My Jarrell Monthly August 2021

We B u i l d Co m m u n i t y • Un i t i n g 7 6 5 3 7

Dr. Andrea Allen • YourPersonalMD.net AUGUST

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AROUND TOWN Zion Lutheran School Enrollment Soars During Pandemic p. 4

EDUCATION Meet JISD's New Education Leaders p. 14

PEOPLE Enjoying Summer with the Darrell Goldman Band p. 22

BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS THROUGH DIRECT PRIMARY CARE

Y ou r Pe rs o na l M D i s Ac c e p t i n g N e w P a t i e n t s

FEATURES 8 EVERYDAY HEROES

Empowering Women Through Fashion

INSIDE

14 JISD EDUCATION LEADERS Welcome our New Principals

16 BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS

Your Personal MD Provides Direct Primary Care

FAVORITES 4

AROUND TOWN Zion Lutheran School Soars During Pandemic

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HEALTHY HABITS Healing Touch at Amanda's Relax Shack

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76537 LIFE Parks, Pools, and Roads

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PEOPLE Jarrell's Darrell Goldman Band

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NEIGHBOR LEIGH Is It Just Me? Part 2

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PARTING SHOT Meet Jack, and his Health Comeback!

16 COVER: Meet Your Personal MD's Dr. Angela Allen • Direct Primary Care is as much about relationships as it is health and wellness.

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Get to know the Darrell Goldman Band

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Zion Lutheran School’s 2020-2021 theme, “Sustained by Grace,” became a perfect illustration of the school’s journey through the highs and lows of the pandemic.

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Celebrating Dog Days of Summer with Jack... making a comeback thanks to Jarrell Animal Hospital.

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EDITOR'S NOTE | CAMY REYNOLDS PUBLISHER

EXECUTIVE EDITOR Ann Marie Kennon

Cathy Payne

COMMUNITY EDITOR Camy Reynolds Camy is a native Texan and mom of three who has lived in Jarrell since 2009.

She serves her community as a director on the Sonterra MUD Board, is on the board for the Jarrell Education Foundation, is the PTO President for Igo Elementary, and founded the local Facebook group Mom Tribe Jarrell that has over 700 members.

COMMUNITY LIAISON

Janet Hage

SENIOR WRITER Charlotte Kovalchuk

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Greta Bauer

GRAPHICS & DESIGN Sam Cothran • Ann Marie Kennon CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Rudy Ximenez • David Valdez • Todd White SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR • Jenny Campbell ACCOUNT SERVICES • Debbie Tolliver DISTRIBUTION • David Schumacher IT/WEBMASTER • Jesse Payne CONSULTANT • W. Ben Daniel ADVERTISING Jenny Campbell 254-251-9167 (Cell) 512-598-6538 (Direct) jenny@myjarrell.com

My Jarrell Monthly is a Fidelis Publishing Group, LLC publication.

Copyright © 2021 All rights reserved. My Jarrell Monthly is published monthly and mailed USPS, free of charge, to homes and businesses in the 76537 zip code. Mail may be sent to My Jarrell, P.O. Box 213, Jarrell, TX 76537.

Email: info@myjarrell.com 2

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Our summer days are slowly coming to a bittersweet end, and we will all begrudgingly transition back to our normal schedules. Back-to-school shopping will start soon as we all search for just one blue plastic folder with brads and a pack of only-20 glue sticks. At the same time, this is somewhat exciting as we imagine what this new school year will hold for our children and educators.

I enjoyed getting to know Jarrell’s four new principals and hearing about their visions and goals for our children and schools. I’m looking forward to this school year as our kids and educators settle back into what we know as “normalcy” and continue cultivating an environment where learning and teaching are exciting, motivational, and inspirational.

For now, we will continue enjoying what is left of Summer, which includes taking full advantage of all the wonderful upgrades to the Sonterra Pool. Most would agree there is nothing better on a hot summer day than a refreshing swim and shade to relax in. If you’ve stopped by you’ve certainly noticed the major changes that have taken place this summer, and we can also anticipate a few things still to come.

It also wouldn’t be a Texas summer without live music.

If you happened to be at the First Responders night at The Granary, you had the pleasure of hearing The Darrell Goldman Band. It was fun being able to sit down and talk with Darrell about his music career and how he finds his inspiration.

You’ll also be pleased to learn more about the growth and enrollment at Zion Lutheran School; as well as whom to contact for road repairs in our community.

So take it all in and savor the last few weeks of summer, sun, and relaxation as you begin to mentally prepare for all the “real life” that Fall brings.

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by Charlotte Kovalchuk photos courtesy of Thomas Wrege

A RO UND TOWN

Zion Lutheran School Enrollment Soars During Pandemic

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ion Lutheran School’s 20202021 theme, “Sustained by Grace,” became a perfect illustration of the school’s journey through the highs and lows of the pandemic.

One of those highs was the school’s enrollment spike during COVID-19, an achievement Principal Thomas Wrege attributes to the staff’s close relationships with students and parents, as well as their in-person plan during a time when many other schools were closing their doors. “We knew that with students on campus, there would be a much better opportunity for effective learning, and this would allow the teachers to not be stretched too thin with having to do both in-person and hybrid, but rather to concentrate on doing an outstanding job of instruction and, in turn, not being over-

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whelmed or burned out by too high of a work load,” he says.

That mission worked; “We had an 18+ percent enrollment growth,” Wrege says. “We didn’t see it coming. We had budgeted for 175 and ended up with 216 in May this year.”

Managing that growth by capping classroom numbers and social distancing was difficult, along with having to close for several weeks when school COVID cases increased. But “in an incredibly challenging school and church year, God just really blessed us with a pause and some answers. We learned a lot of things."

Zion Lutheran found new ways to make connections, not only with its students and parishioners, but the community. Families were kept in the loop through video conferences each week, while homebound

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members and Walburg residents were blessed with meal deliveries, thanks to partnerships with local restaurants. And when school COVID cases increased for a time, Zion Lutheran became an online church and school in just a few days. “We learned to embrace our families even more than we did in the past,” says Wrege. “We wanted to care for them and make sure kids were safe and still learning.”

Through it all, the school received strong support from parents. “It was all, ‘Keep going, let’s finish this school year strong.'

“There were real challenging days, but we have a strong team, and God was in the details always.

He sustained us with grace—it was a perfect theme for the school year.”

ARO UND TO W N

DISCIPLESHIP LEGACY “We are a church in the country, but we’re not a country church,” Wrege says. Located off FM 1105 in Walburg, Zion Lutheran is home to cutting-edge technology and seasoned teachers and staff. A modern worship center just opened at the church, which continues to honor its 150-year-old roots with a traditional sanctuary—a unique balance for a Lutheran church, shares music and worship director Marc Profant.

Built in 1882, Zion Lutheran opened as both a church and school, which serves preschool through eighth grade. “It is common for a church to get underway and at some point realize they need to be able to educate the children,” Senior Pastor John Davenport explains. “Nine families realized, from day one, that they needed a vehicle to educate the children.”

Known as a Great Commission church that follows Jesus’ command to go out in the world and make disciples, Zion equips church members and school families to carry out that mission. “There’s a strong connection between the church and school, because the church views the school as its first and largest ministry,” says Zion business manager Steven Cashio.

That vision has been a successful one, with a 94 percent retention rate and multi-generational students and parishioners whose parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents have been loyal to Zion. But Davenport emphasizes that you don’t have to be here five generations to belong. “We’re excited about the legacy of families that have been here decades and decades, but there are also new faces among us every week,” he says.

Zion is also behind Wurstbraten, the annual sausage supper that will return November 1 from 4pm until meals (drive-through only) run out.

Looking ahead, Zion hopes to keep growing so more children and families can benefit from its mission to connect with others, grow in faith, and serve, while continuing to add value and innovation to support the local community with a quality, Christian education. “Even though the church is 150 years old, in many ways we’re just getting started,”

says Profant. “We now are going to spread our wings in many ways.

COVID, which was not a fun thing, has turned out to be a blessing in many ways for our church. I sometimes see it as a reset—it has refocused why we do what we do on our campus, which is to reach people with the gospel of Christ.”

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E VE RY DAY HERO

by Charlotte Kovalchuk • photos courtesy Sara Alarcon

Empowering Women through Fashion Mother-Daughter Team with a Vision

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ara Alarcon is proof that a new outfit can inspire confidence and, in her case, a new beginning. On the run from an abusive boyfriend with her 10-month-old daughter in tow, she found herself in Texas 14 years ago with only her car, wallet, and two small boxes of clothes.

She soon faced another obstacle when she began working at a San Antonio car dealership that required business casual attire she didn’t have. “When I got my first paycheck, I went to Kohl’s and got just a cheap blazer but, holy heck, when I put it on, I remember feeling so good because it was mine and it was my first professional job."

I WA S D O I N G S O M E T H I N G F O R M E A N D M I S A B Y M Y S E L F. T H AT B L A Z E R W I L L A LWAY S B E I N M Y H E A D — S O M E T H I N G A B O U T T H AT WA S A F O U N D AT I O N A L M O M E N T. . .

I R E A L I Z E D I ’ V E G OT T H I S . I C A N D O T H I S O N M Y O W N . I C A N S TA R T O V E R . I H A D TA K E N MY POWER BACK. That shot of confidence not only helped Sara meet a job requirement—it emboldened her to build a new life for herself and her daughter, launch a clothing boutique, and ultimately, share her story with the world.

It is a story she has heard many times from other women, of feeling too afraid to speak up about domestic and sexual abuse and masking pain with a smile. Having grown up in an Arizona home untouched by drug addiction, 16-year-old Sara wasn’t prepared for the summer romance that turned violent when her boyfriend collided with meth. “When I was 17, there had been instances where I woke up in a hospital by myself,” she says. “I felt alone. I didn’t tell anyone because he said there would be consequences, and he would find me if I ever left him.

I was too scared.”

Over time, the violence escalated and Sara was raped; she ultimately chose to give life to a daughter, Merlissa “Misa” Jane. They fled to Texas to live with her brother, where her ex fulfilled his promise of coming after her, leading her to seek refuge in a marriage that ended in another heartbreak. Her now-husband Tyler Alarcon 8

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became her “saving grace” after her divorce, when she finally felt at peace to tell her story to her parents and immediate family. Today, the couple is on a mission to break the cycle of abuse by raising four strong daughters who are all aware of the realities of domestic and sexual abuse.

A VISION BEYOND CLOTHING One of Sara's daughters is already helping further that mission through fashion. Misa, now 11 years old, has been lovingly doodling eclectic outfits and embellishing model sketches since she was four. She announced to her mom one day that she wanted to go to fashion design school, a creative flair she may have inherited from Sara, who used to sell hair bows and dresses on Etsy. Wanting to encourage her daughter’s dream, Sara figured, “Why wait?” and launched Misa Jane Boutique online in 2018. Together, the mother daughter team sells modern bohemian clothes and accessories with a feminine twist.

E VE RY DAY HE RO L E A R N M O R E A B O U T M I S A J A N E B O U T I Q U E A N D S A R A' S S TO R Y

CONCRETE GROWTH This April, Misa Jane Boutique added a brick and mortar location.

When Tyler walked into the Southern Sun Boutique on Town Center Boulevard in Jarrell in search of a gift for Sara, he noticed the shop didn't offer many clothes or accessories. Unlike her previous husband, who gave her an ultimatum, “Your business or me and your family,” Tyler is one of Misa Jane Boutique's biggest cheerleaders—he asked if his wife could sell some of her merchandise in the store. “We can do that,” the owner said, “or you can just buy this place.” Less than two weeks later, the couple had the keys to Misa Jane's new location.

It was a scary decision that turned into a blessing, Sara says, because it was easy to overlook her business sometimes when it was just online. Being in a physical location helped her focus on the boutique, get to know the Jarrell community, and discover the need to empower abuse victims during a time when their voices are often muffled. “At the end of the day, I might have my story out there, but it’s not about me,” she says. “It’s about taking a stand for other women, other people, men too, who don’t feel like they have a voice. My mission is to remind women and young girls that they are worthy, valued, loved beyond measure, and never alone. We can do this together.”

GIVING FORWARD A portion of all Misa Jane proceeds is donated to charities with a mission to transform society's response to domestic violence, sexual assault and exploitation, support survivors’ healing, and end that violence forever.

Sara plans to collaborate with the Jarrell Police Department on self-defense classes for women and teenage girls, as well as Pastor Jake at Wayfinders Church to add a drop-off center at the boutique for clothing and supply donations for women’s shelters.

Catch Misa Jane Boutique’s grand opening from 3-7 p.m. on Saturday, September 11. She promises an afternoon of fun with games, music, bounce houses, vendors, Touch a Truck with the Jarrell Fire Department, swag bag giveaways, a cocktail bar, and other fun activities. Military and first responders will receive 30 percent off merchandise.

Misa Jane Boutique 181 Town Center Blvd. Suite 200 Jarrell, TX 76537 misajane.com AU G U S T 2 0 2 1  M Y J A R R E L L M O N T H LY

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CUSTOM

YARD SIGN DECORATION FOR A N Y SPECIAL OCCASION

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H E ALT HY HABITS

by Charlotte Kovalchuk • charlotte@myjarrell.com

Healing Touch Amanda’s Relax Shack Helps Restore Health With Massage Therapy

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verything we do on a daily basis causes wear and tear on our bodies, leading to problems like poor posture or chronic back pain. Through the healing hand of massage therapy, Amanda’s Relax Shack strives not only to ease pain but restore overall health by rooting out any underlying issues.

While working at a breast imaging center, Amanda Andrews realized how much she wanted to be part of clients’ health journeys. Man, it would be cool to be with them throughout the journey instead of giving the bad news and not seeing them again, she thought.

After completing an advanced massage program and certificates in craniosacral, pregnancy, and sports specialties, Amanda was determined to strike out on her own in the massage world and focus on her unique vision.

“I never worked in [corporate] places or spas. I didn’t want someone telling me how I was going to do massage,” she says. Instead of seeing clients as just another name on the board to rush out the door, she wanted the freedom to develop relationships with each person.

Amanda has been fulfilling that mission since she opened Amanda’s Relax Shack in January at Twisted Sisters Salon, offering services like cupping—which removes energy blockages to increase blood flow—and various massages, including relaxing Swedish, deep tissue, migraine head, and pregnancy massage. While she enjoys helping folks de-stress after a hard day with relaxation massage, Amanda is passionate about using therapeutic massage to help clients with muscle-related health issues.

IT'S PERSONAL Unlike many massage therapists, she is flexible and affordable. As a tech-savvy owner, she has a booking app, but most clients will text her to set up an appointment.

“I work with everyone’s schedules. Most are returning clients who can text me on a Sunday saying they woke up with bad back pain.

I’ll come on my day off if I’ve built that relationship with them,” she says.

She also works with clients from all income levels, a goal driven by her desire to help people. “I promised myself, regardless of how many clients I got, especially in the older community if they’re relying on social security, I would always keep them at a lower pay rate,” she says. “I always remind myself, ‘Amanda, no matter what, never forget why you started this.’ ”

512-713-6616 • RELAXSHACK33@GMAIL.COM 180 TOWN CENTER BLVD, JARRELL 12

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Clean Water Everywhere

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F I N D U S O N FA C E B O O K

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E D UC ATION

by Camy Reynolds • camy@myjarrell.com photos courtesy JISD

Welcome JISD's New Education Leaders Cougar Nation is looking forward to an

LARA HUTCHINSON JARRELL ELEMENTARY I have been in education for 20 years, 7 as an administrator. This is my first role as principal.

outstanding 2021-2022 school year that kicks off August 18.

Superintendent Dr. Toni Hicks and School Trustees are pleased to welcome these great new leaders • unanimously approved and eager to advocate and empower students at every grade level.

We asked...

How long have you been in education?

What do you love most about your job?

What kind of management style would you say you have?

What drew you to Jarrell ISD? What are your priorities and focus for the new school year?

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ADRIENNE RODRIGUEZ IGO ELEMENTARY

I am so excited to be a part of all of the wonderful things happening in Jarrell. The growth and vision planned for the students in this community will open doors for our students and ensure the success of all of our students.

My management style is highly collaborative and empowering. I love working with others to maximize the growth and success of our teachers and our students.

I love the small town feel and community in Jarrell with big dreams and plans for our students. I truly believe that we can maintain that sense of community that brought so many of us here while still providing our students with every opportunity for success in JISD and beyond.

My priority, first and foremost; I want to support our students and their families as we return to learning in our buildings. We need to focus on creating strong school communities where our students can build relationships as well as academic skills and confidence to reach all of their goals.

I could not be more excited to partner with the students, staff, and families in Jarrell ISD to support and grow our most precious gifts, our children. I am committed to creating a campus focused on excellence, opportunity, and relationships.

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The 2021-2022 school year will be my 16th year in education.

I’m looking forward to cultivating a community of learners where all students and teachers feel successful. I love learning and sharing that passion with others in the form of supporting teachers to impact student achievement. I want students, teachers, and parents to be happy to come to school and proud to be a Cougar!

I hope to be a servant leader and model what I expect.

Collaboration and clear communication is essential.

Team work makes the dream work.

I want to be a part of the fast growth happening in Jarrell and help build a culture and systems of high expectations and success for all. I feel the work I am doing every day directly impacts the entire JISD community and working with a team of leaders who are student centered.

My goal is to create a positive school culture by building relationships with every Cougar. Another priority is to develop campus wide systems focused on learning.

I am so thankful for the opportunity to serve the Igo community and each Cougar will be seen, heard, and loved! Estoy muy agradecida por la oportunidad de servir la comunidad de Igo y quiero decir que cada Cougar va a ser visto, escuchado, y querido.

E DUC AT IO N

KELLY BLAIR JARRELL MIDDLE

I consider myself to be a collaborative leader.

Jarrell ISD’s growing community was one thing that drew me to it. I also believe Jarrell ISD is a community of innovative leaders, and that was appealing.

I have been in education for 18 years; the 20212022 school year is my 6th as a campus principal.

My priorities for this year include Strengthening Tier 1 Instruction tightly aligned to grade level standards.

What I love most about my job is the opportunity to empower students and staff.

My commitment as the leader of Jarrell Middle School is to build a campus culture of “students first.”

DR. JOSEPH GREEN • JARRELL HIGH SCHOOL I was an English teacher for 12 years, serving as an English department chair for eight of those years. I then served as assistant principal at Dripping Springs High School for five years. This past year I was the associate principal of curriculum and instruction at Lake Travis High School.

I absolutely love working with students and teachers and consider it an honor to serve families and the community. I also really appreciate that education is one of those rare professions where each day brings new challenges and successes.

Working in a school demands creativity, resourcefulness, and problem solving, often all at the same time. As for this year, I'm just so thrilled to meet all of our students and staff. I have high expectations and ambitions for this school year, and I can't wait to watch our students thrive and accomplish great things.

I believe in providing avenues for teachers and students to have voice in their work, so empowering others serves as the foundation of my style. The principal should also serve as the instructional leader on the campus.

It's really important to know what's happening inside all of the classrooms on campus to support learning and teaching better. I take pride in having real conversations with students about what they're learning in all of their classes, but that can't happen without a hands-on approach and taking the time to get to know all students and staff.

For me, [Jarrell] was simple. I felt a sense of tremendous potential right away. Then, when talking to people

in the school community, it became clear that greatness was within our grasp.

When I have conversations with folks who have been here for many years, the pride they have in their community is immediately evident. That's something that I want to be a part of and the best way for me to strengthen that pride is to ensure the high school is performing at a very high level.

My priorities this year will be leveraging the experiences we're providing students in the classroom in a way that allows them to be successful after graduation. There are many outstanding programs at the high school and others that we hope to build in the near future, so helping all students find a true passion that they're excited to pursue while in high school and after is near the top of the list. As for the staff, we're going to create a collaborative culture where teachers are making one another better in the classroom. In education, we emphasize the collaborative skills that our students need to succeed professionally after high school and that begins with our teachers setting the example. When teachers have a shared vision and goals then our students will reach greater heights.

I would like to thank the community for the warm welcome. Everyone has been so kind and helpful. And to the students, staff, and parents, I want you to know what an honor it is for me to serve you. We're going to accomplish great things at the high school. Whether we're talking about academic achievement, fine arts, athletics, or career and technical education, my goal is for all of our programs to be among the very best in the state.

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C OVE R FEATURE

by Charlotte Kovalchuk • charlotte@myjarrell.com

Building Relationships Through Direct Primary Care Your Personal MD Welcomes New Patients Once upon a time, Jarrell residents had to travel to Salado or Georgetown to visit a family doctor's office.

Now they have one right in their own backyard.

Your Personal MD, home to Doctors Loy Graham and, now, Andrea Allen, has served Jarrell since 2015.

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ith today’s complicated, fast-paced health care system, it can be hard to imagine a simple medical care plan that allows patients to continuously see one doctor who treats the whole person, not just their symptoms. But that’s exactly what Your Personal MD is all about—a onestop shop for personalized health care.

BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS Gone are the days when Jarrell residents had to travel to Salado or Georgetown to see a doctor, as they now have one right in their own backyard. Dr. Loy Graham launched Your Personal MD in 2015 at 181 Town Center Boulevard after discovering Direct Primary Care, which matched her goal of building relationships and providing personalized care for patients of all ages.

Direct Primary Care is a membership-based alternative payment arrangement between a patient and doctor that lets clients pay a low monthly fee and choose their own services. It limits the number of people a doctor cares for, which helps foster a close-knit doctor/patient relationship.

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New patients are welcome, thanks to the latest addition to Your Personal MD’s family: Dr. Andrea Allen.

Fueled by a lifelong passion for science and people, Dr. Allen discovered her calling to pursue family practice while attending medical school, where she rotated through many different specialties and found each one exciting and rewarding. Family practice was the natural choice, as it allows her to care for all ages and many different illnesses.

Before transitioning to Your Personal MD, Dr. Allen worked at the Bell County Jail, where she quickly learned that providing medical care for up to 24 inmates every day in a hectic environment didn’t allow her to fulfill her dream of improving her patients' overall health, not only through medication, but with lifestyle adaptations and healthy changes.

THE HOLISTIC APPROACH Thanks to Direct Primary Care, people of all income levels can access health care. Most of Your Personal MD’s patients are uninsured, but both insured and uninsured patients are welcome.

While medical insurance is important for major expenses like specialty care, emergency treatment, and hospitalizations, Your Personal MD is perfect for those looking for routine office visits, chronic disease management, in-office tests, and basic wound care.

A membership includes unlimited, relaxed visits in the office, next-day or same-day sick visits, and email and texts with Dr. Allen for questions between visits. In-office tests, treatments and procedures are also included. Whether you have diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, heart

Your Personal MD is giving her that opportunity through its commitment to customized care. “Dr. Graham is such a great doctor and mentor. I was really excited to work with her and the setting [of Your Personal MD],” she says.

“I like taking care of people who need medical care and need it in an affordable way.

This is the perfect setup for that.”

Prospective patients can schedule a free visit to meet Dr. Allen by calling 512-746-2690 or emailing drallen@yourpersonalmd.net. Scan the code to learn more about Your Personal MD care and services.

disease, strep throat, allergies, cuts, or another acute or chronic condition, Your Personal MD is ready to help you reach your health goals.

Part of that commitment includes allowing patients to spend up to an hour with Dr. Allen during appointments. That time frame is important, she says, because it allows her to go deeper and find problems beneath surface symptoms. “I enjoy spending time with each patient.

This gives me the opportunity to know you as a human being, not just an illness or disease,” she says.

“Just being able to sit with somebody and give them tools to use in addition to just pills really makes a big difference. Having that amount of time allows me to get to know the whole person instead of just a snippet of that disease and just dealing with that disease with medication.”

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7 6 5 3 7 L I FE

by Camy Reynolds • camy@myjarrell.com

"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.

Parks, Pools & Roads

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ROAD REPAIR

f you've driven down Sonterra Boulevard you have probably noticed a lot of activity in the area near the pools. Construction to update some of Sonterra’s current amenities began in April, followed by the passing of the Sonterra Parks and Trails bonds in the May election.

Given that, since that time, we have had 38 days of rain, the amount of progress that has been made is impressive. The pools received a much-needed facelift and they are beautiful! You'll also notice new limestone decking, new drains, and lots of new shade structures. At press time, we anticipate the installation of new fencing, which will create extra privacy for the homes that surround the pools, and completion of the splash pad inside the pool area.

The cement area and shade structures are all in place with the water features being added last. This splash pad inside the pool area will remain open as long as the pool is open and provide plenty of activity for the younger kids.

STILL TO COME...

The new playscape has been ordered and will be installed in September. The outdoor splash pad, planned to remain open year round is currently under construction with a completion date of September as well. It will feature 62 fountains, benches, picnic tables, and shade structures that are already in place.

Following the playscape installation, Sonterra MUD will begin construction on the pump (bicycle) track and new walking trails. The board hopes to have all projects completed or near completion by the end of Fall.

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IF I NOTICE A ROAD THAT NEEDS TO BE REPAIRED WHOM DO I CALL? SONTERRA: Developer Andy Bilger says I-35 access roads and ramps to I-35 and their entry aprons to the residential areas are the responsibility of TxDOT. The asphalt roads within Sonterra are the responsibility of Williamson County.

If you live in the Sonterra HOA your roads are the responsibility of Williamson County. The Sonterra HOA and Sonterra MUD have no responsibilities for maintenance and repairs. If you live in Sonterra Condo Association 1 or 2 and have cement roads those are repaired and maintained by the Condo Association. Those roads are privately owned by the Condo Association and thus their responsibility.

Sonterra Condo Association 1 & 2- 512.806.0444 admin@louieone.com • ksmith@louieone.com

JARRELL: Mayor Larry Bush says the City of Jarrell is responsible for all of the roads within the City Limits, but not those that are part of TxDOT’s right of way; i.e., anything related to I-35 Access Roads or ramps.

City of Jarrell • City Hall 512-746-4593

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PEOPLE

by Camy Reynolds • camy@myjarrell.com

His family lived in Austin for many years, but now happily resides in Jarrell. Like many artists, 2020 was a unique year in his career and he lost many corporate and private gigs. But, while the slowdown was not ideal, he felt fortunate to still be able to do shows in the Hill Country, at the Broken Spoke in Austin, and even a wedding at Horseshoe Bay. One really positive outcome for Darrell during 2020 was that having a slower gig schedule allowed him to spend a lot of time writing and recording new songs for his band. Before 2020, he had charted multiple times on the Texas Country Music Radio Charts as well as in Europe. Darrell says, “It’s really fulfilling to have people reach out from another continent to express appreciation for our music. They love Country.”

THE MUSIC Themes for Darrell generally lean in a positive direction—love, family, and hope. Darrell says, “People 22

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He loves to see fans laughing, enjoying themselves, and dancing, but is equally pleased to see the laid-back Texas folks who just want to kick back, listen, and share the experience.

You can catch them at a few of their favorite venues in the Hill Country; Mercer Dancehall in Dripping Springs, Crossroads Saloon, and Steakhouse in Fredericksburg. They also play regularly at the Broken Spoke in Austin. “That has become one of our favorite places, too; people come from all over the world.

It’s a legendary dancehall, where George Strait used to play, Willie Nelson, Bob Wills and even one of my favorite newer bands, Midland.”

Always a Texan, when he's not being creative and entertaining, Darrell is still exercising that great business sense in the world of real estate and residential land development.

Photogra phy

Darrell grew up in Houston and graduated high school in Katy, TX. When it came time to attend college, he decided to take a chance and audition at Berklee College of Music in Boston. That leap of faith allowed him to be well prepared for a career as a professional musician. He studied performance, songwriting, and recording, as well as the business side of music. After college he moved back to Austin to launch his music career, and has been in Texas ever since. He was also a worship leader, which led him to also get his Masters degree in Biblical Studies from Dallas Theological Seminary.

Stan Martin

MEET DARRELL

have so much going on in their lives, and I tend to want to share a positive message.

That’s not to say I don’t have my share of break-up songs.

After all, if Country music is about anything, it’s about real life. That’s what I write about.”

photo cred it:

M

usic has always been a big part of Darrell Goldman's life.

Throughout his entire education, he participated in music programs, choirs, and other groups, including private parties and corporate events. For him, a music career was just inevitable.

photo credit: Mark Maryanovich

Jarrell's Darrell Goldman Band

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N E I G HBO R L E I G H

Is it Just Me? (Part II)

S

ummer is in full swing, but Leigh is watching it from a chair thanks to a "should probably have given up cheerleading before my mid-30s" back problem. But that doesn't mean I'm not still busy being amused by a few new random observations.

First, I know the whole world has opinions about social media and Facebook, and I'm not crazy enough to stick my toe in that quicksand, but I think it's really time to stop flashing the "Get COVID information here" message on every third post in my Fakebook feed. It's inconceivable to me that they still think there's anyone left on the planet who will see that and say, "Oh goodness, is something going on in healthcare? Someone turn on the news! Hey, while you're at it, maybe check to see if we had the election yet."

Of course I still don't like customer service phones; particularly the artificial intelligence operators. It's particularly insulting when they play the fake typing noise to reassure (and totally convince) me that, no, it's not a robot at all, but a real live human pounding 120 wpm on what sounds like a 1977 Corona typewriter. It's a bit like Samurai movies dubbed in English... I say three words and "human" Karen clacks about 400 characters. Perhaps there was a focus group in a board room somewhere that determined people are less likely to hang up if there's no silence.

And can someone please tell me why I have to prove my identity when I'm trying to pay a bill on the phone? Are there terror cells and scammers trying to pay strangers' bills across the nation? I'm okay with that, really. If someone is willing to do that, you have my permission to let them. I feel the same about the bank that won't let me deposit money into my

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mom's checking account. Shame on me for trying to send her money in a convenient and timely manner.

In other questionably stupid things, I actually got a letter from the IRS telling me that I would be getting a letter from the IRS that would explain the money I'm going to get from the IRS in a few months.

Granted, it's always a little suspicious to get money from them—without explanation—so you then have to worry about when they're going to want it back, but couldn't they just have included a note with the check? Glad to see the spending entity of my government is spending my tax money on triple redundancy and killing trees.

On the more personal side, you know you're getting older when you're filling out an Internet profile form on your device and you get to your year of birth, you have to spin that wheel like you're on "The Price is Right". I generally have to take that second spin too. Delightful.

Speaking of "old", I've decided that it must not be so bad to go to prison. Bill Cosby got rid of his cane and is apparently no longer blind since getting out a few weeks ago. Miraculous! Given my current medical bills, the next 24 months might actually be cheaper that way.

Meanwhile, back to Summer life and recliner thoughts. For one, I'm going to take a moment and be grateful that spiders don’t fly. Also that I would love to see what it would be if we ever had an “anti thunderstorm.” Consider how freaky it would be if we started with loud, high-pitched screeches followed by flashes of extreme darkness (during the day). Much more end-of-the-world than some of the stuff people stress about these days.

Hmmm... probably time for another pill.

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JARRELL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE August Networking Luncheon WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 18, 2021 @ 11:30AM Jarrell ISD Annex Training Resource Center Former JISD Library | Corner of 5th St & Avenue C 502 N 5th St. | Jarrell, TX 76537 Motivational Speaker Tori Clark - Co-Owner Spa Luxe in Georgetown

JOIN THE CHAMBER TODAY! Visit our website to apply

www.JarrellCOC.com • info@JarrellCOC.com • 512-677-5501

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Meets 1st Monday of each month at 7PM

Jarrell Memorial Park Community Center 1651 CR 305 • Jarrell

Next Meeting Sept. 6 AU G U S T 2 0 2 1  M Y J A R R E L L M O N T H LY

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photos by Brittany Kirk and Jarrell Animal Hospital

PART I N G S H OT S

MEET JACK!

This sweet doggo was transferred to Jarrell Animal Hospital from the emergency room with severe heat stroke. When he arrived, Jack had a temperature of 105°.

Lethargic, weak and in shock, he was admitted to JAH for

JARRELL ANIMAL HOSPITAL

intensive, inpatient care. We are happy to report, thanks to the expertise and care from Jarrell Animal Hospital's wonderful doctors and team, he was stabilized and ready for discharge.

B E F O R E .. .

AFTER...

JACK IS THRIVING AND HAPPIER THAN EVER!

HEATSTROKE IN PETS IS CONSIDERED AN EMERGENCY! In heatstroke, a dog's body temperature goes above 104°F. Warning signs—panting excessively with no breaks in between, collapse, dark red gums, glazed eyes; pet may seem unresponsive.

A rectal thermometer is the only way to get an accurate assessment of body temperature.

Monitor temperature every 30–60 seconds.

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Old-fashioned glass thermometer— or digital thermometer for human use, can also be used as a rectal thermometer in a pet.

Do NOT pour water into the mouth of a collapsed or unconscious pet; don’t force any pet to drink water.

Do NOT use ice water or ice bath to cool an overheated pet. Can lead to constriction of blood vessels under the skin, which will actually prevent evaporative cooling.

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Do NOT cool your pet too fast or for too long—overcooling can be as disastrous as overheating.

Do stop cooling once rectal temperature reaches 103.5°F. All pets suffering from heatstroke (and many suffering from heat exhaustion) should be evaluated by a vet once initial cooling has taken place.

P.O. Box 213, Jarrell. TX, 76537

ECRWSS POSTAL PATRON JARRELL, TX