Liberty Hill Digest • July 2023

Liberty Hill

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 WRITERS

Linda A. Thornton

Rachel Strickland

GRAPHICS & DESIGN

Sandra Evans

Zion Eaton

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Christina Tucker

Christianna Bettis

DIRECTOR OF SALES • Allison Smith

IT/WEBMASTER • Jesse Payne

CONSULTANT • W. Ben Daniel

FROM THE EDITORS

Dear Readers,

Welcome to the radiant July edition of the Liberty Hill Digest, a month where our lives naturally sync to the rhythm of summer and we revel in its simple pleasures, otherwise known as burgers, brews, and barbecue. We have a feast for your senses with regional barbecue favorites, and a bucket list of beer festivals and all the places that summer comes alive to try the best burgers, BBQ and brews Texas has to offer.

Beyond this delicious heart of the issue, we have more stories that reflect the diverse, compassionate spirit of our community. Join us in a visit to a special needs animal sanctuary, a heartwarming respite where love and care for humans and animals alike know no bounds. If you're inspired by their example, or just seeking a new companion of your own, the WCRAS has a great new program in which staff and volunteers will go the extra mile to determine which furbaby is most compatible with your needs and lifestyle so you can swipe right on a new furry friend.

We also share an informative piece on the Home Rule Charter, shedding light on its implications and the role it will play in shaping Liberty Hill. We also shine a spotlight on Operation Liberty Hill's admirable Back to School Drive, an initiative dedicated to ensuring that every child in our community starts the new school year equipped with the basics of what they need to succeed.

ADVERTISING

Mark Elliott

mark@lhtxdigest.com

Office 512-746-4545

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In these sun-drenched days of summer, we invite you to embrace the vitality of the season, the robust flavors of our festive meals, and the inspiring stories of compassion and community that define us.

SAFE IN AUSTIN

Provides Sanctuary for Children and Animals

by Charlotte Kovalchuk

When Jamie Wallace saw a Facebook post about a pit bull and her puppies that were about to be euthanized at a shelter in Galveston “simply because they were pit bulls,” she assumed someone else would step up and help. After learning no one had, she drove to Galveston, snuck them out the back door and brought them home herself. After helping them find their forever homes, she never had to look for another animal in need. “They just started flooding in. I didn’t find any of them. They all found me.”

HAVEN FOR HEALING

Safe in Austin was founded around five years ago when Jamie and her husband realized their ranch in Leander had more than 100 animals that had special needs or were rescued from abuse or neglect. “We said, ‘Maybe we’re a nonprofit?’ We never planned it, we just started rescuing out of being animal lovers.” It felt natural for them to invite friends who had special needs or were going through a hard time to come

to the ranch and spend time with the animals. “It just kind of rolled into what it is now.”

Today, Safe in Austin is a haven for more than 200 animals, “everything from the typical cats and dogs and horses and cows to pigs, sheep, chickens, turkeys, tortoises, rabbits, exotic birds, and a hedgehog. My family and I live here at the ranch, and we have animals in every single nook and cranny in every room everywhere. It’s a 24/7, never-turns-off kind of thing.”

· photos courtesy Safe in Austin

Neurological disorders, cerebral palsy, diabetes, albinism, prosthetics – “you name it, I have it here on the ranch represented in the form of an animal,” Jamie says. “Our mission is to invite families and children who share in any of those stories of trauma or special needs out to the rescue so they can meet animals that are just like them, and a lot of the time start helping the animals, which ultimately starts the healing process.”

JACKSON’S STORY

One of Safe in Austin's stories of healing began long before the nonprofit started, back when Jamie’s 6-yearold son Jackson had an autism service dog appropriately named Angel. Before Angel came into his life, Jackson didn’t make eye contact with people, had trouble sleeping, and endured breakdowns that often resulted in self-injuries.

HUMAN SANCTUARY

Even though Safe in Austin is a home for animals in need, Jamie emphasizes that the heart of the nonprofit is the kids who find unconditional love and life-changing experiences at the ranch. “Our mission isn’t about animals. It’s about how children can benefit from meeting the animals. People confuse us for an animal sanctuary. It’s actually a human sanctuary that happens to partner with animals.”

A few Safe in Austin programs include:

ANIMAL CARE: Kids with special needs get to connect with animals on a weekly basis while learning caregiving skills and personal development.

HEALING HEARTS TOURS: Children receive guided tours through the ranch by Jamie herself so she can introduce them to specific animals she thinks their heart could benefit from meeting.

When she became his service dog, Angel began predicting breakdowns and could push him to the ground and lay on top of him until he calmed down. Within two months, his injuries stopped, and he became more confident around other people. “I really believe it was an actual miracle we were given because Jackson completely changed after that,” Jamie says. “It is well known that animals can provide special benefits for children. We took it another step further by introducing the concept of what special needs animals can do for special needs children.”

Today, Safe in Austin continues to serve as a place where blind children get to meet a blind pony, kids with albinism meet an albino dog, and kids in wheelchairs race with animals in wheelchairs. “Those are things kids don’t get to experience anywhere else,” Jamie says. “I’ve seen sexual assault survivor humans snuggle with Isaac, one of our dogs, who is also a sexual assault survivor, and say things like, ‘I know what you’ve been through,’ and something magical happens when I watch Isaac love them back.”

LEND A HAND

Safe in Austin relies heavily on volunteers to help staff keep the ranch up and running and care for their 200+ animals. Volunteers must be 16 or older to serve independently, and kids under 15 must be accompanied by an adult volunteer.

Jamie says there is also a dire need for donations, especially since word spread after the ranch was recently featured on an episode of Netflix’s Queer Eye “People found out that there’s a place that offers unconditional kindness and love, and unfortunately a lot of people are hurting. It's a blessing and a curse situation. More people than ever need me, and more animals than ever are being placed in front of me.”

Scan

14601 Honeycomb Dr. | Leander

www.facebook.com/SafeinAustinRescue/

by Charlotte Kovalchuk

LIBERTY HILL IS GROWING UP! Journey to Becoming a Home Rule City

As Liberty Hill continues to experience exponential growth, a home rule charter in the works could allow local decision makers to play a bigger role in shaping the future of their community. “It really allows citizens to manage their own affairs at the grassroots level, rather than rely on bigger governing agencies,” city communications director Katie Amsler says. “It’s important that the people making decisions that will affect us are some of the same people who live here."

GENERAL LAW VS HOME RULE

Texas has two types of city governments — general law and home rule. General law cities are municipalities with a population under 5,000 that can only make decisions specifically authorized by state law.

Because Liberty Hill's population has exceeded 5,000 – currently more than 8,700 – the city is empowered to establish its own rules for municipal government by adopting a home rule charter. Under home rule, a city

Katie adds, “It’s a unique opportunity to really shape our town. If we become home rule, we could have more say in how we’re governed. Since we have surpassed 5,000, we are excited to get going on this.”

Essentially a local constitution, a home rule charter defines the structure and duties of a city’s government, including:

 Qualifications and terms of council members and how they are elected

 Duties of the mayor, council, and staff members

 City procedures and ethics

 The city’s right to annex, tax, and provide safety for its citizens

may make decisions based on local needs, rather than being required to follow a one-size-fits-all model dictated by state leaders. "We’re not having any problems with our current government, but we've grown considerably. We qualify to become a home rule city, and I think it's a step we need to take to become a grown-up city,” Mayor Liz Branigan says. “I like the idea of being able to do anything we're not specifically forbidden to do, rather than only doing what we're allowed to do by the Texas Legislature.”

For example, according to the Texas Municipal League, a general law city has no authority to add mandatory non-related fees to residents’ bills. In 1985, Parmer County Attorney Charles Aycock asked then Texas Attorney General Jim Mattox if the city of Bovine could add a $6 charge to residents’ monthly utility bills to fund the city’s police department. Attorney General Mattox responded that because the city was governed by general state laws, it had no authority to enact the surcharge to support the police department. A home rule city, on the other hand, has more flexibility when it comes to changing residential fees and taxes based on the needs of the community. Several surrounding home rule cities include Georgetown, Cedar Park, Hutto, Leander, Round Rock, Taylor, and Burnet.

OTHER BENEFITS

Being able to amend the current government structure is another advantage of becoming a home rule city, Mayor Branigan says. “Personally, I've been very pleased with our city's government, but I think the time has come to review the things we do,” she says. While acknowledging our city has not faced issues related to long-term council members, she suggests that implementing term limits for

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council members, as well as members of city boards and commissions, would be prudent. “Some boards and commissions have had members with more than a decade of tenure. Some boards and commissions have members who have served for a decade or more. It might be good to ensure we have fresh blood.”

Gaining home rule status would also give residents more power, she says. “If we pass an ordinance citizens don’t like, they can come and demand that we rescind it. Citizens need only gather support —via a petition— from 5 percent or more of the population, to trigger an election to modify the existing ordinance. They can also ask for an election to amend or expand the city charter.”

WHAT’S NEXT

Starting next month, the Home Rule Charter Commission —15 residents appointed by the council — will meet monthly to review examples of charters from other cities and draft a proposed charter for Liberty Hill.

Voters will have the opportunity to vote to remain under general law or approve the home rule charter in the May 2024 election.

Caring for Their Community

Operation Liberty Hill: Making Sure Kids Are Ready For Back to School

by Charlotte Kovalchuk

As the number of LHISD students from low-in come families continues to rise — currently at least 28 percent of the district’s population – Op eration Liberty Hill’s executive director, Susan Bak er, emphasizes the growing need for their Back to School program.

“When kids are going back to school, I think it’s very important they get as much help as possible due to the high cost of school supplies, shoes, and clothing. Everything has gotten so expensive, and we try to help as much as we can.”

On Saturday, August 12, Operation Back to School will provide students in need with a free backpack, socks, and athletic shoes at Fellowship Church, 3600 Ranch Road 1869 in Liberty Hill. All students who are eligible for the district’s free or reduced lunch program, from EE through 12th grade, and live in LHISD, Bertram, or Briggs qualify for Operation Back to School.

Operation Liberty Hill does not provide school supplies since organizers have found it difficult to keep up with teachers’ unique supply lists, but Susan says they are committed to supporting local school supply collection initiatives.

To participate in Operation Back to School, students must register by Wednesday, August 9. Pickup is 9am to noon on Saturday, August 12 at Fellowship Church, and students must be present to try on shoes.

GROWING NEED

Last year, Operation Liberty Hill served more than 48,000 residents in LHISD, Bertram, and Briggs through financial assistance and education, workforce training, spiritual care, Summer Snack Bags for kids, food pantry, and other support programs. The organization is also feeding more than 300 families per week, which Susan says reflects a growing need for services. "More and more families are seeking our assistance. Although the demand is high, and growing, we are determined to step in whenever a need emerges, and we are deeply committed to filling the gaps wherever we can. While much of our work focuses on providing for material needs and sustenance, our true mission is to instill hope and provide relief to these families in their time of need."

To join Operation Liberty Hill in its mission of caring for the community – all food and monetary donations are welcome – visit operationlh.org/faqs.

Scan the code to register for Operation Back to School.

Firing up The BBQ Scene

Since opening in 2017, Jimmy Vega's Smokehouse has skillfully blended Texas family traditions and recipes with an appreciation for Georgetown culture. Owner James Ramsey recounts his remarkable journey in bringing us one of Williamson County's top BBQ destinations.

What inspired you to open Jimmy Vega’s Smokehouse?

I have been in the restaurant industry for 20-plus years and wanted to go back to my roots with my menu. I also wanted to create something my family could be a part of as well. We have always been a food-loving family that puts a lot of thought into everything we put in front of our guests. We are all Texas born and bred so while our traditional BBQ is important, we also draw inspiration from a variety of culinary influences, which comes out in many of our sides and specials.

We initially began with a food truck, but it wasn't long before we found ourselves back inside a restaurant — my comfort zone. Our ultimate goal was to establish an inviting space that would feel like home to all our guests and nostalgia played a pivotal role in our vision. We want people to be immersed in elements of dining that used to be commonplace but have perhaps been forgotten over time.

Why did you choose Georgetown?

My family has lived in Georgetown since 1989 — it is truly our home. We wanted to share many of the traditions and recipes our family has passed down with others who live, work, and play here. Who better to understand our passion for the culture of Georgetown, which we love so much?

Why are you passionate about BBQ?

BBQ is based on time and technique and mastering it is a formidable task. Every step in the process makes a difference in the result so there is no room for error. That challenge is what makes it interesting to us and getting it right evokes a lot of nostalgia for the foods and flavors we enjoyed growing up.

What do "people say" about Jimmy Vega's?

People love the little touches we put into the restaurant. They love that our music comes from a turntable and many of the antiques in our décor were provided by family and friends. Most importantly, people just love the food we serve. They love the mix of traditional and non-traditional Texas sides, and, while we certainly have standout dishes, most everything we cook has fans who won’t let us take it off the menu. We also offer catering, not only for barbecue, but all types of cuisine.

What sets you apart from others?

We take pride in our hands-on approach and absolutely everything in the restaurant is made from scratch. We spent years perfecting our recipes, which allows us to serve great traditional dishes with a little bit of our own flair. We put a lot of extra time into what we do and try to treat every guest as family.

Talk about your unique process.

Our two main smokers, “Martha” and “Snoop Dogg”, were built in-place here at the restaurant. Some of their parts actually came from the house — we repurposed the window weights and chimney brick both to build them.

Whether you're a beer, barbecue, or burger enthusiast or just someone who appreciates good food and drink, a boozy, meat-filled trail guide should be at the top of your summer bucket list. To help you on your adventure, our writers reached out for feedback and curated a virtual tour of barbecue, burger, and beer joints across

Bill Miller Bar-B-Q 1651 W Whitestone Blvd. BillMillerbbq.com

Hedgehog Brewing 3200 Woodall Dr C-1 HedgeHogATX.com

the county. We present to you the mouthwatering gems that have won the hearts and palates of our dedicated readers. Each pit, grill, and pub is a testament to the passion and expertise of the top restaurateurs and brewers around Central Texas.

- Reader's Choice

Selected as a favorite by our readers.

J&J Barbecue & Burgers 300 W Whitestone Blvd. jj-bbq.com

Lazy G BBQ 2301 Brushy Creek Rd. lazygbbq.com

Slab BBQ & Beer 905 E Whitestone Blvd. Ste. A dopebbq.com

Savor the Flavors on our Burger, BBQ & Brew Trail cedar park Austin

512 Brewing Company 407 Radam Ln. 512brewing.com

Austin Beerworks 3001 Industrial Ter. austinbeerworks.com

Black's BBQ 3110 Guadalupe St. blacksbbq.com

Buddy's Burger 9001 Cameron Rd. Ste. 101 buddysburger.com

Celis Brewing 10001 Metric Blvd. celisbeers.com

Circle Brewing 2340 W Braker Ln. Ste. B circlebrewing.com

Franklin Barbecue 900 E 11th St. franklinbbq.com

Hi Sign Brewing 730 Shady Ln. hisignbrewing.com

Hold Out Brewing 1208 W 4th holdoutbrewing.com

Hop Squad Brewing Co. 2307 Kramer Ln. hopsquad.com

Stiles Switch BBQ 800 W Whitestone Blvd Ste A-1 stilesswitchbbq.com

Whitestone Brewery 601 E Whitestone Blvd. Ste. #500 whitestonebrewery.com

Infamous Brewing Company 4602 Weletka Dr. infamousbrewing.com

Interstellar Barbecue 12233 Ranch Rd. 620 N Ste. 105 theinterstellarbbq.com

Micklethwait Craft Meats BBQ & Catering 1309 Rosewood Ave. craftmeatsaustin.com

Oskar Blues Brewery 10420 Metric Blvd. oskarblues.com

Southern Heights Brewing 6014 Techni Center Dr. southernheightsbrewing.com

St. Elmo Tap 440 E. St. Elmo Rd. stelmobrewing.com

Terry Black's BBQ 1003 Barton Springs Rd. terryblacksbbq.com

The Brewatorium 6015 Dillard Circle Ste. A thebrewtorium.com

Zilker Brewing Company 1701 E. 6th St. zilkerbeer.com

Round Rock

Bluebonnet Beer Company 1700 Bryant Dr #107 bluebonnetbeerco.com

Dickey's Barbecue Pit 661 Louis Henna Blvd Ste 330 dickeys.com

Liberty BBQ 103 E Main St. libertybbqrrtx.com

The Brass Tap 204 E Main Street brasstapbeerbar.com

The Salt Lick BBQ 3350 East Palm Valley Blvd saltlickbbq.com

Leander

Humble Pint 11880 Hero Way W Suite 208 humblepint.com

Red Horn Brewery & Roastery 1615 Scottsdale Dr. Bldg. 1 Ste. 110 redhornbrew.com

Shark's Burger 15609 Ronald Reagan sharksburger.com

Texana BBQ 1500 S Bagdad Rd texanabbq.com

Liberty Hill

Agape BBQ 3610 Ranch Rd 1869 agapebbq.com

Bull Creek Brewing 7100 FM 3405 bullcreekbrewing.com

Dahlia Cafe 2450 RR 1869 dahliacafe.com

Hell or Highwater Brewing 931 Texas 332 Loop hellorhighwaterbrewing.com

Liberty Hill Beer Market 13851 TX-29 libertyhillbeermarket.com

Liberty Tavern 3000 Ranch Road 1869 libertytavern.co

Major's Burger Co. 14011 TX-29 majorsburgercompany.com

Moonie's Burger Cafe 1651 Main Street mooniesburgerhouse.com

San Gabriel River Brewery 500 Chaparral Dr sangabrielriverbrewery.com

Schitz Creek Distillery & Brewery 101 Co Rd 257 Suite B thirstymule.com/schitz-creek

Whiskey Barrell Pub 1004 Loop 332 whiskeybarrelpub.com

Whitestone Brewery 15390 Hwy 29 Building 2 & 3 whitestonebrewery.com

Barking Armadillo 507 Riverbend Dr barkingarmadillo.com

Georgetown District Six 105 W 9th St. districtsixgeorgetown.com

Hat Creek Burger Company 201 San Gabriel Village Blvd hatcreekburgers.com

Hardtails Bar & Grill 1515 N I-35 hardtailsbarandgrill.com

Hello Sweetie BBQ 2200 Austin Ave, Ste101 hellosweetiebbq.com

Jimmy Vega's Smokehouse 408 W University Ave jimmyvegas.biz

Mesquite Creek Outfitters 704 S Austin Ave mesquitecreek outfitters.com Pok-e-Jo's Smokehouse 610 N Austin Ave pokejos.com

Rentsch Brewing 2500 NE Inner Loop #3105 rentschbrewery.com

Simmer Down Cafe 4701-1 Williams Dr. simmerdown georgetown.weebly.com

Smoky Mo's 1013 W University Ave smokeymosbbq.com

South Fork Food, Fun, & Brew 3309 W State HWY 29 southforkgtx.com

Tejano Cookers BBQ & Catering 5750 Williams Dr facebook.com /tejanocookers bbqcatering

The Pit Barbecue 2427 Williams Dr facebook.com/ThePit14

Wildfire 812 S Austin Ave wildfiretexas.com

Davis Grocery & BBQ 400 S Robinson St davis-bbq.com

Ed's Place 209 W 3rd St. Facebook.com

Temple

Bird Creek Burgers 6 S Main St. birdcreekburger.co

Bold Republic Brewing Company 7070 Stone Hollow Dr. boldrepublicbrewing.com

Crows Burgers 2302 S 57th St. facebook.com/crowsburgershop

Oscar Store 8133 Oscar Spur oscarstoretexas.com

Louie Mueller Barbecue 206 W 2nd St. louiemuellerbarbecue.com

Texas Beer Co. 1331 W 2nd St texasbeerco.com

The Icehouse Kitchen & Tavern 1321 W 2nd St. tayloricehouse.com

Weir Country Store 101 N Main St. facebook.com

Dale's Essenhaus 3900 FM 972 dales-essenhaus-walburg.com

Walburg Restaurant 3777 FM 972 walburgrestaurant.net

Thorndale Meat Market 300 US-79 frankfelton.com

"TEXAS"

by Charlotte Kovalchuk and Ann Marie Kennon

The Rich Tapestry of Texas Barbecue Traditions

Southern culture author John Shelton Reed wrote, “Southern barbecue is the closest thing we have in the U.S. to Europe’s wines or cheeses; drive a hundred miles and the barbecue changes.”

When you think of Texas barbecue, you might be surprised to learn that not all Texans smoke their meat the same way. Here are the five main styles of barbecue that showcase the diverse flavors and techniques found around the state. Whether you prefer the simplicity of Central Texas or the tangy sauces of East Texas, exploring the different barbecue styles is a delightful culinary journey through the Lone Star State.

As Daniel Vaughn writes in The Prophets of Smoked Meat: A Journey Through Texas Barbecue, “each individual style has a loose geographical origin, but none have strict boundaries.”

SOUTH-CENTRAL

This style blends elements from both Central and South Texas barbecue traditions. It typically includes a variety of meats such as brisket, sausage, pork ribs, and chicken. The meats are cooked low and slow over indirect heat, often with a mix of woods like oak and mesquite. South-Central Texas barbecue incorporates the use of sauces, both tangy and slightly sweet, to enhance the flavors.

South-Central Texas barbecue is typically served with a no-frills approach. Meats are presented on butcher paper or trays, often with white bread, pickles, onions, and jalapeños on the side. This traditional serving style adds to the authenticity and charm of the experience.

WEST TEXAS

West Texas barbecue, also referred to as “cowboy-style” barbecue, has a more rustic and simple approach. It involves direct grilling or smoking of meats, usually over mesquite wood. West Texas barbecue primarily features beef, particularly large cuts like whole beef shoulder or “cowboy” ribeye. The seasoning is minimal, allowing the natural flavors of the beef to shine.

West Texas barbecue often utilizes direct grilling or smoking methods. Pitmasters typically cook the meat directly over the fire or hot coals, resulting in a unique charred and smoky flavor.

CENTRAL TEXAS

Also known as Hill Country barbecue, this style is characterized by cooking meats over indirect heat from pecan, oak, or mesquite wood for up to 24 hours. Central Texas barbecue focuses on simple seasoning, allowing the meat’s natural flavors to shine. Brisket is the star of the show, but you’ll also find pork ribs, sausage, and other cuts. It is often served with white bread, pickles, onions, and tangy barbecue sauce on the side.

Lockhart, just east of San Marcos, is often referred to as the "Barbecue Capital of Texas." It is home to several iconic barbecue establishments, including Kreuz Market, Smitty's Market, and Black's Barbecue, each with its own rich history and unique barbecue style.

EAST TEXAS

East Texas barbecue features tender and juicy meats that are typically cooked with a tomato-based, sweet and tangy sauce. The style is heavily influenced by the unique flavor profiles of the African-American community. Pitmasters in this region often use hickory wood for smoking, resulting in a pronounced smoky flavor. Pork ribs, beef ribs, pulled pork, and sausage are popular menu items. East Texas barbecue is known for its emphasis on “fall-offthe-bone" tenderness.

Alongside delicious barbecue meats, East Texas barbecue often offers an array of classic Southern side dishes. These may include items like coleslaw, potato salad, baked beans, and cornbread, providing a well-rounded and satisfying meal.

WHAT MAKES TEXAS "TEXAS"

SOUTH TEXAS

South Texas barbecue, also known as “barbacoa,” is heavily influenced by Mexican and Tex-Mex flavors. The focus is on slow-cooked, tender, and flavorful meats, often using traditional barbacoa techniques like underground pits or large enclosed pits. Beef, particularly beef head (cheek and tongue), is commonly used, along with goat and lamb. The meat is typically seasoned with a blend of spices, herbs, and marinades. “Forget about cheap white bread or a sleeve of saltines – fresh tortillas are the best vehicle for sopping up all that barbecue deliciousness,” Daniel writes.

South Texas barbecue is commonly served "family-style," with large cuts of meat placed on platters or trays for everyone to share. This communal dining experience is a cherished aspect of South Texas barbecue gatherings.

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.

Beer Festivals

by Charlotte Kovalchuk

HOME TO A FLOURISHING CRAFT BEER SCENE SINCE

THE 2000 s , TEXAS BOASTS MYRIAD BREWERIES AND FESTIVALS THAT CELEBRATE BEERS BREWED LOCALLY OR INTERNATIONALLY. NO MATTER YOUR TASTE PREFERENCE, ALL BEER BUFFS ARE SURE TO FIND A FAVORITE BEVERAGE AT THESE BEER FESTIVALS AROUND TEXAS.

BREWSOLOGY BEER FEST

» July 15, Houston Museum of Natural Science

A boozy hybrid of your middle school museum field trip, the Brewsology Beer Fest takes over museums across the country every year and will head to the Houston Museum of Natural Science this summer. “We found that attendees had not really visited these museums since they were kids or had kids of their own, and the interactive nature of the science and natural history museums was refreshing to guests,” festival producer Dan Silberstein says.

Beer enthusiasts can indulge in samples from dozens of craft breweries and cideries while visiting a variety of museum exhibits. • Brewsology.com/houston.

BLAZIN' BEER CRAWL

» August 5, Downtown Georgetown

Georgetown beer lovers can enjoy a craft beer crawl in their own backyard at the Blazin’ Beer Crawl, a self-paced walking event featuring craft beer tastings inside Georgetown's downtown retail stores and restaurants. Ticket holders will receive a map of participating locations to check out. Restaurants will offer event day specials and hot and spicy snacks will be available at various participating merchant locations. • mainstreet.georgetown.org/beercrawl

TEXAS CRAFT BREWERS FESTIVAL

» September 30, Fiesta Gardens in Austin

The Texas Craft Brewers Festival began as a humble street gathering in the early 2000s, aimed at showcasing the then-nascent craft brewing sector in Texas. Over the years, the festival has continued to grow in step with the state’s beer scene and has been held annually in east Austin's Fiesta Gardens under the operation of the Texas Craft Brewers Guild since 2011. “We currently feature more than 80 breweries each year and proudly boast the tagline of ‘the state's largest celebration of small and independent Texas craft breweries,’ ” says Caroline Wallace, executive director of the Texas Craft Brewers Guild. • tickets.TexasCraftBrewersFestival.org/e/texas-craft-brewers-festival-2023/tickets.

BEST LITTLE BREWFEST

» October 21, Old Town Lewisville

Craft beer lovers will find many beverages ranging from light and summery to exotic and barrel-aged brews at the Best Little Brewfest, a 100 percent charity beer festival showcasing more than 40 craft breweries from around Texas, the U.S., and the world. Grab a drink—wine, seltzers, and ciders are also included—and check out 25 retail vendors, local musicians, food trucks, and a new Artist Alley full of art and crafts. • BestLittleBrewFestInTexas.com

Photos by Brewvolution and City of Murphy

SAN ANTONIO BEER FESTIVAL

» October 21, Crockett Park in San Antonio

The San Antonio Beer Festival pours more than 400 premium and craft beers from 100+ breweries from around the world. The festival will be jam-packed with unique casks, one-of-a-kind collaborations, and your favorite porters, stouts, pilsners, ales, wheats, sours, Belgians, ciders, and lagers to name a few. Beyond beer, the event features music, games, wines, ciders, food trucks, food booths, local vendors, and more. Attendees are welcome to bring lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy a beautiful fall day at the park in the heart of downtown San Antonio. • SanAntonioBeerFestival.com

WILD WEST BREWFEST

» March 21-24, 2024, Typhoon TX in Katy

Named the No. 1 Beer Festival in North America by BeerYeti.com, Wild West Brewfest will delight brew buffs at the Typhoon Texas Water Park. The event is hosted by the Rotary Club of Katy and 100 percent run by volunteers, with all proceeds benefiting local charities and student scholarships. WildWestBrewFest.com

BIG TEXAS BEER FEST

» April 6, 2024, Grand Place and Tower Building, Dallas

The Big Texas Beer Fest is known as the go-to festival for exclusive and rare beers, one-offs, and special beers not found on grocery store shelves. The festival will feature 90+ breweries and 450+ beers, ciders, hard seltzers, hard kombuchas, meads and more, not only from brewers across Texas but around the United States and internationally. Be sure to check out the many food trucks and local food vendors as well as local music acts on the outdoor stage. Tickets typically go on sale in late December or early January at BigTexasBeerFest.com.

TUNES, TAILS & ALES

» First Saturday of May (subject to change), Murphy Central Park in Murphy

Enjoy a celebration of craft beer, crawfish, and live music in the North Texas city of Murphy. Patrons can sample from 150+ beers, purchase from a crawfish boil, visit one of the many food trucks, attend a free concert, and enjoy tons of activities for people of all ages. A portion of the proceeds benefit the Murphy Chamber Scholarship Fund. murphycraftbeerfest.com

Finding a dog to join your family is such an exciting time! And, by choosing a shelter dog, you are literally saving a life. What could make this even better? A simple way to make it all happen. That’s where the Wilco Regional Animal Shelter’s Best Match program comes in. Adopters can meet available candidates, chat with a caretaker, visit with potential matches in person or virtually, and receive help with the paperwork. “Using the Best Match system focuses on compatibility between you and our dogs,” Shelter Community Programs Coordinator April Peiffer says. “We know you want a match that’s for keeps! Let us introduce you to your favorites in one of our play yards. We want to help you create a meeting for the memory books.”

The program just started recently, but she expects it to benefit all involved – the adopter, the dogs, and the shelter. “We anticipate people will find this program to be of great help when selecting their new family member because it is a means to learn which pup at the shelter is good with other dogs, may do well with cats, enjoys the company of kids, and would make an outstanding companion in apartment life,” April says.

PAW-FECT PAIRINGS

WCRAS Launches

Pet Matching Program

by Charlotte Kovalchuk

The shelter has also introduced out-of-area adoptions in conjunction with the Best Match program, which allows people anywhere in the country to meet an adoptable dog virtually. If it’s a match, staff will help arrange transportation.

LEND A HAND

Start your journey to finding the perfect pet match by visiting the shelter’s Dog Adoption page and looking through the lists of dogs that do well with dogs, cats, kids, and in apartment life – characteristics staff are frequently asked about. Click on the dogs’ photos to learn more about them and email adoption@wilco.org to chat with a caretaker about each dog. Finally, schedule an appointment to come and meet your chosen doggo in one of the shelter's play yards, and if it is a match, you can adopt!

To learn more about the program, visit pets.wilco.org/Adopt/Dog-Adoptions.

by Ann Marie Kennon

FROM UNEXPECTED INGREDIENTS TO INNOVATIVE TECHNIQUES, THESE UNCONVENTIONAL RECIPES WILL SURPRISE AND DELIGHT YOUR TASTE BUDS. GET READY TO PUSH THE BOUNDARIES OF YOUR GRILL AND EXPLORE A WORLD OF FLAVOR LIKE NEVER BEFORE. IN THIS ARTICLE, WE'LL INTRODUCE YOU TO A LINEUP OF EXTRAORDINARY RECIPES THAT WILL MAKE YOUR GRILLING SESSIONS TRULY UNFORGETTABLE. BRACE YOURSELF FOR A THRILLING JOURNEY INTO THE REALM OF UNCONVENTIONAL GRILLING!

BEER POTATOES

• Potatoes – use potatoes suitable for roasting (like Yukon Gold).

• Olive oil – use extra virgin olive oil.

• Beer – use a light beer like Pilsner.

• Breadcrumbs – use Panko for extra crunch.

Cut potatoes into wedges.

If using thin-skinned potatoes, there’s no need to peel them first, just make sure to wash them first.

Add potato wedges to a pot of salted water and place over medium heat.

Bring water to a boil and cook for 10-15 minutes or until cooked halfway. They should still be slightly hard in the middle.

Drain potatoes, then transfer onto a baking sheet. Carefully pat dry with paper towels.

Transfer potato wedges to a bowl and add olive oil and seasoning.

Stir to coat every potato wedge in oil.

Spread potatoes in a baking dish and pour over the beer. Bake for 30 minutes at 200°C/400°F, stirring halfway through.

Sprinkle potatoes with additional breadcrumbs before baking for an additional 10-15 minutes or until golden and crispy.

Add chopped and sautéed bacon to the potatoes and beer before baking or add grated cheddar cheese with the breadcrumbs before the last 15 minutes.

For extra flavor, use crushed potato chips instead of breadcrumbs.

Feel free to use your favorite seasoning and herbs.

If you prefer a more intense flavor, add crushed garlic before baking.

You can also substitute white wine for beer or for a non-alcoholic alternative, use non-alcoholic beer or chicken broth.

GRILLED PEACH SALSA

INGREDIENTS

• 4 peaches halved and pitted

• 4 heirloom tomatoes diced

• 1 bunch cilantro • 2 limes juiced

• 2 cloves garlic minced • 2 tbsp olive oil

• Kosher salt to taste

• ground black pepper to taste

Preheat your grill to high. Allow to heat up for 10-15 minutes. Brush the flesh sides of your peaches with olive oil. Sprinkle salt across flesh surface. Put the peaches, flesh-side down, on the grill. Cook for 10-20 minutes, or until grill sear makes start to appear on the fruit’s flesh. Remove the peaches from the grill and transfer to a cutting board. Allow them to cool for a few minutes and then dice them into small chunks. Transfer the chunks to a large bowl. Add the diced tomatoes, minced cilantro, lime juice, minced garlic, and olive oil. Combine well. Add salt to season. Add more lime juice if too salty. Enjoy either as a dip or as a meat topping.

GRILLED FRUIT kabobs with sweet & spicy glaze

INGREDIENTS

• about 2 cups diced watermelon

• about 2 cups diced pineapple

• about 1-pint strawberries, hulled

• 1 tbsp. honey

• 1 lime juiced

• 1/4–1/2 tsp. Cayenne (depending on how much you like spice)

• 1 pinch sea salt

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 450F. Thread the fruit onto skewers. Remember to soak wood skewers in water for 30 minutes prior to grilling so that they don’t burn.

Visually appealing and also a healthy and refreshing option for any occasion.

DID YOU KNOW?

Not Trifling: One of the most expensive burgers available in the United States is served at the Fleur de Lys in Las Vegas’ Mandalay Bay. The FleurBurger is made with Kobe beef and topped with foie gras and truffle sauce, and is served on a brioche truffle bun with black truffles on the side. It also comes with a 1990 bottle of Chateau Petrus, all for $5,000. The restaurant will also provide a certificate of authenticity to prove how expensive your taste is.

Lay the fruit skewers on the grill when it’s hot and grill for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until you get nice grill marks. Once all sides are grilled, remove the skewers from the grill. Mix together the honey, lime juice, cayenne, and sea salt. Brush the glaze all over each kabob. Serve warm, at room temperature or cold. These are also delicious with vanilla ice cream or fresh whipped cream for dessert!

Is it ironic or just interesting that the country we broke up with in 1776 is pretty much our only BFF in the world?

The Declaration of Independence is basically just a really long list of things we didn’t like about the way the King was doing his job. Later on, the Founding Fathers wrote up a list of rules that essentially said, “We’re not going to do it like he does…ever.” I wonder if Jefferson et al would be pleased by the way we are behaving these days.

But, people continue trying to get in so there must remain some vestiges of still better than everywhere else. I think there is one important illustration of that — Elon Musk didn't come here in the time of Tesla and Edison or even the Reagan years. He showed up in 1995, so apparently, America's still got it.

Whether you like him or not (did you know you have him to thank for PayPal?), it is well-known he came to America to have his pick of many top-tier education institutions. He and his 50-pound brain could have chosen anywhere in the world to live and work and create things. He chose the United States because there is a lot about America that some Americans are too busy fussing about politics and special interests to notice any more.

Although Elon only attended Stanford for two days, he also recognized this country has always had a great love of entrepreneurs and innovation, and a ton of people who get up in the morning to take risks. Those are the same people who provide resourc-

America Was Never Not Great

es and funding for startups, and you don’t have to be Elon to get help from them. America doesn't care who you are or where you came from. You just have to have a good idea that solves problems for people. That helps explain how, after quitting his doctoral program, Elon was able to create a product, market it across the nation, and sell it for $307 million in less than four years.

Also, he knew America has nearly always been in first place for advancement and innovation. Americans did build the first practical airplane, so we didn't have to end WWII by boat. The freedom to work and invent in America continues to attract brilliant minds and has always been a petri dish for smart ideas. Telephones, alternating current, Internet, GPS, MRIs, the assembly line... you're welcome, planet Earth.

The U.S. financial system is also known globally for its depth and access to capital. Even if you have a problem with income gaps and wage disparity, you can't deny America has built an economy that enables people to earn enough money to give some away to help the next guy or girl grow something that earns enough money to facilitate giving some away to help the next person, and so on.

We also have 330 million residents who love to shop and acquire things. Perhaps not something to be proud of, but the idea that our economy is, or could be built on retail, means we have long since passed survival and have moved on to entertainment and comfort. We have a whole city just for making movies, and people around the world love to joke about our comically large food portions with-

out pointing out that, like many other American things that are over the top — we do it because we can.

Musk also assumed his ambitious ventures, like SpaceX and Tesla, would have a greater chance of success and growth in a country with a consumer base like ours. And don't forget, we are still able to shop that much after we pay a lot of taxes, some of which contribute to the $50 billion our government also gives away every year to help whole other countries. Pretty nice of us, I think.

As well, Musk's personal interest in space exploration inspired his private space companies and America has always killed it in space exploration. Sure, our missiles and Mercury programs were born from the 50-pound brains of German scientists but at least we had the foresight, resources, and temerity to put them to work rather than sending them to gulags. And today we are, in fact, the only nation with a car on the moon so where else could Elon reasonably go? Is there anything more American than traveling 245,000 miles—straight up— and asking, "Should we go for a drive when we get there?"

While probably not reasons Musk moved here, we are also still the country of the Empire State Building, Las Vegas, Mount Rushmore, Michael Jordan, Hoover Dam, and James T. Kirk. What other place on earth could simultaneously produce and nurture an Elvis Presley and a Walt Disney (the creative genius, not the ultra-woke park in Florida)?

I'm glad people like Elon agree America is great.

Swim Center Grand Opening Makes a Splash

Around 300 people kicked off summer with the grand opening of the city’s first public swimming pool, the Liberty Hill Swim Center. The Beat the Heat event on June 3 featured a live DJ, food trucks, giveaways, a hula hooper, and two mermaids who made the event a magical experience for all.

“We saw tons of smiles and laughter as well as dancing and singing along with the music,” says Jamie Higuera, the city’s Parks, Recreation & Facilities supervisor. “Many people really enjoyed the mermaids, and the kids absolutely loved following them around the pool. They swam with the kids, provided photo opportunities, read stories, and even taught the kids some ‘mermaid tricks’ in the water. It was a really unique and fun addition to the day!”

Located inside City Park, the Liberty Hill Swim Center will help families stay cool this summer with shaded areas, a splash zone, and two swim lanes. Daily passes are available for purchase at the pool, and summer passes can be bought online or at the pool.

POOL HOURS:

Monday: Closed Tuesday-Saturday: 10am – 7pm Sunday: 1pm – 6pm

251 CR 200, Liberty Hill Scan the code for more information.

by Charlotte Kovalchuk Photos by Kendra Cofer Photography and Jamie Higuera

Mystica has fun with kids at the grand opening of the Liberty Hill Swim Center.

ECRWSS POSTAL PATRON LIBERTY HILL, TX

WATER TOWER KICKSTART

FROM 6:30-8:30PM

Kickstart your weekends with live music at the downtown Water Tower Parking Lot! (822 Loop 332)

Thursday, July 20 6:30 – 8:30pm Ryan Thomas Holley & Guests

Thursday, August 10 6:30 – 8:30pm Dale Watson

Check out the variety of dining options on Main Street, purchase food and beverages from the onsite food vendors, or pack a picnic basket to enjoy the evening of fun and music! Bring a lawn chair or blanket and the entire family for live music and kid activities.

a c k t o s c h o o l

bash

august 9th

wetzel park splash pad from 1-3pm

Summer tunes, giveaways, water gun fight, and lots of fun!

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