My Jarrell Monthly • January 2023

PUBLISHERS

Mike 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, on the District and Igo's Educational Improvement Committees, and founded the local Facebook group Mom Tribe Jarrell that has over 1,400 members.

COMMUNITY LIAISON Janet Hage

Janet Hage has been part of the Jarrell community for almost 30 years. She has been involved in community fundraisers, campaigns, and committees; volunteered with JISD, and worked for the City for more than seven years. She is a development partner of NW Wilco, LLC and serves on the Community Library Board of Directors. Janet focuses her energy on serving, giving back, and uniting the community in positive ways.

EDITOR'S NOTE | CAMY REYNOLDS

Happy New Year and welcome 2023! The start of the year sparks fresh motivation to grow in different areas of our lives, whether its fitness, healthy eating, or just slowing down to enjoy each day.

If beginning a fitness routine is begrudgingly on your to-do list, then our story on “Exercise in Disguise” might be right up your alley! Martial arts, pickleball, dancing, and horseback riding are a few fun forms of exercise that just might make you forget you're doing something "good for you"!

We all strive to eat a balanced and healthy meal, but you may be surprised at what the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers healthy. We hope “New Rules For A New Year,” helps to shed some light on what components are needed for a healthy diet.

Car care is essential to prolonging the life of our vehicles and I am excited that Precision Tune Auto Care will soon be offering their services right here in Jarrell. Owner Jason Shilling and his team are extremely knowledgeable and provide top-notch customer service. You won’t be disappointed with their work.

I would also like to welcome our new Justice of the Peace Rhonda Redden. I look forward to working with her and seeing the positive impact her court has in Jarrell.

Happy New Year from my family to yours!

IN TUNE WITH THE COMMUNITY Precision Tune Auto Care Rolls into Town

COVER

After transforming three auto shops into community fixtures in Pflugerville, Cedar Park, and Austin with staff who are as passionate about creating relationships as they are about fixing cars, Jason Shilling is looking forward to bringing the same community-oriented auto shop experience to Jarrell. “We’re not just fixing cars. We’re helping people and building relationships,” he says. “Everyone needs an auto shop they can trust and feel good about going to. That’s the place we are—it's our vision and mission.”

Jason has already spent a lifetime getting cars back on the road. From changing tires as a kid to opening his fourth auto shop in Central Texas,

he notes the contrast between working for a corporate auto shop and a locally owned franchise, Precision Tune Auto Care. “The difference between local and corporate is simple. Precision Tune cares for its employees as much as it cares about their customers."

Jason's first experience with Precision—a onestop shop for a full range of auto services—was as manager of the Austin store. After proving himself there, he was given the opportunity to own the Pflugerville location and, under his leadership, it became the number one Precision store in Texas. Soon after, he purchased the Cedar Park and Austin stores as well.

by Charlotte Kovalchuk • photos courtesy Precision Tune Auto Care

"FAMILY" BUSINESS

Jason credits the commitment and expertise of his long-time crews—whom he says have become like family—for the success of all three stores. But it was a surprise to no one that Jason himself facilitated hospice care for an employee with terminal cancer, and he and the other employees were by the man's side nearly every day until he passed. “He had no family. We were his family,” Jason says.

His business success has also been driven by a commitment to community involvement, particularly in Pflugerville. After a Rotarian encouraged him to join the community service organization, he quickly forged many relationships with residents and business owners. Membership opened the door to opportunities for Jason to give back to the community, from hosting school fundraisers to providing discounts for veterans and single moms. “That’s what we strive for, being trustworthy and helping people. I love being part of the community. When you do stuff for the community, it feels awesome. There's nothing like the feeling of knowing you’re helping people.”

Jason is excited to bring the same dynamic to Jarrell after being encouraged by customers to set up shop in northern Williamson County. “Quite a few people came to my shops in Pflugerville and Cedar Park and said, ‘Come on Jason, open one in Jarrell.’ ”

Not one to disappoint, Jason opened Precision Tune Auto Care's doors in Jarrell January 2. The new shop is located at I-35 and Ronald Reagan Boulevard in Jarrell, “a hop, skip, and a jump down the road from Georgetown.”

Running a small-town Precision location will be a “crazy different adventure” compared to his other big-city shops, he says. “I can’t wait to see what this community is all about and what it’s going to grow into.” 8810 N IH-35 Jarrell, TX 76537 512-713-9356 M-F 8-5:30 | Sat 9-3 Scan

“Everyone needs an auto shop they can trust and feel good about going to. That’s the place we are it's our vision and mission.”

Public Service is Back In Judge Redden’s Court

Rhonda Redden was working as a crime scene investigator for Hutto PD when a change in leadership at the Precinct 4 justice of the peace level in 2019 prompted her to run for the seat. “I think I can do better,” she realized. “So I put my money where my mouth is, got a master’s degree, ran the race and, oddly enough, ended up winning.”

The JP4 court hears evictions, debt claims, truancies, and criminal and civil cases filed in east Williamson County. Although her court is busy, Judge Redden’s first order of business since being sworn in January 1 has been re-establishing relationships with schools and law

“A BETTER PATH”

Helping at-risk youth is another item on her docket. She is eager to facilitate and work with several of the early intervention programs in her court, particularly pre-trial diversion, mentoring, Jail to Jobs, and Teen Court. “The last thing I want to see is someone 18 years old go to prison. I’ve seen it happen over the last few decades,” Rhonda says. “I feel if we can intervene for them at this lower level and at a much earlier stage of life, we can get them on a better path. I want to save everyone we can possibly save.”

Judge Redden is looking forward to expanding some of these programs when the JP4 office moves from its office in Taylor to a planned larger space in the county annex in Hutto in 2024.

Scan here to visit the JP4 website.

enforcement agencies. For some time, law enforcement in Precinct 4 have been filing traffic violations in JP3 or not writing them at all because they did not feel their tickets were making a difference as they were often summarily dismissed by JP4. This caused JP3 to be quite overwhelmed with traffic citations. “I want to rebuild those relationships, so they feel their issues are not only being heard but dealt with,” Rhonda says.

She hopes her efforts will help lighten the load for the JP3 office, which sees 16,000 cases a year while the JP4 office sees 3,100.

“OVERALL, I WANT TO BRING THIS OFFICE BACK FROM THIS POLITICAL FOCUS AND BACK TO A PUBLIC SERVICE FOCUS WHERE IT’S SUPPOSED TO BE.”

Rhonda and her husband Greg

by Charlotte Kovalchuk photos courtesy Rhonda Redden

A Perfect Fit means a trusted advisor knowledgeable in every facet of Central Texas real estate. It means someone who is thorough with impeccable follow through and communication. It means someone who puts your needs rst and is simply passionate about helping people achieve their goals.

From the Ground Up Lara’s stellar service is grounded in experience gleaned from years and years working in the home building industry, which has provided a deep understanding of land, construction, marketing, and nancing. She has an amazing knowledge of the communities, neighborhoods, and property values. Ask her clients and they describe a professional who is thorough, an excellent communicator, and someone who cares deeply about helping others.

"I have teaching mentors who guide me along the way. We take care of each other. These are the reasons why I call Jarrell ISD home."

Megan Murphy

You may have heard tales of canine heroes like Salty and Roselle, two service dogs that led their blind owners to safety from the World Trade Center during the 9/11 attack. Or stories like the woman who was denied taking her emotional support peacock on a flight. But what exactly is a service animal, and what do service and emotional support animals do?

Service and emotional support animals play crucial roles in improving their humans' quality of life. They provide a calming distraction during disasters, help with depression, or perform tasks like alerting owners to seizure episodes or even sniffing out cancer.

SERVICE ANIMALS

Service animals are typically dogs—any breed and size—that have been trained to perform a task to help with their owner’s disability, such as picking up items for a person who uses a wheelchair, preventing a child with autism from wandering away, or calming a person with PTSD during an anxiety attack. People with disabilities may train their dog themselves and are not required to use a professional training program. While most service animals are canine, miniature horses, pigs, and monkeys may also be placed into service.

SUPPORT ANIMALS

Emotional support animals provide companionship, reduce loneliness, and can help with depression, anxiety, and certain phobias, but do not have special training to perform tasks that assist people with disabilities. They are typically dogs and cats but may also be birds, hamsters, hedgehogs, pigs, and horses. Experts suggest any animal can provide emotional support but recommend a domesticated animal that is likely to be acceptable to a landlord or airline authorities. Airlines are not required to transport unusual animals like snakes, ferrets, rodents, and spiders.

For adopters who want to train their current dog to become a service dog, Wilco Regional Animal Shelter Animal Services Director Misty Valenta recommends a Good Manners training. “When helping adopters choose a dog for that reason, we help pick one that the adopter bonds with, enjoys learning, and is not reactive around other animals, people, or strange environments,” she says. In the past, the shelter has partnered with organizations that train dogs to pair with military veterans, although it is not something the shelter does consistently.

Scan the code to learn more about service animals.

Emotional Support v. Service Animals

FOR PEOPLE WITH HEALTH ISSUES, FURRY COMPANIONS ARE MORE THAN JUST ONE OF THE FAMILY; THEY CAN ALSO BE THE KEY TO INDEPENDENCE.

by Charlotte Kovalchuk

In

a grueling

exercises-in-disguise

hate working out?

TRY THESE EXERCISES-IN-DISGUISE

DANCE YOUR WAY TO HEALTH

Whether you’re grooving with friends, learning new steps in a classroom or having a solo kitchen dance party, dancing is a fun way to get your whole body in shape, both physically and mentally. Because the activity is a full-body workout, no muscle is left behind no matter which style you decide to try. In addition to improving cardiovascular health, strength, and balance, dance is beneficial for your mental well-being, as the brain power needed to focus on the various moves and patterns creates an excellent form of mental exercise.

Before you start your dance journey, consider your fitness level and goals. For those wanting to improve their posture and balance, ballroom or ballet could be a perfect fit, while high-energy dance routines like Zumba and hip hop are great for getting

fit and losing weight. And while it’s never too late to start dancing, it’s also important to consider any physical limitations. Many forms, including ballroom, are appropriate for people with health issues or limited mobility. Talk to your doctor or instructor before taking a class if you have concerns about the intensity of the class.

 Arthur Murray Dance Center: Social and wedding dance lessons, 3010 Williams Dr., Suite 177, Georgetown.

 Palace Theatre: Jazz, tap, and ballet classes for various ages, 810 S Austin Ave., Georgetown.

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Performing Arts Studio: Tap, jazz, ballet, hip hop, acro, contemporary, and musical theater for preschool to high school ages, and tap for adults, 900 N Austin Ave., Suite 123, Georgetown.

GET ROLLING

Running and walking can wreak havoc on your joints, but roller skating is low-impact and could be a good fit for people with knee, hip, and ankle conditions. Whether skating at a local rink or around a neighborhood, a workout on wheels is great for your legs, strengthens your heart, and improves balance and coordination.

When choosing skates, think about what kind of skating you want to do. If you’re more interested in outdoor skating, consider inline skates— wheels all in one line—or, for rink skating, quad skates are the way to go, with two wheels side by side in the front and two side by side in the back. These should be the same size or slightly larger than your shoe size. Don’t forget safety gear—elbow and knee pads, wrist guards, and helmet.



Austin Roller Rink: 11600 Menchaca Rd. #101, Austin

 Millennium Youth Entertainment: 1156 Hargrave St., Austin

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Rock Sports Arena: 3918 Gattis School Rd. #102, Round Rock

PICKLEBALL

Dubbed the perfect pandemic pastime, pickleball has taken over the global sports scene as a “safe, accessible, and endlessly enjoyable way for people of all different ages, body types, and fitness levels to come together,” Rachel Simon writes in Pickleball for All

At 22, new Jarrell resident Jesse Payne was invited to play this paddle sport inspired by tennis, Ping-Pong, and

badminton by friends and has become an avid player. It's a fun way to connect with friends, he says, and you can play on a most surfaces—including volleyball and tennis courts.

The Georgetown Pickleball Club supports pickleballers in neighboring cities as well as out-of-towners while promoting the growth of pickleball through education, training, social events, and amateur competitions.

a world of treadmills and weight machines, it can be easy to think of exercising as

chore. Instead of dreading your next workout, try these

and most likely you’ll be having so much fun you won’t realize you’re burning calories.

PARKOUR!

A sport that requires you to see your environment creatively, parkour is all about getting from point A to point B in the quickest and most efficient way possible. It’s about treating the world like a giant playground as you run, jump, climb, swing, and roll your way through various obstacles.

by Charlotte Kovalchuk

UNDERGROUND

Caving is an adventurous way to improve mental and physical health and Texas is home to thousands of caves, with the Texas Cave Trail consisting of five show caves. From friendly to off-path, the trail offers excursions for all skill levels. All caves are about 70 degrees year round, with tours averaging from one to four hours. Some caves offer walk-in tours while others require reservations. Visitors are encouraged to check out each cave’s website before making a trip.

 Cave Without a Name: An hourlong, 1/4-mile tour of the cave that was “too pretty to have a name.” 325 Kreutzberg Road, Boerne.

 Caverns of Sonora: Tour the caverns, pan for gemstones, and camp on the ranch grounds. 1711 Private Rd 4468, Sonora.

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Inner Space Cavern: Inner Space has a lit, paved trail, an off-thebeaten-path experience, or four hours of hiking, crawling, climbing, and squeezing through tight spots on the Wild Cave Tour. 4200 S I-35 Frontage Road, Georgetown.

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Longhorn Cavern: Cave tours, hiking, and picnicking at the State Park as well as camping, boating, and outdoor fun at the nearby Inks Lake State Park. 6211 Park Rd 4 S, Burnet.

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Natural Bridge Caverns: The largest in Texas, and above ground, find your way through an outdoor maze, pan for treasure, and test your agility on a ropes course and zip rails. 26495 Natural Bridge Caverns Road, San Antonio.

Running, jumping, and climbing not only make for a full body workout, it also fosters creativity and boosts confidence as you search for creative ways to overcome obstacles. Two area gyms offer parkour classes for various ages—Lache Move, 8868 Research Boulevard in Austin, and Tumble Tech, which has two locations at 1301 Toro Grande Dr. in Cedar Park and 4300 Westbank Dr. in Austin.

MODERN-DAY TREASURE HUNT

An outdoor adventure that combines nature and technology, geocaching is played around the world by those seeking hidden containers (the caches) using latitude and longitude coordinates on geocaching.com Geocaches are hidden, not buried, in tree hollows, under park benches, and other outdoor nooks, and come in all sizes, shapes, and colors. Containers includes things like small toys, games, compasses, and keychains. Use your eyes, hands, and geo-senses, as your GPS or smartphone will only get you within about 30 feet of the cache location. Geocaches are hidden in almost every country on Earth, and there are 3,505 geocaches waiting to be discovered around Georgetown.

Successful seekers can take an item, leave another item, and sign the logbook before moving on to the next destination. Geocachers can also post about their experiences online and offer clues for other geocachers. Create a free account and download the phone app or use a GPS device to start your treasure hunting adventure.

ARCHERY

A modern sport with ancient roots, archery takes all forms—survival, combat, and competition—in almost every culture of the world, and has been a Hollywood favorite from Robin Hood, to The Hunger Games. Improving focus, hand-eye coordination, and upper body strength, archery also has one of the lowest injury rates of all outdoor sports1, according to the.

Double G Archery has an indoor range at 4185-B E University Ave. in Georgetown where people can shoot for $10 an hour with their own equipment. A bow rental program provides instruction, equipment, and range time for $25 an hour. Double G also offers archery lessons as well as League Nights at 6:30pm for $10 per person for ladies on Tuesdays, Open League on Wednesdays, and Traditional League on Thursdays.

1 U.S. National Institutes of Health

WORTH THE DRIVE enchanted rock

16710 Ranch Rd. 965, Fredericksburg • Admission $8; children under 12 free • Open daily 6:30am-10pm MUST RESERVE PASSES online, or call customer service 512.389.8900 • Call for weather or hunt closings.

Archaeological evidence suggests Enchanted Rock State Natural Area has been fascinating and drawing people to Central Texas for 12,000 years. Its principal attraction is a pink granite dome, which peaks 1,825 feet above sea level, known as a batholith

In the modern era, the area was colonized in the 1700s, and has been home to missions, presidios, and mineral mining. Today, the park is a National Natural Landmark and is one of the most visited parks in Texas, with more than 250,000 trekkers annually.

THE BATHOLITH

One billion years ago, this granite was part of a large pool of magma (liquid rock) as far as seven miles below the surface. It pushed up into the rock above in places, then cooled and hardened very slowly, becoming granite. Over time, the surface rock and soil eroded, leaving Enchanted Rock, Little Dome, Turkey Peak, and other domes visible.

The domes, a bit like icebergs, are the small and visible part of a much larger underground area of granite—the Enchanted Rock Batholith, for example, stretches 62 square miles, mostly underground.

Although Enchanted Rock appears to be solid and durable, it is actually an exfoliation dome, which means it has layers like an onion, which are changing and eroding—however slowly—even today.

As rock and soil on the top wear away, the granite expands slightly, because there is less weight on it. This expansion causes the dome to split into curved sections. As the outer layer of rock breaks into smaller pieces and slides off, the next layer begins to peel away from the dome.

HISTORY

Prehistoric people left at least one kind of evidence throughout the park; bedrock mortars—depressions in the granite—where they ground and pounded their food. There are at least 400 known archaeological sites in the park to explore.

During the 1700s, Spaniards began to colonize the area and mine for minerals. Word from the mines got out and Germans and Americans began arriving in the mid-1800s, hoping to strike it rich.

by Ann Marie Kennon

when you go

The park is less than two hours from Georgetown. There are nearly 11 miles of hiking trails, rock climbs, picnic and camping areas. Visitors can also birdwatch and geocache.

From ground level in the park, Enchanted Rock rises 425 feet. The entire dome covers 640 acres and the trip to the top is about like climbing the stairs of a 30- or 40-story building. Hikers suggest arriving early in the day to avoid large crowds and full sun exposure in the open expanse of the rock during summer months.

Tent campsites are available for a per-car fee. Some private sites include shade shelters, and all are located near the shower building, with water faucets and restrooms nearby. Each has an outdoor grill and fire ring, tent pad and lantern post. Hardier guests may hike further in to the historical sites, and spend the night near Moss Lake or Walnut Springs. There are also group historical sites that allow as many as 75 campers per night.

Pets are welcome on a leash, and the only activities not permitted in the parks are swimming and trail biking. There is also a park store that carries gifts, wood, and snacks. Rangers encourage visitors to bring and carry drinking water to ensure a good supply.

enchanted?

Geologists say temperature changes cause the dome rock to “creak and groan” on occasion. Native Americans believed the sounds were from ghosts. As well, on clear nights, after a rain, the top of the rock glitters resembling flickering “ghost fires,” which enhanced legends and stories through the ages. Scientists believe the glittering is reflections from collected water or wet feldspar (crystallized magma).

SAVE THE DATE

As part of the Texas State Parks’ 100-year anniversary, Enchanted Rock will have a 45th birthday celebration and fair Thursday, March 2 from noon to 4pm. Visitors are invited to learn new skills, enjoy old hobbies, and explore the history and beauty of the domes. Free day passes will be available in February.

Stargazers are in luck as well. The park has International Dark Sky status and, while visitors are welcome to stay until 10pm daily, Rangers occasionally host Rock Star Parties for expert input.

Scan the code to visit their website for events and updates.

New Rules for a New Year

by Emily Tilly

New Year’s resolution. A pretty familiar term. This is the time many of us make a list of things we want to begin, stop, or change to become better versions of ourselves so it is no surprise that healthy eating and wellness remain at the top of the list year after year.

And resolutions are a good thing given the data that show more than 80 percent of people in the United States do not eat enough vegetables, fruit, and dairy. Most of us also consume more added sugars, saturated fat, and sodium than are necessary.

For some, changing eating habits can be overwhelming given the myriad options available and, more commonly, the difficulty in deciphering which foods and plans are truly healthy.

See our story on page 24 for more about eating plans.

WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM MY FRIENDS

As part of its efforts to help consumers make good choices, reduce the risk of chronic diseases and improve general health, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently proposed a new rule focusing on helping us sustain healthier eating habits. The timing of this proposal intentionally coincided with the White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health.

The proposed rule would help ensure nutrient-dense foods, according to the Dietary Guidelines for 2020-2025, can carry this label. The FDA also plans to change the consumer labeling on these foods to detail the nutritional information of each.

The FDA is making strides to further benefit the consumer when it comes to what we eat and how we can find it.

WHAT IS A “HEALTHY” FOOD?

The FDA believes redefining “healthy,” identifying foods that qualify, and modifying the limits on certain nutrients are key to changing the way people shop for food. Under the current definition, there are limits for total fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium.

 Salmon, due to its high fat content, is not healthy under the current definition. However, taking other benefits into consideration—rich in omega-3 fatty acids and protein and low in cholesterol and saturated fat—it may qualify under the new rule.

 Avocados and most whole raw fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds, and certain oils do not currently qualify as healthy.

 Water does not currently qualify as healthy, but is under consideration in the new paradigm.

The agency announced on September 28th that under the proposed new definition, in order to use the new label on their packaging, products must also contain a certain meaningful amount of food from at least one of the food groups or subgroups in the guidelines. Each must also adhere to specific limits for certain nutrients, such as saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars.

The threshold for those limits is based on a percentage of the DV for the nutrient and varies depending on the food and food group. For example:

 A food item or product must provide at least 10 percent of the daily value (DV) for at least one of the following: iron, fiber, calcium, protein, vitamin A, and vitamin C.





The limit for sodium is 10 percent of the DV per serving (230 milligrams per serving).

Cereal must contain ¾ ounces of whole grains and no more than 1 gram of saturated fat, 230 milligrams of sodium, and 2.5 grams of added sugars.

HOW CAN I FIND THEM?

In addition to identifying foods appropriately, the new labels will make them more easily recognizable by the consumer. Using the healthy symbol and label are both voluntary, but the benefit to consumers will be in greater confidence and efficiency while shopping. According to the FDA, “Symbols may be particularly helpful for those with lower nutrition knowledge to identify foods that can be the foundation of a healthy eating pattern.”

FIRST STEPS

It is important to note the new proposal could take months to be firmly in place. However, those hoping to make positive change can start now to be more aware of eating patterns and incorporate more whole and fewer processed foods in their daily diet. Scan the code to check for updates to the Dietary Guidelines and progress on the proposed new rule.

HEALTHY HABITS

HEALTHY FOOD FROM HEALTHY FOODS

Making healthy choices will be even easier in 2023 thanks to updated dietary guidelines coming from the FDA to your local grocery store, into your home, and onto your table. These recipes highlight a few of the food items formally recommended for meals and snacks as part of a healthy lifestyle.

For more on the FDA changes, see our story on page 20.

SLOW-COOKER MEDITERRANEAN STEW

• 2 x 14-oz cans no-salt-added fire-roasted diced tomatoes

• 3 cups low-sodium vegetable broth

• 1 cup coarsely chopped onion

• ¾ cup chopped carrot

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• ¾ tsp salt

• ½ tsp crushed red pepper

INSTRUCTIONS

• ¼ tsp ground pepper

• 1 x 15-oz can no-salt-added chickpeas, rinsed, divided

• 1 bunch kale, stemmed and chopped (about 8 cups)

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

• fresh basil leaves, torn

• 6 lemon wedges (Optional)

 Combine tomatoes, broth, onion, carrot, garlic, oregano, salt, crushed red pepper, and pepper in 4-quart slow cooker. Cover and cook on Low 6 hours.

 Measure 1/4 cup of the cooking liquid from the slow cooker into a small bowl. Add 2 tablespoons chickpeas; mash with a fork until smooth.

 Add the mashed chickpeas, kale, lemon juice, and remaining whole chickpeas to the mixture in the slow cooker. Stir to combine. Cover and cook on Low until the kale is tender, about 30 minutes.

 Ladle stew into 6 bowls; drizzle with oil. Garnish with basil. Serve with lemon wedges, if desired.

CRISPY SPICED & ROASTED CHICKPEAS

• 1 x 15-oz can no-salt-added chickpeas

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• salt & pepper to taste

SEASONING SUGGESTIONS

• ½ tsp cumin plus ½ tsp paprika

• ½ tsp curry plus ½ tsp turmeric

• ½ tsp zaatar plus ½ tsp sumac

• ½ tsp chili powder plus ½ tsp garlic powder

 Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

 Rinse chickpeas in a colander until water runs clear. With paper towel, dab chickpeas until dry.

 Transfer chickpeas to baking sheet, add olive oil, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper, and toss until are well coated. Spread chickpeas in a single layer over the baking sheet. Bake chickpeas 30-35 minutes, tossing halfway through.

 Eat immediately while warm or allow them to cool to store. Store up to 4 days in a container at room temp. Leave a small space in the lid; air helps chickpeas stay crisp.

CRUNCHY GREEK

YOGURT WITH BERRY MEDLEY

1 cup nonfat vanilla Greek yogurt

1 cup mixed fresh berries (blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, etc.)

cup All-Bran cereal

2 tablespoons pomegranate seeds

1 tablespoon walnuts or almonds, chopped In a cereal-size bowl, add the yogurt. Top yogurt with remaining ingredients.

First World "Tragedies"

Leigh is struggling today (it's mid December at the writing desk) to write serious satire because it is just too tempting to talk about Paul Whelan. Trying to wrap my head around the situation that left an American—a Marine who formerly served our country in Iraq and later as a police officer—sitting in a jail cell in Russia is just irony waiting to be put to paper and the satire practically writes itself.

But since that's old news by the time you read this, Leigh will just reflect on the lighter side of other "things that are just not fair" for 2023.

For instance, we all have first-world problems whether we realize it or not. Sure, no one cares about them, and no one should, but I bet you have at least one thing in your own life that qualifies. It may not be a big problem and it certainly doesn't change the world, but it's your problem so you're allowed to let it bother you. Leigh doesn't judge.

Seriously, there's a reason I don't tell people my back hurts because I have spent weeks skimming thousands of leaves and acorns out of my pool, which we chose to build under an oak tree for the shade and so we didn't have to walk too far from the porch to get in it. Seriously (again), I'm not even humble bragging; I'm actually just trying to see myself as a jerk before I forget and say things like that out loud. So I suppose writing them down for a magazine is not too bright either. Did I just do it again by reasoning that lots of people read my column? Eh, Leigh is all about life lessons and it is the season of resolutions, right?

Maybe it's not just me. How many times have you gotten angry about being blocked on Netflix because there are too many devices online in your home? This is about the same as "I wish my charger was long enough so I could stream movies in bed."

Overheard: "My storage unit company [implied: because I have so much stuff I have to rent a piece of a building to hold it all] is raising its rates this year." Note, readers, we've just confirmed, "My garage has so much junk, I can't park my car in it," is a qualified substitute, and the judges will also accept, "My house is so big I don't get good wi-fi in some of the rooms."

But even Leigh has her limits. This is probably on the list for some but you will likely never hear me say, "This all-inclusive resort/cruise/Disneyworld wristband is too tight to wear 24 hours a day to eat and get services without payment." Full disclosure, I have, on occasion, complained that my flight to some lovely vacation destination was too early in the morning.

Did you know there is a $55 soap dispenser that is Alexa-enabled? Have I become so incredibly attention-deficited that I can't wash my hands without entertainment? Still, I would probably pay for an audible alert that tells me when the water coming out of our old pipes is finally warm. I don't enjoy wasting ten minutes and ten gallons of water to avoid hypothermia in the shower.

In contrast to the old pipes, it's also annoying that my smart refrigerator sends me emails when it thinks I've opened the door too many times this month. Thanks, but I already have a human mom to tell me when I'm getting fat and I can only wish I could upgrade her software.

Meanwhile, I'm going to find out how I can mail a care package to Paul Whelan. He may not get it, but how fun would it be if he suddenly got dozens of boxes and we all got to read about our first-world disposable income annoying a bunch of Russian politicians?

Paying it Forward

You may remember the story in My Jarrell's November 2022 issue about Brooke Van Peski, who shared how baking sourdough bread helps improve her mental health. Since then, amazing things have transpired!

Amanda Kellow, an admin of the Jarrell, TX Facebook page, was so moved by Brooke’s story she felt compelled to continue “paying it forward.” Amanda made a simple post in her Facebook group asking those whom Brooke has blessed with her bread to consider blessing Brooke back. No one could have imagined the overwhelming response from the community.

Brooke was completely taken aback by the generous financial gifts that will help her continue her baking mission as well as over 50 emails of thanks and encouraging words.

Jarrell is ever growing and evolving, but the one thing that never changes is the willingness and kindness of the people who live here to take care of those around them.