Round Rock Detectorist Finds History Everywhere
While Zero Discrimination may sound
like the latest new social justice group, it is actually a conflict-free and fascinating YouTube channel that is all about treasure hunting. Michelle, the creative and wonderful new celebrity who produces and is featured on this channel lives in Round Rock and goes by “Gypsy.” She is a hobbyist turned internet star who uses metal detectors to locate metal on top of and under the ground. “We are not quite treasure hunters but I do believe we are amateur archaeologists in a sense.” Zero discrimination is the term used when a metal detector is set to alert the user to any kind of metal; i.e., the signals do not rule out any type of metal in range so the hunter or “detectorist” doesn’t miss anything. Michelle says "The hobby is kind of a misnomer; we use metal detectors but we are actually metal finders. Nearly everything I dig up is something of historical value, which is why it is there. To me, it is treasure whether it's a old gold coin, flat button, or a lost watch." Michelle puts her skills to use in many ways and activities. Most detectorists spend a lifetime hoping to find that lost gold galleon but she has boxes and trays full of jewelry, coins, and ammunition; some she found on her own property when she took up the hobby. Her friends have even found meteorites and fossils, and other bits and pieces of life gone by. "It started out as an interest and a curiosity and when I found a turquoise ring near my own driveway I was hooked. I quickly disovered it is a hobby that gives back. On my first trip to the beach, I found jewelry and a handful of coins. Now I find remnants of the past, I'm out in the fresh air and getting exercise and it's a thrill any time I find something new." As a child, she enjoyed spending time with her father, whom she says was a 'mad scientist.' He spent time looking for gadgets and parts in junkyards to build new things at home. She learned early on to look down and scan wherever she walked. "I was never really into history before," she says "but I find toys, coins, dishes and other pieces of the puzzle of a lifestyle that connects a particular place to its own
Photo by Miguel/ Garrett Metal Detectors past. It is great to find commonalities with regular people who just happened to live before." Michelle's hobby takes on many forms. She goes on personal hunts in public lands, or secures permission to walk on private property; always with an agreement regarding her finds. Often the owners just let her "go out to play" and she can take what she finds, the owner may want to have a look, just in case, or she turns over everything and just enjoys the thrill of the find and posting her adventures in video form. If an item is of significant value, she will notify appropriate municipalities in case there is a specific interest in preservation. She is often hired, or simply asked to look over a property for curious landowners, or for specific items that have been lost and, over time, she has developed a sense of just where to look. She also hunts playgrounds for lost items or even to pick up things left behind that kids shouldn't
pick up at all. "When I am at the beach there is a point near the water I know I am most likely to find lost rings and watches.
People forget cold water makes their hands and fingers shrink. On land, I have learned, over time, how to recognize an old home site and where to look for items. Depression-era folks were known to bury money so coin jars are not uncommon." She also participates in organized hunts; events during which the lands are "seeded" with buttons, bullets, coins and more, and the detectorists spend a weekend digging in the dirt together. She is proud of the detectorist code to leave a place better and cleaner. "If you are good at it, you should not leave a place unrecognizable. We respect the land the people who lived there before and now. And I'm just as excited to dig up an old horseshoe as silver coins so I'm almost never disappointed on a site." Our local Gypsy has created a great brand in this unique space. She is now sponsored by Garrett metal detectors, is a re-seller of metal detectors at dddetectors. com and is hoping to be invited to hunt the historical places in Georgetown and Williamson County so show us all "What is it? What did it do?" Meanwhile, you can catch her latest episode on YouTube at "Zero Discrimination".
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MAYOR'S UPDATE
Meeting Our Water Needs For the Future
by Mayor Dale Ross
Addressing the need to provide more
water for residents and businesses in our fast-growing region is an important responsibility of the City. We have a three-pronged approach to respond to that demand. First, we have adopted irrigation schedules, water rates, and rebates to encourage smart water use. Second, we have entered into agreements to secure the water we need for the future. Third, we are expanding treatment, storage, and distribution capacity of our system to better serve a growing number of customers. Here is a deeper dive into the steps the City is taking to meet current and future water needs.
Two-day watering schedule
Last month, City Council approved new rules related to outdoor water use. The change, which goes into effect May 8, means that the two-day watering schedule is now the permanent year-round schedule. The schedule for irrigation systems and hose-end sprinklers is based on the last digit of the customer street address. If your house number ends in 1, 5, 9 you may water Tuesday and/or Feriday. Address
ends in 2, 4, 6, 8 water Wednesday and/or Saturday. Address ends in 0, 3, 7 may water Thursday and/or Sunday. This two-day schedule spreads watering over six days each week in order to balance demand on the water system. Irrigation is still not permitted on Monday, which is used as a recovery and maintenance day for the system. Watering with an irrigation system or hose-end sprinkler should not be done between the hours of noon to 7 p.m. each day. Using a hand-held hose or bucket, vehicle washing, or filling a swimming pool can be any day and at any time. Violations of the irrigation schedule may result in fines.
61,000 gallons. The higher rates for the biggest water use levels reflect the cost to build plant, storage, and distribution system capacity that is required to meet such demand.
Water supply
The City offers three new rebates for customers encouraging smart water use. Customers can receive up to $150 in rebates for the following programs: changing their irrigation system from a spray system to a drip system, installing a wi-fi enabled “smart” controller to help irrigation systems run more efficiently, and up to $150 in rebate for converting spray nozzles to multi-stream nozzles. Visit gus.georgetown.org/water/rebate for details.
The second strategy for responding to water use is to ensure an adequate supply of raw water. Georgetown’s water supply comes from groundwater wells and surface water in Lake Georgetown and Stillhouse Hollow Lake. Water from Stillhouse Hollow Lake is pumped to Lake Georgetown through a pipeline. In addition, the utility has an agreement with the City of Round Rock that allows Georgetown to purchase water exceeding their system needs through a connection between the two cities. We are working on similar agreements with Leander and Liberty Hill to enhance system resilience. The current projection, given population growth, is that these water sources will meet demand through 2042. To extend the City’s current water supply to meet demand through 2053, we need to reduce overall demand by 15 percent. Meeting that goal involves water conservation measures and innovative water management strategies.
Rates
Water system capacity
Rebates
Water rates are tiered so that as water use increases, rates also increase. The monthly rate per thousand gallons is $1.75 for up to 10,000 gallons of water. At 11,000 gallons, the rate increases to $2.40 per thousand gallons. And then $4.00 per thousand at 21,000 gallons, $6.50 per thousand at 41,000 gallons, and $8.50 per thousand at
ture when it is needed so that customers pay for these projects only when they are required to meet demand. Some of the major improvements recently completed include the 2 million gallon Cedar Breaks tank (2017), the 2 million gallon Sun City tank (2019), the 3 million gallon Domel pump station (2018), and the Pastor pump station expansion (2018). Water system improvements currently underway include a 3 million gallon Braun tank on west Highway 29, expansion of the intake structure at the Lake Water Treatment plant, a 30-inch water line along Ronald Reagan Boulevard, and a 24-inch water line on DB Wood Road. In addition, the City is in the design and permitting process to build a new water treatment plant on south shore of Lake Georgetown. These expansions to our water treatment, distribution, and storage system are an important way that the City is working to meet the needs of population growth in our area. We will continue to explore options for new water supply and ways to extend our current supply. Everyone has a role to play to ensure the sensible use of our shared resource and in guaranteeing that we have the water we need for the next generation here in Georgetown.
The third strategy to provide more water for use is to expand water treatment, distribution, and storage capacity. The goal of the water utility is to deliver this infrastruc-
heroes
among us
There’s a better way to stay cool!
SCHOLARSHIP
Joe McSpadden
PROGRAM
Frank and Nancy Krenek George and Barbara Brightwell Tami and Brad Pharr Troy and Mary Rodriguez
Al and Jean Mowdy/Curtis and Lucretia Crenwelge
REPAIR SERVICE INSTALLATION MAINTENANCE
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Champion Site Prep JB and Jan Hamilton Don Ross & Janet Hewlett and Brad & Lori Smith Ron and JoAnna Shelly Les & Lori Sherman Steve Shook Jon and Becky Sloan Pati Prince-Taggart and Ross Taggart
For a complete list of donors, please visit our website ROCKride.org
COMMERCIAL | RESIDENTIAL | NEW CONSTRUCTION Locally Owned & Operated | 24-Hour Emergency Service 100-A Don Currie Dr. | Jarrell, TX | StarAirHVAC.com 10
A special THANK YOU to our event co-chairs Wendy Prindle & Kelly Clark of Life Styled Events, the event committee, our Emcee Dan Gattis, our auctioneer Dr. Patrick Breen, our live and silent auction donors, volunteers, board, staff and all our guests for your support of the children, adults and veterans who benefit from partnering with the horse as part of their therapy at ROCK. Thank you to Champion Site Prep, Suddenlink Communication, and Frank Krenek and his amazing dance floor building team for helping transform our arena and US Energy Services, Inc. and Envirolux Energy System for the new arena lighting system. You ROCK!
CITY INSIDER
MAY 2019
Brookshire Brothers Grand Opening Brookshire Brothers had a party
April 10th to officially open its Jarrell location. The community has embraced the Lufkin-based grocer since it purchased the former SunFresh Market in November 2018. The store team invited the public to sample its new offerings and classic favorites while celebrating community. At the event, the JHS cheerleaders and band welcomed and entertained the crowd, and they enjoyed a great show of support from the Fire Department and Police Department. Brookshire Brothers gave both organizations $500 to be used for unmet needs that meet their mission. They hope more folks will stop in the store and see the mural they commissioned in the vestibule to reflect the Jarrell community. Sally Alvis, Senior Director of Marketing and Public Relations, said, “This is our way of saying we are glad to be here. We are so delighted at the way we have been embraced by the Jarrell commu-
nity, and are pleased to know that our mission will go so far to fulfill the needs of our local customers.” Shoppers sampled their way through the store and registered for prizes all afternoon, and the prize box remained in the store for future additional drawings. Chamber of Commerce and City officials had help from the Jarrell Marching Band to cut the ribbon, officially welcoming Brookshire Brothers to Jarrell and Williamson County. Jarrell’s Mayor Larry Bush joined in the company’s excitement because having a grocery store is pivotal to the area’s long term vision. “We have plans for nearly 7,000 homes and 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.” Brookshire Brothers brings its signature hot deli and easy eats to the community, as well as certified meat cutters who make specialty cuts for their customers. They take pride in being a company of employee owners who are good people, providing good food, and doing good deeds in the communities they serve. Alvis encourages all customers to become members of their loyalty program to take advantage of special events and flash sales. “About every other week we will have something special to celebrate, but members earn points and savings every day. Coming up, we have a flash sale during the week of May 15th, and there will be a big event May 25-26 to celebrate and prepare for Memorial Day.” Customers can sign up for their Celebrate program online or in the store.
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CITY INSIDER
MAY 2019
WHAT JARRELL'S GOT
Expert HVAC at Star Air Barry Cryer, owner of All City Real Estate and, now, Star Air never dreamed he would be in the air conditioning business. Having established a successful real estate company and become an award-winning author, he had the incidental opportunity to purchase an HVAC company and decided, "I am a man of Christ, so I know that when my path is chosen for me, I will adjust and overcome." Today, Star Air is the newest HVAC business in Jarrell, and the only one certified in Central Texas. They build, install and maintain systems, and sell more than 85,000 filters a year from their facility on Don Currie Dr. Cryer is pleased to be a part of the steady growth of Jarrell, "I know we are structuring the footprint of Jarrell and what we do today is going to be important tomorrow and down the road. Jarrell is growing smart; we have already assured our water supply for the next 25-30 years, and our Mayor gets calls every day from people interested in moving their businesses and families here."
Star Air's target customers are residential—new and existing homes. Their goal is to do and offer things that are a step better than the competition. Cryer offers two high-end units with five- and ten-year labor warranties. He explains most companies give ten years for parts, but labor is where the costs come in. "I know air conditioning is the third or fourth largest cost-per-item in a house or car, but this is Texas so we need to have it. If you're going to buy a higher-end unit you need to know it will take care of you for a little bit." Cryer has five employees and will soon add another, who just graduated from Jarrell High School. "We are excited about this young man because there is a shortage
in the labor pool for high-end blue collar workers; electricians, plumbers, etc. so it won't be long before these folks are earning high-end salaries. It is not uncommon for a good HVAC technician to make $80,000 a year." Cryer works two trucks and hopes to double that every year for the foreseeable future. Star Air is also certified in air duct cleaning and mold remediation services. "Indoor air quality is more important than people realize. Your A/C doesn't just cool your air; it helps kill viruses and neutralizes odors, removing particulate we can't see. We are really helping the quality of the air in the house, and the more time we spend indoors, the more important that becomes."
Star Air is open 24 hours for emergency calls. They can repair, service, install or otherwise maintain anything customers need on the full spectrum of home air needs. Cryer recommends having a twicea-year inspection and offers four levels of preventive maintenance contracts to maintain systems and help them live much longer. "We have checklists and assign points to help the customer weigh options. If your system is more than ten years old or repairs will be more than $1000, you may want to consider replacing, especially if the current unit is no longer being manufactured and there are no parts." Call 512-746-6099 for quotes, questions or plan information. Or the release date of his 2nd book...Formula to Sell Any Home
Free AIR DUCT CLEANING with purchase of a 16 SEER or HIGHER HVAC SYSTEM for 2019
NEWS FOR PAWS & CLAWS AND HOOVES & SNOUTS
Fight the Bite!
Being a Responsible Pet Owner
Ectoparasites
by Dr. Nathan Carlton
S
pring is here again, and it has been a wet one. With warm wet weather come ectoparasites; bugs that live on the outside of their hosts' bodies. These little critters aren’t just annoying; they can cause or transmit disease in and to people and animals. Some of these are zoonotic diseases, which can actually jump between animals and people. Kissing bugs are small parasites that feed on blood and like to bite humans around the mouth and eyes. These guys are about the size of a penny, and can transmit Chagas, which is a parasitic disease caused by Trypanosoma cruzi. The disease has two phases, acute and chronic. The acute form causes fever, fatigue, headache and rash among other signs and symptoms; the chronic form can cause heart disease, heart failure and intestinal problems. People and dogs can get this disease. To keep this bug away from your home and animals, keep lights off in your home and kennel areas at night, remove refuse (like wood piles) from around the home, and treat the yard with a synthetic pyrethroid.
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Effitix is a topical flea and tick preventive that contains a synthetic pyrethroid and is applied once monthly to dogs only. Most people know fleas in Central Texas are a constant issue. Fleas are amazing at adapting to the flea preventives, and after a few years on the market the efficacy of the chemicals starts to wear off. I have heard owners complain that the Advantix they put on their dog two weeks ago isn’t
working anymore. There is a new class of products available—isooxazolines, which kill fleas and ticks very effectively. Bravecto, NexGard and Simparica are three brands of this new class of medications. Texas A&M Veterinary Dermatologist Dr. Alison Diesel recommends a dog or cat be on flea and tick prevention year-round in Texas since we do not have a “true winter” to kill off fleas. Fleas can cause Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD) in dogs; this is an allergic skin condition that makes them miserable. Monthly flea prevention will help keep them from contracting
this disease as long as the preventive repels the fleas and keeps them from biting your pet. Sentinel, a heart worm and flea preventive, does not kill fleas, and will do nothing to stop adult fleas. This means that a dog suffering from FAD would continue to be afflicted, even while taking this monthly medication. There are many other ectoparasites in Texas that can cause problems for animals and people. Be sure to discuss with your veterinarian the best way to prevent these bugs from becoming a real problem. After graduating from Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Carlton served four years in the United States Army as a Veterinary Corps Officer. He honed his clinical skill set working on these unique animal populations, and now brings that special knowledge to the community at Jarrell Animal Hospital. Dr. Carlton is a member of the American Association of Bovine Practitioners, American Association of Equine Practitioners, Texas Veterinary Medical Association, and he continues to serve in the United States Army Reserve. Jarrell Animal Hospital 191 Town Center Blvd.
JarrellAnimalHospital.com
and Facebook
by Mark Moeller
T
hink about the responsibility before you adopt a pet. Adopting a pet is a big decision. Dogs and cats require lots of time, money and commitment. Pet ownership can be rewarding, but only if you think through your decision before you adopt a companion. Don’t get a high energetic dog, if you don’t have the time to exercise him/her. Don’t make your dog a “backyard dog”. Dogs thrive on companionship and need to be with their human pack. Make a lifetime commitment to the needs of your pet, even when your lifestyle changes. Make sure that your pet is a true member of the family by supplying lots of love, attention and tolerance. Be kind to your pet, show him/her love and remember you are their world. Take special care of your pet during their senior years. Provide your pet with nutritious food and an ample supply of fresh water each day. Furnish your pet with both shelter and privacy, to include an appropriately warm and/or cool, quiet, dry place to sleep and to retreat to when desired. Spend time with your pet each day exercising and playing. Provide for your
pet’s needs when you go on vacation or have to work late. Provide your pet with the proper diet. Obesity can be as deadly as malnutrition. Be aware that some foods can be deadly, such as chocolate and fatty foods can cause pancreatitis. Take the time and patience to train your pet, by using positive reinforcement, attending dog training classes and learning about other pet training. Attend to the grooming needs of your pet. If you can’t afford grooming or can’t do the grooming yourself, pick a low maintenance dog. Ensure your animal receives proper and prompt health care, including regular checkups, vaccinations and treatment for diseases or illnesses. Get your pet spayed or neutered. Place a collar and an identification tag on your pet that includes a clearly written
name, address and phone number. Both dogs and cats need id’s. Micro chipping is good, too, but external tags are essential and they could mean the difference of your neighbor returning your pet to you, or turning them in to the animal shelter. Abide by local pet laws, such as licensing, rabies vaccinations and leash laws and ensure your pet is under your supervision, especially around children and new people. Take extra precautions during the holidays like July 4 and December 31. It is the scariest time for your pets, so make sure they are secure indoors. Mark W. Moeller is a retired Animal Services Officer II of the Georgetown Police Dept. Send questions or inquiries to markmoeller63@yahoo.com
CITY INSIDER
MAY 2019
APRIL: AN EXCEPTIONAL MONTH FOR GEORGETOWN PHILANTHROPY
Celebrating Heroes Among Us
Nancy Krenek, Founder and CEO of ROCK Thanks to founder Nancy Krenek and George and Barbara Brightwell's 20acre donation that got it all started, Ride on Center for Kids (R.O.C.K.) celebrated with another sell-out crowd at the 13th annual Barn
Dance fundraiser April 6 in Georgetown. The dance was, as usual, a sell-out and over $400,000 was raised via ticket sales, silent and live auctions, and a paddle raise, for programs and scholarships for special needs children and Veteran programs. The hero-themed event included one of the year's largest and best known silent auctions, live auction, barbecue, donated in part by Nolan Ryan, and a performance by Texas singer-songwriter Randall King. ROCK clients began the evening, with superhero escorts, in a procession to the arena, adorned with rib-
bons and medals awarded at recent Rodeo Austin and Special Olympic events. Pictured at left (seated) is Raul, his family, ROCK instructor Kelly and Dr. Priscilla Lightsey. Board President Lindsey Roberts said, "One of the wonderful features about ROCK is that each and every day we are celebrating heroes. If you've never been here at a time when there are riders and horses in the arena, come out and take a tour. It is a place that touches so many lives and if will touch your heart too." Event chair Wendy Prindle said, "I see the strong steady horses, the faithful
trusting and challenged riders, the patient, passionate trainers and the hopeful enthusiastic families watching from the side. That is where true heroism is on display. It takes the superpowers of courage heart and perseverance from every member of the team to succeed." R.O.C.K. is a superb collection of 27 staff members, 29 horses and 300 volunteers every week. The volunteers, or "Rocketeers" do everything from training to sweeping and, to a person, they agree that every life is transformed when a person spends time in or around the arena. Photo right: ROCK Program Director Kristin Witcher and Rocketeer and mom Gemma Prado greeting Barn Dance guests.
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M•A•R•K•E•T•P•L•A•C•E
UNIQUE LADIES’ BOUTIQUE • FULL SERVICE SALON • BARBER SHOP
180 TOWN CENTER BLVD | JARRELL
(beside Brookshire Brothers)
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Top, L-R: County Judge Bill Gravell with Sheriff Robert Chody • Georgetown Police Chief Wayne Nero, Fire Chief John Sullivan, Mayor Dale Ross • Pegasus Dreams mini-horse • Dance Elements on the Celebrate Georgetown Stage • Georgetown Ben Hur Shriners • Josef Pelletier of The Jerrells on the Red Poppy stage • Jesse & Emma enjoyed the beautiful weather • Georgetown officers Shannon Hall and Ray Rodriguez working the parade route • Monica Garza sits for her "portrait" at Rita Kirkman's caricature booth • Jeff Schmalback and daughter Kayla (4) cutting a nice rug on the Austin Avenue dance floor • Steve Hotchkiss owner of the Baustin pedi-cab company; hopes to be a regular transport provider at the Stroll and Poppyfest • Georgetown's answer to Charles Kuralt... Chet Garner announces the Taste of Georgetown culinary awards • Lilly (8) and Bobby (5) of Georgetown work out some sibling rivalry in the inflatable jumper • Texas International Junior Misses 2018 • Judges Stacey Mathews (277th) and Rick Kennon (368th) greet visitors at the Republican party tent • Never a shortage of poppy attire... Carmen Kennedy and daughter Ruby at the parade • Karen Hoskins and Lynn Hale • Brooklyn (3) and Finley (1) • Alexia Poole 2018 Lampasas Festival Queen • Cora (3) was the most excited parade watcher in town!
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CITY INSIDER
MAY 2019