Liberty Hill Digest • June 2023

Published by Fidelis Publishing Group, LLC

PUBLISHER

Cathy Payne

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 fulfillment reporting and writing news and magazine features for a regional Central Texas audience. Along with serving as the publisher of the Liberty Hill Digest, Cathy oversees multiple magazines, marketing campaigns, and books.

SENIOR WRITERS / COPY EDITORS

Ann Marie Kennon

Charlotte Kovalchuk

CONTRIBUTING

Linda A. Thornton

Rachel Strickland

WRITERS

GRAPHICS & DESIGN

Sandra Evans

Zion Eaton

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Christina Tucker

Christianna Bettis

IT/WEBMASTER • Jesse Payne

CONSULTANT • W. Ben Daniel

FROM THE EDITORS

Dear Readers,

This month, we celebrate summer and shine a spotlight on exceptional individuals and initiatives that make our community thrive.

Perhaps to get your summer started, consider giving back at the Wilco Regional Animal Shelter, which offers a multitude of volunteer opportunities. Or, if you’re looking for a memorable outing, the Cameron Park Zoo is definitely worth the drive. From exotic creatures to interactive experiences, take a day off to see how the staff educate, inspire, and preserve our precious wildlife.

Here at home, we are delighted to introduce you to Chris Neighbors, the newest ISD trustee. His commitment to making education exciting again and fostering connections between parents and teachers make him a true asset on the school board. We also delve into a narrative of the 2023 school bond, detailing some of the planning behind the district’s efforts to manage the growth of enrollment.

In the inspiring world of youth leadership, we celebrate Liberty Hill 4-H Vice President Vanessa Novo, who was honored by the Texas Senate for her work in agriculture and hunger awareness. We wish her well on her journey to Costa Rica this month. Lastly, we saddle up for the Liberty Hill Rodeo and enjoy the cowboys and cowgirls taking center stage in this celebrated event, showcasing the essence of our Texas heritage.

To the Class of 2023, the editors and staff hope your next steps will be filled with plot twists to keep you on your toes, character development that molds you into the best version of yourself, and captivating chapters that make your story truly extraordinary. Own your journey, embrace the unexpected plot twists, and most importantly, trust in your ability to author a remarkable tale. Congratulations, graduates!

And to all you dads, stepdads, granddads, and every man who provides care, mentorship, and guidance to the next generation, we wish you a joyous and meaningful Father's Day filled with cherished moments and the knowledge that your role is cherished and valued.

LIBERTY HILL HIGH SCHOOL

MAY 26, 2023

photos by Kylie Cortez, courtesy of LHISD

BUILDING ON LIBERTY HILL ISD’S SUCCESS

by Charlotte Kovalchuk

CHRIS NEIGHBORS JOINS LHISD SCHOOL BOARD

As Liberty Hill continues to manage the challenges of rapid growth, new school board trustee Chris Neighbors wants to support as well as unite teachers, parents, and kids. “I want to be a cheerleader for bringing teachers and parents back together and be a catalyst for cooperation where they have previously sometimes butted heads. I want to get parents involved and excited about education.”

A local business owner with 15 years’ experience serving his church’s youth group, Chris was inspired by the ISD’s success to run for a seat on the school board. “I was at a point where I could step away from my business a bit and give more to the community. I wanted to get more involved in the school district, lend my combined experiences, and help the district through all the construction. I hope to help keep Liberty Hill the amazing district it already is.”

KEEPING LHISD GREAT

Among his plans to augment LHISD’s excellence is a strategy to promote fair policy enforcement. Chris acknowledges the concerns expressed by parents and teachers about inconsistent support and enforcement of certain rules across different campuses.

He also wants to ensure prudent spending on construction projects. “With my business background, I understand what good stewardship looks like and I want to make sure we look for ways to save and be smart with taxpayers’ money.”

With a new high school under construction, Chris says he wants to lend a hand wherever needed. “I think there’s a little anxiety about having a second high school. It is a big step and I think if we handle it right and everyone goes into it with a positive attitude, it will be an amazing thing for Liberty Hill.”

Most of all, Chris simply wants to have the students’ backs. He has been around kids a long time as a youth group volunteer and has become attuned to their issues.

“I want to be plugged in with the kids— be on school campuses, hang out, and eat lunch with them. I want them to understand there are real people in leadership who care about them.”

PHOTO BY STEVEN DUFOUR

by Linda A. Thornton

Liberty Hill: Thinking BIG for Education

DESPITE THE BUCOLIC FEEL OF THE CITY OF LIBERTY HILL, WE HAVE AN ISD THAT CONSISTENTLY REFLECTS EXCEPTIONAL LEADERSHIP AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT. WITH A 476% POPULATION GROWTH RATE SINCE 2020, AND THANKS TO IMPASSIONED COLLABORATION WITHIN OUR CITY AND COMMUNITY, THE DISTRICT HAS TWICE FACILITATED SOLUTIONS FOR SUCCESSFULLY MANAGING THE GROWTH OF STUDENT ENROLLMENT.

Presciently, in 2020, the ISD took proactive steps to establish a long-range planning committee. The committee was reconvened in 2022 with 90 parents, teachers, students, committee members, and support staff tasked with creating a system of checks and balances and developing a prioritization framework. Their objective was to assess the area's demographics and facilities, collect data, and present an analysis of the needs.

The group began by creating subcommittees to focus on academics, enrichment/athletics/fine arts, community/culture, facilities/transportation, security and safety, fi-

nance, and technology. In addition, the committee hired an outside consulting firm to produce a traffic impact analysis report and it surprised no one that each school had a unique set of issues that required specific solutions.

Given the parameters, size of the committee, and scale of the group’s mission, the difficulty level of formulating succinct plans cannot be overestimated. However, the committee’s recommendations, unanimously accepted by the LHISD board of trustees in 2021 and again in 2023 demonstrate their remarkable achievement.

“THE EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES OUR STUDENTS WILL HAVE CANNOT HAPPEN WITHOUT COLLABORATION BETWEEN A SCHOOL DISTRICT AND ITS COMMUNITY.”

~ SUPERINTENDENT STEVE SNELL

BOND ELECTIONS

In 2021, to fund the recommended builds and changes, voters approved a bond package of $491.7 million. The following year, Liberty Hill’s student population jumped by an additional 23.5 percent and, once again, the committee was called upon to work its magic.

Along the way, the committee boarded a school bus to tour the 21 “Bond at Work” construction projects, visit land sites, and preview new housing developments. The goal of this field trip was to gain firsthand awareness of campus capacities, future district growth, and facility needs.

On May 6 of this year, voters approved a second bond proposal for $47 million. In compliance with a new law requiring certain projects to be listed separately, the bond is divided into three propositions and covers the following expenditures:

PROPOSITION A will provide funds for the district to build new schools, renovate old ones and add safety measures, such as access control and card readers/badge access at all campuses. It will also provide school lock-down systems for emergencies, intrusion resistant glass, security cameras, and other safety items.

PROPOSITION B will supply laptops, iPads, and Chromebooks to students and staff, with a plan for a five-year refresh cycle.

WHAT ARE MUNICIPAL BONDS?

Municipal bonds or “munis” for short, are debt securities issued by government entities to fund day-to-day obligations and to finance capital projects such as building schools, highways, or sewer systems. By purchasing municipal bonds, investors are in effect lending money to the bond issuer in exchange for a promise of regular interest payments, usually semi-annually, and the return of the original investment or “principal.”

Bonds allow school districts to spread out the cost of expensive projects over time, like a mortgage. With school board approval, bonds are issued to cover the cost of projects as needed.

Bond repayment is structured as debt service and accounts for 20 percent of a school district’s budget. The general fund is not affected by the bonds and accounts for 80 percent of its budget. This covers maintenance and operations, commonly referred to as M&O.

WHY DID THE BOND REFERENDUM RESULT IN NO TAX RATE INCREASE?

Over the last five years, new home sales in Liberty Hill have increased significantly. This growth has contributed to an increase in property values, which in turn increased tax revenues. In addition, LHISD utilizes market conditions and secures low interest rates when paying down debt.

WHAT IS THE HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION?

PROPOSITION C provides funding for various improvements at Liberty Hill High School, including stadium renovations, the addition of a new concession stand, and construction of additional restrooms.

Residents 65 years and older will not have an increase in their school district tax bill, even if/when property taxes increase as long as they have filed an approved Over 65 Exemption application with the Williamson County Central Appraisal District. The property must have been owned as of Jan. 1 of the tax year. For information regarding the Homestead Exemption: https://www.wcad.org/online-exemption-information/

As the city continues to grow, its schools will certainly continue to flourish along with it. As well, there is no doubt the concerted spirit of the community will recognize the need for and fuel the transformation of facilities, empowerment of educators, and the opportunities the ISD seeks to offer every student. Scan the code for more information about LHISD.

4-H Students Address Poverty Around the World

by Charlotte

Living in tents with limited resources and no phones may sound like a third-world country but Vanessa Novo, Kristen O'Neill, and other students volunteered for it as part of a thought-provoking 4-H program in Brownwood, Texas. The experience was designed to help them learn about real-life poverty in various communities around the world.

In November, Vanessa and Kristen were accepted into GLOBE (Global Leadership Opportunities Beyond Education), a Texas 4-H program for 7th to 11th graders to learn about poverty in other countries and sustainable systems to address gaps in food accessibility. Vanessa and Kristen were two of only 19 students across Texas chosen to participate in GLOBE.

Kristen, Liberty Hill’s 4-H president and a high school senior, says her introduction to 4-H was much the same as many other members — signed up as a kid by her mom with no idea what was going on. But, also like many others, she became passionate about mentoring the next generation of 4-Hers. Under her leadership, the club has regained much of its pre-COVID membership, and

she is helping solve global issues like poverty and food insecurity.

Vanessa, a Liberty Hill 4-H vice president and high school freshman, joined 4-H in middle school and she, too, wanted to learn more about poverty in other countries. Both say the best part of being in 4-H is the long-lasting friendships they have made and maintained over the years. “My favorite part is meeting different people. 4-H is such a connecting thing,” Kristen says.

When they heard about the GLOBE program, Kristen and Vanessa thought it would be a unique way to expand their 4-H horizons.

Kovalchuk • photos courtesy Kristen O'Neill

THIRD-WORLD CHALLENGES

Sleeping in yurts and fetching water from a well and cooking outdoors taught Kristen and Vanessa about challenges faced by people in developing countries. Their immersive experience took place last November at a Global Village simulator hosted at the 4-H Center in Brownwood. While experiencing life in a third-world country, they were surprised to find they enjoyed not having their phones on hand. “We spent more time together talking,” Vanessa says.

They “all chickened out,” however, after trying to sleep outdoors in 40-degree weather and took shelter in the 4-H building. “It definitely opened my eyes to how other people live in the world, and how we have it so easy in America. In other countries, people share a tiny little box with 12 family members, and they don’t have a place to go inside if they’re cold,” Vanessa says.

Kristen, arriving from school to her mom’s drapery workroom/interior design business in downtown Liberty Hill, adds that GLOBE reinforced how fortunate she and other students are to live in the United States. “I just came from school. I got in my car and drove to a second building my mom occupies other than our house. There are kids who have to walk from school and don’t have shoes. We’re just so lucky to have what we have.”

SERVICE PROJECTS

While they learned about challenges facing people in other parts of the world, Vanessa and Kristen also had the chance to address poverty in their own backyards through service projects for GLOBE. For her project, Kristen worked with the Williamson County Extension Education Association and collected 33 bags full of hygiene products for a homeless shelter in Austin.

Vanessa organized a Cans for Kids food drive at her school. Her project earned her recognition from the City Council and Texas Senator Charles Schwertner, who commended her efforts in a resolution adopted in March. “Not only does Vanessa’s project support sustainable agriculture and bring awareness to hunger in her community, it benefits Texas agricultural producers and the Central Texas Food Bank, thereby combating hunger among children and youth, a demographic that constitutes 34 percent of food bank clients.”

“It was really cool,” Vanessa says of the recognitions. “It felt like all the hard work paid off, but it was not what I was aiming for. I was just aiming to make an impact.”

Vanessa and Kristen will continue making an impact when they travel to Costa Rica with their GLOBE team at the end of this month. They are excited to take on service projects, learn cultural dances, and host educational stations, where both 4-Hers and locals will be able to learn from each other. Vanessa says it will be more impactful than their Brownwood experience, “because we will actually be in their environment. In Brownwood, we didn’t have people who lived like that on a day-today basis. In Costa Rica, we’ll see it firsthand.”

"It sounded super cool, to learn about poverty in different countries and different people’s experiences that I had no idea they were going through."

~ Kristen

BRING A FURRY FRIEND HOME THIS SUMMER

by Charlotte Kovalchuk

When Kristy Morales heard about a kitten fostering program at a Kyle animal shelter booth at Texas State University, she thought, “Wait, I can just play with the kittens and then give them back to you?”

The idea of bringing home "ridiculously cute” kittens on a short-term basis inspired her to foster 37 cats and kittens over the last three years from Pflugerville Pets Alive! and the Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter (WCRAS). Her prolific support is possible because she works from home and is able to socialize them constantly, which prepares the kittens for adoption. While many of them want love and cud-

dles on the first day, she says, “I love the ones that need extra socialization, because I love seeing them transform.”

She adds, “Fostering kittens is a dream, but it’s a messy dream, I’ll warn everyone of that. Kittens learning to use the litter box and eat is a messy process.” Still, “fostering is a lot of fun. It’s a lot of work, but it is very rewarding.”

FACILITATING CARE AND LOVE

The foster program is also a vital part of WCRAS’ life-saving mission. April Peiffer, WCRAS community programs coordinator says, “We are in the height of kitten season right now and in great need of foster homes for them. Kitten fosters are one of the main reasons we achieve a save rate of over 90 percent consistently.”

The goal of the program is two-fold: to provide more space for shelter residents and give them a break from shelter life. “Fosters provide a respite from the stress for cats and dogs that have been here a while, a safe and comforting place to recover from injuries or other suffering before arriving at the shelter, or just a warm spot in a sunbeam on a living room floor to nap an afternoon away.”

Fostering also gives staff a much-needed break “from what often feels like an insurmountable task. When a favorite goes to foster, staff and volunteers rejoice, knowing the dog (or kitten) will be loved while in a temporary home.”

HOW TO HELP

Join the shelter in its life-saving mission by filling out a new foster registration form at pets.wilco.org/how-to-help/fostering. No approval process is required for fostering dogs and fosters can come to the shelter as a walk-in to pick up a furry friend. First-time kitten fosters need to go through an orientation and are matched with a mentor to ensure optimal care.

• Photos by April Peiffer & Kristy Morales

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Experience Stunning Hill Country Views

Situated on some of the most scenic land in Williamson County, The Canyons rests atop rolling hills looking out over the vast landscape. Offering an abundance of natural beauty and lush vistas, The Canyons has been carefully planned to integrate seamlessly into the natural environment. The development of The Canyons pays homage to the rich heritage of the land and encourages the continuation of this existing beauty to create a timeless natural environment. The homes in The Canyons are considered part of a cohesive element that melds the natural beauty with a place to call home.

IMMERSE YOURSELF IN THE WONDERS OF THE ANIMAL KINGDOM

Enjoy exotic and majestic creatures in their natural habitats, explore the exciting sights and sounds of the zoo, and create lasting memories with your loved ones!

Whether you’re a fan of majestic cats, playful primates, or gentle giants, the Cameron Park Zoo in Waco has something for everyone. The zoo is open year-round1 for your enjoyment and, while any time is a great time to visit, June is especially good for families looking to avoid the hustle and bustle of large field trip groups.

So, seize the summer and embark on an extraordinary journey through the wonders of the animal kingdom. At the Cameron Park Zoo, the wildlife thrive in their natural habitats, offering up-close and personal encounters. Prepare to be captivated by diverse ecosystems an Asian forest and African savanna to the Brazos River valley, reptile house, and meadow habitats.

Cameron Park is also the only American Zoos and Aquariums Association-accredited facility between Fort Worth and San Antonio. AZA accreditation is a mark of distinction and signifies it meets and upholds rigorous standards for animal care, conservation, education, and safety.

Plus, with more than 1,700 animals representing 300 species, guests will be immersed in the sights and sounds of exotic creatures while strolling at their own pace or taking 1 Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.

a well-deserved break at the Treetops Café, and coffee and gift shops.

Families with little ones will also enjoy the playscape, thoughtfully designed with shaded areas and benches for parents to relax while children engage in playful adventures.

All animals are on exhibit when the weather is clear. Birds may be inside during high winds; some animals are brought inside for thunder, and all outdoor animals are taken inside during lightning.

STANDING TALL

Summer visitors are in for a treat at the Savannah exhibit. Its youngest resident, Zeke, is just two years old and is already 12 feet tall—a healthy size for a Masai giraffe. He is the first calf for his mom, Penelope, and he is the zoo’s first Masai birth. His name, meaning Strength of God, was chosen after the zoo held a fundraising contest to allow the public to choose his name, which raised $1,754 for the Giraffe Conservation Foundation.

As he continues to grow, his height data is submitted for research and when he is full-grown, he will be the largest of the giraffes. His handlers take note of his height daily

as he passes a measuring stick on the way to his night house (photo below). As he matures, he will continue developing the distinctive coat pattern—irregular, jagged, star-like blotches extending to his hooves— and horns, which make Masai one of the most recognizable and favorite animals on the Savannah.

SAVING WILDLIFE

The Cameron Park Zoological and Botanical Society is the non-profit side of the zoo, which allows them to function as a 501(c) 3 organization. Marketing Manager Duane McGregor says, “Donors are very important to the Cameron Park Zoo’s education and animal care programs, field projects, and local and international conservation initiatives.” Anyone can participate in their giving campaigns and even $5.00 helps purchase enrichment toys like Kong feeders (above), which help keep carnivores stimulated since, as kept animals, they do not hunt.

When you visit the animals, you’re also helping them. In addition to donating a portion of your admission ticket, the zoo has many standing campaigns that support operations in Waco, and conservation efforts around the world. In addition to the Giraffe Conservation Foundation, the zoo also supports organizations that help rhinos, orangutans, and more.

WHAT’S NEW?

Even if you’ve been to the zoo before, you won’t want to miss a new exhibit nearing completion. Guests will soon have a close-up view of the zoo’s black-footed South African penguins. The exhibit is a large natural habitat very similar to the waddlers’ home in South Africa, and Central Texas is an excellent climate match. The exhibit includes a large pool and indoor areas where guests can observe the penguins swimming, flying under water, or moving about in their indoor night houses. Guests may also schedule one-on-one visits.

The zoo is also cutting the ribbon on new education and veterinary centers, which will be part of the same complex near the front gate. The veterinary center will house surgical suites, a pharmacy, and spaces tailored for various kinds of animals, including aquatic animals, reptiles, and others that require controlled environments. The education center will contain classrooms, offices and spaces available for rent.

WHEN YOU GO

All exhibits are open and masks are no longer required in the exhibits but the zoo does have a capacity limit. “We’re expecting a good year,” said Duane Hills, deputy director of Cameron Park Zoo. Attendance at the zoo is up due to diminished COVID concerns, but membership manager Kristi Webb says, “Generally, if you can find a parking spot in our lot, you will not be turned away. If not, maybe grab a quick bite in Waco and come back to check again and it’s likely some families have left and you can come on in.” Perhaps make a quick stop at Slow Rise on the Brazos, a riverfront pizzeria across from Cameron Park so you don’t miss your chance to grab an empty parking space!

JAWSOME JUNE

On June 16, you can enjoy the scent of popcorn on a warm summer breeze, which may help keep the gooseflesh at bay when you hear those opening notes of John Williams’ iconic score to “Jaws.”

The story of a relentless great white shark terrorizing a New England beach town will be playing under the stars while the animals sleep.

Tickets are $5 per person and guests are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs. Outside food and drink will not be allowed but refreshments will be available for purchase.

Gates open at 7:30pm and the movie will start when the light gets low — around 8:30pm.

What Makes Texas "Texas"

by Ann Marie Kennon

A HOLLYWOOD DESTINATION

Texans won't deny the #1 and #2 rankings that California and New York hold as the states with the most television and movie projects; that's where most of the movie companies live, after all. Fortunately for Texans, our state ranks number three and we don't live in either of those other states.

In 2023, according to IMDb.com, Texas has been the setting for 22,656 movies and shows. Within Texas, the most filmed cities were Austin (5,160), Dallas (3,879), Houston (3,159), San Antonio (1,429), Fort Worth (898), El Paso (423), Arlington (358), Denton (318), Plano (200), and Corpus Christi (197).

WELCOME TO TEXAS

On the business side, there are 170 Film Friendly Certified communities in Texas and the governor's Film Friendly Texas program is working to add more. The program involves certification and marketing by the Texas Film Commission. Communities in the program receive training and guidance about media industry standards, best practices, and how to effectively accommodate media production in their cities and communities. It is a valuable resource that helps maintain Texas as a premier destination for media production. Close to home, Williamson County has eight certified communities.

For the creatives, nothing compares to the history and romance that set Texas apart in many ways, and none more so than in entertainment. The distinctive scenery and landscapes, colorful history, and unique character of Texans themselves have provided plenty of inspiration and content for filmmakers. More than a setting for classic westerns, Texas provides a full spectrum of angstfilled teens, big city business, and quirky folks who make Texas so "Texas" all over the world.

CLASSICS AND MODERN BLOCKBUSTERS

 Giant (1956): One of the most iconic Texas films ever made, this epic drama starred Elizabeth Taylor, James Dean, and Rock Hudson, and was largely shot in Marfa and other locations throughout the state.

 Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974): Filmed in Round Rock, Bastrop, and Leander. The owners of the film's gas station in Bastrop held a grand reopening in 2016. There are four creepy little cabins on the property where fans can spend a night. There's a sign out front that says, "We Slaughter Barbecue."

 Lonesome Dove, The Last Picture Show, Hud: All based on books by Larry McMurtry.

 Urban Cowboy (1980): Set in Houston, showcased the honky-tonk culture, started the modern wave of cowboy fashion, and made Gilley's bar famous.

 Blood Simple (1984): A Coen brothers' thriller about a jealous husband, filmed in Pflugerville and Hutto.

 Pee Wee's Big Adventure (1985): Hopefully people aren't still looking for his bike in the Alamo's basement.

 Dazed and Confused (1993): Matthew McConaughey's breakout hit. (Alright, alright, alright!)

 What's Eating Gilbert Grape (1993): Set in the fictional town of Endora, Iowa, but filming was done in the Manor area. The family house was filmed on Hodde Lane outside of Pflugerville and the famous water town is located on Old US-290.

 Selena (1997): The biographical drama about the life and career of Selena Quintanilla-Perez, the "Queen of Tejano Music," was filmed largely in Corpus Christi and other Texas locations.

 Office Space (1999): The Initech Office is real, but goes by a different name; filmed in Austin at 4120 Freidrich Lane. The flair-requiring restaurant where Jennifer Aniston works, Chotchkie's, is now a Chase bank in the Arboretum in Northwest Austin.

 Friday Night Lights (2004): Based on the popular book and TV series, this movie was shot on location in Odessa, Texas, and captured the high stakes and intense pressure of high school football in the state.

 No Country for Old Men (2007): Another Coen Brothers film set and largely shot in West Texas, featuring stunning landscapes and gritty, intense action.

 True Grit (2010): The Coen brothers seem to like Texas. Their remake follows a young girl seeking revenge against the man who killed her father. She hires a pasthis-prime lawman to help track the murderer. Along the way, the two team up with a Texas Ranger.

 Boyhood (2014): Boyhood is famous primarily because it was shot over the course of 12 years. The film features the same cast over the years and follows a boy as he works his way through boyhood, enjoying the highs and dealing with the lows. Dialogue scenes were shot at Dart Bowl on 5700 Grover Ave. Two South Congress venues are featured: Continental Club and Magnolia Cafe South.

 Also Starring Austin (2018): This meta-movie is all about lights, camera, Austin. A documentary about the movies made in and around Central Texas. Features filmmakers who share their experiences of working in the city. The film even boasts an appearance from Willie Nelson.

 9-1-1: Lone Star (2020– ): A New York firefighter relocates to Austin, Texas with his son, where he works to save people's lives while trying to solve his own personal problems.

TOWNS AROUND

While you may not recognize it in every movie and TV show, our county has 63 entries in the database, from major motion pictures to shorts. Popular projects include the iconic "Friday Night Lights" television show and, in film, "What's Eating Gilbert Grape?", "Johnny B. Goode," and "Varsity Blues." While not in Texas' top 10, it's worth mentioning that "Bernie," starring Matthew McConaughey, was filmed in Georgetown and also featured his mom, Kay, who was a resident of Sun City at the time.

"Temple Grandin" was filmed in Schwertner and Temple herself helped redesign the facility at the ranch where filming took place.

Hutto has been featured on film 20 times, and last February wrapped initial filming for a new Nicole Kidman project for HBO based on the true story about a woman accused of killing her friend with an ax in Wylie, Texas in 1980. Many scenes were filmed at the Historic Williamson County Courthouse.

Known for its late 19th- and early 20th-century architecture, Bartlett was the site for the filming of movies including "The Stars Fell on Henrietta" and "The Newton Boys," as well as two seasons of the NBC television drama, "Revolution."

In February 2019, Round Rock had to close a few roads while "Fear the Walking Dead" filmed part of season 4. Take a trip down memory lane with the Texas Classics Film Trail, highlighting 25 film destinations from some of Texas' most iconic projects.

Erik Bernard (center in red) prepares for a scene at the Georgetown Square in 2020. David Yusel Madison (far right) stars as Jack in "The Place We Hide."

Savor the Flavors of June Produce

JUNE BRINGS AN ABUNDANCE OF RIPE, SUCCULENT FRUITS AND VEGETABLES. THESE CULINARY DELIGHTS SHOWCASE THE BOUNTY OF JUNE'S VIBRANT HUES AND A COLLECTION OF INGREDIENTS THAT ARE AT THEIR PEAK THIS MONTH.

APRICOT SALAD FOR A STARTER

June stands for sweet apricots. Rich in carotene and packed with vitamins A, C, E and K, as well as niacin and iron, making them powerful healers for wounds and strained muscles. Plus, they’re beneficial for heart, skin and bone health. They’ll satisfy that afternoon sweet tooth while bringing big, juicy flavor to this salad.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup uncooked farro

• 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds

• 3 Tbsp shallot, finely chopped

June is also ICED TEA MONTH

• 4 apricots

• 1/4 cup toasted almonds, chopped

• 2 Tbsp fresh mint, finely chopped

• 1/2 cup crumbled ricotta salata or goat cheese

DIRECTIONS

Cook farro with ¼ teaspoon salt, according to package instructions. Once cooked, spread onto a baking sheet to cool.

In a bowl, toss farro with the rest of the ingredients and lemon vinaigrette, to taste.

LEMON VINAIGRETTE

Make a larger batch and store in the fridge up to two weeks, if desired.

• 1/4 cup olive oil

• 2 cloves garlic

• Sea salt and pepper, to taste

• 2 lemons, juiced

• 1 tsp honey

Combine all ingredients in a blender until mixed thoroughly.

If you have too many lemons and don’t want them to go bad, slice them into quarters and freeze in an airtight bag or container. A frozen lemon wedge is also wonderful in a cold glass of tea!

Ratatouille can be enjoyed as a side dish, served over rice or pasta, or as a main course. It is versatile and comforting dish that celebrates the flavors of the Mediterranean.

• 1 medium eggplant

• 2 zucchini

• 1 yellow bell pepper

Preheat oven to 375°F.

• 1 red bell pepper

• 1 onion

• 3 cloves of garlic

Cut eggplant, zucchini, yellow bell pepper, and red bell pepper into 1-inch chunks. Dice onion and mince garlic. Blanch tomatoes in boiling water for about 30 seconds, then transfer to a bowl of ice water. Peel the skins, remove the seeds, and chop the flesh into chunks.

In large skillet or frying pan, heat 2T of olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and garlic and sauté until they become translucent and fragrant.

Add eggplant to the skillet and cook about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it starts to soften.

Add zucchini, yellow bell pepper, and red bell pepper to the skillet. Cook another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Stir in chopped tomatoes, dried thyme, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Cook an additional 5 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.

STRAWBERRY CINNAMON ROLLS

• 4 tomatoes

• 3 T olive oil

• 1 tsp dried thyme

Transfer the mixture to a baking dish. Drizzle the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over the top.

• 1 tsp dried basil

• Salt and pepper

Ratatouille

Bake approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized.

Once cooked, remove from the oven and let cool before serving.

Just when you thought cinnamon rolls couldn’t get any better, along come June strawberries.

INGREDIENTS

• 3 1/4 c flour

• 1 egg

• 2 tsp cinnamon

• 1 c powdered sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla

DIRECTIONS

• 2 tsp instant yeast

• 1/4 cup water

• 1/2 tsp sugar

• 1/4 c half & half

• 4 oz cream cheese softened

In small saucepan over medium-low heat add milk and butter. Stir until butter has melted and remove from heat. Let stand until lukewarm temperature.

In large mixing bowl whisk 2-1/4 cups flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Knead (by hand or mixer) until smooth, once ingredients are added. Add egg and water and mix until just starting to combine. Slowly add milk mixture and 1c flour until dough forms and becomes smooth. Let dough rest 10 minutes.

• 1/4 c white sugar • 1/2 tsp salt

• 3/4 c milk

• 1/3 c butter softened

• 21 oz strawberry pie filling • 3 tbsp soft butter

• 2 tsp lemon juice • 1 tbsp lemon zest

On lightly floured surface, roll dough into a large 9x15 square. About 1/4-1/2 inch thick. Spread pie filling evenly on top. In small bowl, combine cinnamon and sugar and sprinkle on top of strawberry filling. Roll 15-inch side into a log and pinch the seams. Cut 9-12 slices depending on preference for thickness. Place in greased 9”x13” pan, cover with damp cloth, let rise for 30 minutes.

Preheat oven to 375°. Bake 30mins or until just golden brown on the tops.

Glaze: Beat together cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar. Add half & half, vanilla, lemon juice and zest until combined. Frost over warm rolls.

ME: You know, kids, Miss Belle loves substitute teaching and putting life experience to good use, but I didn’t realize I was so out of touch. Your phones seem to have become extensions of your very beings, and even George Orwell didn’t foresee newspeak evolving—or regressing?— to conversations consisting entirely of hieroglyphics.

ZOEY: What’s hieroglyphics?

ME: Um... pyramid tagging. With a half-day to draw birds and ankhs, Egyptians could express laughter with a hint of existential dread. Y’all just say

JAKE: Miss Belle, check out my retro-futuristic vintage grunge with a hint of ironic minimalism.

ME: You look like you got dressed at a yard sale.

JAKE: No cap1! It's all about mashing contradictory styles while wearing as little as possible. Shows individuality.

ME: I suppose my parents thought layered Izods were senseless too. Okay, so what did you think of “Animal Farm”?

DAVIAN: Hella2 lame. Books are boring.

ME: I realize your attention can only span a dank3 meme, but it's about corruption, and Orwell wanted us to see it coming. Soon, someone will write a pandemic allegory to help future generations recognize government over-reach. By then, maybe books will be your respite from a noisy world.

Generational Chat

CADE: Gyatt4 ! Did you see the TikTok with the baddie5 mom dancing on the table, but she was turnt6 and fell off? I mean, she was totally cheugy7, trying to twerk at her age.

ME: My generation had our own slang too, but at least wicked, gnarly, and even tubular were actually words. And don’t even get me started on twerking and thug shake8

CADE: Aw, Miss Belle, do we have time before the bell to show you that dance?

ME: Um, sweetheart, for that, it is definitely no o’clock. But we do have a few minutes and I want to tell you what I’ve learned from you in the past few months.

Every generation has its own personality and yours was sadly shaped quite a bit by a pandemic. Your millennial parents spent their young adulthood watching an unending global war on terror. Maybe some people they knew were deployed and they might have wondered why people on the other side of the world hated us. People my age worried about nuclear war and AIDS. But our stuff was pretty generalized and didn’t come with the reality of our own dads being put out of work, or our own grandma dying alone behind a mask, or the price of food sending our own families into near bankruptcy.

So here’s what I see. Even though we roll our eyes that you are overly attached to your devices and never touch grass, you do have a sense of community—even if it’s not rooted in

4 Dang!

5 attractive

6 intoxicated

7 Specific for millennials who are trying too hard to be trendy or fancy

8 A dance performed by a male person. Be careful when Googling

the IRL world. You guys care about people you’ve never met, and donate to obscure GoFundMe pages because someone has a need or wants to do something cool.

You show love to each other without embarrassment and talk about Jesus without hesitation. Five seconds later you call each other names that would make your parents and grandparents pass out from politically correct shame. But your clapbacks9 don’t come from malice or darkness — they’re just part of your oddly-sweet dynamic because you all see each other as "same as me." I think you may be the first generation that lives like equality is just the default state of being.

I also see, when you set your mind to something, it will happen. Sadly, for some of you, that means “I hate school and can’t wait to get out.” I get it you started life with a lot of stuff and permission to do whatever you wanted. Then the world let you down and gave you a perspective that people who govern you don’t value or care about you, and they hate each other. There’s not much allowing you to have hope or show you that your efforts have meaning. But your gifts are real, achievement is important, and success is still possible. I know there’s nothing a substitute can do in a day to fix that, but now that I know you better, I can wrap my head around your smol10 perspectives and figure out some better ways to be lit11. Have a nice summer!

BROOKLYN: Oh, Miss Belle, you’re so boujee!

9 Clever retorts

10 Small and, typically, adorable

11 a deliberate flip that means 'cool'

CELEBRATING WESTERN HERITAGE

Promoting his town and western culture in general was Corey Ross’ goal when he founded the Liberty Hill Fair and Rodeo 12 years ago. “I was raised on a ranch, and I want to keep that western heritage alive. It’s important to let people know there are still cowboys and cowgirls, and they still ride horses.”

This year’s rodeo certainly accomplished that goal as the May event drew approximately 10,000 people. “This year’s crowd was the largest-ever,” Corey says, adding that he was glad to see Liberty Hill get so much exposure. “We had visitors from the UK, Africa, New Guinea, Australia, Canada – people from all over the world came to Texas and we are pleased they could see the culture of the West is still alive and well.”

He was also grateful to the Williamson County Cowboy Church, which supplied more than 80 volunteers who helped make the event a success. “The Williamson County Cowboy Church is the reason it happens.”

by Charlotte Kovalchuk | Photos by Wilk Imaging

1. Roping ready

2. "Cowboying is serious business"

3. Rodeo Scholarship Award winner & recent LHHS graduate Kasidy McCue (attending Tarleton U in the fall, Education Major) and boyfriend Kyle Wilk

4. Cowboy ready

5. Mayor Branigan and LHISD PD Officer Wolf

6.Mayor Branigan and Kasidy McCue

ECRWSS

POSTAL PATRON LIBERTY HILL, TX