g e o r get own v i ew NOVEMBER 2019
GEORGETOWN ICON WILL BE AT THE HELM OF ST. DAVID’S FOUNDATION IN 2020
THE GIVING ISSUE
Georgetown’s Attitude of Gratitude NATIONAL MOUNTED WARRIOR MUSEUM: MORE THAN A BUILDING p. 36
GEORGETOWN NON-PROFIT MATRIX: MAKING IT PERSONAL p.24
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Vote FOR Propositions A and B A Smart Investment in Williamson County’s Economic Future Good roads and parks support a high quality of life and are important factors in our county’s economic vitality. They attract business growth, create local jobs, and bring commerce and tourism as visitors enjoy our parks and venues. As one of the fastest growing counties in America, Williamson County’s Propositions A and B will...
Williamson County Bond 2019
Make critical road and safety improvements countywide Improve our aging parks infrastructure and add economic value to Williamson County
...with NO tax rate increase.
PROPOSITION A $412 million to accomplish a long list of road improvements from every part of Williamson County. Relieve congested roads and intersections. Improve road safety and emergency response abilities. Upgrade drainage and flood prevention.
PROPOSITION B $35 million to improve our county parks and event venues to keep up with growth and add economic value. Improve event venues.
Improve group facilities.
Improve parking.
Improve trails.
Encourage tourism and economic growth
Propositions A and B Financially Responsible Meet the Challenges of Growth Improve our Quality of Life Help Grow our Local Economy Early voting begins on Monday, October 21 Election Day is Tuesday, November 5
www.WilcoBonds2019.com
Williamson County 2019 Bonds Projects Map
PROPOSED PROJECTS INCLUDED IN PROPOSITION A OTHER PROPOSED PROJECTS FOR PROPOSITION A PARK PROJECTS INCLUDED IN PROPOSITION B
forR Safety, Quality 1 N O V EPd. M pol. B E Radv. 2 0 by 1 9Citizens GEO G E TO W N VIRoads, EW and Parks.
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contents FEATURES ST DAVID’S FOUNDATION For the Wellness of Central Texas
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GEORGETOWN GIVING GUIDE A Non-Profit Matrix For Your Favorite Things
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MOUNTED WARRIOR MUSEUM The History of Warfare & Its People
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A SIX-PACK OF CARING Those Who Give In Georgetown
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SPECIALS & COLUMNS EXPERIENCE GEORGETOWN 10 ‘Tis the Season for Blue & Brown Santa FIVE QUESTIONS 12 Clarence Shepard • Meals on Wheels EDUCATION 16 Public Stargazing Nights HEALTHY HABITS Wellness in the Workplace
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PEOPLE 28 Ricky Poe • Georgetown Jewelry
ON THE COVER
Dr. Edward Burger, President of Southwestern University, stands just beyond the banner he commissioned and recently installed on the campus he has called home for the past seven years. He is eager and enthusiastic about the future he is walking toward (and holding) as the new CEO of the St. David’s Foundation beginning January 1.
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HONORING SERVICE ABOVE SELF
WHY IS THIS A THING? Giving Circles
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SAVE THE PLANET Changing the Way We Celebrate
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ASK THE EXPERT Astronomy for Beginners
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MOVERS & SHAKERS People Making A Difference in Our Community: Betty Schleder
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POPPY TALKS The Art of Holiday Conversation
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WORTH THE DRIVE Lost Maples State Park
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FACTS TO BLOW YOUR MIND 67 The Final Frontier Visit our Facebook page for follow-ups to these stories and hints to those upcoming...
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Lt. General (Ret.) Paul Funk is working hard Georgetown View Magazine to preserve a large part of the history of some of the mightiest military forces the world has ever known.
FOOD Not Your Typical Turkey Dinner
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PARTING SHOT Adoption Day
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first look ANN MARIE KENNON EDITOR’S NOTE This was a busy month. I know everyone is “busy”... I don’t know anyone in our industrious and bustling city who sits on the couch eating bon-bons all day, and Fall seems to make most people’s calendars pretty heavy. You may know magazines go through the production cycle weeks ahead of the date we put on the cover. So while I am writing about the people and things we think you will enjoy, I’m also running hither and yon to attend and photograph events, fundraisers, festivals, meetings, and other things for next month. All this to make sure when you read about it, you have some assurance that the observations and impressions are rooted in a genuine “been there, done that, really loved it”. But I am lucky this is my job. We created The Giving Issue to help inspire the mood in our run up to the holidays, and it was a great exercise finding new ways to tell those stories. I got to spend a couple of hours with an U.S. Army Lt. General Paul Funk, whom I could have listened to all day long. I was reminded of the herculean resources and personal sacrifice required for that deep-seated sense of freedom and safety I take for granted sometimes, because this nation has always been mighty. That doesn’t come without great effort and will. I spent time with people from all walks of Georgetown who have chosen a focus—even a lifestyle—of helping their neighbors with their time, talent and treasure. There’s no question our city is deserving of the “one of the most generous cities in Texas” title. Since we’re thinking about the holidays, there is also enough turkey talk in this issue to make you a tiny bit sleepy. As I write this, I’m already thinking about the best way to reach Santa Claus for our December issue, and I’ll see you at the Lighting of the Square in a few weeks!
PUBLISHER
Cathy Payne cathy@georgetownview.com Like many of the best in her craft, Cathy has a specialized degree—in her case, hard science—and a gift for writing. She found her voice and fulfilment reporting and writing news and magazine features for a regional Central Texas audience. Along with serving as the publisher of the Georgetown View, Cathy provides daily support for multiple news magazines, marketing campaigns, and books.
EDITOR Ann Marie Ludlow Kennon annmarie@georgetownview.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Tracie Jack • Greta Bauer Megan Freedman CREATIVE Buz21 Media CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Rudy Ximenez • David Valdez Reagan Zaragosa PRODUCTION MANAGER Donna Sypion PRE-PRESS Renee Blue CONSULTANT Ben Daniel ADVERTISING Mark Elliott • ads@gtownview.com 512-240-2267 • 512-598-3500 Dave Schumacher DISTRIBUTION Tom Higgs IT/WEBMASTER Jesse Payne Georgetown View is an Optimus Media Group, LLC publication. Copyright © 2019 All rights reserved. Georgetown View is published monthly and individually mailed USPS, free of
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E x pe rie nc e Geo r g et ow n HERE COMES (BLUE AND BROWN) SANTA CLAUS! In the early 1970s, a Texas police department began a mission to be personal Santas for underprivileged children in their precinct. A few years later, they provided Santa Claus with a custom blue uniform as an official member of the law enforcement team. Much like those early helpers, Santa also has a Blue Georgetown uniform and a brown Williamson County Sheriff’s uniform to work in parallel and make sure every family in the city or county will have gifts under the tree.
GEORGETOWN SANTA Santa has been visiting the Georgetown Police Department since the 1990s. He provides toys and clothing to more than 2,000 local children during the annual toy drive and distribution. You can see him arrive in style during the Georgetown Christmas Stroll, and he leaves bins and barrels for toy collection all over town until mid-December. There are plenty of opportunities during the holiday season to meet Blue Santa and donate toys, which are sorted by an army of volunteers into age-appropriate groups and added to boxes for families who apply for assistance. Applications are available now, they require only proof of residency and the deadline to submit is December 1. But, Blue Santa also provides support and assistance any time of year when families have fallen victim to fires or other home calamities, so he is happy to accept money or toy donations year-round. Checks to CPAAA Blue Santa may be sent to the Police Dept, c/o CPAAA Programs, 3500 D.B. Wood Rd, Georgetown, 78628. For information about donation events and donations to Blue Santa, go to BlueSanta.Georgetown.org. Call (512) 930-2747.
V.I.P. Al Bopp shows off just a portion of his box inventory at the Safety Center
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BROWN SANTA Santa has been wearing his brown uniform at the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office for more than 25 years. His program there covers families in the county who do not live within specific city limits for other, similar programs. The program provides assistance to families living at or below poverty level guidelines or who have experienced a significant hardship during the year. Families with children up to age 17 receive toys, books, and other items to make Christmas merrier and positively impact families that, without Brown Santa assistance, will not have what some take for granted.
A GENEROUS NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS In 2008, former Williamson County Sheriff’s Office Detective Jeremy Brinkman came up with the idea to ‘haunt’ the old jail in downtown Georgetown and sell tickets. He got approval from the County Judge and a lot of people jumped on board right away. Today, the Williamson County Sheriff’s Department continues to host one of the region’s best haunted houses for two weekends in October to raise money for the Brown Santa program.
Brown Santa receives assistance and support from many different events and groups. Aside from the “Nightmare on Jail Hill”, you can meet Brown Santa at the Lighting of the Square ceremony on November 29, take photos, and donate toys to start the season. He is also the Grand Marshall of the teddy bear parade, during which students from Liberty Hill ISD shower him with toys that they purchased with their own money to donate to the Brown Santa program. As well, some of his biggest fans are the Blue Knights TX 30, the local chapter of a law enforcement motorcycle club who enjoy charity rides and host donation events across the county during the holiday season. Applications for assistance are available now; please visit Wilco.org/BrownSanta for deadlines. If you’d like to give, you can donate toys or funds any time. If you want to volunteer, Santa will need many elves to sort and box the gifts purchased for the program. Email BrownSantaWilco@gmail.com for volunteer opportunities and dates.
SPONSORS WELCOME! This year businesses and organizations can be a part of Brown Santa. Be a Christmas Angel for $2,000, Santa’s Helper for $1,000, join Mistletoe Madness for $500 or the Reindeer Run for $250. Your logo or company name will be featured on the Brown Santa website and other collateral holiday greetings.
Blue Knights Fred Churchill and JC Weaver
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CLARENCE SHEPARD
MEALS ON WHEELS As Director of Senior Nutrition, Clarence Shepard is the man in charge at the Meals on Wheels Program in Williamson and Burnet Counties. His program serves food to hundreds every day, but his entire career has been about serving his fellow man in myriad human services roles. He is a good talker, but, more importantly, he expertly walks the walk that “We are all here to co-exist.”
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What is your favorite thing about your job? Each day, when I leave here, without regard to the type of day we had, I know we have fed thousands of people. I’ve been in youth and other human services, and it is sometimes, literally, a thankless job. But even if no one says, ‘Thank you’, I always have a good day.
What is the most challenging part of your job? Over time, I figured out how to have a work-life balance. It’s important to separate myself from giving professionally, and recognizing people will always need something so I can’t always pull out my own wallet. I have also developed a knack for navigating those days and weeks knowing that no matter how much you plan, you never get it all done. But human services is about managing people’s needs, which never really happens on a schedule. With six sites across two counties, I’m pleased if I get about half of my planned work done and I am always satisfied that we took care of our clients first.
If you could do any other job, what would it be? I would be either be an engineer or a jazz musician. I have the aptitude and inquisitive spirit of an engineer. I like to take things apart, but I think I have the soul of a jazz person. Unfortunately, the only thing I play right now is the radio. I took piano lessons when I was young, but you can’t take a piano to a party. I may take up the acoustic guitar to feed the jazzy part of my soul.
What are your plans when you win the lottery? To see how long I can keep working. Then I would love to try flipping houses; that’s the engineer in me coming out. I’m handy and I like building stuff, so I’d like to give it a try. But I would have to do it right like the guys on HGTV; I don’t want to just be some dude who bought a house and put in new drywall.
What surprises people about your job when you talk about it? That I like it. I know a lot of people in social services who prefer the “service” part of the job more than the paycheck. I feel like I’m stealing because I get paid to help others. I tell people it’s great to make a living, but I am glad I make a difference.
advertorial
Family ER: Now Everybody Has a Doctor in the Family Dr. Ryan Prudoff is a Board Certified Emergency Physician at Family Emergency Room, which is a state-of-the-art facility located across from Wolf Ranch Town Center, next to Walgreens. Dr. Prudoff is passionate about providing excellent care for his patients and making a difference in the Georgetown community. Patients coming to the ER often feel vulnerable and he strives to earn their trust, so they have a positive experience.
It’s wonderful being a part of the Georgetown community. I enjoy spending time with my family walking the Square, riding bikes on the San Gabriel trail and cheering on my daughter who is a Georgetown Aquadillo. I am proud that Family ER is active in many community events allowing us to give back to the people of Georgetown.
He believes patients are longing for the days when their doctor knew their name and spent more time building trust and mutual respect. He achieves this by giving every patient personal attention and fantastic quality care 24/7. Dr. Prudoff loves working in this convenient and comfortable environment where patients are seen for an array of medical issues ranging from the simple to the life threatening. “Working at Family ER, I am not only able to deliver the highest quality care, but I am able to sit down with my patients and create a relationship which is often missing when going to the ER.” Don’t get too comfortable in the waiting room, because the doctor will see you within minutes. Every patient is called back the next day for follow up. Also, every patient leaves the facility with their physician’s cell phone number, email, and are encouraged to contact them for additional questions.
If you need to return to the ER, you will likely see the same physician. “Patients often say this is so different from what they had expected, and we are truly proud of those differences. We have recaptured the experience and trust that people have with their family doctor. I’m currently practicing medicine in a way I have always dreamed.” Family Emergency Center has an in-house lab, x-ray, ultrasound, and CT scanner. “We are all Board Certified Emergency Physicians and offer unparalleled personal attention.” Family ER accepts all commercial insurances. Dr. Prudoff says, “It’s all about access to care from a doctor who truly focuses on forming a trusting relationship with you. People need to have choices and enough options to get what they need, at the time they need it. Our motto here at Family ER in Georgetown is: ‘Now Everybody has a Doctor in the Family.’” You can schedule an annual exam, but when you’re sick—right now—you don’t want to wait to get an appointment with your doctor.
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E DUCAT IO N
by Ann Marie Kennon • AnnMarie@gtownview.com
STARGAZING IN GEORGETOWN THE STARS AT NIGHT ARE BIG AND BRIGHT IN THE HEART OF TEXAS...
and there are several ways to enjoy them in Georgetown. We are also fortunate to have expert resources nearby to help guide us to and understand what we’re seeing in the night sky. Thanks to our Parks and Recreation Department we have several opportunities each year to spread a blanket on the grounds in Garey Park and take advantage of professional equipment. We are also fortunate that these public stargazing nights, thanks to a partnership with Southwestern University, include the expertise of Dr. Mark Bottorff, the University’s Associate Professor of Physics. Dr. Bottorff is well-known for his ability to translate complex astronomy data into manageable bits to help non-science majors understand things like gravity, lunar phases and more. He does most of his work at the Fountainwood Observatory on the campus, but his students are doing some stargazing at Garey Park due to renovations. Students frequently make observations from the park due to its proximity and relatively dark skies. (See maps on facing page.)
STAR PARTIES Georgetown Parks & Recreation Special Services Superintendent Traci Stengle explains public stargazing nights offer opportunities for residents to look through “big” telescopes and talk to experts about celestial sights visible from right here at home. At the Garey Park events, Dr. Bottorff and seasoned observers from the Williamson County Astronomy Club (WCAC) help demonstrate what astronomy has to offer. Club members are encouraged to bring their own telescopes so there are a variety of instruments
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for participants to use to scan the skies. Traci also recommends dressing appropriately and guests may bring refreshments (no glass). Pre-registration for the Garey Park events is required; event attendance is capped to make sure everyone gets adequate time with the professional equipment. Families are welcome, and there is a fee you can pay online. Parks.georgetown.org/public-stargazing-nights/
UPCOMING November 21st 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm Gates open at 6:30pm, last entry into the park at 7:30pm December 19th 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm Gates open at 6:30pm, last entry into the park at 7:30pm For weather updates, contact Garey Park 512–930-6800 or check their Facebook page for any up-to-the-minute changes.
When the Fountainwood Observatory renovation is complete, expected in 2020, SU will resume monthly open house events, usually scheduled on the Friday nearest the quarter moon. The Williamson County Astronomy Club is also available to present a limited number of star parties for area schools and community groups. These outdoor observing events are held Friday evenings, on school grounds, when club members and school students are available to stay out later. The outings are a great opportunity to educate children and their parents in the visual aspects of astronomy and supplement what they have learned in class. Visit them at Williamson-Astro.org
The BORTLE SCALE rates how well you can see celestial objects in a certain place, taking light pollution and sky glow into account. Lower numbers indicate darker skies. For example, Big Bend Ranch State Park, pictured here, has a Bortle Scale rating of 1... it is the darkest place in Texas.
DarkSite maps do not take weather into account; particularly humidity. Moisture in the air tends to scatter skyglow over greater distances. Air with low moisture content can yield darker skies even close to a town. All things being equal, the same color zone will be darker in a dry climate compared to a humid one.
Consider what it is you want to observe and find a site that’s darkest in that direction. Most of the time, having a dark sky to the south is most important for seeing the milky way. But for seeing the aurora borealis, you want a dark sky to the north.
For viewing planets, or the Earth’s moon, light pollution is not a concern, as long as you can move away from the glare of nearby lights.
Maps generated at darksitefinder.com
The photos below were taken and provided to Georgetown View by John Upton, Director and member of the Williamson County Astronomy Club.
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Heal thy Habits TAKING CARE OF YOURSELF AT WORK You’ve likely heard already that “sitting is the new smoking.” This is true, in a sense, despite the contrived drama. After all, no one has died yet from second-hand sitting.
that the goal is to be healthy and not prioritize the “win.” Rewards can be given for milestones instead of wins, so everyone stays motivated to reach personal goals.
What those experts are talking about is that a more sedentary lifestyle can be as bad for your health as other habits we’ve been told for years to change or quit.
Or, go the extra mile (literally) and make your next meeting a walking meeting. Get work done while enjoying fresh air. Wellness experts say you are likely to log more good ideas from the change in environment.
Thanks to technology, many of us spend as much as one-third of our day in a chair at a computer or a phone. But there are many things that can be done in the workplace to burn calories, move muscles or be mindful of wellness opportunities. An effective corporate wellness incentives program is good for employers too. Studies show employee wellness is directly linked to performance, production and even retention. Health care costs and absenteeism are reduced, and increased engagement adds to positive morale.
GET ON YOUR FEET
JUST KEEP MOVING For less than $50, you can put a pedi-bike under your desk and pedal throughout the day. If it’s too hot or too cold outside, or you just can’t leave your desk, these little contraptions help improve blood circulation and heart rate, and might even make a difference in pesky cellulite. They have also been shown to help individuals who have trouble on stairs.
The simple act of standing up every now and then helps circulation and can even extend your life expectancy compared to some who don’t. Consider a Standing Desk to start. No exercise needed; they While it may not be possible for all companies, concan be adjusted to your height when standing, or sider an arrangement to make lunch breaks longer. smaller adjustments to mitigate neck and back strain With a standard 30 minutes for lunch, many people from maintaining constant positions over time. Plus, if search for fast food so they can get back to work. you’re really feeling like Indiana Large companies are moving to Jones, you can set your desk provide 90 minutes or more to allow H A R VA R D B U S I N E S S R E V I E W over your treadmill and walk employees to visit the gym, eat and R E P O R T E D, O N AV E R A G E , while you work. walk, or prepare healthier food for E M P LOY E R S W H O I N V E S T E D I N themselves. H E A LT H A N D W E L L N E S S LAUNCH A STEP
MAKE A BIGGER CHANGE
COMPETITION
I N I T I AT I V E S S AW $6 I N
H E A LT H C A R E S AV I N G S F O R A little healthy competition E V E R Y D O L L A R I N V E S T E D. can make all the difference in motivating a team to make exercise a daily thing. Employers or team leaders can create challenges and incentives for employees to reach goals or outdo each other. A step competition is easily done with FitBits or inexpensive pedometers. Just be considerate of the fitness levels of your co-workers and remind everyone
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advertorial
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Dr. Edward Burger: It’s All About Change St. David’s Foundation is the second largest grant-giving organization in Central Texas. The Foundation’s vision is good health as the starting point for everything important in life— family, career, learning, loving and leisure. In support of that goal, the Foundation invests millions, every year, across Bastrop, Caldwell, Hays, Travis and Williamson Counties to improve the health and wellness of hundreds of thousands of people in ways many of us do not even realize. Through their partnership with St. David’s HealthCare, the foundation consistently embraces their responsibility to make it possible.
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Today, Dr. Edward Burger is the much-loved President of Southwestern University in Georgetown. For seven years, he has enjoyed being a part of the academic community and making students into better versions of themselves. He will usher in 2020 as the new CEO of the St. David’s Foundation, and is embracing the change with grace and an eager heart to help all people, in every stage of their lives, into better and healthier versions of themselves.
to the health professionals to cure disease, so they look at social and societal elements that can change culture and make people better.”
“Making people better is all about change,” Dr. Burger says. “The Foundation is not about sickness or science. It is a way for community members to come together and share ideas about the issues and concerns we can solve together. The Foundation leaves it
Whether we know it or not, there are many things in Georgetown with the St. David’s Foundation fingerprint on it that make this a great place to live and raise a family.
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To do this, St. David’s Foundation manages programs and awards grants to non-profit organizations that uplift people, focus on wellness and holistic approaches, and help people live more mindful lives. They pay particular attention to child wellness, women’s health, and enabling seniors to age in place.
I ’ M V E R Y TO R N A B O U T T H E C H A N G E . H AV I N G B U I LT A N D E N J OY E D M Y C A R E E R I N E D U C AT I O N , T H I S W I L L M A R K T H E F I R S T T I M E I ’ M A C T UA L LY “ L E AV I N G ” A C A D E M I C S S I N C E I S TA R T E D N U R S E R Y S C H O O L , A N D I W I L L M I S S T H E S T U D E N T S T H E M O S T. I AM SO DELIGHTED ABOUT NEW IDEAS FOR T H E U N I V E R S I T Y, A N D I ’ M I N C R E D I B LY E XC I T E D J U S T T H I N K I N G A B O U T T H E I M PA C T T H E F O U N D AT I O N W I L L H AV E I N O U R CO M M U N I T I E S When you donate to your favorite charity through the annual Amplify Austin program, St. David’s matches that gift to them as well. Every time a senior enjoys a hot lunch from Meals on Wheels, or a child enjoys a healthy snack at a YMCA, St. David’s funding helped pay for the food. Right now, there are Dental Vans at schools across Williamson County providing free teeth cleaning and dental care to students. Their Active Parks Project enhances existing parks and provides increased activity options with trails and exercise equipment. Dr. Burger explains, “I believe my leadership and desire to be creative, innovative and imaginative, as well as strategic, appealed to the way they want to inspire and impact our community. I believe in an artful and meaningful blend of evolution and revolution. The Foundation has always done outstanding work, and I want to know and be a part of amplifying those efforts to give away more money and fold in more organizations as we do so.” The goal, and the challenge, is to increase the amount of grants they can provide to upwards of $100 million in the next few years. Typically, St. David’s is always engaged in due diligence to discover or uncover issues in that can be addressed by an empowered community. Non-profits are invited to come to the Foundation to see if their mission is parallel to one of those categories and begin a conversation to see if there is synergy in the goals of both. At that point, a proposal is made and a partnership may begin.
With great pride and respect, Dr. Burger says he hopes the future is the best foundation in Texas. He wants to become so successful, foundations across the nation will be happy to steal St. David’s innovations and inspire their own communities to create parallel programs. “There are big problems that can be worked if we all put our minds, collectively, to those issues and try to solve them. My vision is St. David’s as a thought leader in wellness education, health care, and big solutions. We will find cutting-edge and uplifting things that make us a playground for innovation. We will not only help our neighbors today, but also allow those living where we are now, deep into the future, to live richer and better lives. My question is, how can we help today that will impact the future? That balance is the leadership St. David’s Foundation will offer all of Central Texas, and it all resonates with me and my ability to create.” Fortunately for us, Dr. Burger is only going to work in Austin. He will continue to call Georgetown, and Southwestern, his home because he has loved Central Texas since he was a grad student at UT “oh, so long ago.” He says, “Change transcends both of these amazing institutions I have been privileged to engage with. Celebrating both and making this change shows I practice what I preach. If we’re not changing, we are not growing, or even living. I believe it and live it in my heart.” Visit StDavidsFoundation.org to learn more and see what Dr. Burger is up to in 2020.
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W HEN YO U ’ R E R E A DY T O G IV E. . . wh i c h i s YO UR t h i n g? ANIMALS
ARTS
CHILDREN / YOUTH
EDUCATION OPPS
ENVIRONMENT
FOOD INSECURITY
GRANT MAKERS
HEALTH
4-H
Angel Fountain
Assistance League
4-H
All Things Wild
Austin Food Bank
Cares Alliance
AGE of Central Texas
All Things Wild Rehabilitation
Friends of Georgetown Library
BACA
AGE of Central Texas
Critter Crusaders
Backpack Buddies
Cars for Charity
Driving Hope of Texas
Blue Moon Equine Rescue
Georgetown Ballet
Backpack Buddies
Angel Fountain
Lions Club
Helping Hands of Georgetown
Chisholm Trail Communities
Faith in Action
Critter Crusaders
Georgetown Dance Project
Big Brothers and Big Sisters
Assistance League
Sun City Hunt & Fish Club
Opportunities Meals on Wheels
Georgetown Beard Club
Family Eldercare
Georgetown Shelter
Georgetown Film Festival
Blue Santa
Backpack Buddies
Van & Deborah Chandler Found.
The Caring Place
G’town Education Foundation
Georgetown Beard Club
Humane Society
Georgetown Palace Theater
Boys and Girls Clubs
Boys and Girls Clubs
WilCo Conservation Foundation
The Prayer Collective
Georgetown Health Foundation
Laundry Love Georgetown
Mustang Heritage Foundation
Georgetown Symphony Society
Boys to Men of God
Friends of Georgetown Library
Wil Co & Cities Health District
G’town Healthcare Community Svcs
Lions Club
ROCK
Texas Bach Festival
Brown Santa
Georgetown Area Republican Women
Georgetown Junior Forum
Sertoma of Georgetown
Show Team Supporters
Williamson Museum
Caring Smiles Foundation
Georgetown Dance Project
National Volunteer Caregiving Network
The Locker
The Dog Alliance
CASA
Georgetown Junior Forum
Seeds of Strength
Wil Co & Cities Health District
Williamson Co Shelter
Georgetown Junior Forum
Georgetown Palace Theater
SportClips Philanthropic Fund
Opportunities Head Start
Georgetown Partners in Education
The Boot Campaign
Hope Alliance
GISD Extended School Enrichment
United Way
Key2Free
Literacy Council of Williamson County
Van & Deborah Chandler Found.
Kiwanis
Opportunities Head Start
Laundry Love Georgetown
Orenda Education
Lions Club
Sertoma of Georgetown
Partners in Education
Show Team Supporters
ROCK
The Locker
STARRY
The Nest
Texas Baptist Childrens Home The Caring Place The Locker The Nest WilCo FCA Wil Co & Cities Health District Wil Co Child Advocacy Center Williamson County Literacy Council
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The organizations on these pages are located in or serve the residents of Georgetown. Some of them you may know very well and some not at all. It was our intent to include as many as we could, big or small, in a format that demonstrates how each contributes to our community. Many appear in two or more columns, based on services they provide and populations they serve. The format is designed to assist you, based on things you care about personally, when you wish to donate financially or are looking for a volunteer opportunity. While only the names of the organizations appear here for the sake of space, please web-search their names or visit our website GeorgetownView.com where each will be hyperlinked to a website or Facebook page, if they are live.
HOMELESS / HOUSING
RECOVER / RESTORE
SENIORS
SPECIAL NEEDS / DISABILITIES
VETERANS / 1ST RESPONSE
SOCIAL SERVICES / POVERTY
VICTIMS / ILLNESS
WOMEN
Catholic Charities Central Texas
Austin Disaster Relief Network
A Gift of Time
Bluebonnet Trails
Blue Santa (Georgetown)
AGE of Central Texas
Annunciation Maternity
Annunciation Maternity
Habitat for Humanity
Catholic Charities Central Texas
AGE of Central Texas
Brookwood in Georgetown
Bluebonnet Trails
American Legion
BACA
Catholic Charities Central Texas
Helping Hands of Georgetown
FEMA
Ageless Aviation Dreams
Family Eldercare
Brown Santa (Williamson County)
Brotherhood of Heroes Foundation
CASA
Hope Alliance
Laundry Love Georgetown
Helicopter Rescue & Response Assn
Assistance League
ROCK
Caring Smiles Foundation
Catholic Charities Central Texas
Clay Madsen Foundation
Key2Free
Opportunities
Lions Club
Baca Senior Center
Stonehaven Center
Catholic Charities Central Texas
Disabled American Veterans
HELP Crisis Assistance
Laundry Love Georgetown
Salvation Army
Oak Ridge Disciple House
Brookwood in Georgetown
Chisholm Trail
Faith in Action
Heroes Night Out
Hope Alliance
MADD
Stonehaven Center
Red Cross
Family Eldercare
Texas Wounded Warrior Foundation
Family Eldercare
ROCK
I Am Not Broken
Pregnancy Help Center of Wil Co
The Caring Place
Salvation Army
Freedom Flyers
Georgetown Firefighters Assn
Sertoma of Georgetown
Key2Free
Redeemed Ministries
The Prayer Collective
SportClips Philanthropic Fund
Georgetown Home Health Agency
Georgetown Junior Forum
Texas Wounded Warrior Foundation
MADD
S.A.F.E.
United Way
Hilliard Senior Center
Habitat for Humanity
The Boot Campaign
Mustang Heritage Foundation
Salvation Army
Wilco VOAD
Honor Flight
Laundry Love Georgetown
United for the People
Redeemed Ministries
STARRY
Maranatha Home Health Care
Literacy Council of Williamson County
Veteran Outdoors, Inc.
S.A.F.E.
TEARS Foundation
National Volunteer Caregiving Network
Medico-Medical Eye & Dental Int'l
VFW
STARRY
Texas Baptist Childrens Home
Opportunities Meals on Wheels
Northeast Texas Treatment Center
TEARS Foundation
The Caring Place
Stonehaven Center
Opportunities for WBC
Wil Co Child Advocacy Center
The Prayer Collective
Orange Santa (Hutto)
Visiting Angels
Stonehaven Center Texas Baptist Childrens Home The Caring Place The Locker The Prayer Collective Williamson Co & Cities Health Dist
If you know of or are a volunteer for a Georgetown charity or agency not listed here, please visit our website and send us the name and web link to include in our online guide. There are many non-profit organizations serving our city, but the focus of this guide is agencies that provide services and support to those in need.
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advertorial
Drop Your Pants Here
(and sock and dresssand linens shirts) 1910 S Austin Ave, Georgetown Washatopia.com
Making Laundry Heavenly... if that’s possible Laundromats have been a fixture in our communities for 85 years. Washatopia has been a fixture in Georgetown for nearly a decade, and, as history has shown, it is a communal and friendly place that can make a mundane chore something to look forward to.
All machines are credit, debit, and Washatopia loyalty card-operated and attendants are more than happy to exchange your coins for bills to be loaded onto the Washatopia Loyalty cards. Enjoy the comforts of home while you’re there... free coffee and wi-fi, flat-screens, and a special corner with toys, books, and playthings for kids to keep busy.
Owner Tommy Bailey practically has a doctorate in laundry. Not only is Washatopia an extremely clean, modern, bright and accessible facility, she is nearly Doors open at 6am for self-service, and customers always on-hand to help customers navigate times and can begin the wash cycle until 11:30pm; they are types of washing. All the supplies closed only four days a year for you need are readily available, and Getting Pet Hair off Clothing holidays. if you need to take care of other Toss clothes in the dryer for a few things, you can drop off your clothes minutes before you wash. Use a noVinegar = Naturally Good and she or her staff will do the Wash heat cycle for 10-15 minutes, which White vinegar is natural alter& Fold for you! will soften the fabric and loosen pet native to mass produced fabric hair, which the dryer’s lint trap will Even if you have a washer and softeners. The smell of the catch. Give each article of clothing vinegar dissipates during the dryer at home, wouldn’t it be nice to a quick snap to remove excess hair, dry cycle. do your entire month’s worth of dirty then wash. Helps get rid of excessive lint if clothes in one cycle and enjoy the When you get to the rinse cycle, you accidentally washed somerest of your weekend? Washatopia add ½ cup of distilled white vinegar thing dark with lint-y towels. to relax fabric fibers and loosen has 42 washers that hold between Get everything smelling fresh, trapped hair. Be sure to wipe down one and eight loads at a time. And, fill washer with hot water, add the drum with a wet cloth to remove with 42 dryers, there is never a wait. 2 cups vinegar and run a comany pet hair left inside after the plete wash Bonus...most king size comfortcycle. cycle. Run ers or down comforters fit into the a second 4-load washer, and you can load complete multiple comforters or blankets into cycle with detergent. the 8-load washers to save money!
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RICKY POE: in business for goodness’ sake Ricky Poe and his family try hard to provide good quality with good prices in their business. The real dream, Ricky says, is to build relationships and help people.
BUSINESS OWNER “We buy and sell precious metals, stones, and coins. We are also a Safe Place where people can conduct private transactions with confidence that we have their back.” Every member of the Poe family works in the store, including their two dogs. Ricky and family discovered, when they opened their doors, that the business is a place of fulfillment. “I feel good about protecting people in their financial and business decisions. We take special care with vulnerable folks because jewelry is often very closely tied to people and relationships.” He says it is not unusual for a customer to sell an estate piece or inherited ring to be able to afford medicine or rent. “That’s a profound truth in this business, it’s never been about the commerce. I wouldn’t be fulfilled just to service jewelry needs.” The bottom line for the Poe business is making only as much as they need because when he’s not working with his family, Poe focuses on his first, and entirely different, calling.
CHAPLAIN Ricky is now in his 33rd year working for ministries in and around law enforcement. He is the Senior Chaplain for the UT Police Department and Official Chaplain of the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office. Having felt the call to service, he discovered law enforcement was his lane. “I found it deeply profound to be in the trenches with the unique and serious issues of law enforcement; helping and caring for them and 28
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Jordan, Ricky, Cyndee and Gracie Poe
bringing them to a better place.” Wherever he has ministered to people, he has always been connected to law enforcement.
NEIGHBOR As a jeweler, Ricky and family take pride in being able to help people individually, and the community at large. “I worked in my brother’s jewelry business for many years and have always been connected to it. Our store allows me to continue ministering to people while supporting my family. I see my business as a channel to do things I really want to do to help humanity the way I know best.” As a small business owner, the Poe family supports many city and county non-profit organizations with their time, talent, and treasure. Anyone who frequents local fundraisers will have heard the store mentioned in donation and sponsor lists. “It is inherent in me to want to give. This store is my connection to people in the community, and it gives me a means and a channel to get to know their needs to I can use what I have to help. I give back to the community as a business owner, neighbor, and chaplain, and I truly believe you reap what you sow, so I plan to continue sowing plentifully.” Ricky and his family own and operate Georgetown Jewelry in the Williamsburg Shopping Center on Williams Drive. They buy and sell custom-designed jewelry. Visit them at GeorgetownJewelry.com.
125 Dovetail Ln in Cimarron Hills Golf & Country Club
4 BED | 4 BATH | 3,536 SQ FT MLS# 4791500
Come see this luxurious Estate home in the guarded Cimarron Hills Country Club. Delight in the sweeping view of the preserved greenbelt from your saltwater pool. Enjoy the outdoor patio year round with built-in kitchen and fireplace.
To learn more or schedule a showing, contact listing agent
DANYEL CAKE
505.699.8592
DanyelCake@gmail.com Brokered by Mike Freeman Properties, Inc.
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Stories of Giving, From Those Who Inspire by Ann Marie Kennon • AnnMarie@gtownview.com
SEEDS OF STRENGTH
Residents of Georgetown have a history of aid to and largesse within our community. Women’s groups, in particular, have been especially active for many decades. In the 1970s, Ms. Mary Bailey recognized a need for good foster care and set the stage for the first local Head Start program. In the 1980s, a group of women began collecting and handing out clothing and food, which became The Caring Place. In the 1990s, a group of women recognized there were many residents who did not have health care, and they developed the Lone Star Circle of Care. Then...
In 2009, 13 friends agreed to work together to make a personal and significant impact on the community. By the Spring of 2010, they had combined the resources of 55 ladies who each donated $1,000, and collectively awarded $55,000 in grants to five Georgetown nonprofit organizations. This group later became known as the Seeds of Strength giving circle. Today, Seeds of Strength has nearly 300 members, and over the past ten years, has given more than $1.3 million to dozens of nonprofit organizations helping more than 43,000 Georgetown neighbors. It is a glowing testament to the impact individuals can make when they team up to help. Today, aspiring philanthropists can be a part of Seeds of Strength for $300 or more. No invitation is required; any woman may join their ranks. As well, any nonprofit organization that meets the eligibility requirements may submit a Letter of Intent; this year’s deadline is November 14 by 5pm. Detailed information can be found under the Grants tab on the Seeds of Strength website. The Seeds of Strength Grants Committee reviews and researches each grant application to arrive at a group of finalists. Those organizations are invited to make a presentation to the full membership, which takes place at Voting Night in the Spring; a gathering where members vote to determine which finalists will receive grants. Learn more at SeedsofStrength.org.
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►
six-pack of caring
OPPORTUNITIES FOR WILLIAMSON & BURNET COUNTIES Opportunities for Williamson & Burnet Counties (OWBC) is an umbrella agency serving myriad needs of the Georgetown area since 1965. As the area’s official Community Action Agency, they provide senior nutrition as Meals on Wheels. But, their real contribution is demonstrated by the roughly 900 volunteers who support neighbors of all ages throughout the year. Without those volunteers, — because OWBC must raise nearly 100 percent of their operating costs—the program would not be possible. The Meals on Wheels program at OWBC is unique to many programs in Central Texas. They manage kitchens at four senior activity centers in Williamson County, which are part of a system that provides more than 200,000 hot lunches annually, plus activities and health screenings on a regular basis. In Georgetown, the Madella Hilliard Center (8th St) also has Halloween parties, Valentine dances and more for seniors who come from as far as Florence and Granger for a little social activity. By cooking and delivering freshly-cooked and nutritionally-balanced meals, our senior neighbors, many of whom are homebound, are able to have at least one hot meal a day. Those friendly volunteer drivers also provide well-checks; a quick visit to make sure homes are safe, medicine bottles are not empty, and clients are doing well. Allowing our seniors to stay in their own homes not only contributes to their emotional well-being but also their physical health. Volunteer drivers logged 86,343 miles last year and put in 17,845 hours. Without this level of support and assistance, the money OWBC raises through grants and events would never be enough to provide the nutrition so desperately needed around the county.
Meals on Wheels Director Clarence Shepard, Mayor Dale Ross, Nina Stancil at a Meals on Wheels fundraiser
WOMEN HELPING OTHERS Known affectionately as “the WHO ladies”, Women Helping Others was founded in 2010 by Sun City friends Nina Stancil and Mollie Hoff. WHO is a group of dedicated women helping many different charitable groups. To do this, they participate in other groups’ fundraisers, donate monthly to support various causes, and team up on myriad campaigns to augment volunteer teams and bring awareness to local needs. Mollie explained to the assembled group at their first meeting that she and her friends all go out to lunch frequently and normally spend around $10, “The idea was instead of going out to eat, we meet for lunch, bring a salad to share, and donate the $10.” They adopted Women Helping Others and the owl as their symbol of strength. WHO became a chartered Sun City club in 2014 and has a membership of over 130 members. WHO regularly teams with Meals-on-Wheels, The Caring Place, The Georgetown Nest, and Brookwood in Georgetown (BiG) to support their missions. Case in point, in 2012, Meals on Wheels was in financial crisis and was obligated to create a waiting list for potential clients. More than 20 families from Sun City wound up on the list. WHO rallied and had a fund raiser that brought in approximately $25,000 to keep the deliveries coming. This event got WHO on the Georgetown map and began their upward climb to becoming a chartered club. Their Meals on Wheels campaign for Sun City is now an annual event. ►
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six-pack of caring photo by Louis Norris
HELPING HANDS OF GEORGETOWN
GEORGETOWN BEARD CLUB These are the distinguished gentlemen in Georgetown who, in 2015, turned an appreciation for facial hair and a desire to help into an opportunity to give back to the community. Led by President Rob Kiddie, the club is open to everyone, regardless of beard status; including women and children who would like to support their causes. “We just hope people appreciate facial hair. Really, you have eyebrows, don’t you? That’s facial hair.” The Beard Club is dedicated to providing financial and volunteer support to many area organizations. Rob says, “We are an eclectic group of men and women including small business owners, attorneys, culinary artisans, teachers, and even Santa himself. All are welcome; there is a place for everyone to help the community and share the good times.” Membership is as easy as attending a meeting or volunteering at one of their events. There are no dues, but they provide opportunities at meetings to donate regularly to support the club and their favorites. They have received official 501(c)3 non-profit status as well. The bearded ones regularly support Boys & Girls Clubs, Special Olympics, and the Lupus Foundation of America. They are always looking for new ways to help out, as well as new sponsors to assist them in making the community a better place for everyone. Meetings are second Fridays; schedules and events are on their website (GeorgetownBeardClub.com) and Facebook. They accept donations on their site and can be found frequently visiting the Square. Coming up, you can see them at the Christmas Stroll parade; “Look for the guys with Christmas trees on their face, and if you need boots on the ground for your needs, let us know!” 32
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In 2016, Bob Weimer took a look at one of the lesser known and underserved populations in Georgetown—the homeless—and began making sandwiches that he delivered himself. Fast forward to 2019 and his simple idea has grown into many volunteers, fundraising events—even a mobile food pantry—and the vision to provide basic services; clothing, job support, and connections to services. Helping Hands serves nearly 1,400 brown bag meals a month, and a freshly prepared meal on Sunday nights in the parking lot of the Georgetown public library. They also hand out clothing and toiletries for up to 600 people over the course of a week to help them get back on their feet. Helping them is as easy as stopping by the library parking lot at 3:30pm Mon-Thurs or 4:30pm on Sundays to donate clothing, toiletries or money. Program Director Kelly Kluberg says, “Our homeless population has grown so much. We added our Sunday dinner, and now Bob and I do the ‘street work’ which is basically case managing people who need help.” Kelly explains the priorities begin with purchase of a phone, so people living in a car or on the street can be reached, or call a potential employer. They provide assistance with documentation for those who have lost IDs necessary for services. Perhaps a membership at the rec center so a person can get a shower for an interview. “We are really here to help people who want to help themselves; it’s a hand up.” Helping Hands steps in wherever there is a need, so they are brimming with opportunities for donations and volunteer time. If you like to cook, you can sign up to prepare a Sunday dinner or help make the lunches. If you have blankets and sleeping bags, they are helpful when no shelter is available in extreme weather. They accept bicycles to help people get to a job site, books for children, or gift cards for laundromats. You can donate financially on HelpingHandsGTX.org.
►
GEORGETOWN JUNIOR FORUM This organization of women is committed to volunteerism, fundraising, and improving the community through the action and volunteering with a focus on education. Georgetown Area Junior Forum was chartered in 2006, Like its sister chapters, Georgetown Area Junior Forum is a non-profit 501(c)(3). Members of GAJF share the common goal of improving the lives of others in the community through service and philanthropy while developing friendships. Their most prominent event is the annual “Fill the Bus”. Over
the past ten years they have supported GISD students by buying, collecting and distributing school supplies to help every child start the new school year with the tools to be successful. In 2018, we provided supplies to 650 students at an estimated value of $42,250. They are also a fixture at the annual Blue Santa party, preparing thousands of gifts for Georgetown children and families for the holidays. Visit or donate at GAJF.org.
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NATIONAL MOUNTED WARFARE FOUNDATION
More Than a Building
Ann Marie Kennon • AnnMarie@gtownview.com
A LITTLE HISTORY
THE MUSEUM
In 1990, when the 3rd Armored Division was deployed to Desert Storm, 22,533 members of the unit marched into it together. This massive amount of manpower and weaponry left in its wake—after just 100 hours—three Iraqi divisions and a lesson learned around the world that no one should think about fighting the kind of tremendous combat power the United States represents.
General Funk and his board of directors at the National Mounted Warfare Foundation want to ensure we never forget the bravery, ingenuity and sacrifices of the people who not only rode into battle on horses and trucks, in tanks and helicopters, but also those who engineered, transported and protected the weaponry and intelligence alongside the fighters. The Foundation is building a world-class museum just outside Fort Hood to honor those soldiers and tell their stories. The vision is to represent the mounted warfare of our nation through the lens of Fort Hood history; including all of the units that have been stood up there through the years.
In light of that important lesson, United States forces continue Operation Inherent Resolve today against an antagonistic Islamic State, in an entirely different manner. Retired Lieutenant General Paul Funk explains, “Fighting above squad level is our thing. They know they won’t defeat us in a real war, so they pick at us with terrorism, which can happen anywhere, and we let our Special Forces make sure it’s only once.” This new kind of combat requires a major paradigm shift in our nation’s warfighting, and it is important we never forget the combined-arms concept that defined our military might since 1776. The National Mounted Warrior Museum will be a clear picture of how things happened from the beginning of mounted warfare. Its vision is for visitors to understand our past and present because today’s military is no longer training for what we did before. Future generations need to understand how we did it, so we will be able to do it again. General Funk asks, “In Desert Storm, we had 15 years to build the Army that won. We have since lost a lot of what would have been our senior leadership today. Whom do we have anymore that knows how to command units with 3,000 tanks and personnel to run them? Now, and for the past 20 years, we’ve been kicking down doors and fighting under 30 people at a time. Our President is beginning to rebuild our machine, and we need future generations to remember how we did it.”
T H I S I S T H E S TO R Y O F T H E M O U N T E D S O L D I E R S’ CO M B I N E D T E A M E F F O R T S , A FORCE FOR FREEDOM SO MANY TIMES I N O U R N AT I O N ’ S H I S TO R Y General Funk says, “We are going to tell our soldiers’ stories so there will always be a place that details not just how our Army fights, but how Fort Hood units over the years have contributed.“
“MOUNTED WARFARE” MEANS EVERYONE IN BATTLE HAS SOMETHING TO RIDE TO WAR ON, OR IN... While it celebrates its roots on horseback, today’s Cavalry is mounted on many platforms; helicopters, tanks, HUMMVWs, trucks and airplanes. Historically, Cavalry soldiers on large, heavy and strong horses were used to break enemy formations. On the battlefield, soldiers on horseback, and later mounted infantry—horse riders with weapons—gave commanders mobile firepower on the battlefield.
Civil War Re-enactment by Kenneth Sponsler
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T H E E N O R M O U S L A N D I N G S A N D A S S AU LT S O F W O R L D WA R I I , K O R E A A N D V I E T N A M A R E H I S TO R I C A L R E P R E S E N TAT I O N T H AT N O O N E I N T H E A R M Y E V E R A C T S A LO N E . W H E N YO U G O TO WA R , E V E R YO N E F R O M LO G I S T I C S , I N FA N T R Y, AV I AT I O N A N D TA N K D R I V E R S G O TO G E T H E R TO C R E AT E T H E O P T I M A L F I G H T I N G F O R C E . T H AT I S W H AT T H E M U S E U M I S A L L A B O U T. ~ LT G E N PAU L F U N K ( R E T I R E D )
The museum will have static displays, weaponry, classrooms, video kiosks with personal histories, simulators, and live demonstrations by the horse cavalry platoon and much more. There will also be play areas, canteens and event space for formal entertaining or retreats.
UNENDING BENEFITS Not only will the museum be free to the public, it is outside the post perimeter, and its location puts it within 60 miles of more than 130 schools; making it an ideal field trip full of unique experiences. “Gone are the days when everyone had a military member in the family,” says Gen. Funk. “Only 4 percent of our population have served. This exposure will provide kids with a legacy of service no longer so present in everyday life. We want to inspire and instill the principles of service and honor our military represents, whether in the armed forces or elsewhere.”
Less than an hour from Georgetown, and an easy hop from I-35, the museum will be a great activity for visitors and an economic boon to the local economy as restaurants and hotels enjoy the uptick in tourism.
BE A PART OF IT General Funk hopes everyone will realize they can make a difference. From a personalized brick to sponsoring an entire classroom, every donation will help make this priceless experience a reality and demonstrate to large grantors that the community is excited and committed to preserving this history. A small staff and many volunteers are ensuring that operation costs remain low. “Everything will have the potential to be named, so people can even sponsor a tree,” he adds. “We don’t want to lose the things that have been taught to earlier generations.” Visit NMWFoundation.org to donate or find out more.
I T ’ S N OT A B O U T T H E A R T I FA C T S A N D T E C H N O LO G Y. I T R E A L LY CO M E S D O W N TO T H E H U M A N A S P E C T A N D S TO R I E S T H AT A L LO W V I S I TO R S TO S T E P I N TO H I S TO R Y. T H AT ’ S W H AT M A K E S I T R E A L . I T H A S A LWAY S B E E N A B O U T C A M A R A D E R I E A N D K N O W I N G , YO U ’ R E N OT F I G H T I N G F O R A C AU S E O R A G A I N S T A N E N E M Y... YO U ’ R E F I G H T I N G F O R T H E P E R S O N N E X T TO YO U.
The Foundation hopes to break ground before the end of 2019 and expects to cut the ribbon to open the doors in late 2021.
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why is this a thing?
Giving Circles
Greta Bauer • Greta@gtownview.com
SOME BACKGROUND
AROUND THE WORLD
The idea of giving circles dates back hundreds of years. In the United States, their precursors were “Fraternal Societies”, founded in the 18th century to fight poverty and teach values like self-reliance, leadership, and thrift. These societies peaked in the early 20th century when millions of Americans lived in impoverished conditions.
The growth spike in giving circles began nationally in 2007, helping make giving more personal and allowing donors to give directly to organizations locally.
Until the Great Depression and the New Deal, the nation was not awash with insurance companies, so many people invested the resources they had in building their own systems of mutual aid. Members pooled money and parsed out specific types of aid while working within a particular set of principles espoused by the fraternity.
There are even global giving circles. Dining for Women has 8,000 members in 45 states “dedicated to transforming lives and eradicating poverty among women and girls in the developing world…one woman, one girl, one dinner at a time.” Members host dinner parties and pledge to donate what they would have paid for the meal if they had dined out.
HOW IT WORKS
MAGNIFY YOUR DOLLARS
Participants raise or donate money, then vote to disburse it to vetted or mission-aligned recipients who submit grant proposals and perhaps give presentations to voting members. Non-Profit Quarterly data shows, in 2017 alone, giving circles disbursed more than $410 billion.
Groups of individuals recognized that, together, they could pool their money and have a much greater impact on their own communities. Many circle members are excited about participating because giving circles brought philanthropy from the purview of the mega-wealthy to every person with a desire to help.
Giving is especially important at the local level where non-profits can make their case directly and be a part of a grant process. For instance, the American Cancer Society doesn’t need to advertise, but a neighborhood group that provides cancer patients with transportation to chemo treatments is a perfect candidate for a small-town giving circle.
Smaller non-profits reap the benefits because giving circles add a crowd funding element to their revenues and they do not have to rely on being the choice of “big” donors.
Giving circles are attractive to life-long philanthropists and those new to giving. Those of more modest means are able to participate, and be rewarded in the satisfaction that their donations are magnified by the group, and the dollars they give go further.
A collaborative study by the University of Nebraska and the Women’s Philanthropy Institute at Indiana-Purdue University identified 1,314 giving circles and 525 chapters or affiliates of giving circle federations.
In addition to the satisfaction of being true lovers of mankind, participants are also more aware of the needs and issues in their own communities and are likely introduced to many organizations they would not have known about otherwise. Studies also show that giving circles inspire members to not only give more, but give more strategically because they feel more engaged in their community. Even if you are not able to give financially, circles not only donate money, but spend time and talent to help non-profits they support raise money on their own.
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Rachel & Co. georgetown’s
premier
Specializing in Curly Hair
salon
Deva Curl
FULL SERVICE men / women / children
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®
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Ladies Night Out
A shopping event to kick off
the Holiday Season!
NOVEMBER 21 5pm-9pm
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Tracie Jack • Tracie@gtownview.com
save the planet
EARTH-FRIENDLY CELEBRATING
We’ve known for some time that throwing birdseed is better than rice or confetti, but did you know latex balloons, used for a few hours, can take anywhere from 6 months to 4 years to decompose? That is why flags and banners have slowly become de rigueur for savvy observers. Here are more of the latest ideas to help minimize your holiday party’s carbon footprint.
THESE ARE THE BOMB Favors and goody bags need not be plastic and/ or filled with cheap toys quickly forgotten or thrown away. Wildflower Seed Bombs will not only tag you as unique chic for a wedding or birthday, the little mud balls give seeds a greater chance to flourish and more flowers may even help bring back some bees. Plus, perhaps your little ones will be delighted to help you play in the mud! Be sure seeds are native to your location. The mixture should be one part seeds, one part soil, and three parts clay. Add a little water to mix with the clay. Roll into small balls and air dry. When thrown, the hard clay will protect the seeds from being washed away by rain or eaten by critters. The clay will also hold water in the soil, giving the seeds time to germinate. Wrap in burlap and ribbons for favors or table decorations.
RIBBON DANCERS Ribbons on a stick make for delightful play while dancing and twirling. Ribbon dancers will never pop and may add to the excitement (for guests of all ages) of enjoying the music.
RETHINKING THE SWAG Instead of plastic or toys, consider filling kids’ bags with pencils, puzzles, chalk, pens, or pieces of a craft the children can work on together. Or offer a craft bar or paints with a small canvas where the children can make not only a keepsake, but also memories that will last longer than the ride home.
GIANT BUBBLES Giant bubbles are a great way to have a celebration outdoors. With just a few ingredients you can change the ambiance and the entire setting of your event without changing the environment. 6 cups water (distilled is best) 1/2 cup blue Dawn dish detergent (eco-friendly soap, 1-½ cups 7th Generation Dish Soap) 1/2 cup corn starch 1 tbsp baking powder 1 tbsp Glycerine
Choose a container large enough to hold the mixture. Dissolve the corn starch in the water. Add the other ingredients, being careful not to stir too much (you don’t want frothy, airy, soap suds). Let the bubble mixture sit for at least an hour, occasionally stirring the cornstarch into the water and soap. Some corn starch will remain in the bottom. This will not affect your bubbles.
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Down Home BBQ Jimmy Vega's SMOKEHOUSE
JIMMYVEGAS.BIZ 40120 INDUSTRIAL PARK CIR. • GEORGETOWN, TX 78626 • 512-577-2813 • MON-FRI 11-3 • THURS & FRI 4-9 • SAT 3-9
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YOU TOO CAN ENJOY THE NIGHT SKY LIKE A PRO
BestReviews.com recommends the Orion Spaceprobe for its professional-grade features and available software to enhance your experience.
DAVID AULT is an electrical engineer at IBM and also an avid amateur astronomer and astrophotographer. He has been an astronomy hobbyist since he was 15 years old and a member of the Boy Scouts. “It is difficult to avoid the beauty of the night sky when you are out at very remote locations away from any light pollution. That was many years ago, and I’ve participated in astronomy off and on since then.” He purchased and connected a camera to his telescope to see what he could capture and was instantly hooked. He is a committed stargazer who is very active in public events, star parties and talking to anyone with a similar interest.
Many of David’s images are taken with fairly complicated equipment, but, he says, that is not necessary for all types of astrophotography. A good digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) on a tripod can capture excellent star trail images and very wide field shots of the Milky Way. To create those with a DLSR, and a tripod, turn your mode dial to M (manual) and turn the control/speed dial to “bulb”. Hold the shutter button down for long exposures. You’ll likely want to have a good shutter release cable so you can walk away and relax while your camera picks up the faint light that may have begun its journey thousands of years ago.
For an economy self-start, they suggest the Celestron PowerSeeker.
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Photos taken by and courtesy of David N. Ault Jr. in and around Georgetown.
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A good star trail image should be at least 15 minutes. If you can be patient and leave the camera for a few hours, your patience will certainly be rewarded. David says, as you begin to augment your hardware, adding a tracking mount may allow you to capture nebulae, nearby galaxies and open star clusters. Stepping up to a even a small telescope can help you capture smaller and fainter objects, but typically also requires an automatic guiding system to improve tracking over longer periods and avoid blurry images. Planetary imaging is another, specialized form of astrophotography that uses very short exposures (milliseconds) to capture moments when the light passing through the Earth’s atmosphere is less distorted. Many of David’s photos, just a few of which are on the facing page, require many hours’ exposure over several nights. If your curiosity is piqued, the Williamson County Astronomy Club (see story on page 16) meets monthly, provides outreach at schools and has paired with Southwestern University and Garey Park to support their efforts and interests. WCAC also meets at the Round Rock Fire Station when space is available. Visit Williamson-Astro.org for schedules and events. Members are friendly and very eager to talk about their interests and help others learn to be skywatchers.
“Saturn,” taken in 2012 with a 6” SchmidtCassegrain telescope and a small camera from David’s backyard in Georgetown. This image is a compilation of the best, sharpest 200 exposures, out of a total 5,000 30-millisecond exposures. He uses software (available for free) to breeze through the 5,000 frames and generate the image.
The Crab Nebula is a supernova remnant. In this case, a massive star exploded nearly 1,000 years ago—1054AD—because the nuclear fuel burning in the star’s core created outward pressure strong enough to overcome the star’s gravitational pull. Modern astronomers are able to precisely date the explosion because ancient astronomers noted a new bright star, temporarily visible during the day at this same location in the sky. This image was created using an 8” Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope and a specialized CCD camera. It required 11 hours of exposure time, taken primarily from David’s backyard in Georgetown over the course of several nights.
This is the great Orion Nebula located in the constellation of Orion, on his sword. The region is a large stellar nursery in our galaxy; i.e., the gas and dust there are actively forming stars. This image was acquired during a star party in Austin. It was taken with a 90mm aperture refracting telescope and a DSLR over the course of 90 minutes.
The Eagle Nebula (Messier 16) is another large star-forming region in the Milky Way galaxy. This black and white representation uses a specialized filter that allows only the light from ionized hydrogen gas at specific temperatures to pass. This type of imaging allows scientists to understand the physics of what is happening in this region of space. At the center of M16 are 3 pillars of gas coined the ‘Pillars of Creation’ from the famous Hubble Space Telescope image of that region. This image was taken in Georgetown over the course of multiple nights and represents over 12 hours of exposure time. Each exposure was 30 minutes and required a tracking telescope mount to accurately counter the rotation of the Earth.
At top... the 2014 Lunar Eclipse taken at Fountainwood Observatory at Southwestern University. This is a composite image with the wide field and color information coming from a tripod-mounted DSLR and the high-resolution lunar data taken from a 90mm telescope and a specialized CCD camera. The Moon appears reddish as it is illuminated by light passing through Earth’s atmosphere. Much the same as sunrises and sunsets look red due to light-scattering effects on different frequencies of light. N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 9 G E O R G E TO W N VI EW
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movers & shakers
Support for a Lifetime YOUNG LIFE
Betty Schleder is well-known in Sun City and across Williamson County for her long list of superlatives when it comes to her loved ones, sports, business, politics, Georgetown, and much more. And she still has time for skydiving, motorcycle tours, and scorpions. Outside of her family, and perhaps above all else, she loves our Veterans and believes “we need another Greatest Generation.” While her life story deserves more of a book, a quick profile helps illuminate why she is worth getting to know.
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As a young girl, Betty was on track, literally, to compete in the Olympics in track and field. Later, she became a physical education teacher and gymnastics and cheerleading coach in a junior high school on the east coast, where she also loved to snow-ski. In 1964, she saw “The Unsinkable Molly Brown” and realized she needed to GO WEST to finally ski on powder. On her first day in Colorado, she met a man who managed a lodge on the western slope of Crested Butte. By the end of the night, she had a job promoting a ski property she had never seen, owned by Ben Schleder, a World War II Veteran. Seven years later, she was married to Ben, building oil rigs by hand in West Virginia, and excited about having a family together. A couple of decades later—after staking claims in oil, gold and other precious metals, and many more entrepreneurial successes across the country—she and Ben arrived in Texas in their own DC3. While it probably deserves a full page, ask her sometime about her nearly making the final cut to be a contestant on “Survivor” in her 60s!
RENDERING HONOR We include one of Ben’s great achievements, to highlight one of Betty’s biggest successes in Georgetown. “When Pearl Harbor was bombed, Ben was a South Dakota farm boy. All the farm boys rushed to enlist so they could be in the Navy. They had never seen the ocean, but they were madder-n-hornets. The DoD gave him an IQ test and decided he could be a doctor. After three months training, he was a Pharmacy Mate and spent 4-1/2 years on a ship in the South Pacific.” Fast forward to 2013. Ben, was an honored guest on Austin’s inaugural Honor Flight to the nation’s capital to see the World War II and other Memorials. Honor Flight initially chose Veterans with notable positions in the Austin community, but our Sun City force of nature made a phone call, and not only was Ben invited to go, Betty was one of the very few spouses who have been a guardian on the flight. After the trip, Betty said, “I promised myself and committed to the organization that I would do anything I could to see to it that every World War II Veteran, at least in Williamson County, if they could and wanted to go, would be able to get on board.”
Betty arranged transportation and visited with Veterans at a recent Honor Flight sendoff.
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Judge Bill Gravell was a Guardian on the all-Sun City World War II Honor Flight in 2014, sponsored in part by Betty’s fundraising.
NEXT... Betty’s current efforts include raising awareness to rename the Georgetown airport after Johnny Gantt, and the terminal for Buz Landry. Mr. Gantt co-founded the International Aircraft Dealers Association, the largest and most influential organization of aircraft brokers and dealers in the world. Gantt Aviation is based at the Georgetown airport.
Over the next year, she was a woman on a mission to raise money. She went to every neighborhood in Sun City, and many of her friends, looking for veterans as well a donations. By the end of the year, she was personally responsible for $160,000 and was promoted to Chief Gifting Officer. “It was overwhelming, but the more money I received, the more pumped up I got.” Thanks to her early support and donations, Honor Flight Austin awareness flourished and they are scheduling their 64th trip to Washington, D.C.
Mr. Landry’s family owned a ranch near the airport and, as a young boy, he decided he wanted to be an aviator. He was present at the ribbon cutting when the airport first opened in 1945. He began working at the airport at 13 for $.30/hour and soloed his first airplane at 16. He has continued to serve Georgetown in many business ventures for the past 40 years.
TODAY She has shifted her focus to supporting Purple Heart and raising money for USO programs with a continued commitment to the needs of the Greatest Generation. “Every free breath we take is thanks to the people who fought in World War II. Everything we’ve done in our lives is because we were free to try because of them. The humility of that generation, is really unmatched. When their memorial was finally finished, so many were unable to see it without help.” ►
Preparing for tandem skydive with Al Blashke Preparing for blockwalking with the “Grandmas”
►
Nothing changes, however, in Betty’s activities or her attitude. She has more energy than many people half her age. She and Al Blashke went skydiving to celebrate his 100th birthday; she runs businesses from her house, including a moving company, and does most of the moving herself. She tours the country on the back of a Harley-Davidson, and recently got her first tattoo. She hosts parties for WWII veterans, opens her home for political rallies, inspires and recruits volunteers of all ages and interests, and supports local and state candidates for office. She is even the founder of the self-named “Sun City Grandmas”, a group of ladies who make it their goal to be informed and educated so they can promote awareness, answer questions, and share information about current events.
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poppy talks
The Art of Holiday Conversation
Thanksgiving is a wonderful time. I spend $100 on fancy groceries, plan an elaborate menu of Norman Rockwellian delights, wake up at 5am to prepare and send smells wafting through the house like hugs from long-ago relatives. Arrange mini pumpkins on the ne’erused dining room table at place settings right out of Downton Abbey. All this so my precious offspring can sit down to the feast and ask for “Ramen, please.” Fortunately, I have other family members I invite as much for material as for their company. I always enjoy telling and re-telling some of my little brother’s antics that would make the Mayhem guy laugh so hard he ugly-cries. So, if you have mixed relationships in your family... like republicans and democrats, or things that really matter like Picard vs. Kirk—and you’re wondering how to get through the dinner, there are always a few safe topics we humans have in common. After all, you do have to wrap it all up and get to Walmart by 3am. Cousin Donna... do you ever pull out your phone to see what time it is, then after scrolling through your Facebook feed and texts, look at a clock to see what time it is? Adam, ever catch yourself saying, “Yeah, I know!” when you have no idea what the person said but you’re too embarrassed to admit you didn’t hear it twice already? Dad, do you make a mental note of the last car in the drive-through line when you walk into the restaurant so you can be sure you won at getting your food faster? I like to notice the car in front of me when I change lanes in traffic to make sure I stay ahead of it because I made the right choice. Aunt Fluffy... don’t you say “Moo” (even in your head) every time you pass a field full of cows? Uncle Buck, did you ever decide what to say if you run into Matthew McConaughey at Whataburger? Aunt Beverly, ever use the condensation on your cup to wash the sticky off your fingers?
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Yes, I still tell the sales lady I’d like to try on the dress after looking at the price tag and there’s no way in the world I can afford it, but don’t want her to know that. Andrew, do you still count the grocery bags you can hang on your arm to see if you can do it all in one trip? Do any of you tell the doctor the absolute truth about how many alcoholic drinks you have per month? Or how much exercise you do? No, I never tell the truth about flossing. Paige, how many times have you tripped over your own feet and decided to jog a little bit to cover it up? Okay, Amy, how many times have you taken the box or the bag out of the trashcan because you already forgot the directions on how to prepare the food that was in it? Those should get you through the main course at least. Still, if things get quiet and you begin to worry if they’re having a good time, stir the pot a little with, “Hey, why didn’t you bring [name of person you just broke up with]?” If all else fails, never forget the nuclear option; announce loudly, “I [like/don’t like] the President and think he’s doing a [good/awful] job. What do you all think?” That one has been flaming dinner tables since 1789. You may be late to Walmart after that, but you’re going to have all kinds of new stories to tell when your in-laws come for Christmas.
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Ann Marie Kennon • AnnMarie@gtownview.com
worth the drive
Lost Maples State Park If you’re a transplant from places to the East or just a native Texan who has a hankerin’ for beautiful Fall colors, Lost Maples State Park protects a special stand of Uvalde bigtooth maples that are afire with color in late October through mid-November. The park has an influx of visitors each year to see the colorful leaves on these and other trees in autumn. The show varies from year to year, depending on weather conditions, but you can check their Fall Foliage* report for peak times and trail conditions. Located due west of Boerne, the park is about a three-hour drive, but don’t just go for the leaves; the park has everything for a weekend (or a week) away. In fact, the park service recommends a visit during the week in the Fall to avoid the crowds on the weekends. Park Manager Lisa Fitzsimmons recommends reserving a space online ahead of time, to ensure admission. On peak weekends in the fall, they reach capacity quickly and Rangers can not overcrowd the park.
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worth the drive COME FOR THE COLORS, BUT IF THE LEAVES DON’T QUITE COOPERATE, THE PARK IS SO BEAUTIFUL, YOU WILL ENJOY THE DRIVE AND ALL THE COOL THINGS TO SEE! ~LISA FITZSIMMONS Lisa says the summer season has been dry and they expect a pretty good show; “We love having so many visitors during this time of year. And even if the colors are not as you expected, it’s a beautiful area—everything in the park is pretty and there are many things to do and see.” Including... ten miles of hiking trails, from beginning to advanced; picnicking, camping, backpacking, sightseeing, photography, birdwatching, and fishing.
AFTER DARK The night sky is very dark due to their location and little to no light pollution. The scale ranges from Class 1, the darkest skies available on Earth, through Class 9, inner-city skies. Lost Maple’s Bortle Scale rating is 3.
They also schedule full-moon hikes to enjoy nature by the glow of the moon... and flashlights when appropriate. If you are want a little less roughing-it, try the Lost Maples Café in nearby Utopia and the Apple Store at Love Creek Orchards in Medina. Medina also has a weekend pumpkin patch in October and November. Restrooms and picnic tables are wheelchair accessible, and if the park is at capacity for some reason, visitors may still drive about one mile into the park to view and photograph the foliage from a vehicle. Contact or reserve your space at (830) 966-3413. Lisa says everyone in the park is well-versed on events and amenities so anyone who answers the phone can help you plan a visit.
If you want to visit during off-peak weekends, they have Star Parties five times a year, and the schedule is available on their website.
Maples in Texas? At the end of the most recent Ice Age —about 11,700 years ago—the last ice across Texas melted. Maple tree samaras (helicopter seeds) came down with the glaciers and the canyon in which Lost Maples is located was a great little spot to take hold. It has plenty of moisture and a perfect environment to flourish. Evidence shows prehistoric peoples used the area at various times too. The Spanish began exploring and colonizing in and around the canyons in the late 17th century. Beginning in the mid-1800s, the land was used for ranching. Records show Apache, Lipan Apache and Comanche Indians ranged over the land and challenged settlers well into the 19th century. The land was purchased from private owners in 1973-94 and additional parcels in 2009 brought the total area to 2,900 square acres.
*https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/lost-maples/foliage-reports N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 9 G E O R G E TO W N VI EW
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WINTER IS COMING EVEN TO TEXAS
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November opening Dates subject to change
City Lights has some changes, check out our new grille menu where you can order food at the concession and have it delivered to your movie. Our new lower matinee price every day before 6 pm is $6.00 a ticket. Tuesdays enjoy our Family Fun night for only $5.25 a ticket after 6 pm.
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1 Motherless Brooklyn 1 Terminator Dark Fate 1 Arctic Dogs 1 Harriet 8 Doctor Sleep 8 Last Christmas 8 Midway 8 Playing with Fire 15 Charlies Angels
15 Ford V Ferrari 15 The Good Liar 15 All Rise 20 Frozen 2 20 Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood 20 21 Bridges 29 Knives Out 29 Queen and Slim
C H EC K U S O UT AT:
www.citylightstheatres.com for complete schedule show times and purchase tickets on-line or call 512 868 9922 Now equipped with all new state-of-the-art digital projection equipment & Master Image 3D.
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facts to blow your mind
THE FINAL FRONTIER If aliens on a planet 65 million light years away looked at Earth in detail, they would see dinosaurs. An Australian National University study put the universe’s star count at about 70,000 million million million. And that’s just the ones we can see! You can fit one billion grains of sand in an average bathtub, but... even with all our deserts and beaches, the sand
70,00 0,
grains number only gets to about 10 percent of that. P.S.- There are more trees on the Earth (3 trillion) than there are stars in the Milky Way About 10,000 light years away, the constellation of Aquila has a cloud of alcohol 1,000 times the diameter of our solar system. That’s enough space booze to make 400 trillion trillion pints of beer — or — two kegs, every 8 hours, for the next 30 billion years.
0,
000,0
0 0,0 0, 0 4 0 0,0 0, 00 0 0,0 0, 00 0 0,0 00 ,000 0 00
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0,000 ,
000,0
00
There is enough carbon in the atmospheres of Saturn and Jupiter to create soot, which, when hit by lightning, hardens into graphite and falls downward. The pressure in their atmospheres is so great that the graphite hardens into diamonds. Storms on these planets may literally be raining diamonds as big as a centimeter across. Those big gray patches on our moon that make up the face of the “man” are actually long-dormant lava beds from a time when the moon was active and hot. So far, three moons have been found to have their own moons: Saturn’s moon Titan, Jupiter’s Io, and Neptune’s Triton. Winter is always coming... on Uranus. Our planetary tilt (~23°) makes our seasons. Uranus’ seasonal tilt is 90° so summer and winter last 20 years. During those seasons, the 90° tilt means the planet “rolls” around the sun. If the Earth were the size of a grape, our sun would be a 4-foot beach ball resting 490 feet away. The Milky Way’s biggest star, Canis Majoris, would be nearly two miles in diameter. N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 9 G E O R G E TO W N VI EW
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food
With a Cranberry on Top! Tracie Jack • Tracie@gtownview.com
Whether creating a feast for family and friends, cooking for two, or skipping the traditional gathering all together, we’ve got you covered for ways to celebrate this Thanksgiving!
FRYING Never use a frozen turkey. Make sure the bird is completely thawed and dry. Ice or water can cause the oil to boil over and turn your gas burner into a house fire. Buying fresh is often the best choice for frying. Use peanut oil, or refined canola or corn oil. Most suggest frying at 350 °F for 3 minutes per pound, and no more than 12 pounds for most fryers.
SMOKING Smoking your turkey makes the end result more flavorful and tender. For a whole turkey, set the smoker at 240°F and smoke 30-40 minutes per pound of meat. For smaller birds, ~8-lbs, smoke about 4 hours. Larger birds, ~12lbs will take about 6 hours.
GRILLING Save your oven space for pies, rolls, and green bean casserole. Place the lid on your grill. Cook 11 to 13 minutes per pound or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh not touching bone registers 180°F and the juices run clear.
TURKEY FOR TWO Most recipes are for the whole bird. But what if you want to cook turkey for two without leftovers until June? Here’s a simple yet delicious recipe:
INGREDIENTS 2 turkey breast tenderloins (6 ounces each) 1/4 cup white wine or chicken broth 1 tablespoon butter, melted 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon dried tarragon 1/4 teaspoon paprika 1/2 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
DIRECTIONS Place turkey in an 11”x7” baking dish coated with cooking spray. In a small bowl, combine wine, butter, salt, tarragon and paprika. Spoon over turkey. Arrange mushrooms around tenderloins. Bake, uncovered, at 375° for 30-35 minutes or until a thermometer reads 170°, basting occasionally with pan drippings. Let stand 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with remaining pan drippings.
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DON’T SPEND THE DAY COOKING! In recent years, restaurants have accommodated families who want to spend their day with family, rather than in the kitchen. Several of our local favorites will be open Thanksgiving Day: Monument Café
9am-2pm
512-930-9586
Gumbo’s on the Square
11 am-8pm
512-943-4214
BB’s Home Cooking
noon to 4pm
512-688-5234
Simmer Down Café
512-763-1672
Walburg German Restaurant noon to 4pm
512-863-8440
We recommend calling ahead for reservations, to guarantee your seating.
Some restaurants will enable you to stay out of the kitchen but enjoy the comfort of your own home. Jimmy Vega’s Smokehouse
order by the 23rd
512-577-2813
Cotton Patch Café
512-869-3400
Dale’s Essenhaus
512-819-9175
order by the 18th
Smokey Mo’s BBQ Black Box Simmer Down Café Visit HelloGeorgetown.com (#diningout) for detailed information, including times, menu options, and order-by dates.
THAWING TURKEY SAFELY The USDA recommends 24 hours for every 5 pounds of whole turkey, in a refrigerator set at 40°F. Thaw time in cold water requires about 30 minutes per pound in cold water, refreshed every 30 minutes.
MICROWAVE THAWING Follow your manufacturer’s instruction when defrosting a turkey. Plan to cook it immediately after thawing. Some areas of the food may become warm and begin to cook during microwaving, and because any bacteria present before freezing will begin to grow.
Weight of Bird
In the Refrigerator
In Cold Water
4-12 lbs
1 to 2-1/2 days
2 to 6 hours
12-16 lbs
3 to 3-1/2 days
6 to 8 hours
16-20 lbs
3 to 4 days
8 to 10 hours
20-24 lbs
5 to 5 days
10 to 12 hours
24-29 lbs
5 to 6 days
12 to 15 hours
PICK YOUR OWN Thorndale Meat Market on 300 W US Hwy 79 accepts orders for partial or unique cuts of turkey for smaller or fancy recipes you might want to try. You can reach them at (512) 898-5387.
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Steve: 512-489-7685 Office: 512-489-7685 70
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$90.00 monthly $70.00 monthly $55.00 monthly
512-688-0780 1975 County Road 140 Georgetown, TX info@storURstuff.com
8 Stylists / Barbers Walk-In • Any Service or By Appointment ladies’ boutique • full service salon
& barber shop
FEATURED PRODUCTS: Lanza, It’s A Ten, Johnny B, Chi and more!
180 TOWN CENTER BLVD | JARRELL | 254-291-4790 (beside Brookshire Brothers)
N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 9 G E O R G E TO W N VI EW
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parting shot
Adoption Day November is Adoption Awareness month across the nation, and each year Williamson County celebrates new families with as much fun as formality. Adoption Month brings awareness to the great many children who are waiting for their forever homes. While adoptions are done all the time in our District courts, many clients and families who work with Child Protective Services choose to formalize the occasion publicly. Thanks to the combined efforts of Williamson County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), Child Welfare Board, and Bar Association, this annual event includes thousands of dollars’ worth of donated toys and books for the adoptees and a catered lunch for all. Judge Betsy Lambeth (425th District) presides over much of the family docket and she always ensures family members are able to testify aloud what is written on all of their faces, mostly in tears; they were already family and just needed to judges to make it so, legally. Denise Hyde is a family law attorney and has been participating in Adoption Day for 20 years. “Every adoption is wonderful, but Adoption Day is incredible. All these families are opening their hearts and homes and making a commitment to be a Forever family. It’s magic.” Judge Lambeth is celebrating her fourth Adoption Day (Nov. 8) as a judge and explained all the cases in the annual event are managed by CPS. “It’s so great to hear the stories of the families. So much of what we have to do sometimes breaks up families. This is the one time we get to make families.”
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NOVEMBE R 2019 GEO R GE TO W N V I EW
georgetown view P.O. Box 2281, Georgetown, TX 78627
POSTAL PATRON GEORGETOWN, TX