City Insider Town & Country July 2017

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TOWN & COUNTRY An exclusive interview with owner and patriarch Kirk Michaux: on the ranch in 1951 and today.

IN THIS ISSUE: Southwestern Football Couples’ Clinic - Pg. 4 ∙ Legendary BBQ in Georgetown - Pg. 11 and

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TOWN & COUNTRY

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Town & Country

Live Music!

SEVEN DAYS A WEEK!

Sunday – Thursday 6 pm – 8 pm Friday and Saturday 7 pm – 11 pm

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SOUTHWESTERN FOOTBALL COUPLES’ CLINIC

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LEGENDARY BBQ RETURNS TO GEORGETOWN

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PRESERVING THE ‘GREAT’ IN THE STATE OF TEXAS

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MAYOR’S UPDATE

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AROUND TOWN

Visit www.GumbosNorth.com for the latest line-up!

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Monday – Friday: 2 pm - 7 pm Wine, Cocktail & Appetizer Specials!

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TUESDAYS

$5 Martinis all day

THURSDAYS

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BUY ONE LUNCH ENTREE, GET ONE 1/2 PRICE (Excludes Tenderloin)

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Valid Sunday-Thursday Not valid on holidays, brunch, or with any other offer.

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All rights reserved.

Managing Editor Cathy Pay ne Content & Photography Ann Marie Ludlow Design: Elysia Wright Davis Columnists: Mayor Dale Ross Kay Taylor, CPT Jim Miller Info@CityInsiderTX.com P.O. Box 213 Jarrell, TX 76537 512-746-4545 On the cover: The Solana Ranch brand on the front gate greets visitors - the “M” is prominent for “Michaux” but when laid on its side, it is a “13” - father Frank Michaux’s lucky number.

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TOWN & COUNTRY

GOING OUT FOR GRIDIRON GOLD

SOUTHWESTERN FOOTBALL “Couples Clinic” Southwestern Head Football Coach Joe Austin demonstrates offensive play formations at the 2016 clinic.

No matter who you are, if you think you know football, there is still a lot to learn from a coach of Joe Austin’s caliber. For the third year in a row, Southwestern’s head coach is transforming the Palace Theater into a short but entertaining football camp for sports fans of all ages.

“The previous years’ Women’s Academy events were very well received and a blast for me and the attendees. A lot of participants told me how much fun they thought it would be to do this with their husband, boyfriend, etc., so this year I’m going with their suggestion,” Coach Austin said. “If, when you see football, all you see is 11 dudes running into each other as fast as they can, we’re going to change that in the first 20 min-

4

utes.” And he is right. During previous clinics, it wasn’t long before hands went up all over calling out “That’s a 4-3 defensive front, cover 2!” and high-fiving each other over a newly expert grasp of what goes on in the game.

The annual academy is a personal project for the Coach because, he says, there are so many football events geared toward men; the Coach and his wife, Marissa, wanted to do something fun for everyone. Austin uses diagrams, films, simple language and a lot of humor to prevent people from outing themselves with questions like “Is that the Hiker?”

With four instruction quarters to methodically go through player positions, strategy, and even how a coach’s life works on and off the field, it has always been a great girls’

C i tyI n s i d e r T X . co m

Town & Country

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night out. But, Austin’s experience Hustle—don’t walk—to get your in the game will educate even the tickets for a rare and lively pep most ardent male fans; “What we talk with the Coach. The clinic have created is a fun and relaxed will be at The Georgetown Palevening where the goal is to ace Theatre (810 S. Austin Ave) build knowledge and enjoyment at 7 pm August 3. Reserved seat of the game for tickets are $25 or fans. I think we’ve $40 per couple.

HUSTLE—DON’T WALK— been successful Tickets are availin doing that the TO GET YOUR TICKETS FOR able now at the last two years. It’s A RARE AND LIVELY PEP TALK Palace website all the Xs and Os (GeorgetownWITH THE COACH. without the maPalace.com) and cho. The crowd is also at the door The clinic will be at The always very interstaring at 6pm.

Georgetown Palace Theatre active and this will In 2016 Aus(810 S. Austin Ave) at 7pm

make for a great tin’s team at on August 3. summer date Southwestern night.” posted an undeReserved seat tickets are As a bonus, he feated confer$25 each or $40 per couple. performs with all ence record in Tickets are available now at the patience and route to claiming GeorgetownPalace.com without the conthe Southern and also at the door descension some Collegiate Athstaring at 6pm. might have expeletic Conference rienced previously championship. when asking dads or boyfriends Austin was tabbed as the conferto explain what was going on— ence’s Coach of the Year for his without waiting for the commerefforts. The 2017 home season cial. A definite touchdown of an begins September 9. evening.

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KARAOKE THURSDAY’S! TOWN & COUNTRY

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ICONIC CANDLE FACTORY TO OPEN NEW LUXURY OFFICES

New construction at the candle factory site, (inset) aerial view of the office park, (bottom) archive photo of the original Candle Factory

Just off I-35, between Blue Springs and the Inner Loop is a modern commercial office park that was once made famous for candles. Folks who have been in Georgetown a while know that before Jimmy Jacobs’ elegant facade, the site was famous for The Candle Factory, a popular Texas tourist attraction. This iconic destination was borne out of old Texas’ need, before electricity came to its rugged hills, for candles as a main source of light. The Factory allowed visitors to watch more than 300 styles of candles being made and many GISD students were able to make their own candles on regular field trips. The factory building closed its doors several years ago and sold candles briefly online but has since gone into Texas history.

Today, the park is showing another common sight for I-35; new development. In 2012, Jimmy Jacobs had a vision to turn the iconic Georgetown Candle Factory into a luxury office development. Through planning, design, construction, leasing, and property management - the Candle Office redevelopment has turned this location into a prime office campus for Georgetown.

Phase I of the development includes over 11,000 square feet of office space and Phase II offers a 16,000 square foot, Class A building that will provide much needed new office space for Georgetown.

High end finishes, ample parking, and convenient location off of IH-35 make these buildings in high demand. The Candle Office campus is in the middle of a district soon planned to offer the latest shopping, dining, and entertainment options for Georgetown. The Georgetown Economic Development office confirms the immediate area is zoned for commercial/retail operations and residents can look forward to new services and products within the next 24-36 months.

Jimmy Jacobs’ own home building company, Grand Endeavor Homes, is planning to occupy a portion of the new building Additional information is available at www.CandleOffice.com, including a flyover drone video showing the construction progress.

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TOWN & COUNTRY

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LEGENDARY BBQ

RETURNS TO GEORGETOWN

By Ann Marie Ludlow aludlow@fpgtx.com

An Austin legend has come to share his culinary delights with the good people of Georgetown.

John Mueller’s Black Box Barbecue opened for business this past April and has been selling out ever since. Located at the corner of 9th and Church Streets, just off the Square, the new eaterie consists of a black food trailer and another pit for cooking. But, Mueller says, he and his partners have big plans to make it a patio dining experience very soon.

Brothers Gary and Justin Bohls are working with Mueller since his most recent restaurant closed in

Line-up for lunch outside the Box.

Randy Bohls, John Mueller and Justin Bohls taking it easy at the end of the cooking day.

Austin. Justin Bohls is the owner and operator of Union on 8th.

“We are all intertwined in the business,” Mueller says. “I am the cook. I was never really good at the other side of the business and it is great to be with a good group of men who know how to run the business and let me do what I do best. Over time, you learn what your limitations are, and after 17 years of the rigors of Austin, it’s a fun situation out here in the box.

I’m happy working the pit in the quiet hours and letting them be in the front.”

Mueller has been working in the barbecue business since he was six years old. His family tree includes some of the biggest names in Texas barbecue and he worked on and off for the family business for many years.

He has been featured in Texas Monthly, and, he says, “I’ve probably been interviewed 4000 times.” His colorful past is well known

to many, as is his nickname, the “Dark Prince of Barbecue” which, at this point in his life, is great branding and makes for curious customers. “People call me the Dark Prince because I’m kind of sarcastic and not everyone gets me.”

Mueller said he was hesitant to put his name on the business because he knew it would bring media and perhaps some attention he wouldn’t want to have again, but he is enjoying this honeymoon phase. “I really do love my customers; I love interacting with them and talking at the tables. I just don’t want to cut meat anymore.”

With so many people new to Georgetown every day, and Central Texas in general, his reputation need go no further than the peppery slab of tender brisket they walk away eating.

No question though, his food is worth a visit to the little piece of park land. “The biggest challenge is coming into another business venture with so much baggage, but I still know how to cook great brisket and that’s what matters to me.” Mueller’s past is unlikely to shadow his current friendly demeanor. In fact, I told him I would

ruin his reputation a little by saying he’s a nice guy who seems to be living a grateful life and enjoys working with good friends.

His normal workday begins around 3:30 am in the rain, cold and summer heat. He cooks alone, which he enjoys, at the pits.

He prepares all of the sides for the customers and is on his own for the first six hours of the day.

Lunch begins at 10:30am and the other employees handle the nonstop lines until the food runs out, which it normally does.

“I was going to be whatever my daddy was,” Mueller says. “And he was a barbecue man. If I couldn’t do this job... well, I’d probably try to do this again, although I really like it here. I think this may be the last business venture.”

Black Box is open Thursday through Sunday from 10:30 am until the food is gone. Mueller says the lines are long, but never more than a 15 minute wait, “I just keep the meat coming off the pit.

People are getting used to the picnic style and relaxing out here.

I’m glad to have their business and I appreciate their patience.”

LOOK FOR THEM AT 201 9th Street | BlackBoxBBQ.com

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TOWN & COUNTRY

Solana Ranch PRESERVING THE “GREAT” IN THE STATE OF TEXAS

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Town & Country

“ take

care of the land and it will take care of you ”

K irk M ichaux

By Ann Marie Ludlow aludlow@fpgtx.com

Although Georgetown and surrounding are a hub of growth and change, just up the road a piece from Jarrell are nearly 8000 plus acres of pristine ranch land that are the best place and our best local bet to enjoy the natural beauty of Texas. I’m talking about Solana Ranch in Salado, owned by Kirk Michaux and his family since 1950; a special piece of property held together by love of family and nature.

Solana, among other things, is a very successful hunting and cattle business, but the Michaux family are also dedicated stewards of their properties. There are 13 miles of land, 18 springs, six miles of creeks and 80 miles of fence. Michaux fathers and sons have been educating visitors about the outdoors for decades—fostering an appreciation for it through wildlife and hunting. Solana is also heavy with awards for conservation and preserving healthy animal populations. And, while upkeep and animal management is a full-time, year-round occupation, it has been a favorite Fall/Winter destination for serious and hobby Left: Willingham Springs on the ranch property.

Kirk Michaux

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ING

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Over 20 Years Experience

A young Kirk Michaux on the ranch in the 1950s.

hunters alike since the mid-1980s.

Purchased by Kirk’s father Frank to be a working ranch, Solana’s first product was angora goats raised for the mohair. Michaux explains; “Before 1950, the land was covered with dense cedar and rocks.

We were also in a 12-year drought, so goats were pretty much all we could raise. But they provided a great service by clearing the underbrush, and we have taken pride in maintaining and improving the land ever since.”

Michaux and his son Mike are on constant watch and have partnered with Texas Parks & Wildlife and Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to implement necessary changes to the landscape; controlled burns to restore

grassland habitats; clearing cedars to protect water sources; replanting seed stock; dam development; and building a new 10-acre lake.

“Conservation is a high priority,” Michaux says. “We have four major creek systems and have created spreader dams to ensure healthy water for everything from wild game to endangered salamanders.”

From September to May, hunters shoot (in-season) dove, deer, turkey, and hog with firearms or bow and arrow. Hunters can visit as part of a membership, and there are also Executive Hunt events for groups and competitions for hogsize championship. Hunters are provided professional guides who take care of them at all times, as

C i tyI n s i d e r T X . co m

Town & Country

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well as ensure visitors are aware of safety and rules of the ranch before setting out after game. Michaux says, “Rules are necessary to preserve the habitat of the animals, as well as future wildlife generations.” To that end, the family is as much committed to taking care of the land as they are about running a business.

In addition to hunting, Solana uses its vast resources−pastures, working pens and labor to manage registered herds.

Their successful cattle program provides native forage, expert herdsmen, and the latest technology for two major herds; Beef Master and Angus, both of which are known to produce some of the

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country’s best beef. Herd size is limited to what the land can reasonably accommodate. Rather than allowing as many cattle as possible, Michaux is careful to allow only what can be reasonably supported by rotating grasslands to avoid overgrazing and taking advantage of the property itself. This enables him to blend and stabilize the same lands for cattle and hunting. He does the same with the wildlife. “We schedule our hunts carefully and keep a good pace so we don’t overwhelm the birds or other animals and end up with too few to repopulate.”

“We try to implement programs that benefit both the wildlife and livestock

While the Ranch is primarily a hunting and cattle operation, there are many things that stand out to any visitor; the natural beauty of its acreage, the creeks and streams and an abundance of wildlife. There is also a great deal of history, including Comanche Indian settlements. They are open during dove season for executive events, and the steak dinners provided for Executive hunts are a documented treat.

Visit www.solanaranch.com for details and dates.

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TOWN & COUNTRY

operations,” Michaux says. “We have food plots, improved grain pastures and we are always improving our many water sources. We do not allow smoking, ATVs or large equipment—to prevent fires—so cattle owners and hunters enjoy a sense of security while they are here.” They also recently added a 10-acre lake, managed and nurtured by Kirk’s son Mike, for fish production and a lush duck habitat.

Overall, he says, Michaux’s favorite thing is watching his children and grandchildren participate in the operation of the ranch. “This is an environment most kids don’t have an opportunity to enjoy. It is a place to grow up strong and self-reliant. It has given my family a sense of confidence, respect for wildlife and the country work ethic; once

they hit the gates, they leave their phones and we don’t see them again for a while. It would give me a great deal of satisfaction to know that these fourth and fifth generation Michauxs will pass on the legacy and always leave it better for the next.”

While the Ranch is primarily a hunting and cattle operation, there are many things that stand out to any visitor; the natural beauty of its acreage, the creeks and streams and an abundance of wildlife. There is also a great deal of history, including Comanche Indian settlements.

They are open during dove season for executive events, and the steak dinners provided for Executive hunts are a documented treat.

Visit http://www.solanaranch. com/ for details and dates.

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C i tyI n s i d e r T X . co m

Town & Country

The oldest dam on the ranch property.

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TOWN & COUNTRY

MAYOR’S U P DAT E Williams Drive: Fixes for the Future As our busiest commercial and transportation corridor, Williams Drive, has seen new businesses and residential developments spring up at an amazing pace in recent years. The growth of new retail and restaurants as well as single-family and multi-family developBY MAYOR ments has tracked the DALE ROSS growth of our city overall.

As the fifth-fastest growing city above 50,000 residents last year, and the fastest the year before, we’ve seen the result along Williams Drive. Traffic has increased, as we might expect.

Growth along Williams Drive is not a new story. Because of the development along the corridor, the City of Georgetown and Williamson County worked together on a joint project to widen Williams Drive from two lanes to four lanes from D.B. Wood Road to Ronald Reagan Boulevard in 2009-10. The $18 million project, which extended approximately 6.5 miles, was completed with federal, County, and City funding, adding much-needed capacity to this section of Williams Drive.

Yet, the traffic and development pressure continues.

To provide more traffic capacity, Williams Drive could be turned into an elevated superhighway with frontage roads and on ramps like Highway 183 in Austin. Given the economic and community impacts of such a megaproject, as well as the likely price tag, this solution is not feasible or desirable at this time.

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So what can we do to address traffic congestion and development pressures in this corridor?

That was the question that was addressed in the recently completed Williams Drive Study, a 12-month analysis and set of recommendations by the City of Georgetown and the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization.

The project team for the study held four public workshops including a week-long dropin design charrette to gather community input on the corridor. The team was interested in traffic flow and transportation issues, as well as input on development patterns for commercial and residential uses.

The outcome of the study is not one big idea but rather a set of fixes, innovations, and improvements phased over time to enhance mobility and promote economic activity. Together, these ideas can help to enhance safe and efficient traffic flow and encourage development to make the corridor a livable and vibrant part of the community.

The study looks at Williams Drive in two segments. The first is the segment from Jim Hogg Road to Lakeway Drive. The second segment is from Lakeway Drive to Austin Avenue.

In the segment from Jim Hogg to Lakeway, the study recommends changes to improve vehicle traffic flow, bicycle and pedestrian mobility, and enhancing aesthetics of the corridor.

Traffic flow ideas include traffic signal synchronization, intersection redesigns, medians, pedestrian crossings, cross-access among adjacent neighborhoods, shared driveway access points, and shared parking areas. Bicycle and pedestrian ideas include filling in sidewalk gaps and adding bicycle lanes or paths. Aesthetic and character improvements are proposed

such as landscape buffers, improved lighting and signage, and parking at the rear of parcels.

The second segment studied is the portion of Williams Drive from Lakeway Drive to Austin Avenue. Strategies include improving connection points, encouraging mixed-use development, and using key redevelopment sites to change the development pattern. Methods to improve connections include adding linkage points between parcels, filling in sidewalk gaps, closing redundant driveways, using traffic calming devices, and adding safe bicycle routes.

Mixed-use development with retail stores and restaurants near residential projects can reduce vehicle trips by allowing people to walk or bike among destinations. Redevelopment sites such as the former McCoy Elementary GISD property and the Lake Aire Medical Center provide anchor opportunities to create a walkable urban district.

All of the ideas proposed for the two segments of the Williams Drive corridor are concepts that will require further refinement and development. An implementation section at the end of the study report includes phasing ideas to design and build projects proposed in the study. Among the items in the first phase of implementation are signal synchronization, median changes, and intersection redesigns.

The City Council is reviewing the study and will consider an implementation plan in July.

Working with City staff, the Council will consider high-priority projects as we develop the budget for this year and make plans for future capital improvements.

You can read the full draft Williams Drive Corridor Study report and recommendations at transportation.georgetown.org/williams-drive.

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Town & Country

AROUND TOWN texas bach festival Visit TexasBachFestival.org for information and updates Above: Conductor Barry Williamson introduces the Sunday program.

Bach Festival Choir prepares to sing.

TBF President Kathy Clifford Grazinskas and Founder/Conductor Barry Williamson

The inaugural Texas Bach Festival was held at St. Helen’s Catholic Church July 6-9. Founded, directed and conducted by internationally renowned (and St. Helen’s own) Barry Scott Williamson, professional musicians and vocalists performed magnificent sacred and notable selections by Mozart and Bach for capacity crowds at the church. Dramatic and often emotional, the nearly 100 artists filled the church with 18th-century ambiance and reflected the energy and love of Bach’s works that were clearly present in Williamson’s conducting.

Williamson is well known for his scholarship in and interpretation of Bach’s works, including cultural contexts, musical depth and biblical importance. “I love working with musicians and being a team builder. But you don’t have to be a musical expert to be washed over by the sounds of Bach. You know, I love contemporary music; rap, pop and Hispanic music but here we are, nearly 300 years later and [Bach] is still a hit. Everyone benefits from that.”

Left: Violinist Caleb Hans Polashek: “Bach is one of the greatest masters in music, in my mind, ever. To play his music in an acoustic place like this with a conductor who really has such an expert grasp of how to perform it in an authentic and really musically enjoyable way is a pleasure.”

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TOWN & COUNTRY

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AROUND TOWN

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Selah (9) takes the reins to walk Scooter around the arena a gets a helping hand from Rocketeer David Leatherwood.

Ride On Center for Kids is conducting a special summer camp in partnership with Boys & Girls Club of Georgetown and Williamson County Juvenile Justice. With funds from a state grant, three one-week “True Grit Camp” sessions incorporate trust exercises and equine training to develop leadership, perseverance and integrity skills. Youngsters were selected as part of a prevention and intervention program to introduce and perhaps foster new interests that will inspire positive life choices. ROCK Program Director Kristin Witcher says “We are hoping to help them learn to be CEOs of their own lives. You cannot lead a big animal without confidence and trust so hopefully they will come away with new lessons in resolve.”

C i tyI n s i d e r T X . co m

Town & Country

AROUND TOWN EGA swim lessons

Jack and instructor Baylee

Exceptional Georgetown Alliance and Friends of Georgetown Parks & Recreation have partnered again this summer to work with special needs children and swimming skills at River Ridge pool.

Staff from the Aquatic center work on everything from water anxiety to swimming underwater. In this third season with EGA, Jack (7) has graduated from wearing floaties to collecting rings under water, no longer holding his nose. Lila, 8, has overcome her fear of jumping in, is learning her strokes and is also learning to swim underwater without support.

AROUND TOWN cooling off at blue hole

With the water level at a low point, the river at Blue Hole is more still and shallow for youngsters escaping the heat. Miles (4) and Xavier (9) took a sunset swim with their dad and even dog Mia got into the action. Dad says he can’t keep any of them out of the water!

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TOWN & COUNTRY

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AROUND TOWN independence day at san gabriel park

Saylor Russell at Fry’s Fun Farm with mom Lauren.

Although the temperature was skirting 100 degrees all day, the day began with an exciting and traditional hometown parade complete with patriotic bikes, wagons and even a homemade tank. Festivities included rides and amusements, music, plenty of food, and the day was topped off by a fabulous fireworks finale.

Attendees enjoyed a petting zoo, musical entertainment, train and pony rides and fabulous vendor tents throughout the day.

Abigail (6) smiles at her dad from the carnival swings.

Miss Georgetown Claire Lindeman and Runner up Kylie Hill.

Twins Harrison and Blakely eagerly await the teacup ride.

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Della (8) and her new friend at the Fun Farm.

Colton Vita (2) becomes batman at the facepaint tent.

C i tyI n s i d e r T X . co m

Town & Country

Carlos Hernandez and Elena Lewis with daughter Sophia.

Jessica and David Haines, along with son Patrick and Dog, Brady.

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TOWN & COUNTRY

TELL-ALL DAY

I was an NFL cheerleader

I Googled “interesting blog topics” and one suggestion was to share a secret with readers. So here goes. I was an NFL cheerleader for the better part of a decade. It was glorious and exciting and the reality was tough at times, but it turned out to be a richer experience than just feeling famous for a while.

It was a lot of work from the start. Tryouts took three weeks and if you weren’t fit and healthy, you were gone in the first round. Later, they decided how well you kicked and smiled.

The best part of the football job was coming out of the tunnel, heart pounding, thundering hip-hop that made people yell and pull out their cameras. No

phones, thankfully. I’m way older than the digital age and I have seen enough “wardrobe fail” photos to be grateful my parts will not be in anyone’s Internet history.

Off the field, I loved doing appearances and taking pictures with people. It was like being homecoming queen five years in a row.

We didn’t get paid. Occasionally we got a stipend for a corporate appearance, but the real workload was 300 charity and community appearances, about 100 rehearsals and eight games.

A lot of work for eight Sundays.

Start at 8 am rehearsal on the field, then shower and primp.

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C i tyI n s i d e r T X . co m

Town & Country um, parade, hostess in the club level, then back to the locker room to re-do hair and makeup. Pregame 30 minutes before kickoff, cheer the threehour game. Clean up again and change into the hip-hop costume and perform at the 5th Quarter afterparty. Get home about 8 pm and eat whatever you want.

Cheerleaders don’t travel (except the Superbowl), and we were not allowed to hang out with the players. We treated them like colleagues but we didn’t socialize in any way. It was a big no-no to try out for the team to land a husband.

I got to go to Mexico for calendar shoots; something I would not have imagined. But there it is, me in a bikini on September and April. Nothing like being fussed over and feeling like a movie star for a few hours. Another perk though is that when you’re not in the uniform, no one recognizes you so you can still be a normal person.

I realized I would be a lousy celebrity. People

ask for autographs or one-quick-photo regardless of what you’re doing—including going into the ladies’ room. You gracefully acquiesce, but you suddenly understand why paparazzi get slugged.

Traveling the world to entertain the troops was worth the sweat and lost sleep. Makes it hard at times to be as fascinated with football when you’ve seen SEALs at work. And nothing compares to the humility you feel when troops, tired and dirty, working 18-hour days in 120 degrees, say “Thanks for being here.”

My cheer friends were smart and professional.

We even had a real rocket scientist among pageant winners and attorneys.

I recommend it if you live in an NFL city. I like to look back, when I looked like that for a few years.

But the benefit was understanding about a whole different world and it was beyond exciting for a regular person to get to perform for a million people a year.

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TOWN & COUNTRY

Auto Safety Devices That Can Help Seniors with Older Cars by jim miller

Dear Savvy Senior, Do you know of any auto safety products that can help seniors with older cars? My 80-yearold father, who drives his beloved 2004 Toyota Avalon, is still a pretty good driver but he has limited range-of-motion, which makes looking over his shoulder to back-up or merge into traffic very difficult.

Inquiring Son Dear Inquiring, To help keep your dad safe and extend his driving years, there are a number of auto aids and new safety technology products that can be added to his car to help with various needs.

Here are several to consider.

Backup Aids To help your dad increase his visibility when

backing up, a simple product that can be added to his car is an AllView Mirror ($60, AllviewMirror. com). This is an oversized rear view mirror that attaches to his existing mirror to widen his rear visibility and eliminate blind spots so he can see traffic without significant neck or body rotation.

It also helps during parking.

Another option is a backup camera. These come with a weatherproof, night vision camera, which attaches to the license plate on the rear of the car. When the car is in reverse, it sends live images wirelessly to a small monitor that mounts to the dash or windshield. The Yada Digital Wireless Backup Camera ($140, Amazon) with 4.3” Dash Monitor is a good option. Or, if your dad doesn’t want a monitor in his car, the Auto Vox Wireless Backup Camera ($140, Amazon.com) is one that displays the images in a rearview mirror.

Blind Spot Helpers To help your dad see better when switching lanes or merging into traffic, purchase your dad some “blind spot mirrors.” These are small convex mirrors that would stick to the corner of his side view mirrors to improve side and rear vision.

They can be purchased in any store that sells auto supplies for a few dollars.

Or, for a high-tech more comprehensive solution, there’s the Goshen Blind Spot Detection System ($239, Goshers.com). This system uses small sensors installed on each side of the rear bumper that monitor the sides of the vehicle, and will alert your dad with a light indicator, installed inside the car, if any object detected within 10 feet.

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Safety Products For extra safety, you may also want to consider a collision warning/lane departure device for your dad’s vehicle like the Mobileye 630. This is a smart camera that attaches to the windshield and will alert your dad if he speeds, drifts out of his lane, gets too close to the car in front of him, or gets too close to a pedestrian or cyclist. Sold only through retailers (see Mobileye.com/en-us/ find-a-retailer), this device can be purchased and installed by a Mobileye-certified technician for around $1,100.

If you’re interested in something a little less expensive, there are also dashboard cameras that can double as collision warning systems.

Garmin’s Dash Cam 35 ($129, Amazon.com), for example, monitors up to 130 feet in front of the vehicle, so if your dad is going 30 mph or faster, it will issue audio and visual alerts of impending collisions.

Another product that can help keep your dad safe in emergency situations is the Hum (Hum.com). This nifty device will automatically call emergency services if your dad has been in an accident. It also sends alerts to drivers’ phones if there’s a mechanical problem and lets driver’s press a button if they need roadside assistance. Hum works in cars built in 1996 or later, and costs $10 per month with two-year required subscription, and one-time set-up and activation fees totaling $50.

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.

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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Town & Country

M I CA H ’S

R E S TAU R A N T

Relishing Comfort Food in Jarrell Jeremy and Willie

Just off exit 275 in Jarrell—perfectly positioned to show off the kind of comfort food Texas is famous for—is the new Micah’s Restaurant. Owned and managed by Willie Dowell and her son Jeremy, Micah’s has quickly established a loyal and happy customer base.

Dowell was raised in the restaurant business and has been cooking, catering and feeding folks herself at diners and truck stops, several of which she owned, for 30 years. Jeremy has also operated and cooked with mom and on his own grills since age 14.

Most recently Dowell has enjoyed being semi-retired and providing catering services to prestigious venues in Central Texas. But as everyone knows, Jarrell is growing every day and Dowell says, “folks [in Jarrell] were missing a great home cooking restaurant, we thought we would give it a try, and we are loving it here. We have our own style; we try to have something for everyone and hope everyone who comes here will have a favorite thing.”

And they do. Micah’s features Texas standards like chicken-fried steak and plenty of other choices like chef salads and fried corn on the cob. They serve up fresh onion ring appetizers, piles of chicken wings, C

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and daily specials like homemade-from-scratch fried chicken and mashed potatoes with gravy. When you’re full up on comfort food, you can choose among homemade cream pies, which are also available to special order.

“People in Jarrell are very gracious. We have enjoyed getting feedback over the past few months to fine-tune what will make the customers happy and wanting to come back,” Dowell says. “We treat people right, only serving the best quality meats and ingredients, and I will never serve something that I don’t love myself.”

Dowell is committed to making Micah’s a great place for lunch and dinner. “I’m used to hard work because if you want a successful business, you have to be there and work it. I make sure it is all run right and my customers are happy.”

MICAH’S RESTAURANT

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CARTER NOW ACCEPTING CONGRESSIONAL VETERAN COMMENDATION APPLICATIONS Congressman John R. Carter (R-TX-31) is currently accepting nominations for the 2017 Congressional Veteran Commendation (CVC) program. This program allows the distinguished veterans of District 31 the opportunity to be formally honored for their wartime sacrifices and peacetime community involvement. The CVC program is nominationbased, designed to recognize veterans within the 31st district of Texas and preserve their stories for future generations of America.

“I encourage you to nominate a family member or friend that you see as a fine American and exceptional veteran so that our community can say thank you. The CVC program is a great way to honor the brave men and women across our community for their faithful service while protecting our Great Nation and continuing to lead in their communities here at home,” said Rep. Carter. “Central Texas has a proud tradition of serving in the armed forces and I have had the privilege of meeting many who deserve this honor and exemplify the American spirit.”

Everyone is welcome to nominate a veteran, and you may nominate as many persons as you see fit for the award. To qualify, nominees must currently reside in Texas’ 31st district, have served as active duty military personnel or have been reservists called to active duty, and be retired or honorably discharged from a branch of the United States Armed Forces.

During the selection process, leadership and service to the community will be strong factors in consideration.

The 2017 CVC honorees will be announced and recognized by Congressman John Carter at a special ceremony. Complete nomination packets and more information can be found online at https://carter.house. gov/congressional-veteran-commendation-program/. The deadline for submitting nominations is Friday, August 18, 2017.

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2018 TRAVEL TRENDS It may seem premature to talk about travel trends 2018 but it is mid-summer and most of you have already planned, if not taken your 2017 trips. But, if you have a graduating senior, a honeymoon, or a family reunion next year, now is a good time to start thinking about what is going to be novel and cool. Here are some ideas according to industry experts.

Culinary tours and cooking vacations: Nothing makes you feel more like a native, or in tune with them, than eating local foods.

Travel agencies like Access Trips (accesstrips.com) provide tours from Alaska to Peru to teach about food traditions, how local fare is produced, and how you can prepare it yourself. Small groups help you access even the smallest “madres-y-padres” around the world and most touring companies provide worldclass chefs as instructors.

Healing vacations: Everyone loves a spa day. But what about a spa week? Around the world there are resorts and campgrounds working hard to appeal not just to our relaxation needs but also our wellness. As close as Austin, you can visit a salt cave and enjoy the benefits of halotherapy in an anti-gravity chair. Oyster. com lists several locations around the world where activities include yoga, foot spas, exercise excursions and nutrition with luxury and glamorous accommodations.

National Parks: Our national parks just turned 100 years old and tourists are seeing them in growing numbers. The National Park Service reports that lower gas prices means more visits; 2016 had a record high of 325 million. The variety of landscapes is as wide as the vistas and the costs can be minimal if you’re a camper or just want to drive through for a look. Visit nps.gov/findapark to really get away from it all.

River cruising: One of the fastest growing travel niches, river cruising is popular among those who prefer smaller groups.

From the Mississippi to the Yangtze, river cruises provide a way to be closer to and more fully immersed in a local culture and support small communities while enjoying a smaller ticket price than on a mega-ship. Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) says this is trending as a popular family vacation, partially thanks to growth in “experience” travel and industry-wide investment of nearly $7 billion in brand new vessels.

Photo Above: Spice market, MoreLikeSpace.com

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Town & Country

HEALTH & WELLNESS The Pool “Noodle” – Not Just for Relaxing

By Kay Taylor It is officially summer in Central Texas, and that means more time spent in the water. While you’re cooling off by the pool or in the lake, consider doing aquatic exercises to increase your metabolism, build muscle mass and improve joint health. At St. David’s Rehabilitation Hospital, many of our patients benefit from the buoyant and resistive properties of water in our indoor therapy pool.

One of the tools used most frequently for exercise in our pool is the “noodle.” These inexpensive flotation devices can be found almost anywhere during the summer season.

Below are just a few of the many exercises you can do with the noodle at the pool. Try them out next time you find yourself in the water.

Getting started:

• Start in the deep end of the pool, where your feet will not hit the floor.

• Keep your body vertical with your legs underneath you, rather than out in front of your body.

• Straddle a large-diameter noodle between your legs, as if sitting on a horse.

• Sit up “high in the saddle” – don’t slouch!

Exercise 1: Bicycling Pedal your legs as if riding a bicycle. Begin slowly with large revolutions to stretch out your muscles.

Gradually pedal faster once your muscles have warmed up.

Exercise 2: “Half” Jumping Jacks Keeping your legs straight and ankles flexed (toes pulled up toward you), bring your legs out to the side and then back together in the center. It’s like doing jumping jacks without using your arms.

Exercise 3: Cross-country Skiing Keeping your legs straight and ankles flexed, “scissor” your legs as if cross-country skiing. Bring one leg to the front while the other goes slightly behind you. Remember to stay vertical.

You can do any of the above exercises quickly, slowly or at your own pace. In general, slower movements will be larger and will help you stretch your muscles.

Quick movements will be smaller and will provide more resistance for strengthening of the muscles.

Make sure not to go so fast that you end up sacrificing good form.

When you feel comfortable enough, you can add arm movements to these exercises. This will increase your cardiovascular activity and offer a better overall workout. To do so, keep your arms straight and cup your hands for resistance as you make circles. You can also swing your arms at your sides or bring them horizontally out and in across the surface of the water.

With these tips, you’ll enjoy the benefits of low-impact exercise and stay cool in the process. Enjoy the summer and your new water exercise regimen!

Kay Taylor is a certified physical therapist and supervisor at St. David’s Rehabilitation in Sun City.

• Engage your abdominal muscles by pulling your belly button in and up.

The Rev. Dr. Bill Pederson, Pastor

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Even if you are not ready to be a member, you are encouraged to worship with us! We will be honored to be of service to you. We will provide a place in our church fellowship for temporary residents (and others) and a transitional step for those who need more time to review Baptist beliefs.

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TOWN & COUNTRY

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Town & Country

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31 16-SDM-1723 Georgetown City Insider_V2.indd 1

12/19/16 1:54 PM

Pokey's Current Listings Property Address

Floor Plan

Appr. S/F

121 Verbena DR 123 Bass ST 318 Kickapoo Creek LN 225 Winter DR 157 Dan Moody TRL 111 Salt Creek LN 109 Martin Creek LN 101 Vail CT 159 Blazing Star DR 308 Coffee Mill Creek RD 119 Saddle TRL 300 Dove Hollow TRL 110 Stetson TRL 332 Fieldstone DR 232 Coffee Mill Creek OD 105 Landmark Inn CT 104 Klondike DR 503 Rio Grande LP 106 Bonham LP 101 Dandelion DR 107 Lariat DR 105 Yucca CV 323 Bartlett Peak DR 310 Armstrong DR 201 San Antonio RD 112 Vinca DR 134 Lantana DR 105 Holly Springs CT 608 Breezeway LN 127 Fox Home LN 217 Scissortail TRL 410 Pipe Creek LN 127 Lone Star DR 104 Potter LN 206 Pristine LN

Angelina Angelina Gray Myst Bluebonnet Medina Pine Spring Gray Myst Cambridge Cypress Copper Ridge Dickinson Dickenson Brazos Monroe Surrey Crest Surrey Crest Monroe Monroe Magnolia Burnet Trinity Trinity Vernon Hill Devaca Devaca Bowie Pecos Bowie Cortez Cortez Travis Morningside Lane Rio Grande Custom Home Custom Home

1,310 1,328 1,388 1,404 1,422 1,467 1,471 1,570 1,587 1,624 1,654 1,654 1,668 1,712 1,712 1,712 1,717 1,717 1,755 1,756 1,904 1,915 1,983 1,994 2,008 2,078 2,137 2,156 2,370 2,374 2,452 2,581 2,848 3,914 4,240

(pending sale) (pending sale)

(pending sale)

(pending sale) (pending sale)

(pending sale)

(pending sale)

(pending sale)

(pending sale) (pending sale)

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

Lot Type GB GB

GB

GB, HC

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

GB, HC GB, HC

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

List Price $239,950 $219,500 $264,500 $224,950 $239,950 $245,500 $254,500 $252,950 $224,900 $389,000 $259,500 $263,500 $267,500 $319,500 $324,900 $313,000 $279,950 $273,950 $252,950 $264,950 $289,950 $297,950 $342,900 $324,500 $324,500 $329,950 $321,950 $399,950 $339,950 $439,500 $350,000 $439,000 $509,900 $899,000 $1,195,000