Cityinsider August 2016

AUGUST 2016

The Worship Place At Rocky Hollow

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COFFEE WITH THE CHIEF Pg. 6

A Hole In One Win for the MGA Pg. 9

georget o w n ’ s n e w

SHERATON op e n f o r b u s in e s s Pg. 11

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10 Things Every New Texan Needs To Know By: Cathy Payne As Texas transplants of nearly eight years, and among those who “got here as fast as we could,” my husband and I began compiling a list of important things that new Texans probably ought to know. This list is for that group— come on Sun City, you know who I’m talking about! Those who were born here are dismissed from the mandatory completion of this reading since you grew up knowing in your bones what we far’ners had to learn through experience.

1. Never tell a Texan how to make a hamburger. A $2.50 hamburger from a hole-in-the-wall a hundred miles from the middle of nowhere is better than any hamburger that has ever been cooked east of the Mississippi. There must be an extra hamburger cookin’ gene that is only found in Texas DNA. 2. Blue Bell Ice Cream comes in pints for a reason. Back East we found pints to be very inconvenient; too much ice cream for one sitting and not enough for two. In Texas, while a pint (yes, it must be Blue Bell, no substitutions) is just perfect anytime throughout the year, it an absolute necessity for survival from April to November when we’re having a li’l hot spell.

3. “In Texas, we don’t cut down Pecan trees.” I personally believe that to survive the heat, everyone in Texas needs a pool; and in order to place ours in the most auspicious sun-to-shade spot, there was one tree that had to go.

My grandma (our next-door neighbor and a native Texan) watched from the window as the pool guys bulldozed this tiny, scraggly little tree. The next time we visited, she politely (yet sternly) informed me of this unwritten Texas law with which I was obviously unfamiliar.

Where we came from they were pretty and plentiful, but not very useful.

In Texas, though fewer and far between, they are the difference between life and death in the summer heat. Our house is in the country and it does not have a garage; it only took a few summers of

blistering car seats and steering wheels before we began parking in the yard under the big ol’ Pecan tree from May through October.

4. a) If it bites, stings, crawls, slithers, or can make you itch, it lives in your yard; b) There is no such thing as a “little” rattlesnake - remember, every little snake has a Mommy and Daddy.

5. There are way too many stars in the sky. Look at the night sky in Texas and then look at the night sky in a Planetarium (that’s the only way you can see stars most places back East). I’m almost positive there were about a million fewer on the ceiling of the planetarium. (Note to self: Tell son that if he decides to study Astronomy, do it east of the Mississippi - there won’t be nearly as much to remember.)

6. If a Texan tells you it’s just down the road “a piece” you better get your oil changed, your tires rotated and pack a lunch. As near as I can tell, “a piece” here seems to be somewhere between 86-191 miles; just a hop, skip and a jump down the road for the cheapest gas, the coldest beer or the best breakfast Taco.

7. No matter how hot it gets, it can get hotter. We used to laugh when my Texas family would call and say the temperature had dropped from 104 “all way down” to 98. I have finally realized that Texas heat is a scientific measurement, like the Richter Scale, and that each degree is ten times hotter than the one before it.

8. Boots are a necessity, not just a fashion statement. See #4. Enough said.

9. Jeans are acceptable wedding attire—just make sure you iron them.

10. Texans are proud of being Texans for a reason. This is my husband’s favorite, and mine too because he really had to eat a big slice of humble pie. He used to shake his head at all the Texas pride—shirts, hats and belt buckles with the word ‘Texas’ emblazoned on them. “Really?” he would ask, “can’t these people remember where they live?” Now, we get it. Our first visit to the Alamo cemented what being a Texan

City Insider turns 1! means —being strong, fair, honorable, and courageous, even unto death, and that’s something to be proud of.

One more thing—people really mean it when they say, “Welcome to Texas.” Just remember…you’re not in [insert your home state here] anymore. I assume you came to Texas for a reason, so remember these 10 simple rules and you’ll be just fine here. Welcome to Texas!

In the spirit of celebration, we want to share some birthday cheer. The first 25 people to email their favorite story from the past year or a suggestion for a story you’d like to read this year will receive a special birthday surprise!

Don’t forget to include your mailing address so we know where to send your gift! Email your suggestions to: info@CityInsiderTX.com

A Guide To Quality Living in Georgetown A local resource for residents of Sun City, Texas © 2016 Fidelis Publishing Group, LLC

WHAT’S INSIDE 4 6 7 9 10 11 14

The Worship Place at Rocky Hollow Coffee With The Chief Thought You’d Like to Know: What’s In A Name A Hole In One For the MGA Getting To Know Your Neighbors: Jay Baker Sheraton Georgetown Texas Hotel and Convention Center Mayor’s Update: Are We Running Out if Water?

IN EVERY ISSUE Wisdom From The Rearview Mirror • Your Health & Wellness The Bucket List • The Past Is Present • Ask Your Lawyer STAFF Managing Editor/Lifestyles: Cathy Payne Writers: Ann Marie Ludlow Design: Elysia Davis Guest Columnists: Mayor Dale Ross, Mickie Ross, John Bickle, Sharon Patterson, Webster Russell and Dee Coffeen, Hugh Brown

CONTACT US

Info@CityInsiderTX.com P.O. Box 213, Jarrell, TX 76537 To Advertise in City Insider, call a sales exec at 512-746-4545 © Fidelis Publishing Group, LLC, 2016. All rights reserved.

AUGUST 2016 | 3

Expanding The Walls

The Worship Place Finds Unity & Growth in Diversity The Worship Place means many things to the people in Sun City; fellowship, worship, ministries, charity,

and much more. Soon, thanks to the acquisition of a new building at Rocky Hollow just outside Sun City, they will soon be able to hold services at a second location and reach beyond to the people of Georgetown—to more families and kids—with the love of Christ.

Associate Pastor Allen Christopherson announced The Worship Place will hold a Ministry Fair and Open House at Rocky Hollow on August 28 at 4pm to showcase everything the new location will have to offer; expanded worship, youth programs, childcare, and all of the same great ministries from the central building. "I’m looking forward to what Rocky Hollow will do for the church.

We have 20 acres and a lot of opportunity to expand and grow. I am eager to reach out to take care of [the West] side of Sun City and still have room for more. We can encourage young families and children to take part in our church, and we want to be sure their needs are met.”

Sun City has been growing, and with it, the Worship Place membership has grown to the point that they need additional facilities and more room. The Rocky Hollow location is geographically closer to more residents of Sun City, and being outside,

they will be able to share their message with all of Georgetown.

With over 1000 members, the Worship Place has 144 active ministries; from food delivery to counseling, all focused on helping people beyond the walls. “We have so many people who are in need,” Christopherson says, “but we are fortunate to have a lot The Worship Place members frequently minister outside of volunteers who are the church sanctuary, making an effort to welcome new always willing to step (and old) residents. Pictured-Front row: June Isgitt and Ron Isgitt (N2); Back row: Gary and Barb Cluck (N53), up to help.” Among its programs is the renewed David and Deane Burks (N47).

Neighborhood Ministry.

Each Sun City neighone realized for several weeks; she borhood has one designated church was overwhelmed to know that somemember. Among other services, the one cared enough to check on her.” minister calls church members at least They also visit new residents with a monthly to check on them. “One wom- gift and an invitation to attend church. an wept when she was called because Other ministries support children’s a neighbor had passed away and no charities, hospitals and non-profits around the world.

Dr. Kelly Barnett joined The Worship Place as Senior Pastor after 40 years of military service. He retired after 25 years as a chaplain (Colonel) in the U.S. Army, and most recently served as a faculty member at Texas A&M University-Central Texas where he taught Marriage and Family Therapy.

4 |AUGUST 2016

The Rocky Hollow building is already in use, hosting ministry events and activities, and worship services are scheduled to begin September 11 with Sunday service at 10am.

There will still be a blended service at the central building on Saturday evenings at 5pm, and Sundays at 9am and 11am. “We will be one church with two locations,” the pastor says.

Sun City Softball for Blue Santa

The Sun City Warriors in the winning dugout against the Austin Avengers during the round robin tournament at the Sun City ball park.

The Worship Place’s second location at Rocky Hollow. Photo: Rudy Ximenez.

“Our staff and volunteers will work at one place or another and we will do big celebrations, like Christmas together; and others, like Ash Wednesday we will have the same service at both locations.” Both buildings can seat about 300 people, but they expect membership to grow steadily, at which time they will add more services as necessary.

“The variety of worship and mix of denominations we have here is refreshing,” Christopherson says, "but as long as Jesus is at the center, everything else is okay. We have so much experience in this church. We are using our resources to take care of here and go beyond."

Christopherson also reminds everyone to keep the church in mind for any kind of need. “I realize people don’t necessarily think of the church when they have surgery or a crisis, but we encourage everyone to call us even if it’s just for prayer. It’s always

been our vision to serve Sun City and beyond. The Rocky Hollow location will give us the ability to hit that beyond, and see it come to fruition."

The pastor believes God brought him to Sun City. Christopherson enjoys his new life here and is a very active resident. In his office, surrounded by his sports memorabilia and iconic characters, he is quick with a story and strikes an easy rapport. He plays on the softball team and enjoys Pickleball, and has a lot of great sports stories if you just ask. “People sometimes come to the church after participating in an activity we have hosted. I am grateful that I have so many opportunities to pray with people and meet through different means.

We have a pretty great church, it’s been a blessing, and I am sure it won’t take long for us to grow again.”

Rocky Hollow is located just outside the West Sun City exit at 375 CR 245 in Georgetown.

Umpires Allen Christopherson, Associate Pastor for The Worship Place, and Chuck Flanagan (N62) take a break between innings.

The Worship Place in Sun City sponsored an all-day softball tournament to support Blue Santa in Georgetown.

Four teams from Georgetown to Austin played several games on July 9th, and players came from as far as San Antonio to participate.

Worship Place Associate Pastor Allen Christopherson is an avid sports enthusiast and took on the umpire duties for the day.

“Handsome” Frank Phlegar (N33) coaching third base for the Sun City Warriors.

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AUGUST 2016 | 5

Coffee With The Chief:

Police and Citizen Vigilance Key To Our Community’s Stellar Safety Record Georgetown Assistant Chief Cory Tchida held the department’s quarterly Coffee with the Chief at Cowan Creek July 27. Tchida was informative and entertaining addressing the standing-room-only crowd, sharing updates and guidance from Chief Nero, and thoughts on general safety.

He began by thanking the citizens on behalf of the police department for all of the support and “spoiling” they have received from Georgetown in light of the recent national events.

“We are blessed in Georgetown because people know us personally. I’m not just an officer; I go to church and I am a customer, and I cannot thank you enough for the support we have received from the community.”

The majority of crimes that affect Sun City are fraud related and involve identity theft. Identity theft occurs in cyberspace and resources are limited to investigate them, but Tchida

the ‘Grandma Scheme’, which preys on seniors who don’t wish to be rude by hanging up.” (A caller will pretend to be a grandchild who is in jail and needs bail money.)

Mark Geppert (N11) (right) presented Assistant Chief Tchida and the Georgetown Police Department with a $2800 donation from the Sun City Cycle Association (raised during their Red Poppy Ride) to help the department develop a Police bike program.

encouraged all victims to call, so there is a record for the bank. He also warned against callers who ask for money via Western Union or Gold Dot card. “No legitimate financial agency will ask for money to be sent to the Bahamas, and always be on guard for

Crime is always on the uptick in the summer when there are more idle hands, but Georgetown in general and Sun City specifically are still among the safest in the state.

Most in our area are property crimes; thefts from cars. But, Tchida says, 75 percent of those are because the car was not locked, so he warns against complacency.

Other tips included using a photocopy of your driver’s license if you’re going to the gym etc.; technically it’s not legal but “most officers will not lose sleep over it.” As well, the handicap flags on golf carts do not allow you to park in a handicap space, however most officers are reasonable about the need to leave your official

placard in a locked car.

Regarding patrols and speeding, the department is working on speed projects in several areas, and assured residents that there is an officer assigned to the area 24 hours a day, which includes parts of Williams Drive and Georgetown Village. Because of its low crime rate, Sun City is part of an “Adam” beat and therefore a larger geographic area.

He praised the Sun City community for their willingness and speed to help their neighbors, and encouraged people to trust their intuition. “If you see something that doesn’t look right, there’s no harm in calling us. We just don’t want you to investigate yourselves; that’s what you pay us for.”

Tchida recommends Liking the “Police Department – Georgetown, Texas” Facebook page for frequent updates and information about current events or alerts.

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Georgetown ISD recently announced a contest to choose the name of Middle School #4 which prompts one to wonder how other things in Georgetown got their monikers.

Georgetown was named for George Washington Glasscock (1810-1868) who helped organize Williamson County in 1846 and donated 172 acres for the formation of the county seat. e

Shell Road is named for the Shell family who were among the first settlers in Georgetown in the mid19th century. Family members have been farming and serving in Georgetown for over 100 years. Steve Shell still lives on a portion of the family’s acreage on Shell Road near 195. e

Judge D.B. Wood was an outstanding and reputable attorney who had a practice with his brother (a state senator) in Georgetown. He was City Attorney 1921-1929, County Attorney of Georgetown 1929-1931, and District Attorney of Williamson County 1931-1937. He was Judge of the 26th District 1951-1964, 3rd Administrative Judge for three terms and president of the Williamson County Bar Association 1952-53. e

Berry Creek is an homage to Berry’s Creek in Andice. It was named for John Berry, an early settler in Williamson County thanks to a land grant from the Republic of Texas. The land included a creek, gristmill, and a stagecoach stop called Berry’s Creek. e

Benold Middle School is named for Dr. Douglas Benold who worked as a family physician in Georgetown for the past 70 years. e

AUGUST 2016 | 7

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Development is moving forward on schedule in the Queen Tract at Sun City Blvd and Hwy 195. New neighborhoods #11 and #12 will have a total of 750 homes on more than 260 acres, and site prep is already well underway. Construction of the new homes will begin as early as October and 12 lots/homes have already been sold. Model homes are available to preview the popular Classic (1700-2000 sq ft) and Patio/Garden (1300-1600 sq ft) floor plans.

Amenities, including retail, will follow in 2017 after occupancy rates reach the threshold for participation—new homes should include as many as 1300 new residents. Specific amenities have not been announced at this time, but City Insider will provide another update before the end of the calendar year.

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A Hole In One Win for the MGA The Don Hewlett President’s Cup golf tournament May 11-12, in addition to being one of the premier annual golf events in Sun City, was a tremendous success for Tommy Mullins. Mr. Mullins hit a hole-in-one on the 5th hole at White Wing and won a brand new Buick Cascada Convertible from Don Hewlett Chevrolet Buick. Mr. Mullins received the ceremonial keys to his new car at a ceremony July 8 and opted to take the value of the vehicle to put toward a 2017 Buick Enclave. “Oddly enough, my wife and I just downsized and sold our second car a month ago, so winning a brand new one a few days later was pretty incredible. I’ve been playing golf since I was 26 and this is the most valuable prize I have ever won.”

Mullins says his team watched the ball off the tee at the 5th hole and saw it roll onto the green. When it went out of sight, they looked at each other and said, “I think it went in…” and they waited for the hole monitor to check.

She gave them the “It went in!” sign and the celebrating began.

Don Hewlett, Tommy & Mindy Mullins, Mike Hewlett, Don Ross Hewlett, Walter Connolly (Tournament director) and Peter Garner (Tournament director). Don Hewlett Chevrolet Buick has been the title sponsor of the President’s Cup tournament since 2004.

Even more unbelievable is that in the 46 years he has been playing golf, Mr. Mullins has hit an astronomical ten aces. The Hole-in-One Association of America estimates the odds of one ace by an amateur at 1 in 12,500.

Basic math puts the odds of achieving

ten aces at a number with about 40 zeroes in it. But, taking into account the skill and frequency of a person’s play, it might be a little smaller— maybe just in the billions.

Mullins expressed his thanks to all the people who managed the tourna-

Tommy and Mindy Mullins celebrate the ‘big—win’ a new Buick Cascada Convertible with Don Hewlett.

ment, especially those who worked so diligently to ensure his hole-in-one was compliant and legitimate, and his gratitude to Mr. Hewlett for his continued generosity to the MGA over the past 13 years.

In 1997, MGA members Bill Coston and Bob Heitzman conceived the idea of a golf tournament for MGA members, and after 20 years it continues to be the MGA’s most prestigious golf tournament. Drawing the largest field and paying the most in sweeps, the President’s Cup hosts two days of competition followed by an awards dinner gala. Don Hewlett Chevrolet Buick became the title sponsor in 2004, and this support for golf in Sun City has been a major factor in its success.

The committee acknowledges MGA members instrumental in the success of the event; President Steven Ritzwoller, Vice President Norm Pfingsten, and tournament chairs Peter Garner, Randy Sigley and Walter Connolly.

AUGUST 2016 | 9

Getting To Know your Neighbors

America’s Most Important Mechanic

By Ann Marie Ludlow

There are jobs with pressure. But imagine if you are ultimately responsible for the safety of the President of the United States when he is 35,000 feet in the air somewhere over the planet—and you’re not even there. That’s exactly what Jay Baker (N13) did in 1988-89 as an Air Force Colonel in charge of aircraft maintenance at Andrew’s Air Force Base in Maryland; the place where they park Air Force 1.

Jay and Diane Baker who live in neighborhood 13 share some of Jay’s memorabilia from his time working on Air Force 1.

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Baker started out as a welder and is a Vietnam Veteran. He worked his way up through the ranks to be director of maintenance at Travis AFB, the largest in the world with 3300 staff and many of the world’s largest aircraft, including C-5s and C-141s. Following that assignment he was hand-selected to be the deputy commander for maintenance at the 89th Military Airlift Wing, which included the presidential planes. The field included 22 aircraft (six types) and 600 hand-selected personnel. These days AF1 is a 747, but several aircraft used by the President are parked there and each is only called AF1 when the President is aboard.

“It was a great job and I appreciated the staff there because I knew the tough vetting process for that unit would provide me with great personnel. I saw things that were once in a lifetime; Ronald Reagan and members of Congress coming and going right outside my window.”

Baker says the job itself could be stressful. “It was always visible and under constant scrutiny. Even the smallest thing was of great import due to our cargo. Once, Mrs. Reagan’s plane got a wheel stuck in the rain, which caused an uproar, and another time I got a call in the middle of the night from Australia because an engine light had come on. But we

went a full year without a delay on any aircraft, and that had never been done before.”

Col. Baker is currently working on his memoirs, which will include a trip with Jonathan Winters, President’s Reagan’s trip home to California; introducing his parents to Dan Quayle in the rain, and a visit by Soviet Premier Gorbachev that really highlighted the differences between our two countries in that era. “Normally, whenever Reagan or Bush came into town, there were parades and hundreds of cheering, flag-waving people. Gorbachev’s greeting had about 60 people with spray-painted flags and it just didn’t compare.” Baker also has a very nice jellybean jar to commemorate his time on duty during Reagan’s presidency.

After 29 years in the military, he took a job in Waco and later became one of the first residents in Sun City.

This Irish-born from Brooklyn says, “Texas is great for veterans and I really like the people here. I saw other Sun City’s but had no desire to live in California.” He and his wife Diane have three kids and six grandchildren.

You can see Col. Baker around Sun City playing golf, singing in the Sun City Sons of the Pioneers, walking his dog two miles every day, playing poker and enjoying everything Sun City has to offer.

Coming To Meet, Eat, Work or Stay?

Georgetown’s New Sheraton Is Ready To Meet Your Needs

By Ann Marie Ludlow The long-awaited and much-anticipated Sheraton ribbon cutting is finally here. In addition to providing a beautiful and modern event space, and views you can’t get anywhere else in Georgetown, this venue promises to be a great draw for local gatherings and networking. Visitors, local and out-of-town, will quickly understand and enjoy the Sheraton policy, “We always say ‘yes’.”

General Manager Rita Healy reports her staff of over 150 associates, most hired locally, is eagerly accommodating guests who began enjoying many amenities as soon as the flag went up July 28. Healy has been in the hospitality business for 18 years and with Starwood (Sheraton’s parent company) for three years. She moved here to open the new hotel and says, “I have been in Georgetown for eight months, but I fell in love with it in eight minutes.”

When you are ready to book your relatives, friends or a weekend getaway, the hotel offers 222 guest accommodations including 11 suites with a separate parlor, and five that can convert into three-bedroom suites. As well, six suites provide a park vista and beautiful views all the way to the Square or Southwestern University.

There is a fitness center open 24 hours, and the swimming pool on the patio overlooks Rivery Park and is open 7am-10pm.

For local meetings, the lobby has complimentary wired meeting spaces and free wi-fi. Healy says, “The lobby is very large, intentionally to encourage meeting and mingling. We want our community members to see us as a place to meet; not just for meetings, but socially or just to enjoy our beautiful view and great décor.” She also pointed out that all of the artwork in the hotel is by Texas artists; four pieces were provided by Georgetown painters.

GENERAL MANAGER RITA HEALY

If you are ready to book an event, contact Lorena Chappell, Director of Sales and Marketing. The hotel has 30,000 Photo: Rudy Ximenez

AUGUST 2016 | 11

Sheraton The Newest Piece of Georgetown’s Economic Growth

The Sheraton will mean a great deal more to the city of Georgetown than just a great new gathering place. City Tourism Manager Cari Miller explains that hotel/occupancy tax you see on your bill when you stay overnight; “It will mean a lot of revenue for Georgetown,” she says. "In Texas, the hotel tax is 13 percent; 7 percent comes back to the city and, by law, that money must be spent to promote tourism, which brings more visitors and more revenue and so on.” As well, the Sheraton will host conferences and expos and those attendees will shop, dine and spend all over Georgetown. “It’s going to be a winwin for us to have our own conference center. We can keep local money local and we will have more money available to attract new visitors.” City Manager David Morgan projects the hotel tax will mean $330,000 in new revenue for the next fiscal year. The Sheraton also demonstrates the continued strength of Georgetown’s growth in general and specifically the retail and hospitality market.

Morgan adds “This is a game-changer for Georgetown to have our first full-service hotel with such a strong connection to the community. The setting in Rivery Park just adds to the benefits for us and its visibility creates a whole new element for us as a destination city. The success of the Sheraton should only lead other large hospitality companies and corporate agencies to look to Georgetown. It will also be a driving force for other retail and collateral industries’ growth here.”

12 |AUGUST 2016

“The Sheraton Georgetown Texas Hotel will allow us to introduce the ‘Most Beautiful Town Square in In my view, this project is positioned for the highest level of success, and I believe the completion of thi that we have the ability to collaborate with all levels of government and the priv

SHERATON GEORGETOWN TEXAS HOTEL AND CONFERENCE CENTER

SAN GABRIEL BALLROOM

Courtesy Photos (Above): Sheraton Georgetown

square feet of event space, including pre-function areas for coffee or cocktail hour and 30 meeting rooms. The ballroom alone is 16,000 square feet and can be divided into ten smaller areas to accommodate up to 1500 seated guests or 800-900 at tables with a dance floor. “This is great for Georgetown,” Chappell says, “Because we have already booked galas and events that otherwise would have been in Austin, the Domain or elsewhere out of town.”

For smaller business events, the Washington Board

LOBBY Room has a large conference table with executive chairs, built-in connectivity and a 90-inch presentation screen.

You also have plenty of choices if you just want to visit the hotel for an evening out. Just inside is a full bar in the lobby at Jack’s Lounge, and downstairs is the Brix and Ale restaurant. (Brix is the industry term for the sugar content in wine.) They will be serving Texas craft beers and premium wines, all on tap. The hotel has a special system that enables them to tap and preserve

DID YOU K

When you walk into a Sheraton hotel, what you are smelling is the Sheraton signature s

n Texas’, our park system, and other places that make our city unique to visitors outside our region. is facility shows that quality companies, with world-wide brands, can come to Georgetown knowing vate sector to complete such a large and complex project. ~ Mayor Dale Ross

L-R: General Manager Rita Healy, Builder Jeff Novak, Hines Property Andy Heard, North America Sheraton Bob Jenkins, Mayor Dale Ross, Sr VP of Sheraton West Operations Carla Murray, Rachel Arnold for Commissioner Valerie Covey, Jonas Miller Chief of Staff for Congressman John Carter.

bottles of wine for tasting and flights so customers can try out high-end products without committing to the expense of the whole bottle. Wines will be on display at the bar for customers to see and choose.

The menu at the restaurant focuses on comfort food with a twist that makes each item interesting and fun.

Healy says they will change the menu to rotate items, based on customer preferences, every few months. Outside dining is available and there is a large community table; “It’s all about gathering and sharing conversation,” she says.

Outside the Sheraton, Healy says we can expect the first retail spaces—within walking distance—to be complete by October. She says Sheraton is also looking at providing a van service in the future, for guests and locals to get to and from the hotel and downtown. “We will be really flexible and agile moving forward and learning what the needs of the community and guests will be.”

The Sheraton also promises to be a good neigh-

KNOW?...

BRIX AND ALE Courtesy Photo: Sheraton Georgetown

bor. “Being part of the community is what Starwood is all about,” Healy says. “We have a global citizenship committee and we are already looking at ways to give back to the community. Aside from things like roadside cleanup or supporting local non-profits, we also have so many opportunities to use our skills. Our chefs can help train people to cook and develop new paths. We will support auctions and donations; we’re already finding ways for our associates to be out in the community and give back.”

scent. Created specially for the chain, it subliminally identifies the brand for customers.

Novak Brothers’ Brings Retail and Office Spaces to the Rivery Jeff Novak, the man behind the new Sheraton is not done yet!

Construction is nearly complete on the retail and corporate space adjacent to the new hotel and will be open for business by the end of the calendar year.

“We will introduce many lifestyle products and services,” Novak says.

“We are upping the ante and were very selective in our choices; we had many opportunities and turned them down because we don’t want to provide strip center services in this space. There were some great providers, but everything about the Sheraton will be upscale.”

Among the new businesses will be a full-service Woodhouse Spa; The Bake Shop, based in Brooklyn, NY; and BB’s Restaurant will relocate to the Rivery from the Wildwood area by January.

Novak Brothers' Phase I center includes a total of 75,000 sq/ft, with 20,000 sq/ft reserved for offices. There is still 10,000 sq/ft of office space and one restaurant pad available, as well as space for upscale boutiques or retail.

He is currently in the staging process for Phase II, which will include 200,000 sq/ft. Phase II, he estimates, is about 18 months away, and he also announced the company's next major project— another grand hotel and conference center in Marble Falls.

AUGUST 2016 | 13

MAYOR’S UPDATE Are We Running Out Of Water?

By Mayor Dale Ross getting enough to stay healthy. If you need help adjusting your controller, contact Customer Care at (512) 9303640 or customercare@georgetown. org.

Given that Lake Georgetown—our primary water supply—is at the full mark, some may ask why water conservation is needed.

Water use by Georgetown customers jumped dramatically in July. Daily water consumption increased from 18 million gallons in June to more than 30 million in July—an increase of nearly 70 percent.

The main factor for the sharp increase is the weather. The thermometer reached the upper 90s or the triple-digits almost every day in July. That kind of heat means we are watering lawns more often. Based on patterns in prior years, we know that in the hottest months of the summer, 75 percent of daily household water use, on average, is for landscape irrigation.

Others may wonder, “Are we running out of water?” Since we are the fastest-growing city in the U.S., do we have enough water for all those new residents?

The short answer is: we are not running out of water.

Georgetown’s current water supply comes from ground water as well as surface water in Lake Georgetown and in Stillhouse Hollow Lake. The untreated water from Stillhouse Hollow is pumped through a pipeline. The current projection in the Water Master

The City is promoting water conservation this summer as we have in past years. For most households, the single biggest step you can take is to reduce the number of days you water your lawn to two or even one day each week. You can see the watering schedule that shows your days for outdoor watering based on your address at water.georgetown.org. Pick two days on the schedule.

Another step you can take is to drop three minutes on the zone run times on your irrigation system. Shaving a few minutes off each zone run time can save a significant amount of water. And your lawn will still be 14 |AUGUST 2016

The 4 million gallon Daniels Mountain ground storage tank in the former Chisholm Trail SUD area provides capacity to meet peak demand and system redundancy.

Plan, given population growth, is that these water sources will meet demand through 2047. With additional conservation measures, our water sources can meet demand past 2060. Acquiring additional water resources could extend the timeline even further.

To extend our current water supply to meet demand through 2060, we need to reduce overall demand by 20 percent. Meeting that goal involves a multi-faceted strategy including reasonable limits on irrigation, promoting drought-tolerant grasses, and reducing the irrigated lawn area for new homes.

When the City promotes water conservation, there are really three factors to consider. The first is this long-term goal to reduce our overall consumption to meet the needs of future residents and economic development.

The 1 million gallon Rabbit Hill elevated storage tank on Westinghouse Road will add system capacity on the southeast side of the city.

The other two factors are shortterm and not fundamentally related to our supply contracts and sources.

The first is severe drought conditions, or other extreme events, that lead us to enact our Drought Contingency Plan. In 2009 and 2011, water utilities across the region, including George-

town’s, put water restrictions in place.

The second short-term factor is related to our just-in-time approach to building new water infrastructure to meet demand. Our goal is to deliver new water treatment, distribution, and supply capacity only when it is needed so that customers pay for capital expenses only when they are needed.

With our fast-growing city, for example, we now have water storage tanks under construction on Westinghouse Road and at Daniels Mountain in the former Chisholm Trail SUD service area that is served by Georgetown.

New storage tanks are planned on Cedar Breaks Road at DB Wood Road and in Sun City. Treatment plant expansions also are planned.

While the City will continue to invest in our water utility infrastructure to meet the demands of our growing population, we all have a role to play.

Each of us can adjust our water use habits and take steps to reduce our overall demand. This long-term issue is one that we can solve together to ensure we have the water we need for our future.

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AUGUST 2016 | 15

Georgetown and Williamson County Show Support For Law Enforcement Georgetown and much of Williamson County will soon be awash in blue and visible support for law enforcement. A public project initiated by a Hutto resident provided the first 1000 yard signs at no cost to county residents who wish to thank law enforcement officers for their service and sacrifice. Signs are available at no cost (one per person) while supplies last at: JP3 on the Inner Loop, Georgetown at L Dale Ross, CPA on Williams Drive, Georgetown Safety Center. For updates on supply and future shipments, visit the sponsor pages on Facebook; Judge Bill Gravell, Mayor Dale Ross, and Advocate Newspaper.

Romeo

Allan giving Goliath a snack before the honors.

GEORGETOWN’S RIDE ON CENTER FOR KIDS held a special retirement party for two of its most popular employees July 20. Herd favorites Romeo and Goliath will be off to new homes soon after years of gentle therapy for many grateful R.O.C.K. clients.

Goliath, true to his name, is a gentle giant who was a favorite among the veteran riders. He will be going home to live with his original owners, who are happy to have him back. Romeo, who is best known for being the calmest of the herd, and sticking his tongue out, will have a new home with Sandy and Thomas Watson. Their daughter, Amanda, rode Romeo for some time before she passed away and her parents gratefully accepted from a tearful R.O.C.K. staff.

The agency is always looking for good, gentle horses to provide hippotherapy for over 200 clients, and any who can fill Romeo’s and Goliath’s big shoes. Contact Lindsey at 512-930-7625.

UPDATE: Sadly, Goliath only got to enjoy a few weeks of “retirement” and passed away on August 1. Handlers, walkers, and clients will miss this gentle giant… Walk on, Goliath.

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By: Sharon L. Patterson Is it just me, or have you noticed we have lost some very significant things that we desperately need to recover in our lives?

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The first one on my list may seem to be ridiculously obvious (or not). It is our mind—especially its ability to reason with rational thought. Somewhere in the mire of trying to be inclusive of all thought we have accepted the belief that there really are no absolutes except for one—absolute tolerance.

We worship knowledge over wisdom, tolerance over truth. We have decided that truth is no longer the time tested pillar built from the basic tenants of Judeo-Christian law, but a piece of evolving architecture formed from a fluid humanistic mindset that can be molded to fit the politically correct topic of the moment. How we need to recover a sound mind! “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge but fools despise wisdom and discipline.”

Proverbs1:7 (NIV) A second dire loss in need of recovery is civility and the respect for one another as we bring the points on which we differ out into the public arena. At one time, we could actually hear each other because we wanted to help improve our world, not just win arguments. We could hammer out differences without hammering one other. Oh that we would bless rather

than blast our fellow man. “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.” Romans 12: 9-10 (NIV) Thirdly, we need to recover our lost hope. Despair is not a good substitute. It becomes a breeding ground for depression. What we view and what we hear actually matter. If our media feed is only news that centers on the sensational (and that is generally negative) our hope diminishes. Maybe we just need to hear the good news more often coming unapologetically from the mouth of ministers of the gospel. “We have this hope as an anchor of the soul, firm and secure.” Hebrews 6:19 (NIV) You know, I believe we can find and recover these lost things by doing something simple. It is not easy, but it is simple: “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

Matthew 6:33 (NIV) If we seek the One who made our minds, the One who showed us how to speak the truth in love and the One who not only spoke good news but was good news, then we can recover a sound mind, civility and respect, and hope will once again fill us with a renewed sense of life worth living.

Sharon L. Patterson, retired educator, author, and lay minister from Round Rock has written and published inspirational encouragement in various forms from greeting cards, short stories, poetry, and Bible studies for over thirty years. She has authored three books, she recently published a perpetual desk calendar, and is also a contributing author for seven books. Additionally, Sharon writes for the quarterly e-zine Ruby for Women.

AUGUST 2016 | 17

AVOID ERRORS:

HEALTH & WELLNESS How To Have A Safe Hospital Experience

By Hugh Brown Going to the hospital can be frightening and worrisome, which is why it is important to be prepared, informed and empowered.

100 Top Hospitals by Truven Health Analytics for four years in conjunction with its parent campus, St. David’s Medical Center.

At St. David’s Georgetown Hospital, we are charged with diagnosing and treating patients’ healthcare needs while also keeping them safe. In doing so, our hospital has earned several accolades for clinical excellence, including a national distinction for patient safety from The Leapfrog Group for four consecutive years from 2012 to 2016. Additionally, St. David’s Georgetown Hospital was named among the

Experience shows that the most common hospital patient fears are infection, incompetence, death, cost and medical mix-ups. As a patient, what can you do to make sure your hospital stay is safe?

The following tips will better prepare you for a planned or unexpected trip to the hospital and may reduce the length of your stay, as well as your chances of having to return to the hospital.

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• Maintain an up-to-date list of medications, allergies, physicians and medical history. Keep a copy with you at all times, and give a copy to your emergency contact.

• Do not accept medication in the hospital until the nurse has positively identified you using two methods of identification (usually your name and date of birth), informed you of the medication and given an explanation of the side effects.

• Do not allow a caregiver to treat you, draw blood or take you somewhere unless they have introduced themselves, positively identified you using two methods of identification and provided an explanation of their actions.

• Before beginning an invasive procedure, such as a surgery or biopsy, make sure the site is marked and that the clinical team performs a “time out” to identify everyone, describe the procedure and verify agreement.

• Ask questions, have a friend or family member with you, and review your discharge instructions thoroughly.

AVOID INFECTION: • Do not allow anyone, including healthcare professionals, family members or visitors, to touch you

unless you have seen them wash their hands or use an antiseptic foam cleanser.

• Know the signs and symptoms of infection, such as fever or redness.

Tell your doctor or nurse if you notice any symptoms.

AVOID INCOMPETENCE: • Choose physicians and hospitals that have demonstrated expertise when compared to national standards.

• Do your research—visit government websites and trusted, objective sources, such as Truven Health Analytics, The Leapfrog Group and Healthgrades.

It’s also very helpful to involve a family member or friend in your care.

This person can accompany you when speaking with your physician, ask questions and take notes to help you understand your care.

We are all patients, or will be one day. Everyone in the healthcare process—from the care provider to the patient—plays a role in delivering safe care. I encourage you to follow the tips mentioned above to ensure you have the safest and best experience possible while in the hospital.

Hugh Brown is the chief executive officer at St. David’s Georgetown Hospital.

WILCO ROAD IMPROVEMENT UPDATE Williamson County is moving forward with the planned improvements to Route 29 at D.B. Wood Road in accordance with the road bond approved by voters in the 2016 special election. The changes to and realignment of the intersection will provide more efficient and safer access to drivers trying to get onto Route 29 from the north and alleviate the backup on Route 29 west to get onto D.B. Wood north. Currently, the design work is in progress, as is engineering planning, and construction is scheduled to begin in summer 2017. There is no final plan yet, but it is anticipated that the final design will include right turn lanes on Route 29 to D.B. Wood.

Another local project underway by the County is safety improvements at the intersection of Ronald Reagan Blvd. and Williams Drive. Precinct 3 Commissioner Valerie Covey’s office reports they are working with TX-DOT to have improved STOP signs at that intersection, as well as painted warnings on the ground to alert drivers of the approaching intersection.

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THE BUCKET LIST:

Recently, Sun City residents Webster Russell (Russ) and Dee Coffeen checked a major item off their bucket lists—a 111-day trip around the world! Russ and Dee invite you to experience this adventure as they share photos, anecdotes, travel tips, destination recommendations, and maybe even a little gossip about finding love on the high seas.

A Maori Haka Dee’s 2nd place photo of a storm on the Pacific.

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We arrived in Los Angles where some four hundred passengers got off and a like number boarded. The ship took on fuel and food, and that afternoon and we were off to Hawaii.

The Pacific is one of the most beautiful seas in the world, especially at sunset. Our first day at sea we saw a storm in the distance. Dee took a picture, capturing it beautifully—in fact, she won 2nd place in the ship's photo contest.

Four days out of LA we reached Honolulu. I had been there numerous times with the Navy, however it was the first visit for Dee. We visited the USS Arizona and the cemetery at the Punch Bowl, where we joined thousands before us to pay our respects.

Each time I go back to these beautiful islands it is like a new visit as I see things I missed on previous occasions.

Next, we were off to the South Seas. I had been to Pago Pago before however Dee had not. Like most, if not

all, of the South Sea Islands, the port of entry was beautiful, however the hot and humid weather was not so agreeable.

Next we headed off to Tonga. This island nation is made up of 169 islands; 36 of which are inhabited. Since 2010 Tonga has been a constitutional Monarchy. The King’s Palace is rather unpretentious for a king, but beautiful.

The opposite coast is similar to that of Aruba as it is gorgeous, but wild.

This cove, it is claimed, was where a famous warrior was washed clean by the gods after a battle.

Our next stop was Bay of Islands, New Zealand. We dropped anchor in a picturesque bay and were taken ashore via the ship's tenders. We visited New Zealand’s spectacular rain forest. It was every shade of green imaginable, and there was foliage we had never seen before. Just to the west was an early English mission. It sat along a river that looked more like

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Scotland than New Zealand.

New Zealand is also the home of the Maori people. They landed in New Zealand in about 1200 AD, and because of their geographical isolation, the Maori grew without hardly any European influence; however, today they have a strong Christian belief system.

We visited a Maori village and had the opportunity to learn about their culture.

It was an amazing visit. If you are given the opportunity to see a Maori Haka, do so; it is so representative of

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After the Maori village, we landed in New Zealand's capital, Auckland. It is a modern city ofC460,000 and reponcrete • Gif ts resents the urban side of New ZeaRustic Furnit ure of land, displaying the various cultures Yard Decor this wonderful country. tal most Next came one M ofethe Art interesting stops on our trip— a vibrant country filled with amazing sites and history. We would tell you more but we have met our word limit, so it will have to wait until next month.

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The WorshipPlace, Place,anan Inter-Denominational Church The Worship Inter-Denominational Church located located two locations near City in Georgetown, TX. in two in locations near Sun CitySun in Georgetown, TX. Sun City Campus: 811 Sun City Blvd., Georgetown, TX 78633 Sun City Campus: 811 Sun City Blvd, Georgetown, TX 78633 Rocky Hollow 375CR CR245, 245, Georgetown, Georgetown,TX TX78633 78633 Rocky HollowCampus: Campus: 375 AUGUST 2016 | 21

The Past Is Present

By Mickie Ross

The Williamson Museum’s Calendar of Events As the dog days of summer hit us right in the face, this seems like a good time to share information about events at the museum for the next several months.

On First Friday in August, a new art exhibit opens with great fanfare. “Out of the Vault: Works from the Williamson Museum Collection” will highlight some pieces that have not been seen before from our collection. The exhibit runs through the end of the month for your viewing pleasure.

September features an entire month devoted to celebrating the Hispanic culture of the area. Our first ever community-based exhibit, “Nuestra Comunidad: Williamson County’s Hispanic Roots” opens on First Friday, September 2. Hispanic citizens of the county shared stories and photos to tell their rich history of the community,

and the public will be fascinated with the results. The museum will be open Sundays in September from 1 – 4 pm, with weekly activities promoting cultural contributions during Hispanic Heritage Month. Join us to create matchbook altars or maracas and celebrate your own family tree for Grandparents Day. Dan Moody will be the focus for the first half of October. The life-sized bronze statue, a joint project of the City of Georgetown and the museum, will be unveiled on the east lawn of the historic courthouse on Friday, October 14, at 10 am. Governor Moody will be the honoree of the museum’s fifth annual Cattleman’s Ball on October 15, the first major gala at Georgetown’s new Sheraton Hotel and Conference Center. The fundraiser benefits the museum’s educational programs, which has served more than 11,000

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students so far this year, so grab your cowboy boots and join us for this fun evening.

Ghosts take over downtown Georgetown in October, with walking tours to amaze and delight visitors of all ages. Led by costumed docents, the tours take place on October 21, 22, 28 and 29. They leave the museum every 30 minutes, from 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm, and last about an hour. The last tour each evening is a scary one, not meant for the youngsters, with tales of a spookier nature. Tickets are $15 per person, $12 for museum members and are available now.

The Williamson museum hosts numerous events November features the throughout the year that capture our community’s rich return of our popular Southand unique heritage. The annual ‘Cocoa with Cowwestern Cemetery Tales boys’ takes place on the last evening of the Christmas at I.O.O.F Cemetery. Held on Stroll in December.

November 5 from 4:00 – 6:00 pm, it is a great opportunity to season. The museum’s Cocoa with meet the men and women from South- Cowboys takes place from 5:00 – 7:00 western University who impacted the pm on Saturday, December 3, on the community. For $10 per person, $8 last evening of The Christmas Stroll. for museum members, visitors get up Stop in for refreshments and fun. close and personal with costumed There is always something to see docents portraying the cemetery’s res- at The Williamson Museum – and idents. What a treat to hear the stories you never know who you are going of their lives from their own words! to meet. Admission to the museum is The delights of December are evident as the buildings and trees are lit to create a fairytale scene around the most beautiful town square in Texas.

A must see for all, our lighted downtown is the highlight of the holiday

always free – and special event tickets can be purchased at www.williamsonmuseum.org. No matter what the season, The Williamson Museum is your go-to place for fun – and we hope to see you soon.

WEED ALERT! WEED ALERT!

By John W. Bickle, Attorney at Law

Before

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vorship, in trust, or in some other legal entity, and there are no debts, then probate is not necessary.

Welcome to another in our series of articles regarding matters involving Texas and Federal law which I hope will be interesting and useful to you. As before, I’ll continue to quote liberally from and use the format which was inspired by the Elder Law Handbook of the Tarrant County Bar Association. However, remember this is information and not legal advice. For legal advice, ask your lawyer. This month we’ll start to look at what’s involved in PROBATING WILLS.

1. What is probate?

Most people don’t understand that a will is not valid until it is proven to be so in court. Therefore, probate is a legal process which involves proving whether a will is valid, whether it is the last will and testament of the deceased person, and whether the will revoked all prior wills and codicils. The process starts by filing an application with the appropriate court and conducting a hearing where proof is offered to prove that the will meets these requirements. In addition, the probate process usually involves administration and settlement of the decedent’s estate and final affairs.

2. Why is probate necessary?

Probate is only necessary when there are assets which are titled in the decedent’s name that need to be transferred to the person’s named in the decedent’s will and which can’t be transferred some other way. It may also be necessary it there are debts owed to creditors. If all the decedent’s property passes by beneficiary designations, joint tenancy with right of survi-

3. How do you probate a will?

As I mentioned above, the process starts by conducting a court hearing to determine the validity of the will.

Lawyers call this “proving up the will”.

If the will is proven to be valid and is admitted to probate, generally the court will appoint an independent executor or administrator of the decedent’s estate.

The independent executor is responsible for locating the decedent’s assets, paying debts and expenses, and distributing the remainder of the estate to the beneficiaries named in the will.

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4. Is it expensive?

In Texas, it does not have to be expensive. The cost depends on the nature and complexity of the decedent’s estate. Under our law, if the will names an independent executor, has a self-proving affidavit attached, and eliminates the necessity of a bond, the cost of probate should be greatly reduced.

5. How much time do you have to probate a will?

The statute of limitations for probating a will in Texas is four years after the date of death. However, there are some limited exceptions to the four year statute. The primary exceptions involve legal procedures to determine heirs and procedures which do not involve estate administration. If you are in this situation, your lawyer can advise you if your case meets any of the exceptions.

I’ll be back next month with more questions and, hopefully, more answers. Remember, we’re all in this together and the more information you have the better questions you can ask your lawyer and the better decisions you will make.

John W. Bickle resides in Sun City, is licensed to practice law in Texas and continues in practice today as a member of the Williamson County bar. He can be reached by phone at (512) 868-8593 or by email at jbbickle@msn.com

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Compare at $149.00

Valid through 9/15/16

Up to 5K SQFT • New Cust Only

Owner, Jerry Naiser - 36 years experience, Horticulture ISA Certified Arborist • Texas Forestry Certified, Oak Wilt Licensed by TDA, SPCS, TNA AUGUST 2016 | 23

Pokey's Current Listings Property Address 121 Enchanted DR 401 Mill Pond PATH 124 Bluebell DR 101 Crystal Springs Drive 114 Hill Country DR 313 Fieldstone DR 907 Little Cypress CV 602 Farm Hill DR 511 Martin Creek LN 201 Rosecliff DR 107 Baylor Mountain CV 112 Palmetto DR 406 Hills of Texas TRL 299 Trail of the Flowers 317 Fieldstone DR 103 Llano CV 194 Dove Hollow TRL 122 Coleto Creek LN 511 Davis Mountain CIR 200 Star Mountain 407 McKinney Falls LN 214 Armstrong DR 102 Burr Oak LN

(pending sale)

(pending sale) (pending sale) (pending sale)

(pending contingency)

(pending sale)

(pending sale)

Floor Plan Angelina Llano Medina Brazos Brazos Monroe Surrey Crest Magnolia Surrey Crest Monroe Vernon Hill Vernon Hill Vernon Hill Burnet Lexington LaSalle LaSalle Cumberland Hall Tangerly Oak Morningside Lane Sheridan Coronado Colorado

Appr. S/F 1,310 1,397 1,442 1,644 1,644 1,712 1,712 1,755 1,767 1,840 1,888 1,888 1,888 1,947 1,976 2,070 2,254 2,470 2,552 2,568 2,581 2,598 2,633

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

Lot Type P P GB, HC GC, GB, HC HC, P GB GB, HC GB, HC GB GB, HC P GB, HC GC, GB, HC GC GB, HC GB GC, HC, P GB, GC GB P

List Price $214,950 $234,950 $229,950 $267,950 $264,950 $339,950 $337,950 $259,950 $349,900 $299,950 $349,950 $319,950 $314,950 $294,950 $329,500 $319,950 $379,950 $439,950 $419,500 $519,900 $439,950 $384,900 $419,950