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Local Postal Customer GeorgetownAdvocate @Advocate_TX

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Central Texas’ Award-Winning Local News Source

Dedicated to Colton Turner Pelfrey

Early Voting Begins April 27 Registered voters in the City of Georgetown can vote early— beginning April 27 until Tuesday, May 5. Voters may vote in any voting center in the County. For a complete list of voting locations, visit Wilco.org/elections.

Vote in person April 27May 2 between 8:00am and 6:00pm. May 4-5 from 7:00am to 7:00pm. Polls are closed on May 3.

Voting for: City Council, Districts 1 and 5; Georgetown Board of Trustees Places 6 and 7; the Georgetown Road Bond projects approved February 10 by the City Council.

Gravell responds to death inquiries in Precinct 3 and talked about having to deal with the death of children and the difficulty of that part of his job. “This is not just an important day for our community and for Colton, but for our county. To the family, this building that stands behind me, is the most important building we have in Williamson County; where children who are hurt or in great need, come for refuge and comfort.”

Dr. Marsha Farney, State Representative Dr. Marsha Farney, JP3 Bill Gravell, Jr., Dept. of Family and Protective who was instrumental in getting House Bill Services Commissioner John Specia, Texas Senator Dr. Charles Schwertner.

2053 out of commitby Ann Marie Ludlow the county and the state’s committee, in a unanimous ment to Colton’s family and their vote, followed. “The Texas House work to break the cycle of abuse, he Williamson County ChilCommittee on Juvenile and Famone child at a time. dren’s Advocacy Center (WCily Issues voted Wednesday night The ceremony was underCAC) hosted an Open House and to approve House Bill 2053, also written by Cook-Walden/Davis Dedication of Colton’s Way on known as Colton’s Law and I have Funeral Home, and several other April 17. never seen a bill get to the floor so local businesses provided gifts Thanks to the outpouring of quickly.” and services. It was attended by community support, and with If passed, it will streamline the nearly every elected official in the blessing of Colton’s famprocess by which CPS will be Williamson County, as well as ily, WCCAC renovated three able to reach a child classified as law enforcement, members of playrooms and a special area of “unlocatable.” Farney said “We Bikers Against Child Abuse, and what Judge Bill Gravell called are taking something that is like many of the 110 members of the the most important building in a rowboat, and replacing it with a Children’s Protection Team.

Williamson County, and renamed motorboat. We are expediting the Judge Bill Gravell spoke on the space “Colton’s Way.” The See Colton, page 7 unveiling and dedication affirmed behalf of elected officials. Judge

by Mike Payne

PAC Chair Tom Crawford urges voters to support $105 million Road Bond proposal.

It is impossible to spend any time on the study of the future of traffic in towns without at once being appalled by the magnitude of the emergency that is coming upon us. We are nourishing, at immense cost, a monster of great

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potential destructiveness, and yet we love him dearly. To refuse to accept the challenge it presents would be an act of defeatism.

Believe it or not, this is not a quote from a 2015 Texas Road Bond advocate. It was writ-

A ‘For’ vote on this bond issuance will allow us to maintain the exceptional quality of life we all enjoy here in Georgetown.”

Tom Crawford

ten by the U.K.’s Minister of Transportation—a professor and engineer— in 1963. Motor transport has always been and will always be one of the most crucial components of urban planning and development.

Any read of Central Texas media over the last three years will yield a host of mentions of “smart growth” and discussions about “responsible development.”

Cities with rapid population growth often face a trade-off See Bond, page 11

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APRIL 21, 2015  THE ADVOCATE

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CITY DESK

Grant Funds Available

The City of Georgetown is now accepting applications from eligible 501(c)3 agencies for Strategic Partnerships for Community Services Grant Funding for the City’s fiscal year, which begins October 1, 2015.

Funding decisions will be made by the City Council and subject to the availability of funds. Inquiries can be made and information found at www.georgetown. org.

The minimum grant that can be applied for is $10,000 and the maximum grant is $50,000.

The City will no longer require the agencies who apply for funding to make presentations to the Council or to the SPCS Advisory Board.

The Applications will be scored based on the agencies’ eligibility per the Policy and Guidelines, as well as the completeness of the applications.

Mail or deliver completed applications to Strategic Partnerships for Community Services Grant Funding Management Services Division City Hall, City of Georgetown. P. O. Box 409 113 E. 8th Street Georgetown, TX 786270409.

The deadline is Friday, May 15 by 5:00pm.

Please call City Hall at 930-3723 if you have any questions.

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The City’s announcement that the municipal utility will be powered by 100 percent renewable energy has garnered some attention. And probably some questions.

What led to this decision to go 100 percent wind and solar? How will a wind farm in the Panhandle and a solar farm in West Texas provide our energy needs?

What happens on a calm, cloudy day?

To mark Earth Day, a panel at the Georgetown Public Library will address the City’s move toward sustainable energy production for our community. The panel will be on Wednesday, April 22 at 6:30 p.m. in the Hewlett Room.

The panel will include Jim Briggs, general manager for Georgetown Utility Systems and interim city manager, and Chris Foster, manager of resource

planning and integration for Georgetown Utility Systems. Briggs and Foster will talk about the steps that led to the decision to purchase wind and solar power for the city and explain how it will work. After their talk there will be time for questions and answers.

This educational Earth Day event is free and open to the public.

Woof Walk & Wrun 5K April 26 Join the Cat Nap Challenge and Sleep in to Save Lives

Now there are two ways animal lovers can participate with the Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter in raising money for the medical needs of shelter animals.

If you are a dog lover, grab a four-legged running buddy on Sunday, April 26, and head to the 6th Annual Woof Walk & Wrun 5k at Williamson County’s Berry Springs Park, 1801 C.R. 152, in Georgetown.

If you are a cat lover, pull up the covers on April 26 and take an extra hour or two to snooze during the Cat Nap Challenge!

Proceeds from both events will benefit Jane’s Fund providing medical support for animals of the Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter with treatable injuries.

The Woof Walk and Wrun 5K begins at 8:30 a.m. Several registration categories are offered

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including 5K Timed Individual, 5K Timed Team, 1 Mile Individual, and 1 Mile Team. The fee for the 5K Timed Individual is $27 until April 20 and $35 up through race day. The 5K course is USATF Certified (TX12050ETM). Online entries will be processed until midnight on Friday, April 24. Race day signups will be available for late entries.

Runners are encouraged to bring along their favorite training partners, including canine friends. For dogs to participate, the following guidelines have been established: · No retractable leashes · Evidence of vaccinations required at check-in/ packet pickup. · Dogs must be older than 8 weeks to participate.

To participate in the Cat Nap Challenge, simply pledge to sleep in on April 26, wear your Cat Nap sleep mask, and brag about your generous slumbers on Facebook or Twitter using the hashtag #WilcoCatNap. The cost is $20 until April 20 and $25 after.

For additional details go to www.wilcopets.org, contact Misty Valenta at mvalenta@wilco.org, or call the shelter at 512.943.3322.

Art for Animals May 9

Tickets are available for the 2015 Art for Animals auction, May 9 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Georgetown Community Center. Guests will enjoy art, wine or coffee, and chocolate desserts—the perfect combina-

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

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

Copyright © 2015 Fidelis Publishing Group, LLC- All Rights Reserved

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

First Class Mail Subscriptions: $37.00 / 26 issues Georgetown Advocate P.O. Box 213 Jarrell, TX 76537

tion for animal lovers!

The fundraiser is sponsored by the Friends of the Georgetown Animal Shelter and is their biggest fundraiser.

This year there will be a silent auction and raffle, but no live auction. Themed gift baskets (e.g., golf outing, spa weekend) will be raffled at the event. For $10, each attendee will receive 25 raffle tickets that can be apportioned to the available gift baskets as desired.

Christy Hullum, 2014 Friends President says, “The proceeds from Art for Animals have a huge positive impact on the animals at the shelter. We were recently able to upgrade our adoption trailer to better showcase the dogs and increase their chances of finding forever families.

The Friends group is able to provide equipment and services to the shelter to improve the lives of the animals while they are there, and to help animals throughout the community.”

The shelter website is pets. georgetown.org.

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

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

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THE ADVOCATE  APRIL 21, 2015

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PUBLIC SAFETY

Where Duty Calls, There You Will Find Us John Sullivan, Georgetown Fire Chief

After more

than two years of discussion, the Georgetown Fire Department has been given the green light to implement a more robust emergency response system. The City Council contemplated several options and after months of analysis and deliberation, voted to assume full responsibility for pre-hospital medical services that include ambulance transport.

The new program is slated to begin October 1 and will include the deployment of four Transitional Response Vehicles— similar in design to an ambulance—that will be responsible for transporting sick or injured people to the hospital. Additionally, our department will be placing advanced medical equipment and personnel on the fire engines to improve public access to advanced care.

On each fire engine and TRV, you will find us proudly displaying our motto that has served as a daily compass for more than a century. It reads, Where duty calls, there you will find us. Not only is this motto permanently affixed to each vehicle, it is also engrained in the hearts of each of our members.

When the Fire Department was established in 1881, our sole purpose was to extinguish fires. Today, our responsibility is much broader and includes a strong focus on medical emergencies.

As fire chief for the Georgetown Fire Department, I believe that, regardless of the emergency type, it is our responsibility to get there quickly, solve the problem, and be nice.

Get There Quickly

Access to pre-hospital care begins with early identification of an emergency and activation of the 911 system. The activation of the 911 system is what Georgetown seeks to improve.

The current system is fragmented and

requires the dispatch operator to send a Georgetown Fire Department vehicle to the emergency incident and then transfer the call to Williamson County so that they can send an ambulance.

Under the new program, 911 calls will be managed by the Georgetown Public Safety Answering Point and allow the City to monitor and dispatch Police, Fire and EMS. The City 911 will no longer need to transfer the City’s medical calls to the County because ambulances will be managed under the Georgetown system. This will undoubtedly improve response times and reduce confusion to the 911 caller that is reporting a medical emergency.

As part of the plan, the City will be deploying a new station alerting software that will improve the 911 call taking process.

The goal is to reduce distractions and allow our dispatchers to focus on the needs of the 911 caller by providing pre-arrival care instructions, such as those related to CPR or choking.

Over the past year, our department has initiated a program that requires Automatic External Defibrillators to be registered with the City. The purpose of the registration is to allow dispatchers to quickly identify the closest AED location and provide this valuable information to the 911 caller. We have also begun a public outreach campaign that seeks to train at least 20 percent of the population in CPR. Early initiation of CPR and use of an AED, in cardiac arrest, plays a key role in saving lives. This allows the Fire Department to quickly transition into the provision of definitive care upon their arrival.

embrace the concept of being a “perpetual student” who continually seeks to improve themselves and the organization.

The City is growing and so is the frequency of emergency medical calls. It is commonplace for more than one medical emergency to occur, at the same time, and this limits the ability for an ambulance to be available in every area of the City. The department seeks to address this issue by placing advanced medical equipment, such

See EMS, p.10

Solve the Problem

It is a misnomer to think that the Fire Department is primarily responsible for fighting fires because fires account for only 3-5 percent of Georgetown’s annual call volume. Medical emergencies are the more common problem and the needs range from a sick person to a motor vehicle collision, rescue or cardiac arrest.

Georgetown Fire responds to an average of 20 emergency calls each day and the majority of the calls, nearly 75 percent, require the firefighters to perform medical interventions. All members of the Fire Department are trained in pre-hospital emergency medicine. The primary change is that the

State of the Art Vehicles for EMS Program ing, and will save the city a lot of money and time over their lifespans.

Initially, two will be staffed and one will remain in reserve.

In the past, emergency equipment Top: Members of Station 2, Engine 2; Lt. Michael Vaughn (EMT), Garey Jackson (Driver/ and heat/air conditioning Engineer/EMT), and Jake Mattern (Firefighter/ Paramedic) Bottom: Station #2 new ambulance; in the back of the vehicle generator at bottom left of photo. drew power from the he Georgetown Fire Deengine. When either broke partment received Council down or wore out, the enapproval last month and took delivery of three Fraz- tire vehicle was done. The new ambulances separate er ambulances this week. the chassis from the mediThe new models are a cal and have separate power leap ahead in manufactursources. The back of the

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department is now expanding the number of advanced medical providers, commonly known as paramedics. My plan is to have approximately 25 percent of the workforce trained at the advanced level. We recently completed a nationwide search for paramedics and training them to be firefighters.

These new members are going through an intensive training academy and credentialing process to ensure skill proficiency to nationally modeled standards. Moreover, we expect our members to maintain skill proficiency throughout their career and

ambulance runs on its own generator and has a separate air conditioner.

Lt. Travis Vinton explained that a chassis typically lasts about five years— at 4,500 calls per year—and the ambulance lasts ten years. The savings comes from replacing the emergency equipment only half as often, and the simplicity of transferring an ambulance to a new chassis in the event of a breakdown. The vehicle is out of service for hours rather than days, and medical standards are continuously maintained.

Vinton said, “Only a few places in Texas use these vehicles right now, but we were determined to set the standards very high and be good stewards of the city’s tax money.”

Lt. Vinton invites citizens to come to Station #2 to have a look at the new ambulances anytime.

Stop by. We’d love to meet you.

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APRIL 21, 2015  THE ADVOCATE

GEORGETOWN

Kiwanis and Mad Hatters Photos/BRAD STUTZMAN

The Mad Hatters from Sun

City performed “Jack and the Beanstalk” on April 6 for children at Rawleigh Elliott Early Head Start in Georgetown. The troupe, which is part of the Actors and Theatre Guild at Sun City, performed in advance of national Week of the Young Child. After finishing at Rawleigh Elliott, the group performed across the street for children at Mary Bailey Head Start.

The Georgetown Head Start and Early Head Start centers serve approximately 150 children from age 0-4.

Head Start is an agency of Williamson Burnet County Opportunities, providing comprehensive early-childhood education, nutrition and parental involvement services to low-income children and their families.

Mad Hatters performs for more than 5,000 children each year throughout the Georgetown area.

The troupe also presents programs for Alzheimer’s patients.

The Mad Hatters have two performing groups of six to eight members who read and act traditional fairy tales for their audiences. One group performs for Head Start programs, nursery schools, and prekindergarten age children.

The second group performs for the Georgetown ISD elementary schools. Both perform for Alzheimer’s patients. The groups perform throughout the school year and are seen by approximately 5,000 children each year. Many children remember the Mad Hatters from the previous year and

greet them with joy.

The Mad Hatters program was the hard work of one of AcTAG’s long-time members, Helen Coulter, who has been involved in professional storytelling most of her life. During her volunteer work with children in Dallas, Texas, Helen learned the beauty of stimulating young minds. (L-R) Donna Sandercock, Kay Stauss, Dolores Portugal, Audrey Verri, Carol Banks and Trudy Glackin.

Helen and her members help by creatdeveloping a group to tell ters began. With Helen’s husband, Al, moved to Sun ing the hats, writing the stories to children. Helen dedication the program has City Texas in December stories, and participating as asked Gary Miller, an served the community for 1998 and she immediately storytellers. All involved in AcTAG member and writer, more than 10 years. Today, joined the Actors &Thethe program love their work Mad Hatters dress in black to adapt the fairy tales into atre Arts Guild. One of the and say that they receive far and wear special hats to foshort play/stories suitable members, Judy Weckerly, more than they give. cus every child’s attention for the children. approached Helen about on the fairy tale. AcTAG And so, the Mad Hat-

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“This year, in addition to our regular capital spending, we are making additional investments in the state as part of Operation GigaSpeed, through which

Abilene, Bryan-College Station, Midland, San Angelo, Georgetown, Tyler, Victoria, Conroe, Kingwood and Nacogdoches are the largest among Suddenlink-served communities in the state. Nationally, Suddenlink is the seventh largest cable operator, supporting the information, communication and entertainment demands of approximately 1.4 million residential and commercial customers in Arkansas, Louisiana, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Texas, West Virginia and elsewhere.

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WilCo Economic Partnership a Reality Taking advantage of and

fostering greater growth, Williamson County has joined the fraternity, quite literally, of economic development organizations with its own Economic Development Partnership (EDP).

Under the guidance of County Judge Dan Gattis, leaders of the economic development agencies of Georgetown, Round Rock, Cedar Park, Leander, Jarrell, Hutto and Taylor have come together to help diversify the county tax base and create quality jobs. The board of the new entity includes President Ben White (Round Rock), Vice President Sean Stockard (Taylor) and Sec’y/Treasurer Larry Holt (Cedar Park).

County and member community contributions rather than taxpayer money.

White is very optimistic about the variety of projects possible via the group’s collective experience. “We all have the right background and we know what works so all the participants are very excited about the potential.” He is also confident of the impact to be made with a cohesive marketing approach for the county as a whole. “A rising tide lifts all boats; has been our tag line in Round Rock for the past 40 years. Given the diversity and geography of our area, having our development groups working together will preserve our regional approach and when one wins, we all win.”

Jarrell Mayor Larry Bush, Jarrell EDC Pres Wayne Cavalier; “Jarrell represents the future of Central Texas development.”, EDC Member Gene Richards.

The WEDP celebrated the creation of the partnership and launch of its new website WilcoEDP.com. The new website is designed to bring attention to the benefits of locating a business in Williamson County. Each of the participating cities also has information about their particular community and what it has to offer.

Still in the organization phase, the EDP is funded by

Oversight of the group is provided by the County Judge and Commissioners’ court and it will be managed by volunteer officers, all of whom occupy executive positions in their respective communities.

Members will attend trade shows as a county organization to demonstrate the solidarity of all communities and further the course of regionalism.

THE ADVOCATE  APRIL 21, 2015

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WILLIAMSON COUNTY

G’town Luxury Living One Step Closer to Reality As consumer interest

continues to grow, progress on the Seven Strand Luxury Senior Living development (SSLSL) moves forward.

Preliminary work is underway on the traffic analysis and geotechnical reports and engineering components of the site plan are also commencing.

Based on feedback from the residents during the Planned Unit Development (PUD) process, the landscape architect recently began the design of the perimeter landscape.

The continuing design of SSLSL is also taking into account feedback obtained from an advisory group made up of residents of Sun City.

CEO Brian Blaylock states, “For many Sun City residents, this will be their next home. It is important that they have a voice in the build-out phase. To that end, we have asked potential future residents to work with us through the design process. The group provides feedback relative to condo sizes, finishes, as

well as the amenities they feel are important to resort style living.

“We are taking all of this into consideration and will continue to seek input where we can.”

Seven Strand Luxury Senior Living is an Independent Living Resort slated to open in 2016. For more information, please visit SevenStrand.com

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APRIL 21, 2015  THE ADVOCATE

LOCAL BUSINESS

“Fresh” and “Two Rivers” is Good FOR You, Too

by Ann Marie Ludlow

Bob Weimer, operating manager of Two Rivers Market and Nelson

raw foods. The market fills a need in town for healthy snacks and natural foods.

The market will be open 7am-9pm six days a week (closed on Sundays).

Fresh is owned by Nelson Adams, a former professional chef who opened his own business so he could spend more time with his kids. First, he got a business degree in accounting, and later decided to be his own boss and exercise his culinary creativity at the same time. Now, Fresh is Two Rivers’ primary customer; buying up ingredients for the 700-plus lunches Adams prepares and delivers to local businesses in Georgetown every day.

Adams prepares menus

Fresh’s Nelson Adams prepares yeast for fresh bread. Below: Bob Weimer and Chef Adams showing off the finished product.

Adams of Fresh Food Catering have teamed up to bring fresh-baked artisan breads and natural foods to Georgetown. A marriage of great products, great baking, and darn if it ain’t all good for you, too.

Two Rivers Market opens its doors in San Gabriel Motor Court late this week and has vegetables, fruits, grains, drinks, and a host of

weekly and group orders are ready with a 24-hour call-ahead. Lunches are a flat $7.50 and have grown in popularity by word-ofmouth marketing.

“It’s a total myth that health food is, or has to be expensive,” says Adams.

“People are pleasantly surprised by the amount of food they get and the fact that it’s all natural. But

healthy food is for everyone, and it should always be affordable.”

Adams and Weimer knew Fresh and the Market were a good concept, and both are pleased to take advantage of the symbiotic success. “We don’t preach healthy eating,” Weimer says, “If you choose to eat healthy food, that’s great.

If you enjoy it, that’s even better! We decided we had the ability to sell what we think about.”

Adams agrees; “Fresh lunches are the perfect alternative to mass-production food for people who don’t have time to prepare it themselves or can’t visit a sit-down restaurant Monday to Friday for lunch. We are also able to meet dietary needs of our customers and will be happy to discuss options like low-carb or gluten-free.”

Chef Adams can be found in his kitchen experimenting with new flavors and combinations when not preparing lunch for Georgetown; like fresh cranberry and pine nut bread or some such flavor mix. For those who are not part of a business group, Fresh is open Saturday mornings from 8:00am until all the weekly sweets and sandwiches are sold.

The Texas coffee is free, and his hand-made chocolate croissants are a great crunchy-on-the-outside and chocolate-in-every-bite kind of experience. His gluten-free mini-cakes taste good enough for twice what he charges (but don’t tell him I said that). Worth getting up early on a Saturday.

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COLTON, CONT FROM P.1

process to empower CPS to strengthen this agency to help them do the best of what they need to do.”

Previously, CPS had 60 days to locate a child, then a special investigator had 30 days to search before the case would go to the District Attorney. A child could be missing for up to 150 days under these circumstances.

“What Colton’s Law does,” Farney continued, “if CPS is unable to locate a child who is a Priority 1 risk, with the potential of abuse or neglect, CPS will be able to intervene after seven days.”

Colton’s Law also solves the problem of jurisdiction, so any law enforcement

Left: WCCAC Executive Director Monica Benoit-Beatty reads over Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s proclamation for Colton’s Way. Bottom: Law enforcement from Leander, Georgetown, Cedar Park and Williamson County form part of the “wall,” as described by Judge Bill Gravell, against child abuse.

agency will have access to information about a child who is the subject of a search.

The WCCAC unveiled their refurbished playrooms, named for Colton, to remember his life and remind everyone that because of his death, children’s lives will be saved in Texas.

Colton’s cousin Lexy Harris spoke very articulately on behalf of the family. “He was a beautiful human being and no one could understand what was happening to him.

We hope we can use this opportunity to celebrate his life and ask our community to be aware and speak for kids who can’t speak for

themselves.”

Colton’s story has been shared many times, but many still live with abuse.

Harris was adamant that abusers should not be able to negotiate please, and addressed the officials directly; “Colton was failed in life and should not be failed in death. By passing HB2053 and not allowing the people responsible for his death to get away with it, you are sending a message to anyone who dares lay their hands on helpless children. Thank you guys!”

Visit WilcoCAC.org if you’d like to join the fight against child abuse.

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7

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APRIL 21, 2015  THE ADVOCATE

AROUND TOWN

City of Jarrell Gets An A+

by Mike Payne

as a corporation or state or city government, to meet its financial obligations in full and on time.

Credit ratings can also speak to the credit quality of an individual debt issue, such as a corporate note, a municipal bond or a mortgage-backed security, and the relative likelihood that the issue may default.

Ratings range from AAA to D. On March 8, 2015 Standard and Poor’s (S&P) gave the city an A+ rating.

Specialty Public Finance,

As part of the package in

buying the water system from developer Troy Bradshaw, the City of Jarrell engaged the firm of Standard and Poor’s to rate the city and its financial strength independently.

Credit ratings are forward-looking opinions about credit risk. Standard & Poor’s credit ratings express the agency’s opinion about the ability and willingness of an issuer, such

the firm engaged to help the city of Jarrell through the rating process and the funding of the water system, noted the following: S&P rated the city at A+, with a stable outlook. This is really good for a city of your size.

Positives: Growth in revenues and strong cash position; Weaknesses: Heavy reliance on sales tax revenues, which could be volatile; Water and Sewer system is not self-supporting at this time. (Too small at this

time;) Moving forward, the city should keep a strong cash position and as AC grows and utility connections grow, you should move up in the ratings.

“Of course, having an A+ rating is exceptional for a city of our size that is no older than Jarrell is,” commented Jarrell Mayor Larry Bush. The Mayor applauded the diligence of past administrations, saying, “This rating speaks volumes to my predecessors, who have, with forethought and diligence, kept Jarrell on a path that is now paying us back in the form of this

A+ rating.”

Mayor Bush went on to outline additional benefits of the stellar rating which include the ability to purchase the water tower outright from investor Troy Bradshaw who initiated and financed the project, as well as construct an additional 500,000-gallon water-storage tank to assist the city in the event of a water emergency. “We are grateful to Troy Bradshaw for his investment in the water tower, which has contributed greatly to our ability to grow. It is an exciting time

to

be leading Jarrell in to the future. I look forward to many great things happening as we continue to grow,” concluded the Mayor.

Area Students Honored by DAR Seniors and middle school

tion station; the students were asked to imagine themselves as a child at Ellis Island in 1892. Caden Lestage was the chapter winner from the sixth grade and Sharly Briggs was the eighth grade winner.

Sharly also won the State of Texas award, which included a certificate and medal awarded at the State Conference last month.

students were honored at the Daniel Coleman Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution Awards Ceremony April 11.

Eight students from three schools wrote essays for the American History Essay Contest open to students grades 5-8. This year is the 125th anniversary of Ellis Island as an immigra-

Left: Good Citizens contestants are Amanda Peck (winner), Rene Piotrowski (DAR Chapter Regent), Hallie Supak, Emily Risinger, and Andrew Allen. Not shown are Cara Smith, Haley Boatright and Quinlan Granger. Right: American History contestants are Caden Lestage (sixth grade winner), Sharly Briggs (eighth grade winner), and Catalina Mulhollan shown with DAR Chapter Regent, Rene Piotrowski. Not shown are Alex Byrd, Michael Pazak and Annmarie Walling.

Another educational program offered by the Daughters of the American Revolution is the Good Citizens Program and Essay

Mother’s Day at the VFW

Contest. Schools nominate a graduating senior as Good Citizen for 2015. Students must exhibit the qualities of dependability, service, leadership and patriotism.

Once selected as a school’s Good Citizen, the student is offered the opportunity to participate in the scholarship portion of the program. The student must

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demonstrate how he or she incorporates the qualities of a Good Citizen in daily life, two letters of recommendation, and a transcript. The student is given two hours without resource material to write an essay on a topic pertaining to their American heritage. The chapter winner’s essay is then eligible for judging on the district and state level.

This year’s Daniel Coleman Chapter winner is Amanda Peck from Hutto High School. She will receive a $500 scholarship.

Andrew Allen will attend UT-Austin, Haley Boatright and Morgan Oliver will Attend Texas A&M, Emily Risinger will attend the University of Texas at Dallas and Amanda Peck will attend Baylor.

THE ADVOCATE  APRIL 21, 2015

M edicine t he w ay i t

by Jim Kelley

Libraries have been written on the subject of Alzheimer’s and there still is no consensus among professionals. What has developed over the years is the realization that we are actually dealing with a number of different entities that have a few common traits.

I think when the dust settles we are going to see a focus on the plaques composed of amyloid beta peptides (Aβ). Where do these Aβ come from you ask? We make them as a byproduct of our brains’ normal function. Our brain generates hundreds of thousands of new connections between neurons every day. To make these new connections, the brain cells generate long protein chains. Enzymes will cut up the protein and sometimes Aβ are left over from this construction process. They will to clump together and form what look like small tar balls in tissue sections of the brain. These are small toxic waste dumps in your brain and they have numerous ways to kill it.

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For more in-depth information on brain function inhibition, read the online version of this article at www.WilcoOnline.com The hippocampus is a critical structure for the management of memory.

The first image (above, right) below is of healthy hippocampal neurons. The image to its right shows hippocampal neurons whose membranes have been compromised by nearby Aβ contamination. The third image is of healthy endothelial cells in the capillaries of the brain.

The fourth image shows shriveled cells due to exposure of Aβ.

There is been a wellestablished genetic connection involving what is called apolipoprotein E4.

This gene expression causes the production of proteins containing greater concentrations of Aβ.

The presence of Aβ greatly also magnifies the oxidative stress I discussed in a previous issue of the Advocate. Atherosclerosis

Office Hours: Mon., Wed., Fri. 8 am - 5 pm | Tues. 8 am - Noon is greatly accelerated.

When the cell walls of the neurons are breached, free radicals generated by the mitochondria are released and add to the destruction. Another feature of Alzheimer’s are the neurofibrillary tangles that are remnants of the internal circulatory system of the neurons. Exposure to Aβ causes them to combine and contort. The destructive cascade increases logarithmically.

Medication interventions have been documented as ineffectual after an initial month or so. Some research focuses on discovering existing mechanisms in the body that would control the accumulation of Aβ, such as misbehaving immune cells consuming the amino acid arginine, which likely limits the accumulation of this malefactor. Some organisms and head injuries and excessive calorie intake ramps up the accumulation of Aβ.

The surprisingly effective

lifestyle of Minnesota nuns (described in my January 27 article) remains the most effective intervention with the possible addition of intense supplementation of a variety of antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids.

Four hundred (400) iu of vitamin E plus 3000 mg of vitamin C taken throughout the day has been shown to be effective in slowing the destructive process.

At the Center for Power Filled Living we’ve been successful using EEG neurofeedback to arrest progress of Alzheimer’s if we begin training at or before stage 3. The mechanism is well-established in the research literature as the “use it or lose it” approach.

EEG neurofeedback is an aggressive form of brain

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exercise and training that hopefully stimulates the connective growth of the brain more rapidly than the Alzheimer’s process degrades it. For this approach, training must begin before the avalanche of destruction is too great and can actually restore some function while it holds the line against the destruction. I must emphasize that this is not a cure as some clients have assumed, and been disappointed. It is a very powerful way to keep what you do have from being lost if applied consistently. We typically encourage these clients to purchase their own equipment for daily home-based training, since this is a war of attrition that must be kept in our favor.

In the Journal of Neurol-

ogy, a study reviewed 70 people with Alzheimer’s.

It concluded those who place a high importance on religious beliefs and private prayer had significantly slower progression of the disease. Several studies indicate that a practice of 15 minutes or longer of organized prayer reducethe danger of Alzheimer’s by half.

Psa 116:4 Then called I upon the name of the Lord: O Lord, I beseech You, save my life and deliver me! Gracious is the Lord, and righteous; yes, our God is merciful. The Lord preserves the simple; I was brought low, and He helped and saved me. Return to your rest, O my soul, for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you.

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Residents & Businesses Join us!

Saturday, April 25 • 8 am - Noon TAKE PRIDE IN OUR CITY! * HeIp your neighbors * Keep Jarrell clean * Improve our community

Collection Site: City Storage Facility (Quonset Hut) 13201 N IH-35 • Jarrell

Construction material, limbs, metal, etc. will be accepted Hazardous materials including tires, batteries, oil, paint, etc. WILL NOT be accepted For Information, contact: Johnny Pena 512.508.4404 | Jarrell City Hall 512.746.4593

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APRIL 21, 2015  THE ADVOCATE

EMS, FROM P.3

e m o H

for emergent and non-emergent medical transport. This clearly frames the need for improved oversight and accountability.

To address the aforementioned issue, I will be proposing an emergency medical services franchise ordinance that will require ambulance providers be licensed by the City. Moreover, it allows the City to establish performance/accountability measures. The primary purpose is to protect the interests of Georgetown residents that rely upon these services. Additionally, it will promote greater transparency on the non-emergent billing practices and protect the financial interests of the residents.

as 12-lead cardiac monitors, on the fire engines. This will allow the department to administer lifesaving interventions, such as recognition of an imminent heart attack, prior to the arrival of an ambulance. With the exception of transporting patients, the newly-outfitted fire engines will be capable of doing everything that can be done on an ambulance. More simply, it can be considered a “rolling” emergency room that stabilizes the patient prior to the hospital.

The department will also be establishing formal mutual aid agreements to provide additional resources during mass casualty incidents or large scale emergencies.

The Transitional Response Vehicle will function similarly to an ambulance and allow the department to be prepared for its role as an all-hazard emergency response provider. The TRVs will be staffed with medical professionals that are cross-trained as firefighters. The TRVs will be primarily responsible for the care and transport of Georgetown residents experiencing a medical emergency. The secondary role will allow these vehicles to respond to other hazardous events, such as fires, car accidents, and rescue situations. At these incidents, TRVs and their crew will function as an Initial Rapid Intervention Crew, rescue team, or simply as an extension of the fire engine personnel. This allows the Department to improve safety and efficiency at a broad range of emergency incidents.

Because the fire department had historically transferred the patient to Williamson County EMS, it was unable to be reimbursed, through insurance, for the costs of the service. Under the new program, Georgetown will be treating and transporting the patients and this will allow the City to recover the new operational costs through medical insurance reimbursement, rather than solely rely upon taxes.

Another problem facing the City is the growing number of assisted living/care facilities and seniors who require nonemergent medical transport. With nearly 34 percent of our population of retirement age, the City is preparing for increased demand

s n a Lo

“Be Nice”

It is Georgetown Fire’s mission to “be nice” to each person we encounter, regardless of socioeconomic background, ethnicity, or demeanor. People call us when they are at their worst (having a bad day) and we need to be at our best. It is easy to do the right thing if you remember the Golden Rule and treat people like they want to be treated…treat them like they are family.

For the past 134 years, residents have relied on us, Georgetown Fire, to help during the most trying times. Despite all this change, we remain grounded to our core strengths. This is within our members, excellent customer service, high professional standards, community pride, and humility.

Last year, we completed a strategic plan and developed a simplified mission statement that reads “Our mission is to prepare, prevent, protect, and provide caring service to the City of Georgetown and surrounding region.” The vision statement goes on to say that we want to be “best known as a caring service provider.”

People expect us to solve their emergency problems and it is our responsibility to be compassionate, professional, and caring.

I believe that viewing those who receive emergency services as customers, rather than victims, is an important distinction.

We do not just feel sorry for our customers, we help them. Our department operates on the premise that, regardless of the emergency need, we are in the “business” of helping people.

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We offer an array of mortgage loan products with flexible features designed for EVERYONE!

As You begin The Home Loan Process, Keep These Considerations In Mind.

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Ask us about a loan program that’s suitable for you.

How Much Money Will I Need At Closing?

Your down payment & any costs not paid by the seller will be due at the time of closing.

What Are Closing Costs?

There are a variety of costs needed to fund a loan & purchase a home.

We will let you know about all of these expenses up front.

Watching over Jarrell’s growth: • Information on economic development incentives • Assistance with the City’s permitting process • Available land and facilities

For More Information: Tommy Sladecek, Senior Vice-President- Eagle Bank Eagle Bank, A Branch of Round Top State Bank – Jarrell 512-746-2531 or TSladecek@eagle-bank.com Johnnie Mikeska, Regional President – Eagle Bank Eagle Bank, A Branch of Round Top State Bank – Round Rock 512-218-3903 or JMikeska@eagle-bank.com

Equal Housing Lender. Some products may not be available in all states. Credit & collateral are subject to approval.

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THE ADVOCATE  APRIL 21, 2015

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Tom Crawford, speaking for the Road Bond PAC. The 7-member Road Bond Committee, appointed

by Mayor Dale Ross, objectives included: • Reducing traffic on Williams Drive and improved circulation in the gateway area; • Reduce traffic on Highway 29; • Repair sidewalks with ADA compliance and

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between immediate consumption and long-term investment. Knowing how and what to choose between necessities like water and housing, versus investing in transportation, hospitals and education, is essential to successful long-term growth.

Due to Central Texas’ unprecedented growth, it is no coincidence that we have entered a period of

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INSURANCE significant investment in the state’s people (jobs) and infrastructure (roads).

The 2015 Road Bond package would provide funding for ten construction projects, and planning and design for ten others over the next ten years at a cost of $105 million.

“The PAC has concluded that this program will meet our most urgent immediate needs in the amount of $105 million dollars. It includes the most important projects that can be completed in a ten year period. A ‘for’ vote on this bond issuance will allow us to maintain the exceptional quality of life we all enjoy here in Georgetown,” urges

safety issues; • Reduce congestion and improve flow on Leander Road; • Improve intersection management; • Improve accessibility to ISD facilities, and from Austin avenue & FM 971; • Improve safety and access from Highway 29 to Sam Houston Avenue; • Improve capacity and safety of eastern Hwy 29; If the bond is approved by the voters on May 9, the potential property tax increase will be a maximum of $.02 per $100 of property per year, and not more than $.10 over ten years.

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APRIL 21, 2015  THE ADVOCATE

FAITH & LIFESTYLES

The 300

by Butch Horton

What would you say, if

you had the opportunity to

I

Gettin’ My Texas On

have a confession. I was born and raised in Virginia.

Virginia is a great state and I’m quite proud of it. It is the birthplace of 7 presidents and SEAL Team 6; the largest office building in the world (the 5-sided Pentagon), over 4-hundred years of recorded history (Jamestown, 1607), the University founded by our 3rd president, top 2 highest

write this 300-word article, read monthly by thousands?

What would drive your thoughts as you considered your topic? As I have, you might consider in your mind the reactions of the reader. Hopefully, you would want your words to have a positive impact on those who took the time to read them.

My prayer is that you would read these words with an open mind and an open heart; that you would sincerely consider your current spiritual status. Having

been given such a wonderful, genuinely life-changing message to share compels me to select each and every word with the intent to capture your heart’s attention.

You see, I fully understand that this is a divine opportunity not to be taken lightly.

I know full well that the word of God can change the life of one who reads it with their heart wide-open.

Each week at Open Road Biker Church I have the opportunity to speak with people who have been absolutely and undeniably

changed by the power of God’s Word; people who had perhaps lost belief in themselves and came seeking for hope in life - they’re at church each week; people bringing their broken lives, humbly laying them before the Lord and praying for His grace.

As the church, we all have one very beautiful thing in common; that is that we have placed our faith in Jesus as the Son of God. We gather to worship Him. We pray for those struggling through life

alone, without a Savior; people struggling to find the peace in this life that is made available only through faith in Jesus. So, what would I say to you who are searching? I would quote the words of Jesus because they are truth.

John 11:25 NLT [25] Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying.

He loves you, He died for you, He’s coming back someday for those who believe in Him.

income counties, and the 1st original colony. Not too shabby.

However, when it comes to citizens who show pride in and identity with one’s state, Virginia gets pantsed in the schoolyard by Texas.

Texas has ten of the fastest growing cities in the country; and is luring people and companies from, say, California; another state with an identity—but perhaps good barbecue and good jobs have trumped surfing and Kardashians.

Texas is cattlemen, oil, the Ewings, jobs, Cowboys cheerleaders, and personal responsibility that makes people here some of the most down to earth and friendly folks anywhere.

What stands out now,

as something perhaps lost in this pop culture, are the 19th-century Texians who pulled Texas from SpanishMexican rule to Independence to statehood—responsible for the “Lone Star” in the nickname.

The 179th anniversary of the Battle of San Jacinto (April 21) is just one reason Texans are—and should be—proud.

Before I moved here, I had never heard more than a passing mention of it in U.S. History. Most states, unlike Texas, do not require high school students to take [StateName] History, so on the East Coast, we basically heard of the Alamo, we like the Bush family, we use Bowie knives for deer hunting, we know “Houston, we have a problem”, and we don’t like the Cowboys— that’s about it.

To appease a Texan who found it shocking I didn’t know anything about San Jacinto (including that I’m supposed to pronounce the “J”) I did some learnin’ and rewrote a little Christmas song.

On the first San Jacinto The Lone Star came to beeee ...

12 thousand Mexicans, 11 comp’nies shooting, 10 states a-forming, 9 Texas martyrs, 8-teen minute battle, 7 hundred pris’ners, 6 months Santa Ana impris’ned, T’was Manifest Deeestiiinyyyyyy.

4-thirty surprise attack, for 3 hundred Goliad

deaths, Twin Sister Cannon, And the birth-place of Texas li-ber-tyyy.

has more museums than New York City. Texas Rangers (the lawmen, not the team). Breakfast tacos; need I say more?...

So, “Virginia is for Lovers”, and I love it, but I am glad I live in a state that has always stuck up for itself, with descendants of people who argued their point to the death. Just had to say it.

Worship: Sundays 10:30 am Sunday School: 9:15 am (Fall & Spring)

Visit: cpcgeorgetown.org for more info Worship James E. Mitchell Location: Elementary School

1601 CR 110 Georgetown, TX 78626

When you say you’re from Texas, no one in the world has to ask where that is. The word “Texas” is from a Caddo Indian word TEYSHAS for “friends” or “allies.” Football stadiums on Friday nights have a higher population than many U.S. cities. Houston

National Day of Prayer Thursday, May 7, 2015 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm GHS Football Stadium

2275 N. Austin Ave. • Georgetown (Rainout Location: Main Street Ministry Center, 10th & Main)

Morning Event 9:30 am - 11 am The Worship Place • 811 Sun City Blvd.

Sunday Services

St. Joseph’s

Episcopal Church 881 N. Main St. Salado, TX 254.947.3160 Sundays: 9:30 am Sunday School Sundays: 11 am Holy Eucharist www.stjosephsalado.org

SUNDAY SERVICES: 8:30 am Early Worship 9:45 am Sunday School 11 am Late Worship

Sunday School: 9:45 am | Worship: 11am Sunday Evening Service: 6 pm Adult Service & Youth Service (7th -12th grade)

210 S. Main St. Salado, TX 76571 254.947.5465

www.fbcsalado.org

Wednesday Services: 7 pm

New Hope Baptist ChurcH

“The Barn Church”

Adult Bible Study RA & GA(Boys & Girls 1st - 6th grades) Youth Group (7th -12th grade)

1700 CR 305 | Jarrell, TX | (512) 746-2828

THE ADVOCATE  APRIL 21, 2015

|

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APRIL 21, 2015  THE ADVOCATE

PUBLISHER’S FORUM

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

ments. An examination of past growth in Georgetown, and plans for the future, reveal a city on the verge of literally being overrun by transportation needs.

Not only does experience teach, but observation does, as well. One has only to visit the confines, (pun intended) of Travis County to experience what happens when a county continues to expand its residential, business, and industrial structure without benefit of adequate transportation.

This $105 million bond issue has been carefully and fully vetted. While it offers senior status to the most critical projects, all of the projects have been thoroughly reviewed, prioritized and tentatively scheduled to be completed within a ten-year period.

Support for Ty Gipson

experientia docet

by Mike Payne

… Vote “For” the Road Bond Election Experientia docet translated from Latin means, “experience teaches.”

When reviewing the case made for the upcoming City of Georgetown Road Bond Election, this declaratory statement is spot-on. The Road Bond Committee has offered and the Georgetown City Council has recommended a compelling a case for approval of these much needed roads and improve-

Even more importantly, it offers a contract with taxpayers which ensures that there will be no more than a $.02 annual ad valorem increase as a result.

Beginning Monday, April 27 during early voting, and on Election Day, May 9, you, the voter, have the opportunity to decide how long you want to sit at those red lights and stop signs. It’s up to you to determine how long the line of cars pulling out of your neighborhood will be. And, from a financial perspective, your vote will decide how long it will take to correct the imbalance of retail, commercial, and industrial revenue against existing residential, which will take a lot of “tax hike” pressure off of rooftops; i.e., your house.

It is the opinion of the Editorial Board of the Advocate that this request is significantly important and will provide much needed infrastructure. It is never wrong to invest in those projects that make a positive and measurable impact on our community.

Therefore, The Advocate strongly supports a “For” vote on this issue.

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We have known Ty Gipson since he and Crystal and family moved to Georgetown eight years ago.

Ty came to town and immediately started playing a very active role in helping make Georgetown an even greater place to live, work and raise a family. Ty and Crystal started their business, Minuteman Press, in 2006. With hard work they built their business into one of the “Top Ten” franchises in the U.S. Ty has said, “the building of my business exemplifies what is best about Georgetown – faith, love of family and hard work.”

Ty is running for the Place 5 council seat. We believe he will make an excellent councilman because he has worked hard to understand the issues and details that Georgetown is a special community with special leadership. Ty Gipson exemplifies what we hope to see in our city council leaders through his years of service to our city, as well as passion to do what is right and best for Georgetown. Through his service

pertain to our city. Ty is a current member of the HARC Board, Williamson County Museum and a past president of the CVB, past board member of the chamber and past vice-chair of the Georgetown Economic Development Commission and his community involvement list extends to many other organizations. In short, Ty came to Georgetown and “rolled up his sleeves” and went to work. A great testament to the type of individual he is. We encourage you to join us and vote for Ty Gipson for the Place 5 seat on our city council.

Ty will be an extraordinary councilman because he is an extraordinary individual.

Bob & Paula Brent, Georgetown

on the boards of the Boys and Girls Club, Economic Development, Chamber of Commerce, Williamson Museum, Convention and Visitors Bureau, and many more; Ty has proven his willingness to serve our community. Being a local business owner he

understands the financial complexities required to help direct and guide our growing community. I am thrilled to support and cast my vote for Ty Gipson for District 5!

Scott Stribling, Georgetown

Georgetown’s Switch to 100% Renewable Electric Power invoked in case the contractor is unable to perform (deliver electricity)?

3. Is the city aware that SunEdison has not been profitable over the last 5 years? Their market cap is $6.5B and their Levered Free Cash Flow over the last 12 months is $1.5B. They are hemorrhaging money at a tremendous rate! They have approximately $7.2B in debt. This is not a company that gives confidence that they can perform up to the terms of the contract!

From an investor’s point of view, this company would appear to be a highly speculative investment.

4. Is the city aware that SunEdison plans to transfer the solar plant and contract to a subsidiary company (TerraForm Power) after construction is complete? What are the implications of that?

5. Is the city aware that according to Barrons, “more than half of the value created by SunEdison’s yieldco (TerraForm Power) comes from tax benefits”. As the editor of the Sun newspaper asked in an editorial last week, Insuring Central Texas Since 1982 “What happens when the subsidies expire?” The subsidies are set to expire in 2016 unless the Congress renews them. That may or may not be a good bet!

It has been estimated that the Gary Miller tax credit allows a power genAgent eration company to reduce the price from about 8 cents-perkilowatt-hour to about 5 cents.

3008 Dawn Dr., Suite 205 How is the city protected in Georgetown the event the subsidies are not renewed? www.garymillerinsurance.com 6. Does the city have a backup plan in the event either the solar or wind power generators are unable to deliver the necessary power?

The city needs to share the contracts and their terms with the citizens of Georgetown as ORDER YOUR ROLL TODAY! well as their backup plan if either company cannot deliver as per their contracts. Steady, dependable electric power is necessary for the city’s continued economic growth.

Companies will want assurance their power needs will be met before they will locate in 512-948-7531 Georgetown. Ask your city to answer these important quesMonday - Friday • 11 am - 5 pm tions.

Terry Putnam, Georgetown Georgetown made national news last week when it was announced the city signed a 25 year contract with SunEdison to purchase 150 megawatts of capacity produced by a 600,000 panel photo-voltaic array to be constructed in West Texas. The city had previously signed a 144 megawatt contract with EDF Energy Renewables for wind generated electricity.

Let us first focus on the solar power agreement. The press reports are very positive for the city and its management, however, several very important questions have yet to be asked or answered with respect to the contract.

1. Is there an escalation clause that allows the price to the city to be increased?

Under what conditions are price increases allowed?

2. Are there penalty clauses to be

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THE ADVOCATE  APRIL 21, 2015

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APRIL 21, 2015  THE ADVOCATE

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