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.
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.
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I am so excited to share all of the new amenities Sonterra MUD has recently completed and those under construction. It brings me great joy to see people running on the new trails, playing at the new playscape, and riding their bikes on the pump track and mountain bike track. Families can actually spend time here in our own community exercising, meeting neighbors, and enjoying the outdoors.
If you are still trying to figure out what your New Year’s resolution is, “Ways to Make 2023 Your Best Year” is full of suggestions that may be right up your alley. Whether it's journaling, traveling, or refining your budget, you’re sure to find something to challenge yourself this year.
I can’t say enough great things about Family Emergency Room in Georgetown. Their amazing staff and team of doctors provide exceptional 24-hour care at an affordable price. If you aren’t familiar with them you can get to know them on page 6.
Former Chief of Police Kevin Denney is a true servant leader who, over the past few years, worked tirelessly to help the Jarrell Police Department become what it is today. I want to thank him for the solid foundation he built for us and look forward to Mayor Sherek and the Jarrell City Council continuing to build upon it.
Awelcoming, personal greeting in a comfortable waiting area awaits patients who come to Family Emergency Room at Georgetown. The goal of this premier health care provider located at 1210 W. University Ave in Georgetown, next to Walgreens is to provide personal, patient-centered care that combines a state-of-the-art facility with caring attention.
The beautiful Georgetown facility treats children and adults in a comfortable, private setting that truly puts patients first. From day one, the mission was to create a practice where patients receive the care and attention they deserve, directly from a Board Certified Emergency Physician. “I wanted to practice personalized Emergency Medicine in an environment that would allow me to spend as much time with my patients as needed. This is an exceptional facility that allows me to truly focus on patient needs while ensuring an effective treatment plan,” Dr. Ryan Prudoff says.
Dr. John Valentini, Dr. Prudoff, and Dr. Rick Daniels are Board Certified in Emergency Medicine and have more than 55 years of
combined experience. They are well prepared to handle any emergency, from broken bones to heart events.
The facility is equipped with a CT scanner, X-ray, and ultrasound, as well as a full in-house laboratory equipped with a state-of-theart PCR Rapid Testing, which detects 21 viruses and bacteria in about one hour. Comprehensive cardiac evaluations are performed utilizing Cardiac Coronary CT Angiography, which directly visualizes heart vessels and can accurately determine coronary heart disease without an invasive catheter procedure. “We are very fortunate to have Coronary CT angiography in our practice. It enables us to safely discharge patients home who present with symptoms concerning for heart disease,” Dr. Prudoff says.
I was highly impressed with how clean the facility was. The staff took excellent care of me. I was in severe pain while passing a kidney stone. Everyone was extremely professional as well as attentive. I will definitely be coming back if I have another emergency! Thank you Danielle, RN, Sandra, Med tech and Dr Valentini! You all were amazing!!!
These are the kindest nurses and doctors. Everyone seemed genuinely friendly and as though they liked their job. The room was as comfortable as a ER room can be, and they made sure I was as comfortable as I could be, turning off the lights and giving me heated blankets to nap while waiting on test results, apologizing for waking me up when they came back in. I don't think anyone has ever care about that before at an ER in my experiences. It was a more warm and professional experience than any urgent care or ER experience. It will absolutely be where I take other family members if we need an ER again.
Dr. Valentini adds, “We ensure the highest safety standards for our patients and staff. Our facility maintains an exceptional standard of sanitation, including individual in-room and central HEPA filtration, UV and chemical sterilization, and fresh linens for every patient.”
Doctors and staff take time to build rapport with every patient, and every patient leaves with the doctor’s contact information. “It is my hope that patients receive a level of care that will make stressful situations more comfortable. Patients deserve that personal attention. It was important for us to create a practice where clients have continued access to their physician. I enjoy talking with patients and giving them any support needed to facilitate their healing,” Dr. Valentini says.
Among the many 5-star Google reviews, high quality care is mentioned countlessly. One recent review says, “This is by far the best ER I have ever been to in my life. Unfortunately, I’ve had quite a few visits to ERs…this one outshines them all. I actually don’t dread having to go to the ER because the experience is always so above par here.”
"We are honored to provide medical services to the Georgetown, Liberty Hill, Jarrell, and surrounding communities," Dr. Valentini says. "And to serve as a trusted community partner."
This is the only emergency room I have been to where the physicians are exceptionally competent (and kind). The nurses are happy, and the staff works together as a cohesive team! They practice patient & family centered care. You are treated as a member of your healthcare team - involved as much as possible in the decisionmaking process - and you will be treated respectfully.
(...) As a nurse, who has worked in the ED in the past, I trust them with my life and my family's lives. Thank you for caring, listening, and catching and treating life-threatening conditions other emergency rooms often miss!
With Georgetown, Liberty Hill, and Jarrell continuing to attract new residents from all over the country and Georgetown being the fastest-growing city in the U.S. for cities with a population above 50,000 Family ER strives to meet the increasing need for immediate health care services. “New residents need quality and safe care in their neighborhoods,” Dr. Valentini says. “We’re here to serve the fastest growing communities in Williamson County when the unexpected happens!”
Family ER meets their community neighbors by supporting local businesses, participating in school PTA functions, and attending Chamber and community events.
Stop by to meet your local doctors and follow Family ER on Facebook and Instagram to save the dates for upcoming CPR classes, preventative screenings, and more.
To learn more about Family Emergency Room at Georgetown, call 512-690-4590, email jvalentini@familyemergencyroom.com or scan the code to visit their website.
The experience of working with gangs and teens with drug addictions as a pastor in Los Angeles was, Joe Stephens admits, quite different from shepherding a community church in Jarrell today. Fortunately, many of the resources and means he used to help families get back on their feet, both spiritually and relationally, are universal. “Coming to Jarrell was a big shift, but I feel we’re able to have a massive impact in a smaller community. There’s a huge number of people moving into the community, and they are looking for a church, new friends, and the opportunity to establish a new life. It’s a great environment to build a community-based family church.”
Living Word is an independent, Bible preaching church.
As well, a new after-school youth program welcomes elementary through high school students who attend Living Word. One of the church's goals is to support single moms and dads so they are providing a safe place, especially for kids from broken homes.
“We simply believe God’s Word—as written and inspired by the Holy Spirit—is the same Word that has the power to change lives today,” Pastor Joe says.
On Fridays, from dismissal until 6:30pm, kids can hang out at the church, get homework help, and play basketball.
sitting alone. You realize all they want is conversation, for someone to sit next to them and hold their hands.”
He wondered how many other seniors in Jarrell might be in need of community and decided to create a space where they could enjoy Bible studies, snacks, and fellowship. The group meets at the church at 2pm every second and fourth Tuesday of the month.
Joe has been doing exactly that for the last three years at Living Word Church, and this month, he stepped up those efforts to embrace kids, youth, and seniors in a much bigger way.
With so many kids facing learning deficiencies since COVID, Pastor Joe created a faith-based child development program to prepare 3- and 4-year-olds for kindergarten. The church’s Pre-K program is open to 3- and 4-year-olds in Jarrell and surrounding areas.
Another demographic on Pastor Joe’s heart is seniors, particularly after he made a trip to a senior home to pray for a church member’s great-grandmother. “It took me close to two hours to get to her room. I walked through a day room and every person was
All activities are in the development phase and will continue to evolve based on the needs of the community. Visit LittleSteps. Church to enroll in the Pre-K program and jarrell.church to learn how to get involved in the youth and senior programs.
301 W. AVENUE H · JARRELLSERVICES
11AM & 7PM SUNDAY 7PM WEDNESDAY
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Community engagement, a strong relationship with the school district, and a fully staffed police team dedicated to keeping Jarrell safe as it continues to grow. These constitute the foundation of the Jarrell Police Department, which Kevin Denney has built over the last two-and-ahalf years as police chief.
When Chief Denney came on board in August 2020, the department had just six officers including himself. Today, it has grown to nine officers plus Interim Chief Pacer Korn, and, Chief Denney says, “As the region grows over the next few years, I'm certain the department will increase in size exponentially. For most of my officers, this their first police job, so we don’t have cops that have been in many departments. Most of them came straight out of the academy and they want to focus on staying in Jarrell. They are eager to contribute as foundational pieces of the police department as the department and community grow.”
Among the officers’ goals is to develop a cohesive relationship with the school district, which has resulted in one new resource officer at the high school and one at the middle school. “It was probably the biggest contribution in the last two-and-a-half years toward overall safety in the area,” the chief says.
The department has also instituted several community programs, including a women’s self-defense class and child car seat installations and inspections, in which officers are trained to inspect or install child car seats and provide seats if needed.
While searching for a new police chief, Interim Chief Korn says he wants to maintain the department’s success and Kevin’s philosophy of community policing a goal supported by city council. “I think most of us are thankful for everything Chief Denney was able to do for the police department,” Mayor Patrick Sherek says. “He has grown it to where we have 24/7 patrol, and I believe the partnership with the schools is a great thing for the city. I would like to see that continue.”
“My heart is in the Jarrell area, and spending two-and-a-half years as a police chief has been a tremendous experience for me. It’s something I’ll never forget, and I’ll take with me what I’ve learned to other positions. The things I’ve learned in Jarrell, the people, and the officers, I’ve been lucky enough to be part of it and will never forget.”
When it comes to funding plans, Mayor Sherek is relying on his colleagues’ expertise as he steps into his new role. “I took the oath in November I’m trying to learn everything the police department does for the city. Being new, I’m relying on my council members to get me up to speed on funding
activities, and I don’t see cutting any of the department’s budget. I believe, as a full-time police department, their budget is as small as it can be. Still, as the city continues to grow, we will need to continue to hire and train police officers.”
The council gave officers significant raises two years ago and Councilwoman Rusty Bryson doesn’t know if they will give the police department more funding right now. She says their officers are among the highest paid for cities of Jarrell’s size and council typically evaluates employee salaries on an annual basis. She adds, “Councils will come and go, but our employees won’t. We have to take care of our police department and everyone in it.”
I have tried many chiropractors and have had the good fortune to meet many good practitioners. Dr. Taryn stands out from most because of her intuitive and healing approach. Her adjustments are gentle and I always feel great afterwards. She has helped me develop better posture and body awareness with the exercises and stretching techniques she has shown me. She is the only one I use now and I highly recommend her!
YOUTH
6th-12th Grade
Every Wednesday
KIDS 4 CHRIST
1st-5th Grade
First Wednesday each Month
PRESCHOOL
12 Months - 5 Years
Tuesday & Thursday
by Camy Reynolds
See page 16 for an area map of Sonterra and locations of the new amenities.
As you drive around Sonterra you may notice new amenities popping up all over. Sonterra Blvd is quickly becoming a hub for family fun because there you will find adults, teens, and kids enjoying the playscape, splash pad, pump track, skate park, and mountain bike track all courtesy of Sonterra MUD. In addition to these new facilities, the area’s 3-1/2 miles of walking trails are currently being connected to enable people to walk, run, and bike between subdivisions safely.
Phase one of the trail project is nearing completion and will allow users to travel from the Sonterra Clubhouse (510 Sonterra Boulevard) to a second Sonterra park facility next to Jarrell Elementary School. The school also has a playscape and basketball/pickleball pavilion currently under construction. The pavilion is expected to be complete in early March and will include lights, restrooms, and picnic tables.
Phase two of the walking trails will begin shortly after phase one is completed. It will run down County Road 332 alongside the Bailey Park Subdivision and back to the Sonterra Clubhouse for a complete loop. As exciting as these projects are, they are just the beginning of what’s to come in Sonterra and we are excited to share them all with you in the months ahead!
EVEN IF YOU HAVE ALREADY STARTED ON OR FAILED TO KEEP YOUR NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS, IT’S NOT TOO LATE TO ADD SOME LIFESTYLE CHANGES FOR A HEALTHIER, MORE JOYFUL 2023.
by Charlotte KovalchukFrom dance parties to martial arts to pickleball matches with friends, exercising doesn’t have to be a chore. Find an activity you enjoy that will get you excited to exercise.
Healthy eating has many benefits, including boosting immunity, strengthening bones, and lowering the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers.
Make time in the kitchen a culinary adventure by cooking something new each week. It can be easy to stick to tried-and-true recipes, but branching out into different cuisines can lead to a newfound love of dishes like sushi or borscht (a popular Ukrainian soup with beets and other vegetables).
According to MyHealthfinder, getting health screenings is one of the most important things you can do for your health they help find onset medical problems and may allow doctors to treat them more easily. Screening for conditions like diabetes, certain cancers, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol often depends on your age, gender, and medical history.
“Good boundaries bring relief to the grief of letting other people’s opinions, issues, desires, and agendas run our life,” Lysa Terkeurst writes in Good Boundaries and Goodbyes. Healthy boundaries can include how comfortable you are with touch handshakes v. hugs as well as time boundaries that ensure you don’t over commit.
Getting enough sleep is important for healthy brain function and a lower risk of medical problems. The CDC recommends eight to 10 hours of sleep for teens, seven hours for adults, and seven to eight hours for those 65 and better.
In I’d Rather Be Reading, Anne Bogel writes, “Books shape, define, and enchant us. Books prompt us to spend pleasant hours alone and connect us with fellow readers. They invite us to escape into their pages
for an afternoon, and they inspire us to re-imagine our lives.” Jarrell has several literary escapes, including the Jarrell Community Library, which has story time, crafts, and a senior games club in addition to its 10,000 print and audio books, DVDs, and large print publications.
Bible teacher Henry Allen Ironside said, “We would worry less if we praised more. Thanksgiving is the enemy of discontent and dissatisfaction.” Practicing gratitude helps us celebrate the present and become more compassionate and generous. Express your gratitude by sending a thank-you note to a friend, keeping a gratitude journal, or praying a daily prayer of thanksgiving.
"Our brains often use busyness as a way to avoid things we don’t want to commit to," Judy Lester with CPB Coaching says. She recommends doing a mind dump and putting everything you need to get done on paper. “After listing everything you have to do, it’s helpful to put a letter next to it: A is absolutely necessary. B would be great if I could do it, and C is I hope I can fit this in.”
Start your journey to financial freedom by 1) creating an emergency fund for things like unexpected medical expenses that require hospitalization or a broken air conditioner in the middle of summer.
2) Save 15 percent of your income.
3) Save first, not last. Most people will spend their paycheck on everything they need and only save if anything is left. Financial planner Stephen Benold says, “If you wait to make it last instead of first, you’ll wind up not saving at all or not enough.”
From exercise companion to stress reliever to social connector, pets play many roles in benefiting our mental health. Williamson County is full of organizations waiting to help you find the perfect furry companion, including the Wilco Animal Shelter, Georgetown Animal Shelter, Living Grace Canine Ranch, Texas Humane Heroes, and Harley’s Angels.
Find whatever it is that fills your life with joy scrapbooking, taking a martial arts class, joining a book club, learning an instrument, or writing poetry.
Taking time to be still and pray while reflecting on the things that have a positive or negative effect on you allows you to be more present and find peace during hectic schedules.
Taking time to reflect on each day reduces stress and provides an opportunity for emotional catharsis that can help you understand your thoughts and feelings more clearly.
Start a journey of discovery by taking a personality test like Enneagram or Myers-Briggs that can help you understand your strengths and gaps and become your best self.
To move toward a life with less waste, carry a reusable water bottle and bring your own grocery bags to the store to cut down on landfill garbage and plastic plaguing the oceans. When eating out, turn down things you don’t need like straws and extra napkins. Use your own utensils for takeout and forego pre-packaged plastic forks and spoons. Another way to reduce your footprint is by recycling cardboard boxes, paper goods, plastic bottles, beverage cans, jugs, and lids.
Whether walking dogs at an animal shelter or giving rides to seniors, giving back to your community provides a sense of purpose and improves mental and physical health. Jarrell is surrounded by many organizations where you can donate your time, including the library, The Caring Place, Lasagna Love in Belton, ROCK, Boys and Girls Club of Central Texas, and Meals on Wheels.
Be a tourist in your own county and check out local attractions like the Williamson Museum, Jarrell library, historic courthouse, and Garey Park. Or extend your travels and visit destinations like the Robinson Family Farm in Temple or one of the five caves that make up the Texas Cave Trail. For more trip ideas, check out our regular Worth the Drive column.
Researching your family history can help you build a stronger sense of identity. The Williamson County Genealogical Society helps individuals research and compile family histories. Members also host informal genealogy discussions every month to answer questions and celebrate successes.
WilliamsonTxGenealogy.org
The average American spends about seven hours looking at a screen each day. Unplugging from electronics can do wonders for your well-being as well as relationships. Consider turning off your phone after a certain time at night, or taking a whole day off from technology to rest and recharge.
Spend more time with loved ones this year, whether attending one of Georgetown’s many events or chatting over a cup of coffee. Judy Lester says, “Being present mentally and physically with other people is one of the greatest gifts you can give and at no cost at all.”
Feb 22: Public Stargazing Night 7pm to 9pm at Garey Park. Register at parks.georgetown.org/ gareypark/
Every Saturday: Wolf Ranch Farmers Market at 9am to 1pm at the Wolf Ranch Shopping Center.
Getting to know your neighbors and building connections are what Jarrell is all about. With 40 special interest groups ranging from fitness to games to dining out, Newcomers & Friends is based in nearby Georgetown and strives to create connections with anyone living in the Central Texas area.
GeorgetownNewcomers.com
Make the world a kinder place by donating blood, being a friend to a lonely neighbor, leaving quarters at a laundromat or vending machine, or donating a book to the nearest Little Free Library. For more kindness inspiration, visit randomactsofkindness.org
No doubt 2022 was truly a roller coaster year in housing. Just to look at one metric that we’ve been following all year, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate in January of 2022 was 3.60% in December of 2022 that rate stood at 6.39%. That was just a few weeks after the average rate reached 7.20%, its highest level in 20 years.
While signs of a changing rate environment were evident all year, we had no way of knowing how much mortgage rates were going to rise in 12 months. It’s a much different housing market that we preview heading into 2023 than we had last year.
The greatest concern for most people who are interested in buying a home is what is going to happen to mortgage rates. Rates have gone up in relation to the Federal Reserve’s federal funds rate, which has risen from near zero at the beginning of 2022 to around 4.25% by the end of
by Craig Wales with Guaranteed Rate
the year. The Fed is expected to keep increasing their rate to get inflation under control, but at a slower pace in the first part of 2023. That should affect mortgage rates, allowing them to continue dropping.
Many of the most respected industry watchers are predicting rates will continue to come down in 2023. The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) and the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) are both forecasting that mortgage rates will come down throughout the year, and finish 2023 in the mid-5% range. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac take less optimistic views; seeing rates hovering in the high-6% range and finishing the year near 6.2%-6.5%.
Tracking home prices can be a good news/bad news proposition. When home prices go up, that’s good news for homeowners and sellers, but bad news for homebuyers. When they go down, that could be seen as bad news for homeowners as their home’s value is also theoretically going down as well.
However, high home prices and high rates have priced many wouldbe homebuyers out of the market and that’s been bad news for sellers
lately. A drop in home prices, along with a drop in mortgage rates, would be great news for everyone.
Real estate experts are predicting good news for homebuyers. Their forecast is for the first year-over-year decline in the last decade, with the average home price at $368,000. While home prices aren’t dropping to pre-pandemic levels, by most of these forecasts they are likely staying near where they ended in 2022 as we move ahead in 2023.
Mortgage rates coming down, and home prices at a lower average than last year means housing greater affordability. Hopefully, in 2023, more people will be able to say, “Yes,” to buying a home.
Roller coasters are designed to take riders on an unpredictable journey with periods of exhilaration, intensity, and fear.
by Charlotte Kovalchuk and Ann Marie Kennon
Texas’ culinary legacy has various cultural influences, including “traditional foods of the Cajuns (crawfish, gumbo, and catfish), Germans and Czechs (kolaches, schnitzels, and smoked sausage), African Americans (fried chicken and stewed greens), and, perhaps most intrinsically, Mexicans,” according to How to be a Texan by Andrea Valdez. Today, what makes Texan food unique is its Tex-Mex cuisine a combination of Texan and Mexican cuisines that feature menu items like queso, fajitas, and nachos and barbecue.
First, it is important to know not all food on a grill is “barbecue,” and just pouring a red, tangy sauce on it doesn’t make it so. Confuse the two and you risk losing your Texas membership card.
For barbecue, one piles coals or wood to the side or in the center, spreads the meat around the grill top, and closes the lid. Cooking meat in this way is a slow process, used for large cuts, and can take a half-day or longer. Conversely, when you grill, you put the meat right over the fire (direct heat) for a quicker cooking time. This is appropriate for smaller cuts burgers, steaks, and hot dogs.
And it’s not just about the food it’s the package. Barbecue is family, a welcoming place, and positive energy…it’s Texas on a plate. John Brotherton, the owner of Brotherton’s Black Iron Barbecue in Pflugerville and Liberty Barbecue in Round Rock, is a quintessential Texan when it comes to his love of barbecue culture “Barbecue is a food that brings people together. It’s
something you enjoy with family and friends. Growing up, we had backyard grills and families that gathered around them. It is about nostalgia, which takes us back to our parents, grandparents, and good memories. And really, no one ‘gets together’ for a salad.”
Brush up on your Lone Star lingo with these terms, sayings, and correct pronunciations:
Y’all • You (singular)
All y'all • You (plural)
Howdy • Friendly 'hello'
Fixin’ta • Getting ready to do something
Ov' yonder • Over there
I reckon • I think
This ain’t my first rodeo • This isn’t the first time I have done this.
I don’t cotton to that • I don’t like that.
Who stuck the burr under your saddle? • Why are you so irritated?
Don’t mess with Texas • Before it became a slogan about Texas’ toughness, it was an anti-littering campaign by TxDOT.
Bexar • Pronounced like bear
Boerne • BUR-nee
Buda • BYOO-duh
Manor • MAY-ner
Nacogdoches • Na-kuh-DOH-chuhs
Pedernales • Per-den-AL-es
Waxahachie • Wahks-uh-HATCH-ee
A BIRTH CERTIFICATE?
LOVE FOR THE LONE STAR STATE YOU NOW CALL HOME? BUYING YOUR FIRST PAIR OF COWBOY BOOTS OR TAKING A PICTURE IN A BLUEBONNET FIELD?
WHETHER YOU GOT HERE YESTERDAY OR WERE BORN AND RAISED WITH A FAMILY TREE FULL OF GENERATIONS OF LONE STAR LOCALS, HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT BEING A TEXAN.
Take a photo in a bluebonnet field. Visit bluebonnet meccas like Burnet, Ennis, and Willow City Loop in late March and April. Your best photo times are 8-10am, and an hour before sunsets. Check for no trespassing signs.
Buy cowboy boots. Whether visiting a festival or dance hall, these are a staple of Texas attire.
Celebrate homecoming. Every year, high school and college alumni “come home” to greet long-lost friends and beloved teachers as they join in the fall celebration of school spirit. It grew from an alumni reunion into a full week of school spirit festivities, including the most extravagant, Texas-sized tradition
Dance at Gruene Hall. Grab your boots and plan your next night out at Texas’ oldest dance hall. Built in 1878 in the German farming community of Gruene, now part of New Braunfels, Gruene Hall is a tourist destination and music venue for established and up-andcoming artists, as well as a proving ground for former new talents like George Strait, Hal Ketchum and Lyle Lovett.
Stargaze. The stars shine brightly over Texas state parks. Get away from city lights and take in the best night sky views around at parks with very dark skies, including Big Bend Ranch State Park and Enchanted Rock State Natural Area.
mums. Mums have transformed into massive floral creations covered with ribbons, bells, glitter, lights, football trinkets, and stuffed animals.
Celebrate Juneteenth. Traditionally recognizes the end of slavery in the United States. In 1980, Texas was the first to declare Juneteenth a state holiday. In 2021, in an ever-evolving celebration of common bonds of freedom, June 19 was named a federal holiday.
Survive cedar fever. Central Texas is one of the allergy capitals of America, with allergy sufferers seeking shelter from the outdoors every time cedar season rolls around from December to February.
Visit the Alamo. “Remember the Alamo” the battle cry during Texas’ war for independence from Mexico that made the historic site in San Antonio one of the most famous places in Texas.
Float the river. One of the best ways to cool off during 100-degree summer days. Some popular tubing spots include the Comal, San Marcos, and Guadalupe rivers.
Tour the Texas Capitol building. Located in downtown Austin, this historic landmark is home to the Texas Legislature and governor offices.
Iam going to drop some science on my dear readers and gently request that the world get over my love of french fries.
I recently validated that I am a SuperTaster. No, it doesn't mean that I have a fancy palate. Instead, what I have suspected for a while, and some reasonably legitimate websites finally confirmed I have scientific proof that I hate vegetables.
I am, in fact, not lazy or entitled or ill-informed. I eat a lot of plant matter and know corn is really a grain and potatoes are a starch and beans are legumes. I also know I have to eat yucky green stuff to really make it count.
But... I am in my 50s and if one more person tells me I should eat more vegetables, my head will explode. Not because I disagree, but because...again... I am in my 50s and Thanks. I’ve. Heard.
Incidentally, I also am aware I should exercise more so humankind can give that a rest too. This or that special diet or workout is not the magic bullet I’ve been missing all my life, so, sorry-not sorry. When I go out for lunch, it will not be salad. When I travel internationally, I WILL find a McDonald’s with food I know and love. Just sayin’. Anyway, science tells me due to many factors; greater number of receptors, what my mother ate when I was in utero, and even my DNA, predispose me and my super taste buds to find bitter flavors (and some sweet and spice flavors) literally unpalatable.
Apparently not liking things is a reflex, not a preference. A long time ago, we animals developed distastes to protect from dangerous or toxic things. PrecisionNutrition.com says, “Much of the modern work in the genetic basis of taste starts with a substance called PROP6 (6-n-propylthiouracil). Some people, it seems, find this substance overwhelmingly bitter. Others literally can’t taste it. At all.” Plus, when I say Propylthiouracil, I sound so smart!
So I’m one of the 25 percent of people for whom these alkaloids make some foods taste awful grapefruit juice, kale, tonic water, dry wine, broccoli, dark beer, Sicilian olives, and the like. My superpowers say, “nay nay” to those. E.g., if you make 3 gallons of spaghetti and put a bell pepper in it, all I will taste is pepper and I will make a face.
My mom insisted if I just tried the broccoli enough times, I would “get used to it.” I never did, and at least now I know why. So, thank you, Science, for giving me justification to ignore the eye-rolling when I say, “No thank you” to the green lumps in the casserole.
Still, with help from non-PROP6 people who are fortunate enough to enjoy cruciferous torture instruments in their salad, I did learn to cook broccoli because my son really loves it. Definitely got that DNA from his father.
Still, I promise to “complement and cushion” the stuff he does think is gross as smart mom-chefs have recommended so he might get used to more food. I also promised myself we wouldn’t have the nightly battles I had as a child you-have-five-minutes timers, and you’lleat-it-for-breakfast ultimatums.
I suppose the point of all this is just a nice way of:
1. reminding myself, and maybe some others, to stop fussing over the obvious. We can start with vegetables and maybe someday we can all stop fussing at each other about Tweets or vaccines; and 2. maybe we can give our kids a break when they say pork chops or peas are disgusting. I like them, but I won’t presume to know which alkaloids make my son crazy either.
Meanwhile, this Quarter Pounder is delicious and so far “I’m lovin’ it!” in ten countries and counting.
Access Health Urgent Care is under construction and should be open by June. Located on IH-35 at Bud Stockton Loop.
Sonic® Drive-In restaurant is under construction and should be open by June. Located next to Golden Chick.
Kids’ Zone Christian Academy will be open for the 2023-2024 school year for kindergarten through fourth grade. Located off CR 307.
Starbucks construction is underway and the store should be open in a few months. Located on IH-35 at Bud Stockton Loop.
GO Car Wash (tunnel wash) expects to break ground within one month. Located on IH-35 at Bud Stockton Loop, beside Starbucks.
Taco Bell just closed on their land, located at the corner of Limestone Terrace and IH-35. Construction will begin soon.
Tommy
Robert
Regina Wharton, Senior Vice-President-Eagle Bank Eagle Bank, A Branch of Round Top State Bank - Round Rock 512-218-3903 or RWharton@eagle-bank.com
