TOWN & COUNTRY
NOVEMBER 2018
Lionheart Academy Day Care y r a n i d r o a Extr
by Ann Marie Ludlow
Celebration Church in
Georgetown is working hard to prepare for full-time child care with Lionheart Children's Academy, set to open in January. Sheryle Knorre, Executive Director at Celebration says a serendipitous meeting at a seminar introduced the church team to Lionheart. In a confluence of planning and good timing, that partnership is evolving into a long-sought community service the church hopes will give families the comfort and support they need in a child care solution. "We like the idea of circling back to when the church was the center of social activity as well as spiritual. Families can come here seven days a week; whether for a faith-based, social, or educational need. The heart of our church and our pastors is about the people. The bridge of Lionheart and Celebration is that we can help the whole family and meet them where they are." Celebration has a child care program in place for employees, so they are already licensed and compliant for the new educational settings. Knorre says, "The
church has been wanting to provide this kind of care, and recent growth in the area put a lot of families nearby. Our mission has always been that this new building would be of service to and a blessing in this community, and now, here we are." Pastors Joe and Lori Champion agree with the Lionheart mission; "It is truly a ministry and they are really in alignment with Celebration's vision. We place a high value on the next generation because kids are not the church of tomorrow—they are the church of today. Training up leaders at any age is what we do here." Knorre says the rooms and outdoor areas are designed with activity diversity; e.g., playscapes and messy areas; and children's developmental milestones in mind. "Everything down to the types of chairs and toys we will have, is intentional to help with that development. When you're a parent and you have to make tough decisions, you want to feel comforted and secure that the people and vision you choose are really the best thing next to mom and dad." Celebration is hoping to
help families who are dual income or single parent homes by providing a welcoming and nourishing environment for children 6 weeks to 12 years old. "We are so excited to have a staff that can't wait to love on these kids and be a part of helping them get to know Jesus while they are here. We also have certified teachers who are delighted to be able to teach in a church environment. The whole team is excited." But, you don't have to believe Lionheart's marketing. Adèle Vermillion (pictured below with her son, Christiaan) explained how much she appreciates everything the Academy represents and does for its families. I hoped, ideally, to be able to be a stay-at-home mom. I knew the bubble would likely pop and I prayed I'd find someone who would love and care for my son like I would. My stepdaughter told me about the Lionheart Academy at the church nearby and from the moment I got there, it felt warm and welcoming. They knew my name,
LIONHEART CHILDREN'S ACADEMY IS A NONPROFIT spoke to me about my whole CHRISTIAN CHILDCARE ORGANIZATION SERVING INFANTS AGE 5 WITH FULL AND PART-TIME PRESCHOOL AS WELL AS family and told me they are not BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL AND SUMMER CLUB just day care— FOR K - 12 YEARS OF AGE. they are there for the entire WE ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT EQUIPPING KIDS TO BE child, spiritually, WORLD CHANGERS AND SUPPORTING WORKING PARENTS physically and WHO NEED QUALITY, AFFORDABLE CARE AND EDUCATION emotionally. They FOR THEIR CHILDREN. said, "We are not PLEASE VISIT WWW.LIONHEARTKID.ORG babysitters. We are here to love paycheck until something and expresses, on his own, on your child." So right better comes along." Lion"I love my school" or "I then I knew that this was heart is worthy of a parent's love my church." the place, and we would do trust; they are there because Vermillion asks other whatever it took to leave they want to watch chilparents to take advanhim in those good hands. I dren grow and learn. Visit tage of their mission; that was really nervous about LionheartKid.org or call Lionheart teachers are not having others helping me 512-763-3000 to schedule a babysitters. They are there raise my child, but my son tour at Celebration Church because they want to be, loves Lionheart and every on Westinghouse Road in out of love for children and day he stops at the front Georgetown. their faith. It is "not just a
Meet Jesus • Make Friends • Be a Leader • Love Others 15
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CITY INSIDER
MAYOR'S UPDATE: GEORGETOWN AIRPORT MASTER PLAN UPDATE by Mayor Dale Ross
This summer, City Coun-
cil approved an update to the Georgetown Municipal Airport Master Plan, a guide for future development at our local airport. It was a comprehensive, 18-month review and rewrite of the visioning plan for the Airport, last updated in 2005. Coffman Associates, a planning firm specializing in airport master plan consulting, worked with the City and a seven-member planning advisory committee in completing the master plan update. We are very fortunate to be the home of the Georgetown Municipal Airport. The Airport is a key driver of our local economy, employing 139 people and supporting more than 500 jobs tied to it. According to a recent economic impact study by the Texas Department of Transportation, the direct impact to the local economy from our Airport is $20 million per year. Indirectly, the Airport’s impact is more than $50 million. The airport also serves as a reliever to Austin-Bergstrom Airport, and is instrumental in providing aircraft avionic and maintenance support for aircraft owners in the region. Airport businesses offer a range of services; flight training, recreational flying, medical transport and evacuation, and power line and pipeline patrols. The purpose of the update is to provide a vision for future development at the Airport. The update also addresses changes in the aviation industry on a local and a national level and identifies appropriate on-airport land uses that are consistent with the City’s Future Land Use Plan. The update also created an Airport Layout Plan, which is a requirement for grant funding from the Texas Department of Transportation, and developed a 20-year prioritized list of capital projects at the Airport. In understanding the scope of the update of the Airport Master Plan, it is helpful to know what it does not include. The master plan is not an airport relocation study or a noise compatibility study. It is not a study to add aircraft capacity at the Airport nor does it change a previous City Council resolution from 1996 on airport runway length. It is not a specific development site
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plan nor does it recommend any zoning changes at the Airport. The update recommends only concepts. The Master Plan does not entail pre-approval for funding of projects. Additional City Council approval is required for all future funding requests. And finally, the update does not require an Environmental Impact Statement. In addition to the citizen planning advisory committee who provided feedback, the Master Plan update process included three public meetings where members of the public could review draft elements of the plan, ask questions, and provide written feedback. Public review and feedback also were offered through the Master Plan update website. The Master Plan includes an inventory of existing facilities and traffic activity; forecasts for future based-aircraft, takeoffs, and landings; facility requirements; and contextual information such as area socioeconomic data, and local planning and land use information. The Airport Master Plan update includes several key findings and recommendations. An updated Airport Layout Plan in the report proposes areas on the northwest and northeast quadrants of the Airport for future aviation-related development. Other recommendations include extending ground leases to 50 years, adding restaurant or concession options at the Airport, and considering a new name for the Airport. And finally, the update recommends that the Airport remains a general aviation reliever airport focusing on leisure and business aviation, not commercial passenger jet service. To review the Airport Master Plan Update report, go to airport.georgetown.org/ airport-master-plan.
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CityInsiderTX.com
NOVEMBER 2018
Cattlemen's Ball: Success in Diamonds and Denim
The Williamson Museum hosted
one of Georgetown’s premiere events Oct. 20 at the Sheraton Georgetown; the 7th Annual Cattlemen’s Ball. Museum Director Mickie Ross put on a spectacular evening to raise money for museum events and exhibits, as well as to celebrate Honoree Gail "Big Boy" Hester for his legacy of caring and community involvement in Round Rock and across Williamson County. The capacity crowd dismissed work, politics, and even sports
rivalries to enjoy music, steaks, TapSnaps, raffles, and impressive silent and live auctions. Among the top prizes were a seven-day trip to Punta Cana, artwork, jewelry, and special “to-do” things like a party for 20 at the Historic Courthouse during the Poppy Festival. Honoree "Big Boy" has lived in Round Rock for 80 years and built a solid and friendly reputation of service through his ownership in an automobile repair shop. He says he got his nickname because
he has a twin brother and he was always the bigger of the two. Big Boy is also known locally for his fundraising fishing trips that annually raise $20,000 for the YMCA and Chamber of Commerce. He was surrounded by family and long-time friends throughout the evening. Congressman John Carter, a long-time friend, read from the proclamation he submitted to the record in the Library of Congress. His recognition for Big Boy's countless contributions to Central Texas included; "If you know round Rock, you know Big Boy. If you've had your car repaired or been to a community event, maybe you attended one of his annual fishing trip fundraisers. Or perhaps you took the family to a baseball game at Dell Diamond. If you've enjoyed
all that Round Rock has to offer, you've felt the impact of Big Boy. He doesn't do any of this for publicity or personal gain." The museum also announced their newest fundraising project, Wilco-pedia, the organization's first published history of Williamson County as a keepsake coffee table book, scheduled to be available to the public in March 2019.
Photo left: 2018 Honoree Gail "Big Boy" Hester and his wife, Louise, with Museum Director Mickie Ross (center) at the Ball. • Above: Museum Board President Joe Savage shows off his one-of-akind cowboy hat for the occasion.
17
CITY INSIDER
When giving this holiday season... share the gift of fudge! ...helping others never tasted so good!
Meaningful Corporate Giving
Personalize tags using your company logo 6 pieces of homemade fudge per tin 100% of the proceeds provides sustainability to our God-centered vocational program for adults with special needs.
Call for questions 512-943-8430 or visit www.brookwoodingeorgetown.org 905 N Church St. Georgetown, TX 18
CityInsiderTX.com
NOVEMBER 2018
HONOR FLIGHT AUSTIN • ALL-FEMALE VISIT TO WASHINGTON D.C. MEMORIALS Every Honor Flight is
a special and profound experience but Flight #54 achieved another level of uniqueness. Honor Flight Austin has taken more than 2000 veterans since its inception but for the first time, the entire cadre of veterans was female and they represented multiple United States combat eras. The all-female flight was planned in the spring of this year and notices went out to military and women's organizations all over Central Texas. Thanks to consistent support from corporate and agency sponsors throughout the year, 43 women were able to make the expenses-paid trip to see the World War II, Korean and Vietnam Memorials and the two memorials specifically dedicated to women in combat. One is The Women In Military Service For America Memorial, the only major national memorial honoring all women who have defended America throughout history beginning with the American Revolution. It is located at the ceremonial entrance
to the Arlington National Cemetery and was opened to the public in Oct 1997. The second monument is the Vietnam Women’s Memorial, which lies in a grove of trees just south of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. The 15-foot tall bronze statue depicts three women caring for a wounded soldier. There were over 265,000 women — many of them nurses — who served in the Vietnam War. Included in this group were Georgetown's American Legion Post 174 Judge Advocate Marti Renger-Hopkins and member Marilyn Campbell. Post Commander Frank Espinosa says his members loved the idea of being on the same flight together and they reported that the trip far exceeded their expectations. Espinosa added; "This was the first time I have been on a flight myself and it was a wonderful experience; interacting with the personnel from Honor Flight as well as enjoying the delight of all the veterans." Honor Flight Austin is committed to do whatever it takes to fulfill the dreams
of veterans and help them travel absolutely free to visit their Memorial. Honor Flight began as a means to enable World War II Veterans to visit their memorial in the Nation's Capital as the site was so recently completed and so few of the Greatest Generation were unable to see it in their lifetimes. The next flight, Nov 2 will honor African-American Community veterans. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, an estimated 640 WWII veterans die each day. Sadly, many of our WWII Veterans will never have a chance to see their memorial. They ask supporters to help find as many willing and able WWII Veterans in the state of Texas and give them a chance to see their memorial. Friends and family may nominate a Veteran for an Honor Flight by filling out a Veteran application at HonorFlightAustin.org Anyone may apply to be volunteer or a guardian on a future Honor Flight. Guardians must be able to provide wheelchair support.
Now Open
Top: (L-R) Post Judge Advocate Marti Renger-Hopkins, member Don Jones, member Marilyn Campbell, member and Auxiliary President Tammy Mathis, and Post 1st Vice Commander Frank Espinosa, Jr. Arrival on October 20th. • Below: Veterans and guardians arriving back at Austin-Bergstrom airport to hundreds of family members, friends and well-wishers.
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305 Limestone Terrace Jarrell • 254-462-4060 NEW HOURS: MON-WED 3 pm to Midnight THURS, FRI & SUN Noon to Midnight SAT Noon to 1am 19
CITY INSIDER
CD RATES JARRELL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Monthly Networking Luncheon
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2018 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM Sonterra Pool Clubhouse | 510 Sonterra Blvd. | Jarrell, TX Guest Speaker: Texas Representative Terry Wilson Luncheon Sponsor: Massa Dentistry
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Breakfast Saturday & Sunday
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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.
205 Sonterra Blvd | Open 7 Days a Week!
NEED A RIDE? Call (512) 966-0971
512-746-5262 | www.MexicanoGrilleJarrell.com
Dr. Max Johnson, Pastor
MONDAY - FRIDAY OPEN 10 AM | SATURDAY & SUNDAY OPEN 9AM
New Hope
110 W. Avenue G, Jarrell, TX
“ THE BARN CHURCH ” SERVICES: Sunday: 11 am & 6 pm
Sunday School: 9:45 am Wednesday: 7 pm
(512) 746-2828 1700 CR 305 | JARRELL
Uncompromising Bible Teaching The Rev. Dr. Bill Pederson, Pastor
Genuine Worship Authentic Fellowship
Join us for worship! 9:30 am Sunday School | 10:30 am Sunday Worship Children’s chapel & nursery offered during worship
Saturday, Dec. 8 • 4 pm
Free Concert
BACH’S MAGNIFICAT
Sun City Campus | 811 Sun City Blvd, Georgetown Traditional Services—Sundays at 9 & 11 a.m. Rocky Hollow Campus | 375 CR 245, Georgetown Blended Service—Sundays at 10 a.m. 512-869-1310 | www.twptx.org | twp@twptx.org
5404 Williams Drive | Georgetown | 512-868-0902 | www.sgpcgeorgetown.org
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CityInsiderTX.com
NOVEMBER 2018
WHAT
JARRELL'S
GOT...
Lu and Adi's Body Shop: Dents & Details Another sign of Jarrell
growth is a new, and local, energetic little auto body shop owned by Adisson Mata. Mata has been working on (and crazy about) cars since he was 6, and says his shop can handle "small dents to train wrecks." He is also endeavoring to be a well-oiled machine that the community will know and rely on. "We provide the kind of service busy people have lately come to need and appreciate; open seven days a week and we can pick up and drop off a vehicle at the owner's residence."
Mata's goal is to make a bad situation go as smoothly as possible. "If you have an accident, call the police, then your insurance, then our shop. We work with all insurance companies so you don't have to worry. We walk your claim through the paperwork and keep you informed every step of the way." At 24, he has the vitality of a millennial with the work ethic of great generations. "We have all been working on cars our whole lives and we have a great team dynamic. We are well-rounded and we take so much pride in our work,
we put a lifetime guarantee on it." Not content to only help after an accident, they also have Saul, an honest-to-goodness artist from California who helps customers freshen up their old cars with custom paint and detailing. Saul says he loves Texas and brought with him a California sense of nature and is meticulous about chemicals and spraying; "We are very conscious of our resources and over-spraying is bad for the car, our garage and the environment." The process, Mata says, is pretty simple for the
customer. His folks go to the car or bring it into the shop, take photos, provide estimates and send out to the insurance company. "We are happy to bring a new take to everything we do, make it convenient for the customer and make sure they don't have to deal with insurance themselves." He is also happy to report when a client calls in, he answers the phone himself. "The company number is my cell phone. We want people to fall in love with a new process to getting their car fixed." Mata says they chose Jarrell because the business
Juan, expert on structural repair; and Adisson at work in the garage.
environment is growing and well-nurtured by the community. He also believes one of the pluses of working and serving with millennials means they are used to being transparent and on the same page with their customers; "The
customer becomes part of the team." Call Lu & Adi at 979533-7975 for custom paint and detailing, body work, glass replacement (windshields), and paintless dent repair (hail damage).
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CITY INSIDER
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CityInsiderTX.com
NOVEMBER 2018
HOW TO GET VETERANS' FUNERAL AND BURIAL BENEFITS Dear Savvy Senior, Does the VA provide any special burial benefits to old veterans? My dad, who has late-stage Parkinson’s disease, served during the Vietnam War in the 1960s. Only Child Dear Only, Most U.S. veterans are eligible for burial and memorial benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) National Cemetery Administration. Veterans who were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable are eligible. To verify your dad’s discharge, you’ll need
a copy of his DD Form 214 “Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty,” which you can request online at Archives. gov/veterans. Here’s a rundown of some of the different benefits that are available to veterans that die a nonservice related death.
National Cemetery Benefits
If your dad is eligible, and would like to be buried in one of the 136 national or 111 grant-funded state and tribal VA cemeteries (see www.cem.va.gov/cem/cems/ listcem.asp for a list), the VA provides a host of benefits, at no cost to the fam-
ily, including: a gravesite; opening and closing of the grave; perpetual gravesite care; a government headstone or marker; a United
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States burial flag that can be used to drape the casket or accompany the urn (after the funeral service; the flag is given to the next-of-kin as a keepsake); and a presidential memorial certificate. National cemetery burial benefits are also available to spouses and dependents of veterans. If your dad is cremated, his remains will be buried or in-urned in the same manner as casketed remains. Funeral or cremation arrangements and costs are not, however, taken care of by the VA. They are the responsibility of the veteran’s family, but some veteran’s survivors are eligible for burial allowances, which are explained below. If you’re interested in this option, the VA offers a pre-need burial eligibility determination program at www.cem.va.gov/pre-need or call the National Cemetery Scheduling Office at 800-535-1117.
Private Cemetery Benefits
If your father is going to be buried in a private cemetery, the benefits available include a free government headstone or marker, or a medallion that can be affixed to an existing privately purchased headstone or marker; a burial flag; and a Presidential memorial certificate. Funeral or cremation arrangements and costs are again the responsibility of the family (some burial allowances may be available), and there are no benefits offered to spouses and dependents that are buried in private cemeteries.
Military Funeral Honors
Another popular benefit available to all eligible veterans buried in either a national or private cemetery is a military funeral honors ceremony. This includes an honor guard detail of at least two uniformed military persons, folding and presenting the U.S. burial flag to the veteran’s
survivors, and the playing of Taps by a bugler or an electronic recording. The funeral provider you choose will be able to assist you with all VA burial requests. Depending on what you want, certain forms may need to be completed which are always better to be done in advance. For a complete rundown of burial and memorial benefits, eligibility details and required forms, visit www. cem.va.gov or call 800-8271000.
Burial Allowances
In addition to the burial benefits, some veteran’s survivors may also qualify for a $300 burial allowance (or $780 if hospitalized by VA at time of death) and $780 for a plot, to those who choose to be buried in a private cemetery. To find out if your dad is eligible, see Benefits.va.gov/benefits/ factsheets/burials/burial. pdf. To apply for burial allowances, you’ll need to fill out VA Form 21P-530 “Application for Burial Benefits.” You need to attach a copy of your dad’s discharge document (DD 214 or equivalent), death certificate, funeral and burial bills. They should show that you have paid them in full. You may download the form at VA.gov/vaforms. 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.
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CITY INSIDER
24
NOVEMBER 2018
CityInsiderTX.com