Camy is a native Texan and mom of three who has lived in Jarrell since 2009. She serves her community as vice president of the Jarrell Education Foundation, is on the District and Igo's Educational Improvement Committees, was a director on the Sonterra MUD Board for five years, and founded the local Facebook group Mom Tribe Jarrell that has over 2,200 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.
SENIOR WRITERS/COPY EDITORS
Ann Marie Kennon • Charlotte Kovalchuk
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Linda A. Thornton
GRAPHICS & DESIGN
Sandra Evans • Marilee Goldoni
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Patrick St. Cin
IT/WEBMASTER • Jesse Payne
CONSULTANT • W. Ben Daniel
ADVERTISING INFORMATION Allison Smith allison@myjarrell.com 512-966-2164
All rights reserved. MyJarrellMonthly 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
WHO WE ARE
In an age where the rush of daily news often overshadows the deeper narratives that shape our community, My Jarrell Monthly constantly strives to be an eager beacon of positivity and unity. Far more than just a lifestyle magazine, our publishers and staff are committed to creating a means of getting to know what makes our community thrive—its people and their impact.
Since its inception in 2021, My Jarrell Monthly:
Has grown with the community – we originally mailed to 4,200 homes and businesses in 76537 and now mail to over 9,000 homes and businesses monthly.
Works closely with Jarrell Independent School District, the Jarrell Chamber of Commerce, Sonterra MUD, Jarrell Economic Development Corporation, Jarrell Community Library and Resource Center, and the City of Jarrell.
Is a local business, located in Jarrell, that employs local people.
Has, to date, mailed more than 300,000 magazines within the 76537 area.
But we are also good at doing what we do — showcasing prominent community agencies and initiatives like the Jarrell Education Foundation, Jarrell Community Library, Jarrell ISD students, FFA, 4-H, and many more on our covers and in multipage features. These not only celebrate their contributions but also inspire readers to personally engage and participate in the missions of these community pillars.
In every story, from first responders and community leaders to the latest events and programs, our purpose is to foster a sense of pride and connection. In short, we believe My Jarrell Monthly is more than a magazine; it is a vital part of the community’s fabric that spotlights advocacy, education, and celebration. We hope you will agree it stands as a testament to what we can all achieve when we choose to focus on the positive and the possible.
A new year brings new opportunities to grow, create, and thrive. Embrace every challenge as a chance to learn, every success as a step forward, and every moment as a gift. Here’s to making 2025 your best yet!
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COVER FEATURE Family Emergency Room at Georgetown EDUCATION Empowering Students for Success CHURCH
Jarrell's Faith Community
22 26 28
ASK
Heritage Broadband Online Security NEIGHBOR
Happy Quirky New Year
Jarrell Holiday Celebrations
NASA Fuels Houston
FAMILY EMERGENCY ROOM AT GEORGETOWN 24 / 7 / 365
PERSONALIZED PATIENT SERVICE & ENHANCED EMERGENCY CARE
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 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-the-art 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 symptoms concerning for heart disease,” Dr. Prudoff says.
I took my daughter here for what I thought was a broken index finger. When we walked in, it was clean and the receptionist was very inviting and friendly. Registration was easy on the iPad. We were seen so quickly that I was still completing my daughter’s registration info. As we walked back I noticed the place was still exceptionally tidy (loved that). Nurse came in, tech came in, doctor followed right behind them. I was taken back by how well and promptly they attended to her for a little broke finger. She went straight back for X-rays. Discharge paperwork and what to do at home list was super simple and very reader friendly. We were in and out in under an hour.
Everyone at Family Emergency Room was incredibly kind and genuinely compassionate. From the moment we arrived and through diagnosis and treatment, we felt we were in good hands. Dr. Daniels is an exemplary physician who patiently listens, asks great questions, and is thorough in his effort to provide an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. Best of all, he truly cares. The facility is clean and has all the modern equipment that is needed to diagnose and treat their patients. The entire experience was outstanding.
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.”
IMPROVING EMERGENCY CARE
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 constantly. 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 Georgetown, as well as Jarrell, Liberty Hill, and surrounding communities," Dr. Valentini says. "And to serve as a trusted community partner."
COVER FEATURE
I have had to utilize this facility a few times now over the years and have had a great experience each time. I've never had to wait to be seen, and everyone I have encountered has been friendly and caring. Each doctor that I have seen always took their time with me, and never made me feel judged or rushed. I once had to call the day after a visit with some follow up questions, expecting to leave a message, but the doctor actually got on the phone with me to address my concerns. They seem to genuinely care about you and making you feel better.
KEEPING UP WITH GROWTH
With Williamson County continuing to attract new residents from all over the country, 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, or email jvalentini@familyemergencyroom.com.
WE
ENSURE THE HIGHEST SAFETY STANDARDS FOR OUR PATIENTS AND STAFF
DR. VALENTINI
EDUCATION
THE JARRELL EDUCATION FOUNDATION (JEF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing educational opportunities in Jarrell ISD. The foundation focuses on fostering innovation and excellence by providing resources and funding that go beyond the traditional school budget. JEF partners with the community, local businesses, and educators to support programs and initiatives that directly impact student learning and achievement. Through fundraising and community engagement, JEF awards grants to teachers and staff, allowing them to implement creative and impactful projects that enrich the classroom experience. These grants target a wide range of needs, from technology and curriculum enhancements to extracurricular programs and student development initiatives. Ultimately, the foundation’s mission is to ensure students in Jarrell ISD have access to high-quality educational tools and experiences, aimed at helping them reach their full potential.
During the 2023/2024 school year, the foundation awarded 19 grants totaling $33,000. These grants will collectively impact 12,542 students across the district, supporting innovative classroom projects and enriching student experiences.
SUPERINTENDENT DR. TONI HICKS adds, "Jarrell ISD is grateful to the Education Foundation's support and generous contributions to advance the education of our students and staff. Their unwavering commitment has provided additional resources in our classrooms, engaging learning opportunities for students, and meaningful professional development for staff. The partnership with JEF is a great example of how working together as One Community creates positive outcomes.”
by Ann Marie Kennon
EMPOWERING
The Jarrell Education Foundation: Innovation,
ESPORTS
Mike Griffiths was awarded a $2,000 grant to continue building a dedicated Esports program. His plan builds on Alison Marlone’s foundational grant, In it to Win it: Building the Future of JISD eSports. Her 2023 grant provided equipment and gaming systems, allowing students to compete at a higher level as the esports program grows. This initial investment sparked interest and laid the groundwork for expanding esports across the district. Mike’s initiative will strengthen Esports, offering students new opportunities to develop valuable skills that extend beyond the gaming arena.
Mike identified the need to further develop the program after facing challenges the previous year. Efforts to launch an Esports club were hampered by limitations on school computers, as the technology department implemented stricter controls to accommodate the district’s rapid growth. Recognizing the value esports could bring to students, he proposed shifting to dedicated gaming consoles – a solution that bypassed technical restrictions and provided a more engaging experience.
With the new grant, Mike added Nintendo Switch consoles and popular games, which quickly revitalized the program. The Esports club now
flourishes, regularly drawing over 30 students to meetings. The addition of dedicated equipment has allowed the club to foster teamwork, strategy development, and digital literacy, creating a space where students who might not typically participate in traditional extracurriculars can thrive.
Despite the club’s success, the need for additional resources remains. Currently, Griffiths borrows projectors and screens from the library and even brings his own TV to support gaming sessions. To sustain and grow the program, future grants will focus on acquiring permanent screens, expanding the game library, and updating controllers and consoles.
Although the grants were awarded in May 2024 and programs have been or will be launched during the current school year, teachers have expressed excitement about the positive impact these projects will bring. The funding allows educators to introduce innovative tools and programs that would otherwise be unavailable through traditional budgets, ultimately fostering creativity, critical thinking, and new learning experiences for students.
• photos courtesy of Jarrell Education Foundation
STUDENTS FOR SUC CESS GRANTS
Impact, and Investment in Cougar Students' Futures
JOHNNY CAN SPELL
Amie Von Stosch’s $630 grant for the Johnny Can Spell program was inspired by her previous teaching experience, where she saw significant student growth using the system. The program helps students recognize letter sounds and phonograms, improving their ability to decode and spell words. Amie says, “Johnny Can Spell helps the students identify sounds the letters make as well as phonograms such as ck, sh, and ough. Those are just a few of the examples. For instance, it helps the students know that the letter A makes three different sounds. So, when students are sounding out a word, they are able to try different sounds to see which one makes more sense for the word.” She reports early implementation in lower grades has already received positive feedback from teachers and students, prompting plans to expand the program to more grades in the future. This initiative aims to strengthen literacy skills and boost overall reading proficiency across the school.
MYINTENT PROJECT
Mike Bickham’s MyIntent Project (above) focuses on fostering student empowerment and goal-setting. The grant provides bracelets with a meaningful word stamped on the emblem to serve as a daily reminder of their intention. It fosters personal growth and connection by inspiring individuals to live with purpose and share their stories.
Scan the code to learn more about the Jarrell Education Foundation.
The Jarrell Education Foundation is gearing up for the 2025 Cougar Clay Shoot, a fun and exciting way to raise $50,000. This event blends friendly competition with community spirit, offering a day of games, camaraderie, and giving back.
The committee chose a clay shoot to bring something new to the community, mindful of not overlapping with other local fundraisers. It’s an event that stands out, providing businesses and individuals with a fresh way to get involved.
Foundation president Sarah McLellan is thrilled that Mike Michaux generously donated the facilities at Solana Ranch for the shoot. With her own experience in clay shoots at the YMCA and Austin Rodeo Shootout, Sarah knows firsthand how enjoyable these events can be. “It’s a great fit for Jarrell and will draw more interest from the community,” she says. “We’re grateful to Solana Ranch for their support.”
FRIDAY, MARCH 7 AT SOLANA RANCH
5750 Solana Ranch Road, Salado
20 teams of 5 players will shoot from 10 stations. Scan the code to register.
100 total birds — prizes for the top 3 teams.
Games and mulligan tokens available for purchase.
Sponsorships are still available $500 to $3,000.
CHURCH SPOTLIGHTS
HOLY TRINITY OF CORN HILL CATHOLIC CHURCH
WHAT IS HOLY TRINITY OF CORNHILL LOOKING FORWARD TO MOST IN 2025?
We continue to look forward to being the presence of Christ in the community and to bringing them the truth and joy of the Gospel. We want all people to experience the mercy, forgiveness and love of our Heavenly Father who calls all of us to Himself and calls us to be intentional disciples, bringing His Word to all people. WHAT IS ONE THING YOU WOULD LIKE TO TELL THE COMMUNITY ABOUT YOUR CHURCH?
Our church is a very welcoming community of people who try to be the love of God to one another and who help each other to live as a disciple of the Lord. We challenge one another to live the Gospel message in truth and freedom. We want all to experience the living presence of Jesus Christ in the Sacraments.
WHAT DO YOU DO TO CONNECT WITH THE COMMUNITY?
We support Jarrell ISD by participating with the other churches in Jarrell in being in communication with school staff and assisting with their programs. We also support the Jarrell Food Pantry and the Jarrell Fire Department and are involved in other community projects. We try to be of assistance to the community in any way possible.
DO YOU HAVE ANY EVENTS COMING UP?
Our Cemetery Committee is having a fundraiser BBQ Pork meal on Sunday, January 26, from 11am to
1pm. We have our annual Czech Mass in honor of Sts. Cyril and Methodius on Sunday, February 16, at 5pm followed by a traditional Czech Meal. Other monthly events can be found in our bulletin on our website.
WHAT FUTURE PLANS OR GOALS DOES YOUR CHURCH HAVE?
Holy Trinity is growing and so we have the challenge of providing all that is needed to minister to the people of this area. Our future plan is to add on to our religious education/office building, to build an outdoor pavilion and to do some improvements in the church. Our goal is to do all we can to be a parish that is inviting and supportive of the people. We want to meet the spiritual needs of all and help them to grow closer to our Lord and have a personal relationship with Him.
HOW CAN CHILDREN/TEENAGERS GET CONNECTED IN YOUR
CHURCH?
All teenagers are welcome to join us on Sunday mornings at mass at 9:30am followed by Youth Ministry activities. We also welcome them to our many activities held throughout the year. These include community service projects, retreats, themed fun nights, the pumpkin patch, lock-ins, just to name a few. We want all teens to know they have a fun, safe and welcoming community waiting for them.
JARRELL
METHODIST CHURCH
WHAT IS JARRELL METHODIST CHURCH LOOKING FORWARD TO MOST IN 2025?
Jarrell Methodist Church is one of the best-kept secrets in town! We’re expanding our digital presence with a new website and a more active Facebook page where we offer livestreaming of our Sunday worship services. We are finding new ways to reach out to our community with the good news of Jesus Christ.
WHAT IS ONE THING YOU WOULD LIKE TO TELL THE COMMUNITY ABOUT YOUR CHURCH?
At Jarrell Methodist Church we worship in a relaxed traditional environment with a small-town feel. JMC is a historic, 140-year-old congregation who recently celebrated the 100th year of ministry in our present sanctuary at 404 1st Street. Denominationally, we have been part of the Global Methodist Church since November 1, 2022. We are Wesleyan in focus, believing the Bible to be the authority for doctrine and practice.
WHAT DO YOU DO TO CONNECT WITH THE COMMUNITY?
Since our earliest days, Jarrell Methodist Church has been at the forefront of community involvement and service. Volunteerism is a hallmark of our tradition from helping neighbors in trouble, to volunteering as firefighters, and helping to organize and support the recovery efforts following the 1997 tornado. Continuing our tradition of service to the Jarrell community, JMC established the Jarrell Community Food Pantry in 2005. We still sponsor and support the pantry where there are two food distributions each month on the second and fourth Sundays from noon until 2pm. We serve 60 or more households with each distribution. Additionally, our volunteers respond to urgent needs for food assistance as they arise. We are grateful to the many individuals, organizations, and churches that assist this
CHURCH SPOTLIGHTS
effort to provide for the needy in our community. Our small-town roots continue to guide how we support Jarrell. DO YOU HAVE ANY EVENTS COMING UP?
As events are scheduled, they will be announced on our website and Facebook page (Jarrell Global Methodist Church).
WHAT FUTURE PLANS OR GOALS DOES YOUR CHURCH HAVE?
It is our vision that our efforts, energized by the Holy Spirit, will multiply disciples of Jesus Christ who will worship passionately, love extravagantly, and witness boldly. This is a new emphasis for which we are formulating plans and setting goals that will enable us to achieve our mission.
HOW
CAN
CHILDREN/TEENAG
ERS GET CONNECTED IN YOUR CHURCH?
Jarrell Methodist Church presently has only a few children who attend regularly. As a result, we don’t currently offer Sunday School classes or other activities for children and youth. However, as you can see from the photos, we involve our younger attendees by giving them an active part in our worship services. Those who participate are always eager to light the altar candles, take the offering, read Scripture, or be involved in any way they can. Through this kind of engagement, we have a small group of young children who are eager to be at church and take part in our services.
LIGHTHOUSE JARRELL
Lighthouse Jarrell is excited to begin the new year as a beacon of God’s love and truth to our community. We endeavor to serve as a place where people can encounter Christ, experience transformation, and find hope through the gospel. Edwin and Kristi Roark are the new pastors at Lighthouse Jarrell where we desire to be a spiritual and practical blessing to this community.
Edwin is a lifelong Christian and businessman with a passion to share the gospel of Christ to the world. As a businessman he is a real estate broker, developer and builder where he used these skills as a volunteer to help construct numerous mission churches in the US, Belize and England. As superintendent of Church In A Day, Edwin drafted the plans and led the construction of the original Lighthouse Church facility here in Jarrell. At that time, in 2008, Edwin never imagined that he would one day be the pastor of this church. In ministry Edwin has served as pastor and other ministry roles at churches in East Texas, Houston and Central Texas.
Kristi is a music teacher and mom, who shares the same passion to share Christ’s gospel. Her love for kids is reflected in her career commitment to teaching K-12 music and choir. After moving to the hill country in 2009, she served for two years as Jarrell ISD’s elementary music teacher and choir director. Kristi looks forward to meeting some of her former students and growing the worship team at LHJ.
As Christians we must be creative and wise as we share the light of Christ. We will be implementing traditional means to reach those in need through small groups, home bible studies, prison ministry, etc. while also exploring creative new ways for church engagement with the community through business, school and municipal partnerships.
Lighthouse Jarrell is affiliated with the United Pentecostal Church International where we seek to follow the doctrine and examples of the early church described in the New Testament. That early church was filled with people from all races and walks of life who experienced the life-changing grace of God and shared a passion to spread the gospel to others.
lighthousejarrell.com | 346 Park Meadow Dr. | Jarrell
LIVING WORD CHURCH
WHAT IS LIVING WORD LOOKING FORWARD TO MOST IN 2025?
Providing spiritual support to our growing community as we navigate the challenges of life in today's environment. “Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28
WHAT IS ONE THING YOU WOULD LIKE TO TELL THE COMMUNITY ABOUT YOUR CHURCH?
We believe God's word is the answer for every single life, builds strong family ties and fosters fellowship with all members of our community. Jesus answered by quoting Deuteronomy: “It takes more than bread to stay alive. It takes a steady stream of words from God’s mouth.” Matthew 4:4
The power of God's word is living; transforming lives. It's active; revealing truth, guiding people through life when all seems hopeless. It brings comfort and peace in a chaotic world.
WHAT DO YOU DO TO CONNECT WITH THE COMMUNITY?
Host basketball tournaments throughout the year
Outreach activities in the community, sharing life, coffee, donuts and prayer
Children's events, craft workshops throughout the year
DO YOU HAVE ANY EVENTS COMING UP?
Craft workshop (Feb-Mar 2025)
Easter Egg Hunt (Mar 2025)
Build a running HO scale train setup (Apr-Jun 2025)
Vacation Bible School (Summer 2025)
WHAT FUTURE PLANS OR GOALS DOES YOUR CHURCH HAVE?
Expand our Women's and Men's Life groups by reaching out into the community.
HOW CAN CHILDREN/TEENAGERS GET CONNECTED IN YOUR CHURCH?
We promote activities, such as the Vacation Bible School, workshops and craft events on our Facebook page, as well as our website.
jarrell.church | 301 W Avenue H | Jarrell
UPWARDS CHURCH
WHAT IS UPWARDS CHURCH LOOKING FORWARD TO MOST IN 2025?
We are truly blessed with our continuous growth and are looking forward to taking Upwards Church to the next level in the five purposes of the church from Acts 2: fellowship, discipleship, worship, service, and evangelism. To experience deeper fellowship, we will be having name-tag Sundays to help visitors and members get to know one another and continue to expand our Connect Groups. We look forward to helping people move through the stages of discipleship: Belonging to the family of Christ; Becoming more like Christ; Believing that Christ is our only hope for eternal life and abundant living; and Sharing Christ’s love with others. In worship, we are excited to lead people to fresh encounters with Jesus through contemporary and traditional music. We are excited to grow God’s Kingdom and equip people to use their gifts for their acts of service. Our goal is to support people to live on mission for Jesus in their pathways of life.
WHAT IS ONE THING YOU WOULD LIKE TO TELL THE COMMUNITY ABOUT YOUR CHURCH?
We are not perfect, but we are family and love Jesus. We are a Bible-based church and present the truths of the Bible in a safe place to worship! We focus on creating a relational culture where people can flourish in all areas of life. At Upwards Church, you will find a relaxed atmosphere where people dress casually and comfortaby. We would love for you to come join us.
WHAT DO YOU DO TO CONNECT WITH THE COMMUNITY?
To support Christian education in our community, we sponsor Upwards Preschool for children ages 1-5 years old. We are open Tuesdays and Thursdays 8am - 2pm.
We have a Wednesday Recovery Group that meets each week from 8-9pm.
We also offer a Heart to Heart Connect Group for widows and widowers. Both groups are open to the community.
In April we will host our Spring Fest with fun activities and an egg hunt. We also host a Community Fall Festival and Trunk or Treat in October along with games, prizes and fun for kids and adults.
For couples in our community, we provide a marriage workshop in the fall as well as relational coaching. In November, all active military and veterans along with their families are invited to join us as we honor them for their service and sacrifices at our Community Military Appreciation Banquet. At Christmas, we provide a community Christmas Gathering led by our children and a Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at 6pm. Throughout the year we connect with the schools and local churches for various events.
HOW CAN CHILDREN / TEENAGERS GET CONNECTED IN YOUR CHURCH?
We offer various ways for both children and youth to expand their faith journey through Bible time and service, including Kids Ministry (infants - 6th grade), Kids 4 Christ (1st - 5th grade), True North Vacation Bible School (1st –5th Grade), Youth Group (teens), and Summer Camp.
WHAT MAKES TEXAS
WHAT MAKES TEXAS "TEXAS"?
NASA Fuels Houston“SpaceCity"
The year was 1961. President John F. Kennedy’s speech supporting a new space program propelled NASA into action. Established in 1958, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is an independent agency of the federal government responsible for the civil space program, aeronautics research, and space research.
Realizing their present location at Langley Air Force Base in Virginia was not adequate, NASA prepared a list of requirements for their new location:
accessible barge transportation
mild climate
good airport
1,000 acres of land available at a fair price
a nearby university for collaboration
Not only did Houston check all the boxes, behind the scenes, then Congressman Albert Thomas was said to be working with President Kennedy to secure Houston as the top choice. The powerful politician served as chairperson of the House Appropriations subcommittee, which was responsible for overseeing NASA’s
budget. Houston’s proximity to Rice University and the fact that the Humble Oil Company was willing to donate the undeveloped land to Rice for the facility helped seal the deal.
The Johnson Space Center is Born
NASA’s Manned Spacecraft Center was renamed the Johnson Space Center (JSC) in 1973 to honor President Lyndon B. Johnson. It is NASA’s center for human space flight and has served as mission control center for every U.S. flight crew, including the first lunar landing.
The JSC complex consists of 100 buildings on 1,620 acres of land and today focuses on programs in collaboration with international counterparts and private industry:
Astronaut Corps: state-of-the-art facility that provides training for all space exploration personnel.
Mission Control Center: a unique team of engineers, medical, and technical staff that develop mission plans and monitor crew health and safety.
International Space Station: home to the management and integration of operations associated with the world’s most complex multi-national space laboratory.
WHAT MAKES TEXAS "TEXAS"?
NASA “Know and Tell”
Gateway program: dedicated to establishing the first space station in orbit around the moon, research in deep space, and capabilities for sustained exploration.
Orion program: focused on developing a vehicle capable of deep space travel. Its goal is to take astronauts further in space than any human has traveled.
Also located in the JSC is Space Center Houston, NASA’s official visitor center.
A leading Houston tourist attraction, it has welcomed more than 26.6 million visitors since opening its doors in 1992. The 250,000-square-foot complex includes an impressive space museum and learning center. It also welcomes Texas students with unique opportunities in programs and internships in STEM careers.
Fame and Fortune for Houston
NASA has not only made Texas synonymous with space exploration and for naming Houston “Space City,” it has had an impressive economic impact. Annually, the Texas operation is responsible for creating 40,000 jobs and generating more than $9.2 billion. In Texas and across the United States, NASA has invested millions in small, minority, woman, and veteran-owned businesses.
An impressive roster of members, including Orville Wright, founded the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) on March 3, 1915. The organization was integrated into NASA in 1958.
Orville Wright's life bridged the era of powered flight (1903) to Chuck Yeager breaking the sound barrier in 1947. As well, Orville and Neil Armstrong were alive at the same time (1930-1948).
According to Space Center Houston, it is the only place in the world where visitors can see astronauts train for missions, touch a real moon rock, virtually land a shuttle, and take a behind-the-scenes tour of NASA.
The most famous NASA mission was July 20, 1969, during which Apollo 11 Commander Neil Armstrong took the first human footstep on the moon.
While NASA missions are managed from Houston, launches take place in Florida to leverage the Earth’s natural rotation. By launching eastward from Cape Canaveral, rockets gain an extra boost of speed, helping them reach their destination more efficiently.
NASA’s Mission Control, a National Historic Landmark, underwent a meticulous renovation. Space Center employees were interviewed and donated vintage items they had saved, such as ashtrays, clipboards, and pens. The $5 million renovation officially opened in July 2019, in time to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the moon landing.
The quote “Houston, we have a problem” made famous in the movie Apollo 13, was actually “Houston, we’ve had a problem here.” Surprisingly, it was a calm Jim Lovell, astronaut and Apollo 13 commander, who uttered the phrase when it was discovered there had been an explosion in the spacecraft’s service module.
Saturday Vigil Mass - 5 PM Sunday Mass at 7:30 AM, 9:30 AM & 11:30 AM 512-863-3020 mainoffice@holytrinityofcornhill.org 8626 FM 1105, Jarrell
Please Visit: holytrinityofcornhill.org for
ASK A PRO • ONLINE SECURITY
HERITAGE BROADBAND
Woman-owned, Texas-based Internet service provider dedicated to bringing fast, reliable connectivity to businesses and residences in rural communities.
HeritageBroadband.com 512-548-6932
How to Secure Your Facebook Profile and Protect Your Identity
In today’s digital age, securing your online presence is essential. With personal information often shared freely, it’s crucial to take steps to protect your Facebook profile from unauthorized access and potential identity theft. Here’s a quick guide to enhancing your Facebook security settings and safeguarding your identity.
1. STRENGTHEN YOUR PASSWORD
Start with a strong, unique password. Avoid using easily guessed words like your name, birthdate, or “password123.” Instead, create a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. A strong password is your first line of defense against hackers.
2.
ENABLE TWO-FACTOR AUTHENTICATION (2FA)
Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification. To activate 2FA on Facebook:
Go to Settings & Privacy > Settings.
Click on Security and Login.
Under Two-Factor Authentication, follow the steps to set up an additional security method, like a text message code or an authenticator app.
This ensures that even if someone knows your password, they’ll need additional verification to access your account.
3. LIMIT WHO CAN SEE YOUR POSTS AND PERSONAL INFORMATION
Restricting your audience reduces the risk of exposing personal details. To adjust your privacy settings:
Go to Settings & Privacy > Settings > Privacy.
Review Who can see your future posts? and set it to Friends or Only Me if you prefer more privacy.
In the How People Find and Contact You section, limit who can send friend requests or see your friends list to Friends or Friends of Friends.
Review and adjust the visibility of your personal information (birthdate, contact details, etc.) under Profile and Tagging settings to restrict public access.
4. REVIEW YOUR ACTIVITY AND LIMIT PAST POSTS
Older posts might reveal more than you’re comfortable sharing today. Facebook allows you to review past activities and limit visibility:
Go to Settings & Privacy > Settings > Activity Log to browse and manage posts, likes, and interactions.
Under Limit Past Posts, you can change old public posts to be visible only to friends.
Regularly reviewing and pruning your activity helps maintain your privacy and reduces unnecessary exposure.
5. TURN ON LOGIN ALERTS
Login alerts notify you if your account is accessed from an unrecognized device or location. Here’s how to set it up:
Go to Security and Login in Settings.
Under Setting Up Extra Security, select Get alerts about unrecognized logins.
You’ll receive notifications if someone attempts to log into your account from a new device.
6. BE CAREFUL WITH THIRD-PARTY APPS
Some third-party apps request access to your Facebook account. While convenient, this can expose your profile to potential risks. To manage app access:
Go to Settings > Apps and Websites.
Review the list of apps connected to your account and remove any you no longer use or don’t trust.
7. STAY ALERT TO SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY
Regularly check your account for any unusual activity, like messages you didn’t send, posts you didn’t make, or changes to your profile. If you notice any irregularities, secure your account by changing your password and reviewing your recent login activity.
Securing your Facebook profile is essential in today’s digital landscape. By taking a few proactive steps—like enabling two-factor authentication, limiting personal information access, and monitoring login activity—you can significantly enhance your online privacy and protect your identity. Make these adjustments today to enjoy a safer, more secure online experience.
As the holidays involve so much contact with family and friends, Leigh enjoys noticing and, let's face it — cataloging for the benefit of this column — a few of the bizarre behaviors we all share but rarely note. So, grab your leftover holiday cookies (because your diet resolutions can wait), and let’s visit a few of the amusing eccentricities that make all that family holiday time worth it.
AND YOU WOULD BE... I see this all the time in life and movies, but how many times have you called someone and said or left a message saying, "Hey, it's me," as if every one of us is Morgan Freeman to our friends and family on the phone? I suppose it's helpful that our phones have caller ID so we already know who "me" is in case we want to tap the "Send to Voicemail" button, so that's good.
But then, the call goes to voicemail and the caller doubles down with a superfluous, "Call me back." That's a bit like writing a letter telling me you're going to send me an email. Of course I'm going to call you back. Heck, sometimes I even call strangers back because I can't leave a "missed call" just hanging out there.
On the off chance the call connects, and I have a real conversation with a human, there are other vague phone etiquettes like saying, "Well, I'll let you go," when what I really mean is, "Please hang up now, I'm done talking to you."
QuirkyHappyYear
BLESSED SNEEZES... Why do we still say "bless you" when someone sneezes? I realize it's classic etiquette to wish someone good health but in the post-COVID world, it's more of a knee-jerk "Keep your germ cannon to yourself, dude!"
Seriously, it's a cozy Christmas evening, or perhaps an intensely silent church service. A sneeze dramatically shatters the silence and the eight "bless you’s” that immediately follow — sometimes from multiple strangers — create a brief and shared acknowledgment of our collective nasal humanity. But then the sneezes keep coming and the social contract gets a bit awkward. By the third sneeze, are we really supposed to keep saying it or just tell the sneezer to get his life together?
URBAN SHOWDOWNS... Few things are as charged with silent drama as the parking lot standoff, particularly for holiday shopping.
It’s a weekend, and I am circling the lot like SEAL, eyes peeled for that elusive empty spot. Why I spend more time looking than it would have taken to simiply walk from a more distant area of the lot I don't know. I spot someone with keys in hand so I flip the blinker, the universal sign of claim, and enter stealth mode. But nay, from the other direction, another eagle-eyed shopper does the same. My knuckles tighten on the steering wheel, anticipating my rightful claim with the vim and vigor of a Karen in a coffee shop.
It's a competition as old as the shopping mall itself and it's not even about parking. It’s about competition, patience, and sometimes the pure, unadulterated desperation of finding a spot less than three light years from the store entrance.
As the original car pulls out, the slow-motion race to utilize the heft and bulk of my — yes, Leigh drives one — minivan to get into the gap ensues and the test of Karens begins. Depending on my mood, I may eventually give the other driver a courteous nod, or I may fiddle with my phone to look convincingly like I didn't see the other car as I zip into the spot.
Yes, sometimes I have the patience of a saint, waving others ahead with a beatific smile. Other times, I'm in the mood to be a road warrior with my mom-chariot in the gladiatorial Walmart arena and it's not nice to mess with my asphalt territory.
RESOLUTIONS...
Maybe this year I will resolve not to be a road warrior. Then again, that too might fall in with many of my previous and grand declarations that a flip of the calendar would magically bestow upon me the discipline of a monk and the energy of a toddler. I might want to eat kale, join a gym, and save money, but right now all I really care about is making sure no one tells me who died on Yellowstone before I can binge-watch it on a second-tier streaming service I already pay for.
PARTING
Jarrell Holiday Celebrations Shine Bright
This year, Jarrell was filled with holiday cheer as multiple events brought the magic of the season to town. The festivities kicked off in early Decem ber with Breakfast with Santa, hosted by Sonterra MUD Parks and Recre ation. Families gathered at the Cool Water Amenity Center for a cozy morn ing of holiday fun, with many guests donning their Christmas jammies and enjoying a delicious breakfast, crafts, and a special visit from Santa – for both visitors and their furry companions!
The following weekend, the second annual A Very Merry Jarrell Christ mas Festival once again lit up the season and became an even more cher ished community tradition. The festival transformed the downtown into a winter wonderland complete with ice skating, train rides, local vendors, and scrumptious food.
Photos courtesy of Sonterra MUD Parks and Recreation and Mom Tribe Jarrell
POSTAL PATRON JARRELL, TX
Jarrell Animal Hospital practices the highest standard of veterinary medicine while using an a ordable common-sense approach.
Help Us Welcome Our Newest Veterinarian!
We are excited to welcome our new Veterinarian, Matthew Hammer. Matthew was raised in Round Rock, Teas. He received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Oklahoma State University, and he has tremendous experience with emergency care of small animals. He’s been married to his wife, Katie, since 2019. His furry family includes a Golden Retriever mix named Athena, a Welsh Pembroke Corgi named Blaine and a domestic shorthair named Minerva. Matthew enjoys hunting, fishing and being out in nature. Dr. Hammer can’t wait to meet your fur babies!
