City Insider - November 2015 by Fidelis Publishing Group, LLC

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Premier Independent Resource Guide for Sun City Texas

Sun City Eagle Boosters Take Team Spirit To the Next Level

Cover Photo: Russell Rinn

IT’S A WHOLE NEW BALL GAME Service Is In The Bag: A Fresh Look At HEB The R.O.C.K.eteers - Sun City’s Newest SIG Georgetown Prepares For A Green Christmas Precinct 3 Road Update • Club News & Photos

City Insider

BEST WISHES TO BRENT BAKER Retiring Americans are moving, and more and more often, they’re moving to Texas. More specifically, Sun City Texas, a community of unparalleled quality and amenities. I know, you may be thinking, another writer trying to butter us up for something, but in reality, that’s not the case at all. Residents of Sun City make a compelling case each and every day for what an incredible place Sun City is to call home. From the amenities, clubs, and facilities, to three impeccably maintained golf courses, Sun City has a hobby, club, or activity that is sure to satisfy any appetite. Why remind you who live

there of the things you already know? Because, as great as Sun City is, more is coming. New amenities are being researched and discussed as this is being written. Up to 2500 new homes are planned for a community that is exemplary in every aspect when compared to others around the country. It would be remiss of City Insider not to applaud and celebrate the leadership of Brent Baker, who has worked tirelessly over the years to maintain Sun City as a true community of excellence. Throughout his tenure, Baker has set the standard which every other retirement community in the United States aspires, and, rest assured, that bar is high. So it is with great admiration and reflection that the City Insider Editorial Board wishes Mr. Baker a future that is as bright and blessed as the one he has worked diligently to provide for the residents of Sun City. Florida will be lucky to have him. While he will

be missed, I have no doubt that the residents of Sun City will pray for the best for him as he continues with his next journey through life!

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

Cathy Payne, Managing Editor CPayne@CityInsiderTX.com

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City Insider

CITY

CONTENTS 4

Sun City Eagle Boosters Take Team Spirit to the Next Level

HEB Has Groceries & Service In The Bag

Sun City R.O.C.K.eteers Kickoff

Precinct 3 Road Update

Schwertner Named AARP Legislator of the Year

Georgetown Prepares for a Green Christmas

10 Questions: Getting To Know Your Neighbors

Sun City Rotarians Impact The Next Generation

The Past Is Present with the Williamson Museum

King Crossword

From The Gavel: Texas’ New Truancy Laws

Food For Thought: Resident Restaurant Review

STAFF Managing Editor/Lifestyles: Cathy Payne

Only 500 Commemorative Ornaments will be sold!

Writers: Ann Marie Ludlow, Conner Joyce Guest Columnists: Mayor Dale Ross, Judge Bill Gravell, Jr., Commissioner Valerie Covey, Mickie Ross, Sharon Patterson, Webster Russell, Dee Anna Coffeen

CONTACT US Info@CityInsiderTX.com P.O. Box 213, Jarrell, TX 76537 To Advertise in City Insider, call a sales exec at 512-540-1965 Whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. Philippians 4:8

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City Insider

IT’S A WHOLE NEW BALL GAME By Cathy Payne In 1997 Sun City was but a mere shadow of what it is today. That was the year Sun City residents began to carpool to GHS home football games. A lot has happened since then. In 1998 the charter club ‘Sun City Eagle Boosters Club’ was formed. The rest is history, and there is a lot of it. The club’s stated purpose is to promote and facilitate Sun City Texas residents’ participation in selected Georgetown High School athletic events and programs. And, in addition, to provide social opportunities associated with these events. Since their charter, the club has had as many as 200 members, and has always been a strong group of enthusiastic Boosters no matter the size.

Sun City Eagle Boosters Take Team Spirit To the Next Level By Cathy Payne

The club also shows their support in other ways. There are four major club events annually, aside from game attendance which includes a Member Appreciation Party in the Spring; a Football Kickoff for members, coaches and varsity senior players with a Dinner/Banquet held in August; a Volleyball Slam for coaches and varsity players also with a Dinner/Banquet held in September; and a Basketball Tip Off for coaches and players of both Girls and Boys varsity teams with a Dinner/Banquet held in November. These events give club members the opportunity to personally meet and get to know the players, while the athletes get to meet arguably their most loyal fan base.

Current club president, Larry Plyter, a Sun City resident since 2002, adds his take to what makes this unique pairing so engaging for both parties. “Why are our members, with no direct personal relationship to the school or the athletes, so enthused over high school sports? For some, it is the enjoyment of watching the competition of the games. For some, it is a social event where they come together as a group. But for most, it is the dedication, hard work, skill and heart these kids put into playing the games. They don’t always win the event, but they always give 100%. Many of these kids look to us as substitute grandparents who they can count on to be in the stands cheering them on, win or lose.”

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We have a special relationship with many of the athletes. In fact, during the third quarter of the girls JV basketball games, the Varsity players have a tradition to come across the court into the stands and give the club members a hug. That’s why we still draw especially big crowds for girls’ basketball. Not because they always win, but because our club members know their support is truly appreciated. It forges a bond between members and players.” For each sport that the club follows (Football, Boys and Girls Basketball, Volleyball, and Softball), they have a sports activity director who facilitates a relationship with the GHS Booster Club and the parents, so that the club is aware of events and fundraisers. While the club does not do independent fundraising for teams, members often participate in outside events to help their favorite teams and players.

The club is not only important to Sun City residents, but to the Georgetown High School athletes as well. So, important, in fact, that they have a reserved section on the 40-yard line at Eagle Stadium for season ticket holders. The club began following GHS Girls Basketball in 2000; and in 2003, when the Lady Eagles Basketball team went to the 5A Championship finals, it took four charter buses to carry the Sun City Eagle Boosters contingent that went to cheer them on.

Plyter continues, “Many of our members have been part of the club and followed these teams for over a decade. Even with the health challenges that go along with people our age, the one thing that has remained consistent is that we have people taking

the time to go to the games and cheer for these kids unconditionally.

Eagle Boosters keep spirits high with their rendition of ‘Y-M-C-A’, led by club president Larry Plyter. Photo by Russell Rinn.

In a nod to the group’s unwavering loyalty and support, Plyter says, “Our club has unbelievable recognition; not only throughout Georgetown, but other schools often express that they wish their teams had the same level of support.” Noting that the club often gets to see kids play from freshman to their senior year, it is a good chance to watch them mature both in their sport and in their lives. For games held in the gym (volleyball and basketball), the Eagle Boosters usually sit on the © Fidelis Publishing Group, LLC, 2015. All rights reserved.

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visitor side, as long as space is available, so that the Georgetown players can see them and know they’re there rooting them on. The club cheers for Georgetown unconditionally, no matter the score or performance, but never against any other team. Sometimes, attendance at games can reach as high as 80 Eagle Boosters. The club often tries to charter buses to tournament games.

TERMITE & PEST CONTROL

“Our club helps Sun City residents get outside of our community and engage with the kids and be a part of a larger community, Georgetown. It allows us to be a part of the future through these kids. That’s what’s exciting,” concludes Plyter. The Sun City Eagle Boosters are always looking to expand their ranks - after all, is there such a thing as too much cheering? Membership is $10 annually, and information is available on the website at www.sctexas. org (Clubs & Groups/Chartered Clubs/Eagle Boosters Club) or at the CA Office at 2 Texas Drive. Future Sun City Eagle Boosters can call Larry Plyter at 512-868-1827 for information. CPayne@CityInsiderTX.com

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512.746.4111 Above: The “Sea of Blue” treasures their close bond with the GHS Lady Eagle basketball team. Left: The club’s annual Football Kick-Off banquet is a great opportunity for members to get some face time with the players they support. Pictured: R.G. & Kay Wyckoff, Eagle players Hunter Creasey & Dakota Cahill, and Howard Cummins get to know each other.

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HEB Has Groceries & Service In The Bag hard, but we have a good time.”

By Ann Marie Ludlow HEB. If you eat food in Georgetown, you know who they are. But there is a lot going on behind the counter in this Texas business. Michelle Krzywonski is the Unit Director of the HEB store on Williams Drive. She lives in Georgetown, has been with HEB for 38 years, and has worked at the Williams Drive store, with 300 employees, for the last eight. “HEB is a great employer and there is a sense of pride that goes with the job. I wear a lot of hats; financials, HR, even bagging when we get busy. But our employees and our corporate culture are all about helping people because we have servants’ hearts. We, like everyone in retail, work very

HEB was founded in 1905 in Kerrville, TX by Florence Butt. Decades before women even had jobs outside their home, she started her own grocery store to help support her family. Keeping with Florence’s mission, HEB continues to give back to all of the communities in which they operate.

back to our roots, so we’re here all the time; soup bags for the Super Bowl; or collecting, cleaning and delivering Coats for Kids to five local schools. Corporate also opened the first food bank ever in Mexico.” HEB makes it possible for every employee to give back in some way.

If they are not able to visit schools or event sites, some just ensure that the customers know about the current campaign at the checkout counters. “Our hope is that our employees know we are not just the place they work, but as a big company in town, we are something of a steward for our

In Georgetown, they give their time, talent and treasure to help numerable non-profits, any of whom just need to submit a request to the local store. “As long as a group is 501(c)3, we are happy to contribute gift cards as donations or prizes,” Krzywonski says, “but we are also sometimes first on the scene of a disaster. Just last week we provided mobile kitchens to firefighters in Bastrop. But giving goes

HEB Unit Director Michelle Krzywonski makes sure her store “nourishes people literally with food, and spiritually with service.”

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neighbors and the work is often about something bigger than ourselves.” She also notes that being the closest store to Sun City, employees still work extra hard to show they don’t take those customers for granted. “People work here longer when they are a good fit with our vision of a healthy community.”

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Another important part of HEB is their ability to produce so many store brand items, which helps every customer, whether they buy the HEB brand or not. “We outsell national brands in every category,” Krzywonski says. “But even if you prefer the national brand, having our own helps us negotiate with national companies to keep their prices lower for the customer too. Some companies try to give a cut-rate item to another store, like Walmart, and raise their price to us to make up the difference. We turn them down because we have our own product and will not have our customers being overcharged.” Corporate planning keeps those higher priced items on a lower shelf to ensure that HEB is working well for all of its customers. “With 329 stores in Texas and Mexico, we try to maintain what makes sense and helps as many people as possible. So although we may not have exactly what everyone wants, we do a lot of research to make sure we’re maximizing our efforts.” Krzywonski also invites everyone to visit for free health screenings every second Saturday. Come in for a blood pressure/cholesterol check (and they won’t make you tell your doctor)! Being a part of Georgetown and HEB has enabled Krzywonski to understand and meet the customers’ needs in a way a national chain cannot. “Food is a primary need, and people tend to buy like their parents did. It’s great that we’re able to get to know them personally and work extra hard to show we don’t take our customers for granted. We appreciate being able to nourish people, literally with food, and spiritually with service.” Aludlow@CityInsiderTX.com NOVEMBER 2015 | 7

City Insider

Sun City R.O.C.K.eteers Kickoff When You Don’t Have a Leg to Stand On, the Horse Gives You Four By Ann Marie Ludlow Sun City is working on a new SIG with an eye to helping others in the Georgetown community. On October 21, Ride On Center for Kids (R.O.C.K.) CEO and Founder Nancy Krenek spoke to a very enthusiastic crowd of about 75 people (and one horse) to introduce the successes and needs of the center. R.O.C.K. is an equine therapy institute that serves children and adults with developmental disabilities or physical handicaps, as well as military veterans with physical injuries or PTSD. The goal of the SIG will be to support the clients, help raise money and gain new partners. Krenek says if folks aren’t able to help in the dirt, there are plenty of jobs in the office. “Volunteers are the heart of our program,

8 | NOVEMBER 2015

City Insider and it’s good for them too. We are a family, we spend our lives helping others, and it’s not unusual for a volunteer to walk about two miles in a class!” Side walkers need just two hours training to get comfortable and confident with the horses, but Krenek is also hoping to find some trainers as well, which requires more commitment. Trainer Lindsey Ruther explains, “Horses are very powerful and they choose to connect with us. Horses like to connect with one person, but ours are very special in that they work with many clients, so we respect them if they don’t like the job.” Krenek added, “Our veterans have taught us that rehab is often not about the pain, but about gaining peace and better relationships, so we just get out of the way and let the horse make the connection.” They also plan, very soon, to have a military

sexual trauma program as well. R.O.C.K. has a staff of about 50 full time employees, 5 parttime employees, and about 300 volunteers. All of these people serve over 200 clients, so the staff are often overextended. The Sun City club is welcome, and R.O.C.K. is eager to have them on board. There is a new emphasis on serving veterans at R.O.C.K., and they also hope they will have a contingent of men to help out. “So often our male clients light up when they get to work with men because so much of their lives become dependent on women (nurses, caregivers) and they enjoy the camaraderie.” R.O.C.K. is not only helping local clients, but they are also contributing to the industry through the work they are doing. They hope Sun City volunteers will help them continue to grow, so they can meet

more of the need in Georgetown, and benefit equine therapy everywhere. SIG organizer Bill Mateja says the ROCKeteers next step is to select a board, and then schedule meetings shortly thereafter. Aludlow@CityInsiderTX.com

Opposite page: A ROCK therapy horse Tony with Kitty Robertson, Jill Wilson, Sandy Bryson, Terry Michele, Linn Conway, Janice Brown, Bea Kinney, Glynn Hatley, Linda Wappler, Elke Branson and Lynn Cerveny, and trainer Lindsey Ruther Right: Tony, sporting his softer, pre-winter coat.

You’re invited to Thursday, December 3 • 5:30 pm Join us for our 2nd Annual Legacy of Trees Gala! Enjoy light hors d’oeuvres & festive cocktails. Beautiful trees donated by local businesses will be available at our Silent Auction. All proceeds will benefit Sun City Pet Club & Williamson County Animal Shelter. Gala held at: The Legacy at Georgetown • 4907 Williams Dr. • Georgetown • R.S.V.P. Tiffany.Enos@legacyatgeorgetown.com or 512.686.1694

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Precinct 3 Road Update

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As a Williamson County Commissioner I am often asked, “What is happening in your precinct?” With the growth we’ve experienced there is never just one answer to that question. On October 26, the County cut the ribbon on the IH-35 Northbound Frontage Road from Westinghouse to SH 29. This project makes traveling to the hospital safer and more direct. In fact, St. David’s Georgetown Hospital plans to construct a driveway that will connect to the frontage road making it easier for ambulances and other patients to access the hospital. Another project on everyone’s mind is SH 195 Segment 2. TxDOT and its contractor, SEMA, are getting close to completing the final segment of the roadway. Although Williamson County participated financially, TxDOT is managing this project. As many of you are aware, there was a mistake in TxDOT’s plans that caused confusion in late August, but TxDOT has put the proper signage in place making the intersection of SH 195 at Ronald Reagan easier to navigate. Although the final configuration of the roadway will not include traditional on/off ramps at Ronald Reagan, it does include turn lanes and crossovers with the goal of making the access to and from Ronald Reagan safer. As the weather turns colder, motorists can expect to see construction slow; crews cannot complete the final paving until daytime and nighttime temperatures are consistently above 70 degrees. Crews will continue working on other items, but the paving cannot be completed until it gets warmer. TxDOT expects to complete SH 195 in mid-2016.

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There are two additional projects that will definitely help with safety and mobility in the area. The first project it the intersection improvements at DB Wood Rd and SH 29. As drivers know, turning left (eastbound) onto SH 29 from DB Wood Rd can take multiple light cycles, and turning north onto DB Wood Rd from SH 29 can be dangerous. With the voter approved 2013 Road Bonds, Williamson County hired an engineer who is currently designing the new intersection. Engineers have told me to expect construction to be completed in late 2016. Another 2013 Road Bond project is the Southwest Bypass. Williamson County will build the Bypass from IH-35 in the vicinity of the Inner Loop to Leander Road and the City of Georgetown will connect it going north from Leander Rd to SH 29. This project will help route interstate bound traffic to IH-35 alleviating congestion at retail and residential areas near the interstate. It will also provide an alternate route when IH-35 is closed for any reason. The Southwest Bypass is an integral part of an overall transportation plan that will enhance safety and mobility as well as boost the future economic development in the southern area of the city. There is no doubt that we are rapidly growing, but rest assured that Williamson County is working hard to stay ahead of the curve. Commissioner Valerie Covey has served the residents of Williamson County Precinct 3 since 2006. During her time as commissioner, Covey has taken a keen interest in transportation, mental health, and conservation efforts.

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Sen. Charles Schwertner Named AARP Legislator of the Year Director Trey Berndt said, “We look at the legislators we think need to be recognized on their leadership for protecting seniors. It was a really easy decision this year; Senator Schwertner was a shoe-in.”

Over 100 people gathered at the Oaks on Williams Drive to see Senator Charles Schwertner receive the AARP Legislator of the Year Award. AARP is the largest senior organization in the state with 2 million members, and gives the award annually after the legislative session. Associate State

Berndt highlighted the passing of Senate Bill 304, which places higher expectations for nursing home quality and clear accountability for those that do not maintain safety and security. Berndt said, “That license needs to mean something; a guarantee that when you place your loved ones there, the State of Texas has done its due diligence for their well-being.” This bill includes a “three-strikes” penalty; any nursing facility with three violations in a 24-month period will lose its license. SB760 sets a much higher standard for HMOs that serve low income

Texans and will help seniors gain quicker access to specialist care. “A lot of us are reaching the age where time is important,” Berndt said. “When you need a specialist, you can’t afford to wade through 50 doctors or primary care physicians to find someone taking new patients. This bill will help them get better access to that.” Senator Schwertner was pleased to see so many in attendance, joking that he had probably operated on about half of them. “This might not be the biggest award I’ve ever seen, but to me, it is the most important I’ve ever received. Even though all the headlines were about borders and budgets, as Chairman of the Health and Human Services Committee, I make it a priority that we, as a State, take care of those who can not take

care of themselves. This includes protecting our children with CPS reform, the senior care three strikes, and making sure nursing facilities will be held accountable.” Schwertner noted that Texas has been ranked 50th for two years in a row for nursing home compliance, and he insists that all state facilities be up to standards, free of abuse and neglect, and that they maintain all standards of safety and care. Clearly on the same page, Mr. Berndt concluded, “We know we can count on [the Senator] to get the best results for our seniors and with our tax dollars.” The Senator followed up by saying, “I have your back at the Capitol, and I will make sure your voices are heard and recognized.”

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Georgetown Prepares f Lighting of the MAYOR’S UPDATE Square Nov. 27

Celebrate the holiday season on the day after Thanksgiving at the annual Lighting of the Square event on Friday, November 27. The event will be held on the east steps of the historic Williamson County Courthouse, 710 S. Main Street, in downtown Georgetown. The festivities include entertainment from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Making this year’s event bigger and brighter, additional lights will be added to trees on the courthouse lawn sponsored by Georgetown Utility Systems with help from Williamson County and The Williamson Museum. This year, Williamson County Judge Dan A. Gattis and Georgetown Mayor Dale Ross will be joined by one lucky student to flip the switch illuminating the courthouse lights and grounds. The student will be the winner of the first-ever Lighting of the Square short essay contest. Sponsored by the City of Georgetown, Williamson County, The Williamson Museum and the Williamson County Sun, the contest is open to students in grades three through five. In honor of the City of Georgetown’s green energy plans to purchase all of its energy from wind and solar sources by 2017, the winning student will be the one who bests answers the question, “Why I am proud Georgetown has the greenest Christmas in Texas.” Answers are limited to 75 words 12 |NOVEMBER 2015

or less. Submissions can be emailed to editor@wilcosun.com or delivered to their office at 707 Main Street, on the east side of the Square. All essays are due by 5 p.m. November 11.

Entertainment during the Lighting of the Square will be provided by the Austin Carolers, and refreshments will be provided. Stores will be open until 8 p.m. Williamson County Brown Santa will offer pictures with Santa in the historic Courthouse after the lighting event from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Enter the courthouse on the south side. Photos are for an $8 donation. Toy donations to Williamson County Brown Santa and the Georgetown Police Department Blue Santa are encouraged. Look for donation barrels at the Courthouse and at All Things Kids on Main Street. More information and applications are available at www. wilcobrownsanta.com for Brown Santa or bluesanta.georgetown.org for Blue Santa.

100% Green By 2017 By Mayor Dale Ross

Last March the City of Georgetown announced that our municipal electric utility will move to 100 percent renewable energy sources no later than January 1, 2017. Georgetown will become the first city in Texas and the second in the nation to rely entirely on electricity generated by renewable energy sources. For those of you who are not familiar with this change, the following is a brief review of the rationale that our elected officials used in arriving at this decision. In short, the change to 100 percent renewable energy has benefits that are valuable on many levels: wind and solar energy provides favorable pricing to our utility customers; it con-

serves water; it assists in quality economic development for our city; and it has obvious and significant environmental and sustainability benefits.

First, our move to wind and solar energy was a business decision based on cost and price stability. Our contracts with SunEdison for solar power, and with EDF Renewable Energy for wind power, will provide wholesale electricity at a lower price than our previous contracts. These long-term agreements also provide a fixed purchased power cost, and avoid the price volatility and regulatory costs we likely would have seen if we continued to use electricity generated by burning fossil fuels. With locked-in energy costs for the

Craft activities for kids will start after the lighting and go until 8 p.m. at The Williamson Museum at 716 S. Austin Avenue, All Things Kids at 703 S. Main Street, and the Georgetown Visitors Center at 103 W. 7th Street. Stop by The Williamson Museum on November 27 at 4:00 p.m. for children’s activities. For details on holiday events and activities in Georgetown, call the Georgetown Convention & Visitors Bureau at (512) 930-3545, or visit or www.VisitGeorgetown.com. © Fidelis Publishing Group, LLC, 2015. All rights reserved.

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for a Green Christmas long-term, we can maintain competitive, predictable electric rates through 2041. We signed a contract with EDF in January last year for energy from the Spinning Spur 3 wind farm 50 miles west of Amarillo. Last month Jim Briggs, our General Manager, Chris Foster, Manager of Resource Planning, and I visited the wind farm. We were pleased to see this project completed three months ahead of schedule, and it became operational on September 28. This wind farm is an 18,000 acre plant with 97 wind turbines that will meet most of our current demand throughout the day, with the exception of the peak demand periods in the summer. Recognizing Georgetown is in the fastest-growing large metro area in

the U.S., we determined we needed more capacity to meet our projected growth. Last year we issued another call for bids from power suppliers. Due in part to a drop in price on photovoltaic solar panels, we received a low cost bid on solar-based generation. In February, we signed a contract with SunEdison for energy from the solar farm they will construct in West Texas and it is expected to be online by 2017 or earlier. Using solar power in the daytime peak and wind power throughout the day allows us to match power supplies with local demand patterns. The solar power produced in West Texas will provide a daily afternoon supply peak that mirrors our demand peak in Georgetown, especially during the hot summer months. Wind power

production in the Panhandle exists throughout the day and is highest in the evening or early-morning hours. This means that wind power can most often fill power demand when the sun isn’t shining. We have been asked what happens if the wind doesn’t blow or the sun doesn’t shine out west. Will the lights go out? Given the wind profile of the Panhandle, the radiance rating for West Texas, and the amount of energy we have under contract, we know that our wind and solar farms will be able to provide our power throughout the day. If both resources were not producing simultaneously—an unlikely event—the lights would stay on because the Texas grid operator, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, will ensure generation is available to

meet demand. In the short term, our solar and wind farms will provide more overall energy than we need. This means we will be able to sell extra solar and wind power we don’t use, providing an overall benefit to power users in the state.

Another factor in our decision making related to green energy helps with water conservation. Drought conditions and half-empty reservoirs have been common in Texas in recent years. Traditional power plants making steam from burning fossil fuels can use large amounts of water each day. Our move to renewable power is a significant reduction in our total water use.

Continued next page

NOVEMBER 2015 | 13

City Insider We also considered the benefit of 100 percent renewable energy with regards to attracting quality companies to our city that have robust green corporate policies. Many companies, especially those in the high-tech sector, are looking to increase green sources of power for office and manufacturing facilities and are looking to expand their operations in locations where green energy is available and affordable. Our 100 percent renewable energy can help those companies to achieve sustainability goals at a competitive price without the burden of managing power supply contracts.

Renewable energy has significant environmental and sustainability benefits. The process of generating electricity from wind and solar sources is clean energy that emits a minuscule amount of pollutants into the atmosphere compared to fossil fuel generated energy. In addition, strong winds and sunny skies in Texas provide a vast and inexhaustible energy supply and it is extremely unlikely we would run out of sunshine and wind before we would run out of fossil fuels. Also, in the event of a disruptive event, such as a catastrophic hurricane, green energy distribution systems have proven more reliable and have been disrupted less that those systems dependent upon fossil fuels. Since we made our announcement in March that we were moving to 100

percent renewable energy our city has garnered local, state, national and international media coverage which has benefited our city. Some of the highlights include: Time magazine printing the Op-Ed piece they asked me to write; Chris Foster and I doing interviews with The Christian Science Monitor and a national Brazilian television network interview with Michelle Castro that reached 80 million viewers in South America; Chris and I being interviewed by Jamie Redford (son of Robert Redford) for a HBO documentary titled “Happening” that will be released in about four months and it should have at least one million viewers; and being able to join Jamie Redford as a keynote speaker at the SXSW Eco summit in Austin earlier this month. A final note: please join me to celebrate the holiday season on the day after Thanksgiving at the annual Lighting of the Square event on Friday, November 27. The event will be held on the east steps of the historic Williamson County Courthouse, 710 S. Main Street, in downtown Georgetown. The festivities include entertainment from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. and making this year’s event bigger and brighter, additional lights will be added to the trees on the courthouse lawn sponsored by Georgetown Utility Systems with help from Williamson County and The Williamson Museum.

This interview with Chris Foster about Georgetown’s green energy plans (by Michelle Castro of a national South American TV network) reached 80 million South American viewers.

The future of Georgetown is looking extremely bright and GREEN!

On the Square

ADVICE 14 | NOVEMBER 2015

117 W. 7th

Next to Diva

Getting to Know Your Neighbors

questions

City Insider

Meet Joe Moore

4 First Car?

I had a motorcycle in High School but treated myself to a 1967 Datsun 1600 sports car when I returned from Viet Nam in 1967.

5 What was your job/career?

I retired as a GS-12, Systems Analyst from the DOD. “rule of thumb” do you 6 What live by? Bushido, The Way of the Warrior.

7 1 Where did you grow up?

I was born in Russell, Kansas. I have lived in Oklahoma City, Farmington, New Mexico and Grand Prairie, Texas. What special events from your 2 youth will you always remember?

I will always remember my very first day of school. My mother dropped me off, I found a book to read, and some woman came up and told me it was time to take a seat. I asked her just who the heck was she. Mom had to come back to school and explain the rules.

3 My first job, not counting the lemWhat was your first job?

onade stand or selling subscriptions door to door, was working for a veterinarian. This job was in Grand Prairie, Texas during my high school years and lasted for two and a half years.

Where did you meet your wife?

I meet my amazing, gorgeous and loving wife at a country western dance hall/bar in Oklahoma City. was the first movie you 8 What saw in a theater?

I haven’t a clue, but do remember the House of Wax with Vincent Price scaring the crap out of me. do you consider the most 9 What significant historical event that has occurred during your life time?

GARW President Paula Dennis with John “Tig” Tiegen and Mark “Oz” Geist

90 Minutes with the Heroes of “13 Hours” The Georgetown Area Republican Women recently hosted a one-nightonly presentation by the men of “13 Hours: The Inside Account of What Really Happened In Benghazi”; their true account of the terror attack on the State Department on September 11, 2012. With just at 500 guests in attendance, former Marines Mark “Oz” Geist and John “Tig” Tiegen told their harrowing story of the siege in exactly 90 minutes. They also played the trailer from the movie based on their book which will be released in January, and provided and autographed many copies of the book, which sold out long before the curtain went up for a standing ovation.

The fall of the Berlin Wall, orchestrated by the Reagan Administration. is your favorite part about 10 What living in Sun City? The wonderful people and all the activities available to us.

My wonderful wife and I have been married for twenty years in December. We have had many wonderful adventures together; sailing the seas in our sailboat, traveling around this great country in an RV, and enjoying life to its max. We have lived in Sun City the last ten years and are both involved in activities and clubs. Holly doesn’t like that I wrangle rattlesnakes, and I worry about her Mahjongg losses. I fell in love with Sun City so much that I encouraged my mother and cousin to move here to enjoy it also. Now all we have to do is keep the grandkids away. - Joe Moore NOVEMBER 2015 | 15

City Insider

Sun City Rotarians Impact the Next Generation Sun City Rotarians and Residents make an Impact on Future Generations Honesty, perseverance, compassion, respect, fairness, tolerance, and service to others; these are the character traits focused on by the Early Act First Knight program. Since implementing the EAFK program this school year, students at Jarrell ISD focus on mastering one trait at a time; and at the end of each 6 week session, the teachers choose a student who has best exemplified that character trait. Jarrell Intermediate School held their first Early Act First Knight (EAFK) Champion Medallion ceremony of the year October 20, recognizing studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; hard work for the Responsibility Award. Knights are not necessarily perfect, but they continue to try their best every day. Sponsored by Rotary of Sun City, the ceremony honored six 4th graders with a gold medal. Five 5th graders received a custom black and gold medallion but were also knighted, (with a real steel sword)

Above: Members of the Sun City Rotary Club worked to bring the Early Act First Knight program to Jarrell ISD.

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by Lady Hannah into the Order of the Black Friends; the highest honor for Knights. Rotary President Robert Edam led the attending Rotarians and all the students in reciting the four-way test, and when it was time for awards, students were surprised to see their parents emerge from backstage for photos. If you would like to volunteer for the program or learn more about Rotary, please visit the website www. clubrunner.ca/georgetownsuncity

Above: Lady Hannah “knights” David Santiago Vasquez, because, according to his teacher Ms. Riggio, “He values his family, his studies and his friends.”

4909 Williams Dr. • Georgetown

512-868-0403

ERA Colonial is THANKFUL for you! November always focuses our attention on what we are thankful for. Families have different customs as they celebrate the month of November and their Thanksgiving Day holiday. A simple review of your past year, can always bring a “thankful” event shared by all.

Florence Elementary Library - Phyllis Graves (GARW), BettyAnn Vrabel, Library Aide, and on the right is Vanessa Ashcraft, District Librarian.

“Liberty Day” School Visits During the month of September, 2015, Georgetown Area Republican Women Literacy Chair, Phyllis Graves, visited three area fifth grades in celebration of “Liberty Day,” September 17. All fifth graders at Jarrell Intermediate School, Granger Elementary School, and Florence Elementary School received a book that includes the U.S. Constitution, Declaration of Independence and study questions. Their teachers received study guides for developing class lessons about the Constitution. The Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy has designated September as “Literacy Month,” so each school’s library was given two books that will inform students about historical subjects such as the American Revolution and famous Founding Fathers. The donated library books were chosen from a list of titles suggested by the Mamie Eisenhower Literacy Project. © Fidelis Publishing Group, LLC, 2015. All rights reserved.

Reviewing our year, ERA Colonial Real Estate is very thankful for our past clients. It’s been an exciting year for us in Sun City and our surrounding Georgetown areas. The most important thing our Team can do is to have the opportunity to educate and offer you superior service. Many of our clients in Sun City are Military and Veterans who can participate in our Relocation Program, which offers help with selling and/or purchasing homes in Sun City. We love that you are moving into our area, however we also take pride in assisting your move to other areas as well. A special “thank you” to each of our Military Veterans and their families for their service to our country. It is our pleasure to be able to help Veterans use their benefits when buying or selling their homes.

Happy Veterans Day! Give us a call at 512-868-0403 Another service for you: ERA Colonial Real Estate would like to introduce you to Colonial Residential Properties, our premiere Property Management & Leasing division located in our Georgetown office. Colonial Residential Properties offers you cutting edge & responsive services headed up by our HGTV veteran, Ames Schroeder. Ames values your property, and her goal is to manage your rental property with the utmost care & attention. Your property will be advertised nationwide, reaching the largest number of people who wish to relocate to gorgeous Sun City. Ames diligently screens through credit checks, background & criminal history. She places only the highest qualified tenants in your property. While you are enjoying your family & friends, Ames will be on-call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for emergencies, repairs, and tenant needs. This is a benefit for you, as ‘happy tenants’ stay longer! Home on the market longer than you anticipated? Let Ames lease it out for the highest rent the market will bear.

Contact Colonial Residential Properties today for details! 512-582-2445 or 512-584-7858 (cell) NOVEMBER 2015 | 17

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After Jessie’s return to Georgetown she developed an interest in improving the quality of life for local women. She took an active role in The Woman’s Club established in 1893, serving as president in 1917, a group still serving Georgetown today.

The Past Is Present By Mickie Ross

Jessie Daniel Ames & The Responsibility to Vote

Jessie also began to look at larger issues, and discovered her concerns mirrored those of the suffrage movement. Although that effort came to Texas in 1903, it did not gain momentum until Minnie Fisher Cunningham became president of the Texas Women’s Suffrage Association in 1917. Jessie had found a home for her activities. “All I wanted was the vote…,” she stated, “for I was….the owner of property which voters could tax without the consent of the owners. It was a condition of taxation without representation and I was a female Patrick Henry.” Jessie organized the Williamson County Suffrage Association in 1916, served as president of the Georgetown Equal Suffrage League and the Texas Equal Suffrage Association in 1918 -was her first statewide role. By 1919, this group would become the Texas League of Women’s Voters, and Jessie served as its first president until 1924.

In America today we often talk about the right to vote that we have as Americans, something that separates us from many other parts of the world. When we talk about the women who led the charge for women to have that right, our local conversation starts with Georgetown’s own Jessie Daniel Ames. Jessie was born in Palestine, Texas, on November 2, 1883. The family ended up in Georgetown ten years later, and Jessie graduated from Southwestern University in 1902. Following her family to Laredo in 1904, she met and married Roger Post Ames, a young army surgeon. Dr. Ames spent most of his career doing medical research on yellow fever and malaria in and around Central America. Dr. Ames died in 1914, and Jessie, pregnant with their third child, moved home to run the Georgetown Telephone Company with her mother.

Exciting things happened in Texas when the Legislature gave women the right to vote in the Democratic primary for the first time in July of 1918. Voting in a primary could be granted by a legislative act, and this one was signed by Governor William P. Hobby after passing both the House and Senate. With only seventeen days to get registered, Texas suffragettes went to work. An article in the local newspaper stated that Mrs. Ames and her friends started a massive campaign here in Williamson County. By the last day of registration, nearly 3,300 women had arrived at the county courthouse in Georgetown to register, in a county of just over 42,000 residents. Women came by buggy, wagon, and on foot to exercise their rights for the first time. Nearly 1% of all Texas women registered to vote came from Williamson County – a feat directly tied to Jessie’s efforts. A feat that would be difficult to match even today – and we can

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register to vote online. Jessie Daniel Ames is buried at I.O.O.F. Cemetery, and her home is located on Church Street just a few blocks from the square. She spent the rest of her life working for social reform and civil rights throughout the South, and her actions resulted in school desegregation cases, the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and the Equal Rights Amendment. But her legacy of promoting women’s suffrage locally lives on today. Understanding the past, how can any of us overlook our responsibilities? Please get out and vote. And take a few friends with you – we owe it to Jessie Daniel Ames.

We have your

Personal & Business

Insurance Covered

It happened in... 1940

Nylons were introduced

1941

M&M’s were created

1942

Minimum draft age reduced from 21 to 18

1943

Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Oklahoma opens on Broadway

1944

Ballpoint pens go on sale

1946

Tupperware is sold in department & hardware stores

1947

Polaroid camera invented

1948

NASCAR holds its first race for modified stock cars at Daytona Beach

1945

Microwave oven invented

1949

The first Volkswagen Beetle is sold in the U.S.

City Insider is your publication! Do you have a story to tell? Do you have something special to celebrate? Do you have children or grandchildren that we should feature? Are you part of a great organization and you’d like to get the word out? Do you like to write? Are you a photographer who would like to see your work showcased? Do you have a cute pet? Do you have a great sports story to tell? Do you have club news that you’d like to share? Share your news, stories, and photos at: Info@CityInsiderTX.com or call 512-746-4545 If it’s important to you, it’s important to us! © Fidelis Publishing Group, LLC, 2015. All rights reserved.

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FROM THE GAVEL Texas’ New Truancy Laws By Judge Bill Gravell, Jr. tems. We must continue to support the leadership of Dr. Bill Chapman from Jarrell ISD, and Dr. Fred Brent of Georgetown ISD. Both of these superintendents were extremely helpful during the House session, and often would allow staff members to testify, review the law, and offer changes when needed. It’s also important that Sun City residents continue to vote for board members that are innovative and forward thinking. I have often said, “As Sun City votes, so goes Williamson County.” I strongly encourage you to go out today and make a difference for our local schools and our future.

This past legislative session, the Texas House and Senate passed truancy law reforms. The revision of the law was so dramatic that the bill included ninety-two pages of reforms and new guidelines. Ninety-two pages of new law is extensive in any court for one issue. Personally speaking, I’m thankful that our State Representative Marsha Farney considers the concerns that we as Judges might have in regard to new laws. Rep. Farney is the most humble elected official that I know, and is amazingly powerful in the Texas house. Her humility and influence is staggering! Rep. Farney embodies the saying, “You catch more flies with honey than vinegar.” As we entered the legislative session, I was offended by the notion that we needed to reform this law because our courts in Williamson County had an astonishing record of success in the area of Truancy. During the house session I testified on the new bill several times and had many meetings with stakeholders. I serve on the legislative committee for the Justice of the Peace and Constable’s Association of Texas. As one of three committee members, we worked diligently to configure an outcome that Texas would be proud of, and one that would be in the best interest of all our children attending schools here. In Texas we have about seven million kids under the age of 16. It is critically important that we make lawful changes that protect our children of all age groups under the age of majority that attend school here. One of the biggest surprises I encountered during this legislative session was that liberal groups were pointing to examples in Texas that they contended did a really good job on the issue of truancy. They specifically pointed out Williamson County, and our success. Groups like the ACLU, Texas Apple Seed, Civil Rights Project said, “The model in Williamson County is the right way to care 22 | NOVEMBER 2015

for our kids when it comes to the area of truancy. School districts like Florence, Jarrell and Georgetown have now become the gold standard for Texas.” During the Legislative session we worked with stakeholders, expressed our concerns, and helped shape the bill to follow the best examples from across Texas, including best practices from districts like GISD. I was heartbroken to discover that some courts in Texas had been jailing students for truancy. I’m still confused how it might be helpful to jail a student that has been skipping school, when, in fact, the child would benefit considerably more by being in school. Some Judges had been using the court as a weapon to scare children into compliance. Our founding fathers never intended for those who wear the “black robe” to use it a weapon against children. Our job is to be just and fair - not the boogeyman. We completed the session with House bill 2398 which was enacted on October 1, 2015. The law is in place, and appears to be working well. Our local school districts are doing a good job in using the mandates of the new legislation. So how does this apply to Sun City? It’s important that we continue to support our local school sys-

City Insider

Several local restaurants have partnered with City Insider to give Sun City residents the opportunity to try their food and share their dining experience in our Food For Thought column.

Restaurant: Reviewers:

Eats on 8th Lou Gibson and Fran & LJ LeGrande

How was the ambiance? We really enjoyed the old photos on the walls with the historic descriptions.

5 7

Was the restaurant easy to access? Parking was easy during the day. It might be more difficult in the evening. A handicap sticker helps.

Describe the “type” of food offered on the menu. Continental Cuisine; a wide variety, with something for everyone Describe your meal. Did it meet your expectations? Fran: 1/2 Reuben & Gumbo LJ - Gumbo & Wedge Salad Lou- Catfish Enchiladas How was the service? The food exceeded expectations! The service was prompt and attentive

Would you dine there again and/ or recommend it to friends? Absolutely!

Is there anything about your experience that you’d like to share with others? Very clean & good menu Good cup of coffee

Eats on 8th

204 E. 8th St. Georgetown 512-869-3200 Eatson8th.com

NOVEMBER 2015 | 23

Relax & enjoy your holiday!

Sun City - Let Dale’s prepare your

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‘Mini’ Thanksgiving Dinners at Home Order Individual Servings of Turkey, Cornbread Dressing & 2 sides

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