TOWN & COUNTRY
Great Moviemaking Underfoot
Georgetown Film Maker Achieving a Lifelong Dream (by giving us nightmares!) by Ann Marie Ludlow
JJ Perez has been watching scary
movies since he was a little boy and just recently released his very own horror film; written, filmed and premiered right here in Georgetown. He is completely self-taught and, while he started the day as a gifted writer, he is happy to be learning the skills and the craft as he moves forward in his career. Perez has been making short films since high school and for a time was frustrated with the complexities of making detail, technology and creativity all come together. "It's harder than people think. A five-minute clip can take days of filming and editing. I lost the passion for a while because experiencing failure was so emotional and draining. But last October I went to see a new film by my favorite indie director and I got to talk to him. It was super inspirational to have a mentor tell me to never give up. A week later I just sat down and wrote the story. We filmed for 23 nights last March and we are hoping to get a screening at the Georgetown Film Festival (April 5-7) so everyone in Georgetown can enjoy a story created in our own backyard."
One of Perez' favorite shots of the cast during filming. Not surprising there was a bumped head or two. about 72 degrees all the time but there is 98% humidity. We came out at midnight pretty sweaty and smelly." The final product includes a full score by a friend who performs with the Spazmatics, for whom Perez works as a band tech. Perez also helped create and modify sound effects himself; e.g., cutting wet, sliced bread sounds a lot like a knife cutting a finger.
The Premier
The Movie
The story of "Beneath" begins with a group of cultists who performed rituals in an underground cavern in the 1960s to summon a demonic force. Years after the cult events, tour guides found out about the curse and decided to have a look for themselves. True to the genre, bloody frights ensued. But to give full credit, the movie includes plenty of terror; i.e., the fear of what is about to happen, horror; the squirmy reaction you have after it happens, and plenty of comic relief throughout. "We have some deep scenes but I didn't want it to be dark from start to finish so there is a great balance of horror and humor." Art and Photography by Diving Starlings & Lauren Smith He does emphasize that the movie is really for 17-plus audiences (bloody scary, although the cast and crew occasionPerez says the cast and crew all enjoyed scenes and language) but is just for fun. ally thought they heard something, but peo- filming, although it wasn't without chal"There is just one demon that stays in the ple love to be scared and that was kind of lenges and they all learned the hard way. cave and awakens for 21 days every ten the point. "Working and filming here was a "There was a lot of running and hitting years unless summoned. But there is no great marriage. The caverns' owner is very heads, scrapes and falls. But considering back story at all; it is not a real name or protective of the cave and although a few we had cast members running in near dark. based on any mythical characters or historbig production companies have asked, there And then there's me, a camera, light and ical events. I even made up the language aren't any films like ours. The employees sound all running backwards in tandem used during the ritual scene. I just like already have great respect for the caves so with a 50-pound battery, to capture the acscary movies." the management has a lot of trust with us." tion. It is also very humid in the caves. It's Perez is the writer, director and producer and, after getting great feedback and reviews from his preview audiences, he is JJ Perez... future Hitchcock? already thinking about a sequel. getting the shot during
In Production
It is not a coincidence that the movie setting is our very own Inner Space Caverns in Georgetown. Perez is a popular employee and tour guide there and if you have visited the caverns lately, you will recognize most of his cast are also employees and tour guides. "Being a tour guide is like being a performer in a way. We all follow a script and add jokes and asides to entertain on our tours. My cast really nailed it, even the dramatic scenes, because they are natural performers." Perez says filming in the caves wasn't 9
filming.
Perez says the reaction of his first screening was a "high" and he can't wait to do it again. "I was so excited and relieved to hear the audience laughing at my jokes and enjoying the scares. I am hoping we will be able to do a special screening on the scene at Inner Space at some point." He is thrilled that the hard work has paid off and can't wait to show it to bigger audiences. "I want to talk about it and discuss the reactions with fans. We are even getting attention from tourists because our movie poster is hanging at Inner Space at the top of the tour." Fans and potential fans can see the official trailer on their Facebook and Instagram pages (BeneathCaveFilm). Updates will be coming soon about festival screenings, awards and release dates for the full feature on blue-ray or iTunes. (The official DVD will be a great addition to JJ's current collection of more than 4500 movies.)
GTXFF: Georgetown Film Festival April 5
The first annual Georgetown Film Festival is a great opportunity for local film makers to see their projects on the big screen for audiences of 100 or more. There will be celebrity guests as well. Perez says he is very happy with the final result and is submitting the film to a lot of other festivals across the state. "This is how indie films get noticed and get attention. Film makers enter their projects and judges screen them to decide on their festival lineups. The great thing is that celebrities, directors and producers often attend and give advice. People like me can hope that someone important will see my movie and want to share it with a bigger audience." FilmFreeway.com says the mission of GTXFF is to inform and educate professional and aspiring artists on various aspects of and how to navigate the moving image industry to further their creative pursuits. CityInsiderTX.com9
CITY INSIDER
FEBRUARY 2019
MAYOR'S UPDATE
Information About Your Electric Bill, cont'd.
trend of lower energy prices is the driving factor of the electric fund’s current finances. The effect of depressed energy prices became abundantly obvious in 2018.
Changing our strategy The City’s original strategy to contain costs by contracting for fixed-priced, renewable energy was intended to mitigate the risk of spiking energy prices. Securing long-term energy contracts that provide more energy than customers currently need is a standard practice among city-owned utilities. As a fast-growth community, these contracts allow us to grow into our energy demand. The contracts also reduce the number of times the City has to buy energy in a potentially volatile marketplace. However, when the price of energy decreases, the City is still obligated to pay
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the price for energy we secured in our contracts. Any energy that is not used by our customers is cleared to a statewide marketplace. Looking back, this is an obvious shortfall in our strategy, and one that we are dedicated to fixing. Additional relief will come as our customers’ demand for energy grows. The less energy the City needs to clear to the market, the better the financial outlook. What we’re doing: This year, the priority for the City is to change the on-going financial obligations tied to our energy contracts. This could involve reducing the energy Georgetown is obligated to purchase, selling a portion of the energy to another electric company, adjusting the terms of some of our financial obligations, or a combination of all these efforts. The City is also taking steps to better manage the energy contracts day-to-day. Learn more about the electric cost
issue and the steps we are taking at gus.georgetown. org/electric.
Mischaracterizations There have been several inaccurate or misleading statements made by news media or posted on social media that I would like to correct. • It’s been reported that the City lost $26 million, which is not accurate. The $26 million figure represents the difference between projected and actual power costs in budgets from 2016 through 2018. However, the City compensated for these missed projections with one-time solutions, including adjusting how the City financed electric infrastructure projects (i.e., cash v. debt financ-
ing), adjusting the timing of projects, increasing the PCA on electric bills, and completing a rate study. While the current situation is serious, a more accurate assessment is to report that the 2018 fiscal year electric fund balance was $1.97 million, which is $6.84 million below the projected target for that fund. • Another mischaracterization is that the City is not being open about electric contracts. It is important for customers to know that wholesale power contacts include non-disclosure agreements that preclude the release of wholesale power costs. Such agreements are included in contracts across the power industry. Releasing wholesale costs would expose the City to
legal action from energy suppliers. • Some have reported that the electric fund shortfall is due to renewable energy. However, the current changes in the electric fund are due to the amount of energy that the City has under contract, not the type energy. The outcome would have been the same if we had used the strategy with other sources of energy. You can read more background on this issue or rumors you may have read and learn what we are doing to fix the issue at gus. georgetown.org/electric. Please know the City is working hard to continue to provide energy to our customers at competitive prices. Georgetown is fortunate to have a highly-re-
liable, community-owned and operated electric utility. Going forward, we remain committed to ensuring this valuable community asset benefits Georgetown for years to come. Send your questions to Mayor@Georgetown.org or your city council representative at District[#]@ georgetown.org
Energy Adjustments The City of Georgetown increased the power cost adjustment, or PCA, on customers’ electric bills Feb. 1. The PCA allows the City to recover costs associated with purchasing energy. More about these changes at Georgetown. org/2019/01/22
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CITY INSIDER
FEBRUARY 2019
CITY INSIDER
FEBRUARY 2019
WHAT JARRELL'S GOT
Brookshire Brothers opened their newest
store along the busy I-35 corridor in Jarrell in November. Company CEO John Alston said, “We are continually looking for opportunities that make sense strategically for our company. The phenomenal growth in the Williamson County area and the visionary leadership in the region made acquiring a Jarrell location a great fit.” Sally Alvis, Senior Director of Marketing and Communications added; "Our employee-owned company is so appreciative of the support the good folks of Williamson and Bell counties provide both our Jarrell and Salado locations. We are continuing to reinvest in the Jarrell store to support the growth in the region. When we complete the enhancements, we will hold a grand opening and Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting and invite the community to help us celebrate." Brookshire Brothers took over the SunFresh Market from builder-owner Troy Bradshaw, who knew having a grocery store and an ample water supply would be integral to the success of their long range plans for Jarrell. After Bradshaw got SunFresh up and running, he began looking for a buyer with grocery experience. Brookshire Brothers was interested. The company already operates several stores along I-35 including one in nearby Salado and further north in Lorena. Jarrell’s Mayor Larry Bush was equally excited about Brookshire Brothers coming to town, “The City is experiencing explosive growth. We have plans for nearly 7000 homes/apartments on file, have recently begun an expansion on our Wastewater Treatment Facility to quadruple its capacity and are working on bringing another 10.5 million gallons of water/day to the city to support the growth. "We know Brookshire Brothers can provide the citizens of the area with choices and options that support the growth and diversity of our population. We’re delighted this employee-owned company wants to grow with us.” Residents throughout the area receive the store’s weekly ad making them aware
of the new in store offerings which will include a full service deli, bakery and meat market. Brookshire Brothers is employee-owned and community driven. Its assets include 115 retail outlets incorporating grocery stores, convenience stores, as well as free standing tobacco, pharmacy and petrol locations. Its footprint stretches east to Lake Charles, Louisiana, west to Dublin, Texas, north to Whitesboro, Texas and south to Ganado, Texas. For more information about Brookshire Brothers and its family of brands please visit www.brookshirebrothers.com. Alvis says, "We know our famous fried chicken, fresh and convenient ‘easy eats’, deli offerings and our certified meat cutters have expanded the offerings available locally. We plan to continue responding to the needs of our loyal customers. If they can’t find what they are looking for, we encourage folks to reach out to our Store Director Tammy Tabor." As a community grocer, Brookshire is committed to giving back. Since they took ownership of the former SunFresh Foods, we have had the privilege of being a partner with a number of community organizations to help further our mission of being ‘Good people, serving good food and doing good deeds in the communities where we live and work.” They were able to assist the FUMC of Jarrell during the holidays provide a $75 gift card to dozens of families in need. The Salvation Army also set up their red kettle campaign at the Jarrell location and was able to raise nearly $2000. In addition, they h ave supported the Jarrell High School Band Boosters and other education related organizations. Brookshire Brothers donations process starts online at brookshirebrothers.com. They also have a Charitable Foundation that issues grants once a year. They hope next year, nonprofits in the Jarrell area will apply for grants to help further the company's philanthropic missions. Alvis adds, "We are grateful to the folks in the area for believing in Brookshire Brothers."
MILL DIRECT Carpet & Floor Covering
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Georgetown CityInsiderTX.com
FEBRUARY 2019
CITY INSIDER
Uncompromising Bible Teaching Genuine Worship Authentic Fellowship
Join us for worship! Sun City Campus | 811 Sun City Blvd, Georgetown Traditional Services—Sundays at 9 & 11 a.m.
14-Month CD
2.35% Interest Rate 2.38% Annual Percentage Yield
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to check out our products & excellent customer service!
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Rocky Hollow Campus | 375 CR 245, Georgetown Blended Service—Sundays at 10 a.m.
CD Rates are current through the date of this issue.
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12345 N. IH-35 • Jarrell (512) 746-2531
Checking & Savings Accounts Senior & Student Checking Mobile Banking & Deposit IRAs & CDs
Ask About Home Loans Conventional USDA • VA • FHA Home Equity Construction Builder Spec
2250 North A.W. Grimes Blvd. Round Rock (512) 218-3903
The Rev. Dr. Bill Pederson, Pastor
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH of Jarrell WEEKLY SCHEDULE Sundays
9:45 am Bible Study • 11 am Morning Worship 5 pm Choir Practice • 6 pm Evening Worship
New Hope
BAPTIST CHURCH P A S T O R
K E V I N
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Wednesdays 7- 8 pm
Youth - Grades 7 through 12 God’s Kids - Age 5 - 6th grade • Adult Bible Study
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9:00 am Adult Sunday School
Children & Youth Sunday School Parents Time Out
10:30 am Sunday Worship
Children’s chapel & nursery offered during worship 5404 Williams Drive | Georgetown | 512-868-0902 | www.sgpcgeorgetown.org
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.
“ THE BARN CHURCH ” SERVICES: Sunday: 11 am & 6 pm
Sunday School: 9:45 am Wednesday: 7 pm
NEED A RIDE? Call (512) 966-0971 Dr. Max Johnson, Pastor
110 W. Avenue G, Jarrell, TX
(512) 746-2828 1700 CR 305 | JARRELL
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(beside Brookshire Brothers)
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CITY INSIDER
FEBRUARY 2019
M•A•R•K•E•T•P•L•A•C•E P ayo Mexican K en ATTENTION TACO LOVERS YOUR NEW FAVORITE TAQUERIA JUST OPENED
Made-From-Scratch Authentic Mexican Taqueria Now Serving Breakfast Lunch, and Dinner 512-746-2377 12901 N IH 35 Jarrell
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By being a part of our community rather than a large corporation, The Gabriels can easily accomodate any service families require.
512.869.8888 • 393 N ORTH I-35 • G EORGETOWN , T EXAS Residential • Commercial TACLA 006424C
ALLPURPOSE HEATING & AIR LLC
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Visit us online for rate plans & to see our full coverage map! Mobile Veterinary Clinic
Smith Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc.
(512) 746-5641 (512) 869-1032 St License # TACLA4518C
allpurposeair@ecpi.com
Vaccinations, Wellness Care, Microchipping, Spay/Neuter, Dentistry, Heartworm & Flea Preventive
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Jarrell Clinic
March 2 • 10 am - Noon 304 Sonterra Blvd.
Breakfast ● Sandwiches ● Salads Smoothies ● Gourmet Coffee Espresso ● Homemade White & Wheat Bread & Bagels
(in front of Sphere Realty Offices)
Florence Clinic Feb 9 • March 9 10 am - Noon
Lively Coffeehouse & Bistro
Ace In The Hole Pawn (FM 970 & IH-95)
512.869.7659 www.quenansjewelers.com
21 N. Main Street Salado, TX
(in the Salado Square)
David Foster, DVM • (254) 228-3960 No Appointment for Mobile Clinic Limited to Cats & Dogs
700 S. AUSTIN AVENUE • GEORGETOWN
Georgetown • Serenada Walburg • Weir • Jarrell Salado• Holland •Bartlett Granger • Taylor • Thrall Liberty Hill • Bertram
254-947-3688
Mon., Wed.-Fri 9-4 Sat. 9-4 Sunday 10-4
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CityInsiderTX.com
CITY INSIDER
FEBRUARY 2019
Historical Ties at 4th Annual State of the District
On February 5, GISD Su-
perintendent Dr. Fred Brent (above) and the Georgetown Education Foundation hosted the 4th Annual State of the District and officially cut the ribbon on the newly-renovated Hammerlun Center for Leadership & Learning. For the first time, all GISD administrative staff and leadership are co-located onsite. Human Resources Director Jessica Neyman says, "As the city's largest employer, this is a dream environment that will lead to greater collaboration and benefits for the
East View HS culinary students, Catherine and Maira, served up well-received treats from school services
district." The luncheon was beautifully catered by the Culinary Arts students at East View HS, decorated by artwork from several schools, and punctuated by demonstrations from the Sea Perch Club, East View's "Newsies" cast, NJROTC, and stunning launches by the Morgan (10th), Alyssa (11th) Serena (12th) Georgetown HS and instructor Tina McKay discuss starting rocketry club. their day with Yoga, Meditation and MindGISD Trustee fulness as an elective or physical education Scott Stribling credit at Richarte HS. called the event workflow. Dr. Brent called "An incredible opportunity it a "mental model of how to showcase what the ISD public education changes has been able to do with over time." taxpayer dollars. The whole The building was conpoint of this building is the structed in 1917 and has impact this training center been home to several GISD and space will have, for schools in the past 100 hundreds of teachers and years. students at a time. It will Dr. Brent explained; mean significant outcomes "This is our fourth annual in our classrooms." event and also the year we The energy in the new cap off 2015 bond project building and among the with this ribbon cutting. staff and supporters was We all knew and loved palpable, due largely to Jerry Hammerlun; he left the impressive work space, a legacy and a focus on intentionally left untouched growing people—that's why in many areas to show this building is so rightful100-year-old foundations ly named after him. What and wall tiles. Also present better place to talk about are stand-up desks, quiet the future of our district rooms and "genius centhan in the very place we ter" work spaces to foster were born." better communication and
Photo courtesy American Legion.org
Veteran Flag Retirement Program
Honoring our Country, our Flag, and our Veterans The Gabriels Funeral Chapel and Crematory is proud to announce our new program that will honor our Country, our Flag, and our Veterans. We are the first funeral home in South Central Texas to offer such a program that allows you to retire your old, worn out, United States Flags by allowing us to drape them over a deceased veteran that is to be cremated. The process is simple: • Bring in to us your old U.S. Flag that is no longer suitable for display • Fill out an optional sympathy card to be presented to the family of the veteran (may be done anonymously)
• The flag will be draped on a deceased veteran and cremated with the veteran honoring the flag and the veteran The Gabriels was founded in 1993 by Georgetown-area families dedicated to preserving the funeral customs and traditions that have comforted generations of Central Texans. When a large corporate group came to Georgetown in the early 90’s, residents were pressed to abandon cherished traditions when costs rose and choices declined. The forming of The Gabriels, ensured that families would always have the choices they want, reasonably priced. Visit them at GabrielsFuneral.com.
JARRELL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Monthly Networking Luncheon
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2019 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM Schwertner Ranch Event Center 1200 Lindemann Rd. | Schwertner, TX Guest Speaker: Gene Richards - Jarrell EDC www.JarrellCOC.com • info@JarrellCOC.com • 512-677-5501 www.JarrellCOC.com
512-677-5501
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CITY INSIDER
FEBRUARY 2019