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Precinct 5 Council Candidate Q&A The last day to register to vote for the May 9 City Council election is Thursday, April 9. Following are responses about qualifications of and plans from the candidates for Precinct 5. The questions for both were identical.
Ty Gipson
Why are you a candidate to be the Council member in District 5? Crystal, my wife, and I have received so many blessings from the Georgetown community over the years. We own and operate Minuteman Press in Georgetown, We both sensed that the timing for us is right to allow me to give back to the community in a meaningful way through this public service opportunity. What offices have you held, elected or otherwise, prior to running for City Council? I have engaged in many volunteer activities prior to this run for City Council. I was Chair of the Manufacturer’s Alliance Committee, as well as Vice-Chair of
the Economic Development Committee for the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce. In addition, I have been a Southwestern University Benefactor, as well as a Forum Panel member. I have also participated in the Rotary Club, the Lions Club, and The Sam Houston State University Alumni Association, among many others. What Georgetown City Boards or Georgetown organizations have you served on or participated in? I am a current member of the City of Georgetown’s Historical Architectural Review Commission (HARC) and I am a former President of the City of Georgetown’s Convention and Visitors’ Bureau. I have served on the boards of the following Georgetown organizations: Georgetown Chamber of Commerce (former Executive Board member), Georgetown Boys and Girls Club, Williamson Museum, “The Locker” and the Georgetown Business Network (former President). Who is your employer? What are your primary roles within See Gipson, p. 4
Paul Nadeau
Why are you a candidate to be the Council member in District 5? I feel that it is time for a change for the city council. We have not had an election for the District 5 seat for the last 6 years. I feel that I am very qualified for the position, have been in public service and service to others my whole life and fully intend to continue serving where I can. What offices have you held, elected or otherwise, prior to running for City Council? I have served as President of the Liberty Hill VFD fire board. Other than that elected position, I have not held any other elected position.
What Georgetown City Boards or Georgetown organizations have you served on or participated in? None. I feel that a completely fresh look at the existing boards is needed since the advisory boards are important to the city staff and council with regards to decision making. Coming from the outside will give a new, objective view to the way Georgetown is being run from a District 5 perspective. Who is your employer? What are your primary roles within this organization? Alcatel-Lucent. I am a Senior System Engineer. I design and consult on telecommunications solutions for large voice, data, security and wireless deployments for State and Local government which includes LMR (Land Mobile Radio). What degrees or certifications have you earned? What was your major and how will this education or experience assist you in serving on council? I have over 60 hours of psychology credits from various See Nadeau, p. 9
Meet David Morgan: New G’town City Manager Georgetown’s new city manager, David Morgan, took some time this week to provide the Advocate with some insights on and plans for the city.
How did you arrive at City Manager as a career choice? I got interested in city management at Austin College. I enjoyed lots of different things but didn’t have a solid idea about a career. I took a Meyers-Briggs test and it actually spit out “city manager.” Family-owned childcare centers ∙ Serving ages 0 to 12 years
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So right away I decided to find out what a city manager was and why it might be interesting. I had a good friend who was the city manager of Fort Worth. He said the job is many things, but primarily it’s a very meaningful way to be involved in the community where you live. That was very appealing to me because I have always been service-oriented and have a very business-minded way of looking at things. I like the challenges of the job and of
course to be successful you have to be willing to work through the challenges. I enjoy that I have a different job every day and playing out the tasks in terms of what my role is and how I can be effective doing it. What made you choose Georgetown? Or did Georgetown choose you? This was such a good opportunity, I couldn’t pass it up.
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APRIL 9, 2015 THE ADVOCATE
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CITY DESK
WilCo Still a Healthy Place to Live
For the sixth year in a row, Williamson County ranks as one of the healthiest counties in Texas. The 2015 County Health Rankings list Williamson County as the third healthiest place to live in Texas. Since rankings were first introduced in 2010, Williamson County has been ranked #1 three times as the healthiest county in Texas and twice as the second healthiest. The health score for each county is based on health outcomes, a snapshot of the current public health, and health factors that influence the future health of the population. Health outcomes include data that describe how long we live and the quality of daily physical and mental health. Health factors measure the impact of education, housing, crime, employment, diet, and exercise on public health. The 2015 rankings show that the healthiest counties in Texas have higher college attendance, fewer preventable hospital stays, fewer diseases and infections, and better access to parks and gyms. Williamson County and Cities Health District Interim Executive Director, James K. Morgan, M.D, M.P.H. says, “We are fortunate in Williamson County to have the support of community partnerships like the WilCo Wellness Alliance and our local cities and county government. The county health rankings will help us understand our strengths and assess our most pressing health problems so that we can work together on solutions.” The rankings are produced by the University of Wisconsin and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The rankings are compiled using county-level measures from a variety of national and state data sources. The Williamson County and Cities Health District (WCCHD) uses this data to guide its prevention efforts and focus on existing health challenges. WCCHD provides public health services including Clinical Preventive Care, Disease Control and Prevention, Emergency Preparedness and Response, Environmental Health, WIC, Health Education, and Social Services.
Chase the Chief 5K on April 12
The 3rd annual Chase the Chief 5K and Fun Run is April 12 in San Gabriel Park. A fitness fair and obstacle course starts at 12 noon and the opening ceremony is at 2pm. Sponsored by the Georgetown ISD Council of PTAs and the Georgetown PD, and presented by the Georgetown Health Foundation. Chase the Chief features a 5K, a 3/4-mile Fun Run, and Tot Trot. Other activities include music, police department obstacle courses, a fitness fair, a GISD School Nurses’ Fair, and healthy foods and snacks. Look for race day registration and other event activities near the gazebo in San Gabriel Park in Georgetown. Due to the generosity of sponsors, registration for the event is priced at only $5 for students and $10 for adults. For details or to register, go to GeorgetownCouncilPTA.org. Scholarships are available to all Georgetown ISD students and their families. The Chase the Chief 5K and Fun Run will each be led by Georgetown Police Chief Wayne Nero. The goal of Chase the Chief is to encourage students and their families to improve their nutrition and lead active, healthy lives. Proceeds from this event will sponsor the Chase the Chief nutrition and fitness program and help purchase equipment for GISD physical education program.
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Kimberly Garrett, Parks and Recreation Director, and Stephanie Darimont, Aquatics Supervisor. Packet pickup on April 10 is from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Public Safety Operations and Training Center at 3500 DB Wood Rd. Following the race, there will be an award ceremony and a raffle for prizes. To register for the Chase the Chief 5K run, Fun Run, or Tot Trot, go to GeorgetownCouncilPTA.org.
Lifeguard Program Award
The aquatics program for Georgetown Parks and Recreation recently received top honors for its lifeguard training program. The program won Aquatics International Best of Aquatics for Lifeguard Training at the Association of Aquatics Professionals annual conference in February. Stephanie Darimont, aquatics supervisor for
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Parks and Recreation, received the award for Georgetown at the conference. The award recognized Georgetown’s program for “imagination, expertise, dedication, and forward-thinking.” Aquatics professionals from across the country and from other countries attended the conference. As a result of the award, Georgetown’s aquatics program was featured in Aquatics International magazine, a trade publication with more than 90,000 subscribers. Last year, two lifeguard teams from Georgetown placed first and second in the state lifeguard competition at the 2014 Summer Games of Texas. A third lifeguard team from Georgetown qualified for the state competition.
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 9, 2015
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LAW ENFORCEMENT / JUSTICE
130 Years for Pedophile JP3 Earns National Excellence Award District Attorney Jana Duty announced a Jury’s verdict on 13 counts of Possession of Child Pornography. Defendant Monte Ross was sentenced to a maximum ten-year sentence for each count. On October 29, 2013 the Attorney General’s
Lytza Rojas and Josh Reno. The charge of Possession of Child Pornography carries a sentence of probation up to 10 years in prison. After jury selection, Ross elected to plead guilty to all counts and requested a Jury sentence. Citing Mr. Ross’s history of pedophilia the State asked for the maximum for each of the 13 images the Defendant plead guilty to. In closing arguments prosecutors urged the Jury to be the voice for the children depicted in those photographs and videos. The Top: 277th Jury sentenced Judge Stacey Ross to the maxiMathews. Left: mum of 10 years Monte Ross in each of the 13 counts. The State requested the 13 sentences run consecutively. Judge Stacey Mathews formally sentenced the Defendant, who is 76 years old, to 10 years in prison on each count with 5 of those sentences to Office obtained a search run consecutively; effecwarrant for Monte Ross’s tively a 50-year sentence. apartment after he posted “Mr. Ross was not only a pornographic photo of a collector of child pornogan 8-year-old child on raphy; he was a distributor Facebook. A search of his and a child molester who apartment turned up 88 photographs and two videos was never made to account for his abuse. With depicting the sexual assault the Jury’s strong verdict, of children. An expert for they have sent a message to Mr. Ross diagnosed him as those in our community that a pedophile. engage in these deplorable In 1990, Mr. Ross was behaviors. That message placed on probation in is, ‘We will not condone Burnet County for Indethis filth in our community cency with a Child. The and when we find you, you Jury heard from two of the original victims in the 1990 will be dealt with swiftly and with the full authority Burnet case about abuse of the law,’” stated Lytza they endured at age 8 and Rojas. “I want to thank the 10. The jury also heard Attorney General’s Office testimony from the defenInternet Crimes Against dant’s daughter depicting a Children Division for their long history of sexual and flawless investigation. emotional abuse. The case was tried before Because of their incredible dedication and service, Judge Stacey Mathews in the children of Williamson the 277th District Court by Assistant District Attorneys County are safer.”
Judge Bill Gravell, Customer Service Director Andrea “Andi” Schiele, Chief of Staff Melissa Goins, Criminal Division director Alvina Galvan, Tyler Technologies President Bruce Graham.
Williamson County JP3
received the 2015 Tyler Technologies Public Sector Excellence award last week in Dallas. Tyler Technologies is the country’s largest provider of public sector integrated software and technology services. Award winners are selected for exhibiting leadership, innovation and excellence in using their Tyler solution. The award highlights dedicated staff eager to transform business processes to save time, reduce operating costs and increase the level of service to the public and other agencies. Out of over 800 courts in Texas, JP3 is the 17th busiest. Judge Bill Gravell, Jr. says, “We are not the type to look for awards, but Tyler asked us to submit our application and our IT director Otis Coufal said staff deserve the recognition. It was a good idea to let others see how they are getting things right.” So right, in fact, Judge Gravell was able to demonstrate, in
Williamson County Commended for Jail Standards Tenth Consecutive Favorable Inspection
real time, his ability to sign a court order electronically during the conference. Tyler products are in 78 percent of the courts in the U.S. and for the first time, all of the awardees were from Texas. JP3 was atop the list of 28 finalists. Judge Gravell did not take full credit; “Without [County Attorney] Dee Hobbs providing extra prosecutors, [Constable] Kevin Stofle providing extra law enforcement and Commissioner Valerie Covey providing resources, we would not be here.” Mr. Hobbs said, “Working with Judge Gravell and his staff has been a privilege, an honor and it is amazing to see them be successful. Working as a team is always the best approach
to government.” The managing staff all traveled to Dallas for the ceremony and finished up the event with a photo and video shoot that will be available shortly on the Wilco.org website.
My staff is not just the best in the county but the best in the nation. ~Judge Gravell
Commissioner Pct. 3 Valerie Covey explained, “I want to commend Judge Gravell’s leadership. After his appointment, the team did exactly what was right; using all the technology available to them. They have really worked hard toward a most efficient and effective court and I’m
proud of the entire team.” Chief of Staff Melissa Goins expertly addressed questions from the crowd of about 500 people at the ceremony and many came up to the group and asked to know how JP3 does it. Judge Gravell says, “We were just trying to do a good job, and I don’t realize how fortunate I am often enough. When you work with excellence every day, you assume everyone else does too.” Goins says, “County government doesn’t offer many rewards for quality work but getting praise from the outside is very special.” Gravell added, “It’s nice to bring a national award home. It’s humbling, but our county deserves the attention.”
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On Tuesday, March 31, 2015, for the tenth
consecutive time, the Williamson County Jail has passed their annual jail inspection conducted by the Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS). The Texas Legislature created the TCJS in 1975 to implement a declared state policy that all county jail facilities conform to minimum standards of construction, maintenance and operation. At least once each fiscal year, each facility that is under the Commission’s authority is inspected to determine compliance with jail standards. Each of these inspections reviews security, control, general conditions, and takes into account not only the operations of the facility, but the physical plant aspects as well. The details of the physical inspection include; water temperature,
ambient temperature in the housing areas, kitchen cleanliness, and medical facilities. Inspection of documentation involves volumes of records such as; recreation, visitation, disciplinary, grievances and classification to name a few. At the conclusion of the inspection a summary briefing was held in which the inspector noted that Williamson County’s jail is one of four jails out of the 50 plus jails in his area of responsibility that he can count on to always be in compliance.
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APRIL 9, 2015 THE ADVOCATE
GEORGETOWN
GARW “Chosen” and Caring
GIPSON, P.1 this organization? Crystal and I started and have owned Minuteman Press in Georgetown, a printing and sign business, since 2006. We have a wonderful staff of 21 employees, which allows me to primarily focus on sales and marketing. What degrees or certifications have you earned? What was your major and how will this education or experience assist you in serving on council? I attended and graduated from Sam Houston University with a degree in Marketing. I also graduated from the “Leadership Georgetown” program sponsored by the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce. In addition, I have more than a decade of experience in banking with Southtrust and Wachovia where I worked in Treasury Management, which is the cash management side of a bank’s holdings. These qualifications will enable me to hit the ground running when it comes to analyzing the complicated financial components of managing a city budget. What are the three issues in Georgetown that are most important to you? Recognizing the primary responsibility of city government is to protect its citizens, we should continue to take the necessary steps in order to maintain our excellent police and fire services. We must also manage and guide Georgetown’s current and future growth to preserve the unique charm of our town. In part, this requires us to continually update our plans to ensure a stable and cost-effective water supply, and to ensure our comprehensive transportation plans will meet the mobility needs of all our citizens both today and
The Georgetown Area Republican Women Organization presented a check to Melinda Biggs of Hope Alliance.
tomorrow. And, we must manage city spending and tax rates so Georgetown is affordable for all of our citizens. What one “item” would make you the best choice for District 5? Two words can effectively describe that one item best, “community involvement.” As I have said, being
involved in multiple aspects of Georgetown over the last several years has prepared me to be a uniquely qualified candidate in this election. Photo: Ty and Crystal Gipson and daughter Reese
GARW Caring for America members L-R are Kay McConaughey, Pam Steele, Melinda Biggs-Hope Alliance Development Director, and Tillie Pope. Inset: Tony McKinley
The Hope Alliance of
Round Rock assists those affected by family and sexual violence and works to prevent these crimes. They were recently given a van to assist clients who
do not have transportation to work, child care or interviews, and with a push from Amplify Austin and GARW contributions, they are closer to being able to hire a driver. Also, in the same vein, at the April Georgetown Area Republican Women (GARW) speaker Toni McKinley will present “Chosen, Trafficking of teenagers in the Sex Indus-
try.” The luncheon is Wed, April 15 at Berry Creek Country Club.
Toni is the Founder and President of Crowns of Hope who advocates and raises funds for girls who have been rescued from sex trafficking in the Central Texas area. Donations pay for qualified therapists who help restore girls from the damage that was left from being trafficked.
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THE ADVOCATE APRIL 9, 2015
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GEORGETOWN
Why My Texas Town Ditched Fossil Fuel TIME Picks up Mayor’s Green Energy In our last issue we shared the city’s new green energy plans. Below is the op-ed written by Mayor Dale Ross about the decision, which was printed in this week’s issue of Time magazine.
The City of Georgetown
recently announced that our municipal electric utility will move to 100 percent renewable energy sources by 2017. That probably caught some folks by surprise. A town in the middle of a state that recently sported oil derricks on its license plates may not be where you’d expect to see leaders move to clean solar and wind generation. Our move to wind and solar is chiefly a business decision based on cost and price stability. The city’s contracts for solar and wind power will provide wholesale electricity at a lower price than our previous contracts. These long-term agreements also provide a fixed cost that will enable the city to avoid the price volatility and regulatory costs we were likely to have seen had we continued to use electricity generated by burning fossil fuels. With energy costs locked in for the long-term, we can maintain competitive, predictable electric rates through 2041. Ending a long-term wholesale power contract in 2012 left us free to seek
new power suppliers. That new transmission capacity and new renewable projects were in place when Georgetown sought bids for power suppliers in 2013. We signed a contract last year for energy from the Spinning Spur 3 wind farm 50 miles west of Amarillo. That project is currently under construction and will begin sending us power in January of 2016. Spinning Spur 3 will meet most of our current demand throughout the day, with the exception of the peak demand periods, especially in the summer. Due in part to a drop in price on photovoltaic solar panels, last year we received a low-cost bid on solar power, and this February we signed a contract to purchase power from a solar farm in west Texas that is currently under construction. That power will be online by 2017. Using solar power in the daytime peak and wind power throughout the day matches our power supplies with local demand patterns. The solar power produced in West Texas will provide a daily afternoon supply peak that mirrors our demand peak in Georgetown, especially during the hot summer months. Wind power production in the Panhandle exists throughout the day and is highest in the evening or early-morning hours. This means that wind power can most often fill power demand when the sun isn’t shining. We have been asked what
happens if the wind doesn’t blow or the sun doesn’t shine out west. Will the lights go out? Given the wind profile of the Panhandle, the radiance rating for West Texas, and the amount of energy we have under contract, we know that our wind and solar farms will be able to provide our power throughout the day. If both resources were not producing simultaneously — an unlikely event — the lights would stay on because the Texas grid
operator, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, will ensure generation is available to meet demand. In the short term, our solar and wind farms will provide more overall energy than we need. This means we will be able to sell extra solar and wind power we don’t use, providing an overall benefit to power users in the state. Another reason solar and wind energy makes sense relates to water. Drought conditions and half-empty
reservoirs have been common in Texas in recent years. Traditional power plants making steam from burning fossil fuels can use large amounts of water each day. Our move to renewable power is a significant reduction in our total water use in Georgetown. One of the most important benefits of being 100 percent renewable is the potential for economic development. Our 100 percent renewable energy can help those companies to achieve
sustainability goals at a competitive price without the burden of managing power supply contracts. Our residents do want us help them raise their families and run their businesses in a manner that is cost-effective and sustainable. We hope other cities follow our lead. So don’t be surprised if at some point down the road you see Texas license plates emblazoned with solar panels and wind turbines.
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APRIL 9, 2015 THE ADVOCATE
GEORGETOWN A VERY SPECIAL SATURDAY IN GEORGE TOW N It wasn’t planned, but on March 28, all across Georgetown, people got together to encourage, entertain and raise money for special kids of all ages.
Special Play With Exceptional (&) Eagles
The Exceptional Georgetown Alli-
ance (EGA) has been managing adaptive sports for special needs children since 2008. The Rangers Baseball team had their first practice March 28 at Georgetown High School courtesy of sponsors Hicks’ Fencing and Simply Rack. The team of 12 local kids were outfitted with t-shirts and hats, and were coached and guided by Georgetown head coach Adam Foster and his Varsity, JV and Freshman players. EGA President Dede Harper is also a pre-K teacher at Jack Frost Elementary and helped found the group in 2008 when GISD could no longer fund special-ed activities. “Disabilities don’t take summers off,” Harper says, “So we have programs and partnerships to help children and young adults continue learning and growing
Ranger player Russell makes his way home!
in the summer time. It’s great to see the younger kids light up around the big kids. Some of these older players have grown up playing for Coach Foster, so it’s wonderful to see them out here passing it on.” Coach Foster enlisted the varsity team to assist on the field with basic skills (and corralling exu- From top: Coach Foster helps Aden G. with his catchberant players) and ing. • Sponsor Tracy Hicks and EGA President Dede his JV and Freshman Harper • Ranger player John-Daniel takes a bow for the teams converged in team at home plate. the bleachers to cheer for the kids. Sophomore Alex Cornman has been playing baseball since age four and says, “Coach Foster really cares about these kids; we all do. We are privileged to have a facility as great as ours and we are happy to share it with the next generation of players.” Coach Foster was an adaptive physical education teacher earlier in his career and working with special kids for years, he saw a need for organized sports. Foster says the kids’ interest started about 14 years ago with a special student named Jared, whose love of school, and omnipresent encouragement on good and bad days started the peer-buddy movement in the school. “Now,” Foster says, “the peers group has to turn kids away. It’s a great thing to see kids learning perspective, treating other kids with respect, and even be willing to choose an unlikely you get up ten times and fail seven Homecoming King or Queen.” times, you’re a .300 hitter and a star. Tracy Hicks, owner But having the perspective that when of Hicks’ fencing says you strike out, there are those who his best friend has a would give anything just to play the son who is autistic. “I game, you get up and try again.” have seen my friend Ranger Baseball will take place at take care of his son and 9 am every Saturday at Eagle Field realize how different through May 10. Everyone is invited a parent’s life is when to grab a spot in the bleachers and they have a special cheer on some very special rookies. child. My son played EGA will also be sponsoring baseball all his life and I just want to give back; summer camps in partnership with Georgetown Parks and Recreation. enable kids to help Visit ExceptionalGeorgetown.org other kids.” for more information. You can also Meanwhile, Coach download the Eagles baseball schedFoster is teaching good ule at GeorgetownBaseball.com to boys to be good men. cheer them on in district play. “Baseball is really a game about failure. If
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Screening at city lights A growing
number of cinemas across the country are offering all those who suffer from autism or special needs the opportunity to attend a movie specially suited to their needs. City Lights movie theater is one of those theaters with special screenings that enable families to enjoy the experience of the theater without worrying about being disrupJack (5) at his first visit to the movies. tive to other choice, but children are patrons. free, parents pay $3.50 Sensory screenings are for a ticket and there are held during the daytime, discounts on snacks.” Lamthere are no previews, bert says the movement is sound is set to about 50 growing but for now they percent, lights are not enjoy having visitors from dimmed all the way, and all over come to Georgerunning and talking during town. the film is allowed. City Lights also provides One parent at the March jobs for special needs 28th “Cinderella” showing students and young adults. was thrilled to see a movie Lambert says, “It’s an awewith her son for the first some program. They help time. “It was so nice to have that bonding time and with cleaning and grow their skills for other tasks, not worry about him talking to Cinderella or squeal- all while preparing for ing for ‘Mommy!’ during a interviews and school-towork jobs.” particularly intense scene.” City Lights plans to have Assistant Manager Jesse sensory showings about Lambert says City Lights once per month. Visit Exmanagement is pleased to ceptionalGeorgetown.org be able to give back to the for updates about movies community. “Participaand showtimes. tion depends on the movie
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THE ADVOCATE APRIL 9, 2015
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LOCAL BUSINESS
The Cheapest Insurance Policy for a Family Jarrell Storm Shelters (JSS)
some time to come. Adam says, “We try to post information and current events on Facebook
opened in 1998 because founding owners David and Paula Cockrum lived in Jarrell in 1997 when the F5 tornado hit. The Cockrum kids had Adam trouble sleeping durCockrum and ing storms so mom fiancee Paige and dad decided to dwarfed by get a storm shelter. their They dug a hole but “products.” no shelter was available to put in it right away. After Paula fished wandering puppies out of the hole for the dozto generate buzz about enth time, they decided it shouldn’t be so tough to ac- shelters. Unfortunately, it’s bad news that gets people quire that kind of security. off the fence about making And a business was born. this kind of purchase. But it Since then, business has is a very inexpensive way grown at a steady pace and to protect what you love the is, predictably, seasonal. most when you only have a Paula’s son Adam has been few seconds’ warning.” running the business since “Shelters are just for you 2007, and now with his fiancée Paige. He is follow- and your family to ride out the storm,” Paula says. ing in his father’s foot“You don’t stock them with steps and looking forward food or provisions, other to having his own mold than maybe some water machinery so there will be and your prescriptions in no waiting on vendors to case you end up with rubble deliver the shelters. covering your hatch for They are the only exclusome time.” sive shelter company in the The Cockrums have Temple-Killeen-Austin area built a clientele from trade and are confident that the shows and word of mouth customer base will be able marketing, but educating to sustain their business for
people through outreach helps secure families before tragedy strikes. Paula says, “It’s the same as life or home insurance. You don’t want your house to burn down but you have the policy.” Tornado season is March to June. A shelter costs anywhere from $2800 to $8000 and they range up to 6-by-8 feet. JSS also installs safe rooms above ground; anchored to a concrete slab. In new construction, Cockrum can install a shelter into the poured slab before the studs go in so families get to safety without leaving the house. Paige, the business brain, explains the return on investment even if it’s never used; “A shelter is like a kitchen renovation because having one adds more value than the cost to install it.” As well, Adam has become proficient reading weather, topology, construction and even engineering to do expert installs. Comprehensive knowledge is helpful for a product designed, literally, to last forever. Visit them at JarrellStormShelters.com.
It’s about as likely a pair-
ing as a fish and a bicycle. But...the nail salon and painting studio that share space at 114 E 7th Street off the Square have hit upon a lucrative and symbiotic partnership that should appeal to just about everyone. Beauty Escape salon, just off the square, has ample natural light and nice views of some of downtown’s nicest architecture. Their many specialists provide a full menu of spa services; mani/ pedi, massage, tanning, women’s boutique and chiropractic. They also have Pablo Groves, a men’s cosmetologist who does classic shaves and haircuts as well as trendy styles. (Just don’t call him a “barber”!) Trang Nguyen, owner
of Beauty Escape thought artist Kimberly Keller was kidding when she asked to rent the space advertised in the front window. Keller, a lifelong artist and art educator, was looking to start her business on the Square and found the salon quite by accident. The two women decided to give it a shot and in the past year Keller has acquired more space to grow her painting business, Paint With Me. Paint With Me is a studio, school and party venue for people of all ages and the only cost is for the canvas you choose for your artwork. Keller shares insight and technique on everything from color to perspective. The teacher in her often
takes groups over to the courthouse to demonstrate principles of space and light before getting busy with paint. She is available for a party of one, and up to 12 adults or 20 children. Parties usually have a theme but artists are welcome to pain whatever they like. Keller says, “Paint salons are a growing trend for people who want to enjoy a rare night of creativity that comes with a sense of accomplishment.” Much like a cooking class that helps you plan meals, Paint With Me will not make you a master but you will learn new skills and have fun doing it. Or, if you just want to pamper yourself, take advantage of this unusual partnership—bring your kids for a paint party and get your nails done or a massage while Kimberly lets them get messy. Keller offers art camps for children and young adults during school breaks and summer but you can book her for girls’ night out, birthdays, or family night. Visit PaintWithMeKeller. com or BeautyEscapeSalon. com. Kimberly Keller works on a personal project while a salon customer enjoys a manicure.
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APRIL 9, 2015 THE ADVOCATE
AROUND TOWN
R.O.C.K. Barn Dance: Wide Open Hearts
The R.O.C.K. Ride on Center for Kids held their annual fundraiser March 28. A sold-out crowd enjoyed a concert by Gary P. Nunn and raised funds to purchase new therapy horses, equipment, and send special needs kids to camp this summer. Clockwise from top: L-R: Auctioneer Steve Laukhuf, CEO Nancy Krenek; Auction winners Stephen and Christine Blaschke, Becky Harris and Marylin Nichols, Danielle Miller and Michael Lindberg; and Auctioneer Jeff Stockton. Mr. Stockton has helped many organizations in Georgetown and Jarrell raise over $1 million. • Georgetown Mayor Dale Ross with Sport Clips owner and major R.O.C.K. sponsor Gordon Logan • Combat Veteran/Apache pilot and R.O.C.K. rider Laura, who rides “Sherrie”, is planning to pursue a Master’s degree in equine management at Texas A&M. • Founder and CEO Nancy Krenek with Services Director Kristin Witcher.
Now Open in Jarrell! Local • Convenient • 24/7 Open 24/7/365 Safe & Secure 24-Hour Video Surveillance
State of the Art Equipment Exclusive Anytime Health Access Online community & resource for all things health
Private Restrooms with Showers Personal TVs on Cardio Equipment FREE Fitness Orientation with a Personal Trainer Don’t take our word for it! Locally Owned & Operated Come try us for free! Access to 1000s of clubs! Stop by for a
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Jarrell’s Your Personal MD: Newest New Patient Pictured above is the “First New Baby” of the practice of Dr. Loy Graham, of YourPersonalMD.net. Baby Isaac Mindieta with parents Esteven and Maria Mindieta from Bartlett, Texas.
A & A Fence Co. RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • FARM & RANCH Serving all of Central Texas
Fence • Gates • Custom-Built Entries & Gates NO DEPOSIT! You don’t pay until the job is finished!
Split Oak Firewood for Sale - Will Deliver! Andy Amburn • Florence, TX • (254) 258-9868
Will trade for most things of value!
Sonterra Self Storage
THE ADVOCATE APRIL 8, 2015
512-746-2560
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9
Mini Storage Units Boat & RV Storage U-Haul Trucks Office/Warehouses Packing Supplies 1825 County Road 313
NADEAU, P. 1
universities while I served in the US Navy. I currently hold several licenses, which include private pilot with an instrument rating, Texas Peace Officer License, U.S. Navy Instructor, U.S. Naval Leadership Academy, as well numerous telecommunications certificates. I firmly believe that all of
my education and experience will work well with leading and decision making abilities while being a city council member. What are the three issues in Georgetown that are most important to you? 1. Transparency in Government. Listen to constituents and make informed decisions that are based on what the com-
Jarrell, Texas 76537
munity wants, not what special interest groups want. This includes fighting for the city employees to ensure lower attrition, as well as competitive pay and benefits. 2. Public Safety and supporting our public safety leadership. I completely understand the special requirements and needs of public safety have been immersed in
these fields for the last 21 years. 3. Growing Georgetown in a smart and safe manner, which includes subjects such as starting the impact studies on moving the airport for economic growth and safety. With growth we need to be fiscally responsible with the decisions that we are making.
Service - It Matters
SonterraSelfStorage.com What one “item” would make you the best choice for District 5? Level-headed, proven leader that is independent from the political arena and well connected with the community. I am not vulnerable to political pressure as I do not make my primary living on a local business.
Creating Reality From Vision
Watching over Jarrell’s growth: • Information on economic development incentives • Assistance with the City’s permitting process • Available land and facilities Customer service. Two words that are the lifeblood of any business. With it, businesses usually thrive; without it, they wither and die. Pictured above is Rose Knight. Rose works at The Sonterra Travel Plaza in Jarrell, Texas. This morning, while I was in the store I watched a customer who was dis-satisfied with the answer he was getting concerning a purchase he wanted to make. Rose walked by, overheard, intervened, and when the customer left, he left with what he wanted, and perfectly satisfied. An unhappy customer will leave, spend no money, and then complain to the next hundred people he sees, a happy customer will return, tell others, and continue to spend his money. Throughout the course of our sales process, we see businesses with both models. For the ones that don’t exercise the above customer service model, we usually don’t see them for very long. ~ Mike Payne
JarrellEDC.ORG
512-746-4593
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APRIL 9, 2015 THE ADVOCATE
FAMILY LIFE
RANCHO SIENNA GEORGETOWN, TEXAS
Building Better Brains by Jim Kelley
LUXURY IS PART OF EVERYTHING WE DO
RANCHO SIENNA
Luxury is something tangible, beyond quality. It is in the materials we use and the places we build. Rancho Sienna is such a place, from the breathtaking Hill Country views to the native stone and finishing touches in all our homes.
• A Newland Community • South of Hwy. 29 on Ronald Reagan Blvd.
105 Rancho Trail Georgetown, TX 78628
• NEW MODEL NOW OPEN!
Call Cristy Bloomingdale today at 512 843 4172 and tell her what luxury means to you. Luxury, custom homes from the $500s.
e m o H
s n a Lo Start Your Search With Us!
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. How Much Can I Afford?
Many experts suggest that your monthly housing payment not exceed 30% of your total income. 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.
One of the biggest problems our brains encounter is oxidative stresses. The result of oxidation is most easily observed as the rust we see on iron. Oxidation also causes oils and fats to become rancid. However, oxidative processes are critical to our body’s function. When our body functions properly these processes are not dangerous to our health. Our environment, diet, and physical habits put the critical balance of our metabolism at risk. Michael A Schmidt, PhD, is a brain researcher and author. He conducted advanced brain analysis as a Fellow at NASA. One of his books, Brain Building Nutrition, discusses the danger of oxidation to the fats and oils in our brain. He states that a combination of polyunsaturated oil and oxygen and a transition metal must be present for something to become rancid. Dr Schmidt explains that our brain operates when all these conditions are met in our brain normally. DHA is the longest and most unsaturated fatty acid and is a chief component of the brain. The brain uses about 20% of the body’s oxygen, supplying the second condition for rancidity. The third condition is the presence of the necessary iron in our system. Since the brain requires all conditions for rancidity to be present to enable basic functions, it must have controls and
interventions available to protect the brain from going rancid. The brain needs a steady supply of fatty acids/oils in their naturally occurring proportions to combat this rancidity. It also needs proper nutrients for mitochondrial functioning. Oxidative minerals must also be in their natural balance. And antioxidants that specifically protect mitochondria and nerve cell membranes must be routinely consumed in the variety and quantity necessary for shielding the brain. Read the online version of this article at WilcoOnline.com for a detailed description of some of these nutrients. Besides dietary interventions and controls, using our technology at the Center for Power Filled Living profoundly impacts stress levels that help create the oxidative conditions causing damage as well as gently guiding the brain’s recovery process. For the trainee, it is a simple process of relaxing in a comfortable chair while paying attention to the video or audio prompts. By guiding the brain into a more efficient relaxed state, the metabolic processes responsible for oxidative stress are diminished significantly. An initial map is performed of the active electrical fields and compared to a normative condition. From this starting place, we design a brain exercise program that allows the brain to become much more efficient. People who practice their faith are remarkably better off. A large study in the Netherlands compared over 4000 twins and 1300 siblings from nearly 2700 families and found that those who practiced Christian activities were much less likely to manifest mental illness even if they
Rom 12:2 Do not be conformed to this world (this age), but be transformed (changed) by the renewal of your mind, so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you]. The Center For PowerFilled Living at 512-8690936 or ChristNeuro.org.
Saturday , April 11 • 8 am - 4 pm
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.
Join us at the BiG (Brookwood in Georgetown) Plant & Garage sale! These plants are outstanding!
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. This is not a commitment to lend. Programs, rates, terms & conditions are all subject to change without notice.
were genetically predisposed to it. A study at Utah State University showed that the stronger the personal religious beliefs, the less their difficulty with elevated blood pressure. Their cardiovascular state was more like those who were 30 to 40 years younger. Andrew Newberg, MD has studied the impact of religious practice and meditation on the human brain for over 17 years. He has found that prayer activates the frontal lobe. In fact, if first done for a 12-minutesper-day schedule, it hinders the age-related loss of tissue found in the general population. A recent study from Columbia University shows those who practice their faith routinely have thicker brains. The gray matter of the cortex indicating a strong functional brain was directly correlated participation in spiritual activities. In all of these studies, the common thread was active participation or living out their faith having a measurable and physical benefit to their brain. This indicates that the active damage experienced by the normal population has been averted through these practices. So get busy and celebrate, you people of faith, use all of those precious truths daily, and thereby keep your brain.
E.O.E.
&
Come pick up your spring/summer garden plants while you look for treasures at our garage sale and know your purchase is sowing a BiG future for our adult children with special needs!
Location: 905 N. Church St. • Georgetown Call 512-966-7574 for information
THE ADVOCATE APRIL 9, 2015
SHOPPING
HEALTH
Cow Palace Emporium
11
Office Hours by Appointment
Gifts & Antiques
101 Story Ave. • Florence 512-423-6597
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700 S. AUSTIN AVENUE • GEORGETOWN, TX 512.869.7659 • www.quenansjewelers.com
Jamiesue Ferguson, D.D.S., P.C. www.drjamiesueferguson.com email: drjfergusondds@att.net
235 S. Dalton Bartlett, TX (254) 527-3993
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Lamp Repair Don Durham 200 Quartz Ct. Jarrell, TX
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I will come to your home and care for your small pets in their own envionment
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MORGAN, CONT FROM PAGE 1 The city is in an amazing time in its history thanks to the blending of several different things. Georgetown is a much more dynamic city than its 55,000 population would generally suggest. It is growing by leaps and bounds but blends a special and unique heritage, not only from a historical perspective, but also the physical environment and resources it has. Georgetown has natural assets that make it very appealing, and I believe the city has recognized the best way to take advantage of the growth potential and capitalize on it. We are also going to make sure we don’t lose the character and unique history Georgetown loves and represents. Coming here was a two-
Automotive Repair
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way street and a good fit all around. My extended family lives between Waco and San Antonio. I and my wife of 20 years, Leticia and two boys—7th and 9th grade—feel like this is a good transition time for us and we don’t take lightly the quality of life we had in Richardson. We had amazing roots in the community, neighborhood and church. We are all very excited to be in Georgetown. It is not home yet, but we are a Central Texas family and the region is home to me. What have you learned from Richardson that will benefit Georgetown? Richardson is a fastgrowth community and has different pressures. We worked through developing infrastructure and funding
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roadways. We were adept at keeping up city services in line with our growth, as well as taking advantage of opportunities that came up along the way. It’s important in any job not to take advantage of every opportunity, but to root out the quality options when they present themselves. My experience in Richardson gives me the knowledge of the tremendous benefits and drawbacks of decisions made previously. I’ve gained perspective of longer-term impacts and how they relate to development, quality of housing, and long-term maintenance and redevelopment. Richardson is landlocked and about 95 percent built out; we learned to manage intense development and infrastructure as well as impacts on safety and transportation—density rather
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than expansion. Richardson was a fantastic place to work. The city values people who are doing well and contributing well. I was happy to have many doors opened for me and I always had a choice to walk through them or not. That is unique across the nation, I think. They created an environment where quality is valued. That is also what I look forward to in Georgetown. Without exception, I have heard that the strength of the City as an organization is its staff. I know they are talented, committed and dedicated to their jobs.
my early work experience showed me that I am oriented that way and it is a natural fit. I value good service and I promote it. From a city perspective, I think my personal motto is that it is important to come to work and do good business every day. Doing that translates into every facet of government, from running the library to utility services to economic development. We don’t want to accept low standards or look for easy money. It’s about consistent feedback that we can stand upon and identify issues that need to be worked through.
What is your plan for customer service? My jobs in college were in the service industry and hospitality and I appreciate customer service from that point of view. I believe
How important do you think Southwestern is to the community? Places like SU are among the things that excited me about working in Georgetown. There are so many el-
ements and the university is part of that. I will certainly get over the Austin College rivalry quickly... It’s easy to see the benefits of enhanced partnerships and, frankly, working with UT-Dallas in Richardson I see every potential for SU to be the economic engine UTD is. Your message? I’ve been fortunate to have examples of city managers who are community minded. This job is exciting because it is the crossroads of a lot of relationships and the best way to make a difference is to be active in them. I am looking forward to a new balance of family commitments, business priorities and getting connected in a meaningful way. Mr. Morgan was selected out of 71 finalists from 25 states and begins work in May.
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APRIL 9, 2015 THE ADVOCATE
FAITH & FAMILY
The 300 by Butch Horton
Hello, my name is Butch Horton and I pastor Open Road Biker Church. I have been blessed with this incredible opportunity to write 300 or so words to be published in this paper every other Thursday. It never ceases to amaze me, the opportunities that God allows for his Word to be spread abroad. God gives us his promise that as his Word goes out, it will always fulfill the purpose for which he sent it. Isaiah 55:10-11 NIV [10] As the rain and the snow come down from
heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, [11] so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. So the words that would impact your life, and or change your life, your eternity forever are His Word, the Bible. Friend, I invite you to spend time with God in His
Word, which will give you everything you need for this life. There is not one single desire of your heart that God cannot fulfill by the promises of His Word. He tells us He hears our prayers. Jesus tells us that the Father knows what we need. And what we ask of the Father in accordance with His will, Jesus promises that he will do. Regardless of who you are, what you’ve done, or even who you want to be, God can and will change you by the power and the promises of His Word.
I encourage you: Don’t spend another day of this life without knowing the love and forgiveness of a Savior who gave His life for you. This Jesus who rose from the dead on the
What Exactly is “Open Road Biker Church”?
Church members Melody, Jadon, Delilia, Lisa, Nate and Pastor Butch.
Butch Horton started
out as a youth minister at Crestview Baptist church in Georgetown. In 2009 he was asked to consider planting a non-traditional church in Georgetown and leapt at the chance. Soon enough he was meeting in a coffee shop on Williams Drive with his family and 14 others, and a church was born. They moved to the VFW hall and then to the public
library, and in May 2012 they landed in their own leased building off I-35 between Georgetown and Jarrell. Butch’s congregation boasts about 125 members and only about a third of them are bikers. “The rest,” he says, “are people who love the Lord and like the church. People say we’re not very ‘churchy’ and they love the genuine, authentic feel of the services.”
Open Road is the perfect place for people who might feel like they don’t fit in at a large church or will get lost in the back row. Members confirm that no one comes in or goes out without being greeted and welcomed by the family atmosphere, acceptance, and shared faith. Butch adds, “People really enjoy and appreciate the openness and love that they feel here. We all have a past and we want everyone to feel welcome where they can be themselves; wear bandanas and chains, sport a tattoo, and bond over a common faith in God.” The church is nondenominational, and just brought on a new youth minister to expand their children’s services and help accommodate families. The message is very evangelistic and Biblebased but, Butch says, it’s all about Jesus. “If it’s in the Bible, we believe it and we see people coming to
Christ every month.” Services are very simple; the congregation sings contemporary music to open the service before Butch preaches. There is a sense of gratefulness in the room. As Luke 7 says, “For
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.
Adult Service & Youth Service (7th -12th grade)
www.fbcsalado.org
Wednesday Services: 7 pm
New Hope Baptist ChurcH
“The Barn Church”
ing together, free of regret and full of the Spirit—all hoping to help those who are seeking or hurting. Visit them at MyBikerChurch. com.
National Day of Prayer
Sunday School: 9:45 am | Worship: 11am Sunday Evening Service: 6 pm
210 S. Main St. Salado, TX 76571 254.947.5465
Services For the NonStained Glass Group
this reason I say to you, her sins, which are many, have been forgiven, for she loved much; but he who is forgiven little, loves little.” Open Road is a happy place full of loving people who seem to rejoice in be-
Sunday Services SUNDAY SERVICES: 8:30 am Early Worship 9:45 am Sunday School 11 am Late Worship
third day has gone to prepare a place for those who love Him, and have placed their faith in him as the Son of God. Come, Lord Jesus!
Adult Bible Study RA & GA(Boys & Girls 1st - 6th grades) Youth Group (7th -12th grade)
1700 CR 305 | Jarrell, TX | (512) 746-2828
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
THE ADVOCATE APRIL 9, 2015
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Are you, or is someone you love, struggling?
Neurofeedback
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Improving Impulse-Control, Focus & Attention In November 2012, EEG Biofeedback (Neurofeedback) was endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) as a “Level 1 - Best Support” intervention for Attention & Hyperactivity Behaviors. The AAP also recognizes Neurofeedback as effective as medication for ADHD.
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The Center For Power-Filled Living � www.ChristNeuro.org
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APRIL 9, 2015 THE ADVOCATE
OPINION/EDITORIAL PUBLISHER’S FORUM
GipsonThe Choice is Clear by Mike Payne
I
n some races, choosing whom to endorse is difficult. In the District 5 City Council race however, the choice is clear. The Advocate endorses Ty Gipson in this May’s election. The Editorial Board at the Advocate has concluded that engagement in the community is a critical component to success on the City Council, and in this area, Gipson’s record is exemplary. In addition to his experience, listed below, Gipson has also been unanimously endorsed by The Georgetown Police Officers’ Association, as well as the Georgetown Association of Professional Firefighters. • Current Member Historical Architectural Review Board • Convention and Visitors Bureau, Past President
• Georgetown Chamber of Commerce, Executive Board Member • Volunteer Of The Year Georgetown Chamber of Commerce • Winner “Small Business of The Year” • Completed “Leadership Georgetown” Program • Received Sertoma “Service to Mankind” Award • Boys and Girls Club, Past Board Member • Board Member Williamson Museum • Board Member “The Locker” Non-profit • Georgetown Business Network, Past president • Member “Texas Organ Sharing Alliance” • Honoree “Lone Star Circle of Life” Bike Tour • Benefactor for Southwestern University Mr. Gipson, along with his wife Crystal, own Minuteman Press, and he has built this family business into one of the “Top Ten” Minuteman franchises in United States. In fact, the building of this sign and printing business exemplifies a key component in our support for his campaign. His participation in the community has resulted in his interaction with leaders of government, civic, charitable, and the business community. Ty Gipson has been in every corner of Georgetown for many years, and in that
time he has acquired critical knowledge of issues and details that pertain to the city; a unique view that few have or will ever be able to attain. This race comes down to experience. Gipson has eight years of experience interacting—on a daily basis—with issues that affect Georgetown, while his opponent has only been a resident for just over a year. We urge Mr. Nadeau to continue to look for ways to serve his new community. In this particular race, Ty Gipson is indeed the right man, at the right time, for the District 5 seat. Georgetown and District 5 will benefit tremendously from his experience, knowledge and service. The last day to register to vote for the upcoming May election is Thursday, April 9. A ballot item for Transportation Bonds and an election in District 5 are on the ballot in Georgetown. Voter registration forms are available at the Williamson County Elections office, Williamson County Inner Loop Annex, 301 SE Inner Loop or at Georgetown City Hall, 113 E. Eighth Street or at the Georgetown Public Library, 402 E. Eighth Street or at any post office. Completed forms should be returned to the Williamson County Elections office. An online form may be downloaded at wilco.org.
Mobile Veterinary Clinic
Vaccinations, Internal Medicine, Microchipping, Spay/Neuter, Dentistry, Heartworm & Flea Preventive
Florence Clinic - Apr. 18 | 10 am - Noon in front of Ace In The Hole Pawn (FM 970 & IH-95)
Jarrell Clinic - May 2 | 10 am - Noon Cougar Plaza Parking Lot
David Foster, DVM • (254) 228-3960
ADVOCATIE
I
Wisdom from Stephen King
’ve decided I would be much happier if I had a greater capacity for humility. Stephen King said (in one of his greater books) that all sin can be boiled down to theft. Murder is stealing a life, slander is stealing someone’s good name, and so on. I have often enjoyed calculating how that works. So it occurred to me at some point in time—probably after being cut off in traffic—that all anger can possibly be boiled down to pride. Now, I’m not a psychologist, just someone who gets mad sometimes. So I am mad when cut off in traffic because the bad driver assumed where he or she needs to be is more important than where I need to be. I clearly disagree with that because where I need to be IS more important. But who knows, maybe there is a person in the back seat with a burst appendix. I don’t care because like a narcissistic opera singer, my pride is about me-meme-meeee. As well, when I am being tailgated, I want that crazy driver to get off my tail. When I am in a hurry, I drive close to the car in front of me so the slowpoke will get the hint and move over. Right? I get mad when I see injustice or unfair things. I once had to pay a late fee on a parking ticket because the police officer was so
lazy (or slow) that I had pulled away from the curb before he got to my car. He filed the ticket anyway (they can DO that?) and since I never knew I was ticketed, I didn’t pay it. A few weeks later I got the ticket and the late penalty. When I called to complain, I basically got the “it is what it is” answer. I didn’t have an entire morning to go to court over $25.00 but to this day it galls me that they can just do that and no one can stop them. If I were more humble, I would have accepted the fact that, okay, I was double parked, however briefly, and circumstances dictated the extra fee. Doesn’t mean the police in my previous city weren’t sloppy, but I am sure I really, really have better things to worry about, say, six years later. I also get mad about infidelity. I’m angry that I am too smart to have been fooled. I’m angry that I wasn’t aware or shouldn’t have been in denial. I’m not a loser, because I was good enough. But all of those things happened and I was mad. Of course to be fair, being angry does not mean that one’s ex isn’t a dysfunctional cheater, just means I’m the one having a bad day because I can’t just accept my stupidity and move on. Being humble would allow me to let the bad drivers cut me off and be happy that I’m not putting myself at risk via road rage or being distracted by my colorful response. Being humble would allow me to feel sorry for a cheater because he clearly has bigger problems than
I do. Even my child gives me a case of ego. When he makes a mess, I’m angry that I have to stop whatever important thing I would rather be doing because I now have to clean it up. If I’m truly a humble, selfless, loving mom, I might stop to consider part of the joy of childhood is the wonder and fun of experimenting with dropping eggs on a tile floor, or how much nicer that cushion looks with a magic-marker rainbow on it. Doesn’t mean that it’s okay for him to do all those things but it’s a chance for me to correct him, not be mad about my lost personal time. I’d rather he learn some self control but doesn’t remember his childhood with his mother’s volume on 11. In all cases, if I just ditch the pride, I am not angry; i.e., probably happy. Or at least not eating my emotions in another pint of New York Super Fudge Chunk. You probably know someone whom you consider to be humble. You also probably find that person to be very pleasant and can’t remember ever seeing him or her get really angry. I have friends like that. They are quite groovy and the most contented people I know. I’d like to be like that. Proverbs 11:2—When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. I’m going to start with patience, kindness and tolerance. Maybe humility will come along by itself. Until then, I’m probably going to need a big spoon. I’m just sayin’.
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