WILLIAMSON COUNTY

by Ann Marie Kennon • annmarie@lhtxdigest.com

Guitar Society Nurturing Blooming Talent

If you’re thinking about using some of your time at home to learn a new skill, Kevin Taylor has something great for you. In 2019, he founded the Williamson County Guitar Society to bring a world of superlative acoustic guitar music to students and audiences in Central Texas. A world-class musician himself, Kevin has been creating guitar programs and curricula for nearly four decades, and has enriched the lives of more than 20,000 students.

This month, he is wrapping up his first online class for beginning seniors. “I’m still a teacher and I wanted to do something for the community,” he says. “I know many who are teaching online in order to keep working, and it occurred to me an online program would be a wonderful vehicle for older folks stuck in their homes.” Thanks to an anonymous donor, Kevin was able to provide classes, at no charge, to 17 eager students, taught by Chad Iverson and his wife, Janet Grohovac, who live in Austin and teach guitar at the college level.

Chad says his senior students have been a wonderful experience. “I am seeing everyone getting better week to week and I’m able to create the curriculum from what I see happening organically. Adult students care so much about learning and I hope to keep teaching like this into the new year.”

Feedback from students was entirely positive as well, particularly because the best teachers no longer have to be nearby. Robert Muller says, “The Internet is a great way to learn the guitar, and it’s right in your home. I appreciate the Society making this opportunity available; it’s a great way to learn.” Joyce Edge agrees, “I have a medical condition and practicing several times a day has become a great new focus.” Stef Gorel adds, “I plan to continue these lessons as long as they offer them.”

Students and teachers alike hope to impress these benefits upon additional donors, and plan to hold fundraiser concerts to help keep the program viable.

Anyone may donate to help Chad and Janet continue to add classes and students at WilcoGuitar.org.*

THE GUITAR SOCIETY

The second part of the Society’s vision is growing interest, education, and enjoyment of the beauty of the guitar. “We are here for teachers, students, and aficionados,” Kevin says. “We will continue to develop concert series and education programs as there are a number of teachers who would like the opportunity to interact with people in Williamson County. We will be on mission as long as the Society exists and we have audiences.”

Kevin is looking forward to a time when audiences can gather again so he can book some of the world’s best players for house concerts and music series. “This is my professional domain and I know many national and international guitarists,” Kevin says. “I know I can get worldclass artists to come and play. Several terrific artists added us to their world tours last year and, unfortunately, we had to cancel. Right now, I am still looking forward to having European virtuoso, Cristiano Porqueddu in July, who will be playing Carnegie Hall on his way to Williamson County.” Chet Atkins’ protege, John McClellan, will also be coming for a Summer concert. Once audiences feel secure and confident we can continue to bring the best talent to the area.”

Learn more, donate, and keep up with events at WilcoGuitar.org.

*Don’t ‘fret’... the Society is 501(c)3

what makes Texas “Texas”

It takes a place as big as Texas to host the kind of year-round fun and excitement offered by the more than 100 fairs and festivals we have every year. Celebrating everything from livestock to flip flops—even mosquitoes—there is something for everyone in every season, and that’s just at the state level.

As a historically agrarian state, community fairs have always been part of Texas culture. Few communities across the state manage to get through a full year without a celebration of some kind to bring people together to show off the best of their yearlong efforts. In many rural communities, fairs were often the only way to get fellow farmers and breeders to take a break from working their land, meet up, and catch up on news and innovations in their respective livelihoods.

Over the years, adding more food and entertainment to the mix offered motivation for even more people to visit, trade, and carry on the traditions of the area and its people.

THE BIG ONE

Our best-known event, the State Fair of Texas— also lovingly known as the celebration of all things fried—has roots as far back as 1886, when it began as a private enterprise. Back then, as now, it celebrates all things Texan by promoting agriculture, education, and community involvement through quality entertainment in a family-friendly environment.

Even in those early years, the fair included extraordinary things like hot air balloon rides, horse and car racing, Presidential visits, and stunt flying exhibitions. By 1905, more than 300,000 visitors made the trip, and attendance grew to one million before World War I shuttered it to make room for an army encampment.

The Fair continued to grow in the 1920s and ‘30s, followed by another break for World War II, but undaunted by the pause, more than 2 million people showed up for the 1949 Fair. In the 1950s, they added an international livestock show, and monorail system.

In a typical year, the State Fair begins the last Friday of September and runs for 24 full days. As it is the longest-running fair in the nation, Fair Park has been designated a National Historic Landmark.

It’s worth noting the State Fair was not alone in history, even in the early days. The Washington County Fair in Brenham also began 1886. Communities like Kendall County with its Annual Labor Day Kendall County Fair, Stock Show, and Rodeo have been at it for over one hundred years as well. Later arrivals include the Helotes “Cornyvale”, the Laredo International Fair & Exposition, and Lubbock’s Panhandle South Plains Fair, first held in the fall of 1914.

Nancy Wiley has worked in State Fair Public Relations since 1971, and she has collected many fun facts:

1889: A Tyler man showcased his multipurpose invention, which simultaneously churned butter, rocked a baby’s cradle, and shooed flies away from the table.

1900: Former slave and prominent black educator

Booker T. Washington spoke to crowds on Colored People’s Day. 1900: Buffalo Bill Cody’s Wild West Show, featuring the famed sharpshooter Annie Oakley—along with 600 horses, a herd of buffalo, and dozens of other acts—attracted 70,000 fans. 1915: Female fairgoers were dismayed to discover that all the ladies’ rooms in the fairgrounds were equipped with coin-operated toilets. 1951-1952: Fair president R. L. Thornton purchased a giant used Santa Claus from the small town of Kerens, near Corsicana, where it had been

Big Tex at a 1960s-era Fair.

used to lure shoppers at Christmas. Thornton then hired

Dallas artist Jack Bridges to turn the white-bearded, red-suited figure into a giant cowboy; dubbed Big Tex and quickly became the ultimate icon. He was 52 feet tall, wore size 70 boots, and a 75-gallon cowboy hat. 1956: Big Tex acquired a pet, a 12’-tall model of a Hereford steer with a hollow interior holding displays like how milk is produced and how a calf is born. 1957: As the Cold War got chillier and the space race continued to heat up, the Army allowed two Nike missiles to be put on display, and the Navy okayed the release of a scale model of a surveillance satellite.

1965: Exceptionally rowdy celebrations after the Texas-O.U. game landed 371 people in jail. 1982: King Olaf V of Norway visited on Norwegian Day. 1986: Pig races became a standard feature of the fair, taking place in an area quickly christened Pork Chop

Downs.

2002: Fried Twinkies were introduced. 2003: For a temporary change of pace, the Fair announced that instead of butter sculptures on display, it will offer pumpkin carving.

HOME TOWNS AND BIG CITIES

The common thread that links so many events across the sate is a commitment to a professional code of conduct that delivers family entertainment value that is Texas-friendly. We even have a Texas Association of Fairs & Events to manage and promote all the petting zoos, BarB-Q cook-offs, agriculture exhibits, carnivals, art displays, concerts, dances, and more.

While 2020 was not kind to everything from SXSW to our own Christmas Festival and Independence Spectacular, the Texas Association of Fairs & Events has created a task force and is asking Governor Greg Abbott for some guidelines that will allow everyone to open back up in 2021.

There is hope. Many smaller expos and educational events are coming up. Typical of Texas, there is a whole expo for potatoes; this month’s Grapevine Potato Expo. This annual industry event showcases innovations and offers business solutions related not just to potatoes, but soil health, disease management, and technology; things that should interest most Texans.

On a large scale, the 90th anniversary Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is scheduled to go on, pending any emergent COVID protocols, in May 2021.

Visit FairsAndFestivals.net for upcoming events. A sampling of some of Texas’ unique fairs and festivals...

JANUARY

Chili Quest & Beer Fest, Galveston Eagles Fest, Emory Denton Black Film Festival, Denton Kerrville Renaissance Fair, Kerrville

FEBRUARY

San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, San Antonio Stars & Stripes Air Show, Laredo Whooping Crane Festival, Port Aransas

MARCH

Texas Storytelling Festival, Denton Rattlesnake Roundup, Sweetwater ABC’s Kite Fest

APRIL

Poteet Strawberry Festival, Poteet Bluebonnet Festival, Burnet Eeyore’s Birthday, Austin Poppyfest, Georgetown GTX Film Festival, Georgetown

MAY

Yaga’s Wild Game BBQ Cook-off, Galveston Babes on the Bay Fishing Tournament, Rockport World Champion Bison Cookoff, Santa Ana

JUNE

Children’s Art & Literacy Festival, Abilene Tomato Fest, Jacksonville

JULY

Great Texas Mosquito Festival, Clute Cheeseburger Festival, Friona

AUGUST

AnimeFest, Dallas BatFest, Austin Flip Flop Festival, Port Lavaca

SEPTEMBER

Austin Ice Cream Festival Plano Balloon Festival Texas State Fair

OCTOBER

Austin City Limits Festival Formula 1 Grand Prix Tyler Rose Festival

NOVEMBER

Texas Gospel Music Festival, Fort Worth Texas Book Festival, Austin

DECEMBER

Christmas Stroll, Georgetown Festival of Lights, Austin Dickens on the Strand, Galveston

by Greta Bauer

save the planet

January is the most popular month for wedding planning. Many engagements happen during the holidays, so here are some ideas to start the year right by planning an Earth-friendly event. No, you don’t have to walk down the aisle in a hemp dress, but there are myriad ways to be kind to the planet without sacrificing details of your perfect day.

INVITATIONS

Most people still use snail mail for the invites but you can certainly go paperless for save-the-dates. You can also create a wedding website and direct people to it rather than including inserts and RSVP cards in your invite. It’s a good idea to look for recycled paper products and vegetable-based inks as well.

BONUS: Some paper products are plantable. Botantical Paper Works embeds their papers with seeds, so guests can plant them in their backyards and the paper turns into flowers, plants, or herbs instead of ending up in a landfill.

FLOWERS

For flowers, think ‘re-usable’ or make sure your blooms are as sustainable as possible. Ask local florists about in-season and local flowers to ensure the freshest and best quality. Some florists will also pick up your arrangements and re-use them, or you can choose potted plants and florals as centerpieces and give them away for replanting after the ceremony. BONUS: Skip flowers all together and use a brooch bouquet or silk flowers. Plus, you’d be surprised at the types of pretty greenery you can find at a farmer’s market.

THE VENUE

Cut down on energy and get married outdoors; there are plenty of local ranches and gardens that will provide the perfect lighting. If you prefer indoors, look for a place that will hold the ceremony and reception in one place—no travel time or fuel to move everyone to the next event.

RENT, DON’T BUY

Single-use anything is not good for the environment and much of what people use at weddings is rentable. Plus, rented stemware and china will look much more elegant than paper and plastic, and the local landfill will thank you. Same for linen tablecloths and napkins over paper.

FAVORS

Look for items your guests will use again; think plants or food. Saplings, herbs or succulents are small and make a nice long-term remembrance. Perhaps a seed ball with Texas bluebonnets. Or if guests are traveling, ask one of our local business for signature wines, olive oil, or honey in reusable glass jars from a local orchard.

SHELTER STORIES

by Charlotte Kovalchuk • charlotte@lhtxdigest.com photos by Daysi Yeates

Heroes of Furry Friends

Texas Humane Heroes—it’s a fitting name for the lifesaving work this animal welfare organization accomplishes. Those involved in the nonprofit are indeed heroes, lending a hand to animal shelters to ensure no dog or cat needs to be euthanized for lack of room for them.

Along with low-cost spay and neuter services, affordable vaccination clinics, animal welfare counseling, and pet adoptions, Texas Humane Heroes provides crucial intake and rescue efforts to support shelters across Texas that are often forced to euthanize for space. “When municipal shelters run out of space to house their animals or a natural disaster leaves more animals on the street, our work to rescue homeless dogs and cats provides an important community service,” CEO Jeff Struchtemeyer says. “Every day, sick and struggling animals come to Texas Humane Heroes and our team cares for them with inspiring dedication. With time, treatment, and dedication, many of these cats and dogs return to full health. Watching deserving animals recover and find their forever home is the best part of this work.”

Above and bottom left: Intake Manager Caitlin Cravey cuddles with shelter animals.

HELPING OUT

LIFESAVING MISSION

Formerly the Williamson County Humane Society, Texas Humane Heroes has been rescuing animals since 1979. It is a no-kill, nonprofit 501(c)3 organization with adoption centers in Leander and Killeen. All funds come from donations, grants, and adoption service fees. So far, 4,300 furry friends have been rescued and found forever homes. “We are so happy to continue our mission and we try to get animals into our care as soon as possible, so other shelters don’t have to euthanize for space,” marketing and events manager Daysi Yeates says.

She described one recent, harrowing example of the desperate need for Texas Humane Heroes. “A few weeks ago, we had a shelter in Killeen reach out to us to say they were at capacity. If they didn’t get animals rescued, they’d have to euthanize them,” she says. “We dropped everything and went to that shelter and were able to rescue them the next day.” Thankfully, all the animals were saved and many found their forever homes.

Despite a trying year, Texas Humane Heroes is more devoted than ever to its mission of saving animals from euthanasia or a severe medical condition. “This year, whether it’s a leg amputation, skin issues, or spine injuries—we were able to help them and heal them,” Daysi says. “It’s amazing to see the before and after pictures.”

Before and after pictures show the impact Texas Humane Heroes has on furry friends.

WANT TO LEND A HAND TO TEXAS HUMANE HEROES? MONETARY DONATIONS ARE WELCOME, AND YOU CAN ALSO SHOP THEIR AMAZON WISH LIST. TO DONATE AND LEARN MORE, VISIT HUMANEHEROES.ORG.

Caring for the Community L4 CARES AMBASSADORS REACH OUT

by Charlotte Kovalchuk photos by Kendra Cofer

With many wonderful nonprofits out there, Kendra Cofer asked, “Do we need another one?” She got her answer when a pastor reminded his congregation that God commands us to care for the least, the last, the lost, and the lonely. It inspired the name of her Liberty Hill-based nonprofit, L4 Cares.

A former corporate executive who volunteered endless hours with many nonprofits, Kendra searched for under-served demographics she could reach. “We wanted to focus on the folks who fell through the cracks,” she says. She discovered many people—particularly military, seniors, and people facing a crisis—were not asking for the help they needed.

That’s where L4 Cares ambassadors come in.

COMMUNITY AMBASSADORS

L4 Cares’ mission is to train and send out ambassadors to find people who are hurting in silence, ensure they get the help they need, recruit other volunteers, and coordinate fundraising activities. Kendra hopes that community ambassador mentality, along with L4 Cares’ motto, #KindnessIsEasyYall, will encourage people to look beyond themselves and recognize their neighbors’ unspoken needs. “One of our main missions was to encourage everyone to stop what they’re doing, put cell phones down and pay attention to the people around them; their own family, coworkers, or a stranger, to challenge them to look for those unspoken needs,” she says.

L4 Cares has been working to meet those needs since 2017 in Liberty Hill, Georgetown, and Bertram, as well as small, rural areas such as Florence and Andice—“all the little towns that may not get some loving.” That love includes providing basic needs assistance for veterans, military service members and their families, residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities, as well as people in crisis. Thanks to L4 Cares and their partnerships with local businesses, homeless veterans have found housing, and the veterans hospital in Temple has received needed supplies. Through Operation Enduring Deployment, families with a deployed loved one receive care packages and a welcome home celebration upon the soldier’s return. Operation Not Forgotten focuses on senior citizens, who will often find their days brightened by Elvis impersonators, Christmas gifts, and help with basic needs like groceries or a light that needs fixing in their home.

Another heartwarming program, Operation Superhero, helps children fighting terminal illnesses at Dell Children’s Medical Center. Superheroes and princesses will visit the hospital to cheer up patients through storytelling, singing, photo ops, and gifts. Even though COVID shut down those hospital visits, L4 Cares continues to uplift kids through video messages and home visits.

“Elsa” cheers up a Dell Children’s Medical Center patient as part of L4 Cares’ Operation Superhero program.

CWS Apartment Homes and L4 Cares give Park Place seniors a merry Christmas.

GROWING OUTREACH

Despite 2020’s bump in the road, Kendra is excited about the future of L4 Cares, ultimately planning to launch other L4 Cares in more cities and become ingrained in communities through partnerships with local churches, businesses, and hospitals.

With big plans come big needs, and L4 Cares can always use more volunteers, increased awareness of the organization, Amazon gift cards for clients, and sponsors to help continue its mission of caring for those in need. To learn more about L4 Cares, visit L4cares.org.

worth the drive

Ann Marie Kennon • annmarie@lhtxdigest.com

Enchanted Rock

16710 Ranch Rd. 965, Fredericksburg • $8; children under 12 free • Re-opens Jan 15, daily 6:30am-10pm MUST RESERVE PASSES online, or call customer service 512.389.8900 and COVID-19 guideline updates.

Archaeological evidence suggests Enchanted Rock State Natural Area has been fascinating and drawing people to Central Texas for 12,000 years. Its principal attraction is a pink granite dome, which peaks 1,825 feet above sea level, known as a batholith.

In the modern era, the area was colonized in the 1700s, and has been home to missions, presidios, and mineral mining. Today, the park is a National Natural Landmark and is one of the most visited parks in Texas, with more than 250,000 trekkers annually. It is open to the public daily, with specific guidelines for COVID-19 provided by TX Parks & Wildlife as necessary.

THE BATHOLITH

One billion years ago, this granite was part of a large pool of magma (liquid rock), as much as seven miles below the surface. It pushed up into the rock above in places, then cooled and hardened very slowly, becoming granite. Over time, the surface rock and soil eroded, leaving Enchanted Rock, Little Dome, Turkey Peak, and other domes visible.

The domes, a bit like icebergs, are the small and visible part of a much larger underground area of granite. The Enchanted Rock Batholith stretches 62 square miles, mostly underground.

Although Enchanted Rock appears to be solid and durable, it is actually an exfoliation dome, which means it has layers like an onion, that are changing and eroding—however slowly—even today.

As rock and soil on the top wear away, the granite expands slightly, because there is less weight on it. This expansion causes the dome to split into curved sections. As the outer layer of rock breaks into smaller pieces and slides off, the next layer begins to peel away from the dome.

HISTORY

Prehistoric people left at least one kind of evidence throughout the park; bedrock mortars—depressions in the granite—where they ground and pounded their food. There are at least 400 known archaeological sites in the park.

During the 1700s, Spaniards began to colonize the area and mine for minerals. Word from the mines got out and Germans and Americans began arriving in the mid-1800s, hoping to strike it rich.

WHY IT’S ENCHANTED

Geologists say temperature changes cause the dome rock to “creak and grown” on occasion. Native Americans believed the sounds were from ghosts. As well, on clear nights, after a rain, the top of the rock

glitters—resembling flickering “ghost fires,” which enhanced legends and stories through the ages. Scientists believe the glittering is reflections from collected water or wet feldspar (crystallized magma).

WHEN YOU GO

It is just about a 90-minute drive from Liberty Hill. There are nearly 11 miles of hiking trails, rock climbs, picnic and camping areas. Visitors can also birdwatch and geocache.

From ground level in the park, Enchanted Rock rises 425 feet. The entire dome covers 640 acres and the trip to the top is about like climbing the stairs of a 30- or 40-story building. Hikers suggest arriving early in the day to avoid large crowds and full sun exposure in the open expanse of the rock on warmer days.

Tent campsites are available for a per-car fee. Some private sites include shade shelters, and all are located near the shower building, with water faucets and restrooms nearby. Each has an outdoor grill and fire ring, tent pad, and lantern post. For hardier guests, you may bring a pet, hike further in to the historical sites, and spend the night near Moss Lake or Walnut Springs. There are also group historical sites that allow as many as 75 campers per night.

Stargazers are in luck as well. The park has International Dark Sky status and, while visitors are welcome to stay until 10pm daily, Rangers occasionally host Rock Star Parties for expert input (check website for events).

Pets are welcome on a leash and the only activities not permitted in the parks are swimming and trail biking.

There is also a park store that carries gifts, wood, and snacks. Right now, they are experiencing a water shortage; rangers encourage visitors to bring and carry their own drinking water to ensure a good supply.

TPWD.texas.gov/state-parks/ enchanted-rock

@GoEnchantedRock

facts to blow your mind

DEEP THOUGHTS

More people have been on the Moon than on the bottom of the deepest point in our deepest ocean.

There is always a lifeguard at Olympic swimming events.

November 2, 2000 was the last day humans all lived together on planet Earth. Since that day there has always been at least one person on the International Space Station.

If you put your finger in your ear and wiggle it up and down, it sounds like a Pac-Man game.

Maybe plants are really farming us; giving us oxygen until we eventually expire and turn into mulch, which they can consume.

‘Coffee flavored water’ doesn’t sound good but that’s what coffee is. Much like it’s cousin, leaf soup, or ‘tea’.

If aliens come to earth, we may have to explain why we made so many movies about fighting and killing them.

People are more likely to agree with a statement written in Baskerville than any other font.

You won’t know if it you meet a genuine ninja. The black uniform comes out of fiction and folklore; real ninjas wear whatever helps them blend in.

Cassette tapes had a Side A and Side B... so it makes sense that they evolved into CDs.

Forty percent of the people reading this just put a finger in their ear.

When you say ‘Forward’ or ‘Back’, your lips move in those directions.

When you call a company to cancel your service and they offer you a big discount to stay, they’re just admitting they were overcharging you.

My car can surf the web, link to my phone, play multiple DVDs, and show me exactly where I am on the planet. But I still have to pay someone a fortune to tell me why the “Check Engine” light is on.

If you drive north long enough, you will eventually be driving south. If you drive east, you’ll go east forever.

This year, I resolve to start writing 2021 on my checks.

Cars will soon drive themselves and traffic will be controlled through AI. AI realizes cars are more efficient when in slipstream. AI connects cars in a line to minimize drag. We’re back to traveling by train.

I resolve not to throw my alarm clock when it doesn’t work properly. Also... when it does work properly.

belle chimes in

The Upsides of 2020

Sure, everyone writes their 2020 retrospective columns for January, and, normally, I would make a snark-filled list of things I won’t miss about last year (I’m looking at you, Facebook). But, despite 2020’s attempt to make us pine for the more exciting days of roller disco or Star Wars Episodes 1-3 (because we had to leave the house to enjoy them) there are some things I’m hoping we can enjoy as the norm for just a while longer.

Right off the bat, as an introvert, I no longer have to pretend I’d really like to go somewhere then make up a believable reason that I can’t. I was running out of broken plumbing and looking-for-lost-homework excuses, and it’s just rude to say, “It’s ‘The Good Doctor’ night and my DVR is too full to record it.” As a bonus, I can safely scroll through my social media feeds without a sense of FOMO, because nothing happened, and no one posted about it.

On that note, I’m also enjoying the relative good health of my spine because not leaving the house means not carrying a purse, backpack, or laptop bag, with their accompanying and various collections of “stuff I need for the place I’m going.” All of these include some kind of snack, many of which are just over there in the pantry.

Staying home means I don’t have to decide ahead of time what I might have a craving for…just eat it when the mood strikes. I will, however, stipulate that now I’m carrying the ‘rona-15 at all times, but the only people who know it are in my house, and they’re as big as me.

I am also happy that, in the Venn Diagram of my closet, the intersection of “things I prefer to wear” and “things people haven’t seen me wear in a while” is also, functionally, the union of the two. The other day I was getting dressed and my Darling asked, “Do you want me to bring you the shirt?” and we laughed and laughed… because as any perfect spouse would do, he doesn’t mind that I’ve been wearing the same sweatshirt for four days. But he’s the only one who knows it. (Until I write it in a magazine, I guess.) Getting meals at a drive-through, and groceries shopped and brought to me; I barely even have to wear shoes any more.

My family has also adapted to Zoom, which is a nice change. No longer do we negotiate who has to buy the “$900 holiday dinner”, because no one was obligated (allowed) to pay for expensive travel to enjoy a single meal together. We spend more time together from four states than we have since we all lived together. Cheaper, and more often. Who knew?

I feel the same about every video meeting I had last year. I do miss seeing people in person, and small group would be more fun as an actual group, but I think I would also love to do the time-equity math on the hours I did not spend shutting down, driving across town, driving home, and getting back into the right thought lane to resume my work tasks.

What I’m getting at is the idea that merely putting up a new calendar didn’t change anything about the 2020 lifestyle. But I am pleased to ponder great things to enjoy in the infinitely-short present, because the future is infinitely long. I stopped looking at these life changes as some kind of countdown to whatever is next because that just caused no end of worry. That, and I still love not going anywhere.

Sure, there are still many, many things that stink about this time, but we have TV news for that, and the whole point of getting my Belle on is to feel better about stuff.

So I’m going to put my hair in a ponytail, put on my most comfortable jeans (which are right where I left them from yesterday), and my favorite sweatshirt, then binge-watch reruns of “The Big Bang Theory” while eating whatever Waiter With Wheels brought me, and be happy that is all anyone expects of me today.

food Foods for Winter Wellness

CINCINNATI CHILI

Sure, no one knows chili like Texans, but if you’re feeling bold enough to try Cincinnati chili, you won’t be disappointed. Plus, any good chili is great winter comfort food; it speeds up your metabolic rate and stimulates circulation—perfect for warming cold hands and feet. For a little added comfort, experts on Cincinnati chili say, if you really want to make it authentic, add an ounce of chocolate.

INGREDIENTS

• 5 bay leaves • 2 lb ground beef • 1 tsp whole allspice • 2 c. chopped onion (2 large)

• 1/2 tsp whole cloves • 2 cloves garlic, minced • 2 tbsp chili powder • 1 tsp ground cinnamon • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper • 1/8 tsp ground cardamom • 2×14-oz. can beef broth or 3-1/2 c. water • 1×8-oz. can tomato sauce • 1 tbsp vinegar • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce • 1/4 tsp salt • 12 oz. dried spaghetti, cooked/drained • 1 can (15oz.) red kidney beans, rinsed and drained • Optional: shredded cheddar cheese, chopped onion, oyster crackers

INSTRUCTIONS

For spice bag, place bay leaves, allspice and cloves in double-thick, 6-inch square of 100-percent-cotton cheesecloth. Bring up corners; tie closed with clean kitchen string. For meat sauce, in a 4- to 5-quart Dutch oven, cook beef, 2 cups onion and garlic until meat is brown and onion is tender. Drain off fat. Stir in chili powder, cinnamon, cayenne pepper and cardamom. Cook and stir for 1 minute. Stir in broth, drained beans, tomato sauce, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce and salt. Add spice bag. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, covered, for 45 minutes. Simmer, uncovered, about 15 minutes more or until sauce reaches desired consistency. Remove spice bag; discard. To serve, top hot spaghetti with meat sauce. If you like, sprinkle with cheese and additional onion, and serve with oyster crackers. Makes 6 to 8 servings.

CREAMY WINTER CITRUS TART

Citrus is not only packed with bug-chasing Vitamin C, it's also a great pick me up when you're feeling a little low.

CRUST FILLING

• 2 c. activated & dehydrated almonds • 2-1/2 c. soaked cashews

• 1/4 tsp vanilla bean powder • 1/4 tsp sea salt • 1/2 can coconut cream • 3/4 c. coconut nectar • 1/4 tsp vanilla bean powder • 1-1/2 c. Fresh Lemon/Lime Juice • 3/4 c. coconut oil (melted) • 1 cup coconut flour • 1 tbsp lemon zest • 1/4 tsp turmeric • 3/4 to 1 c. dates (stones removed) • 1/2 c. coconut water or almond milk (can vary for consistency)

INSTRUCTIONS: CRUST

Line 10-inch tart pan with baking paper. Lightly spray sides with coconut oil.

Blend nuts, then add other dry ingredients. With food processor going, slowly add dates through feeder tube until crust rises rise up the sides of the bowl, it should look dry but stick together when pressed between thumb and forefinger. Press base into place, it should be sticky but pliable. Cover the base of the pan evenly making sure it sits a little away from the tart creases; i.e., don’t press too tightly or case will break when removed.

FILLING

Add ingredients to a blender (not food processor), except coconut oil and turmeric. Blend till smooth and creamy, slowly add coconut oil. Remove about 1c. of mixture and place in freezer for topping. Add turmeric to the mixture for a slightly yellow tinge. Pour into tart pan being careful not to over fill. Place in freezer for two hours minimum or overnight to set the coconut oil. Store in fridge; make sure it has been out of the freezer a few hours prior to serving.

HOMEMADE HERBAL TEA

TOPPING

Remove topping from freezer and defrost for 2-3 hours. It should still be firm but can whip slightly with a spoon. Using piping bag or other icing device, create rosettes around the diameter of the tart, making your way in until it is all covered. Add optional zest to the top.

Photo: RawAmbition.com

Make a small amount first and adjust the ratio of ingredients to your taste. Store leftovers in an airtight container. If you are using a glass jar, keep away from light. To brew, use about one teaspoon per cup of water, steep 5-10 minutes in boiling water.

MINT AND LAVENDER

Lavender may help with relaxation, and help freshen the breath. Together with mint it creates a delicious and potent tea with relaxing, antimicrobial, antiviral, and antioxidant properties. Blend: (for 2 cups) • 1 spoon of mint • 1/4 spoon of lavender flowers • 1 teaspoon of honey Use about 1 tsp of dry leaves. Bring water to a boil and let it cool for a few minutes. Oversteeped lavender tea may become bitter. You can easily fix this by adding a spoon of honey. Once brewed, you can cool it down and serve with honey and ice as iced tea.

PARTING SHOT

#KindnessIsEasyYall

by Charlotte Kovalchuk • charlotte@lhtxdigest.com photo by Kendra Cofer

John, in front of 600 Degrees with co-workers Joseph Davila and Carey O’Donohue

With winter approaching, the staff at 600 Degrees Pizzeria on the Square in Georgetown began to grow concerned about one of their employees. John was walking to work every day—a 12-mile round trip. They nominated him to receive a free bike from Liberty Hill’s L4 Cares, a nonprofit that serves the military, seniors, and people facing a crisis in many local communities. See story on page 21.

L4 Cares founder, Kendra Cofer, said John’s reaction to his gift awesome. “When he jumped on the bike and began riding it in the street, it was like he was a little kid,” she says. “It was really sweet and neat to see his managers put their arms around him and acknowledge how much they appreciate him. It was nice to know he would make it home in a lot less time that day.”