76537 LIFE

"76537 Life" is Q&A that is all about municipal details and information that will, over time, add to our knowledge base and help readers understand the differences living in various locations in Economic Jarrell. We will address things readers may like to know about the variables within.

Sonterra Swimming Pool

WHAT ARE THE RULES FOR POOL PASSES?

All Sonterra residents are required to receive a new pool pass each year. Household HOA/COA fees and COA dues must be paid and current to receive passes. Residents must prove residency. Applicants must present a current MUD bill and driver’s license displaying their current address. Every member of the household must present a pool pass to enter the pool. When applying for passes, children must be accompanied by a parent. Pool passes are available all summer long. New residents and those unable to get a pass before Memorial Day may visit during office hours (Tues-Sun, Noon-9pm) to apply. Public use—non-Sonterra residents—is allowed for an entry fee of $5. This includes those who are guests of Sonterra residents.

WHEN CAN MY FAMILY USE THE POOL?

The pool opened Memorial Day weekend and is open Tuesday through Sunday 12pm- 9pm.

Family Swim and Adult Swim, Tuesday through Sunday 10am to noon, is reserved for Sonterra residents in the toddler pool and lap lanes, respectively.

WHAT’S NEW AT THE POOL?

This year a new splash pad has been added to make the facility more fun and engaging for younger children. Kids will enjoy various water features and pour buckets, guaranteed to delight all summer.

ANYTHING FUN FOR GROWNUPS?

The Clubhouse at the pool is available to rent, with a lower rate for residents versus non-residents. Email sonterrpool@gmail.com for rates and availability.

Water aerobics is offered at the pool every Tuesday and Thursday for $2.50 per class. Check the website for times and updates.

Small, handheld coolers (only) are permitted, and limited concessions are available for purchase. Snacks include pre-packaged foods, water, and soft drinks.

WHAT ARE SOME IMPORTANT POOL RULES?

All children younger than 12 years must be attended by an adult over 18 years while at the facility. Pool management have offered to administer swim tests to children age 10-11 years, which will be administered by a veteran lifeguard and one parent must be present.

Scan the code for special events and updates.

JARRELL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE June Networking Luncheon

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 16, 2021 @ 11:30 AM

Jarrell ISD Annex Training Resource Center Former JISD Library | Corner of 5th St & Avenue C 502 N 5th St. | Jarrell, TX 76537

Featured Speaker -

Mary Poche’ - Executive Director Jarrell Economic Development Corporation JOIN THE CHAMBER TODAY!

Visit our website to apply www.JarrellCOC.com www.JarrellCOC.com • info@JarrellCOC.com • 512-677-5501

Deus Ex Mayberry

It’s Father’s Day and I can’t help thinking about how often I get “God from Mayberry.”

The older I get the more I have appreciated the TV Land channel and all the memories of my childhood it evokes. Most specifically, all the shows I watched as a kid because they were what my dad watched. Since there was only one television in the house (What?! Said all the millennials in the world), everyone basically watched whatever Dad watched.

That also explains why I like a few typically non-female-demo things like Star Trek, Barney Miller, Sanford & Son, and Muhammad Ali. Although I did get to watch Brady Bunch when he wasn’t around.

My dad was predominantly Archie Bunker at times; Hawkeye Pierce some days, and a little John Wayne now and then. Definitely not a Mike Brady. When we were in trouble there were no sit-on-the-couch-to-share-feelings episodes. Just plain old run-for-your-life moments.

Those were good days with wholesome TV. I liked Andy Taylor then but, as a parent, I have a new appreciation for his kindness, wisdom, and the way he always defused the insanity around him without taking credit for it.

Opie once got his feelings hurt because Andy had a new girlfriend and he was worried his Pa wouldn’t like him as much someday. What Pa said stuck in my head word for word because of it’s brevity and profoundness.

“Come here a minute. I’m gon’ tell you somethin’ Ope and I want you to listen real carefully. You’re my young’un.

And I love you more than anything or anybody in the whole world. And nothing or nobody can ever change that. You know it’s hard for me to tell you just how much you do mean to me cause you’re a part of me.

Simple as that. You are my own and a part of me. You didn’t earn my love and affection because you didn’t have to, but they are there for you until I’m gone. I know it’s just a bunch of TV writers and a script but I get choked up every time I see that one.

Even more so than the time Opie had to give up his milk money to a bully and Andy told him to stand his ground without letting on that he knew his son was being mistreated.

Again, even though they were actors, the scene where Andy looks Opie in the eye before he goes to school, presumably to be punched in the eye, is a true sense of a Father, loving his young’un enough to let him be a man, even if he’s only 6. Opie was so proud of his black eye and they shared a great moment.

I know life is not like TV but I like to think that dads really do love their kids like that, even if they can’t always show it. You know, because they’re big strong men who have to just wipe the dust from their eyes when they have an emotion.

Today, I know a lot of Andy Taylors. There’s Charlie, whom I secretly believe is a baby whisperer because his children are gentle, kind, and want to please him out of love and respect. There’s Bill, who shepherds pretty much everyone he comes in contact with, from a place of Godly love and genuine compassion, and he has that twinkle in his eye when he’s being clever, just like the good Sheriff Taylor. There’s Robert, who is a ‘father’ to hundreds of kids. He doesn’t divide his love between them, he multiplies it.

My own dad has been gone more than half my life and it’s odd to think I’m nearly as old as he was when he passed away. And while I feel confident I can love and protect my little boy like a bear and a good soldier, I hope he will always have a few good men like my dad to look up to as well.

Who else is going to share those priceless, “Don’t tell your mother we did this” moments, or slip a $20 bill in a handshake before a date or a trip? Dads are great to share the first sip of beer, the first worm on a hook, the first driving lesson, the first “girls/boys suck” conversation, and that last minute getaway offer (just in case) right before the wedding.

Dads, enjoy your special day, the comfy chair, the big piece of chicken, and sole control of the remote.

Happy Father’s Day! XXOO