Georgetown View • October 2020 by Fidelis Publishing Group, LLC

v i ew OCTOBER 2020

W E B U I L D CO M M U N I T Y

A LIFE AND LEGACY OF

Grace

THE INSPIRATION—AND FUTURE— FOR BROOKWOOD IN GEORGETOWN

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FEATURES 8 AMAZING GRACE The Life and Legacy of Gracie Kiltz 14 MUCH MORE THAN MOTORCYCLES Wind Therapy Freedom Riders are Silent No More 22 WHAT MAKES TEXAS “TEXAS”? Pageantry

FAVORITES 18 KIDS Not your traditional Halloween 20 GHS AT NASA Student Intern on West Nile Project 27 HEALTHY HABITS Build up your immunity 28 EAGLE SCOUTS 14-year-old Noah Bollinger 30 EXPERIENCE GEORGETOWN Showing Love for the Thin Red Line 34 SAVE THE PLANET Creepy Critters You Want in Your Yard 38 HOME & GARDEN Beneficial Bats

contents

GOLFERS HELPING KIDS

Chet Garner might agree K-9 Nemo is better suited for law enforcement than caddying...but they are both happy to help The Locker!

Photo by Brian Gustison

42 THE NEW NORMAL Meet the Williams Drive ROMEOs

Wind Therapy Freedom Riders: Different Colors, One Purpose... they back the Blue! (and the Green, and the Red, and the Brown) Photo by Luis Rodriguez/Facebook

47 POPPY TALKS Modern Life “Fails” 51 HOMETOWN HEROES Wendi Lester, For Just One 52 WORTH THE DRIVE Texas Pumpkin Festival 55 FACTS TO BLOW YOUR MIND History and Government 60 FOOD Gourd-geous Fall Foods 63 PARTING SHOTS The Locker Golf Tournament

ON THE COVER

Gracie Kiltz’s passage into Heaven was immortalized by Denver artist Scy Caroselli, who created a sculpture to honor her legacy in front of the Amazing Grace Building. Photo by Marks Gillham

Visit our Facebook page for follow-ups to these stories, outtakes & hints to those upcoming... GeorgetownViewMagazine O C TO B E R 2 0 2 0  G E O R G E TO W N V I E W

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georgetown view Published by Optimus Media Group, LLC

PUBLISHER

Cathy Payne

cathy@georgetownview.com Like many of the best in her craft, Cathy has a specialized degree—in her case, hard science—and a gift for writing. She found her voice and fulfilment reporting and writing news and magazine features for a regional Central Texas audience. Along with serving as the publisher of the Georgetown View, Cathy oversees multiple news magazines, marketing campaigns, and books.

EDITOR Ann Marie Kennon annmarie@georgetownview.com

While not a native of Texas, Ann Marie is at home here. With a quarter-century of writing, reporting and marketing behind her, she not only writes about Georgetown, she dove into community service almost as soon as she moved here. Currently, she is on the board of the Williamson County Child Advocacy Center and Carver Elementary PTA, and a member of several support organizations.

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Charlotte Kovalchuk • Greta Bauer GRAPHICS & DESIGN Zion Pistole • Ann Marie Kennon CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Rudy Ximenez • David Valdez • Todd White ACCOUNT SERVICES Debbie Tolliver DISTRIBUTION David Schumacher IT / WEBMASTER Jesse Payne CONSULTANT W. Ben Daniel

ANN MARIE KENNON EDITOR’S NOTE

Looking at October, my favorite month, we have a wonderfully eclectic mix of heart, heroes, harvest, and Halloween. I can’t imagine you won’t find something new to think or talk about in these pages. While it was tough finding things to stand next to Gracie Kiltz’s kind and joyful spirit, the spirit of service in Wendi Lester, and the love of country and strangers I see in the Wind Therapy Freedom Riders, made this whole issue a pleasure to put together. Plus, we found some really cool themes and stories for our favorite Fall celebration... some things just ought to be pandemic-proof. I also hope you enjoy meeting the coffee club that you likely see every morning if you drive by the McDonald’s on Williams Drive. If you were wondering about the daily parking lot party, wonder no more; they ARE as friendly and interesting as you might imagine. I also want to apologize for an error in one of our September stories. So, I offer those apologies to our readers and to the family of Mrs. Dell Pickett, for whom our Pickett school in Georgetown is named—rather than Bill Pickett. Mr. Pickett is a worthy role model, but Mrs. Pickett was a long-time educator in Georgetown ISD and she certainly deserved more from me in my fact-checking. Look for more on her story and legacy in a future issue. It was a nice story-gathering month, and some good spiritual exercise to write them. As author Toni Sorenson says, “Autumn is the time of year when Mother Nature says, ‘Look how easy, how healthy, and how beautiful letting to can be.’” I hope we continue to provide some good spiritual exercise for our readers too.

ADVERTISING Mark Elliott 512-240-2267 • 512-598-3500 mark@georgetownview.com

Georgetown View is an Optimus Media Group, LLC publication. Copyright © 2020 All rights reserved. Georgetown View is published monthly and individually mailed USPS, free of charge, to homes and businesses in Georgetown, TX zip codes. Mail may be sent to View Magazine, P.O. Box 203, Jarrell, TX 76537.

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Looking forward to bringing extra issues to Big John and his friends at McDonald’s.

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amazing grace

Charlotte Kovalchuk • charlotte@georgetownview.com Photos courtesy of Erin Kiltz

The Life and Legacy of Gracie Kiltz

The Inspiration Behind Brookwood in Georgetown

mily Kiltz Lunsford believes, without a doubt, it was her sister’s miraculous recovery at age 3 that allowed the beautiful life and legacy of Gracie Kiltz to begin.

BiG INSPIRATION

As the medical staff worked hard to resuscitate her, and this family prayed earnestly for God to heal her, Gracie went to heaven. Twenty minutes is all she had. She felt awed by her new home. ‘This is it, I have arrived to the most beautiful place. I thought life was good on Earth but this is really home.’ She came face to face with Jesus, who gave her the option to stay or return to fulfill a special plan. ‘If you will accept the mission,’ he said, ‘I know that thousands, maybe even millions of lives will be changed through your life.” Gracie exclaimed, “Yes, this sounds incredible!” Jesus slowed her and said, “Gracie, it is going to be hard, there will be much brokenness, but through your brokenness, I will heal the lives of many.’ Without hesitation, Gracie accepted her calling and awakened in her hospital room surrounded by her family. ~Emily Kiltz Lunsford 8

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Gracie’s life was spared at age 3—after a tragic accident, doctors had given her no chance of survival—but she was left with a brain injury, on top of Down syndrome. In 1998, her mother, Erin Kiltz, was inspired by her daughter’s fight against leukemia to start His Grace Foundation. This nonprofit organization provides physical, emotional, and financial support to children and their families in the Bone Marrow Transplant Unit of Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston. The Kiltz family ultimately found their way to Georgetown where, a few years later, Gracie’s beautiful smile and joyful spirit captured the hearts of her fellow students at Georgetown High School and she was crowned Homecoming Queen (photo at right). “Gracie was magnetic and, without a word, she had the ability to encourage others,” Erin says. “You felt that unconditional love.” “Her brain was injured, but not her heart or her spirit,” Program Director Adele Brown says. “She was fully dependent but only physically.” Despite those golden school years, Erin eventually discovered that there were no post-high school programs for adults with special needs, leading her to scour the country for a place where her daughter could belong. She found that place in The Brookwood Community, outside of Houston, which became a model for Brookwood in Georgetown (BiG). BiG began in 2011 with eight adults with special needs, known as Citizens, at Georgetown Church of Christ, before moving to 905 N. Church St., which features a café, shop, greenhouse, and the Amazing Grace workspace building. Today, BiG provides a vocational community for 80 citizens at three campuses—a main location and two satellites at Georgetown Church of Christ and Austin Ridge Bible Church. BiG also began a pre-pilot residential program for five ladies, and, next month, will begin construction on two homes for 16 citizens. Reflecting on Gracie’s legacy, Erin says she always knew there would be ripple effects from her daughter’s life. “God sustained her life for such a time as this, allowing 80 citizens to have a beautiful life-giving community, a lasting hope to our families for the future of

amazing grace

their child,” she says. “This is a little girl most of the world would consider a non-contributor. From the beginning, I knew there was a much bigger plan than being blessed with a child who had special needs. It was obvious God was leading in and through Gracie Kiltz for something so much bigger than the privilege of being her mom.”

THE MOUNTAIN

On the second anniversary of Gracie’s passing last month, Erin remembered their time in the ICU 25 years ago. The doctors informed her and her husband, John, that Gracie would not live. When Erin went to check on her son Riley, who was 5 at the time, she found him drawing a picture of Gracie climbing a mountain (right). “This is the most beautiful picture you have ever drawn!” she said. “Could this be God telling us Gracie is not going to die?” Not only did Gracie live, she was determined to make Riley’s picture become a reality. A friend of Erin’s gathered a team of hikers who ascended 14,000-foot Handies Peak in Colorado with Gracie on their backs (photo facing page). They helped her climb the last 50 feet on her own and sang Amazing Grace on top of the mountain. “It was an emotional time, thinking she had no chance of living, and now she was ascending this 14,000-foot mountain,” Erin says.

Gracie Kiltz’s passage into Heaven was immortalized by by a sculpture (cover photo) and plaque (above) to honor her legacy in front of the Amazing Grace Building.

On September 8, 2018, at 26 years old, Gracie peaked a different and everlasting mountain and, last month, Erin and a group of friends who were instrumental in Gracie’s life made that same climb to honor her. Her departure is commemorated by a statue outside the Amazing Grace Building at BiG that captures the moment Gracie stepped out of her wheelchair with a look of pure joy on her face as she was welcomed into her heavenly home. Finally, she had completed her life’s mission as her legacy continues to live on through BiG. 

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amazing grace

Charlotte Kovalchuk • charlotte@georgetownview.com Photos courtesy of Erin Kiltz

BiG Happenings

he coronavirus pandemic has meant a 100 percent pay cut for Erin Kiltz, founder and executive director of Brookwood in Georgetown (BiG). That’s because she gets paid in hugs. “It’s very hard to work without those hugs,” she says. “But Citizens make up for it with air hugs, as well as an ongoing resilience and gratitude during a difficult situation. “I feel like they could be an example to the entire world for their grateful hearts, and overcoming the obstacles of COVID. They just adapt and press on,” Erin says. “They’re more thankful than ever for their community and a job at BiG. It’s so humbling and honoring to see that our Citizens truly understand what’s important in life, and that no matter what, we always have something to be thankful for.” A few of those blessings include a growing Citizen population, new workspace building, and some sweet enterprises for BiG.

BIGGER FAMILY

The Amazing Grace Building at 905 N. Church St. opened at just the right time in mid-March, as the Citizens had a new workspace waiting for them that allowed for social distancing and less interaction between work groups. They’ve even enjoyed seeing several new faces, as six Citizens have joined the BiG family.

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For the first time, all 80 Citizens have been able to communicate across the three campuses with each other via Zoom. The success of these virtual interactions and online programs sparked what Erin calls the greatest discovery for BiG during COVID—the ability to replicate the organization’s model virtually through Zoom and YouTube videos. BiG also plans to begin construction on the first two homes for Citizens as soon as they receive the building permits from the city. “Our families are ready yesterday for those homes to be built,” Erin says. She hopes the homes will start welcoming residents in July or August 2021. Above: A little taste of the BiG Honey Company. • Below: Customers enjoy a bit to eat at the BiG Café. Facing page: Customers browse the BiG shop and art gallery.

amazing grace

BIGGER FUTURE

As for the future of BiG, Erin says she has a desire to establish “Grace Place”, a residential and vocational community for the long-term future of the Citizens. It was her vision from the beginning, inspired by this sobering fact: The number one fear for a parent of a child with special needs is what happens to my child when I am no longer living? The BiG team is open to a land donation in exchange for a generous tax write-off. They are searching for 75-100 acres of land that would feature a pet resort, chapel and wedding venue, amphitheater, drive-in movie theater, puttputt golf course, as well as three living options for the Citizens—an independent living facility, a duplex option for Citizens who need more support, and a traditional family-style home with house parents. Please contact Erin at Erin@bigtx.org if you are interested in helping make this dream a reality.

SWEET SPOT H E L P I N G OT H E R S N E V E R TA S T E D S O G O O D Thanks to the recent introduction of The BiG Pie Company, folks with a sweet tooth can swing by BiG to pick up honey or a pie. Susan Beck, a volunteer and former pie business owner alongside Adele Brown, BiG’s program director, are leading this new endeavor. Pies, honey, and much more are available in the store, or through BiG’s online shop for shipping. Erin encourages everyone to please keep BiG in mind for holiday shopping. They will even offer latenight shopping on Thursdays beginning mid-November.

BiG’s honey program has been in place for years, with eight hives and beekeepers who harvest honey for the organization. Citizens extract and bottle the honey at one of BiG’s satellites, BiG LIGHT at Georgetown Church of Christ. BiG Honey was started by one of the citizen’s moms, Linda Russell, who wanted to help raise money for BiG, and decided to do so by fulfilling her dream of becoming a beekeeper and providing honey for BiG. “It shows the power of desperate moms on a mission, and what we’ll do to ensure a beautiful future for our children with special needs,” Erin says.

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silent no more

Ann Marie Kennon • annmarie@georgetownview.com Photos Facebook/WTFrs and Luis Rodriguez, used with permission

Much More than Motorcycles of a confrontation. Our goal is not to create controversy or public spectacles; we ride only to show support and boost morale within police and fire departments because no one should have to worry that doing their job right could wind up in tragedy.”

Luis “Hollywood” Rodriguez and his wife, Christina

’m just going to say it; no matter how busy or great you think you are, Luis “Hollywood” Rodriguez is one of those people who make you feel like you’re standing still and you only think you’re smart. And, the minute you meet him, you just can’t help but hug him like he’s your oldest best friend. As Founder and President of the The Wind Therapy Freedom Riders, Luis is getting a lot of press lately because his social riding clubs—1,200 members in eight chapters—are on a mission to be “part of the solution.” Over the past few months, ‘we the people have had enough’, and have taken weekend rides all over Texas to support and boost morale for the protectors—law enforcement, military, and first responders. What you don’t see on the news is that they are also tremendously busy behind the scenes providing cardinal works of service to those who need protection—children and ‘regular’ citizens.

W E H AV E N O P O L I T I C S ; W E S I M P LY S U P P O R T W H AT W E B E L I E V E I N A N D W E R I D E .

SHUTTING IT DOWN

Enjoying his Sunday recovery from a full Saturday spent on the road in the hot Texas sun, Luis explains, “It is unfortunate that media focus so much on violence. We travel through many Texas towns and cities, but we have found the cameras only arrive when there is any prospect 14

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Attacks on police spurred the group to action. “We got tired of seeing cities destroyed, and people saying a lot but doing nothing, so we went into action.” More than once, particularly when the group rode to support Austin PD, rumors that certain groups intended to mirror Kenosha and bragged that they could shut down any police support events. “We said, ‘Not on our watch.’ We don’t go anywhere to confront, and within 18 minutes, we had control of the corner at APD. Once the troublemakers are arrested, people calm down. Everywhere we go, counter protesters turn to leave when the bikes roll up.” He is also pleased when dozens or hundreds of residents come out to greet them. “People tell us they feel safer and empowered around the bikers. That’s the story I wish was being told. Just because we are pro-police, doesn’t mean we aren’t all about bettering the community. We just want transparency and fairness.”

OFF-ROAD LOVE

The club is making great efforts in community involvement. Last year, they met a young lady named Haley, who was being bullied and was suicidal. She says she was just about “to do it”, but decided to just see what the ‘day on the road’ with the WTFrs would be like; it was the first day in a long time that she did not think about killing herself. Luis says, “Haley really changed our direction too. Statistically, 14 percent of high school kids consider suicide; 8 percent attempt it; and 4 percent are successful. My daughter, Arianna, is also 14 years old and they both helped us create the ArLey Circle.” The ArLey Circle takes in kids who are being bullied, or in crisis. They look to the schools to see what steps are being taken to help, then they go into action again. “We shut down their social media and open new, private ones with ArLey Circle friends. Each person has a peer partner

Haley and Arianna, Christmas 2019

for support, and we flip everything to a new, positive start.” Luis is working to network and raise money to provide these kids with their own ‘cuts’— the vest or jacket with patches that identify them as part of the WTF Club family. “Haley took another young man under her wing, after his mother found him in his room in time to save him. He is a perfect example of kids who do better with us. We would like to build this program and introduce it to school districts. Too often, bullying incidents are underreported because communities are worried about how it looks. But kids are great at getting each other to talk, and just one victim is too many.”

GIVING BACK

Luis is also teaching entrepreneurship in prisons. As a business strategist and marketing expert, his goal is to help inmates prepare to build small businesses. Having been through a short state visit himself, he understands that rehabilitation is good, but skills are better. “I teach them how to create and market a business with whatever skills they already have so they are sure to have the natural passion to make it work.” He reports his students’ recidivism, over three years, is less than 5 percent of average for new charges. “I get a lot of my business sense from biblical principles. I don’t tell people that the teaching is faith-based, but, if they ask, everything I teach in my class has a foundation in the Bible.”

silent no more

In addition to business skills, he and the club members are teaching free courses in motorcycle safety. Noting that Texas leads the nation in fatality rates, he is determined to have the state drop the California-based education system he believes to be corrupt. “Motorcycle accidents kill more people than COVID every day. We are trying to change that by making training available, at no cost, to anyone learning to ride. Our training uses the same program provided for $20,000 to police officers, but we provide it to the public for free.”

ALL ARE WELCOME

Clubs are coming together and expanding across Texas and other states. Anyone who rides a motorcycle and likes what the group stands for is welcome to join. “We encourage people to come and hang out with us. If they like the camaraderie, and understand that we don’t disrespect or mistreat anyone, they can join up, earn patches, and become part of the family.” He also has a Community Division for anyone who wants to be a part of the movement but does not currently ride. Volunteers are needed at events, and within club programs, to support and defend the communities they live in. “Spending 15 months in prison gave me a deep appreciation for life and I’ve based my whole club on this. I never want to be part of a cause, only the solution. That’s harder, because you have to have a goal and actually do something.” Visit WTFRS.com or on Facebook/WindTherapyFreedomRiders to see where they will be next, or to find out how you can join, start a club, or just be part of the solution yourself.

CONCERNED ABOUT VOTING? LUIS INVITES YOU TO VISIT THEIR FACEBOOK PAGE TO SEE WHICH POLLS WTFrs WILL BE RIDING TO AND PARKING AT NOVEMBER 3 — MAKE ONE OF THOSE YOUR VOTING PLACE.

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kids

Ann Marie Kennon • annmarie@georgetownview.com

Still Creeping it Real on Halloween

alloween was likely the last thing on our minds to be concerned about last Spring, but in many places around the country, it has become another holiday casualty of 2020. Still, in the nation that invented monster trucks and Frito pie, there’s no telling what kind of excellent and creative adaptations we might see this year. As of press time, the City of Georgetown isn’t planning a ban on, or additional restrictions for, trick-or-treating. However, they do ask everyone to practice the safety tips asked of us every other day of the year: Keep your distance from people outside of your home, wear a mask (spooky or otherwise, as long as it covers your nose and mouth), and don’t go out if you have symptoms. With all that in mind, let’s get to the good stuff and think... if we can’t (or choose not to) do what we used to do, what can we do instead?

GO “GRISWOLD” ON YOUR HOUSE

Why not get in the spirit and decorate in and outside your home. Get the neighbors involved and have a whole haunted street for drive-by visitors. Maybe create a display and invite other families to compete for the best pumpkin designs. You can even steal this theme... Gourdgeous Disney Princesses!

COSTUME CONTEST

Friends and classmates can gather on a video call and show off their creativity, with makeup or costume masks rather than the regular kind. But, if you are tired of doing everything virtual, find an outdoor space to fit a long, chalk runway, and get some strong flashlights to spotlight your model scarers from a distance.

POP-UP EVENTS

If you have a lot of kids and families nearby, you can plan something in secret and just see who stops by to play a game or have a costume parade. Without advance notice, you are not likely to draw a large crowd, and people can come and go at their leisure to keep the numbers low.

BAG THE TREATS

We know the kids want candy. Instead of having a grab-bowl for many little hands, pack your treats in individually wrapped bags and leave them where they can easily be picked up from a table or blanket. Then just wave from the porch and replenish as necessary. 18

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OR, STRING ‘EM UP!

If you want to keep folks from grouping up on the porch, bag some candies and hang them from your fence so kids can give them a quick swipe and go. Or add some lights to your trees and hang baggies there for gamey jump-n-grabs. You could throw in a spooky character or two amid the branches and flash the lights for extra surprises.

STAY HOME AND GET CRACKIN’

Break out those plastic Easter eggs and decorate them with Halloween stickers or pumpkin faces. Fill the eggs with candy and hide them outside or around the house. Bonus: squeeze some bendy glow bracelets inside and fill the yard with glowing eggs for a nighttime hunt.

FAIRYTALE FOREST

This is my favorite from Halloween2020.org. Plan a path through neighboring woods or a park and light it up with glow sticks, flashlights and more. Line the trail with Halloween décor, props, candy, and surprises. Trees can be tied with ribbons to help follow social distance guidelines.

“BOO” SOMEONE IN NEED

Maybe consider donating your candy or party funds to Williamson County Brown Santa. Sure, Christmas is really their thing, but the annual “Nightmare on Jail Hill” at the historic jail near the Square is their biggest fundraiser, and they had to cancel this year. This annual fright-fest draws thousands of thrill seekers from all over Texas and raises upwards of $40,000, over a few weekends, for the Brown Santa fund. No doubt their Santa wish lists will need our help more than ever this year. Wilco.org/ BrownSanta

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education

by Charlotte Kovalchuk • charlotte@georgetownview.com Photos by Tamra and Vince Marbibi

GHS Senior Maps Mosquitoes for NASA

enior year is memorable for high schoolers, full of prom and graduation milestones they will carry for a long time. Hailey Marbibi has another unique memory to add to her list. The Georgetown HS senior spent part of her summer researching mosquitoes, to help prevent life-threatening diseases, during an internship with NASA at the University of Texas at Austin. Hailey was one of 100 “mosquito mappers” chosen nationally to study mosquito samples over ten weeks, to contribute to NASA’s understanding of the scientific world and its mosquito population. The internship was part of NASA’s Student Enhancement in Earth and Space Science program at UT’s Center for Space Research. Hailey, who has been interested in engineering since sixth grade, was encouraged by her school mentor, Terri Henry, to apply for the internship. After the pandemic hit, her internship went virtual, and she began analyzing data in her own backyard. She collected algae and decomposing matter from the San Gabriel River and placed the samples in mosquito traps to learn how ecological aspects of a mosquito’s habitat affected the insects in the larval stages. One of her favorite parts was being able to do field work with variables beyond her control outside of school research labs with controlled variables. On top of that, she got to work with real-world science. “Vector-borne diseases have been an ongoing issue. Getting to help develop the group project that deals with using remote sensing data to predict when mosquito populations will increase was an amazing opportunity to really impact something bigger than me,” she says.

Georgetown HS senior Hailey Marbibi was excited to work with NASA for the University of Texas at Austin over the summer. Her mentor, Terri Henry, encouraged her to apply for the internship.

says. “When you’re looking at how [the project] can impact people, it’s amazing.”

Another impact of her project was the connections she made with fellow mosquito mappers. “I got to make some great friends who have the same passions; the same love for science that I do,” she says. Mosquito larvae Hailey That love for science grew out of her desire to Marbibi observed understand the natural world because, as she says, it is human nature to ask questions and The mosquito mappers’ data will help draw try to find answers. “It gives you a greater appreciation associations between weather patterns, how they may and understanding of the natural world and how it has swing the mosquito population, and create potential for developed.” disease spikes. Hailey hopes to use her internship as a stepping The overall goal of the project, she adds, was to find stone to fulfill a long-time dream of working at NASA, data that would help decrease incidences of diseases researching Mars and the outer solar system to find ways like West Nile and Zika viruses and malaria. “Mosquitoes to reduce greenhouse gases and switch to alternative provide significant data we can look at and try to prevent energy sources. these diseases that have taken so many lives,” Hailey

PROJECT IMPACT

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WHAT MAKES TEXAS “TEXAS”?

part 10

Pageantry MAYBE THERE’S SOMETHING IN THE WATER IN TEXAS

Ann Marie Kennon • annmarie@georgetownview.com

what makes Texas “Texas”

ay what you will, the traditional notions of gentility and feminine grace are still appreciated and practiced in many places. Not just in Texas, but all over the South. And, while we’re not here to debate the relative merits of pageant systems in the modern, progressive world, we cannot deny the significant impact of Texas style on major pageant programs. As it stands, southern states have always made good showings in national pageants, partly due to those feminine notions, but also because, with agriculture being so much a part of the... ahem... culture, there have always been plenty of harvests needing a Queen to help celebrate local prosperity.

Texas can be proud of its record in the Miss America and Miss USA contests over the years. The first Miss Texas to become Miss America was Jo-Carroll Dennison (below) in 1942; she did a vocal and dance to “Deep in the Heart of Texas.” Jo-Carroll was also the first wartime Miss America; she traveled to visit defense plants, hospitals, and service camps, and sold war bonds. She later moved to California and signed with 20th Century Fox and became a successful actor. She was followed, at the national level, by Phyllis George in 1971, who played the piano. Phyllis went on to be a CBS sportscaster and first lady of Kentucky. Texas last won the America crown in 1974, when Shirley Cothran played the flute for the win. Since 1937, there have been 18 other bright young ladies who emerged as top ten finalists on Miss America’s big stage. But...

SOMETHING ABOUT TEXAS

Texas held its own for many years in the Miss USA pageant, and in 1977, Kimberly Tomes of Houston brought home the Miss USA crown. Then, in the mid-1980s, things really clicked. When Texas won Miss USA five times in a row; all five times landing in the top ten at Miss Universe, it seemed as though the state beauties might have discovered a secret. Just six years later, a Texan won it all; 1995’s Miss Texas USA, Chelsi Smith, became Miss Universe. To date, Texas has earned the Miss USA crown nine times.

SOMETHING SPECIAL

Some may argue that Texas, like New York and California, has tens of millions of residents, so, naturally, they have a larger pool of talent from which well-prepared contestants can emerge. But, even with many to choose from, there is no doubting the hard work and preparedness of every contestant and preliminary winner across the state. One such special lady is Brittany Tiner Deck, who was Miss Texas Teen USA 2002 and Miss Dallas USA 2010. Today, she lives in Round Rock, is enjoying a very successful career in finance, and is married with two beautiful children. Brittany explains that perhaps it is a lot about numbers, but only in the sense that Texas girls know they  Photo: Central Studios, Atlantic City, public domain O C TO B E R 2 0 2 0  G E O R G E TO W N V I E W

here sh e is... She adds that whenever she visits the Miss USA pageant, everyone is always looking at Miss Texas before the show even starts. Proof? When Brittany was at orientation for Miss USA Teen, the directors asked her to stand up, and told the assembled state winners, “We want our winner to talk and walk and look like Texas.” Still, after Texas’ run in the 1980s, competition in preliminaries was fierce. Some serious competitors applied to out-of-state colleges, or moved to other states where fewer preliminaries meant better chances of making it to the national stages and winning awards. Many of those ultra-dedicated and hardworking Texans gracefully walked away with other states’ crowns. Regardless of geography, many women still see the potential for career and life skills, and dedicate their time to honing their talents for the chance to pay for college, evolve in their adult identities, and have a voice as an advocate. Brittany Tiner (Deck), Miss Dallas USA, preparing for Miss Texas USA 2010. Facebook/Brittany Deck

have to work harder for it. “It is statistically significant that national titles are won among approximately 51 contestants, and most Miss Texas winners will have already outscored more than 100 preliminary contestants to earn their state titles. Even at the first level, large pageants like Miss Houston USA often open with more than 200 contestants.” Compare these numbers to smaller states like Hawaii and the District of Columbia; contestants there have better odds of winning a local crown but also, like less dense states like Wyoming or Alaska, they have a lower chance of being the best on the national stage. Brittany explains, “Fortunately, for ladies in the larger Texas pageants, the winner gets to go on to compete for Miss Texas, but the runners-up are also awarded ‘sister’ crowns, and invited to compete at the state level as well. For example, if the Miss Georgetown USA preliminary had 200 contestants, the four runners-up would also compete at the state level, under the Georgetown banner, as Miss Williamson County, or Miss Hill Country. This kind of participation is what has made Texas revered in the system as a top five contender every year.”

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THE DIFFERENCE

As a top competitor for several years, Brittany shared insights about contestant commitment. “Texas is about football, but for women, it is pageants. And it is not just about ‘pretty princess.’ I really had no idea what I was winning at the time, but it is so much more than a title or a sash and my life is different because of it. Like many other Texas women, I dedicated a year of my life to the job, and it is no different than an athlete training to make a team, or elevate to the next level of play. I learned how to interview for any job, work with high-intensity people, and handle myself with poise in any situation. It’s not just something we say on stage, it’s about being well-rounded and, given the chance, I would do it all again.” Among the benefits of being a Texas winner is the prize package. Once crowned, the winner’s team includes an interview coach, nutritionist, physical trainer, stylist, makeup artist, and a photographer. These teams are known to be the best in the industry, and it shows in the finalist lineups. Many winners from other states come here to recruit Texas experts in everything from coaching to styling. “We keep the best for ourselves,” Brittany says, “and the other vendors may go out of state to work. But we are truly the benchmark because everything will always be bigger and better in Texas.”

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Immunity Basics

e wash our hands and wear our masks, and we’ve heard plenty about herd immunity this year. But, there are still other germs out there too, and we need to be conscious of other symptoms to assess if our immune system might be weakened. Here are some facts about basic immunity, which will come in handy when you need to fight back. Do you feel fatigued frequently or after normal activity, inappropriate to your age or wellness level? When your immune system is overworked, so are your energy resources. Your body may be using your good energy to fight germs. Is your stress level off the charts? High stress and emotional situations allow your body to produce a lot of cortisol, which, over long periods will suppress immunity. Stress also decreases your white blood cells. Do you feel like you always have a cold? Most people have 2-3 per year and bounce back with antibodies. If you ‘catch’ another quickly, you may be lingering with the first cold because antibodies aren’t doing the job. Do you have a lot of stomach “issues”? Research shows nearly 70 percent of your immune system is located in your digestive tract. Frequent problems may mean a low count of beneficial bacteria. Do your cuts take forever to heal? The body sends nutrient-rich blood to the injury to help regenerate new skin. If your immune system is not at optimum, the skin doesn’t regenerate quickly.

HOW TO BOOST IT

Most of us know we should eat a balanced diet, get enough sleep, and exercise regularly. Add fermented foods like yogurt, sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir, and natto. NIH research tells us that is one way we can get that beneficial bacteria, which will help immune cells differentiate between normal, healthy cells and harmful invaders. SUPPLEMENTS*: While vitamins may not entirely protect you from flu, all of these are good for wellness and immune function

s Vitamin C: 1,000–2,000mg/day may help shorten colds. s Vitamin D: Vit D deficiency may unbalance your immune response, and may increase your chances of infection. Research shows it is particularly helpful in reducing respiratory infections. Ask your doctor about appropriate dosage; more is not necessarily better. s Zinc: Daily doses of 75mg or more has been shown to reduce the duration of common colds. It is also generally recommended for older adults. s Garlic: Supplementing with garlic has been shown to reduce the incidence of the common cold by about one-third. Experts say more research is needed and, although it is natural, it is important to speak with your physician about blood-related side effects and possible allergies. s Antioxidants: Selenium, gluthathione, vit E, vit A, alpha-lipoic acid, coQ10 play a protective role in infections caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Stay hydrated. Water won’t save you from germs, but it does keep your brain and organs from poor performance, which leaves you susceptible to illness. Your organs will be better prepared to filter out toxins... when you do a ...     Dry scrub. Using a soft brush, start at your toes and work your way up, brushing your skin, gently, toward your heart. This will stimulate lymph nodes (just under the skin surface) to produce fluids that wash toxins out of your system.

*Georgetown View is not recommending the use of any supplements. This column is intended only to provide data and shed general information on a topic we find to be trend-worthy for entertainment purposes. Please consult your physician with questions about the most appropriate ways to support your health. Sourced from: National Institutes of Health, Pharmacy Times, HealthLine

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eagle scouts

by Charlotte Kovalchuk • charlotte@georgetownview.com Photo courtesy of Anthony Bollinger

Following in His Father’s Footsteps

ot every Boy Scout becomes an Eagle Scout, the highest award a Scout can achieve. It’s even rarer to earn it before turning 17. Noah Bollinger has checked off both boxes – Georgetown’s newest Eagle Scout is only 14 years old. “Getting there at such a young age, it means so much to accomplish this,” the Georgetown HS sophomore says. “I put so much time and effort into it. It’s a great feeling when they first say you became an Eagle Scout.” Noah, a Scout in Troop 405 in Georgetown, earned his Eagle Scout award in June. When it came to choosing his service project (a requirement to become an Eagle Scout), he didn’t have to search very far. He got to work after noticing that his church, New Hope 365, needed better outdoor seating and a trash compartment. Noah added a trash compartment and built park benches to replace New Hope’s plastic chairs, allowing church-goers to more comfortably enjoy the beautiful view on a hill overlooking Round Rock. Seeing the fruits of his labor, something that would last, gave Noah a feeling of accomplishment. “There was definitely a sense of pride,” he says. “I did this. It’s going to be here for a long time.” Something else that will endure is the leadership skill the project taught Noah. The project, he says, wasn’t meant to assess what a Scout can do, but how they can lead a group to accomplish a goal.

FAMILY TRADITION

When Noah became a Cub Scout in first grade, he was simply following in his father’s footsteps. It didn’t take long, however, for him to find his own passion for the Boy Scouts and its fun camps and activities. “I love scouting because it lets me do things most kids don’t get to do, like sailing or mountain climbing,” he says.

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Last summer he traveled to Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron, New Mexico to lead a trek through 77 miles of wilderness. “It was an amazing experience.” Some kids need to be pushed through an activity, but not Noah. “Noah stuck with [the Boy Scouts] the whole way through,” says his father and Boy Scout alum, Anthony Bollinger. Sixty-something merit badges later (an Eagle Scout only has to earn 21), Noah’s Boy Scout adventures are far from over. Next year, he plans to go on a canoeing trip in Minnesota and also hopes to attend Sea Base in Florida where he’ll get to live on a sailboat for a week.

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Ann Marie Kennon • annmarie@georgetownview.com Engine photos courtesy of GFD

Keep Calm and Call Georgetown’s Bravest

October is Fire Prevention Month

ctober 4-10 is National Fire Prevention Week and this year’s campaign theme is “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen!TM” It is also an opportunity to remind us of all the great work and community service our fire fighters and first responders do every day of the year.

2020 PROGRAMS

The 2020 national campaign is designed to educate everyone about simple, but critical actions we can take to maintain safety in the kitchen. Normally, Deputy Fire Marshal and Fire Education Coordinator Jonathan Gilliam, would be putting together a series of live-action skits and informative plays to share at GISD assemblies or with community groups. This year, due to limits on crowd size, the department has found creative ways to still answer the call. The Education office created a short film about fire safety, which will be shared via online links, streaming channels, and on physical DVDs.

There is also a Fire Prevention video contest to allow the kids to be creative in return. Jonathan is encouraging students to make their own videos about fire safety; the department will share the entries on social media platforms and web pages. Additionally, the station tour program has been adapted for virtual audiences. Teachers and parents may request a live video tour or meetup to learn about individual stations. “This is not another movie,” Jonathan explains. “It is a live feed where the fire fighter walks around the station and explains the various apparatus and equipment. People and students on the call can ask questions and talk directly to us about fire safety. Tours are customized for the audience and age group, and can last anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes.” Jonathan also reports that Koda, our Community Engagement mascot, is doing very well but misses getting out in town to see all her friends, young and old. Everyone in the community is also invited to celebrate ribbon cuttings for our newest stations; Station 6 at 6700 Williams Drive is scheduled to begin service this month, and Station 7 at 2711 E. University Ave. will be open in early 2021. Keep up to date with their news at fire.georgetown.org.

F I R E P R E V E N T I O N W E E K I S O B S E R V E D D U R I N G T H E W E E K O F O C TO B E R 9 T H I N CO M M E M O R AT I O N O F T H E G R E AT C H I C A G O F I R E , W H I C H B E G A N O C TO B E R 8, 1871. T H I S D E VA S TAT I N G F I R E K I L L E D M O R E T H A N 250 P E O P L E , L E F T 100,000 H O M E L E S S , D E S T R OY E D M O R E T H A N 1 7 , 40 0 S T R U C T U R E S , A N D B U R N E D M O R E T H A N 2,000 A C R E S O F L A N D.

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KITCHEN SAFETY Cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries. Thanksgiving is the leading day for fires involving cooking equipment. The leading cause of fires in the kitchen is unattended cooking. Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, boiling, grilling, or broiling food. If you are simmering, baking, or roasting food, check it regularly and stay in the home. Always keep a lid nearby when cooking. If a small grease fire starts, slide the lid over the pan and turn off the burner. Leave the pan covered until it’s cool. Keep anything that can catch fire away from your stovetop. Loose clothing can hang down onto stove burners and catch fire. Wear short, close-fitting, or tightly rolled sleeves when cooking. Have a “kid-free zone” of at least 3 feet around the stove and areas where hot food or drink is prepared or carried.

SMOKE ALARMS

Smoke alarms detect and alert people to a fire in the early stages. Smoke alarms can mean the difference between life and death in a fire. Working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in a home fire in half. Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level of the home, including the basement. Test smoke alarms at least once a month using the test button. Make sure everyone in the home understands the sound of the smoke alarm and knows how to respond.

Members of the Georgetown Fire and Police Departments met at the GISD Sports Complex on September 11 to remember and memorialize the first responders who sacrificed their lives in 2001. Each member, many wearing a full complement of gear, walked the equivalent of 110 flights of stairs on the bleachers at the field. The flag posted at the top of the stairs (at right) contains the names of all the firefighters who perished that day. While fire trucks technically require motorists to stay back a minimum of 350 feet, many stations and vehicles have changed the sign to 343—so we never forget the number of fallen heroes at Ground Zero.

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save the planet

Greta Bauer greta@georgetownview.com

Creepy Critters You WANT in your Yard

ike it or not, your backyard is home to many thousands of little crawlies, but 9 out of 10 are not harmful or destructive, and many are even helpful. So before you scream, swat, or stomp, here are some good-guy bugs and friends to look out for to improve your gardening space, and even the planet. You can welcome these bugs to your yard and garden with early-blooming plants, as well as flowering carrots and herbs. LADYBUGS: These ferocious predators start out as larvae that cruise around on plants and eat up as many as 40 aphids an hour that would otherwise ruin your plants.

GROUND BEETLES: are a type of predatory beetles that eat a wide range of insects, including nematodes, caterpillars, weevils, slugs, and silverfish. Feel free to rid yourself of those green, iridescent Japanese beetles; be nice to black ones. HOVERFLIES: look like tiny yellowjackets and hover above flowers like little helicopters. They are not only great predators for aphids and caterpillars, they are great pollinators, too. STINKBUGS: do have a smelly gland in their abdomen, but they love to eat aphids, and caterpillar and beetle larvae. DRAGONFLIES: don’t even wait to grow up to be helpful. They hatch in water and eat up the larvae of other flying bugs. Adults are happy to eat mosquitoes, gnats, and flies. PILL BUGS: or “roly-polys” breathe through gills, and love to eat garden debris. If you have a compost heap, these are your best workers. SPIDERS: worldwide save us billions in pesticides. Whether living in webs or snapping up prey from holes in the ground, they rid us of aphids, flies, beetles, grasshoppers, mosquitoes, and even wasps.

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BIGGER GAME

TOADS & FROGS: aren’t pretty, but they are an earth-friendly alternative to pesticides. They feed on slugs and snails that could otherwise damage your garden. They can also eat up to 10,000 bugs in a summer, making them pretty efficient too. BATS: are natural-born killers of mosquitoes, and help eat of thousands of other tiny insects. More on p. 38. GARTER SNAKES: are harmless to humans and worthy of our respect. They hide in shady places; bushes, tall grass or piles of wood and rocks, and enjoy eating crickets, grasshoppers, and other insects.

Most garter snakes have yellow stripes on a brown or green background

THE UNSUNG HERO

When a possum (technically, Opossum) isn’t busy ridding the world of 5,000 or more ticks every year, it is eating cockroaches, rats, snails, slugs, and mice. For mealtime, possums also clean up all kinds of germy carrion, including roadkill, which might explain why they often wind up as such. Before you shoo them out of your yard some late night, consider they are resistant to snake venom and are great predators of copperheads and rattlesnakes, which you definitely don’t want in your personal space. As a bonus, if you are growing fruit or berries, they are only too happy to carry away over-ripe or rotting foods and spare you the work of doing it yourself. If you do surprise them and they “play possum,” you can expect them to stay frozen for about 1-4 hours. Science tells us it is their only survival instinct, considering how easily they are outrun by nearly all of their natural predators.

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How to Attract Some Bat-tastic Friends AN IDEAL BAT BOX IS...

At least 15’ above the ground for sun exposure and protection from predators

Light in color (it’s hot enough here already)

24” tall and wide, and 5-6” deep with vents One or more dark, tight chambers on the inside

Rough interior, so bats can cling to it Close to a water source

When you hang your box, be on lookout for occupancy. Keep trying different mounts under your eaves, on exterior walls, or different trees until you get plenty of regular visitors.

ats have not enjoyed much positive press this year, but they are still some of our best friends in nature. For starters, science tells us some of our traditional misconceptions are bogus; bats are not prone to rabies or aggressive to humans, and guano is not a source of tuberculosis. On top of that, while cities spend a fortune on chemicals to avoid West Nile, and homeowners spend plenty on propane traps or noisy zappers to keep mosquitoes away from their backyard oases or farms, bats do the job for free. Not only do each of these snappy little vacuums rid you of 500-1,000 insects per hour, as a bonus, they will also help pollinate your yard. So why not invite some new friends to a safe nesting spot in your yard, on your trees, or aside your home; sit back and enjoy the benefits.

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE ECHOLOCATION

Bat Conservation International says when bat houses are placed with the bats’ needs in mind, high occupancy is likely. If you live within a quarter-mile of a body of water, and have a spot that receives four or more hours of daily sun, your odds go up. If you keep the wood plain or light-colored, and live near an orchard or other mixed agriculture, it is practically guaranteed.

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Specific to Texas, most bats are happy to live on the southeast side of a home in the summer—extra points if it is a shady or stone surface—so they only get about 2-3 hours of sun and don’t overheat. In cooler months, they prefer a west-facing house. If you decide to give it a try, and several locations don’t seem to be working, it could be that local bats already have all the roosts they need. Also consider whether the area does not allow for relatively undisturbed hibernation; local pollution, and food sources.

PUTTING OUT THE WELCOME MAT

You can download simple plans for a bat box at BatCon.org, and if you’re not ready to build your mini-condo, you can purchase starter houses at McCoy’s, Tractor Supply, and Bass Pro Shop in Georgetown. At the very least, you can just leave that dead tree where it is in your yard, forego pesticides that will repel bats, and keep an eye out for cats.

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new normal Ann Marie Kennon • annmarie@georgetownview.com

Thinking Outside the... Building AL FRESCO ON THE SQUARE

The City recently allowed some businesses to adapt to social distancing rules by thinking outside the building—and into new spaces for outdoor dining and shopping. Council Member Kevin Pitts proposed the idea of expanded outdoor seating and retail service areas in the downtown area in August, using parking spaces and right-of-ways for seating or product displays. The new, temporary program provides residents and visitors with opportunities to dine and shop outdoors while giving a boost to downtown businesses. Kevin received feedback from local business owners about a possible monthly “encroachment” into right-of-ways. photo by Tarasa Chandler He suggested the City might consider a more sustainable model, focusing on parking spaces and a predictable schedule that wouldn’t require people to remember to visit on a particular day. On Labor Day weekend, the pilot program launched and, although the rain dampened prospects somewhat, many businesses participated. The weekend provided some perspective on planning for the holiday shopping season and, moving forward, business owners will be able to apply for a license to encroach for individual events and shopping days. “This was the city’s third small business initiative; Council and staff are eager to help them,” Kevin adds. “We wanted to make sure we considered contingencies, had a plan to ensure safety and flow on the roads, and could cover the costs. We also have a longer-term solution in the works, and we know the market will adjust and our business owners will prosper.”

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MEANWHILE...ON THE WEST SIDE

Some residents of Georgetown didn’t wait for (or need) a city ordinance to adapt their regular routine to the Governor’s new rules. For the past ten years, the McDonald’s on Williams Drive has hosted an eclectic group of friends from Sun City, Georgetown, and even Jarrell, who enjoy a morning coffee and conversation to solve the world’s problems. When the restaurant had to close its dining room, these gentlemen (and sometimes ladies) didn’t miss a beat. They are now just as happy to enjoy their coffee and conversation in the parking lot with their lawn chairs and sunshades and, if social media is any indication, they are a favorite sight around Georgetown. Many observers delight in seeing them every day and are happy to see a return to this old-school feeling of community. Sometimes people stop to chat and join in, and even the restaurant owner, Martin, sometimes comes out to give them free coffee or refills. Ron LeFan says anywhere from five to maybe a dozen friends come every day. They start arriving around 8am, visit until about 10am, and sometimes stay until noon. “It’s been a nice to be outside in the Spring and Summer,” he adds. “We will be here unless it’s raining... hard... and I hope things change with the rules before January or February. Not sure how that will go.”

new normal THE R.O.M.E.O.s AT THE WILLIAMS DRIVE MCDONALD’S GARY CALLAWAY, SAM AND SHERRY CATOE, DON MORDECAI, BUCKY CARTER, ALAN TAYLOR, MARVIN HARDIN, AND RON LEFAN

They call themselves the ROMEOS, but they also (affectionately) answer to “The Sinners” because there is another friendly group across the CVS lot who also attend church together, and their morning visit includes prayer and Bible study.

McDonald’s across the country. Like the rest, he is retired but does a little substitute teaching—but Ron quickly adds; “You misunderstand... retirement is not about substitute teaching. Retirement is about sitting out here doing whatever you want to any day, and not working because you worked 55 years so you can retire.”

THE PERSONALITIES!

Some are “founding members” of the group and Ron says it is important to recognize Fast Eddie Patrone as one of the original McDonald’s group. He is a former stock car driver and is now in Chicago, but they speak fondly of him and others who weren’t visiting that day.

Despite being a stranger who just walked up with a camera, I felt like I’d been part of the group a long time. I look forward to retiring someday and can hopefully find people just as friendly, and welcoming as these folks are. Everyone tells wonderful stories and they all have interesting backgrounds; Marvin was born and raised in Georgetown and is kin to El Paso outlaw John Wesley Hardin. Ron was a corporate pilot and traveled all over the world. Bucky told me he is Billy Carter’s cousin (and then told me he was pulling my leg), and Don is a former tennis pro who once turned down Jerry Jones in a land deal. Alan says he visits with groups like this all over. He is a Veteran, and worked for the federal government in the nation’s capital. When he drives back to Northern Virginia, he is happy to jump in and chat with similar groups at

As I was leaving, I ran into John “John 3:16” or “Big Johnny Potato”, who doesn’t seem to mind the warmhearted nicknames. He was a mechanic and retired young to sail around the world with his wife. When his wife passed away, he believes God directed him to Texas, and has been a regular in the coffee club. “I started studying the Bible, and I know I really only need Jesus in my life, but I love seeing these folks and having company every morning.” He added that I don’t have to actually retire to join them, and says to come back any time. Ron says, truly, anyone is welcome to join in, and jokes “You have to be at least 70 years old, and bring your own lawn chair.” O C TO B E R 2 0 2 0  G E O R G E TO W N V I E W

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poppy talks

My modern life “fails”  The fact that I can’t recognize my girlfriends’ hus-

bands unless they are standing right next to them tells me Superman knows exactly what he’s doing.

 It’s sad that, in the past, I really only critically evaluated the validity of news articles on April Fool’s Day.

 I have 2,800 songs in my iTunes library that I either

paid for individually, or burned from CDs I purchased long ago. And I still shuffle through five or more tracks to get to one of, maybe... ten songs I was really hoping to hear.

 Is it wrong that sometimes, on the first of the month,

I think about leaving my ATM receipt in the machine because I’m so proud the balance has a comma in it?

 It’s sad that having natural ingredients in food products is a selling point. It’s also sad that I don’t care.

 When I was growing up, Christmas was the most

highly anticipated, colossal event that ever happened. At my current age, it’s a deadline.

 In 2020, when I think about 1984, it seems like a

LOT less time has passed since then when, in 1984, I thought about 1948.

 Along those lines, we are just a hair shy of being halfway between Pearl Harbor and the year 2100.

 When I was in my 20s, I wore things I hoped would

draw attention to me. At my current age, I kinda hope no one will notice so I can wear the same outfit again the next day.

 If I were a phone, I would be the worst model ever; eight hours of charge for 16 hours of use.

 Amazon and Fresh Fields have ruined any chance of me ever winning anything on The Price is Right.

 I always thought The Macarena was dumb, but just

watch me try to remember which pocket I put my keys in.

 I would be much happier if we could “fall back” for

more like five hours this month and I could go to work at noon. For that matter, how about we move the clocks ahead an hour in the Spring around 4pm on a Friday?

 All the modern communication in the world, and I

still cannot convince my dogs that I will definitely be coming back.

 In case I didn’t already feel old, McCauley “Home

Alone” Caulkin is 40 this year, and the entire cast of “Saved By the Bell” is nearly 50.

 When I was young, I always thought the best superpower would be “flight.” At my current age, it would just feel like exercise and I wouldn’t do it.

 I think the next big reality show should be “Flat-

Earthers: Looking for the Edge”. Then just enjoy watching them all lose their minds looking. I’ll even put up the prize money myself.

 I grew up with 8-tracks and rotary phones and still

think it’s cool to have a 64Gb computer in my pocket. Can you imagine what the world is going to have to invent to impress our kids?

 Somewhere in the world, there are probably 100

strangers who have a picture of me on a roller coaster.

 I have been through six Batmans in my life and all I

can say about the next one is that, in my mind, Robert Pattinson will always be a teenage vampire. Then again, most vampires do turn into bats eventually, right?

 We have amazing and fantastic conveniences and

technology all over our homes. But laundry is still at least five chores in one.

 Texas had it right the longest; a mode of transporta-

tion that would automatically avoid collisions, and take you home by itself, safely, if you were sleepy. (... as if I needed another reason to want a horse)

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Ann Marie Kennon • annmarie@georgetownview.com Photos courtesy of Wendi Lester

everyday heroes

Wendi Lester: If we can be the change, even “For Just One”

endi Lester loves being an attorney. She also loves that her job is basically a fundraiser for her vocation; leading teams of volunteers who serve children and families in eastern Africa. Wendi is the founder of ForJust1, a Christ-centered humanitarian organization that provides financial help, education, community development, and empowerment to women, widows, orphans, the elderly, and many who are suffering or living in poverty in Kenya. What started in Georgetown, Texas grew as a partnership in rural Kenya, known for its wildlife and beautiful scenery. Wendi says, “The more time I spent serving God’s people, the more my heart was captured, and I’ve worked to provide the same opportunity to others and expand on the services and programs we are able to provide those we serve.”

O U R M I S S I O N I S A B O U T FA I T H . E V E N J E S U S L E F T 9 9 S H E E P B E C AU S E O N E LO S T S H E E P N E E D E D H I S H E L P. In a normal (non-pandemic) year, she leads teams of 6-12 individuals, from different walks of life, and ranging in age from 16 to 61, to distribute food, mosquito netting, reading glasses, and much more. “Everyone is welcome to volunteer on our trips; there are no special skills required, just the willingness and ability to serve others. I look at the skills, interests, and diverse talents my volunteers have, then we work together to find the best way to plug those skills in to the communities overseas. My personal mission is to inspire and equip people for success and stir their responsibility to lead themselves. For instance, if you love kids, there are orphanages who need your help; if you have a medical background, we will set up a health camp.”

I Am and they should not feel obligated to alter themselves as they grow into womanhood. It can be physically dangerous and may have long-lasting emotional effects. We try to rescue individual girls, work with their own centers, and be a part of the conversation that might affect lasting changes.” ForJust1 also helps provide hygiene products for girls and women who would otherwise have to stay home from school or a workplace during their monthly cycle. “It’s the things we take for granted that become so precious, and make me realize how simple things can make a big difference.”

EVERY DAY

Wendi believes leadership is all about having a servant’s heart and being willing to do any job that needs doing. “I love serving people without pay and empowering them to have a better life. When we visit, we help them make money for themselves, empower them to lead better and more satisfying lives. Seeing the fruits of our labor fulfills me and I look forward to things getting back to normal so we can travel again and continue our programs and progress where we left off.” Volunteers are welcome at any time, and all are welcome to help Wendi in Georgetown or in Kenya—visit ForJust1.org to find out more. They are 501(c)3; donations are welcome online or checks can be made payable to FOR JUST ONE, 4400 West Highway 29, Suite 1, Georgetown, Texas 78628.

She also works consistently to empower women who may be, or have been victims of female genital mutilation (FGM) and forced early marriage (FEM). “While FGM is technically illegal, it still remains a cultural norm in many parts of Kenya and we do our best to help young girls recognize I am valuable and loved Just As O C TO B E R 2 0 2 0  G E O R G E TO W N V I E W

worth the drive

Greta Bauer greta@georgetownview.com

Texas Pumpkin Fest 10930 EAST CRYSTAL FALLS PARKWAY, LEANDER • TEXASPUMPKINFEST.COM OPEN DAILY 9AM-8PM THROUGH OCT 31 • WEEKDAYS $5 / WEEKENDS $13

exas Pumpkin Fest is a family-owned pumpkin patch that has been entertaining families since the early 1990s. Not only do they provide Texas-grown, foodgrade pumpkins, the Patch includes family-friendly activities, games, face and pumpkin painting, rides, and vendors. Perfect for a family outing or a field trip, they are open every day until Halloween, and provide free and handicap parking.

SO MUCH TO DO

A variety of pumpkins and gourds are available for sale, beginning at $2 each, as well as corn stalks, hay bales, and more. There will also be several food trucks onsite, and many fall-inspired retail and craft vendors.

Families will have the opportunity to explore five acres of pumpkins and gourds, play a variety of Halloween-themed games and get lost in a maze. There are also selfie stations and photo ops all around the patch. The Patch also hosts school field trips every day, which provides students an opportunity to experience the festivities of the season. Field trips may be scheduled for one-hour visits 9am-2pm on weekdays; everyone can

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enjoy their lunch on the Terrace. Student tickets are $7, parents & teachers are free, and everyone gets a pumpkin to take home. Get your trip on the calendar at 512-247-8978.

WHEN YOU GO

Organizers request visitors bring no pets or coolers. They also ask everyone to respect the pumpkins; no sitting on, kicking, or throwing the little guys, and treat all people with kindness. The Patch is also observing the Governor’s COVID-19 guidelines, so social distancing will be observed as much as is reasonable, and sanitizing stations should be utilized. Visitors must self-screen with regard to symptoms, and masks should be worn when visitors are not able to maintain 6-feet of distance.

PUMPKIN PATCH • TRACTOR RIDES ($3) PHOTO OPS & SELFIE STATIONS PUMPKIN PAINTING ($10) ARTS AND CRAFTS • KIDDIE BARREL RIDES FACE PAINTING • CORN HOLE GIANT CONNECT-4 • COUNTRY BOWLING RING TOSS • VENDORS • REFRESHMENTS FOOD TRUCKS • VENDORS You can also visit TexasPumpkinFest on Facebook to win four tickets and $100 Pumpkin Credit. Tag friends and Like their page; winners chosen weekly until Halloween.

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The Rev. Dr. Bill Pederson, Pastor

On-site activities suspended until further notice. Sermons & Children’s Sunday School online at

www.sgpcgeorgetown.org For additional information, call 512-868-0902 5404 Williams Drive | Georgetown

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facts to blow your mind

GOVERNMENT & HISTORY In 1952, Albert Einstein was offered the position of the second President of Israel. He declined. In the Great Fire of London in 1666, which destroyed 13,200 houses, 87 churches, the cathedral of St. Paul, and left 70,000 homeless; only 8 people were killed. King Tut was born with a diseased/club left foot and was buried with 130 of his walking sticks. DNA testing revealed his mother and father were siblings. John Hume was on the of musicians who died while playing on the Titanic. His booking firm sent a bill to his father two weeks later for a “lost uniform.” His father wrote to The Amalgamated Musician’s Union newsletter to tell everyone never to hire anyone from C.W. & F.N Black again. The Parliament of Iceland is the oldest, still-operational parliament in the world. It has been in existence since 930. The old Pony Express has been romanticized in modern times, but it was a financial failure. The mail delivery service actually lost an average of $13 for every item it carried, and went out of business in 18 months.

ew! Zero-star Yelp revi

Should hav e just made a meme

April 23, 1982. Key West in Florida declared it was seceding from the U.S. It declared war, followed by a surrender, and a request for a billion dollars of foreign aid. While there are currently no female players in Major League Baseball, there have been plenty of women in professional men’s leagues. Lizzy Arlington pitched during the ninth inning for the Reading Coal Heavers in 1898 and won her team the game. A little over 30 years later, African-American Jackie Mitchell pitched against the Yankees during an exhibition game, striking out both Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig. Um... Mitchell was 17 years old at the time. Think today’s athletes are overpaid? Roman chariot racer Gaius Appuleius Dioclese won more than half of his 1,900 races, earned $15 billion in adjusted winnings, and survived to retire peacefully at 42.

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