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Response Positive for Sheriff's Reserve Deputy Program

Central Texas’ Award-Winning Local News Source

WilCo Cold Cases Getting New Eyes Williamson County is

known for keeping cold cases warm, and Sheriff Robert Chody is maintaining and enhancing that effort with a new Reserve Deputy program. He has already been featured in regional media and the program is receiving great response.

“This is a program we had in my Constable office," Chody says. "It worked well before— reserve deputies often provide patrol and staff support—but a Cold Case Unit is a brand new approach; the first time we have provided the opportunity as part of an investigative team.”

Chody's program allows retired or otherwise inactive law enforcement members to work as volunteers for the Sheriff’s department and in return they can continue to carry their peace officer license. “It

is an exchange of benefits and there are many ‘wins’ as a result. The County gets great work done at no cost to the taxpayers, officers get to keep their license, and victims and families are assured their cases and loved ones are still top of mind. At the same time, my active duty officers are free to focus on current cases.”

Officers have applied with experience in robbery/homicide, some from Austin PD and as far as the LAPD. “We will be happy to have the experience of any cop from anywhere,” Chody says. “We want people with career detective and investigation experience to be fresh eyes on these cases."

Once a reserve deputy himself, Chody reports his reserve deputies will likely be working one or more of ten cold cases, including the 2002 disappearance of Rachel Cooke.

Since the story aired on TV news, he has received approximately 30 applications, including many retired officers from Williamson County. "The point of the recruiting is to get our cases moving forward with people who understand how to build a case and talk to witnesses. Cold cases can be frustrating because you are doing the same things and expecting different results. Families have told me they love the change and we are even working on new tips."

Chody adds the department will never give up on behalf of "Orange Socks" ('79), Althea Rogers ('85), Gorge Gaiton ('87), SE Ritchwy ('88), John Myatt ('94), Jessica Harris ('94), Sharon McCool ('98), Sonya Wallace ('99), and Rachel Cooke ('02).

A new tips e-mail address will be available soon. Visit WilcoOnline.com

VFW Park Grand Re-opening & Purple Heart

L-R: Mayor Dale Ross, surrounded by city officials and softball players, cut the ribbon for the new VFW park. • 8U Stars prepare for the first game under the lights, coached by (back row) Ryan and Melissa Sladek and Alan and Melissa Wilson. • Players rushed to examine the new Purple Heart plaque after its unveiling.

On April 6, Georgetown Parks & Recreation unveiled the Purple Heart City plaque at the newly re-opened VFW park on 2nd Street.

This designation is just one of the ways the City recognizes veterans for their service and sacrifice and the sites in and around Georgetown are a reminder of our commitment to honor and respect the veterans who call Georgetown home.

Immediately following the Purple Heart dedication, Parks & Rec director Kimberly

Garrett and 22 softball teams dedicated the new VFW fields. The fields underwent a $1.4 million capital improvement. Construction and landscaping took about one year to complete and included a complete rebuild of the fields, a new concession stand and restrooms. "The renovation was pretty sweeping," Garrett said. "All that was left of the original fields were the players' benches."

The fields now have remote-controlled lighting, a new playscape, and adjacent

property under mature trees for player and fans to enjoy. The city hopes the new facility will be one more attraction for tournaments and visitors to visit Georgetown.

The Georgetown Youth Softball association also provided scoreboards, batting cages and concession stand equipment.

Garrett recognized Smith Contracting for the build, Musco lighting for sponsoring the ceremony, and a special thanks to the employees of the Parks Dept who installed the playground, scoreboards, bleachers,

canopies, and field equipment, as well as growing the new green turf. The evening commenced with Mayor Ross assisting Colby Trapp in throwing the first pitch (photo above).

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GEORGETOWNADVOCATE

One of Georgetown's most dedicated local businesses, Union State Bank, is the kind of business that reminds people we live in a small(ish) town. As Georgetown and surrounding towns grow, there are still local businesses that work face-to-face, have superlative commitment to personal service, and the acumen to make it work for almost six decades. The family-owned business held its annual fish fry customer appreciation dinner April 6. Pictured: Pres/CEO Coleen Beck (3rd from left), Bd. Chairwoman Eula "Sis" Beck (center) with staff & guests.

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FIDELIS MEDIA

City Desk

PAGE A2

State of $avings.

Arts and Culture Board seeks grant proposals

The Georgetown Arts and Culture Board is seeking grant proposals for art, music, theater and cultural heritage events or projects to take place in Georgetown between Oct. 1 and Nov. 30.

Nonprofit organizations, schools, informal arts and culture organizations, and individual artists who are creating public art or an event open to the public are eligible to apply, with the exception of those who were funded in the previous round of grants.

The total budget for grants is $10,000. Recent grants have averaged $2,000 apiece.

Proposals should include: • Contact information for someone who is readily available to answer questions about the proposal • Purpose and description of the event or project • Amount being requested and total budget, including other anticipated funding sources • Date, location, admission charge, and anticipated attendance • Size and demographic makeup of past audiences or participants Special consideration will be given for events or projects that meet one or more of these criteria: • Are free admission

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• Include outreach to populations that are traditionally underrepresented • Have a cultural tourism or economic impact Organizations or individuals that receive funding will be required to follow up by: • Recognizing the City of Georgetown Arts and Culture Board in their advertising and programs • Submitting a one-page report to the Arts and Culture Board no later than Jan. 31, 2018, with a description of the use of grant funds and copies of event promotion materials Grant proposals must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, June 6. Organizations will be notified by email about funding decisions by June 30.

To submit a grant proposal, visit arts.georgetown.org/call-for-arts-andculture-grant-proposals-2.

If you have questions, contact Lawren Weiss at (512) 930-3551 or lawren. weiss@georgetown.org.

Square "Great Public Space"

The Texas Chapter of the American Planning Association announced April 3 that it had designated the Georgetown Square as a Great Public Space in its Great Places in Texas program.

According to the organization, Great Places in Texas exemplify exceptional

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character and highlight the role planners and planning play in creating communities of lasting value “The Great Place in Texas award represents decades of great planning, investment and dedication to the crown jewel of our community by many City Councils, city staff, and boards and commissions— both present and past,” Georgetown Planning Director Sofia Nelson said.

The Square was one of six places designated in the first Great Places in Texas program, which was modeled after the American Planning Association’s ongoing Great Places in America program.

“Georgetown’s Town Square, termed ‘the Most Beautiful Town Square in Texas,’ truly is a great public space,” said Lori Schwarz, chair of the Great Places in Texas Selection Committee. “The historic Square is the focal point for community events and heritage preservation efforts, which provide opportunities for small business and restaurants to thrive in a vibrant pedestrian environment.”

Through Great Places in Texas, the Texas Chapter of APA recognizes unique and authentic characteristics found in three essential components of all communities—streets, neighborhoods and public spaces.

APA Great Places offer better choices for where and how people work and

Georgetown political leaders gathered at Cowan Creek in Sun City during a meet & greet April 18 sponsored by City Council members John Hesser and Steve Fought. The event was an opportunity for voters to get to know the candidates for city office prior to the upcoming city and combined general elections May 6. See page B7 for voting dates and locations. L-R: City Council member John Hesser, Williamson County District Judge Rick Kennon, School Board Trustee Ben Stewart, Justice of the Peace, Pct 3 Bill Gravell. live every day, places that are enjoyable, safe, and desirable. Such places are defined by many characteristics, including architectural features, accessibility, functionality, and community involvement.

For more information about the 2017 Great Places in Texas, as well as a list of the Great Places in America designees located in the state, visit http:// www.txplanning.org/greatplaces-in-texas/

Family Fun Day Celebrates Seniors Families of all ages are invited to a free Family Fun Day filled with an afternoon of intergenerational activities held on Saturday, April 22, 2017, at the historic courthouse, 710 S. Main Street, in Georgetown. Family Fun Day will give older adults and kids the opportunity

to showcase their talents and teach those skills to younger and older generations. From 1 to 4 p.m., the public is invited to participate in ice cream making, fishing demonstrations, face painting, handcrafts, photo booth, woodworking demonstrations, games, dancing, and more!

Emergency Planning Surveys Invite

The Williamson County Office of Emergency Management is preparing two community protection plans in the event of floods and wildfires. The public is invited to participate in surveys for each of the plans to provide feedback to the County to help in identifying local values and understanding the general attitudes about the hazards and risks related to flooding and wildfires in the community. The information

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

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Writer Ann Marie Ludlow Graphics Elysia Davis

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Suite 500 Jarrell, Texas 76537 512-746-4545 info@FPGTX.com Convenience Subscriptions: delivered via U.S. Mail $52.00 / 26 issues The Advocate P.O. Box 213 • Jarrell, TX 76537 or online at: www.WilcoOnline.com click on “Subscribe”

provided will help coordinate activities to reduce the risk of injury or property damage in the future.

Williamson County together with the watershed stakeholders within the County are developing the Williamson County Flood Protection Plan (CFPP).

The CFPP is used to formulate and document mitigation strategies that will aid in protecting life and property from the impacts of future flood events.

The community also is invited to take part in a Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) survey. It is understood that some communities within the County already have developed community wildfire protection plans; however, all input is beneficial in the development of a strong collaborative, community-based plan.

Visit parks.wilco.org to complete the 10-minute surveys.

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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APRIL 20, 2017  THE ADVOCATE

5th Annual Camp Crosby: Helping Kids Twice

Hundreds of aspiring young athletes and volunteers gathered on the fields of Southwestern University April 9 to spend the day learning the rules and techniques of a variety of sports for competition and fun. The free event was sponsored by The Locker and supported by many local businesses; Sheraton Georgetown, Sonic, Kohl's and H-E-B.

Locker founder Karen Crosby was happy to have members from six different Lockers attend to provide service to others. "We have 12 groups across the state now and I have been blessed to see children who have learned how to be on the giving and receiving side of what The

Locker does. Camp Crosby is a day of fun and education and I'm so proud to see so many people here. Kids really do treat each other differently when they become a part of our organization."

Pictured: Mason Crosby with the third-grade volleyball group. • 3rd-grader Grace lines up for a mean dodge ball volley. • 7-year-olds Lucas and Landon mastering tackle football. • Piper, 5-1/2 working on her receiving skills.

GISD Students Heavy Lifting at State Meet

L-R: Powerlifting Georgetown Coach Albert Bond (top left) Back row: Kayla Wade, Adriana Perez, Chase Travis, Kemble Cohern, Tyler Noles, Shadieh Hassan, Hannah Jett, Macy Vasquez, Julie Lasseter. Front Row L-R: Sergio Montes, Nick Sanchez, Maddison Perdomo Freshman • Hannah is the national teen record holder for "raw squat" with 400 lbs. • Chase, a senior football player, prepares for squats.

by Ann Marie Ludlow

Georgetown and East View High School powerlifting students are not only building strength for health and sports performance, they are bringing home medals by the pound.

On March 17, six GISD students placed in the State powerlifting competition

and the GHS team placed fifth overall.

Le Uyen Do represented East View with 3rd place overall in her weight class.

All of the GHS students qualified for Regional competition and senior Adriana Perez was named 2017 5A State Champion.

Even more impressive given this is her first year

on the team. Hannah Jett (12th) earned 2nd place, Kayla Wade (11th) was 4th Place; Kemble Cohern, was 7th place in her freshman appearance, and Bailey Armstrong was 9th place.

Participants compete in appropriate weight classes and winners are determined by the total pounds lifted across three standard lifts;

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squats, bench press and dead lift.

Coach Albert Bond has been a powerlifting coach for the past nine years; three years at GHS and has grown the team from one female team member to having several champions and dozens of medals. "All credit goes to them because once a few girls started enjoying it, we had more come out and spread word around the school, they became my best recruiting tool. They do a good job."

Powerlifter Adriana says "Coach is very dedicated.

He pushes us every day to be and do our best." Bond must being doing something right because these teens are in the weight room at 6am three days a week for workouts. He also helps them with the science of their diet to stay strong enough to win, but light enough to remain in their respective weight classes.

The kids all agree the most challenging thing is the early hours but they love how accomplished they feel. They also appreciate the planning Bond provides on food. Kayla adds "We are kind of used to eating whatever we want and he really plans it out for us so we make weight."

Hannah, who is a little shy but has a heavy stack of medals, holds the national teen record for the raw squat lift—a standard leg squat without belt or other aids. "We eat a lot of protein, and almost no carbs or salt, which is hard. But we also drink a lot of water and we modify what we're eating, day by day, before meets so we maintain our strength but make weight."

Tyler, a sophomore, added "I pretty much eat

what I like because I'm in a bigger weight class and just need to be big for football.

Hannah joined the team when friend Lexie suggested they do it together. Lexie also recruited freshman Kemble as a 7th grader. She had been looking forward to getting on the team ever since and she was ready out of the gate, winning 1st place in her first meet. "I like that we feel like a family and there aren't many sports where we really work as co-eds.

We are not competitive amongst ourselves but we help each other compete in the meets."

Tyler has been lifting weights year-round since the 3rd grade to be strong for football. "My dad always told me to start light, get big. Being big is better so I got big. I'm glad to be able to do well in both sports but I am definitely planning to play football in college."

Before joining the team Kayla and Adriana were in the weight room all the time to get stronger for the track team. Kayla primarily does field events and says powerlifting helped her distances but also lowered her sprint times. "Coach Bond saw us in here all the time and said since we enjoyed getting big," Adriana says, "we started picking it up

more and we really love it."

They all agree that being busy and involved helps them prioritize their time and keeps them motivated for that all-important college acceptance. Adriana says, "We all need to be well-rounded and we have to do a lot of things to be a standout because everyone does a lot of things. It helps to have this kind of structure."

Kemble, just in 9th grade, seems to have figured it out already; "I personally feel like I have to do too much. I just do what feels comfortable for me and things seem to fall into place. I do have friends who seem to do it all and it's motivating to see that as well."

Support seems to be in their genes; those with a plan mentioned being in nursing or other care careers. But Tyler, ever focused, wants to be a football coach. He likes football.

Bond says while powerlifting is not a scholarship sport, it certainly helps students excel other sports and it is a competitive club sport at many campuses so it contributes to the well-rounded experience that may help them get accepted.

See them on Facebook at GHSPowerlifting.

Kemble, 9th grade, prepares for a bench press.

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APRIL 20, 2017  THE ADVOCATE

Veterans Ride 2 Recovery Texas

Agape Unveils New Mobile Unit

Agape Pregnancy Resource Center and Image Clear Ultrasound (ICU) unveiled Williamson County’s first-ever mobile pregnancy resource center at a Ribbon Cutting and Dedication Ceremony. The Round Rock Chamber of Commerce hosted the event at the Dell Diamond Parking lot on April 5 and the ribbon was cut by Mayor Alan McGraw. A time of dedicated was led by over a dozen local pastors.

The mobile unit, a 31’ RV, has been built from the chassis up to serve as a medical clinic. It will be equipped with an ultrasound machine, and other essentials that will help Agape take its ministry

to areas up to a 20-mile radius of its current facility at 104 E. Main Street, Round Rock. The organization plans to continue providing programs and services at its current Top: Round Rock Mayor Alan McGraw prepares to cut the ribbon. location.

Above: Interior of the new mobile unit.

“We believe this is operating budget. Agape community for more than the next step for our does not accept any gov13 years. Since opening in ministry,” said Executive ernment funding for any of 2004, Agape has seen over Director Jo Markham. “Goits programs.

12,000 first-time clients, ing mobile will allow us Getting technical things with return visits (for to reach underserved areas worked out with the RV classes and other services) of our community that are and hope to be able to get numbering over 50,000. in need of the services we out into the community by Compassionate, caring provide. But, we will need the end of April services are provided at the community’s support to Agape Pregnancy no cost to clients and their make it a success.”

Resource Center is a families.

The ministry is one faith-based nonprofit For more information, hundred percent privately organization that assists contact Agape at 512funded and relies heavily women facing unplanned 4962391 or e-mail jo@ on grants, churches and pregnancy and has been agapeprc.org. fundraising events for its part of the Round Rock

TEE UP FOR CASA WILCO GOLF TOURNAMENT

Riders of the third group are happy to see the finish line for the day.

On Tuesday, April 4th, more than 225 veterans arrived in Georgetown after completing a tough bicycle ride from San Marcos. This leg of travel was the second leg, which started April 2nd, concluded April 8th after four additional legs. Ride 2 Recovery is sponsored by Project Hero.

This program has helped more than 10,000 Veterans and First Responders through cycling-based programs and other events since 2008. Project Hero participants record elimination of and decreases in use of prescription drugs of as much as 65 percent, greater injury recovery rates, improved sleep habits and overall improvement in daily life functions. Georgetown’s American Legion Post 174 assisted in the offload of luggage for the riders.

Randalls Breaks Ground

Court-Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Williamson County invites golfers to the 6th Annual Tee Up for CASA Golf Tournament on Friday, May 5 at the Cowan Creek Golf Course in Sun City, Texas.

Golfers who participate will win the satisfaction of helping a charitable organization because the proceeds from this tournament will benefit CASA of Williamson County. CASA provides training to volunteers who advocate for the best interest of abused and neglected children in court and in their everyday lives.

Shotgun scramble is 8am. Registration fee of $150 (or $500 for a foursome) includes breakfast tacos, the greens fee for 18 holes of golf on the beautiful Cowan Creek golf course, a cart, and delicious lunch served when players finish their rounds of play. Exciting raffle and auction items will be available during the lunch.

When a child enters the foster care system because his/her home is no longer safe, a judge may appoint a committed volunteer to help the child. Locally, CASA of Williamson County in 2016 had 114 volunteers that served a total of 213 children, an increase of 900% since Women’s Apparel, Jewelr� & Accessories, Yar� Shop, Gour�et Foods, CASA of Williamson County was founded in 2009. Last Baby Giſts & Apparel, Collegiate, Fur�it�re & Home Decor, year, 49% of the 433 children in care in Williamson County were served by a CASA. However, 220 foster Junk Gy�sy™ Paint, Ar�isan’s Alley, Men’s Giſts, Wine Giſts & More! care children eligible to receive a CASA did not. Join us for this delightful day of golf and help children who have been abused or neglected reach safe, permanent homes!

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More symbolic than actual, Randall’s Food Markets and Cypress Equities broke ground on the marketplace at 5721 Williams Drive, just west of Jim Hogg Road March 23, as bulldozers and earth movers continued the work of constructing the new store in the background. The 78,000 square foot shopping center will be anchored by a Randalls grocery store and will include a fuel station, convenience store and a Starbucks.

The grocery store will feature fresh-prepared foods for carryout or dining in, full-service meat and seafood departments, fresh

sushi bar, and convenient fresh-cut fruits and vegetables. They will also have a large selection of important wines, domestic and craft beers, full service floral department and a full-service pharmacy and onsite immunizations.

Randalls President Sydney Hopper began “It’s a great day for us. We’ve been in business for over 50 years and we’ve been looking at Georgetown for some time. We’re very excited to finally be here.”

Mayor Dale Ross (inset) continued, “Randalls is a great company and we wish them well. Welcome to the Georgetown family and we’re looking forward to shopping for the holidays. Thank you for choosing Georgetown.”

Randalls and Cypress anticipate the site being open for business in November 2017.

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People PAGE A5

APRIL 20, 2017  THE ADVOCATE

Firefighter/Paramedic is a First for Georgetown

Priscilla Whitaker at Station #2 on Williams Drive

At just 24 years old,

Priscilla Whitaker has plenty of life experience to help her hold her own against the challenges of being a Firefighter and Paramedic. Whitaker is just the third female firefighter to join the George-

town Fire Department and she is the first female Firefighter/Paramedic in the City's ranks.

Before coming to Georgetown, she grew up as a "Navy brat" and moved several times, literally, from coast to

coast. She moved to Texas with her mom and younger sister and although she researched the fire departments in several Central Texas municipalities, she found Georgetown to be just as advertised, a great city with a lot of growth potential. "Now that I've gone through the academy,"

Creating Reality From Vision

she says, "I see the way the community here really embraces first responders and it's great to be a part of the brotherhood in the department."

Although it's not the career she planned from childhood—her younger self wanted to be an archaeologist—her dad encouraged her to attend a community college to get a professional certification that would help put her through college and the EMT course caught her eye.

"I fell in love with it and realized it was the perfect fit for me. As an EMT I found that I loved the idea of 'rescue' and the excitement of getting calls. Many

departments are combining fire and medical personnel so when the firefighting academy came up, I decided to give it a try and I love that just as much."

She says being in a military family built in her a need to find purpose in her work. "I really love the idea of doing cool things but in service to other people. It's very fulfilling."

She says the Georgetown job is much busier than her previous volunteer station but she loves the variety and actually enjoys the call volumes.

"We use a lot more drugs in this job so I've been re-learning and refreshing my protocols and the staff here are always willing to work with me on different firefighting equipment. For instance, we have several saws on the truck and for some reason they all start up differently. Training makes all of those details more automatic and we are quicker when the time comes."

Although she had previously worked as an EMT and firefighter, she attended the 13-week academy here for what Chief John Sullivan calls "putting the Georgetown shine on things" and as a probation-

ary member for one year, she will learn the techniques and processes that are unique to our city.

"Being the only female on the crew is new for some people but I really love the people I'm working with [at Station #2].

They feel like big brothers and they pick on me because I'm new, not because I'm a girl. The 'new guys' always have that. But they are always ready to quiz me or help with training and fieldwork.

"For me, I focus on making sure I make a good first impression, keep my big-girl pants on and do the job as an equal because it's all hands on deck here. It's comfortable here and I'm really glad to be in Georgetown."

Whitaker says this is definitely going to be a career. "I'm excited about the growth in Georgetown and it's the perfect time to be here and grow with it. My family is happy and supportive and I love that my job is different every day.

Georgetown is different, really, from street to street.

One call is a refusal and the next is an intubation. You just never know, but it's exciting."

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APRIL 20, 2017  THE ADVOCATE

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TERRY WILSON: SIT-REP Weeks 14&15 85th Legislature

On April 7th, the House took up the budget for the 2018-2019 biennium. With over 400 amendments filed for consideration, the hearing on the floor of the House went past midnight and into the early hours of the next morning.

Despite having over 14 hours to debate the budget, we were barely able to scratch the surface of the issues our state faces in spending, investment, and planning. I’d like to take some time to lay out what I saw in the process, let you know why I voted as I did on the budget, and how I’d like to see our process work in the future.

I’ve spent the better part of my career working with budgets as a uniformed acquisitions officer within the Department of Defense, not only managing multi-billion dollar projects, but helping craft the overall defense depart budget. In that time, I’ve seen many methods of budgeting, each with its own strengths and weaknesses.

Across all of those methods, one principle proves itself out time and time again­—if those asking for money are not forced to give a detailed explanation of what they are going to use it for, line by line, there will always be prioritization issues.

The strategy-based system we currently use in Texas allows large sums of money to be appropriated to an agency under the broadest of descriptions.

Those agencies don’t have

to defend their request at a deep level to those making the decisions, they simply request their budget for the next two years based on what they spent in the previous two years. This allows for unnecessary spending, pork projects, and a general lack of the oversight necessary to keep a multi-billion dollar budget within responsible parameters.

The budget hawk in me was very disappointed that I wasn’t able to deep-dive into the reports from every agency, university, and political subdivision to examine just how they spent all of the money taken from taxpayers.

I sat down with members of the Legislative Budget Board, employees of the government agency which reviews the full budgets of agencies and can see all of the details, and was surprised at how little detail they were able to provide me.

If The Pentagon can operate a $598.5 Billion per year budget with a relatively small team of ac-

countants and still provide a sufficient level of detail, then Texas, with a large pool of people working on our budget numbers, can certainly do better than our current standard for our $106 billion per year budget.

In the defense department we have a very well-defined budgeting process. We start by defining our requirements, and objectives we must achieve.

Once we identify all of the requirements we validate them, checking for redundancies and places where we can find more efficiency now that all of our objectives are known. Finally, we prioritize, deciding which of the priorities are of the utmost importance and funding those first.

Prioritization always involves risk. We have limited resources to accomplish an unlimited number of possible objectives.

Some of them simply can’t be funded fully, if they are funded at all. Budgeting is about making those hard choices, deciding where you are willing to assume

risk. When those of us in the legislature, tasked with making the final decision on the budget, can’t see those details, can’t go over the priorities line by line, then how can we know that our priorities are in the right place? How can we know that we are taking the right risks?

As for the budget overall, I have my reservations, but in the end I voted yes for one simple reason; I don’t like when people play games with the budget.

Both the House and Senate are dealing with limited revenue and massive

demands, and both budgets spent more than they took in. The difference was that the House chose to do what any responsible family would do, and took the money to pay the bills from the state’s savings account, the Economic Stabilization Fund, also known as the “Rainy Day Fund”.

While this isn’t a very popular notion, it is at least transparent, unlike the version of the budget passed by the Senate, which delayed payments on mandatory investments in infrastructure until the next biennium, a budget trick I

saw way too many times in Washington to ever be comfortable with it here.

What’s more, placing our infrastructure at risk to hide the need for a savings withdrawal may actually end up hurting our credit rating more than the withdrawal.

Neither option was ideal, but I chose to vote for the one closest to my principles of budgeting.

If we want to move Texas forward, it will take getting past these kinds of games, and getting toward a real vision, with long term planning and honest, responsible, solid numbers.

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APRIL 20, 2017  THE ADVOCATE

The Last Word

PUBLISHER'S CORNER

Stewart Will Continue the Good Work at GISD Ben Stewart has been a

member of the GISD Board of Trustees since November 2016 when he was appointed to fill the Place 7 seat left vacant by Ronna Johnson.

In the five years he’s been a Georgetown resident, Stewart, who has two daughters at Carver Elementary, has taken an active role within multiple levels of the GISD system; as a volunteer from the onset, then serving as the PTA Treasurer and later the President of the PTA at Carver, as well as a member of a district committee.

Stewart’s experience at Dell played a key role in his focus on enhancing technology integration within the GISD, and he was active in the formation of the Citizens Advisory Committee which was integral to the passage of a recent bond that included a great deal of technology.

PAGE A7

CONGRESSMAN CARTER OP-ED

As a committed proponent of Community-Based Accountability, Stewart has demonstrated that he will continue to be a Trustee who looks to the district, community and constituents for accountability and focus.

Considering his experience and demonstrable dedication to the interests of the students and the District, Stewart is unequivocally the right man for this job. The Advocate Editorial Board endorses Ben Stewart, and strongly believes he should continue in Place 7 on the Georgetown School Board of Trustees.

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America’s Resurgence through Lower Regulation, Limited Government

by John R. Carter

My governing philosophy is simple: let Texas run Texas! That means less government and less regulations so you can have more control over your life.

Sadly, not everyone sees things the way I do. Obama-era regulations are choking the economy and costing jobs and taxpayer money. Our former president always opted for more government and his faith in unelected bureaucrats dictating the rules we have to live under was everlasting.

Help is on the way! Republicans in Congress are working with President Trump to reverse the tide of overregulation and help stimulate the economy. Just a few months into 2017, we have already sent numerous measures to the President for him to sign into law.

Many of these initiatives are designed to protect jobs, especially in America’s innovative energy sector. With one bill, we stopped a rule that would have wiped out one in three coal industry jobs. With another, we ensured that American oil and gas companies remain competitive on the global marketplace.

Recognizing that parents, teachers, and local school boards should be the driving force in local education, we repealed a Department of Education regulation that unilaterally increased federal control in education. We also rolled back stringent federal accountability requirements that were overly burdensome on local schools.

More long-overdue regulatory reforms are on the way. House Republicans are working to eliminate regulations that hinder community banks’ abilities to support small business. We’re working on health care reforms that puts patients, not the government, in charge. We will continue to reverse bad regulations and stand up for the American workforce.

President Trump, to his credit, isn’t afraid to take matters into his own hands.

Via Executive Orders, he’s rolling back

Obama’s war on coal and the EPA’s overreach into state waters. Recognizing that our energy needs are tremendous, Trump has paved the way for the Keystone XL and Dakota pipelines to break ground. By stopping the most devastating regulations on our energy industry, President Trump’s actions will create jobs, boost our economy and lead us towards energy independence.

The President is also working to limit the reach of the White House. He’s tasked each executive branch agency to report to the Office of Management and Budget on their agency’s programs and other responsibilities in an effort to identify areas that can be cut, including duplicative programs and areas that are no longer of value Washington is finally learning what Texans have long known: let the people, not Uncle Sam, be in charge! Rolling back regulations isn’t about limiting government solely for the sake of limiting government.

It’s about returning power from Washington to states and communities. We’re off to a great start and I know that better days await us.

Rep. Carter represents TX Dist 31, which includes Ft Hood, the largest active duty armored military installation in the free world. He serves as Chair of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Appropriations, co-chair of the Congressional Army Caucus, is on the Subcommittee for Commerce, Justice and Science and the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee.

MAYOR'S UPDATE How Georgetown’s Wastewater System Works Wastewater Gravity Pipes Sm Bra alley nc h

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The map shows the major wastewater lines that are 18 inches in diameter or larger in our collection system. Smaller lines serving individual streets and neighborhoods are not shown.

This map illustrates that the city’s major wastewater lines are located along creeks and rivers in all sectors of the city. This is because the wastewater system works through a series of pipes that allow gravity to do the work. For this reason, wastewater lines mirror the aboveground drainage ways that we call our watersheds.

The alternative to a wastewater system that follows the contours of natural topography requires sending water uphill and going against gravity.

Because we do not have large interceptors in all of our rivers and streams, the current wastewater system must work against gravity in some places.

These areas are served by lift stations and force mains. A lift station is a collection basin with electric pumps that pushes wastewater over elevations

an River

Each time we use a sink or flush a toilet and the water goes down the drain, we probably don’t give much thought to where it goes and how it gets there. Since most of the wastewater collection and treatment system is literally underground, many of us may not know much about it.

Our wastewater system is the Rodney Dangerfield of infrastructure. It doesn’t get much respect, or attention.

Until recently.

The extension of a wastewater line to serve a new residential development on Airport Road has sparked discussion of sewer lines. The proposed Homestead residential development would connect to a segment of the Berry Creek Interceptor. This is a large wastewater line that has been in the City’s wastewater master plan since 1989.

It is important to understand that the Berry Creek Interceptor is a long-term City project, not an idea created by developers.

Portions of the Berry Creek Interceptor or wastewater line were built before the

first homes in Sun City were constructed in the early 1990s. The Berry Creek Interceptor has been a phased project with new segments constructed as development occurs along the Berry Creek watershed so new development shares the costs for pricey infrastructure projects.

The alignment of the interceptor, which follows Berry Creek from Sun City to the Pecan Branch Wastewater Treatment Plant on the east side of Georgetown, includes a segment along Berry Springs Park.

The City is working with Williamson County to find a route for the interceptor.

The placement of the line will be sensitive to the park setting and ensure that the natural assets of the park are protected.

While a wastewater line going through or adjacent to a park was a surprise to some, a broader look at our wastewater collection system shows that we already have interceptors along every river and tributary in Georgetown. A number of these interceptors run in or near parks, including San Gabriel Park.

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Edwards Aquifer Transition Zone Streams

in the terrain through a pressurized pipe known as a force main.

One major problem with force mains and lift stations is that they depend on electricity and mechanical pumps. A range of issues can lead to power outages and pump failures. When this happens, lift stations can overflow and spill wastewater. Most stations have redundant pumps and power, but lift stations are still susceptible to mechanical, electrical, and equipment failures. When

Ch a Bra n dle nc r h

wastewater spills occur, they flow into the rivers and streams that the system is designed to protect.

Additionally, odor can be a major concern with lift stations. The constant movement of wastewater through a gravity system actually helps reduce odor significantly.

Due to the disadvantages of lift stations and force mains, the wastewater master plan would eliminate as many as possible and replace them with gravity mains.

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Most of the city’s wastewater collection system is over the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone. As such, each gravity line is visually inspected at least once every five years to ensure they are in good working order.

The City’s wastewater system, mostly unseen to residents, follows a master plan to reduce environmental impacts with gravity lines. This plan ensures the safest operation of an under-appreciated element of our public infrastructure.

PAGE A8

APRIL 20, 2017  THE ADVOCATE

Benefit Fundraiser for

Angela Gail Danek daughter of Raymond & Jane Danek

Sunday, April 30 •11 am

Moravian Hall

2300 CR 316 • Georgetown BBQ Plates 11 am - 1:30 pm $10 donation (To-go & Drive-thru plates available)

Silent Auction 11 am - 1:30 pm Live Auction 2 pm Fight With The Force T-Shirts Available!

Children - $15 Adult - $20 2X+ - $22

In February 2016, Angela was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer.

She has been through a double masectomy, as well as multiple rounds of chemotherapy.

She continues to fight, although scans indicate the cancer has metastasized to some of her lymph nodes, and is now Stage 4.

Angela has insurance coverage, but faces a new year of co-pays and deductibles.

Last year she was able to meet these costs through donations from family & friends.

This dinner and benefit will help Angela get and pay for the medical care she needs!

Auction Items & Baked Goods Needed!

To donate, contact:

Kathy Meissner 254-760-4546 Raymond or Jane Danek 512-863-5117 Julia Navarrette 512-863-0090

A donation account has been set up at First Texas Bank in Georgetown. Please make checks to: Angela Danek

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Georgetown Square • April 28-30

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SECTION B • PAGE 1

APRIL 20, 2017  THE ADVOCATE

Jarrell Growth means more Kids' Zone The goodness continues

Kids' Zone is growing.

Thanks to the sustained growth in Jarrell, this Christian-based school and child care provider is now registering for a third location, projected to open in August.

General Manager Whitney Hicks is thrilled to be able to give even more flexibility to the community; "We have a good thing here and we are flourishing as more and more people move to Jarrell. Right now we have a fairly long wait list for our Sonterra location so I'm excited that our second Jarrell location (105 Western Sky Trail) is close enough for folks who have already decided to be part of our Kids Zone family."

Donna Brown, Whitney's' mother, founded Kids Zone in 2000 in Salado and Whitney began working there when she was just 15 years old.

After graduating from Texas A&M, Hicks began teaching high school and after a time, she decided the family business was really where she wanted to be. "I wanted to be here because I love children and I knew eventually this would be where my own children would be learning and playing. Now that I work here, I love the fast pace and seeing all the parents every day. I also really enjoy the management aspects of the business."

Although, sadly, Donna passed away in 2015, the business is still very much in the family. Whitney's sister McKenzie Teer is a teacher at the center and her dad Steve Brown is the owner and

volunteer handyman, always ready to fix anything from the plumbing to the roof.

"We are family-friendly here and we always invite families to participate as often as they can so they can see and experience the love and security we provide for the people most precious to them."

Kids' Zone's first priority is the safety of the children, which includes first aid, background checks, employee reviews, physical security and an unwritten protocol that all employees treat the children as their own.

Part of that love and safety is the curricula that includes socialization, age-appropriate field trips and real world experience.

The children are also exposed to Christian values and prayer on a daily basis and all children are welcome. "My mom's vision was to share our family's values with others. We are very open and inclusive and I love that we may provide Biblical information or spiritual experiences that some may not get at home. We invite all families to be a part of ours but they are always free to choose not to participate in Christian activities or special events as is appropriate for their own family.

"I love that we live in a country where I have the freedom to do that and have a business like this."

The Learning Centers

Kids' Zone Sonterra cares for infants through age 12 and has Pre-K through 2nd grade education, plus an after-school program. The new Jarrell location will serve infants-5 years old.

All centers provide breakfast, two afternoon snacks and milk at lunch. "We ask parents to provide the [lunch] meal. Parents know what their kids like to eat as well as restrictions they have so packing lunches at home is an advantage. We re-heat meals from home and we are always aware of any allergies present."

Their classrooms combine ABC, Jesus Loves Me and A Beka Book curricula to provide Christian-based education and values.

"We are very fortunate, and fairly unique, to have employees who have worked for Kids' Zone for ten years or more. Everyone loves what they do here," Whitney says, "You really have to love children to be able to keep up with this kind of environment."

Part of the reason for their wait list is smaller class ratios. "We have smaller teacher-to-student ratios than the state requires because we want more eyes on the children at all times. We would like to lower that even more with the new center so we can provide more individual care."

Hicks says she is also working

on acquiring and integrating more technology for learning as well as more media and books for the students. "We want to keep up with trends and help the kids recognize the benefits of technology education as early as possible."

The centers are always open to volunteers for reading or other kinds of classroom support.

"The children love to have new faces to do new things and bond with and we love being part of this community; working with the people in it. We have high school students who help us clean up every day so our teachers can go home on time."

The centers can accept donations; anything from yoga mats to iPads and donors need only call to see if there is a need.

Hicks says this is and will be her lifelong career. "My mom helped me understand the need and value of work like this. She even worked through her illness and taught me how to balance work and family; something I will always remember.

"My dad prides himself on our being able to run this business that my mom started. And it is our hope that families will want to be a part of our family-run

business. It builds trust and it is an important bond. We are often the second biggest bill a family pays every month and we want them to be sure we are good stewards of their money as well as loving protectors of their precious cargo."

True to her word, Hicks tells prospective clients to pray about it when they visit the center, to make sure it is the right place for them. "We have people who drive by other care centers to be with us and we are thrilled when we have mutual trust in a happy choice."

Visit Kids' Zone at KidsZoneLearningCenter.org/ or take a tour at 4802 Moreland Dr in Georgetown, or 104 Copper Lane in Jarrell.

Whitney Hicks and Program Director Amanda Brown

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Red Poppy Preview • April 28-30

PAGE B2

RED POPPY FESTIVAL PARADE

Festival Schedule FRIDAY, APRIL 28 6:00P Festival Opens!

6:00P Arts & Crafts Booths & Food Court Open 7:00P Friday Night Kick-off Concert Groove Knight!

FREE (Bring your own chair.) (Red Poppy Stage) 9:00P Arts & Crafts Booths & Food Court Close SATURDAY, APRIL 29 10:00A Festival Opens!

10:00A Arts & Crafts Booths Open 10:00A Kids Area & Food Court Open 10:00A “Paint the Georgetown Red” Parade 10:00A Palace Theater (Celebrate Stage) 10:45A Performing Arts Studio (Celebrate Stage) 11:00A Car Show Opens 11:00A Xander Ortiz (Mayfair Stage) 11:30A Walburg Boys (Red Poppy Stage) 11:45A G'town Conservatory Dance (Celebrate Stage) 12:00P Bob & Johnny (Mayfair Stage) 12:30P McCoy Elementary Choir (Celebrate Stage) 1:00P Wound Loose Band (Red Poppy Stage) 1:00P Memphis Kee (Mayfair Stage) 1:00P Cooper Elementary Choir (Celebrate Stage) 1:30P Ford Elementary Choir (Celebrate Stage) 2:00P Arts Avenue For Kids (Celebrate Stage) 2:00P Midnight Butterfly (Mayfair Stage) 3:00P Car Show Awards (Red Poppy Stage) 3:00P Velvet Sparrow (Mayfair Stage) 3:00P Dolce Music Studio (Celebrate Stage) 3:45P Sue’s Dance (Celebrate Stage) 4:00P John McDonough (Mayfair Stage) 4:30P Not Past 11 (Celebrate Stage) 5:00P Katie & Caleigh (Mayfair Stage) 6:00P Michael Hamilton (Red Poppy Stage) 7:00P Kids Area Closes 7:20P Red Poppy Taste Awards (Red Poppy Stage) 7:30P Blue Water Highway (Red Poppy Stage) 9:20P National Anthem (Red Poppy Stage) 9:30P Diamond Rio on The Red Poppy Stage!

SUNDAY, APRIL 30 11:00A Festival Opens!

11:00A Arts & Crafts Booths Open 11:00A Kids Area & Food Court Open 11:00A Justice Kaigler (Mayfair Stage) 11:00A Garrett Ford & Limestone Cowboys (Poppy Stage) 11:30A Georgetown Ballet (Celebrate Stage) 12:00P Dino from One Resistance Music (MayFair Stage) 12:30P Irish Dance Center (Celebrate Stage) 12:30P Kevin Fitzpatrick Trick Roper (Red Poppy Stage) 1:00P Meet "Daytripper" Chet Garner at the Visitors Ctr 1:00P Morgan Nicole (Mayfair Stage) 1:00P GHS Jazz Band (Celebrate Stage) 2:00P Kiwanis’ One in the Hole Ball Drop (Austin Ave) 2:00P Kate Elizabeth (Mayfair Stage) 2:15P Coloring Contest Awards (Celebrate Stage) 2:30P Kevin Fitzpatrick Trick Roper (Red Poppy Stage) 2:30P Clickety Cloggers (Celebrate Stage) 3:00P Matthew McQueen (Red Poppy Stage) 3:00P Zero Gravity (Mayfair Stage) 3:15P Dance Empower (Celebrate Stage) 4:00P Kevin Fitzpatrick Trick Roper (Red Poppy Stage) 4:30P Matthew McQueen (Red Poppy Stage) 4:00P Avery Logan (Mayfair Stage) 4:00P EVHS Jazz Band (Celebrate Stage) 5:00P Festival Closes

APRIL 20, 2017  THE ADVOCATE

The Red Poppy Festival Parade hosts the combined High School Marching Bands, Georgettes, Sparklers, color guards, princesses, clowns, floats, businesses, school and community organizations – all decorated and costumed in RED!

SATURDAY, 10:00 A.M. Come cheer on your neighbors and friends.

Wear red and help us Paint the Town Red! Everyone loves a Parade!

KID’S FUN ZONE

The Red Poppy Kid’s Fun Zone is open 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Sunday. And it’s all free! There will be plenty of fun to be had with an Obstacle Course, a Huge Slide, a Bounce House, a Basket Ball Game and even a Toddler Playground!

KIWANIS’ ONE IN THE HOLE BALL DROP

Try your luck at the Kiwanis’ One in the Hole Ball Drop!

There's still time to buy your ping pong ball at Georgetown.

OneInTheHole.net 28,000 numbered ping pong balls are dropped from 50 feet.

The putting green has five prize holes. All prizes are awarded and need not be present to win.

Proceeds purchase books for GISD students.

PARKING We recommend that you use the Red Poppy Shuttle provided on Saturday beginning at 9:00 am until after

the Saturday Night Concert. To ensure the safety of our Old Town Residents, parking in the Old Town Neighborhoods will be limited and towing will be enforced when vehicles are left in a No Parking Zone. Designated parking area for Guests with disabilities will be available at the parking lot located at 10th & Main Street. A valid disability parking permit is required.

SHUTTLE SERVICE will be provided to the Red Poppy Festival on Saturday only from First Baptist Church located at 1333 W. University Ave. Drop off location one block down from the Red Poppy Stage. Shuttle Sat. 9am until midnight.

HEADLINERS

Friday night 7pm on the Red Poppy Stage, Groove Knight, "Austin's Premier Classic party band."

Saturday night 7pm on the Red Poppy Stage, Diamond Rio. Founded in 1982 as an attraction at Opryland in Nashville TN, Diamond Rio performs American and Christian country music.

ARTISTS AND ARTISANS

Come see over 120 unique handcrafted artisans! All the artisan booths will be open beginning Friday Night, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.! Artisan booths will open again Saturday at 10 a.m. and Sunday at 11 a.m. There will be a great variety of handmade jewelry, wood art and furniture, home decor, an on-site glass blower, and so much more! You’ll be sure to find something you love!

EATS!

The Red Poppy Food Court will open Friday, April 28 at 6 p.m. Once Upon A Cone • Hill Country Kettle Korn • Pecos Pete’s Tea • FullHouse BBQ • Flavorlicious • M & M Concessions • Hello Sweetie • Ragley Concessions • Crepe Crazy • Cristi & Ali • Hula Cowgirl • Redfin Seafood • Schnitzels & Giggles • Wagyu on Wheels • Booty Loco • Evil Wiener • Lonesome Prairie Nuts • Kona Ice

History of Georgetown Red Poppies

Seeds from poppies in Europe were sent to Georgetown right after World War I. Henry Purl Compton (known as “Okra”) who served in the American Expeditionary Forces sent them to his mother. She planted them at her home which is now 507 East 7th Street.

From there, they were spread (by birds, bees, and people!) down the river and over much of Old Town.

On April 25, 1990, Georgetown was certified by local residents and the Texas Legislature as the “Red Poppy Capital of Texas.” Red poppies have been a part of Georgetown’s landscape for over seventy years. Red poppies have grown naturally in street and highway right-of-ways, in vacant lots and parks lands, and in native and cultivated areas of our citizen’s yards. We understand that Georgetown is one of the few locations in the United States where red poppies reseed themselves from year to year. Each April as the poppies bloom, Georgetown celebrates with the annual Red Poppy Festival. ~www.Georgetown.org

People

APRIL 20, 2017  THE ADVOCATE

PAGE B3

Jared Retkofsky: Twice the Hero

Photos courtesy of Austin Police Association, www.AustinPoliceAssociation.com.

Tara and Paul Schlesinger at the 21st Annual Will Rogers Academy of Western Artists awards banquet in Fort Worth, March 16, 2017.

Local Singer Wins Song of the Year Fiddler and vocalist Paul Schlesinger of Taylor was the winner of the 2016 Western Swing Song of the Year for the tune, “You Were Meant to Ruin My Dreams.” The song is a track on his CD, Paul Schlesinger and his Knights of Texas Swing.

The AWA’s mission is to promote and preserve America’s western past and its contemporary western future and all winners are nominated and voted on by a blind jury of their peers.

"The Western Swing community is very tight-knit," Schlesinger says. "Many of the DJs have Internet or overseas stations and, globally, many people appreciate the authentic American western sound more so than modern America does so this music has a great global market."

“You Were Meant to Ruin My Dreams” was written in 1949 by lyricist Cecil R. “Butterball” Harris and composer Arlie A. Carter, who were also Taylor musicians.

Schlesinger says, “The

original recording is a tad slower than my version, and by today’s recording standards sounds a bit primitive. It sold well enough regionally, but was not a hit in 1949.

"In 2011, Cecil Harris told me he wrote the song to fit around the heartbreak theme, using a ‘hook line’ that would hopefully catch the public’s fancy. I have had a great life, so it's not about a soulful connection to the lyrics or my personality. I really loved this song for the melody and the musical quality. I thought it had potential, and I decided to revamp it for my CD, adding twin fiddles, twin guitars, drums, and swing-style chord pattern.”

In January, Schlesinger was contacted by the Academy of Western Artists (AWA) and informed that his recording of the song was a Top 5 Finalist for Western Swing Song of Year. “I really had no idea the song would ultimately win,” says Schlesinger. My wife Tara and I attended

the event thinking it would just be an interesting experience, and we’d never have the opportunity to go again. However, I think she secretly had more faith than me!”

Schlesinger was also nominated in two other categories, Album and Vocalist of the Year. “All the categories had stiff competition and I am very happy to have won in the song category. Since I didn’t think I would win, I had not prepared anything.

So I thanked the Lord for setting me on my life path, all the musicians who helped with the CD, as well as those folks who supported me.”

The CD has caught the attention of many country and western swing enthusiasts around the globe, especially those who favor traditional, independently produced country music.

You can see him at the Round Rock Old Settlers Reunion July 6th. Visit www.PaulSchlesinger. com and facebook.com/ schlesinger.paul.

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by Ann Marie Ludlow

At 6'5", he's not only as big as two regular people, he's fulfilled two lifetime dreams of many an American youngster.

In the April 6 issue of The Advocate, we introduced you to the Central Texas Wolfpack and Georgetown player Jared Retkofsky. But there is much more to him than just First Responder football. He is also a loving husband and father, an officer in the Austin Police Department and is one of the few talented people who own that most coveted of jewelry, a Super Bowl ring.

He's also not hard to find; he's been in the media plenty since joining the department and is recognized often from stories on Fox News and more. His partners sometimes enjoy asking people (while Retkofsky handcuffs them) "Hey, who's your favorite football team?"

"Growing up, I was like a lot of kids," Retkofsky says. "I wanted to be a police officer, a fighter pilot and I wanted to play in the NFL. Strange thing is, if you're big enough to play in the NFL, you're not really small enough to be a fighter pilot. But I consider myself lucky to have done two of those three."

He grew up in Fort Worth and started playing football in the third grade. "I was a little intimidated as I got older because this is Texas and everyone here is big, and good. But I must have stood out because I got a scholarship to TCU. But there I realized I wasn't as good as I thought I was. College was the best of the best. So I taught myself how to be a long-snapper, which is a specific skill and generally, teams only have one. At TCU I was it."

After college there was some interest in drafting him to the NFL; he was signed quickly as a free agent and trained with the Pittsburgh Steelers all summer. "I got cut right before camp, then was resigned and cut again. It was tough because the NFL is the goal so you don't consider other leagues or jobs if there's a chance. Over the years, I got cut and re-signed seven times."

But his commitment paid off. In the 2008 season, the Steelers' long-snapper

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was injured and Retkofsky got yet another call to get on a plane. He wound up playing the second half the season and on the winning end of Super Bowl XLIII. At the end of the season, he went back to Ft Worth determined to be a police officer.

He signed again, this time with APD and drove north and south to find the right place to live. "We just fell in love with Georgetown, the Village, the schools and we built here."

About the change in careers, "Football kept me motivated, paid for college, and kept me out of trouble my whole life so it was hard to walk away. It's not about the Super Bowl, it's about the game and this is my third year with the Wolfpack. Having played at the top, this is just for fun and APD is very supportive of the team and the guys who play. I'm glad to be able to do this community service without being afraid of losing my job."

Retkofsky is hoping other departments might see the benefits of having a bigger pool of players and will allow their employees to play. "We go up against teams of 100-plus players; including sanitation workers and corrections officers. We do a great job with a smaller group of players and I would love to do more. Our players are so committed to giving back and they only quit when they can't take the pains any more."

It's no surprise to hear of his commitment to the team and the activities it supports. Despite having every reason to have plenty of swagger, Retkofsky is warm, grateful, and does everything possible to juggle the priorities of work and football to spend the most time he can with his wife and three young children.

"Having a full-time job and football is tough on time management. And every practice takes officers off the street for a time. I would love to have more players from around Central Texas on the team.

We moved up to Division I last year and it will be nice to clobber the likes of the bigger New York and LA teams."

Visit CTXWolfpack.org and watch Jared play May 20 at Gupton Stadium Cedar Park.

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Community PAGE B4

APRIL 20, 2017  THE ADVOCATE

Stars and Students Create a Magical Night "On Broadway" at GHS Elizabeth Baker, Georgetown resident and founder of Angel Fountain Educational Endowment, once again enlisted her good friend and Broadway superstar Raymond McLeod to share his time and talent with GISD students.

Of the fabulous weekend Baker says, "The program involved many more students this year while still maintaining the integrity of a Broadway Revue in featuring our supremely talented Broadway performers from New York. The program is definitely growing and moving forward!"

After teaching master classes in voice and stage, McLeod was joined by three fellow stage stars and four talented GISD students as principal performers in the second annual "On Broadway" event. Singing standards and favorites from Broadway musicals like Phantom of the Opera, Beauty and the Beast, Guys and Dolls, Chicago and more, professionals and students together wowed audiences at the Klett Center.

Angel funder and Georgetown arts supporter Carolyn Holloway said, "The performance Sunday was magnificent. I hear nothing

but rave reviews. Everyone is so excited! This is a wonderful gift you bring to these students."

Bill Raleigh, assistant athletic director at Southwestern (and proud dad) ably summarized the whole program; "My family enjoyed last years show and were fortunate enough to have our daughter, Casey sing in this years production. The opportunity to be on stage with real Broadway performers is something she will never forget. More importantly, the ability to participate in the master classes conducted by Ray McLeod is something Casey and

all the GISD students were lucky to be a part of. Casey would come home from the classes bouncing off the walls because of the way the Ray would talk to her and the other students about their talent. He has done so much for the confidence and passion for singing and performing for the students.

"All of GISD and the Georgetown community are so fortunate to have this event in our community and the Angel Fountain is responsible for it. So thanks again to the Angel Fountain for bringing to Georgetown and our GISD

Georgetown's Blue Angel Debuts Close to Home

students a taste of Broadway."

Baker's foundation provides education and money for arts programs in small and underserved school districts across the country. It is a 501(c)3 organization that operates on funding from donors and supporters. The free Master classes give students the rare and valuable experience to work with accomplished actors and singers and learn the techniques that may help them achieve their own careers in the arts. To help or donate, visit www.

AngelFountain.org

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2010 Georgetown graduate Hunter Wollaston (Navy uniform, left) poses with the team's aviators and his family (Brook, Ashley, mom Deanna and dad Chris) at the Wings Over South Texas Air Show April 1 in Corpus Christie. The show was Hunter's first since becoming Maintenance Control Tech for the elite military group.

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After many weeks of searching, comparing, and bothering people about it, Advocatie bought a car last week and used way too many trendy catchphrases in the process, like "Analysis Paralysis".

It used to be exciting to buy a car. I remember driving around the county, in person, with my dad, to buy my first car.

He couldn't believe I was dumb enough to settle on the first car I saw, so he insisted we visit a dozen other dealerships together before we finally decided to buy, wait for it, the first car I saw.

These days, like many things when you have kids, it's another thing that's exhausting. It's a girl thing to just "know" when you've found the right one—I guess—so it's impossible to explain to a dozen sales people exactly why their vehicle is just not the right one. But I really don't know why I had so much anxiety about picking one.

It's not like I was shopping for a husband. There's no question I'm going to break

up with the car in a few years.

Still, after getting used to things like bluetooth, backup cameras and navigation, and despite having a budget that is wealth-challenged and would be more suited to a bicycle, I still couldn't seem to land on that perfect combination of price, mileage and options.

But I knew it had to be out there somewhere so I powered on.

Throw in the Internet and access to cars all over the United States and a neurotic like me will settle on the perfect car six or seven times. "Decision fatigue!"

Then look at the Internet again and decide I need something else because I was really only settling for the one I looked at yesterday.

Salesmen don't always help either. I will credit them for being polite, but some are only nice until you say "yes."

Wow, that's also a lot like dating.

They gave me all the charm in the world when I was test driving and thinking about it. But as soon as you get to the desk suddenly they are all about can't go that high for the trade-in and no wiggle room on the price and all the who are you kidding? looks.

Then when I say I'll think about it and leave, they turn into ex-boyfriends who just

don't take the hint and text constantly for a week to see if I've changed my mind.

My favorite was the one who, when I said, "I'm looking for a Sequoia," offered me a great deal on a Camry. Sure, my three dogs and 7-year-old will really enjoy hanging out in the back seat of a sedan.

I will say while driving cars without XM I enjoyed getting reacquainted with terrestrial radio and I have to recommend Advocatie-fave 103.5 BOB-FM. You never realize how much music you've been exposed to in your life until you listen in for a few minutes. Where else can you marvel over the fact that you can sing along to DelShannon, DelRio and DefLeppard. I also have to recommend Mercedes-Benz of Georgetown.

While I am not of that luxurious ilk who can afford any car born since 2012, let alone a Mercedes, they do have plenty of used cars and shopping there is like visiting a five-star hotel.

Lessons learned: if there's no picture of the front seat, it's torn. Also, the 100,000 mile mark is not the death sentence; everything in my price range was at least that used-up and now makers are bragging about their 200K-ers. So that's good for me because my next car is probably already on its second marriage.

MILLENNIAL VIEW

Overscheduled?

by Julianna Washburn and Haley VanderHaar

Kids used to go to school and play one or two sports a year, it wasn’t until the brink of middle school when the need to excel increased.

In today’s world, everything has become fast-paced and busy. As Millennials, we are tasked with “busy-work” in order to fill the blank space in our resumes and college applications. In a sense, society has forced us to “overload” ourselves and our schedules, so that we may be prepared for the real world. But, is it truly the best and only option for acceptance into these desired futures?

Originally, students were typically expected to participate in only one or two sports or clubs, but rarely

PAGE B5

was anything additional expected. This gave the students the opportunity to excel greatly in the sport/ club of their choice. Because students only had the responsibility of participating in a minimum amount of extracurricular activities, they had the capability to focus on their school work as well.

Therefore, less extracurricular activities gave the individuals the ability to succeed exponentially in grades and their sport of choice. “Colleges kind of look for those people that are always busy and always engaging,” said GHS Junior, Stephen Zuniga.

Today’s society is very different, compared to that of earlier generations, and therefore has preferred and required that individuals are well rounded in their studies, athletics, clubs, and community service.

“I try to be as well rounded as I can be, and I try to stay focused on what

I am participating in,” said GHS sophomore, Alexiss Medina.

This is desired because it gives colleges and employers the kind of students or employees that make for an environment of diversity.

Students do certain activities in the hopes of being noticed by different colleges. In fact, some people don’t even enjoy the activities they partake in, and do it solely for the purpose of college or career. Other students, do win both ways, in that they enjoy what they do and get positive college recognition for it.

“I don’t think my schedule is overloaded, I think it’s a perfect balance of everything I need to have.

Everything that’s there, none of it is considered for recreational use. Orchestra is considered a hobby, but ultimately I’m not in it because I thought it would be fun, but because I thought it would help me, and I ended up liking it also,” said Alexiss Medina.

Therefore, perhaps having your schedule “overloaded” is not truly a bad thing, yes it may be difficult, but in the end it will help you.

The Millennial View is a regular feature giving readers a look at what the younger generation thinks about current topics. Haley and Julianna are students at Georgetown High School.

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Q&A

Is it okay to turn right from the center lane if the signal over that lane does not have the green arrow?

I see people doing this at Austin and Williams all the time.

Because of the way that particular lane is marked, it is permissible to turn right from the center lane without the green arrow.

You just have to follow all the same turning rules as if you were in the farthest right lane and, of course, you have to turn into the proper southbound lane as directed by the markings on the roadway.

How does GPD handle complaints?

The Georgetown Police Department takes all complaints against all employees very seriously. Every complaint is documented and investigated. Complaints of a more serious nature will be handled by

ASK THE CHIEF Can I call 9-1-1 when I lock my keys in my car?

If you lock your keys in the car and a child or an animal is in the car? Yes. If no person or animal is stuck in the car? No. In that case a vehicle unlocking service will be your best option.

Internal Affairs while the others will be investigated by the affected employees supervisor. Sustained complaints can result in training, corrective action, and discipline up to and including termination.

When people brag about having "connections" in a department, are they really getting away with things?

People who brag about having connections obviously don’t know Chief Nero or me very well. We would NEVER intervene in a case simply because someone knew us.

I saw officers working at local McDonald's last week. What's that all about?

On Good Friday, our officers work at McDonald’s as part of the 100 Club of Central Texas’ annual Good Friday fundraiser. “I” did not work it because… yes….that cash register stole my soul last year.

"Ask the Chief" is an opportunity for our readers to reach out to Chief Wayne Nero and Assistant Chief Cory Tchida of the Georgetown Police Department, Please send your questions to info@fpgtx.com with the subject "Ask the Chief"

SAVVY SENIORS brain injury, depression, stress Coping with Ringing traumatic and more. in Your Ears Treating the Causes

Dear Savvy Senior, Are there any new treatments you know of that can help with constant ear ringing syndrome known as tinnitus? I’ve had it for years but it’s gotten worse the older I get. ~Ringing Louder at 62

Tinnitus is a common condition that affects around 45 million Americans, but is usually more prevalent in the 60-and-older age group. Here’s what you should know along with some tips and treatments that may help.

What is Tinnitus?

Tinnitus (pronounced tin-NIGHT-us or TIN-a-tus) is the sensation of hearing a ringing, buzzing, roaring, hissing or whistling sound in one or both ears when no external sound is present. The sounds, which can vary in pitch and loudness, are usually worse when background noise is low, so you may be more aware of it at night when you’re trying to fall asleep in a quiet room. For most people tinnitus is merely annoying, but for many others it can be extremely disturbing.

Tinnitus itself is not a disease, but rather a symptom of some other underlying health condition. The best way to find out what’s causing your tinnitus is to see an audiologist, or an otolaryngologist – a doctor who specializes in ear, nose and throat diseases (commonly called and ENT). The various things that can cause tinnitus are: • Age-related and noise-induced hearing loss – this is most common cause.

• Middle ear obstructions, which are usually caused by a build-up of earwax deep in the ear canal.

• The side effects of many different prescription and nonprescription medicines like aspirin, ibuprofen, certain blood pressure medicines and diuretics, some antidepressants, cancer medicines and antibiotics.

• Various medical conditions such as high blood pressure, vascular disease, diabetes, allergies, thyroid problems, ear or sinus infections, Meniere’s disease, Lyme disease, fibromyalgia, otosclerosis, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, a tumor, an injury to the head or neck,

While there’s currently no cure for tinnitus there are some ways to treat it depending on the cause. For example, if your tinnitus is caused by a wax build-up in your ears or a medical condition (high blood pressure, thyroid problem, etc.), treating the problem may reduce or eliminate the noise. Or, if you think a medication you’re taking may be causing the problem, switching to a different drug, or lowering the dosage may provide some relief.

Other Treatments

Another treatment option for tinnitus that can help suppress or mask the sound so its less bothersome are “sound therapies.” These can be as simple as a fan or a white noise machine, or something more sophisticated like a modified-sound or notched-music device like Neuromonics (neuromonics.com) or the Levo System (otoharmonics.com) that actually trains your brain not to hear the tinnitus.

Or, if you have hearing loss, hearing aids can help mask your tinnitus by improving your ability to hear actual sounds. There are even hearing aids today that come with integrated sound generation technology that delivers white noise or customized sounds to the patient on an ongoing basis.

Your audiologist or ENT can help you with these options.

There are also certain medications that may help. While currently there’s no FDA approved drugs specifically designed to treat tinnitus, some antianxiety drugs and antidepressants have been effective in reliving symptoms. Behavioral therapies, counseling and support groups can also be helpful.

Other things you can do to help quiet the noise is to avoid things that can aggravate the problem like salt, artificial sweeteners, sugar, alcohol, tonic water, tobacco and caffeine. And protect yourself from loud noises by wearing earplugs.

For more information on tinnitus treatment options, visit the American Tinnitus Association at ata.org.

Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.

Marketplace PAGE B6

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Activities APRIL 20, 2017  THE ADVOCATE

Holocaust Film Screening & Discussion APRIL 23, 1-3pm: Georgetown Public Library, Congregation Havurah Shalom and the Georgetown Public Library will mark Holocaust Remembrance Day with a screening and discussion of the documentary film “Defying the Nazis: The Sharps’ War,” followed by a moderated discussion Sunday, April 23 at 1 p.m.

“Defying the Nazis” tells the story of Waitstill and Martha Sharp, an American minister and his wife. Over the course of two years, the Sharps made journeys to Europe where they rescued numerous refugees fleeing the Nazi occupations in Europe. “Defying the Nazis” explores the Sharps’ work as well as the toll of their efforts on their own lives and those of their children, who were left in the care of their congregation in Massachusetts. A moderated discussion will follow the film. This event is free for the community, and does not require registration.

Man of La Mancha

APRIL 23, 2-4pm: Georgetown Palace Theatre. Dream the impossible

dream full of adventure and music led by the storyteller Miguel de Cervantes as he portrays the ultimate Knight Errant, Don Quixote! The wild winds of fortune have swept Cervantes into the Spanish Inquisition where he sits in jail awaiting trial. There he entertains his fellow prisoners with tales of chivalry and battles with evil (and windmills). Suggested rating: for Mature audiences only. Visit GeorgetownPalace.com

Wilco Woof Walk & Run

APRIL 23, 8:30am: The Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter is holding the 8th Annual Woof Walk & Wrun 5K presented by WCRAS. A timed USATF Certified (TX12050ETM) 5K run or an easy one mile stroll with or without your dog in beautiful Berry Springs Park and Preserve. This event, on April 23rd starting at 8:30 a.m. in Georgetown, TX, raises funds for the urgent outside veterinary care needed by the sick and injured dogs and cats brought to our shelter.

If you are not a fan of walking, running, or getting up early? Register for the Cat Nap Challenge and Save Lives by Sleeping In.

PAGE B7

Pledge to sleep in on April 23rd, wear your Cat Nap sleep mask and brag about your generous slumbers on Facebook or Twitter using the hashtag #WilcoCatNap. Visit Wilcopets.org.

Red Poppy Bike Ride

APRIL 29, 8am-4pm: Georgetown High School Annex; the13th Annual Red Poppy Ride. The Red Poppy Ride benefits the SERTOMA scholarship program for Georgetown ISD, the Williamson County Child Advocacy Center and the City of Georgetown Bicycle Patrol Unit.

Routes of approximately 14 (Family Circle), 27, 40, 50, 63, and 100 miles with START & FINISH at the GHS Annex. Ride starts at 8am; no riders leaving after 9am. Course closes at 4pm. Red Poppy 5k:

The Red Poppy 5k Run is on the same day at the same location. Sign-up for the Red Poppy 5k AND the Red Poppy Bike Ride.

Before you do, make sure you can finish the 5k in 40 minutes or under to allow you enough time to get started with the bike ride by 10am. If you choose to do this, then you need to register for the Red Poppy Bike Ride and choose a distance of 50 miles or less.

RedPoppyRide.org

Rocky Shaw

APRIL 22, 6-9pm: Live music from acoustic guitarist Rocky Shaw at the Sheraton Georgetown Hotel. Rocky will be singing Original and Classic Country songs on April 1st, 22nd and 29th, 2017 from 6pm to 9pm.

JOINT GENERAL AND SPECIAL ELECTIONS

EARLY VOTING

Monday, April 24 - Saturday April 29, 8am to 6pm Monday, May 1 and Tuesday, May 2, 7am to 7pm GEORGETOWN Williamson County Inner Loop Annex, 301 SE Inner Loop Georgetown Parks and Rec Admin Bldg, 1101 N College Street Georgetown School District Admin Bldg, 603 Lakeway Drive Cowan Creek Amenity Center, 1433 Cool Springs Way WILLIAMSON COUNTY Baca Senior Center, 301 W Bagdad Street, Bldg 2, Round Rock JB & Hallie Jester Annex, 1801 E Old Settlers Blvd, Round Rock Round Rock Randalls, 2051 Gattis School Road, Round Rock Brushy Creek Comm Ctr, 16318 Great Oaks Dr, Round Rock Anderson Mill Limited District, 11500 El Salido Parkway, Austin Cedar Park Fire Dept, #4, 150 Church Park Road, Cedar Park Cedar Park Public Library, 550 Discovery Boulevard, Cedar Park Cedar Park Randalls, 1400 Cypress Creek Road, Cedar Park Hutto School District Admin Bldg, 200 College Street, Hutto Taylor City Hall, 400 Porter Street, Taylor MOBILE-TEMPORARY LOCATIONS Monday, April 24 - Saturday, April 29, 10am to 6pm Monday, May 1 and Tuesday, May 2, 10am to 7pm Monday, April 24th Southwestern University - McCombs Campus Center, 1010 McKenzie Dr, Georgetown Tuesday, April 25th, SPJST Hall, 114 W Davilla St, Granger Wednesday, April 26th Bartlett Town Hall, 140 W Clark St Thursday, April 27th, Florence City Hall, 106 S Patterson Ave Fri, Apr 28th, Liberty Hill ISD Admin Board Rm, 301 Forrest St. Sat, Apr 29th, Clairmont Retirement, 12463 Los Indios Trl, Austin Sunday, April 30th, No Voting Mon, May 1st & Tues, May 2nd, Jarrell Int Library, 506 N 5th St