FLORENCE
TOWN & COUNTRY
A Place to Gather (for the past 18,000 years)
< Dr. Wernecke shows off the "chopsticks" used by his staff and volunteers, to gently uncover new artifacts. > A cross-section of the site. Volunteers and scientists dig by centimeters, for many years, until they reach bedrock.
You will find no place to visit in Central
Texas as unique as the Gault Site in Florence. Technically, there is no place in the entire western hemisphere of the planet as unique as the Gault Site. Some really smart scientists say humans have gathered at the Gault site for about 18,000 years. It contains the earliest evidence of human settlement—the oldest art and the oldest “house”—on the continent. First excavated in 1929, on farmland owned by Henry Gault, this dig is 30 minutes from Georgetown. Around the world, Gault is a rockstar of research and reconstruction. It has long contributed to our understanding of human evolution; how early modern man adapted and reacted to the bounty of Central Texas. Executive Director Dr. Clark Wernecke says, “Part of our mission is to educate people about what archaeology is, and why it really matters. It is the shared path we all
have and is an important building block for where we’re going in 100 or 1,000 years.”
Help for Gault
Last month, the Gault Archaeological Site had a special visit from some of the people who are helping to bring visibility and awareness of this local treasure. Commissioner Valerie Covey, TX Representative Terry Wilson, and Congressman John Carter went on the tour with the AP World History students from Florence High School, and spoke to them about what each can, and plans to do, to help with research and more. Dr. Wernecke explained that while archaeologists use a great deal of scientific method and technology, much of their work is about interpretation of their findings and piecing together things from the past. As such, they struggle to procure funding and grants from STEM and other scientific sources. The Congressman said, “There is a lot of money nationwide, but it is very
competitive. But if the Gault school wants some, we will help them. This is a real jewel and everyone can help just by talking about it. This is a dream area and we need to keep it going.”
A Gathering in Florence
Ben Daniel, Chair of the Florence EDC was also on the tour. He added, “We are not creating this phenomenon, we are just recognizing something unique and wonderful about Florence. Even the science shows that this was an aggregation site; people have been coming here to hunt, make tools, and maybe even celebrate for 18,000 years. When people come here to visit, they will feel it too.” Daniel is working to increase local awareness and visibility for the Gault site, and everything he finds special about Florence. He is eager to see new visitors and businesses in Florence to grow that sense of gathering that seems to have permeated the area since the Stone Age.
The Peopling of the Americas
YO U P R O B A B LY L I V E O N L A N D J U S T L I K E T H I S . I F YO U D U G D O W N FA R E N O U G H , YO U M I G H T F I N D S O M E T H I N G ( B U T D O N ’ T G O D I G G I N G U P YO U R PA R E N T S’ G R A S S ) ~ CO N G R E S S M A N C A R T E R
While some accounts differ as to who migrated where and when around the world, archaeologists working at the Gault site have been able to date many of their artifacts with all manner of scientific methods. You may have heard of carbon-14 dating, but, among other things, the tour at the Gault site will introduce you to a laser technique that can determine when a single grain of sand, from deep underground, was last exposed to sunlight. Dr. Michael Collins purchased the land in 2006 and immediately donated it to the
Archaeological Conservatory. He says the site is a “stratigraphic package” of time and space that is distinctive. Clovis was previously believed to be the earliest people in the Americas. Gault has artifacts contemporary with the Clovis, above a layer completely void of artifacts, then another deeper layer some call the “Florence culture”. The fascination and entertainment is best left to Dr. Wernecke, who is as committed to this treasure trove of history as he is excited to share it with people of all ages who wish to know more about it. The tour is worth the drive from Georgetown. Imagine a child’s face when history comes off the page as tangible objects he or she can identify, and wonder about the person who left it there millennia ago. Dr Wernecke says, “It gives us a perspective of the time-depth of humans, not just on the Earth, but right here in our neighborhood.”
THE GAULT SITE IS PRIVATE PROPERTY, SO TOURS MUST BE SCHEDULED. CONTACT THE WILLIAMSON MUSEUM FOR REGULAR TOURS. FOR A CLASS OR PRIVATE GROUP OF TEN OR MORE, CONTACT DR. WERNECKE CWERNECKE@GAULTSCHOOL.ORG. PRIVATE TOURS ARE FIRST-COMEFIRST-SERVED.
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CITY INSIDER
JANUARY 2020
MAYOR'S UPDATE • BY DALE ROSS
Top 10 Georgetown Stories of 2019
As is customary with this
and many other news publications, at the start of a new year, we take a look back at the good, the bad, and the ugly of the previous year's news. But, this is Georgetown, so it's always mostly good news. Enjoy...
10. GROWTH CONTINUES:
Last year, growth colored much of the City’s work. Construction began on more than 1,300 new homes in Georgetown, and our city was ranked by the U.S. Census Bureau as the seventh-fastest growing municipality with more than 50,000 residents in the U.S.
9. COMMUNITY EVENTS:
Georgetown celebrated the 20th Red Poppy Festi-
val with great weather, entertainment, and record crowds. The event added more than $2.5 million to the local economy. The first Blazin’ Beer Crawl was a popular new event on the Square in August. The City again sponsored the lights around the Square, helping Georgetown remain a top holiday light destination in the state.
8. COST OF SERVICE:
While customers faced higher electric bills this year, the overall cost of monthly service including utilities and property taxes for a home valued at $285,000 is the fourth-lowest when compared to 10 other large cities in the Austin-metro area. Georgetown’s property tax rate is the lowest among those cities.
7. ELECTRIC UTILITY CHALLENGES:
Electric customers faced higher bills as the City worked to address increased purchased power costs.
Steps to address the wholesale power cost issue included hiring a new general manager and hiring Shell Energy North America to assist with energy forecasting and energy market trading. The City ended the year with a higher reserve in the electric fund than in 2018. This year the City electric utility employees achieved diamond-level status for reliability as a provider.
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6. WATER UTILITY PROJECTS: The water utility expanded capacity with the Sun City water tower and new waterlines along DB Wood Road and Ronald Reagan Boulevard. The utility began work on a new Braun water tower on West Highway 29, a larger water intake structure and expanded capacity at the water treatment plant on Lake Georgetown, and design for a second water treatment plant at Lake Georgetown.
5. TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENTS:
Road and mobility projects included the opening of Rivery Boulevard extension and continued work on the Williamson County segment of Southwest Bypass, which is expected to open next year. Resurfacing of runways at the Georgetown
Municipal Airport, work on the Seventh Street sidewalk project, and the completion of the Bicycle Master Plan were other significant mobility projects in 2019.
4. CITY FACILITIES AND PARKS: The new City Hall and Council and Courts building opened in January and work started on two new fire stations. The second phase of the San Gabriel Park renovations was completed this summer, and a proposed downtown parking garage was a hot topic of conversation.
3. DOWNTOWN BUSINESSES:
A number of new shops and restaurants opened downtown this year, including 309 Coffee, Lamppost Coffee, Barrels and Amps, Lark and Owl Booksellers, Barron Creek Vineyards, and the Daytripper World Headquarters.
2. NEW RETAIL:
The opening of Academy Sports and Outdoors as well as the first businesses at Wolf Crossing, including Goodwill and Olive Garden, were among the big retail openings this year. The City also approved agreements with Costco, which plans to open a store at Lakeway and I-35.
1. SAFE CITY:
The Georgetown Police Department achieved state accreditation by the Texas Police Chiefs Association’s Recognized Law Enforcement Agency, a recognition of 170 best practices by the department. In addition, Georgetown ranked No. 3 for safest cities in Texas by SafeHome.org, and, as a safe city for animals, the City Animal Shelter achieved no-kill status for the fourth year in a row.
JANUARY 2020
CITY INSIDER
NEWS FOR PAWS & CLAWS AND SNOUTS & HOOVES
The Hardest, Kindest Day by Dr. Nathan Carlton, DVM
After a long, dusty day riding in the back
of a Humvee wearing my Kevlar helmet and load bearing vest, I was ready for a hot shower. It was mid-June; I was in veterinary school and the Army Reserve, and I was on a training exercise with an infantry unit. I was beyond excited to be a part of it at first, but after starting the day at 0200, and spending more than 12 hours in the same sitting position next to a turret-mounted 0.50 caliber, my legs were cramping, I was exhausted, and I couldn’t hear anything other than the constant staccato of machine gun fire. After cleaning my filthy weapon for the third time and passing inspection, I tore out of the parking lot and through the main gate. But instead of bathing the dirt off my body, I was perched on the toolbox of my truck in a Walmart parking lot outside Fort Hood, waiting as the sun reflected off the hot black top. My wife and I were about to celebrate our second anniversary and I wanted to get her what she had been hinting at for weeks—a flashy fawn boxer puppy. An SUV pulled into the parking lot and I slid off the toolbox and quickly went to the back of the car. I couldn’t wait to meet this litter and their parents. The back opened and there was a loving male boxer with plenty of wet kisses to share and a beautiful flashy female. Their tales wagged incessantly—a good sign. After chatting with the owner and receiv-
ing a barrage of wet dog kisses all over my hands, the owner brought two female puppies over to a shaded, grassy area off the pavement. One puppy clung to the owner, the other hurried over to see me; this was her— our Petunia! I paid the man, went to my hotel, showered and hopped back into my truck. I drove non-stop to Michigan to give my wife her gift. A gift meant for my wife really became the best gift for me. Petunia was my best friend, riding in the truck everywhere I went and playing fetch every afternoon, rain or shine. She loved everyone, human or dog; everyone was a friend to her. She was the center of our whole life and gave us unconditional love for nine wonderful years. The last six months of her life were very difficult. She lost interest in food, wouldn’t chase her ball; she became thin and walked aimlessly around the house. With all medical options exhausted, her pain could no longer be controlled. I kept reaching for anything I could do to combat her progressing diagnosis, thinking, I can fix this. I came to grips with reality when I actually stopped, and saw in her eyes she wanted to go. I knew it was time to put her to sleep. I buried her with her favorite ball and planted Petunia flowers over her grave. The final days of our companion animal’s life are overwhelmingly difficult. Often, we, as owners, are faced with the agonizing decision of when to put down our best, furry friend. That can be a very emotional decision; however, at the right time, it may be the best and most humane option. At the end of your pet’s life, there are a few symptoms that you can watch for that might suggest it is time to consider euthanasia. If your pet has lost interest in the things that she or he enjoys or won’t eat, or if your dog is suffering and there is no hope for reducing the misery, you should consider euthanasia. Fortunately, your dog or cat’s final moments don’t have to be ones of suffering. When done properly, humane euthanasia can be peaceful. Be sure to establish a relationship with a veterinarian you trust so that when that day comes, you are as ready as you can be.
The Rev. Dr. Bill Pederson, Pastor
9:15 am Sunday School 10:30 am Sunday Worship Children’s chapel & nursery offered during worship 5404 Williams Drive | Georgetown | 512-868-0902 | www.sgpcgeorgetown.org
Jarrell Animal Hospital 191 Town Center Blvd. JarrellAnimalHospital.com and Facebook
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
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Wednesdays 7- 8 pm
Youth - Grades 7 through 12 God’s Kids - Age 5 - 6th grade • Adult Bible Study
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.
NEED A RIDE? Call (512) 966-0971 Dr. Max Johnson, Pastor
110 W. Avenue G, Jarrell, TX
“ THE BARN CHURCH ” SERVICES: Sunday: 11 am & 6 pm
Sunday School: 9:45 am Wednesday: 7 pm
(512) 746-2828 1700 CR 305 | JARRELL
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CITY INSIDER
JANUARY 2020
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JANUARY 2020
CITY INSIDER • Break in new shoes with a thick pair of wool socks. Wear the socks with the new shoes around the house while tidying up. • My dad keeps a pants hanger in the bathtub to hang up the small nonstick mat that he keeps in there. He says if he hangs it, it doesn't get mildew on the bottom around the suction cups." ~ T.K. in Missouri
• Remember to write the date as "2020" on documents and checks. You don't want anyone to add whatever number they want after 01/01/20... e.g., 01/01/2016. • If you want to find out if your email has been part of a hacker attack, visit https:// haveibeenpwned.com and enter your email address. • I hang a mesh laundry bag where I keep my hamper. Socks go in the bag. When I'm ready to do laundry, I tie a knot in the bag and toss it in. Socks stay together. ~ T.O. in California • Last bowl of cereal? If you don't like the cascade of bits and dust at the bottom of the bag, empty the contents into a colander before you put it in the bowl. • Our neighbor's dog got into the trash while they were out. They bought a crate, but he barked when he was in it. So they put the trash can in the crate and let the dog have the house. It only took a couple of weeks before they were able to stop using the crate entirely. ~ C.M. in Virginia
• Common substitutions: Semisweet chocolate? Per ounce, use one square (1 ounce) of unsweetened chocolate and add 4 teaspoons of sugar. Buttermilk? Add 1 teaspoon of lemon juice per cup of milk. Arrowroot starch? Substitute all-purpose flour. • Clean and decorate a Pringles chip can to store a collection of colored pencils. Keep the lid on for portability. You can even roll up some plain paper to store inside for an on-the-go drawing kit. • To heat up two plates of leftovers? Form the food into a ring (better for even heating), then set a microwave-safe glass or mug on the center of the plate. Set the second plate of leftovers on top. • "If you thread a Slinky-type toy onto the pole of your bird feeder, the squirrels can't get to it. You can usually find these at the dollar store in a plastic version, too." ~ C.D. in Ohio • Movie theater hack: When buttering up your popcorn, grab a straw and stick it down into the tub. Line up the straw with the butter dispenser, and you can distrib-
ute butter into the lower layers of your popcorn. Remove the straw and finish off with butter over the top. • Defog your bathroom mirror with a quick shot of shaving cream. Smear all around and wipe off with a clean, dry face cloth. ~ L.A. in Georgia • Use one leg of a pair of stockings over the hose of a vacuum cleaner to "dust" a bookcase. If you have small knickknacks they won't get sucked up, but dust will. If your stocking gets clogged by a dust bunny, just wipe it off and continue. • A toilet paper or paper towel roll slit down the side makes a handy clamp for keeping wrapping paper from unraveling. • Mayonnaise can stand in for cooking oil in a recipe. Use in an equal amount. It works especially well in brownies.
leum jelly can be used in shower-door tracks to lubricate them, since it won't wash away easily. • I like to use metal cans for storage in my shop. To make them safer, I file the rims and dip them in a shallow disk of melted wax. When the wax hardens, it fills in all the potential jagged edges that might lead to a small cut. ~ F.J. in Florida • Here's a fun plumbing trick: Use a wad of soft white bread (centers only) to plug up a pipe you are working on. The bread disintegrates quickly but will stop up any trickle of water long enough for you to seal two pipes together. Send tips to Now Here's a Tip, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803. © 2019 King Features Synd., Inc.
• "When flossing, cut a length of floss, then tie the loose ends together. Now you have a circle and can hold it open with your fingers rather than wrapping the loose ends around your fingers and cutting off the circulation. All it takes is a little tension on the circle to keep the line taut." ~ C.E. in Kentucky • "If you have to wash dishes by hand, here's a tip for rinsing utensils: Clean silverware together and toss into a colander. Then you can rinse the whole thing together instead of each fork, knife or spoon. This will save time, and water." ~ M.V. in Ohio • Apply car wax to shower walls to keep soap scum from hanging around. Petro-
Tips for the Best Financial You in 2020 (StatePoint) At the same time that Americans are feeling the financial pinch of the holidays, they’re gearing up for 2020, with their top two goals being to save more and increase their credit scores, according to a national consumer survey by Experian. Almost three out of four consumers surveyed are motivated to improve their finances. To reach their New Year goals, survey respondents say they’ll spend less money to improve their credit score (59%) and pay off credit card debt (58%). To help get you started, Experian Boost ambassador, actor and financial empowerment activist, Hill Harper is providing these money tips: • Create a Financial Blueprint: The first step is to create a blueprint identifying your money, saving and investing goals. Examine your priorities and determine how much money you require to meet your basic needs. From there, you should assess what else you need to be happy and how you can use money as a resource to achieve it. • Assess the Cost of Being You: If your expenses or debt outpace your income, then it’s very difficult to live the best version of your life. Rather than continuously playing catch-up, track your spending to discover new ways to reduce monthly expenses. Apply those savings towards self-investment. • Understand Smart vs. Dumb Money: Not all dollars spent hold the same value. Knowing the difference between “smart” and “dumb” money is key to building a
solid financial foundation, according to Harper, who says that “dumb money” is spending on things like credit card interest or items that lose value quickly, whereas “smart money” is spending on things that pay dividends, like an
education or home. • Control Your Credit Score: A good credit score can help you gain access to capital with better terms at affordable rates. To improve it, pay bills on time and use a resource like Experian Boost, which is a free online tool that allows you to add positive payment history from utility and telecom bills to your Experian credit file, which can increase your score instantly. • New Year, New You: “We’re starting a new decade and what better opportunity is there to do a complete financial makeover?” says Harper, who recommends many other steps that will set you up for financial success, including building an emergency fund, securing health insurance, avoiding debt for unnecessary purchases and investing wisely. “No one has a crystal ball, but given lower unemployment rates and low interest rates, 2020 could be a good year to have a plan for growth. A diversified portfolio for this next decade is a good portfolio,” says Harper. More tips from Harper can be found at www.experian.com/education. While managing finances can seem intimidating, identifying trouble spots is the first step toward conquering your goals. Photo: (c) Prostock-Studio / iStock via Getty Images Plus
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JANUARY 2020
CITY INSIDER
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CITY INSIDER
JANUARY 2020