City Insider April 2017

APRIL 2017

The Premier Senior Lifestyle Magazine for Sun City Texas

Creating a Legacy of Care, Compassion and Convenience (Pg 12) READ THE LATEST ISSUE OF CIT Y INSIDER ONLINE AT CIT YINSIDERTX.COM

What’s Inside:

SC Garden Tour (Pg 4)

CA Board Elections Meet the Candidates (Pg 6)

Fought Addresses Mail Woes (Pg 11)

People are choosing to live in Jarrell thanks to the quality education and strong community. In five years, Jarrell ISD enrollment is projected to increase by 950 students, and by 2,160 students in 10 years!

To maintain our excellent reputation, we must build to maintain the growth.

Vote FOR additional facilities and resources to accommodate growth

Vote FOR effective learning environments

Vote FOR the safety and well-being of our children

Vote FOR a long-term plan that addresses our NEEDS

JOIN US IN SUPPORTING THE FUTURE OF OUR KIDS AND OUR COMMUNITY.

CAST YOUR VOTE FOR JARRELL ISD!

EARLY VOTING APRIL 24 – MAY 2, 2017

ELECTION DAY SATURDAY, MAY 6, 2017

FOLLOW US! WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/VOTEFORJARRELLISDKIDS Political advertising paid for by Vote For Jarrell ISD Kids; Treasurer, Thomas Slowbe.

2 |APRIL 2017

A Guide To Quality Living in Georgetown A local resource for residents of Sun City, Texas © 2017 Fidelis Publishing Group, LLC

Randalls Coming To Williams Drive November 2017

More symbolic than actual, Randalls Food Markets and Cypress Equities broke ground on the marketplace at 5721 Williams Drive, just west of Jim Hogg Road on March 23, as bulldozers and earth movers continued the work of constructing the new store in the background.

The 78,000 square foot shopping center will be anchored by a Randalls grocery store and will include a fuel station, convenience store and a Starbucks.

The grocery store will feature fresh-prepared foods for carryout or dining in, full-service meat and seafood departments, fresh sushi bar, and convenient fresh-cut fruits and vegetables. They will also have

Mayor Dale Ross welcomed Randalls to Georgetown, noting that the addition of goods and services is a benefit to the community as a whole.

a large selection of important wines, domestic and craft beers, full service floral department, and a full-service pharmacy and on-site immunizations.

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

Mayor Dale Ross continued, “Today is truly special because as Mayor over the past two years, I’ve given about 250 speeches and I take questions after that. The number one question has always been, ‘When are y’all going to get a grocery store besides the one you have?’ Randalls is a great company and we wish them well. Welcome to the Georgetown family and we’re looking forward to shopping for the holidays. Thank you for choosing Georgetown.”

Chamber of Commerce President Karen Sheldon wrapped up the speeches before the shovels turned; “A groundbreaking symbolizes growth, but also jobs. Today we celebrate the symbolic start of construction of this new Randalls store. Thank you for filling a need in our community, investing in our community and bringing a choice to our neighbors.”

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

CONTENTS 4 6 10 11 12 15 16 17 18 20 21 22

Sun City Garden Tour Community Association Board Elections San Gabriel Park Improvements Fought Addresses Mail Woes Baylor Scott and White’s Sun City Clinic Local Yoga & Acupuncture Studio Supports Vets Getting to Know Your Neighbor: Josie Zamora Ask the Chief Mayor’s Update: Georgetown’s Wastewater System Ask Your Lawyer Savvy Senior: Working in Retirement Health & Wellness: Sun Safety

STAFF Managing Editor/Lifestyles: Cathy Payne Writer: Ann Marie Ludlow Design: Elysia Davis Marketing: Bill Mateja Guest Columnists: Mayor Dale Ross, John Bickle, Assistant Police Chief Cory Tchida, Jim Miller, Mary Evers, D.O.

CONTACT US

Info@CityInsiderTX.com P.O. Box 213, Jarrell, TX 76537 To Advertise in City Insider, call a sales exec at 512-746-4545 © Fidelis Publishing Group, LLC, 2017. All rights reserved.

Don’t forget to connect with us on Facebook at City Insider for more news & pictures!

Cover Photo: Gerald Crabtree helps shuttle patients between the Sun City Clinic and other Baylor Scott and White facilities in the area.

APRIL 2017 | 3

Spring is in the Air SUN CITY GARDEN SHOW The ninth annual Sun City Garden Show will be Saturday and Sunday April 29-30. The annual garden tour is sponsored by the Sun City Garden Club, and will include seven homes, as well as the Sun City Gardens, which are tended and managed by the Horticulture Club. The show was begun to promote awareness of native plants and showcase all of the wonderful flowers, herbs and vegetables that flourish in our region. Show organizers hope it will also serve to inspire visitors with new creative ways to adorn their own homes.

Organizer Susie Gates says, “This is our way of promoting beautiful lawns and have fun doing it. Our club really enjoys this event, and although we

can never guarantee good weather, we always have a good turnout. Last year we did have some rain, but folks went on the tour all the way to the point that we saw lightning!”

Advance tickets for the tour are on sale now for $12 at www.sctexas.org, or at the Sun City Member Services Office (2 Texas Dr.), and all tickets are good for both days in case guests aren’t sure about schedules or want to take their time and visit over the weekend. Publicity chair Pat Clendenin says all of the money goes to local charities chosen by the Club.

“Last year we raised nearly $5000 and we always choose groups that help children and young adults learn skills: BiG, Annunciation Home, Wil-

liamson County Junior Master Gardeners, and Williamson County 4-H Club.

We also believe we have a good mix of old and new Sun City homes to provide a variety of shade plants and varying soils.”

Tour hours are Saturday 10 am - 3 pm and Sunday 11 am - 3 pm. Tickets are valid for both days and the route starts at the Activity Center at #1 Texas Drive. Guests will receive an arm band and a map, and there will be refreshments provided by the Garden Club. Day-of tickets are $15.

Homes on the tour will have volunteers in the front to greet visitors and answer questions, and another volunteer in the back or side yard.

APRIL 29-30 Some homeowners even label their plants or are available in person to identify and discuss their designs and plantings. Photos are welcome and encouraged.

Gates says, “This is a wonderful opportunity in Sun City and the Georgetown area to see what grows well in the diverse environments we have in our great city. We will have native and water-thrifty plants and you can look forward to general knowledge about gardening; a little bit of everything. It’s fascinating because Mother Nature is always unpredictable so we never know what we’re going to get each time we do it.”

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Although the Garden Club doesn’t publish the current year’s featured homes in advance, these images from previous years’ tours remind visitors that nature’s diversity and splendor will be on full display.

RE-ELECT CPA For Mayor, City of Georgetown

Dale and Mickie Ross

A proven, visionary leader for ALL of Georgetown “I have served with Mayor Ross on the Georgetown City Council for nearly three years and our city needs his leadership for another term. I will vote to re-elect my friend Dale and ask you to cast your ballot for him.”

John Hesser Georgetown City Council Member District 3 (Sun City Area)

“Mayor Ross has accomplished a great deal in his first term largely because he knows this town so well and has a solid vision for the future. I support his re-election and encourage you to support him.”

Steve Fought Georgetown Mayor Pro-Tem & City Council Member District 4 (Sun City Area)

“I served and represented Sun City on the Georgetown City Council for six years. I have served with Mayor Ross on city council and we need to re-elect him to keep Georgetown the best place to retire, live, raise kids and work. He and Mickie, his wife, are truly treasures for our wonderful community. Joy and I will be voting for our friend, Dale Ross and ask you to vote for him as well.”

Bill Sattler Former Georgetown City Council Member (Sun City Area)

Let’s work together to meet the challenges of our future!

EARLY VOTING A PRIL 24 - MA Y 2

EL E C T I O N D A Y SA TU RD A Y , M A Y 6

Questions? Comments? Contact Dale • Re-ElectDale@gmail.com • 512-876-0063 • To learn more about Dale, visit: https://government.georgetown.org/mayor/

For early and election day voting locations, go to: www.wilco.org/elections/ Pol. Ad Paid for by the Dale Ross Campaign, Mickie Ross, Treasurer APRIL 2017 | 5

MEET THE SUN CITY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS CANDIDATES Election for the Sun City Community Association Board of Directors will take place May 25th at the regular meeting. You can meet candidates wishing to fill the open Board seats at a Meet & Greet at 9am on May 1, 2017 at the Sun City Ballroom.

The Board is made up of three members (each having one vote) designated by the Developer, and four residents (each having half a vote) elected by property owners.

The Board oversees operations, services, and finances of the Community Association, sets annual budgets and homeowners’ dues, ensures rules and regulations of the community are up-to-date and properly enforced, and may appoint ad hoc subcommittees and task forces to deal with specific issues.

6 |APRIL 2017

STEVE RICKS Steve Ricks has been a resident since 2006, has served on the Property & Grounds Committee and is current chair of the Golf & P&G water subcommittee.

Why are you running for a Board position?

I believe the community benefits most by electing residents with a record of service to Sun City on an advisory committee or the NRO. Success as a Board member requires insights that this service brings, and demands the aptitude to make informed decisions in the best interests of the community.

I believe I have those skills. I am often referred to as ‘the water well guy” and have demonstrated my abilities on many projects. Working with the community’s water use and other projects required me to develop working relationships with our Board, Developer, advisory committees, NRO, members of the CA staff, City Council and key City staff members. These relationships, and the information gathering skills I developed over a 37-year career managing large refinery projects and business interests, provide me with a level of experience and dedication our community wants from a Board Director.

What change(s) would you like to make for Sun City?

We are now approximately eight years away from our likely transition to self-governance and self-suste-

nance. The fundamental reality of “transition” is that we the residents will pay all of our expenses. With a short time to go we must ask what else do we need to do to be prepared?

No single person has an accurate and comprehensive view of the challenges and opportunities we will face as we navigate the transition. However, we do have a lot of smart people with a wealth of relevant experience in our community and in our organizations, CA staff and advisory committees. I believe we can collectively identify what our future needs might be, assess these needs, make the plans, and take the actions to address them.

I believe preparing for transition needs to be a key focus of our Board and the community going forward to avoid any surprise needs or unexpected costs. Some examples of the matters we need to examine before transition would include: • Identify and provide necessary facilities and services.

• Proper maintenance of all our amenities from annual HOA dues and use fees.

• Sufficiently fund reserve, working capital and capital asset funds for current and future needs.

• Complete golf course restoration needs.

• Adequately fund, equip and staff Firewise, EMS, Wildlife and waterways maintenance programs.

• Develop a connectivity plan for adjoining neighborhoods and business ventures.

• Assure Fire, Police and Emergency services are sufficient for our final size

Why should residents vote for you?

I have demonstrated a history of accomplishing projects and programs that have benefited the community since 2009. I have good working relationships with CA staff, advisory committees, our City councilmen, our Developer and numerous City staff, which gives me an environment to freely discuss issues and concerns and develop an understanding of the situations and the potential solutions. Understanding the issue is the key to making good decisions. These relationships and my experience enable me to make this commitment to the residents of Sun City Texas: I will continue to make informed decisions and actions that are in the best interests of our community now and for its future.

SANDY GOODMAN

Sandy Goodman has been a member of the Board of Directors since 2015 and she is on the ballot again for the 2017 election. She and her husband Mike purchased a home in Sun City in 1999 and they have been permanent residents since 2006.

Why are you running for a Board position?

I was elected to the Sun City Texas Board of Directors in May 2015. When my husband and I lived overseas, I served on several boards for international organizations and since moving to Sun City, I have served on several chartered club boards. I have advisory committee experience as a member of the CA Nominating Committee and I am an active member of Assistance League Georgetown Area. This organization gives me the opportunity to continue the philanthropic work I enjoyed while living the expat life.

What change(s) would you like to make for Sun City?

I would like to see Sun City continuing to offer an “active adult lifestyle”. This current Board of

Directors has developed a Strategic Plan for the future of Sun City Texas.

This plan will enable us to identify both current and future needs and it is a good blueprint for our continued growth and changes, including the transition. As a current board member I am also working with the Neighborhood Representatives Organization (NRO) to identify current and future needs and concerns of Sun City Texas.

Why should residents vote for you?

My years of international leadership experience and that which I have gained here in Sun City Texas contribute to my ability to explore solutions for community issues. I believe service is the rent we pay for the space we occupy; therefore, it is my goal to keep my rent current.

I hope to have your support and vote on May 25.

HAS READING GONE TO THE DOGS?

Above: 5th graders spent time with Sun City pets and owners at Frost elementary library.

Right: Husky “Skye” is a reading therapy dog.

Sun City Pet Club members enjoy meeting and attending events with other pet lovers, learn how to better care for pets, and are eligible for on-site dog obedience, Pet Partners Therapy Dog, and R.E.A.D. training classes.

The club holds informational meetings and events 4 to 6 times a year with guest speakers who are experts in their field.

During just one of their frequent volunteer events around the community, the Club visited Frost Elementary School to share stories and affection with the students. Last month, on Dr. Seuss’ birthday, they were joined by community leaders as part of the 20th annual “Read Across America” program.

At Frost, Librarian Denise Mozingo invited the pets and owners to encourage the children to read for themselves as well. “Dogs just listen and they don’t mind if a person reads slowly or with mistakes,” says member Tom Olsen. “It builds their confidence to practice without performance anxiety.”

The nine canine therapy dogs are frequent visitors to schools, hospitals, hospice and courtrooms to provide touch therapy in stressful situations.

Find out more about the Sun City Pet Club in the May issue of the

City Insider.

APRIL 2017 | 7

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Mayor Dale Ross was joined by city and contract leaders to break ground on the San Gabriel Park improvements March 24. While the ceremony was more akin to mud-breaking, the mood was upbeat, though wet, and the first phase of re-construction is due to be complete in January 2018. Mayor Ross said, “I think we all agree that Georgetown has a world-class park system and this project will enhance that. Thank you all for your time and talent and I thank the people of Georgetown for their decision and wisdom to allocate that [bond] money for these improvements.”

San Gabriel Park began with the purchase of 154 acres from the Williams family for $9000 in 1933 and has since been augmented by the City to its current 174 acres.

The San Gabriel Park Master Plan, which was completed in June 2015, took into account the current park uses and future opportunities. The remodel will take place in four phases, deliberately scheduled over time to enable the city to keep the park open for residents to enjoy during construction. However, while access to the park will not be affect-

ed; short-term road closures and detours are expected.

Phase 1 of the project includes a new playground with sensory walk, improved entry and directional signage, and the restoration of the spring habitat to its natural state through the re-establishment of the spring channel and native vegetation. Other improvements will include parking, roadway, utility and drainage improvements; realignment of the Morrow Street and Chamber Way intersection; additional restrooms and pavilions; upgraded park furnishings throughout; and trail and accessibility improvements throughout the park.

The approximately $2.5 million project will be completed by Georgetown-based Weststar Construction and should be completed

by January 2018. Austin-based RVi Planning and Landscape Architecture completed the master plan and design.

City Council approved the construction contract at its regularly scheduled Jan. 24 meeting. Funding for the project was approved by voters in a 2008 bond package.

FOUGHT FIGHTS MAIL AILS

By Ann Marie Ludlow aludlow@fpgtx.com

City Councilman Steve Fought has been working hard these past few months to discern the source of and resolutions for several problems that have created countless minor, and some critical, challenges for residents of Sun City.

In his February newsletter Fought responded to a constituent whose utilities were nearly cut off due to the check not having been delivered as posted. Mr. Fought invited others to share their experiences and discovered more than 400 residents’ payments did not arrive at the city offices. Many were charged late fees or threated with loss of service until the City realized that the number of payments represented something endemic and waived the fees. Many residents still had to pay fees to their banks to cancel their original checks.

On February 27, City Manager David Morgan notified him that after searching every corner of the Georgetown and Austin postal

facilities, postal employees found an entire tray of mail that had been misplaced. The post office promised to take responsibility and return the lost mail but, to date, no one has received their check or an apology.

As well, after many—literally—unanswered phone calls to the local post office, Fought mailed a letter to the Postmaster and copied the District Manager and Congressman John Carter to make them aware of the problem and the lack of response. He also included 27 pages of resident emails highlighting the problems they and their neighbors have experienced as episodes or recurring.

From his letter; “I fully appreciate that we have a lot of good folks working at the Post Office and that the job of sorting mail manually is potentially fraught with error. However, the magnitude of the difficulties we are experiencing is beyond the pale and needs to be addressed.”

Aside from the delivery failure of utility payments, residents had a number of other complaints that also appear to be more frequent than a normal margin of error would allow.

Some excerpts: • “I requested my mail be held and it was not. I returned the day before the hold ended and found three weeks of mail crammed into my tiny mailbox.”

• “Most of my neighbors are putting their outgoing mail in public postal boxes because it appears people are having their mail disappear.”

• “I was tracking medicine on the [company] website. The site stated the medicine was on the truck for delivery. No package was delivered that day…I had to wait until Monday morning to discover where [my medicine] was.”

• “A neighbor from about a block away came to our door with a package addressed to us. She saw it lying in the middle of the street and kindly brought it to us.”

• “It has become a standing joke on our block that we redeliver the mail to the correct houses ourselves.”

• “I went down there in person and asked to see the Postmaster. I was told by a supervisor that ‘The Postmaster does not talk to the public.’

She took my name and number but I never got a call.”

then lease the facility to the postal service. But so far, we have not had any takers and I’ve not had much luck moving that ball any further down the field. We certainly have the volume to make it work and since our growth is moving that way, hopefully it will be inevitable. I am open to suggestions and ideas from constituents any time!”

The City Insider also placed a call to the Georgetown post office for a response for this article; no one answered.

Steve Fought can be reached at District4@georgetown.org

The Councilman formally requested assistance and information about the source of the lost utility payments; what is causing the systemic issues with badly managed vacation holds, and what can be done; and what can or will be done to improve communication with customers of the Georgetown Post office. At press time, he reports he has still not received a response.

For the past three years, Mr. Fought has also been researching the possibility of a new post office on the west side of Georgetown, proximal but not inside Sun City, to provide greater access to all.

The Post Office’s position is that they would be happy to support such an endeavor but they will not build it. “It will be up to one of our Sun City resident and City Council Member (Dist. 4) /Mayor Pro Tem Steve Fought is working bring attention and resolution to the developers to take on frustrations residents have experienced with their mail service. the construction and

APRIL 2017 | 11

Baylor Scott & White: Creating A Legacy of Ca

By Ann Marie Ludlow aludlow@fpgtx.com

The Baylor Scott & White (BSW) Clinic at Sun City has been serving the community as long as Sun City itself. When Del Webb began construction in 1996, their prescient choice to partner with BSW to provide wellness services to future residents has been a boon to Georgetown’s wellness. As part of the Round Rock hospital system, they are certified and compliant at the highest level and will begin a residency program in July, which for us, means more local doctors.

What began with one physician in a trailer has become and remained a thriving community clinic heavy with internal medicine practitioners, geriatric specialists and amenities that benefit Sun City residents, like shuttle and prescription delivery service. They are also happy to have so many Sun City volunteers 12 |APRIL 2017

who help keep things friendly and working smoothly.

Director of Clinic Operations, Celeste Halko explained, “We are here to provide full-service adult medicine. We have a team-based approach to care. Teams of providers include two or three doctors paired with physician assistants, nurses and medical assistants, so patients are able to talk to the same people each time they visit.”

With so many options for healthcare and treatment in Georgetown, BSW believes they are still set apart. “We are a fully integrated system,” Halko explains. “Patients can come in and get everything they need in one electronic medical record (EMR). Our system is fully networked so, for instance, our nurses do a pre-treatment record, an x-ray tech reads film and gets to the doctor within an hour, the doctor can start treatment right away. If any of our patients see a specialist or are admitted to the hospital, all of that data is collected in a single place, including pharmacy and prescriptions. It helps tremendously in assessment and man-

agement of chronic issues like diabetes or hypertension, and we are also able to track follow-up care, discharge notes and know when it’s time to reach out again for checkups. ” The clinic offers internal medicine services and many of their physicians are board certified in geriatrics. There is also a physical therapy office behind the Walgreens that provides acupuncture and massage therapy. “They have a full waiting room more often than the clinic,” Halko says. “While we are located at Sun City, we provide services to anyone in Georgetown and we see folks of all ages. You’re never too healthy for the clinic or the therapy here.” The clinic provides same-day availability for all its providers and patients may also schedule appointments online.

Specialists are available to do outreach and they recently added a full-time psychiatric therapist and licensed social worker to provide case management. There are also many support groups available; e.g., Al-Anon, Grief Sharing, and Aging. “The benefit of having myriad competences is that our patients do

not need to t But, if they do between our day. We also ‘house calls’ t facilities in Ge Dr. Christo tor who work on the site in since. Our pa move to Sun to get well, so why we’re the the state and it. Our patien control their n They are incr look good an Dr. Hearne work. “Most o here more th too much exc medical prac that, nationw

are, Compassion and Convenience for Sun City

travel to Round Rock for services. o, we have a shuttle that travels clinics and hospital every weekhave one physician who does to several of the assisted living eorgetown.” opher Hearne was that first docked in the trailer. “I was working n 1997 and have been here ever atients are awesome. They didn’t City to be sick, they came here o they partner with us and that’s e best internal medicine group in d we have the numbers to prove nts want to focus on wellness, numbers and make good choices. redibly compliant, they make us nd they make our jobs easy.” e says it’s also a good place to of our practitioners have been han ten years and we never have citement, which is ideal for a ctice. I’m also happy to report wide, seniors are getting healthier

“

The benefit of having myriad competences is that our patients do not need to travel to Round Rock for services. But, if they do, we have a shuttle that travels between our clinics and hospital every weekday.

We also have one physician who does ‘house calls’ to several of the assisted living facilities in Georgetown.

”

~ director of clinic operations, celeste halko ~

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thanks to education, information and focus on diet, exercise and lifestyle. Sun City is a great example of that. That also echoes a growing need for more adult family and internal medicine physicians across the board due to our growing senior population. We have basic training in all specialties and can treat all but the most extreme cases for almost anything, so our patients can see their own doctor most of the time, which helps our ability to manage an entire population.”

There is also a large preventative care component, including boot camps, weigh-ins, education, and a weekly pharmacist visit who can review medication management. “People can sit and talk about interactions,” Halko says.

“So often a person is just taking ‘the red pills’ or more medicines than they might need, so we help keep everyone on the same track and their health management coordinated.”

The Baylor Scott & White clinic is located on Williams Drive, just outside of the Del Webb Blvd. entrance, and they have plenty of golf cart parking for their favorite patients.

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Construction on Georgetown’s Garey Park Underway On March 31, the City of Georgetown officially broke ground on what will become the largest park in Georgetown and the second largest city park in the state of Texas. With more than 150 in attendance, on what used to be the front lawn of benefactor Jack Garey’s ranch, city officials, developers and Mr. Garey himself turned the dirt on what will

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certainly be a legacy for his generosity and his family.

Mayor Dale Ross said, “Georgetown has a very proud and storied history but today, in my view, we are at an event that, in my view, will stand the test of time for the next two hundred or more years. Can you imagine what the surrounding community will look like in 200 years? It will be built up in ways we can’t imagine today, and this will be the Central Park of Georgetown; 525

hope it will live up to all the expectations we have.”

The 525-acre ranch, which is located along the South San Gabriel River, was donated by Jack and Cammy Garey in 2004 along with $5 million for park development. In 2008 voters approved a bond for an additional $10 million for the park’s construction.

Upon completion, Garey Park will become the City’s largest park, which is roughly 1.5 times the size

City officials joined philanthropist Jack Garey for a ceremonial ground breaking of the state’s second largest park, Georgetown’s Garey Park. Mr. Garey donated the 525-acre property, along with $5 million for park development. Pictured: Georgetown Parks & Rec Director Kimberly Garrett, Doris Garey, Jack Garey, Mayor Dale Ross, Council member Tommy Gonzalez (Dist. 7), and Council member Keith Brainard (Dist. 2).

acres of green oasis. I can’t think of anything in our 169-year history that compares to this gift that will keep on giving for many generations to come.”

City Councilman Tommy Gonzales added, “It’s a beautiful day for a beautiful piece of property and we are so blessed that Mr. Garey chose to entrust the city of Georgetown with the future of this beautiful park.

We are happy to see it and I can only

of Zilker Park in Austin. Amenities at the park will include a playground, a splash pad, a dog park, an equestrian arena, the Garey House event space, pavilions, and more than six miles of hiking and equestrian trails.

Construction of the park is expected to be completed in early 2018 with the park opening in spring 2018.

Garey Park is located on RM2243 (Leander Road), east of Ronald Reagan Boulevard.

HOKEY POKEY...PHILANTHR-OKEY jarrell yoga studio supports military members

Kitara Byerly has found a unique and wonderful way to help veterans. A successful business owner (she formerly owned and operated Georgetown Acupuncture & Herbs) and wellness expert, she opened a new acupuncture studio in Jarrell in February and immediately went to work raising money for Wounded Warriors and military persons in need.

Her new location, The Hokey Pokey Clinic—so named because clients can “turn themselves around”— is at 181 Town Center Blvd in Jarrell, and is a haven of techniques and exercise designed to revive and rejuvenate everyone. But when she is not teaching yoga or doing acupuncture for customers, she is do-

nating her time and talents to raise money. In February, she created an awareness event that raised $150 to purchase yoga mats for veterans who attend her many free classes at Fort Hood.

“I teach four classes of yoga or Tai Chi each week to Fort Hood veterans who have suffered through amputation, sexual trauma, drug abuse and suicide attempts. I also provide acupuncture when I can and there are no extra funds for these free classes. Taking care of even the small details, like providing a mat so they don’t have to lie on a towel, just shows them we really care.”

This month Byerly is busy again raising money for the local U.S. Naval Sea Cadet program. As a Naval Reservist, she knows and is sharing the value and benefits of good discipline, military history, training and

even a few survival skills with kids 10-17 years old. The Junior program introduces young members to Naval life through instruction and basic leadership, and the Senior program takes older members through the full rigors of military training. “We spend weekends at mini-camps where kids learn what it is like to be in the real military. Even if they don’t go into the Navy, they learn the skills needed to be a medic or a chef. It also provides a huge advantage for future Naval Academy acceptance. Only 1:20,000 applicants are accepted at USNA, but it is 1:5 for Cadets.”

Byerly says she just wants to raise awareness and have fun. Right now she is working to raise money for uniforms, training supplies and storage for all their materials. She will be hosting a yoga marathon, which will include classes, health

counseling, and acupuncture; all free and asking for donations. “I’m hoping to partner with the VFW or any organizations who wish to support wounded warriors or aspiring students. I have been volunteering this way for a long time and I love being part of a community that helps fill special needs of these special people. Sometimes it only takes a few dollars to make a difference in someone’s life.”

Donations are welcome at any time. Hokey Pokey fundraising is under the Navy League of Austin, which is a 501(c). Visit NavyLeagueAustin.org/ for more information.

You can contact the Hokey Pokey Clinic at 181 Town Center Blvd. Suite 400 (use the back entrance) in Jarrell, at 512-851-3303, on Facebook @hokeypokeyacupuncture, or online at www.hokeypokey.clinic.

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Getting To Know your Neighbors

Neighborhood 10’s Josie Zamora has been working since 2011 to establish a full-time adult day care facility for dementia patients. Zamora’s vision, which will provide much-needed down time (a real gift!) for caregivers, is expected to become reality in 2018.

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Giving Caregivers a Gift of Time The recent proliferation of dayclient needs. Clients must have a not to turn anyone away who needs care facilities for seniors reflects the diagnosis of dementia, and a regour help.” increasing awareness of the need istered nurse will be onsite at all Zamora said, “One of the big for caregivers to take care of themtimes to evaluate and manage med- reasons for these centers is the rise selves as well. There are more than ical needs, as well as administer in dementia. These are people who 3,000 senior and adult day care physician-directed medication. “We cannot function alone. Emergency centers in the United States, and the love and appreciate the faith-based rooms across the country somenumber grows as demand increasorganizations in Georgetown, but times receive caregivers as patients, es. These facilities include medical I’m proud to say that our licensing but, because they are responsible staff, meals, personal care, activities will provide optimum safety and the for another person, they have to and recreation to provide respite best care in the community. Based admit both as patients and costs are hours or days for caregivers. on community feedback, patient ac- much greater. Day care can alleviate Georgetown currently some of the exhaustion has three community and frustration of conprograms that provide stant care.” respite care for seniors on A Gift of Time will a limited basis, and soon, be kicking off another as the funding becomes fundraising campaign to available, we will have the procure a building with full-time facility and serproperty and proper vices of “A Gift of Time” fencing, and they will “We love and appreciate the faith-based organizations in senior day care. commence the effort The board of directors Georgetown, but I’m proud to say that our licensing will provide once their 501 contribuof A Gift of Time have tion status is confirmed. been working since 2016 “It is our hope that optimum safety and the best care in the community. Based on from information gathword of mouth will community feedback, patient activities will include devotionals, provide greater opporered in a 2011 community survey, which indicatsnacks, and chair sports, and may also provide opportunities for tunities for donations, ed the need and desire financial or otherwise. It family members to share (or vent) their experiences.” for affordable adult day would be great if somecare in Georgetown. Last one donated a building, March, founder Josephine but we will also need Zamora (N10) began her earnest tivities will include snacks, and chair things inside like tables and chairs, community outreach and fundraissports, and may also provide oppor- yoga mats, kitchen appliances and ing for the project. She received her tunities for family members to share more. We look at clients with a first $3000 in seed money from the (or vent) their experiences.” Zamora holistic approach. The client is the Georgetown Steak Fry club, and she plans to staff the center with one center focus and everything else is is steaming forward to establish this care attendant for every 6-8 clients. part of our support team. ” group to provide care and activity Fees will start at $75 per day Keep up with their progress on for seniors living with dementia and and the client may decide the level their Facebook page @AGiftOfhelp for their caregivers. of care provided. Zamora added TimeADC A Gift of Time is scheduled to that fees may be supplemented by open for business in 2018. Hours will Medicaid, VA funds or other means vary depending on caregiver and of financial aid. “We will do our best

ASK T

H

E

CHIEF Georgetown Police Chief Wayne Nero and Assistant Chief Cory Tchida answer your questions:

Do I need to be in good physical condition to attend the Spring Citizens Police Academy?

No, there are no physical fitness requirements for the CPA. We just want you to come with an open mind!

What is the toughest part about police training?

If we are talking about Police academy, all of it is hard by design.

The academics and physical training are very challenging. There are near-daily tests that require 85 percent to pass and studying every night is a fact of life while in the academy.

Would GPD hire me if I have a criminal record?

A criminal record may not exclude you from hire. It depends on the severity of the offense, how long ago it occurred, the disposition of the case, and we are also interested in how the offense helped you grow as a person.

Can you tell me your best donut story?

I am not familiar with donuts. Cops don’t eat donuts. We do eat sugary power rings however. They are the source of all our greatness. My personal favorite power rings come from a little place in Round Rock!

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

APRIL 2017 | 17

MAYOR’S UPDATE

How Georgetown’s Wasterwater System Works

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system must work against gravity in some places.

These areas are served by lift stations and force mains. A lift station is a collection basin with electric pumps that pushes wastewater over elevations in the terrain through a pressurized pipe known as a force main.

One major problem with force mains and lift stations is that they depend on electricity and mechanical pumps. A range of issues can lead to power outages and pump failures.

When this happens, lift stations can overflow and spill wastewater. Most stations have redundant pumps and power, but lift stations are still susceptible to mechanical, electrical, and equipment failures. When wastewater spills occur, they flow into the rivers and streams that the system is designed to protect.

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

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

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

The City’s wastewater system, mostly unseen to residents, follows a master plan to reduce environmental impacts with gravity lines. This plan ensures the safest operation of an under-appreciated element 2 of our public infrastrucMiles ture.

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in the City’s wastewater master plan since 1989.

It is important to understand that the Berry Creek Interceptor is a longterm City project, not an idea created by developers. Portions of the Berry Creek Interceptor or wastewater line were built before the first homes in Sun City were constructed in the early 1990s. The Berry Creek Interceptor has been a phased project with new segments constructed as development occurs along the Berry Creek watershed so new development shares the costs for pricey infrastructure projects.

The alignment of the interceptor, which follows Berry Creek from Sun City to the Pecan Branch Wastewater Treatment Plant on the east side of Georgetown, includes a segment along Berry Springs Park. The City is working with Williamson County to find a route for the interceptor. The placement of the line will be sensitive to the park setting and ensure that the natural assets of the park are protected.

While a wastewater line going through or adjacent to a park was a surprise to some, a broader look at our wastewater collection system shows that we already have interceptors along every river and tributary in ings nn c h an Br

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

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

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

Dry Fork Cr eek

BY MAYOR DALE ROSS

Georgetown. A number of these interceptors run in or near parks, including San Gabriel Park.

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

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

The alternative to a wastewater system that follows the contours of natural topography requires sending water uphill and going against gravity. Because we do not have large interceptors in all of our rivers and streams, the current wastewater

´

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

When a child enters the foster care system because his/her home is no longer safe, a judge may appoint a committed volunteer to help the child. Locally, CASA of Williamson County in 2016 had 114 volunteers that served a total of 213 children, an increase of 900% since CASA of Williamson County was founded in 2009. Last year, 49% of the 433 children in care in Williamson County were served by a CASA. However, 220 foster care children eligible to receive a CASA did not. Join us for this delightful day of golf and help children who have been abused or neglected reach safe, permanent homes! Visit http://casawilco.org/news-events/golf-tournament/ to sign up today.

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APRIL 2017 | 19

By John W. Bickle, Attorney at Law

was inspired by the Elder Law Handbook of the Tarrant County Bar Association.

However, remember this is information and not legal advice. For legal advice, ask your lawyer. This month let’s take a look at some aspects of ELDER ABUSE, EXPOLOITATION AND NEGLECT.

Welcome to another in my series of articles regarding matters involving Texas and Federal law which I hope will be interesting and useful to you. As before, I’ll continue to reprint from, quote liberally from and use the format which

1. What is elder abuse, exploitation and neglect?

Chapter 48 of the Texas Human Resources Code defines elder “abuse”, “exploitation”, and “neglect” as follows: (1) “Abuse” means the willful infliction of injury, unreasonable confinement, intimidation or cruel punishment with

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resulting physical or emotional harm or pain to an elderly or disabled person by the person’s caretaker, family member, or other individual who has an ongoing relationship with the person; or sexual abuse of an elderly or disabled person, including any involuntary or nonconsensual sexual conduct that would constitute an offense under Section 21.08 of the Texas Penal Code (indecent exposure) or Chapter 22 of the Texas Penal Code (assaultive offenses), committed by the person’s caretaker, family member, or other individual who has an ongoing relationship with the person; (2) “Exploitation” means the illegal or improper act or process of a caretaker, family member, or other individual who has an ongoing relationship with the elderly or disabled person using the resources of an elderly or disabled person for monetary or financial benefit, profit or gain without the informed consent of the elderly or disabled person; and (3) “Neglect” means the failure to provide the goods or services, including medical services, which are necessary to avoid physical or emotional harm or pain or the failure of a caretaker to provide such goods and services.

2. What makes an older person vulnerable to abuse?

Mental impairment (like Alzheimer’s disease and dementia) and social isolation are a couple of factors that may make an older person more vulnerable to abuse. But, unfortunately, studies have shown that, in some situations, living with someone else (a caretaker or a friend) may increase the chances for abuse to occur. Obviously, a history of domestic violence on the part of the

caretaker or friend may also make an older person more susceptible to abuse.

3. What are some warning signs of elder abuse?

While any one of the following signs does not necessarily indicate abuse, some of the tell-tale signs that there could be a problem might be: (1) bruises, pressure marks, broken bones, abrasions, and burns may be an indication of physical abuse, neglect or mistreatment; (2) unexplained withdrawal from normal activities, a sudden change in alertness, and unusual depression might be indicators of emotional abuse; (3) bruises around the breasts or genital area can occur from sexual abuse; (4) sudden changes in the older person’s financial situation may be the result of exploitation; (5) bedsores, unattended medical needs, poor hygiene, and unusual weight loss may indicate possible neglect; (6) behavior such as belittling, threats, and other uses of power and control by caregivers could indicate verbal or emotional abuse; and (7) strained or tense relationships or frequent arguments between the caregiver and the elderly person may also be signs of abuse.

I’ll be back next month with more questions and, hopefully, more answers.

Remember, we’re all in this together and the more information you have the better questions you can ask your lawyer and the better decisions you will make.

John W. Bickle resides in Sun City, is licensed to practice law in Texas and continues in practice today as a member of the Williamson County bar. He can be reached by phone at (512) 868-8593 or by email at jbbickle@msn.com

working rules

How Working in Retirement Can Affect Your Social Security Benefits by jim miller

Dear Savvy Senior, I’m considering retiring later this year and starting my Social Security benefits, but would also like to work part time. Will this affect my benefits, and if so, how much?

Ready to Retire Dear Ready,

You can collect Social Security retirement benefits and work at the same time, but depending on how old you are and how much you earn, some or all of your benefits could be temporarily withheld. Here’s what you should know.

Social Security says that if you’re under your full retirement age – which is 66 if you were born between 1943 and 1954, or 66 and 2 months if you were born in 1955 – and are collecting benefits, then you can earn up to $16,920 in 2017 without jeopardizing any of your Social Security if you don’t reach your full retirement age this year. But if you earn more than the $16,920 limit, you’ll lose $1 in benefits for every $2 over that amount.

In the year you reach your full retirement age, a less stringent rule applies. If that happens in 2017, you can earn up to $44,880 from January to the month of your birthday with no penalty. But if you earn more than $44,880 during that time, you’ll lose $1 in benefits for every $3 over that limit. And once your birthday passes, you can earn any amount by working without your benefits being reduced at all.

Wages, bonuses, commissions, and vacation pay all count toward the income limits, but pensions, annuities, investment earnings, interest, capital gains and government or military retirement benefits do not.

To figure out how much your specific earnings will affect your benefits, see the Social Security Retirement Earnings Test Calculator at SSA.gov/ OACT/COLA/RTeffect.html.

It’s also important to know that if you do lose some or all of your Social Security benefits because of the earning limits, they aren’t lost forever. When you reach full retirement age, your benefits will be recalculated to a higher amount to make up for what was withheld. For details and examples of how this is calculated, see SSA.gov/planners/retire/ whileworking2.html.

For more information on how working can affect your Social Security benefits see SSA.gov/planners/ retire/whileworking.html, or call the Social Security at 410-965-2039 and ask to receive a free copy of publication number 05-10069, “How Work Affects Your Benefits.” tax factor

In addition to the Social Security rules, you need to factor in Uncle Sam too. Because working increases your income, it might make your Social Security benefits taxable.

Here’s how it works. If the sum of your adjusted gross income, nontaxable interest, and half of your Social Security benefits is between $25,000 and $34,000 for individuals ($32,000 and $44,000 for couples), you have to pay tax on up to 50 per-

cent of your benefits. Above $34,000 ($44,000 for couples), you could pay on up to 85 percent, which is the highest portion of Social Security that is taxable. About a third of all people who get Social Security have to pay income taxes on their benefits.

For information, call the IRS at 800-829-3676 and ask them to mail you a free copy of publication 915 “Social Security and Equivalent Railroad Retirement Benefits,” or you can see it online at IRS.gov/pub/irspdf/p915.pdf.

In addition to the federal government, 13 states – Colorado, Connecticut, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont and West Virginia – tax Social Security benefits to some extent too. If you live in one of these states, you’ll need to check with your state tax agency for details.

Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org.

Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.

BEFORE

AFTER

Jim Miller is the creator of Savvy Senior, a syndicated information column for older Americans and their families that is published in more than 400 newspapers and magazines nationwide. Jim is also a regular contributor on NBC’s “Today” show and KFOR-TV in Oklahoma City,and is the author of The Savvy Senior, The Ultimate Guide to Health, Family and Finances for Senior Citizens, (Hyperion).

Jim is frequently quoted in articles about issues affecting senior citizens and has been featured in numerous high profile publications, including Time magazine, USA Today and The New York Times.

In addition, he has made multiple appearances on CNBC, CNN, Retirement Living Television and national public television.

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APRIL 2017 | 21

Here are several steps you can take to help prevent sun damage and the development of skin cancer:

HEALTH & WELLNESS

• Schedule outdoor activities during non-peak hours, which are before 10a.m. and after 4p.m.

Sun Safety: Protect Your Skin from Sun Damage

• Wear protective clothing, such as a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and a lightweight, long-sleeve shirt on sunny, as well as cloudy, days.

By Mary Evers, D.O.

Spring is in full bloom, and summer will be here soon, which means high temperatures, plenty of sunshine and the potential for sunburns. While spending time in the sun and enjoying the outdoors is part of the appeal of living in Central Texas, it is important to be aware of the dangers created by overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.

UV rays damage the DNA of skin cells. This damage may cause genetic mutations, which can lead to skin cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, nearly 9,500 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with skin cancer every day, and between 40

• When outdoors, seek shade—do not allow your skin to burn.

and 50 percent of Americans who live to age 65 will have some form of skin cancer at least once.

Some may think that as people reach an older age, sun safety is less important, especially if there is no personal or family history of skin cancer. On the contrary, it’s never too late to reduce your skin cancer risk. While it is unknown exactly how much sun damage it takes to cause skin cancer, studies suggest that even one bad sunburn in older age may be the determining factor in a skin cancer diagnosis. Therefore, the older we get, the more essential it is to practice comprehensive sun protection.

• Wear sunscreen with an SPF of 45 or greater, and reapply every two hours.

• Do not use tanning beds or tanning accelerators.

• Utilize extra protection when you’re around water, snow or sand because they reflect the damaging rays of the sun, and can cause you to burn more easily.

Aside from sun safety measures, you should also check your skin once a month, and schedule a skin exam by a physician at least once a year. Warning signs include changes in size, shape or color of a mole or other skin lesions, the appearance of a new growth on the skin, or a sore that doesn’t heal. If you see anything suspicious, contact your primary care physician or dermatologist as soon as possible.

As you prepare for outdoor activities and summer vacations, remember to stay safe and protect yourself from the sun. We must take care of ourselves so that we can live long, healthy lives and enjoy many more sunny days ahead.

Mary Evers, D.O., is a dermatologist with Texas Dermatology Clinic, who practices at St. David’s Georgetown Hospital.

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Pokey's Current Listings Property Address

Floor Plan

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Lot Type

List Price

174 Whispering Wind DR 318 Kickapoo Creek LN 103 Mud Creek CV 225 Winter DR 157 Dan Moody TRL 312 Essex LN 509 Salt Creek LN 109 Martin Creek LN 321 Yukon TER 159 Blazing Star DR 110 Stetson TRL 106 Yellow Rose TRL 108 Medina Creek CV 921 Dome Peak LN 105 Landmark Inn CT 104 Klondike DR 503 Rio Grande LP 106 Bonham LP 522 Farm Hill DR 101 Dandelion DR 101 Landmark Inn CT 124 Coffee Mill Creek RD 107 Lariat DR 105 Yucca CV 103 Lone Star DR 304 Lake Sommerville TRL 323 Bartlett Peak DR 124 Fox Home LN 310 Armstrong DR 120 Camp DR 105 Holly Springs CT 608 Breezeway LN 107 Ranger Peak LN 217 Scissortail TRL 215 Scissortail TRL 407 McKinney Falls LN 109 Yucca CV 127 Lone Star DR 102 Pipe Creek LN 228 Lone Star DR

Angelina Gray Myst Gray Myst Bluebonnet Medina Monterey Pine Spring Gray Myst Cambridge Cypress Brazos San Jacinto Surrey Crest Copper Ridge Surrey Crest Monroe Monroe Magnolia Magnolia Burnet Vernon Hill Surrey Crest Trinity Trinity Trinity Lexington Vernon Hill Devaca Devaca Williamson Bowie Cortez Dunwoody Travis Burleson Sheridan Colorado Rio Grande Chamberlain Rio Grande

1,310 1,388 1,388 1,404 1,422 1,426 1,467 1,471 1,564 1,587 1,668 1,670 1,788 1,696 1,712 1,717 1,717 1,755 1,755 1,756 1,888 1,890 1,904 1,915 1,921 1,976 1,983 1,994 1,994 2,008 2,156 2,370 2,428 2,452 2,470 2,581 2,651 2,848 2,872 2,930

P GB GB, P GB

$209,950 $264,500 $243,950 $236,950 $239,950 $196,950 $249,900 $259,500 $284,950 $249,950 $267,500 $249,950 $359,900 $299,500 $318,500 $279,950 $273,950 $254,950 $269,950 $269,950 $338,800 $319,500 $289,950 $297,950 $309,950 $329,900 $347,900 $289,950 $329,950 $337,500 $399,950 $349,950 $469,900 $378,750 $379,500 $434,950 $387,500 $509,900 $595,000 $449,675

(pending sale)

(pending contingency)

(pending sale)

(pending sale)

(pending contingency)

(pending sale)

(pending sale)

GC = Golf Course, HC = Hill Country, GB = Green Belt, P = Privacy

GB GB GB GB, HC GB, HC GB GB, HC GB, HC GB, HC P GB, HC GC, GB, HC

GB

GB GB, HC GB, HC GB, HC GC GB P P P GB, GC GC GB, P GC