DECEMBER 2021
IN THIS ISSUE The Biggest Win for Texas | Welcome, Samsung Business Benefactor | Liberty Hill's Jam Man Christmas Cheer | Palace Theatre Sings Loud For All To Hear
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INSIDE
FEATURES 4 WELCOME, SAMSUNG
What the new semiconductor plant means for Williamson County
13 SANTA TO A SENIOR Helping Neighbors in Need
FAVORITES 10
EVERYBODY HAS A STORY Sweet Heat Jam
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HOME & GARDEN New Year's Eve Hacks
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WHAT MAKES TEXAS "TEXAS" Pecans
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KIDS One Family's Entrepreneurial Holiday Spirit
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BELLE CHIMES IN A Ted Lasso Christmas
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WORTH THE DRIVE Elf: The Musical at Georgetown's Palace Theatre
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FOOD Holiday Entertaining... Just in the (Saint) Nick of Time
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PARTING SHOT Holiday Spirit at the Liberty Hill Fire Department
ON THE COVER Kyson Stracener at the 2020 Santa Pop-up event.
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WELCOME, SAMSUNG
Information, impacts, and exclusive insights to the largest economic development deal in Texas history that is still the talk of international business news. (Rendering credit: Samsung)
18 TEXAS PECANS
Not just great in pie... (photo courtesy Will McCoy)
Photo by Tammy Montgomery
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Liberty Hill digest
Published by Fidelis Publishing Group, LLC
PUBLISHER
EXECUTIVE EDITOR Ann Marie Kennon
Cathy Payne
COMMUNITY EDITOR
Megan Diane Beatty
Megan, a mom of two, has been a part of the Liberty Hill community for 11 years. Originally trained as a nurse, today, she channels her passion to help others into throwing birthday parties for kids battling cancer. Megan’s other passion is running, and that same zest for life flows into her writing and sharing the inspiring stories of Liberty Hill. SENIOR WRITER Charlotte Kovalchuk CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Cassidie Cox • Greta Bauer GRAPHICS & DESIGN Sandra Evans • Ann Marie Kennon CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Todd White • Megan Diane Beatty SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR • Jenny Campbell ACCOUNT SERVICES • Debbie Tolliver DISTRIBUTION • David Schumacher IT/WEBMASTER • Jesse Payne CONSULTANT • W. Ben Daniel
EDITOR’S NOTE | MEGAN DIANE BEATTY Dear Readers, Welcome to the merriest month of the year! It also happens to be my birthday month. People are always asking me how I feel about having a birthday so close to Christmas and, honestly, I feel honored to share a birthday month with our Savior. Every year, my birthday wish is to spend the day driving around Liberty Hill, blaring Christmas music with hot cocoa and decorated sugar cookies, while searching for the best lit houses. Naturally, our town never disappoints! Last month I had the pleasure of meeting the Jam Man, Nolan. He invited me into his commercial kitchen and I got to watch jelly magic happen. I left with a jar of Holiday Heat jam that I used to smother a bacon-wrapped pork loin for Thanksgiving. Everyone loved it so much we are going to get more for our Christmas dinner! Attention, all pecan lovers and all non-pecan lovers! Lorraine made a pecan cake recipe that is so good, it's converting pecan skeptics all over the nation. Flipping through the magazine you can find out where you can find these Texas-shaped treats, too. Holiday around the Hill did not disappoint. I found a ton of Christmas gifts around town and absolutely love my new pocket tee and sign from The Wildflower Republic. It feels so good to support local businesses! Merry Christmas, Liberty Hill!
ADVERTISING Jenny Campbell 254-251-9167 (Cell) 512-598-6538 (Direct) jenny@lhtxdigest.com
Liberty Hill Digest is a Fidelis Publishing Group, LLC publication. Copyright © 2021 All rights reserved. Liberty Hill Digest is published monthly and mailed USPS, free of charge, to homes and businesses in Liberty Hill, TX zip codes. Mail may be sent to Liberty Hill Digest, P.O. Box 213, Jarrell, TX 76537.
Email: info@lhtxdigest.com
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P.S. Within and among our other seasonal features, please take note of some special holiday "Facts to Blow Your Mind" that appear here and there. We invite readers and kids to play a letter search game and let us know if you found all the Santa Hats (hint: there are 6), and what word the letters make. Please DM your guess to us on Facebook (don't want to give it away in a feed!) and we will draw one name at random to win a $50 gift card to Mighty Fine burgers.
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Everything IS Bigger in Texas
Ann Marie Kennon annmarie@georgetownview.com
THE LARGEST ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEAL IN LONE STAR HISTORY
At the Table with Samsung by Ann Marie Kennon · annmarie@lhtxdigest.com
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hen Williamson County Judge Bill Gravell met with BGR Group corporate consultant Jerry Strickland last January to discuss pandemic testing and vaccinations, he made a connection that would impact Williamson County for generations. BGR Group represents multiple large corporations and he later called to ask the Judge if the County would be interested in making a pitch for a $17 billion project.
Aerial view of Samsung's north Austin plant (credit: Samsung)
JUST HOW BIG IS IT?
The Samsung Taylor plant will have “He gave me 36 hours to respond,” Judge 6,000,000 square feet of floor space. For comparison, the Austin Gravell says. “I sent out emails with details Amazon Distribution site, Tesla Giga, and Austin Apple headquarters about the company, and received affirmative —together—would fit inside five times. responses from Leander and Taylor. While Taylor is now receiving international attention The Judge explains, like everything from home as the awardee, I am incredibly proud that construction to military bases, access to water in Central Leander was one of the top six locations in the world.” Texas is something city and county leaders must ensure He notes Leander did not go further only because during negotiations at every level. “We couldn’t take Samsung had larger requirements for land to create a away from our existing water supplies here. We knew we significant space buffer at the site. had to be innovative and creative.”
Partnerships
While Judge Gravell was the point man, the scaled agreements are the product of work and cooperation by people and agencies at all levels. Much work and commitment was provided by the City of Taylor, Taylor ISD, Williamson County, the State of Texas, and the Federal Government. There is also a utilities partnership with EPCOR, a Canadian company that provides clean water and energy to communities in Canada and the United States. 4
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To facilitate the need, Williamson County’s negotiating team brokered the meeting between Samsung and EPCOR, which will funnel millions of gallons of water into Williamson County from adjacent Milam County. “EPCOR will be bringing in water from an alternate water site that won’t take away from our residents,” the Judge says. He is also pleased that the benefit to Williamson County will be two-fold; “Not only will we have tax revenue from Samsung, and water for generations, EPCOR will be paying the tax on the half-billion-dollar infrastructure that will bring the water from that alternative source.”
SAMSUNG IS THE LARGEST-EVER ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION PROJECT IN THE STATE OF TEXAS, AND THE LARGEST FOREIGN-BORN IN THE NATION. “EVEN MORE THAN JOBS AND TAXES, THE HOUSING, ANCILLARY RETAIL, AND SERVICE BOOMS HAVE ALREADY BEGUN." ~JUDGE BILL GRAVELL
Additionally, in support of the project, the Texas Department of Transportation has pledged $67 million for construction and upgrades to local roads.
“Seismic” Economic Impact + Year 4*
Samsung’s taxes in Year 4 will be paid to Williamson County, the City of Taylor, and Taylor ISD. Taylor Mayor Brandt Rydell’s team also negotiated $300,000 in philanthropic donations to the City of Taylor, per year, for the next 30 years, for a total of $9 million in gifts to benefit education across the board.
YEAR 4 OF THE AGREEMENT IS SIGNIFICANT A S I T I S T H E E X P E C T E D D AT E O F T H E R I B B O N C U T T I N G — M A N U FA C T U R I N G W I L L B E G I N , AND SAMSUNG WILL BEGIN EARNING R E V E N U E A N D PAY I N G TA X E S In the meantime, he anticipates the construction force to peak at 12,000 workers and, in Year 4, Samsung will hire 1,800 direct employees earning $65,000 and up for technical and administrative positions. He says, “I expect very high employment numbers even after the facility opens; their plant in Austin has between 3,000 and 6,000 daily contractors. While their production process is nearly fully automated, it is running 24/7 so there are people providing everything from machine and HVAC maintenance to cleaning and landscaping.”
“ T H I S AG R E E M E N T I S A W I N F O R W I L L I A M S O N CO U N T Y B E C AU S E I T I S P E R F O R M A N C E - B A S E D. W I L L I A M S O N CO U N T Y F I R S T CO L L E C T S A L L TAX E S O N T H E A S S E S S E D VA LU E O F T H E CO M PA N Y A N D D O E S N OT G R A N T B AC K A N Y F U N D S U N T I L P E R F O R M A N C E M E A S U R E S H AV E B E E N M E T. T H I S A L LO W S U S TO B E CO M P E T I T I V E I N R E C R U I T I N G L A R G E CO M PA N I E S W H I L E H O L D I N G T H E M ACCO U N TA B L E TO T H E I R P R O M I S E S .” ~ P C T 4 CO M M I S S I O N E R R U S S B O L E S
photo courtesy Bill Gravell
The Taylor plant will produce the most advanced semiconductors in the world but, today, what those will be is unknown. Judge Gravell explains, “This type of technology grows and changes so quickly that the only thing the Samsung folks know is that they will be building semiconductors. Their current factory replaces $100200 million in equipment every year to keep up with evolving science and development. As such, specifics of design and capability will change many times before construction is complete in 2024 so even the machines that will build the semiconductors have not been built yet.”
Williamson County Judge Bill Gravell, Taylor ISD Superintendent Dr. Devin Padavil, Taylor City Manager Brian LaBorde, Taylor Mayor Brandt Rydell
Aside from the potential tax benefits, Taylor Superintendent Dr. Devin Padavil is encouraged by Samsung’s public assurance that they will significantly invest time and resources into the ISD. “Taylor ISD and Taylor, Texas are honored and proud to be selected as the home for the new Samsung Semiconductor Plant in North America. Our partnership with Samsung will provide us an opportunity to transform the lives of our students through learning opportunities, internships, resources, and financial support. We are preparing our children to contribute and compete in a global society and, in many ways, Samsung is bringing a global society to them.” Judge Gravell adds, “I voted in favor of this agreement primarily because of the opportunities it will give to the students in Taylor schools. In addition to the more than $245 million estimated tax revenue the school district will collect, Samsung will hire 24 paid interns. This will give them opportunities with an international company that would not have otherwise been possible.” D E C E M B E R 2 0 21 L I B E R T Y H I L L D I G E S T
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SAMSUNG photo courtesy Bill Gravell
Samsung’s tax payments—in year 4— will be twice as much as the top ten largest tax-paying companies in Williamson County, combined. Local and Regional Impact Mark Thomas, president and CEO of the Taylor Economic Development Corporation says, “A $17 billion investment would have an impact on a very large community. The impact on a community with 20,000 residents is unprecedented. The world has heard about this already and we’re seeing inquiries increase. It put Taylor on the map. High-tech companies will ask, ‘If the largest high-tech company can come here, why can’t we?’ It will open the door for that.” Judge Gravell says, "Williamson County has again proven to be a leader in attracting the world's top technology companies. To Samsung, I want to say 'Welcome home.' We want to thank Governor Abbott for his amazing leadership and help on this project. With the addition of Samsung on the east side of our county, Apple on the west side, and Dell Computers World headquarters in the center, Williamson County is now home to the technology superhighway of the world."
Thoughts on Negotiations
He reflects on these and other extraordinary circumstances during his first four years as Judge. He believes it might make sense to write a book about it; not just about the biggest deal in American history with foreign investment, but a guide to landing it. “A global pandemic, Texas’ worst snowstorm, the largest deal ever, and a new multi-million dollar children’s hospital. God only puts us in those places that give us the experience to get through to the next thing.”
photo courtesy Bill Gravell
Judge Gravell recalls being exhausted at the end of negotiations every day. “It was stressful and very complicated; I went home many nights thinking it would never happen.”
He frequently quotes JFK, who said A rising tide lifts all boats, but says of Samsung, “This is a controlled tsunami. It is a legacy not likely to be topped and I am still wondering how we got here. I’ve never worked so hard in my life as I have in the last nine months. I don’t believe I’m arrogant but I am pretty proud that my grandchildren will pass by the Samsung site and say ‘My Pawpaw helped bring this to Williamson County.’”
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SAMSUNG
by Ann Marie Kennon annmarie@lhtxdigest.com
What if...? The Judge frequently asks others to consider the scene at empty car dealerships as an example of the means by which China may be able to control our economy. Providing fewer chips will prevent manufacturers from completing production on many products Americans take for granted, which will handicap our GDP and widen the nation’s global trade gaps.
Key to National Security
The concentration of fabrication facilities in East Asia creates supply chain risks. Trade disputes, military conflicts, or other disruptions in the region could significantly affect U.S. access to semiconductors.
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n 1990, China had no chip manufacturing capabilities. Today, their government is excessively subsidizing semiconductor production, putting them on track to be the global leader in chip manufacturing by 2030. This trend makes increasing U.S. production of semiconductors critical to our own national security. In March 2021, the National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence found: After decades leading the microelectronics industry, the United States will soon source roughly 90 percent of all high-volume, leading-edge integrated-circuit production from countries in East Asia. This means the United States is almost entirely reliant on foreign sources for production of the cutting-edge semiconductors critical for defense systems and industry more broadly, leaving the U.S. supply chain vulnerable to disruption by foreign government action or natural disaster. (Source: NSCAI.gov) Fortunately, Senator John Cornyn and others in the Senate are working, with
bipartisan support, on the CHIPS for America Act, which will boost domestic manufacturing and lower the risk of supply chain interruption or corruption. Proactively, the American Foundries Act will provide grants and economic development incentives for research and development. The fortification to be gained from these bills led to their inclusion in the FY 2021 National Defense Authorization Act.
“Consider how reliant we are on technology and the Internet,” the Judge says. “Our business environment, health care, communication, and education are critically dependent on devices. Samsung is from South Korea—a friendly nation—and we must consider the electronic brains in our cell phones also go into our tanks and planes. Those we purchase from China may be made to be hackable. Perhaps they will be programmed with malware and designed to fail at critical times, leaving our businesses dark, unplugged, and forcing us to send ever-increasing revenues overseas.”
Unified Support
Why it Matters Williamson County Judge Bill Gravell says, “National security is the number one reason to support this project. Semiconductors are the brain of every electrical device; from your thermostat to your pacemaker to our stealth bombers. We should not have to depend on countries we don’t trust to produce things we use to protect ourselves. Further, when the next pandemic or ice storm occurs, I want the things we depend on for survival to be made in the USA—I want the most advanced semiconductors in the world to be made in our backyard.”
Given all factors, it is significant that the partners in the Samsung agreement are not just in Taylor. Judge Gravell adds, “This isn’t fighting to bring a new car or furniture manufacturer to America. This goes all the way to the White House and is being aggressively pursued by both parties. In Williamson County, we are twice fortunate— prosperous and protected—that Samsung will be here.”
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by Megan Diane Beatty • megan@lhtxdigest.com photos courtesy Christine Stilwell
We are Jam-i-ly
CELEBRATING LIBERTY HILL'S JELLY MAN
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hen you walk into Life Church in Leander, the provocative aroma of fresh fruit and peppers fills your nose and a cheerfully sung “We. Are. Jam-i-ly!” bursts from the church's kitchen. Nolan Stilwell, the Jam Man, and his team are stirring up their seasonal Holiday Heat jam—a unique and enticing flavor combination of cranberries, jalapenos, and citrus. Nolan founded Sweet Heat Jam after he graduated high school in Katy, TX. He is a culinary artist, young entrepreneur, avid gardener, and native Texan who happens to have Down syndrome.
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THE BEGINNING In 2011, Nolan’s mother Christine was a grant writer for ARTreach, a nonprofit organization offering programs that promote social skills development, education, and life skills for individuals with special needs. She approached her executive director and pointed out; “We have programs for visual arts and performing arts, but we have nothing for culinary arts. There is a niche of young adults with special needs, who have good skill sets that only require a nurturing environment.” After receiving a grant to create the program and reaching out to other families, Christine's new program became so successful that it grew legs of its own—Sweet Heat Jam was born.
EVERYBODY HAS A STORY says, “Just like Noah needed a flood to get him to where God wanted him to be, a flood took us out of our comfort environment and led us to Fellowship Church in Liberty Hill." Sweet Heat Jam soon outgrew their kitchen at Fellowship and landed at Life Church in Leander. Christine says, "The support from both churches has been incredible. Not only do Nolan and his special needs team have the church's kitchen, they have their love and prayers too. We make a mess in their kitchen and they simply say, 'Is there anything else we can do for you?'”
TO LIBERTY HILL In 2017, Hurricane Harvey flooded the Stilwell's home in Katy. They lost everything and decided to move to Williamson County. While they were still unsure how to pick up the pieces, fate stepped in. The Stilwells received financial assistance from H-E-B to purchase produce, Imperial Sugar provided their sugar, and Fellowship Church allowed them use of their commercial kitchen. Christine
like God was smiling on me, saying, ‘Christine, you have such tunnel vision. You need to see what I have planned.’" The Stilwells brought him in to work with the food processor after his occupational therapist made him a special button to push. She continues, "The sound of the food processor brought a smile to his face like you would not believe. He was a part of the team and he taught Randy and me that we can make any change to include anyone who wants to be here." Nolan calls the company a ministry. “I love to train people. It’s in my heart.”
JAMMING
BE PART OF IT
Each special needs team member rotates around the kitchen performing various jobs; peeling apples, cutting strawberries, chopping peppers, canning and labeling properly, ordering inventory, and washing dishes. “The outcome is a beautiful team that works so cohesively together,” explains Christine.
Author's note: When I asked the team how readers could help them, they responded with an enthusiastic and synchronized, “Buy our jam!” The program is also always looking for volunteers to mentor and oversee the staff.
Nearby is Nolan’s father, Randy, a retired geologist and a Special Olympics coach who volunteers full-time as a mentor. He goes by Coach in the kitchen too and says, “These young adults need someone with a heart. It can’t just be a job. I am a mentor and it has been such a blessing for me. Seeing what this means to Nolan makes me so proud. When we are not in the kitchen he is wondering when we are going back and he always wants to know the night before we go who his team will be.”
Scan the code (left) for online ordering and a list of local retailers, including HEB and Blue Door Gift Store in Liberty Hill.
One of Christine and Randy’s favorite memories is of a young man from Liberty Hill who wanted to work at Sweet Heat but he could not stand and did not have good vision. Christine recalls, “Right away I thought, I don’t know what to do. But I felt D E C E M B E R 2 0 21 L I B E R T Y H I L L D I G E S T
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COMMUNITY
by Cassidie Cox
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he holidays are fast approaching, and the Liberty Hill Digest sat down with Lacey and Tyson Murphy, local Home Instead franchise owners, to talk about helping the entire community celebrate Liberty Hill's generosity. Lacey and Tyson have been part of the Home Instead network of local caregivers for more than ten years. Every year, they participate in Home Instead's seasonal Be Santa to a Senior. This program provides gifts to seniors in nursing homes who might not otherwise receive any. The process is very simple. Lacey says, "I am very excited that, with Amazon's help, everyone can shop for a stranger, on their device, from anywhere. And the gifts are still wrapped and delivered locally."
MAKE YOUR LIST To participate, scan the code and enter a local zip code. Seniors' first names and last initials will appear, and each has a wish list from which you can choose their items and preferred sizes and colors. The names that appear on the website are individuals who live in or visit care facilities in Williamson County. Lacey says, “Our clients live in their own homes but, at the holidays, we receive names from resident facilities and activity directors in our area. Those seniors usually ask for things like sweats, pajamas, a calendar, a large-print novel...nothing really big.” Every senior was invited to create a personalized gift list; an easy vehicle for everyone in the community to
photo credit: HomeInstead.com
"Be Santa to a Senior" give back in a fun way. Lacey hopes the new process will enable her to provide gifts to more than 200 seniors. Participating agencies include Trinity Care Center, Riverside Nursing Center, and AGE Thrive Social & Wellness Centers.
MAKE IT COMMUNITY Buying the gifts isn’t the end of the journey to celebrate the holidays with these seniors. Once packages are received at Home Instead, partners pass on the presents to local elementary school students for some creative gift wrapping. All the little elves get together with staff for a wrapping party, then the unique holiday packages are given over to capable hands who pass them out to the nursing homes and activity centers. “We love doing it every year,” Lacey says. “Last year, even in a pandemic, we distributed a bar-raising 1,200 gifts." She is extremely proud to report numbers like these are what strengthen her belief in the passion the Liberty Hill community shows to help people in need.
MAKE IT YOURS Be Santa to a Senior is a national program so any zip code will allow you to help a senior in your home town, or share the website with long-distance relatives who would like to help someone locally. "With just a few minutes, from anywhere, you can bless someone in your community," Lacey says. She believes the need to stay local is just as important to this organization as it is to everyone. "Many of [the seniors] grew up in this area, and we understand that these really are local people living in these facilities. It doesn’t matter where they live now, they’re likely to be from within a 20-mile radius,” Lacey says. She adds, "If everybody in the community is going to celebrate, it takes us all to give, and spread joy a little further than normal this year."
Denny’s, known for its “always open” motto, decided to give employees the day off in 1988. The only problem was 700 of the franchise’s then-1,221 locations had no locks per the policy. Thankfully, corporate was able to come through with last-minute installations.
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HOME & GARDEN
by Ann Marie Kennon • annmarie@lhtxdigest.com
New Year's Eve Hacks My favorite New Year’s Eve hack? Noise canceling headphones, because I go to bed at 10pm. But, if you’re more fun than I am, you’re likely either planning a rockin’ party and looking for tips, or you can’t wait to have a few friends over for wine and football, or you’ve not planned anything yet, and we are going to talk you into it. If you want to have a fabulous party but don’t want to stay up late, make it a “London 2022” event and ring in the New Year at 6pm. You can stream or download archived celebrations from around the world at EarthCam.com and time them for any hour. Ask your party guests to bring 2022 calendars and have a swap meet. For extra kicks, make sure they fill in important birthdays or notes so everyone will remember your party all year. Year-round hack for the ladies: If you know you are a diva in those 4-inch heels but don’t look forward to the pain of dancing on them for hours, tape your third and fourth toes together. These two toes share a nerve that can become strained when the toes are separated, which can happen when you’re pushing on them for a while. If your shoes are open-toe, you can use clear medical tape, or zazz it up with coordinating colors of duct tape to extend the fun, or be less sore in the morning. Keep your dishes warm on the buffet even if you don’t have fancy chafing dishes and Sterno. Wrap a brick in a few layers of aluminum foil, put in a 200° oven for 20 minutes, and put your dishes on top.
If Santa visited 640 million homes every Christmas Eve, he would consume 150 billion calories. If you lived on a 2,000calorie-per-day diet, you would have to live approximately 205,480 years to match that.
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It’s Texas, so New Year’s Eve is likely to be not-cold. Use frozen grapes to keep white wine chilled. To freeze grapes, rinse and dry them. Spread them out on something flat so they aren’t touching. Put them in your freezer for four to five hours—they start to lose flavor after that. If you can’t find the corkscrew for your wine, twist a household screw into the center, slide between the tines of a dinner fork—face up—and press down against the bottle’s lip for leverage. Don’t forget to create a few signature “mocktails” for designated drivers. Red Solo Cups... they’re not just *in* a song, they also make great amplifiers to hear music. Drop your phone in one (make sure it’s empty!) for a great sound boost. Look cool... make sure you call the little wire cage around the top of the champagne bottle a “muselet”. That’s it’s real name. When it’s time for cleanup, vacuum up 2-3 teaspoons of cinnamon first. The heat from the motor will leave a nice aroma behind when you’re done. While we’re on pretty smells, dump whole coffee beans in a large bowl and partially bury tea light candles in the top. Light and enjoy for a lot less cost than jar candles.
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WHAT MAKES TEXAS “TEXAS”?
Pecans
by Ann Marie Kennon and Megan Diane Beatty
T
here is good reason the pecan is the official tree of Texas. While trade records tell us pecans have been exported from the state since before the Civil War, there is also archaeological evidence the tree has been growing in Texas regions since prehistoric times. Today, it is native to more than half of Texas counties, including most of the river valleys, and it is the only commercially grown nut in the state. Plus, its leaves and coverage make it a wonderfully preferred shade tree in the Texas heat.
SOME HISTORY For a long time, the pecan tree was not duly honored for its fruit and con-
tributions because most were cut down to make room for more valuable cotton crops. On the plus side of that razing, pecan wood was handy for making farming tools and wagons. But, by 1904, when the state was in danger of losing them all together, the nut trade made a significant comeback and quickly became one of the leading money crops. That comeback grew to the point that the Texas Legislature declared the pecan the state tree twice; in 1919 and 1927. In the years after, and fortunately for pecan growers, trees did not know they were in a Great Depression and Texas’ annual crops weighed in the tens of millions of pounds. With all that product,
Pecan trees produce nuts on alternate bearing years; one heavy, one light.
H E Y, N E W T E X A N S , T H I S I S I M P O R TA N T... T H I S I S A P ’ K A H N ... T H I S I S A P E A - C A N .
The trees can live to be over 200 years old. One ounce of pecans provides 10 percent of your daily fiber intake. The pecan is heart healthy and contains antioxidants, 19 vitamins and minerals and healthy fat. One of the mineral components is zinc, which is important in producing testosterone in both males and females. You can enjoy up to 200 of these beauties in a single pie.
growers and shelling companies in some of the more prolific cities and counties were able to keep as many as 15,000 people employed at any given time. By 1945, Texas was producing about 30 percent of the nation's crop. While, prior to 1900, commercial shellers used railroad spikes to crack the shells and needles to pick out the meat, mechanization allowed growers to keep up with rising demand across the country. The result was as much as 75 percent of Texas' annual crop being exported north and east to satisfy a growing number of shelling and candy companies. In the 1960s, growers had begun expanding into more counties, creating new varieties, using greater mechanical devices, and the state was up to 1.8 million trees. This led to a boom in commercial planting in the 1970s and state production began edging toward 100 million pounds annually.
TODAY While Texas has slid to the #2 spot behind Georgia in total numbers, gathering pecans is still a major enterprise for many in the Lone Star State. At its simplest (and most fun) level, families bring buckets and pick up pecans around Georgetown or perhaps in their own yards. Commercially, they are collected by the millions by mechanical shakers or spread sheets under the trees to catch them.
Tucked away in the Bertram Library since 2016 is a little gem known as Texas Pecan Cakes, owned by Will and Bridget McCoy. Library visitors may not see it right away but they need only follow the sweet aroma of toasted pecans to find it. The namesake cakes are made from an original recipe created by Will's mom, the late Lorraine McCoy, who owned a bakery in Refugio, TX in the 1970s. She challenged herself to make a pecan dessert Will would actually eat during the holidays, and would also replace the traditional holiday fruit cake that no one ate. Will explains, “I loved pecans but I didn’t like them in pie or any other baked goods. Still, Mom was a great baker—if it went into the oven she could make it. People would always buy fruit cakes but they wouldn’t eat them. She couldn’t stand for her cakes not to be eaten so she created this recipe, and there was never a crumb left.” Lorraine's cakes have always been in high demand at rodeos, festivals, and at Will and Bridget McCoy’s bakery in Bertram. The couple are also proud to have won H-EB’s Quest for the Texas Best competition, but Bridget wants to make sure Lorraine gets all the glory for being the brains behind the award-winning cake. Liberty Hill pecan fans are fortunate to live close to the bakery, but the McCoys also sell plenty of cakes online—all thanks to Lorraine, whose baking legacy continues to add to the list of dessert lovers who are nuts about Texas.
All for a taste of Texas' favorite dessert flavor...
Bridget, Lorraine, and Will in 2016 D E C E M B E R 2 0 21 L I B E R T Y H I L L D I G E S T
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KIDS
photo and story adaptation from Emily Kane
Sharing the Entrepreneurial Spirit of Christmas
W
hile many mothers and sons might be making lists and shopping, Emily Kane and her 9-year-old son Alexander, are spending the holiday season making and selling Baby Jesus Christmas ornaments. "Alexander has a strong entrepreneurial spirit," Emily says. "He also has the personality of a kind salesman and we often talk about big brain ideas to earn money." Alexander enjoys earning money from doing chores and odd jobs and already has a bank account he looks forward to growing. The mother and son team was inspired by their time spent in Germany; a country known, among other things, for extravagant Christmas markets and ornaments. Emily explains, "Many of their ornaments were simple in design so Alexander and I thought we could make them ourselves. It helps me remember our time overseas and is helping Alexander develop his work ethic. Plus, I get to bond with my child, and we get to learn together."
GETTING CREATIVE After a difficult (and painful) first day with the hot glue gun, Alexander showed his mettle and began working—with caution—on his own the next morning. He mastered his technique and he and his mom have been working hard on production; eager to sell and gift their ornaments to friends and family.
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MAKE YOUR OWN While the plan is to help Alexander earn some money for his bank account, Emily is sharing the steps for moms and dads and kids who want to enjoy the same quality time. Collect and prepare acorn caps from a Bur Oak tree. These very large acorns have a beautiful straw-like rim around the caps. This is where having several children comes in handy.
Glue a wooden bead (about 12mm) to a piece of white felt or fabric and fold or wrap the fabric to make the shape of a swaddled baby.
Wash acorns in soapy water to remove bugs and debris. Separate the caps from the acorns and discard the acorns. Bake the caps on a foil-covered baking sheet for three hours at 200°F. After they are completely cooled, coat the caps in a layer of clear spray paint. Glue a loop of decorative string or ribbon to the inside rim of the cap for hanging.
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Glue the baby into the cap, making sure to glue the fabric in place. Once the glue cools, your ornament is ready to be hung.
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A Ted Lasso Christmas I
recently started watching Apple TV’s Ted Lasso and I don’t typically promote stuff, but I am a word person. I love how the characters sometimes create one-liners that require a bit of thought, however goofy. For instance, if you live in England and you get fired, you might put your footwear in the trunk of your car when you pack up your office. In other words, you got the boot so you put your boots in the boot. So… just for fun, here are some Christmas Lassos. When Santa Claus calls to see if you need more chips for your party, it’s a Kringle jingle for a Pringles mingle. On Christmas Eve, when you’re running around getting last-minute gifts and you get into an argument with your driver, it’s a swift gift Lyft rift. If your canine pet left a mess on the floor because he knocked over and drank your Christmas drink, you’ll be cleaning up a dog nog log. Realizing that trimming your cheerful robot with a green garland was a mistake is a jolly Wall-e holly folly. When you really want to spontaneously swat a person who doesn't like Christmas, you're making a Grinch flinch an inch in a pinch. Your friend in Georgia who enjoys orange soda and volunteering at the mall is an Atlanta Fanta Santa. When your cat is enjoying the scent of the perfume you spilled on her, the myrrh on her fur sure made her purr.
If your mom wants you to add more silver icicles to your holiday greenery you need tinselmo' the mistletoe. When the street market guide says you can buy decorations from the man in the booth with all the wind damage, they are in the gent’s bent Advent ornament tent. My brother, who agrees Die Hard is the best Christmas movie ever, and invites me to his house to drink his brewed beer while we watch the movie will throw me a homey foamy and show me Nakatomi. When the former President decided to go to a holiday singles party, it was Nixon fixin' to do some Vixen mixin'. Santa's wife was annoyed when the manicurist wouldn't affix her sharp fingernails until after Christmas, citing the Claus claws pause laws clause that she do nothing to scare children during the busy season. My friend was trying to flirt with the sales guy to get a discount on a BB-gun for her son but the insider Red Ryder provider denied her. When you are concerned for the safety of the kooky man who guards the Nativity scene in a national park, you are aware of the stranger manger Ranger danger. Yes, Belle knows your eyes are rolling but I really had fun doing them. Feel free to send your own Lassos to us and have a wonderful, blessed Christmas season!
A TOILET BRUSH CHRISTMAS Artificial Christmas trees first appeared in America during the late 19th century. These early trees did not resemble live pine trees; they were made of metal wires covered in dyed-green feathers. In the 1930s, the Addis Brush Company, an American toilet bowl brush manufacturer created the first brush artificial tree. This tree was actually manufactured using the same equipment as the company’s toilet brushes. The introduction of these trees increased the popularity of the artificial tree. (Patentplaques.com)
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WORTH THE DRIVE
by Charlotte Kovalchuk • charlotte@lhtxdigest.com photos by Todd White
Palace Spreading Christmas Cheer "Elf: The Musical" Now Playing
“ T H E R E I S J U S T S O M E T H I N G S O M A G I C A L A B O U T C H R I S T M A S S H O W S . I T ’ S M Y FAV O R I T E T I M E O F T H E Y E A R , A N D I T E V O K E S S U C H F E E L I N G S O F N O S TA LG I A A N D H A P P I N E S S .” ~ S T E P H E N Q U I N N , B U D DY ’ S FAT H E R WA LT E R H O B B S
THE CHARACTERS
D
ecked out in an elf hat, Grinch sweater, and pointy green shoes during Georgetown's Palace Theatre opening night of Elf: The Musical, attendee John Sterling reminisced about many childhood Christmases that revolved around the already-classic 2003 movie. “It was a family tradition,” he says. “We would watch different holiday movies on Christmas morning, but Elf was the staple. Getting to see it as an adult brings back much-needed Christmas wonder.” “A hoot and a holler,” is how John describes Elf: The Musical, in which a young orphan named Buddy mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of toys and ends up being raised as an elf at the North Pole. When he discovers the truth of his identity, he embarks on a quest to find his birth father in New York City. Realizing his father is on the naughty list and his stepbrother doesn’t even believe in Santa, Buddy becomes determined to win over his new family and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas.
Full of Christmas spirit and energy on and off the stage, actor Nick Xitco found Buddy’s character to be the perfect fit. “I’ve always loved Christmas and the holidays since I was a little kid,” he says. “Playing Buddy has been such a joy. Anyone who knows me knows I’m full of whimsical energy just about all the time, so it’s been pretty easy to channel that energy into a character who basically is that.” An equally energetic audience made the performance rewarding for Nick and the rest of the cast. “I think my favorite part was them clapping and cheering along to the overture and some of the other numbers. It gives us so much energy on stage, which we try to give right back to them!” he says. “That was a huge encouragement after all the work we have put in. We finally shared what we created and saw the happiness it brought,” adds Lisa Harper, who plays Buddy’s stepmother, Emily Hobbs. Lisa says getting to do the show with her daughters, Lucy and Ella Grace, was an early Christmas gift. Lucy works backstage and Ella Grace plays Buddy's love interest, Jovie.
Palace Theatre 810 S Austin Ave, Georgetown •
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WORTH THE DRIVE
IN THE DIRECTOR'S CHAIR For Richard Cerato, directing and choreographing such a joyous, festive musical was an exciting adventure. “I’ve never laughed more during a rehearsal process than with Elf. We workshopped many brand-new additions to the musical, including fun sight gags, slick tap choreography, and larger-than-life props. This production is completely unique from any other, all the while paying tribute to the source material Elf film and honoring the iconic hero’s journey as we follow Buddy from the North Pole to midtown Manhattan,” he says.
“ I A B S O LU T E LY LO V E W O R K I N G O N T H I S S H O W, B E C AU S E E V E N T H O U G H I T ’ S H I L A R I O U S , F U N , A N D E N T E R TA I N I N G , I T A L S O H A S S O M E R E A L LY I M P O R TA N T M E S S A G E S A B O U T FA M I LY A N D LO V E .” – ELLA GRACE HARPER, JOVIE
As for why people should see Elf, Richard says, “Our Elf is overflowing with holiday magic. You’ll have to come and see it for yourself! We’ve had a ball in rehearsals. Now we’re excited to share the gift of Elf with our community!”
ELF: THE MUSICAL RUNS THROUGH DECEMBER 30 AT THE PALACE THEATRE TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE AT GEORGETOWNPALACE.COM.
"I ABSOLUTELY LOVE WORKING ON THIS SHOW, BECAUSE E VEN THOUGH IT ’S HILARIOUS, FUN, AND ENTER TAINING, IT ALSO HAS SOME REALLY IMPOR TANT MESSAGES ABOUT FAMILY AND LOVE." ~ELLA GRACE HARPER (JOVIE) D E C E M B E R 2 0 21 L I B E R T Y H I L L D I G E ST
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FOOD
Holiday Entertaining... Just in the (Saint) Nick of Time! THE NIGHT BEFORE?
The holidays mean parties, get-togethers, and gatherings of all kinds. This month, we’re sharing some ideas that will get you fivestar reviews whether you have plenty of time to prepare,or just whipping something up quickly for hungry revelers.
CRANBERRY FETA PINWHEELS Not only are they pretty and look festive with the reds and greens, they’re great because you can prep them up to 24 hours ahead of time, making them the perfect holiday snack or appetizer. (Prep time 10 minutes)
INGREDIENTS 8 oz cream cheese , softened 1 cup crumbled feta cheese 1/3 cup chives , chopped 1 1/2 cups dried cranberries 4 flour tortillas (10 inch) Place cream cheese in a small bowl and beat until fluffy. Add in remaining ingredients (except tortillas) and mix well. Spread the mixture evenly over the 4 tortillas. Roll each tortilla in plastic wrap and refrigerate until time to eat. When ready to serve, cut into slices.
GUESTS COMING LATER TODAY?
BUTTERMILK SAUSAGE BALLS One of Betty Crocker’s most-requested recipes, quick and easy to prepare, and a hands-down favorite with hungry family members and party guests alike. These can be frozen—before or after cooking—for a snack any time. (Prepped and ready in 40 minutes)
INGREDIENTS � 3 cups baking mix (Bisquick™ or similar) � 16 ounces shredded cheddar cheese � 1/2 cup milk � 1 pound uncooked pork sausage (any flavor) at room temperature Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a baking sheet. Mix baking mix, cheddar cheese, milk, and sausage together in a bowl. Roll mixture into golf ball-sized balls (about 1 inch) ; arrange balls on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven until meatballs are no longer pink in the middle and browned on the outside, 25 to 30 minutes. You can also mix things up with rosemary, parsley, scallions, or any of your favorite spices... top it off with Parmesan, pesto or ranch for dipping.
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FAMILY PULLING IN THE DRIVEWAY?
10-MINUTE CHOCOLATE PIE
Party Tips
INGREDIENTS 8 oz chocolate chips
Write Out the Full Menu
18 large marshmallows (cut up) 1/2 cup milk 9 oz cool whip (thawed) chocolate no-bake pie crust Melt chocolate chips, marshmallows, and milk in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth. Allow to cool to room temperature. Fold in cool whip. Pour into pie shell and refrigerate until ready to serve. Top with additional whipped topping and chocolate chips.
Write Out Your Task List for the Day Of...
READY ALL THE TIME
DIY SNACK BAR This one requires a little planning, but will allow you to be ready for guests on a moment’s notice. If you have an old bookcase or shelf, it’s time to put some contact paper on it or freshen it up with some paint. Keep the menu simple and to the point. Creating a snack bar theme lets you focus on traditional basics — popcorn and chips to candy and soda. For a hearty add-on that’s budget-friendly, keep some hot dogs on ice just in case. Some of the most popular concession-style snacks include candy and popcorn; you can find theater-style candy at a dollar store. Keep a large bag or tin of popcorn handy and clear plastic cups for individual servings. Use plastic serving trays to serve them on and to make a more distinct look on your party table. These ideas would be perfect for holiday drop-ins, New Year’s, Superbowl, or family movie night any time!
The candy cane’s shape, while handy for hanging on trees and other holiday décor, was actually a “J” for Jesus. The red stripes symbolize his blood.
Include everything: from the appetizers, including things like olives or chips, to the garnishes. List out everything in the order you will be serving the meal. This way you won’t forget anything — and you won’t look in the fridge the following day to discover you never served the sliced chorizo.
No job is too small to be included: bringing the chicken to room temperature, mincing parsley, putting ice in the ice bucket, peeling the potatoes. Organize the tasks into time frames: morning, afternoon, two hours before the party and right up to the arrival of guests.
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PARTING SHOT
by Megan Diane Beatty • megan@lhtxdigest.com
Ablaze•with Spirit LHHS Still Holiday Building Champions
L-R: Firefighters John McNabb, Pete Wenman, and Gabe Lara, Lt. Bradley Burson; Firefighters Dennis Beck, and Andrew Ode
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Don’t use electric lights on a metal tree. Electrical shock and fire are risks with this combination. Decorate these trees with ornaments, garland, or tinsel, but nothing that needs to be plugged in. For PVC or other plastic trees, be sure to check that your wires have not frayed in storage or due to anything that may have chewed on them.
If you have a live tree, keep the water reservoir filled. The tree is still alive even though it’s cut, however, the longer it goes without plenty of water, the drier it will become. Firefighter Dennis Beck says, "Even a small spark can cause a dry tree to be engulfed in flames in about 15 seconds." Also, if you do not have a covered reservoir, put something over it to keep pets from drinking it. It keeps the tree moist, but the water also may contain preservatives, pesticides, fertilizers and other agents, such as aspirin. Those are all commonly added to tree water to keep the tree fresh, but can make animals sick.
Make sure, when hanging lights or placing decorations on a roof, to stabilize or have another person hold the base of the ladder. Nationwide, there are an average of 15,000 emergency room visits due to decoration hazards. Lt. Bradley Burson says, "In rural areas particularly, there are frequent strong winds that should be considered. Be particularly mindful when carrying large objects that can catch a quick breeze, multiply wind resistance, and cause a fall."
Fried turkeys are a popular entrée, but we have all seen the YouTube videos of hot oil explosions and grease fires that spread quickly. Remember to fully defrost your turkey before slowly lowering it into hot grease. Also, something people may overlook is the water content of anything they might inject into the meat before cooking. Marinates and brine solutions are sure to have some water content, so be sure there are no residual or excess fluids on the skin or in the cavity.
he Officers, Firefighters, and First Responders at Williamson County ESD Station #4 wish everyone safe and happy holidays, and want to share some practical holiday advice to remember to keep family, home, and pets safe.
THE CHRISTMAS TREE PICKLE is a tradition to keep eager kids calm on Christmas morning. As the quirky tradition goes, the first child to find the glass pickle hidden in the tree on Christmas morning either wins a prize or the privilege of opening the first gift. The goal? To keep kids from rushing through the process of opening presents, and instead take the time to enjoy each one. 28
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