jeff Novak, Hines Property Andy Heard, North America Sheraton Bob Jenkins, Mayor Dale Ross, Sr VP of Sheraton West Operations Carla Murray, Rachel Arnold for Commissioner Valerie Covey, Jonas Miller Chief of Staff for Rep. John Carter.

The long- and much-anticipated Sheraton

ribbon cutting finally arrived July 28. In addition to providing a beautiful and modern event space, and views you can’t get anywhere else in Georgetown, it promises to be a draw for local gatherings and networking. Visitors, local and out-of-town, will quickly understand and enjoy the Sheraton policy, “We always say ‘yes’.”

PAGE A9

Among many high-profile speakers, Mayor Dale Ross said at the ribbon cutting, "There is no doubt this is a historic project that will have a significant, positive impact for our city now and in the future.” City Manager David Morgan adds “This is a game-changer for Georgetown to have our first full-service hotel; it creates a whole new element for us as a destination city.”

Can’t Stop the Feelin’!

If you haven’t seen it yet, Georgetown has gone viral on YouTube and Facebook. Inspired by a similar video from Gilbert, AZ—the title track to the movie “Trolls” by Justin Timberlake—it seemed obvious Georgetown is just as happy as they are. As of December 28, nearly 33,000 viewers seem to agree. Shooting began in earnest with Judge Gravell’s snappy staff in May and on Memorial Day with the clip of Congressman Carter and snapping Dutch airmen who just happened to be in Sun City. It was hard to explain the project from scratch, but they were kind enough to give it a try. Once there were a few clips and a rough cut demo, everyone was happy to get in on the potential viral wonder over two months’ time. Also thanks to Kiersty Lombar of Best of Wilco Realty, who is connected to many in Georgetown; the video covered a great variety of scenes and people showing off our history, our sights and the fact that we truly are the best place to live, work and raise a family. Visit YouTube.com and search “Can’t Stop the Feeling - Georgetown TX Edition”. Dozens of schools, cities and even one touching rehab hospital in Atlanta give great performances that will likely come up in your feed. It was a joy to make and we hope you all are enjoying and sharing it.

AUGUST - CITY GOVERNMENT

VP Gore Stops To Praise G'town

Georgetown was honored August 14 to

welcome former Vice President Al Gore who walked the downtown square with Mayor Dale Ross to learn about the City and our move to 100 percent green energy. The VP's hush-hush stop took about two hours, during which he and Mayor Ross went over growth, and the technical and scientific aspects of the city's plan. The former VP was very proud of our city's long-range planning and fact-based decision making; something he feels is lacking in too many municipalities and larger government bodies. The Vice President's views on climate change are well-known, and since leaving office he has committed himself to several organizations to that end, namely as Chair of the Climate Reality Project. In recent years, Gore has become less active on the national political scene as he’s turned his attention to environmental causes. Mayor Ross admits, "Not every guest to Georgetown shows up with a film crew, but as the principle ambassador and diplomat for the city, it is my job to be hospitable to everyone who visits 'the greatest city on planet Earth' and share with them all of the wonderful aspects of our city that makes it such a blessing to live here; whether it's a national political figure or a school teacher looking to move here."

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The two men visited the Square and talked about the legacy of Dan Moody and the first successful prosecution of the KKK in the courthouse on the square; historical figures like Sam Houston, who moved to Texas from Gore's home state of Tennessee, and Davey Crockett who left Tennessee to fight at the Alamo. Personally, Ross says, they had several off-the-record chats and he was pleased to go beyond the many misconceptions about Al Gore the man. "He had a reputation for being a bit stiff, but he is very gracious, warm, easy to talk to and has a great sense of humor. We talked about his home state of Tennessee and the common history between our two states. He made everyone feel like he was just a neighbor or a friend and doesn't carry himself like a VIP. He is a committed public servant and a man with passion." The Mayor reflected on seeing film crews in town is getting to be a regular thing after Director James Redford visited Georgetown and filmed here last year for his HBO special (premiering in January 2017). "We've reached the regional, national and even global stage and these visits help us paint the picture of the special place in which we live and call home. It can never be under-appreciated to have people with Gore or Redford's reach telling the story of Georgetown."

CUT MOWING TIME IN HALF

Year in Review ~ September PAGE A10

DECEMBER 29, 2016  THE ADVOCATE

State of the District

Open Ride Nights at the WilCo Expo Center

tographs for most of their lives and are able to perfect their skills full time in Sun City. Sun City Activities Center 1 Texas Dr, Georgetown, TX 78633 For more information, contact Dave Werner at 719-761-4747 or Springswerner@comcast.net

JAN 5: Open Ride Night is a free event hosted by the Williamson County Expo Center, featuring a specified time for open arena ride, timed barrel exhibitions, and timed pole bending exhibitions. Check out the details and dates for participating in the Expo’s Open Ride at Wilco.org/events.

Middle School Dance Classes

Sun City Photography

JAN 7: The Sun City Photography Club will have its 8th Annual Competition and Exhibition from January 7, 2017 to February 24, 2017 with a reception held Sunday January 15, 2017 from 2 to 4 pm. This exhibit of 130 photographs will be judged with ribbons awarded for the various categories. Club photographers come from many walks of life, some with extensive years in photography and some amateur photographers who have taken pho-

JAN 9: The After School Action Program, Georgetown ISD Fine Arts Department, and Arthur Murray Dance Studios will be teaming up to offer free dance classes to middle school students. If interested, visit GeorgetownISD. org to fill out a registration and return to the front office at your child’s school. Students must be registered to participate. Classes will meet once a week in the cafeteria at your child’s school. For questions, contact Carey Thornell at thornellc@georgetownisd. org or (512) 677-2912.

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JAN 18: Get the scoop on the current state of GISD's academic, facilities, and financial health, as well as updates on Bond projects and long-range planning. Enjoy a plated lunch and desserts prepared by culinary arts students, a student-led showcase of programs, and an information-packed presentation by Dr. Fred Brent. Tickets are $25 and include lunch and dessert. Save the date!

6th Annual Stair Climb

As the sun rose over the GISD athletic complex September 11, members of the Georgetown Police and Fire Departments climbed 2400 stairs in remembrance of the lives lost in 2001. Joined by members of Team Red, White and Blue and first responders from around Central Texas, our bravest and finest were solemn, tireless and glad to share the unity of this great city once again. Photo: Chief Sullivan leading the way to the top of the bleachers.

CPR Classes

JAN 21: Williamson County EMS will hold American Heart Association BLS Provider class on Saturday, January 21, at the Clinical Practices building, 321 W. 8th St. in Georgetown, TX. WCEMS is an official AHA BLS Training Center. The BLS Provider class will be held from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and is primarily directed to those currently working in or those that wish to work in the healthcare profession.

JUVENILE JUSTICE

Gratitude by Design at Juvenile Services

Williamson County Juvenile Services Center held an end-of-summer celebration to showcase the experiences of Academy students who participated in more than a dozen short programs since June. All of the participating providers were volunteers or donated time and space at minimal costs. Samuel (photo right) summed up everything I could have said about this event, but so much better... I'm going to let his own speech tell the story. ~AML

Alright, well hello. For

those of you who don't know me, my name is Samuel. I've been in the program for about three months now. I got here right when we began all the summer programs in June. At first I didn't want to participate in any of the activities like Crossfit—come on now, we do P.T. every morning. Boxing? It ain't nothing I can't learn on the street. Culinary? That's why God made cookbooks, right? These were some of the thoughts running through my head during the first couple of weeks. I wasn't thinking about how the county paid money to get us those programs or how people took time out of

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their day for me. And I sure wasn't thinking about how one man could've just said "no" and shut it all down. I was being ungrateful. Okay, I don't like to bring negative thoughts into a positive situation but let's face it, we are locked up. So let me ask you a question. How many people do you know can honestly say while being locked up they got to go to a program like boxing or do Crossfit? I can't, to be honest. I know only a few people in the free who go do those things. There's only one thing I can say about the situation when I think about it—this is a blessing.

You all didn't have to go out of your way to give us something to do instead of being in the facility all day. Y'all did it because y'all wanted to. Because y'all understand sometimes in life you make mistakes. You all go above and beyond in helping us recover from our mistakes and also give us advice on how not to make them again. Sometimes you get knocked off the horse. The only thing I think matters is whether you get back on it or not. And for that I'd like to thank Commander Bijou, the Prevention Team, Admin, Academy Supervisors, the JSO, the residents and most of all, Miss Kristen.

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Five-Star Feast at 50 Fellas Foodfest

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The Georgetown ISD

Education Foundation sponsored the first 50 Fellas Foodfest October 22 in the GTU Jet hangar at the Georgetown airport. This trendy fundraiser is meant to combine the best foods by 25 teams of manly chefs to create what felt a lot like a 5-star tailgate party. The Foundation received a great response and had a whopping 36 teams on the evening who cooked everything from brisket queso and chicken-fried bacon to mango salsa fish tacos. Secret recipes for smoked meatloaf, pork loin, chicken gumbo and fried grit cakes were very popular, as were the variety

of adult beverages offered to wash them down. With generous pre-event sponsorship from HEB, Walsh Gallegos, Raymond James, Georgetown Health Foundation and many others; ticket sales and silent auction items, the Foundation raised in excess of $46,000 for all of its programs, particularly teacher grants and the Sea Perch program. Teacher grants provide up to $5000 for individuals or groups who wish to apply new and innovative techniques, at all levels, in their classrooms. "This is our first big event," says Chair Greg Bowden, "and we are extremely blessed to live in a community that believes is

the vision and came out to give back to the students." About 250 guests attended the event and the Foundation is already busy planning the next event, the "State of the District" scheduled for January 2017. The winners were Top Dessert: Kevin Pitts and Keith Odom, Team BBVA for their Sopapilla Cheesecake (pictured above). Top Appetizer: Ben Daniel and Kelly DeVoll, Team Advocate / GPD for their Chicken and Sausage Gumbo. Top Entrée: Chaz Kresch and Richard Bethel, Sun City Kiwanis for their Pork Chili.

The Williamson County Sheriff’s Office

held the 8th annual Nightmare on Jail Hill over two weekends in October to raise money for the Brown Santa program. Brown Santa is a community service program of the Sheriff’s office and the many sponsors and volunteers who make it happen each year. Jail Hill is the single largest fundraising event for the program and has raised more money year over year thanks to the hundreds of hours of preparation by volunteers and help from the Brown Santa Board headed up by Captain Pete Hughey. The program provides assistance to families living at or below the U.S. poverty level guidelines or who have experienced a significant hardship during the year. Families with children age 0 to 17 receive toys, books, and other items to make Christmas merrier and positively impact families that, without their assistance, will not have what some take for granted. Brown Santa donations purchase toys, books and other items needed to make the children’s Christmas brighter.

Some History

The Williamson County Sheriff’s Department used to give historical tours of the Williamson County Jail. Having been in use since 1889,

research turned some dramatic stories and interesting people inside its walls. It is even believed to be a little haunted for real. In 2008, (now) Detective Jeremy Brinkman came up with the idea to haunt the jail and sell tickets to raise money. He got approval from County Judge Gattis and a lot of people jumped on board right away. Since then, Nightmare has grown from a few scares and a handful of actors to—beginning with preparations in August—three full floors of menacing weirdos, psycho clowns and truly creepy little-girl-ghosts. Estimates for attendance for the 2016 event show nearly 2500 visitors and gross receipts in excess of $30,000. This year they added “fast pass” tickets for $20, which turned out to be very popular to the tune of nearly 250 per night.

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Year in Review ~ November

PAGE A12

DECEMBER 29, 2016  THE ADVOCATE

GENERAL ELECTION

WILLIAMSON COUNTY VETERANS MEMORIAL

Republicans Win Big on Election Night

Generations Celebrate Veterans Day

Feeling Blue over Returns

Residents across Georgetown—from the youngest to The Greatest Generation—honored members of our Armed Forces, past and present in many diverse ceremonies November 11. Georgetown ISD held events at 11 schools, and invited parents and family members to attend with their students to be recognized for their service. The Georgetown High School orchestra, band

and choir all performed at the Williamson County Veterans Memorial Plaza in Sun City for a crowd of approximately 2500 people. Despite the gray weather and a little bit of rain just before the event began, the musical performances were as stellar as they were moving. Choir director Joey Lowrance led the entire crowd in a chorus of "God Bless America" to close the ceremony.

British Major General Douglas Chalmers was the keynote speaker. Gen. Chalmers is the Deputy Commanding General at Fort Hood and, having served at the pleasure of the Queen for more than 30 years, his experience, poignant words and admiration for veterans of all nations was as impressive as the decorations on his own uniform. "The diversity of ages, services and

experiences make this one of the most vibrant Veterans Day celebrations that I've ever had the privilege of attending." Major Chalmers also spoke of the universal need for soldiers to protect our society and mentioned the red poppy he had affixed to his cover. He was pleased to know that Georgetown has an entire weekend dedicated to the flowers that are descended from the very same poppies that grew in the European trenches he referenced in his speech. Top: General Chalmers with Army Veteran and Memorial Advisory member Erik Stoeckle. • Left: Carver Elementary students say hello to Veterans.

It's no headline that Donald Trump orchestrated the biggest political upset since "Dewey Defeats Truman" to be the 45th President, but many Wilco results were noteworthy and just as surprising. With one exception, every Republican candidate on the ballot in Williamson County was victorious. In Precinct 1, Republican Landy Warren lost to Terry Cook; the first Democrat on the Commissioners' Court since Jerry Mehevec left Precinct 4 in 1998. Cook is also the first woman Democrat to win the post. Congressman John Carter was re-elected to his eighth term and Commissioner Valerie Covey (photo) will serve her third term, winning in a landslide over Anthony Rector. Running unopposed in the General Election and accepting early at the Republican watch party in Round Rock were District Attorney-elect Shawn Dick, Sheriff-elect Robert Chody, Texas Representative-elect Terry Wilson and Judges Donna King, Betsy Lambeth, Ryan Larson, and Laura Barker.

While much of the county maintained its strong Republican fervor, in Precinct One every Republican contested by a Democrat failed to earn more than 50 percent of the vote; including Mr. Trump, Congressman Carter and Representative Tony Dale. Among the factors in this perceived flip is straight ticket voting. In this election, Democrats in Pct 1 took a 52.63% – 47.37% advantage in straight ticket voting; Mr. Trump received just 40.03 percent; nearly ten points lower than McCain in 2008, and almost 11 under Clinton in '16. In Pct. 1, Democrat Straight Ticket voting increased 53 percent over 2012 returns while the needle on Republican straight tickets scarcely moved, up 6.7 percent. Democrats are pleased at what Commissioner-elect Terry Cook calls "promising times," especially in the southern part of the county, while Republican insiders report renewed efforts to register new voters and focus against the trending blue in the upcoming 2018 cycle.

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November 25, Georgetown celebrated the official start of the City's holiday celebration. Mayor Dale Ross had help from about a dozen local children to pull the switch and light up Texas' Most Beautiful Town Square. Entertainment was provided by the Austin Carolers, also with help from more than 100 youngsters. At 6pm, Williamson County Commissioner Lisa Birkman and Georgetown Mayor Ross led the crowd in a "Santa!" chant to bring the big red man to the stairs. The mayor wished all a Merry Christmas before turning on a million-plus lights, supported by Georgetown Utility Systems. The recent growth of the holiday lighting project was spearheaded by a joint fundraising collaboration between city leaders and the Main Street Advisory Board. Downtown businesses continue to support these efforts through beautification and lighting additions of their own, and private contributions are always needed and welcomed to continue the expansion. Santa took photos and accepted donations for needy kids throughout Georgetown and William-

son County for the Blue and Brown Santa programs respectively. Santa made another special appearance at the Wolf Ranch shopping center Saturday night. Escorted by the Blue Knights, their spouses, and members of the Gunslingers' Club, he arrived in style for the Brown Santa Gala to take photos and encourage donations for needy families. The Blue Knights are an international motorcycle club, founded to maintain

brother/sisterhood of law enforcement personnel, promote traffic safety and child advocacy. They have been participating in the Wolf Ranch gala for the past four years as part of their efforts to give back to the community. Chapter Vice-president, Deputy J.C. Weaver, says "We have done well this year with our donations but we want more. We are fortunate to live in a prosperous area so we often don't see the need; but it's there." Top: View from the courthouse balcony; more than 2500 visitors filled the Square. • Santa and Blue Knight Mark Katz prepare for their sleigh/Slingshot ride to the Brown Santa gala in Wolf Ranch. • Mike Ferrier introduced daughter Fiona (6-1/2 months) to Santa for her first Christmas ever.

December DECEMBER 29, 2016  THE ADVOCATE

PAGE A13

WCCAC Hosts Team Appreciation and Outstanding CPT Awardees

Detective. Catherine Parker, Lesley Barbiaux (not pictured), Jaclyn Roberts, David Brown, “Santa” Dean Higgenbotham, Ashley Andary

At their annual Child

Protection Team (CPT) Appreciation Luncheon on December 2, the Williamson County Children’s Advocacy Center (WCCAC) recognized six outstanding members, voted Most Valuable Players (MVPs) by their peers. There are about 100 active team members who work together in protecting children, including representatives

from law enforcement, Child Protective Services (CPS), prosecution, victim services, the WCCAC, and medical and mental health, with 40-50 in attendance at any given monthly meeting for staffing specific cases. Detective Catherine Parker of the Hutto Police Department was voted Law Enforcement MVP. Two CPS MVPs were named: Lesley Barbiaux (not pic-

tured) of Unit 23 in Round Rock and Jaclyn Roberts of Unit 6, also of Round Rock. David Brown was voted Prosecution MVP, representing the County Attorney’s Office here in Williamson County. You may recognize Santa in this photo; in his day job, he is Program Director for the Victim Assistance Unit of the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office, operating

under the alias of Dean Higgenbotham. Ashley Andary of the WCCAC was honored as overall team MVP. In FY2016, the Williamson County Children’s Advocacy Center forensically interviewed 638 suspected victims of child abuse; performed medical exams for 47 children; provided 3797 sessions of therapy for 174 clients, including child victims and their care-givers; provided family advocacy for 326 families; and taught 3935 child care and youth advocate professionals in

119 trainings. Congratulations to these fine team members and the agencies they represent. Well done! Williamson County Children’s Advocacy Center (WCCAC) is a non-profit organization that provides needed assistance to abused children, non-offending family members, and the professionals dedicated to the intervention, investigation, prosecution, and treatment options related to child abuse cases. Their goal is to minimize trauma and reduce re-vic-

timization to child victims of abuse. This goal is accomplished by providing a multidisciplinary response to allegations of child abuse in a professional and child-sensitive manner and by video recording interviews to reduce the number of times a child victim has to retell their abuse to multiple persons. The Center offers all services free of charge thanks to grant assistance, individual and business financial donations, community support, and gifts-in- kind.

St. David's Georgetown Caregiver of the Year

On December 13, Hugh Brown, CEO of St. David’s Georgetown Hospital, announced Natalie Byrd is the 2016 Caregiver of the Year. Byrd, an RN in nursing administration, was selected based on her exceptional leadership and commitment to delivering high quality care to her patients. Attached is a photo of Natalie Byrd and Hugh Brown, CEO of St. David’s Georgetown. Byrd received $750, eight hours of paid time off and a Caregiver of the Year pin.

'Tis the season... for love

Pat and Linda Estes (pictured) were re-married December 22 at JP3 by Justice of the Peace Bill Gravell. The Estes were together 16 years, divorced, and decided to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year by tying the knot again. Their story was even featured on FOX News as part of the good news of Christmas! Judge Gravell officiated at seven weddings in one day, including one couple who had been together 12 years, and another couple tying the knot just prior to the husband's deployment to Afghan-

istan. Judge Gravell said, "It is a season of happiness and I want to focus on the good during Christmas time. It is a great way to finish the year." With so many ceremonies at once, Judge Gravell wanted to do something special. As he pointed out in the courtroom, "We did not spend any taxpayer money for this. My staff was kind enough to bring decorations from home to make the room festive and warm." Ceremonies were adorned with twinkle lights, holly and a YouTube video of a crackling fire.

Making BiG Dreams Come True Thank you for helping make 2016 a BiG year for our Citizens! Your purchases at The BiG Shop and The BiG Café directly support our non-profit that enriches the lives of adults with functional disabilities. As we seek to expand and improve vocational opportunities for our Citizens, we are dreaming BiG. Here’s our Current Wish List: Pour-Over Kettle, $85 Two Coffee Scales, $55 each Mini-Fridge for Coffee Supplies, $150 Modified Die-Cut Machine, $175 Greenhouse Tools, $400 Additional Serve Ware for Café, $500 Shelf Cart for Kiln Room, $618 5 Gallon Hot Water Dispenser, $937 BiG Signage for Truck, $1,000 Gift Cards (in any amount) to Local Craft Stores 100% of the proceeds go back into supporting the BiG program. Please remember us in your year end giving! Donate online at: BrookwoodinGeorgetown.org

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PAGE A14

DECEMBER 29, 2016  THE ADVOCATE

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The Last Word

DECEMBER 29, 2016  THE ADVOCATE

ADVOCATIE

EDITOR'S CORNER cause, yet no one thought that what brought it on might have been unacceptable—if not to a God they didn’t believe in, then certainly to the primordial ooze which they claim to be the building blocks of the universe. America watched as the very moral compass with which God had endowed our creators to build this great nation was ushered out the door. Prayer was taken out of public schools (note the corresponding mass shootings which have occurred since) and marriage lost its meaning. We have watched our children, friends and loved ones die from cocaine, heroin and meth. And, over the last five decades, America has learned the meaning of genocide as we saw African nations murder their own people in cold blood by the millions, and Russia and Eastern Europe starve their citizens to death in an attempt to compete with the U.S. in what became known as the “cold war.” Today we’re barely fazed by the horrors we see from ISIS and in Syria. It’s a sad state of affairs when we can’t even discern who the bad guys are anymore. Day by day, year by year, the very identity that created and defined America has been dissolving before our eyes. For many, it began to seem hopeless that we could regain our great American traditions, culture, and borders. And as we began to be more and more guided by these secular progressive views it wasn’t long before the cover of Time Magazine

2017: America's Return To Common Sense 2016 is almost over and a new year is fast approaching. This year has seen some of the biggest changes to emerge on the scene in the U.S. since the late 1960s when men began to wear women’s hair styles, illegal drugs were groovy, and love the one you’re with was the mantra of the day. Then in 1973 came legalized abortion, and progressives waiting at the airport for our servicemen to return home from Vietnam just to spit on them. I grew up all throughout that period. I despised it then, and I despise it now. Even as a much younger man, I looked around and wondered, “Where has my country gone?” We have been on such a steep moral decline that on November 7, 2016, sixty-six million Americans apparently also no longer recognized their own country and voted for drastic change. America had been through the rise of AIDS, with a clearly discernible

declared, “God is dead.” Fortunately, Time Magazine is dead; God is very much alive and well. This slide began with Lyndon Johnson’s “great society” and has continued until today throughout a period when we were constantly told by progressives to “live and let live.” Now we find ourselves at a precipice. America has done its part; it has elected the greatest change-maker to ever grace a Presidential podium, Donald J. Trump. Need proof? Trump beat all sixteen Republican candidates, the entire global media, world leaders, every left-leaning billionaire on the planet, and every Hollywood elite. Note to self: Something has happened and it was big! President Trump has the capacity to offer a beacon of hope to the millions who supported him when “there was no path to victory” for him. We have an opportunity to return to common sense and our founding biblical principles after decades of craziness. But this is not a job we can do on our own—America must participate. The book upon which this nation was founded, the Holy Bible, says in 2 Chronicles 7:14, “If my people which are called by my name shall humble themselves and pray, and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear them from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” That’s exactly what my family will do in 2017. What say you?

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Adieu 2016

Don't know if I'll miss you A lot of people think 2016 was a terrible year. I don't think we can blame the calendar for bad times. I think social and mainstream media just fed us all the ugly news we could swallow and we ran with it. Because sometimes we're obtuse. Or lazy. I'm not sure which. It did start out pretty good though. The entire country was finally united—behind a $1.8 billion Powerball. I guess it just went downhill from there. Likely because only three people got to enjoy it. Animals probably think so too, I suppose. Harambe the gorilla gave his life so oblivious parents could feel safe letting their kids wander into wildlife enclosures. I'd call that one lazy. The loudest complainers are still complaining that Trump is going to be President and there's still nothing they can do about it. I'm going to complain about racist teens who slap other kids and run away because "all white people are Trump supporters." (True story from nearby high school.) Hmm, that ties up the election and the decline of race relations in one swoop. Some think it was a bad year because of all the celebrities who died. David Bowie, Prince, George Michael, Muhammad Ali, Gene Wilder, Nancy Reagan, Harper Lee, and, literally as I'm writing this, Carrie Fisher. Hate to be a jerk about it, but that happens every year, so it's not 2016's fault. Are we still mad at 1977 for killing Elvis? Remember when all we could talk about was deleted emails and locker room talk with Billy Bush? Right about that time, New Horizons' probe flew up on a protoplanet and an asteroid so big it has a name. We also found there's likely another ninth planet, an enormous one, running around in our outer solar system and another 1,294 we can actually see. Cool. And while I'm in space,

Next year I'm watching nothing but videos of ducks being rescued by firefighters. (West Chester FD) can we please pay more attention to Elon Musk. He landed a reusable rocket on the launch pad good-asnew as if James Cameron CGI-d it. Musk is how we're going to get back from Mars. Love that guy. You probably didn't know there is a 3-D pen that makes synthetic cartilage using stem cells to help avoid joint replacement for millions with arthritis because the news for a month was about the Disney alligator. Sports: Cubs, anyone? Ledecke, Phelps and Biles won more medals than most countries. No, we had to hear about Ryan Lochte's bathroom visit. Thanks. Certainly the videos of the bleeding and crying in Aleppo is good for ratings so you probably don't know about the Syrian emigré who has been risking his life, now nearly 30 times, to smuggle toys across the border for the kids who have lost everything. Let's talk about women. No, not more complaining about Trump. Japan elected its first female governor ever. She's a hard conservative, tough on foreign policy and she speaks Arabic. Also want to point out our new FLOTUS speaks four languages. Take that, haters. In awesome news, you'll all be relieved to know flossing has been shown to not really be that much more effective than brushing. So no need to keep lying to the dentist. How about Pope Francis announcing that the Catholic Church can forgive women who've terminated pregnancies. Catholic or not, that is a big deal. It used to mean instant excommunication.

Funny to think of all the things our country tries to do to deal with global warming (if it's a real thing at least) when China and India open a new coal mine every day. Seems everything we do is negated somewhere else. Still, India has it's first solar power plant now. For a country with more than a billion people, nice to know they're making the effort. Cute? Pokemon Go got a lot of gamer-vampires out into the fresh air. Remember when we were arguing about transgender bathrooms? Many people, and even CNN, suggested we start adopting the same kind of bathrooms we have at home; with a real door for one person at a time. No one cares who is in there, no one can sneak in to harass you, and you can take your opposite sex child with you without getting the hairy-eye from other users. Too simple for news coverage I suppose. How could we be mad at a year that saw Vladimir Putin as a calendar model? Let's just be glad, for the eighth decade in a row, that we don't live in Russia. We also managed to prove Einstein's theory of gravitational waves. If I understood what any of that means, I'm sure I would be really excited. So I guess we've had better years. Farewell year of Zika, Erin Andrews, Obama, Brexit, Hulk Hogan's sex tape, thousand-dollar epi-pens, cop-killers, creepy clowns, Andrew Jackson 20s, Justin Ross Harris, John Stumpe, ban on Cuban cigars, Supermoon, and Hillary. All that said, I am actually still mad at 2016 for Alan Rickman.

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PAGE A16

DECEMBER 29, 2016 ï&#x201A;« THE ADVOCATE

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